Developer feeder and developer feeder system

Abstract

Developer feed container (1) for feeding a developer through a developer receiving section (11) which is slidably provided in a developer receiving device (8) on which the developer feed container (1) can be detachably mounted, wherein the developer feed container (1) has the following: a developer accommodation section (2, 3) for accommodating a developer; and an intervention section (3b2, 3b4) that can be interposed with the developer receiving section (11) for moving, characterized by the fact that The engagement section (3b2, 3b4) is designed such that, when the developer feed container (1) is mounted on the developer receiving device (8) by insertion in an insertion direction (A), the engagement section (3b2, 3b4) is able to initiate engagement with the developer receiving section (11), and furthermore, the design of the engagement section (3b2, 3b4) causes the engagement section (3b2, 3b4), which is engaged with the developer receiving section (11), to displace the developer receiving section (11) towards the developer feed container (1) in a direction (E) intersecting with the insertion direction (A) during assembly of the developer feed container (1), in order to establish a connected state between the developer feed container (1) and the developer receiving section. (11) to establish.

Description

[FIELD OF THE INVENTION]

[0001] The present invention relates to a developer supply container detachably mountable to a developer receiving device.

[0002] Such a developer supply container is usable with an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic type, such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, or a complex machine having a plurality of these functions. [STATE OF THE ART]

[0003] Typically, an electrophotographic-type image forming apparatus, such as an electrophotographic copying machine, uses a developer (toner) of fine particles. In such an image forming apparatus, the developer is supplied from the developer supply container, with the developer being consumed by the image forming operation.

[0004] Because the developer is a very fine powder, it can spread or scatter during the mounting and detachment of the developer supply container relative to the image forming device. Under these circumstances, various types of connections between the developer supply container and the image forming device have been proposed and put into practice.

[0005] One of the conventional connection types is disclosed in, for example, JP H08-110 692.

[0006] With the device disclosed in JP H08-110 692 A, a developer supplying device (a so-called hopper) which is pulled out of the image forming device receives the developer from a developer accommodating container and is then returned to the receptacle in the image forming device.

[0007] When the developer supply device is mounted in the image forming apparatus, an opening of the developer supply device occupies the position directly above the opening of a developing device. In the developing operation, the entire developing device is lifted to tightly contact the developing device with the developer supply device (the openings of which are in fluid communication with each other). This allows developer supply from the developer supply device to the developing device to be carried out smoothly, so that developer leakage can be properly suppressed.

[0008] On the other hand, in the non-developing operation period, the entirety of the developing device is lowered so that the developer supplying device is spaced apart from the developing device.

[0009] As will be understood, the device disclosed in JP H08-110 692 A requires a drive source and a drive transmission mechanism for automatically moving the developing device up and down.

[0010] US 6014 536 A relates to a toner supply mechanism including a toner storage portion for storing toner; a receiving opening for receiving toner to be supplied to the toner storage portion; a shutter member for opening and closing the receiving opening; and locking means provided at each of the longitudinal ends of the receiving opening for locking the shutter member, the locking means releasing the shutter member by adjusting the toner supply container.

[0011] US 2010 / 0129118 A1 discloses a powder supply device comprising a powder container frame, a powder container that can be detachably installed horizontally in the powder container frame and a container body in which an outlet opening is formed through which powder is discharged from the container body, a shutter member attached to the container for opening and closing the discharge opening by moving along the container body in a direction in which the powder container is installed, and at least one shutter control element movably attached to the powder container frame. The shutter control element opens and closes the shutter element by moving together with the powder container when the powder container is fitted into and withdrawn from the powder container frame.

[0012] Further prior art for understanding the invention is shown in CA 2 892 185 A1 and JP H06-59 605 A. [DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION]

[0013] However, the device of JP H08-110 692 A requires the drive source and the drive transmission mechanism for moving the entirety of the developing device up and down, and therefore, the structure of the image forming device side is complicated and the cost will increase.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a developer supply container capable of simplifying the mechanism for connecting the developer accommodating portion to the developer supply container by shifting the developer accommodating portion.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a developer supply container with which the developer supply container and the developer receiving device can be neatly or appropriately connected to each other.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer supply container for supplying a developer through a developer accommodating portion slidably provided in a developer accommodating device to which the developer supply container is detachably mountable, the developer supply container having a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer; and an engaging portion engageable with the developer accommodating portion for displacing the developer accommodating portion toward the developer supply container with a fixing operation of the developer supply container to establish a connected state between the developer supply container and the developer accommodating portion.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a developer supply container for supplying a developer through a developer accommodating portion slidably provided in a developer accommodating device to which the developer supply container is detachably mountable, the developer supply container having a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer and an inclined portion inclined relative to an insertion direction of the developer supply container for engaging the developer accommodating portion with an attaching operation of the developer supply container to displace the developer accommodating portion toward the developer supply container.

[0018] According to the present invention, a mechanism for shifting the developer accommodating portion to connect with the developer supply container can be simplified.

[0019] In addition, by using the mounting operation of the developer supply container, the connection state between the developer supply container and the developer accommodating portion can be made appropriate. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a main assembly of the image forming apparatus. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. In Fig. 3 is (a) a perspective view of a developer receiving device, and (b) is a sectional view of the developer receiving device. In Fig. 4 is (a) an enlarged partial perspective view of the developer receiving device, (b) an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the developer receiving device, and (c) a perspective view of a developer receiving portion. In Fig. 5 is (a) an exploded perspective view of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 1, (b) a perspective view of the developer supply container of Embodiment 1. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a container body. In Fig. 7 is (a) a perspective view (upper side) of an upper flange portion, (b) a perspective view (lower side or bottom side) of the upper flange portion. In Fig. 8 is (a) a perspective view (top side) of a lower flange portion in Embodiment 1, (b) a perspective view (bottom side) of the lower flange portion in Embodiment 1, and (c) a front view of the lower flange portion in Embodiment 1. In Fig. 9 is (a) a top plan view of a shutter in Embodiment 1, and (b) is a perspective view of the shutter in Embodiment 1. In Fig. 10 is (a) a perspective view of a pump, and (b) is a front view of the pump. In Fig. 11, (a) is a perspective view (top side) of a reciprocating member, and (b) is a perspective view (bottom side) of the reciprocating member. In Fig. 12 is (a) a perspective view (top side) of a cover, (b) is a perspective view (bottom side) of the cover. Fig. 13 is a perspective view (a) of a partial section, a front view (b) of the partial cross section, a top plan view (c), and an intermediate relation view (d) of the lower flange portion with a developer accommodating portion, illustrating a mounting and dismounting operation of the developer supply container in Embodiment 1. Fig. 14 is a perspective view (a) of partial section, a front view (b) of partial section, a top plan view (c), and an intermediate relation view (d) of the lower flange portion with the developer accommodating portion, illustrating a mounting and dismounting operation of the developer supply container in Embodiment 1. Fig. 15 is a perspective view (a) of a partial cross section, a front view (b) of the partial cross section, a top plan view (c), and an intermediate relation view (d) of the lower flange portion with the developer accommodating portion, illustrating a mounting and dismounting operation of the developer supply container in Embodiment 1. Fig. 16 is a perspective view (a) of a partial cross section, a front view (b) of the partial cross section, a top plan view (c), and an intermediate relation view (d) of the lower flange portion with the developer accommodating portion, illustrating a mounting and dismounting operation of the developer supply container in Embodiment 1. Fig. 17 is a timing chart view of the mounting and dismounting operation of the developer supply container in Embodiment 1. In Fig. 18, (a), (b) and (c) illustrate modified examples of an engaging portion of the developer supply container. In Fig. 19 is (a) a perspective view of a developer accommodating portion according to Embodiment 2, and (b) a sectional view of the developer accommodating portion of Embodiment 2. In Fig. 20 is (a) a perspective view (upper side) of a lower flange portion in Embodiment 2, and (b) is a perspective view (bottom side) of the lower flange portion in Embodiment 2. In Fig. 21 (a) is a perspective view of a shutter in Embodiment 2, (b) is a perspective view according to a modified example 1, and (c) and (d) are schematic views of the shutter and the developer accommodating portion. In Fig. 22 are (a) and (b) sectional views illustrating a shutter operation in Embodiment 2, respectively. Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the shutter in Embodiment 2. Fig. 24 is a front view of the developer supply container according to claim 2. In Fig. 25, (a) is a perspective view of a shutter according to a modified example 2, and (b) and (c) are schematic views of the shutter and the developer accommodating portion. Fig. 26 is a perspective view (a) of a partial cross section, a front view (b) of the partial cross section, a top plan view (c), and an intermediate relation view (d) of the lower flange portion with a developer accommodating portion, illustrating a mounting and dismounting operation of the developer supply container in Embodiment 2. Fig. 27 is a perspective view (a) of a partial cross section, a front view (b) of the partial cross section, a top plan view (c), and an intermediate relation view (d) of the lower flange portion with a developer accommodating portion, illustrating a mounting and dismounting operation of the developer supply container in Embodiment 2. Fig. 28 is a perspective view (a) of a partial cross section, a front view (b) of the partial cross section, a top plan view (c), and an intermediate relation view (d) of the lower flange portion with a developer accommodating portion, illustrating a mounting and dismounting operation of the developer supply container in Embodiment 2. Fig. 29 is a perspective view (a) of a partial cross section, a front view (b) of the partial cross section, a top plan view (c), and an intermediate relation view (d) of the lower flange portion with a developer accommodating portion, illustrating a mounting and dismounting operation of the developer supply container in Embodiment 2. Fig. 30 is a perspective view (a) of a partial cross section, a front view (b) of the partial cross section, a top plan view (c), and an intermediate relation view (d) of the lower flange portion with a developer accommodating portion, illustrating a mounting and dismounting operation of the developer supply container in Embodiment 2. Fig. 31 is a perspective view (a) of a partial cross section, a front view (b) of the partial cross section, a top plan view (c), and an intermediate relation view (d) of the lower flange portion with a developer accommodating portion, illustrating a mounting and dismounting operation of the developer supply container in Embodiment 2. Fig. 32 is a timing chart view of the mounting and dismounting operation of the developer supply container in Embodiment 2. In Fig. 33 is (a) an enlarged partial view of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 3, (b) an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the developer supply container and a developer receiving device according to Embodiment 3. Fig. 34 is an operation view of the developer accommodating portion relative to the lower flange portion in a disassembly operation of the developer supply container in Embodiment 3. Fig. 35 shows a developer supply container of a comparative example. Fig. 36 is a sectional view of an example of an image forming apparatus. Fig. 37 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus of Fig. 36. Fig. 38 is a perspective view illustrating a developer receiving apparatus according to an embodiment. Fig. 39 is a perspective view of the developer receiving device of Fig. 38, when viewed in a different direction. Fig. 40 is a sectional view of the developer receiving device of Fig. 38. Fig. 41 is a block diagram illustrating a function and structure of a control device. Fig. 42 is a flowchart showing a flow of a feeding operation. Fig. 43 is a sectional view illustrating a developer receiving apparatus without a hopper and a mounted state of the developer supply container. Fig. 44 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the developer supply container. Fig. 45 is a sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the developer supply container. Fig. 46 is a sectional view of the developer supply container in which a discharge opening and an inclined surface are connected. In Fig. 47 (a) is a perspective view of a blade used in an apparatus for measuring flowability energy, and (b) is a schematic view of the measuring apparatus. Fig. 48 is a graph showing a relationship between a diameter of a discharge opening and a discharge amount. Fig. 49 is a graph showing a relationship between a filling quantity in the container and the discharge quantity. Fig. 50 is a perspective view illustrating parts of operating states of the developer supply container and the developer receiving device. Fig. 51 is a perspective view of the developer supply container and the developer receiving device. Fig. 52 is a sectional view of the developer supply container and the developer receiving device. Fig. 53 is a sectional view of the developer supply container and the developer receiving device. Fig. 54 illustrates a change in internal pressure in the developer accommodating portion in the apparatus and system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In Fig. 55 (a) is a block diagram of a developer supply system (Embodiment 4) used in a verification experiment, and (b) is a schematic view illustrating a phenomenon in the developer supply container. In Fig. 56 is (a) a block diagram of a developer supply system (comparative example) used in the verification experiment, and (b) is a schematic figure of a phenomenon in the developer supply container. Fig. 57 is a perspective view of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 5. Fig. 58 is a sectional view of the developer supply container of Fig. 57. Fig. 59 is a perspective view of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 6. Fig. 60 is a perspective view of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 6. Fig. 61 is a perspective view of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 6. Fig. 62 is a perspective view of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 7. Fig. 63 is a perspective sectional view of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 7. Fig. 64 is a partial cross-sectional view of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 7. Fig. 65 is a sectional view of another example according to Embodiment 7. In Fig. 66, (a) is a front view of a mounting portion, and (b) is a partially enlarged perspective view of an interior of the mounting portion. In Fig. 67, (a) is a perspective view of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 8, (b) is a perspective view around a discharge opening, and (c) and (d) are a front view and a sectional view illustrating a state in which the developer supply container is mounted to a mounting portion of the developer receiving apparatus. In Fig. 68 (a) is a perspective view of a portion of the developer accommodating portion of an embodiment 8, (b) is a perspective view of a section of the developer supply container, (c) is a sectional view of an inner surface of a flange portion, (d) is a sectional view of the developer supply container. In Fig. 69 are (a) and (b) sectional views illustrating behavior in a suction and discharge operation of a pumping portion of the developer supply container of Embodiment 8. Fig. 70 is an expanded elevational view of a cam groove configuration of the developer supply container. Fig. 71 is an expanded elevational view of an example of the cam groove configuration of the developer supply container. Fig. 72 is an expanded elevational view of an example of a cam groove configuration of the developer supply container. Fig. 73 is an expanded elevational view of an example of a cam groove configuration of the developer supply container. Fig. 74 is an expanded elevational view of an example of the cam groove configuration of the developer supply container. Fig. 75 is an expanded elevational view of an example of the cam groove configuration of the developer supply container. Fig. 76 is an expanded elevational view of an example of the cam groove configuration of the developer supply container. Fig. 77 are graphs showing changes in an internal pressure of the developer supply container. In Fig. 78 (a) is a perspective view of a structure of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 9, and (b) is a sectional view of a structure of the developer supply container. Fig. 79 is a sectional view illustrating a structure of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 10. In Fig. 80 (a) is a perspective view of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 11, (b) is a sectional view of the developer supply container, (c) is a perspective view of a cam gear, and (d) is a partial enlarged view of a rotationally engaging portion of a cam gear. In Fig. 81 (a) is a perspective view of a structure of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 12, and (b) is a sectional view of a structure of the developer supply container. In Fig. 82 (a) is a perspective view of a structure of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 13, and (b) is a sectional view of a structure of the developer supply container. In Fig. 83, (a) - (d) represent an operation of a drive conversion mechanism. In Fig. 84, (a) is a perspective view of a structure of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 14, and (b) and (c) illustrate an operation of a drive conversion mechanism. Part (a) of Fig. 85 is a perspective sectional view illustrating a structure of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 15; (b) and (c) are sectional views illustrating suction and discharge operations of a pumping portion. In Fig. 86 (a) is a perspective view of another example of the developer supply container of Embodiment 15, and (b) illustrates a coupling portion of the developer supply container. In Fig. 87, (a) is a perspective view of a section of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 16, and (b) and (c) are sectional views illustrating a state of suction and discharge operations of the pumping portion. In Fig. 88 (a) is a perspective view of a structure of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 17, (b) is a perspective view of a section of the developer supply container, (c) illustrates an end portion of a developer accommodating portion, and (d) and (e) illustrate a state in the suction and discharge operations of a pumping portion. In Fig. 89 (a) is a perspective view of a structure of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 18, (b) is a perspective view of a flange portion, and (c) is a perspective view of a structure of a cylindrical portion. In Fig. 90 are (a) and (b) sectional views illustrating a state of suction and discharge operations of a pumping portion of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 18. Fig. 91 illustrates a structure of the pumping portion of the developer supply container according to Embodiment 18. In Fig. 92 (a) and (b) are schematic sectional views of a structure of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 19. In Fig. 93 are (a) and (b) perspective views of a cylindrical portion and a flange portion of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 20. In Fig. 94 are (a) and (b) perspective views of a partial cross section of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 20. Fig. 95 is a timing chart showing a relationship between an operating state of a pump according to Embodiment 20 and opening and closing timing of a rotary shutter. Fig. 96 is a partially perspective sectional view illustrating a developer supply container according to Embodiment 21. In Fig. 97 are (a) - (c) sectional views illustrating an operating state of a pumping portion in Embodiment 21. Fig. 98 is a timing chart showing a relationship between an operating state of a pump according to Embodiment 21 and an opening and closing timing of a stop valve. In Fig. 99 (a) is a perspective view of a portion of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 22, (b) is a perspective view of a flange portion, and (c) is a sectional view of the developer supply container. In Fig. 100 (a) is a perspective view of a structure of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 23, (b) is a perspective view of a cross section of the developer supply container. Fig. 101 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a structure of a developer supply container according to Embodiment 23. In Fig. 102 are (a) - (d) sectional views of a developer supply container and a developer receiving device of a comparative example, illustrating a sequence of developer supply steps. Fig. 103 is a sectional view illustrating a developer supply container and a developer receiving device of another comparative example. [PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION]

[0020] The description will be made with respect to a developer supply container and a developer supply system according to the present invention. In the following description, various structures of the developer supply container may be replaced by other known structures having similar functions within the scope of the inventive concept, unless otherwise stated. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the specific structures of the embodiments described below, unless otherwise stated. [Embodiment 1]

[0021] First, basic structures of an image forming apparatus will be described, and then a developer receiving device and a developer supply container constituting a developer supply system used in the image forming apparatus will be described. (image forming device)

[0022] Referring to Fig. 1, description will be made regarding a structure of a copying machine (electrophotographic image forming apparatus) of an electrophotographic type as an example of an image forming apparatus having a developer receiving device to which a developer supply container (so-called toner cartridge) is detachably (removably) mounted.

[0023] In the figure, 100 denotes a main assembly of the copying machine (main assembly of the image forming device or main assembly of the device). 101 denotes an original placed on an original support plate glass 102. A light image corresponding to image information of the original is imaged onto an electrophotographic photosensitive member 104 (photosensitive member) by means of a plurality of mirrors M of an optical section 103 and a lens Ln, so that an electrostatic latent image is formed. The electrostatic latent image is visualized with a toner (one-component magnetic toner) as a developer (dry powder) by a dry developing device (one-component developing device) 201a.

[0024] In this embodiment, the one-component magnetic toner is used as the developer to be supplied from a developer supply container 1, but the present invention is not limited to the example and includes other examples which will be described hereinafter.

[0025] Specifically, when a single-component developing device using a non-magnetic single-component toner is used, the non-magnetic single-component toner is supplied as the developer. Furthermore, when a two-component developing device using a two-component developer containing a mixed magnetic carrier and a non-magnetic toner is used, the non-magnetic toner is used as the developer. In such a case, both the non-magnetic toner and the magnetic carrier are supplied as the developer.

[0026] As described hereinbefore, the developing device 201 of Fig. 1, using the developer, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member 104 as an image-bearing member is processed based on image information of the original 101. The developing device 201 is provided with a developing roller 201f in addition to the developer hopper section 201a. The developer hopper section 201a is provided with a stirring member 201c for stirring the developer supplied from the developer supply container 1. The developer stirred by the stirring member 201c is conveyed to the conveying member 201e by a conveying member 201d.

[0027] The developer conveyed by the conveying members 201e, 201b in the order mentioned is finally supplied to a developing zone relative to the photosensitive member 104 while being carried on the developing roller 201f.

[0028] In this example, the toner as the developer is supplied from the developer supply container 1 to the developing device 201, however, another system may be used, and the toner and the carrier functioning as the developer may be supplied from the developer supply container 1, for example.

[0029] With respect to the sheet S stacked in the cassettes 105-108, an optimal cassette is selected based on a sheet size of the original 101 or information input by the user from a liquid crystal operation section of the copying machine. The recording material is not limited to a sheet of paper; an OHP sheet or other material can be used as needed or desired.

[0030] A sheet S fed by a separating and conveying device 105A - 108A is fed to registration rollers 110 along a conveying section 109 and is fed at a timing synchronized with rotation of a photosensitive member 104 and with detection of an optical section 103.

[0031] Denoted by 111 and 112 are a transfer charger and a separation charger. An image of the developer formed on the photosensitive member 104 is transferred to the sheet S by a transfer charger 111.

[0032] Thereafter, the sheet S conveyed by the conveying section 113 is subjected to heat and pressure in a fixing section 114 so that the developed image is fixed on the sheet, and then passes through a discharging / reversing section 115 in the case of a one-sided copying mode, and subsequently, the sheet S is discharged by discharge rollers 116 onto a discharge tray 117. The rear end of this passes through a flapper 118, and a flapper 118 is controlled when it is still pinched by the discharge rollers 116, and the discharge rollers 116 are reversely rotated so that the sheet S is conveyed back into the apparatus. Then, the sheet S is conveyed to the registration rollers 110 by means of return sections 119, 120, and then conveyed along the path similarly to the case of the one-sided copying mode and discharged to the discharge tray 117.

[0033] In the main assembly 100 of the device, image forming processing equipment such as a developing device 201a as the developing means, a cleaning section 202 as a cleaning means, and a primary charger 203 as a charging means are provided around the photosensitive member 104. The developing device 201a develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive member 104 through an optical section 103 in accordance with image information of the original 101 by depositing the developer on the latent image. The primary charger 203 uniformly charges a surface of the photosensitive member for the purpose of forming a desired electrostatic image on the photosensitive member 104. The cleaning section 202 removes the developer remaining on the photosensitive member 104.

[0034] Fig. 2 is an external view of the image forming apparatus. When a cover 40, which is part of an outer casing of the image forming apparatus, is replaced, a portion of a developer receiving device 8, which will be described hereinafter, is exposed.

[0035] By mounting (installing) the developer supply container 1 into the developer receiving device 8, the developer supply container 1 is set in the state to supply the developer into the developer receiving device 8. On the other hand, when the operator replaces the developer supply container 1, the developer supply container 1 is removed (unloaded) from the developer receiving device 8 by the operation reversed to the mounting operation, and a new developer supply container 1 is set. In this case, the replacement cover 40 is exclusively provided for mounting and demounting (exchanging) the developer supply container 1, and is opened and closed for mounting and demounting the developer supply container 1. For other maintenance operations for the main assembly of the device 100, a front cover 100c is opened and closed.The replacement cover 40 and the front cover 100c may be formed integrally with each other, and in this case, replacement of the developer supply container 1 and maintenance of the main assembly of the device 100 are carried out with opening and closing of the integral cover (not shown). (Developer receiving device)

[0036] Referring to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the developer receiving device 8 will be described. A part (a) of Fig. Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the developer receiving device 8 and a part (b) of Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the developer receiving device 8. A part (a) of Fig. Fig. 4 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the developer receiving device 8, a part (b) of Fig. Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged sectional view of the developer receiving device 8 and a part (c) of Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a developer receiving section 11.

[0037] As described in part (a) of Fig. 3, the developer receiving device 8 is provided with a mounting portion (mounting space) 8f in which the developer supply container 1 is removably mounted. It is also provided with a developer receiving portion 11 for receiving the developer discharged through a discharge opening 3a4 (part (b) of Fig. 7) of the developer supply container 1, which will be described hereinafter. The developer receiving portion 11 is mounted to be movable (slidable) relative to the developer receiving device 8 in the vertical direction. As shown in part (c) of Fig. 4, the developer receiving portion 11 is provided with a main assembly seal 13 having a developer receiving port 11a at its central portion. The main assembly seal 13 is made of an elastic member, a foam member, or the like, and is in close contact with an opening seal 3a5 (part (b) of Fig. 7) having a discharge opening 3a4 of the developer supply container 1, by which the developer discharged through the discharge opening 3a4 is prevented from leaking from a developer conveying path including a developer receiving port 11a.

[0038] In order to prevent contamination in the mounting portion 8f by the developer as much as possible, a diameter of the developer receiving port 11a is desirably substantially the same as or slightly larger than a diameter of the discharge opening 3a4 of the developer supply container 1. That is, since the diameter of the developer receiving port 11a is smaller than the diameter of the discharge opening 3a4, the developer discharged from the developer supply container 1 is deposited on the upper surface of the main assembly seal 13 with the developer receiving port 11a, and the deposited developer is transferred to the lower surface of the developer supply container 1 during the dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1, resulting in contamination with the developer.In addition, the developer transferred to the developer supply container 1 may be scattered at the mounting portion 8f, resulting in contamination of the mounting portion 8f with the developer. In contrast, if the diameter of the developer receiving port 11a is somewhat larger than the diameter of the discharge opening 3a4, an area where the developer scattered from the developer receiving port 11a is deposited around the discharge opening 3a4 formed in the opening seal 3a5 is large. That is, the contaminated area of ​​the developer supply container 1 by the developer is large, which is undesirable. Under the circumstances, the difference between the diameter of the developer receiving port 11a and the diameter of the discharge opening 3a4 is desirably substantially 0 to about 2 mm.

[0039] In this example, the diameter of the discharge opening 3a4 of the developer supply container 1 is approximately Φ 2 mm (pinhole) and therefore the diameter of the developer receiving port 11a is approximately φ 3 mm.

[0040] As described in part (b) of Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the developer receiving portion 11 is urged downward by an urging member 12. When the developer receiving portion 11 moves upward, it must move against an urging force of the urging member 12.

[0041] As described in part (b) of Fig. As shown in Figure 3, there is a sub-chute 8c for temporarily storing the developer below the developer receiving device 8. Provided in the sub-chute 8c are a conveying screw 14 for conveying the developer into the developer chute portion 201a, which is a part of the developing device 201, and an opening 8d in fluid communication with the developer chute portion 201a.

[0042] As described in part (b) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 13, the developer receiving port 11a is closed to prevent foreign matter and / or dust from entering the sub-chute 8c in a state where the developer supply container 1 is not mounted. More specifically, the developer receiving port 11a is closed by a main assembly shutter 15 in the state where the developer receiving portion 11 is removed to the upper side. The developer receiving portion 11 moves upward (arrow E) from the position shown in Fig. Fig. 4(b) of Fig. 13, towards the developer supply container 1. As a result, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 15, the developer receiving port 11a and the main assembly shutter 15 are spaced apart from each other such that the developer receiving port 11a is open. With this open state, the developer is discharged from the developer supply container 1 through the discharge opening 3a4 such that the developer received by the developer receiving port 11a is movable toward the sub-chute 8c.

[0043] As described in part (c) of Fig. 4, a side surface of the developer receiving portion 11 is provided with an engaging portion 11b. The engaging portion 11b is directly connected to an engaging portion 3b2, 3b4 ( Fig. 8) provided on the developer supply container 1 which will be described hereinafter, and is thereby guided such that the developer receiving port 11 is lifted toward the developer supply container 1.

[0044] As described in part (a) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 3, the mounting portion 8f of the developer receiving device 8 is provided with an insertion guide 8e for guiding the developer supply container 1 in the mounting and dismounting direction, and by the insertion guide 8e, the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1 is made along the arrow A. The dismounting direction of the developer supply container 1 is the opposite (arrow B) to the direction of the arrow A.

[0045] As described in part (a) of Fig. 3, the developer receiving device 8 is provided with a drive gear 9 which functions as a drive mechanism for driving the developer supply container 1.

[0046] The drive gear 9 receives a rotational force from a drive motor 500 through a drive gear train, and functions to apply a rotational force to the developer supply container 1 set in the mounting portion 8f.

[0047] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the drive motor 500 is controlled by a control device (CPU) 600. (Developer supply container)

[0048] Referring to Fig. 5, the developer supply container 1 will be described. Part (a) of Fig. Fig. 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the developer supply container 1 and part (b) of Fig. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the developer supply container 1. In the part (b) of Fig. 5 is a cover 7 partially broken for better understanding.

[0049] As described in part (a) of Fig. 5, the developer supply container 1 mainly comprises a container body 2, a flange portion 3, a shutter 4, a pump portion 5, a reciprocating member 6, and the cover 7. The developer supply container 1 is rotated about a rotation axis P shown in part (b) of Fig. 5, in a direction of arrow R in the developer receiving device 8, thereby supplying the developer into the developer receiving device 8. Each member of the developer supply container 1 will be described in detail. (container body)

[0050] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a container body. As shown in Fig. 6, the container body (developer conveying chamber) 2 mainly comprises a developer accommodating portion 2c for accommodating the developer and a spiral conveying groove 2a (conveying portion) for conveying the developer into the developer accommodating portion 2c by rotating the container body 2 about a rotation axis P in the direction of arrow R. As shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. 6, a cam groove 2b and a drive receiving portion (drive input portion) for receiving the drive from the main assembly side are formed integrally with the body 2 over the entire circumference at one end portion of the container body 2. In this example, the cam groove 2b and the drive receiving portion 2d are formed integrally with the container body 2, but the cam groove 2b or the drive receiving portion 2d may be formed as a different component and mounted to the container body 2. In this example, the developer containing the toner having a volume average particle size of 5 µm-6 µm is housed in the developer accommodating portion 2c of the container body 2.In this example, the developer accommodating portion (developer accommodating space) 2c is provided not only by the container body 2 but also by the interior of the flange portion 3 and the pump portion 5. (flange section)

[0051] Referring to Fig. 5, the flange section 25 will be described. As in part (b) of Fig. 5, the flange portion (developer discharging chamber) 3 is rotatable to the rotation axis P relative to the container body 2 and, when the developer supplying body 1 is mounted on the developer receiving device 1, it is rotatable in the direction of arrow R relative to the mounting portion 8f (part (a) of Fig. 3) is not rotatable. In addition, it is connected to the discharge opening 3a4 ( Fig. 7). As described in part (a) of Fig. 5, the flange portion 3 is divided into an upper flange portion 3a, a lower flange portion 3b, which takes into account an assembly property, and the pump portion 5, with the reciprocating member 6, the closure 4, and the cover 7 attached thereto. As shown in part (a) of Fig. 5, the pumping portion 5 is connected to one end portion side of the upper flange portion 3a by screws, and the container body 2 is connected to the other end portion side by a sealing member (not shown). The pumping portion 5 is arranged between the reciprocating members 6, and engaging projections 6b ( Fig. 11) of the reciprocating member 6 are fitted into the cam groove 2b of the container body 2. Further, the closure 4 is inserted into a gap between the upper flange portion 3a and the lower flange portion 3b. To protect the reciprocating member 6 and the pumping portion 5 and for a better external appearance, the cover 7 is integrally provided to cover the entirety of the flange portion 3, the pumping portion 5, and the reciprocating member 6. (Upper flange section)

[0052] Fig. 7 represents the upper flange section 3a. Part (a) of Fig. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the upper flange portion 3a when viewed obliquely from an upper portion, and part (b) of Fig. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the upper flange portion 3a when viewed obliquely from a bottom. The upper flange portion 3a has a pump connecting portion 3a1 (screw is not shown) shown in part (a) of Fig. 7, to which the pumping section 5 is screwed, a container body connecting section 3a2 shown in part (b) of Fig. 7, to which the container body 2 is connected, and a storage section 3a2 shown in part (a) of Fig. 7, for storing the developer conveyed from the container body 2. As shown in part (b) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 7, a circular discharge opening (orifice) 3a4 for allowing the developer to be discharged into the developer receiving device 8 from the storage portion 3a3 and an orifice seal 3a5 forming a connecting portion 3a6 connected to the developer receiving portion 11 provided in the developer receiving device 8 are provided. The orifice seal 3a5 is fixed to the bottom surface of the upper flange portion 35a by a double-coated tape and is clamped by a shutter 4, which will be described hereinafter, and the flange portion 3a to prevent leakage of the developer through the discharge opening 3a4. In this example, the discharge opening 3a4 is provided at an orifice seal 3a5 that is not integral with the flange portion 3a, however, the discharge opening 3a4 may be provided directly in the upper flange portion 35a.

[0053] As described above, the diameter of the discharge opening 3a4 is approximately 2 mm for the purpose of minimizing contamination with the developer that may be undesirably discharged by the opening and closing of the shutter 4 in the mounting and dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1 relative to the developer receiving device 8. In this example, the discharge opening 3a4 is provided in the lower surface of the developer supply container 1, that is, the lower surface of the upper flange portion 3a, however, the connection structure of this example can be achieved if it is provided basically in one side except for an upstream side end surface or a downstream side end surface with respect to the mounting and dismounting direction of the developer supply container 1 relative to the developer receiving device 8.The position of the discharge opening 25a4 can be appropriately selected in consideration of the specific device. A connection operation between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving device 8 in this example will be described below. (Lower flange section)

[0054] Fig. 8 shows the lower flange section 25b. A part (a) of Fig. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the lower flange portion 3b when viewed from an upper position, part (b) of Fig. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the lower flange portion 3b when viewed obliquely from a lower position, and part (c) of Fig. 8 is a front view. As shown in part (a) of Fig. 8, the lower flange portion 3b is provided with a closure inserting portion 3b1 into which the closure 4 ( Fig. 9). The lower flange portion 3b is provided with engagement portions 3b2, 3b4 which are engaged with the developer receiving portion 11 ( Fig. 4) can be brought into engagement.

[0055] The engaging portions 3b2, 3b4 displace the developer receiving portion 11 toward the developer supply container 1 with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1, thereby establishing the connected state in which developer supply from the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving portion 11 is enabled. The engaging portions 3b2, 3b4 guide the developer receiving portion 11 to a space away from the developer supply container 1, thereby interrupting the connection between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving portion 3b with the dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1.

[0056] A first engagement portion 3b2 of the engagement portions 3b2, 3b4 displaces the developer accommodating portion 11 in the direction intersecting with the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1 to enable an unsealing operation of the developer accommodating portion 11. In this example, the first engagement portion 3b2 displaces the developer accommodating portion 11 toward the developer supply container 1 so that the developer accommodating portion 11 is connected to the connecting portion 3a6 formed in a part of the opening seal 3a5 of the developer supply container 1 with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1. The first engagement portion 3b2 extends in the direction intersecting with the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1.

[0057] The first engagement portion 3b2 performs a guiding operation so as to displace the developer receiving portion 11 in the direction intersecting with the dismounting direction of the developer supply container 1, so that the developer receiving portion 11 is resealed with the dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1. In this example, the first engagement portion 3b2 performs guiding such that the developer receiving portion 11 is spaced downward from the developer supply container 1, so that the connection state between the developer receiving portion 11 and the connecting portion 3a6 of the developer supply container 1 is interrupted with the dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1.

[0058] On the other hand, the second engaging portion 3b4 maintains the connection state between the opening seal 3a5 and a main assembly seal 13 while the developer supply container 1 moves relative to the shutter 4, which will be described hereinafter, that is, while the developer receiving port 11a moves from the connecting portion 3a6 toward the discharge opening 3a4, so that the discharge opening 3a4 is brought into communication with a developer receiving port 11a of the developer receiving portion 11, accompanying the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1. The second engaging portion 3b4 extends parallel to the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1.

[0059] The second engaging portion 3b4 maintains the connection between the main assembly seal 13 and the opening seal 3a5 while the developer supply container 1 moves relative to the shutter 4, that is, while the developer receiving port 11a moves from the discharge opening 3a4 toward the connecting portion 3a6, so that the discharge opening 3a4 is sealed again, accompanying the disassembling operation of the developer supply container 1.

[0060] A configuration of the first engaging portion 3b2 desirably has an inclined surface (inclined portion) crossing the insertion direction of the developer supply container 1, and is not limited to the linear inclined surface shown in part (a) of Fig. 8. The configuration of the first engaging portion 3b2 may be a curved and inclined surface as shown in part (a) of Fig. 18 for example. Furthermore, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 18, it may be a stepped surface, including a parallel surface and an inclined surface. The configuration of the first engaging portion 3b is not limited to the configuration shown in parts (a) or (b) of Fig. 8 and Fig. 18, if it can displace the developer receiving portion 11 toward the discharge opening 3a4, a linear inclined surface is desirable from a viewpoint of a constant manipulation force required by the mounting and dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1. An inclination angle of the first engaging portion 3b2 relative to the mounting and dismounting direction of the developer supply container 1 is desirably about 10-50 degrees in consideration of the situation that will be described hereinafter. In this example, the angle is about 40 degrees.

[0061] Furthermore, as explained in part (c) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 18, the first engaging portion 3b2 and the second engaging portion 3b4 may be unified to provide a uniform linear inclined surface. In this case, with the assembly operation of the developer supply container 1, the first engaging portion 3b2 displaces the developer receiving portion 11 to connect the main assembly seal 13 to the shield portion 3b6 in the direction intersecting with the assembly direction of the developer supply container 1. Thereafter, it displaces the developer receiving portion 11 while compressing the main assembly seal 13 and the opening seal 3a5 until the developer receiving port 11a and the discharge opening 3a4 are brought into fluid communication with each other.

[0062] In this case, when such a first engaging portion 3b2 is used, the developer supply container 1 always receives a force in the direction of B (part in (a) in Fig. 16) by the relationship between the first engaging portion 3b2 and the engaging portion 11b of the developer accommodating portion 11 in the assembly completion position of the developer supply container 1, which will be described later. Therefore, the developer accommodating device 8 requires a holding mechanism for holding the developer supply container 1 in the assembly completion position, resulting in an increase in cost and / or an increase in the number of parts. Therefore, from this viewpoint, it is preferable that the developer supply container 1 be provided with the above-described second engaging portion 3b4 such that the force in the B direction is not applied to the developer supply container 1 in the assembly completion position, thereby stabilizing the connection state between the main assembly seal 13 and the opening seal 3a5.

[0063] The first engagement section 3b2, which is shown in part (c) of Fig. 18 has a linear inclined surface, however, similar to the part (a) of Fig. 18 or part (b) of Fig. 18, for example, a curved or stepped configuration may be used, although the linear inclined surface is desirable from the standpoint of a constant operating force in the mounting and dismounting operations of the developer supply container 1 as described hereinbefore.

[0064] The lower flange section 3b is provided with a regulating rib (regulating section) 3b3 (part (a) of Fig. 3) for preventing or allowing elastic deformation of a support portion 4d of the shutter 4, which will be described below, with the mounting or dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1 relative to the developer receiving device 8. The regulating rib 3b3 projects upward from an insertion surface of the shutter insertion portion 3b1 and extends along the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1. In addition, as shown in part (b) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 8, the protective portion 3b5 is provided to protect the closure 4 from damage during transportation and / or operator mishandling. The lower flange portion 3b is integral with the upper flange portion 3a in the state where the closure 4 is inserted into the closure insertion portion 3b1. (closure)

[0065] Fig. 9 shows the closure 4. Part (a) of Fig. Figure 9 is a top plan view of the closure 4 and part (b) of Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the shutter 4 when viewed obliquely from an upper position. The shutter 4 is movable relative to the developer supply container 1 to open and close the discharge opening 3a4 with the mounting and dismounting operations of the developer supply container 1. The shutter 4 is provided with a developer sealing portion 4a for preventing leakage of the developer through the discharge opening 3a4 when the developer supply container 1 is not attached to the mounting portion 8f, and a sliding surface 4i that slides on the shutter fitting portion 3b1 of the lower flange portion 3b on the rear side (back side) of the developer sealing portion 4a.

[0066] The shutter 4 is provided with a stopper portion (holding portion) 4b, 4c, which are connected by shutter stopper portions 8n, 8p (part (a) of Fig. 4) of the developer receiving device 8 are held with mounting and dismounting operations of the developer supply container 1, so that the developer supply container 1 moves relative to the shutter 4. A first stopper portion 5b of the stopper portions 4b, 4c is connected to a first shutter stopper portion 8n of the developer receiving device 8 to fix the position of the shutter 8 relative to the developer receiving device 8 at the time of a mounting operation of the developer supply container 1. A second stopper portion 4c is connected to a second shutter stopper portion 8b of the developer receiving device 8 at the time of a dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1.

[0067] The shutter 4 is provided with a support portion 4d such that the stopper portions 4b, 4c are slidable. The support portion 4d extends from the developer sealing portion 4a and is elastically deformable to slidably support the first stopper portion 4b and the second stopper portion 4c. The first stopper portion 4b is inclined such that an angle α formed between the first stopper portion 4b and the support portion 4d is acute. In contrast, the second stopper portion 4c is inclined such that an angle β formed between the second stopper portion 4c and the support portion 4d is obtuse.

[0068] The developer sealing portion 4a of the shutter 4 is provided with a locking projection 4e at a position downstream of the position opposite to the discharge opening 3a4 with respect to the mounting direction when the developer supply container 1 is not mounted on the mounting portion 8f of the developer receiving device 8. A contact amount of the locking projection 4e relative to the opening seal 3a5 (part (b) of Fig. 7) is larger than the developer sealing portion 4a, so that a static friction force between the shutter 4 and the opening seal 3a5 is large. Therefore, unexpected movement (displacement) of the shutter 4 due to vibration during transportation or the like can be prevented. Therefore, unexpected movement (displacement) of the shutter 4 due to vibration during transportation or the like can be prevented.The entirety of the developer sealing portion 4a may correspond to the contact amount between the locking projection 4e and the opening seal 3a5. However, in such a case, the dynamic frictional force relative to the opening seal 3a5 at the time when the shutter 4 moves is large compared with the case of providing the locking projection 4e. Therefore, an operating force required when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer replenishing device 8 is large, which is undesirable from the standpoint of usability. Therefore, it is desirable to provide the locking projection 4e in one part as in this example. (pumping section)

[0069] Fig. 10 shows the pump section 5. Part (a) of Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the pumping portion 5, and part (b) is a front view of the pumping portion 5. The pumping portion 5 is actuated by the driving force received by the driving input portion 2d so as to alternately produce a state in which the internal pressure of the developer accommodating portion 2c is lower than the ambient pressure and a state in which it is higher than the ambient pressure.

[0070] In this example, the pumping section 5 is provided as a part of the developer supply container 1 to stably discharge the developer from the small discharge opening 3a4. The pumping section 5 is a positive displacement pump in which the volume changes. More specifically, the pump has a bellows-like expansion and contraction member. By the expansion and contraction action of the pumping section 5, the pressure in the developer supply container 1 is changed, and the developer is discharged using the pressure. More specifically, when the pumping section 5 contracts, the interior of the developer supply container 1 is pressurized, so that the developer is discharged through the discharge opening 3a4. When the pumping section 5 expands, the interior of the developer supply container 1 is depressurized, so that the air is drawn in from the outside through the discharge opening 3a4.The input air loosens the developer near the discharge opening 3a4 and / or the storage section 3a3 to make subsequent discharge smooth. The developer is discharged by repeating the expansion and contraction action described above.

[0071] As described in part (b) of Fig. As shown in FIG. 10, the pumping section 5 of this modified example has a bellows-like expansion and contraction section (bellows section, expansion and contraction member) 5a in which the crests and valleys are periodically provided. The expansion and contraction section 5a expands and contracts in the directions of arrows A and B. When the bellows-like pumping section 5 is as in this example, a change in the volume change amount can be reduced relative to the amount of expansion and contraction, and therefore, a stable volume change can be achieved.

[0072] Furthermore, in this example, the material of the pumping section 2 is polypropylene resin (PP), although this is not mandatory. The material of the pumping section 5 can be any material as long as it can provide the expansion and contraction function and can change the internal pressure of the developer accommodation section through volume change. Examples include thin ABS (acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene copolymer resin), polystyrene, polyester, and polyethylene materials. Alternatively, other expandable and contractible materials, such as rubber, are also usable.

[0073] Furthermore, as explained in part (a) of Fig. 10, the opening end side of the pumping section 5 is provided with a connecting section 5b that is connectable to the upper flange section 3a. In this case, the connecting section 5b is a screw. Further, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 10, the other end portion side is provided with a reciprocating member engaging portion 5c which engages with the reciprocating member 6 to slide in synchronism with the reciprocating member 6, which will be described hereinafter. (Reciprocating component)

[0074] Fig. 11 shows the reciprocating component 6. Part (a) of Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the reciprocating member 6 when viewed obliquely from an upper position, and part (b) is a perspective view of the reciprocating member 6 when viewed obliquely from a lower position.

[0075] As described in part (b) of Fig. 11, the reciprocating member 6 is provided with a pump engaging portion 6a that engages with the reciprocating member engaging portion 5c provided on the pumping portion 5 to change the volume of the pumping portion 5 as described above. Further, as described in part (a) and part (b) of Fig. 11, the reciprocating member 6 is provided with the engagement projection 6b which fits into the previously described cam groove 2b ( Fig. 5) when the container is assembled. The engaging projection 6b is provided on a free end portion of the arm 6c, which extends from an adjacent area of ​​the pump engaging portion 6a. A rotational displacement of the reciprocating member 6 about the axis P (part (b) of Fig. 5) of the arm 6c is held by a holding section 7b of the reciprocating member ( Fig. 12) of the cover 7, which will be described below. Therefore, when the container body 2 receives the drive from the drive receiving portion 2d and is rotated integrally with the cam groove 20n by the drive gear 9, the reciprocating member 6 reciprocates in the directions of arrows An and B by the operation of the engaging projection 6b fitted into the cam groove 2b and the reciprocating member holding portion 7b of the cover 7. Along with this operation, the pump portion 5, which engages with the pump engaging portion 6a of the reciprocating member 6 and the reciprocating member engaging portion 5c, expands and contracts in the directions of arrows An and B. (Cover)

[0076] Fig. 12 shows the cover 7. Part (a) of Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the cover 7 viewed obliquely from an upper position, and part (b) is a perspective view of the cover 7 when viewed obliquely from a lower position.

[0077] The cover 24 is provided as described in part (b) of Fig. 69 to protect the reciprocating member 38 and / or the pumping section 2 and to improve the external appearance. More specifically, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 5, the cover 7 is integrally provided with the upper flange portion 3a and / or the lower flange portion 3b, etc., by a mechanism (not shown) to cover the entirety of the flange portion 3, the pump portion 5, and the reciprocating member 6. In addition, the cover 7 is provided with a guide groove 7a to be guided through the insertion guide 8e (part (a) of Fig. 3) of the developer receiving device 8. In addition, the cover 7 is connected to the holding portion 7b of the reciprocating member for regulating a rotational displacement about the axis P (part (b) of Fig. 5) of the reciprocating member 6, as described above. (Assembly work of the developer supply container)

[0078] Referring to Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 in the order of operation, an assembly operation of the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving device 8 will be described in detail. Parts (a) - (d) of Fig. 13 - Fig. 16 show the adjacent area of ​​the connecting portion between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving device 8. Parts (a) of Fig. 13 - Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a partial cross section, (b) is a front view of the partial cross section, (c) is a top plan view of (b), and (d) shows the relationship between the lower flange portion 3b and the developer receiving portion 11 in particular. Fig. Fig. 17 is a timing chart of operations of all elements related to the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving device 8 as shown in Fig. 13 - Fig. 16. The mounting operation is the operation until the developer becomes able to be supplied to the developer receiving device 8 from the developer supply container 1.

[0079] Fig. 13 shows a connection start position (first position) between the first engaging portion 3b2 of the developer supply container 1 and the engaging portion 11b of the developer accommodating portion 11.

[0080] As described in part (a) of Fig. 13, the developer supply container (1) is inserted into the developer receiving device 8 in the direction of an arrow A.

[0081] First, as in part (c) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 13, the first stopper portion 4b of the shutter 4 contacts the first shutter stopper portion 8a of the developer receiving device 8, so that the position of the shutter 4 relative to the developer receiving device 8 is fixed. In this state, the relative position between the lower flange portion 3b and the upper flange portion 3a of the flange portion 3 and the shutter 4 remains unchanged, and therefore, the discharge opening 3a4 is securely sealed by the developer sealing portion 4a of the shutter 4. As shown in part (b) of Fig. 13, the connecting portion 3a6 of the opening seal 3a5 is shielded by the shutter 4.

[0082] As described in part (c) of Fig. 13, the support portion 4d of the closure 4 is displaceable in the direction of arrows C and D, since the regulating rib 3b3 of the lower flange portion 3b does not enter the support portion 4d. As described above, the first stop portion 4b is inclined such that the angle α (part (a) of Fig. 9) is pointed relative to the support portion 4d, and the first shutter stopper portion 8a is also inclined accordingly. In this example, the inclination angle α is approximately 80 degrees. Therefore, when the developer supply container 1 is further inserted in the arrow A direction, the first stopper portion 4b receives a reaction force in the arrow B direction from the first shutter stopper portion 8a, so that the support portion 4d is displaced in an arrow D direction. That is, the first stopper portion 4b of the shutter 4 shifts in the direction of maintaining the engaged state with the first shutter stopper portion 8a of the developer receiving device 8, and therefore, the position of the shutter 4 is securely maintained relative to the developer receiving device 8.

[0083] Furthermore, as set out in part (d) of Fig. 13, the positional relationship between the engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 and the first engaging portion 3b2 of the lower flange portion 3b is such that they begin to engage with each other. Therefore, the developer receiving portion 11 remains in the initial position spaced apart from the developer supply container 1. More specifically, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 13, the developer receiving portion 11 is spaced apart from the connecting portion 3a6 formed on a part of the opening seal 3a5. As shown in part (b) of Fig. 13, the developer receiving port 11a is in the sealed state by the main assembly shutter 15. In addition, the drive gear 9 of the developer receiving device 8 and the drive receiving portion 2d of the developer supply container 1 are not connected to each other, that is, in the non-transfer state.

[0084] In this example, the distance between the developer accommodating portion 11 and the developer supply container 1 is approximately 2 mm. If the distance is too small, for example, not more than approximately 1.5 mm, the developer deposited on the surface of the main assembly seal 13 provided on the developer accommodating portion 11 may be scattered by an airflow locally generated by the mounting and dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1, and the scattered developer may be deposited on the bottom surface of the developer supply container 1. On the other hand, if the distance is too large, a stroke required to shift the developer accommodating portion 11 from the spaced-apart position to the connected position becomes large, resulting in an increase in the size of the image forming apparatus.Or, the inclination angle of the first engagement portion 3b2 of the lower flange portion 3b is steep relative to the mounting and dismounting direction of the developer supply container 1, resulting in an increase in the load required to displace the developer accommodating portion 11. Therefore, the distance between the developer supply container 1 and the developer accommodating portion 11 is appropriately determined, taking into account the specifications of the main assembly or the like. As described above, in this example, the inclination angle of the first engagement portion 3b2 relative to the mounting and dismounting direction of the developer supply container 1 is approximately 40 degrees. The same applies to the following embodiments.

[0085] Then, as in part (a) of Fig. 14, the developer supply container 1 is further inserted in the direction of arrow A. As shown in part (c) of Fig. 14, the developer supply container 1 moves relative to the shutter 4 in the direction of arrow A since the position of the shutter 4 is held relative to the developer receiving device 8. At this time, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 14, a part of the connecting portion 3a6 of the opening seal 3a5 is exposed by the closure 4. Further, as shown in part (d) of Fig. 14, the first engaging portion 3b2 of the lower flange portion 3b is directly engaged with the engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 such that the engaging portion 11b is displaced in the direction of arrow E by the engaging portion 3b2. Therefore, the developer receiving portion 11 is displaced in the direction of arrow E against the urging force of the urging member 12 (arrow F) toward the position shown in part (b) of Fig. 14, so that the developer receiving terminal 11a is spaced from the main assembly shutter 15, whereby unsealing is initiated. In the present case, in the position of Fig. 14, the developer receiving terminal 11a and the connecting portion 3a6 are spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, as shown in part (c) of Fig. 14, the regulating rib 3b3 of the lower flange portion 3b enters the support portion 4d of the shutter 4, so that the support portion 4d cannot shift in the direction of arrow C or arrow D. That is, the elastic deformation of the support portion 4d is limited by the regulating rib 3b3.

[0086] Then, as in part (a) of Fig. 15, the developer supply container 1 is further inserted in the direction of arrow A. Then, as shown in part (c) of Fig. 15, the developer supply container 1 moves relative to the shutter 4 in the direction of arrow A because the position of the shutter 4 is held relative to the developer receiving device 8. At this time, the connecting portion 3a6 formed at the part of the opening seal 3a5 is entirely exposed from the shutter 4.

[0087] In addition, the discharge opening 3a4 is not exposed from the shutter 4, so that it is still sealed by the developer sealing portion 4a.

[0088] Further, as described hereinbefore, the regulating rib 3b3 of the lower flange portion 3b enters the support portion 4d of the closure 4, by which the support portion 4d cannot shift in the direction of arrow C or arrow D. At this time, as shown in part (d) of Fig. 15, the directly engaged engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 reaches the upper end side of the first engaging portion 3b2. The developer receiving portion 11 is displaced in the direction of arrow E against the rotational force (arrow F) of the rotary member 12, to the position shown in part (b) of Fig. 15, so that the developer receiving terminal 11a is entirely spaced from the main assembly shutter 15 to be unsealed.

[0089] At this time, the connection is established in the state where the main assembly seal 13 is in close contact with the developer receiving port 11a with the connecting portion 3a6 of the opening seal 3a5. In other words, by the developer receiving portion 11 directly engaging with the first engaging portion 3b2 of the developer supply container 1, the developer supply container 1 can be accessed through the developer receiving portion 11 from the lower side in the vertical direction intersecting with the mounting direction. Therefore, the above-described structure can prevent the developer contamination on the end surface Y (part (b) of Fig. 5) on the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1, the developer contamination generated in the conventional structure in which the developer receiving portion 11 accesses the developer supply container 1 in the mounting direction can be avoided. The conventional structure will be described hereinafter.

[0090] Hereinafter, as in part (a) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 16, when the developer supply container 1 is further inserted in the direction of arrow A toward the developer receiving device 8, the developer supply container 1 moves relative to the shutter 4 in the direction of arrow A similarly to the foregoing, up to a supply position (second position). In this position, the drive gear 9 and the drive receiving portion 2d are connected to each other. By the drive gear 9 rotating in a direction of arrow Q, the container body 2 is rotated in the direction of arrow R. As a result, the pump portion 5 is reciprocated by the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating member 6 in reciprocal relation with the rotation of the container body 2.Therefore, the developer in the developer accommodating portion 2c is supplied into the sub-bay 8c of the storage portion 3a3 through the discharge opening 3a4 and the developer receiving port 11a by the reciprocating movement of the pumping portion 5 described above. Furthermore, as shown in part (d) of FIG. Fig. 16, when the developer supply container 1 reaches the supply position relative to the developer receiving device 8, the engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 is engaged with the second engaging portion 3b4 by means of the engaging relationship with the first engaging portion 3b2 of the lower flange 3b. And the engaging portion 11b is brought into the state of being urged toward the second engaging portion 3b4 by the urging force of the urging member 11 in the direction of arrow F. Therefore, the position of the developer receiving portion 11 in the vertical direction is stably maintained. Further, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 16, the discharge opening 3a4 is unsealed by the shutter 4, and the discharge opening 3a4 and the developer receiving port 11a are brought into fluid communication with each other.

[0091] At this time, the developer receiving port 11a slides on the orifice seal 3a5 to communicate with the discharge port 3a4 while maintaining the close contact state between the main assembly seal 13 and the connecting portion 3a6 formed on the orifice seal 3a5. Therefore, the amount of developer falls from the discharge port 3a4 and scatters at the position different from the developer receiving port 11a. Therefore, the contamination of the developer receiving device 8 due to the scattering of the developer becomes less. (Developer supply container disassembly operation)

[0092] Referring to mainly Fig. 13 - Fig. 16 and Fig. 17, the operation of dismounting the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving device 8 will be described. Fig. Fig. 17 is a time chart of operations of all elements related to the dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving device 8 shown in Fig. 13 - Fig. 16. The disassembly operation of the developer supply container 1 is a reversal of the assembly operation described above. Therefore, the developer supply container 1 is removed from the developer receiving device 8 in the order of Fig. 16 to Fig. 13 is disassembled or removed. The disassembly operation (removal operation) is the operation to the state in which the developer supply container 1 can be removed from the developer receiving device 8.

[0093] The amount of developer in the developer supply container 1 placed in the supply position shown in Fig. 16, a message encouraging replacement of the developer supply container 1 is displayed on the display (not shown) provided in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100 ( Fig. 1). The operator provides a new developer supply container 1, opens the exchange cover 40, which is in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100, which is in Fig. 2, and removes the developer supply container 1 in the direction of arrow B, which is shown in part (a) of Fig. 16 is shown.

[0094] In this process as described hereinbefore, the support portion 4d of the shutter 4 cannot be displaced in the direction of arrow C or arrow D by the restriction of the regulating rib 3b3 of the lower flange 3b. Therefore, as shown in part (a) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 16, when the developer supply container 1 tends to move in the direction of arrow B with the disassembly operation, the second stopper portion 4c of the shutter 4 abuts against the second shutter stopper portion 8b of the developer receiving device 8, so that the shutter 4 does not shift in the direction of arrow B. In other words, the developer supply container 1 moves relative to the shutter 4.

[0095] Thereafter, when the developer supply container 1 is pulled to the position shown in Fig. 15, the closure 4 seals the discharge opening 3a4, which is shown in part (b) of Fig. 15. Furthermore, as shown in part (d) of Fig.15, the engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 shifts toward the downstream side edge of the first engaging portion 3b2 from the second engaging portion 3b4 of the lower flange portion 3b with respect to the disassembly direction. As shown in part (b) of Fig. 15, the main assembly seal 13 of the developer accommodating portion 11 slides on the opening seal 3a5 from the discharge opening 3a4 of the opening seal 3a5 toward the connecting portion 3a6 and maintains the connecting state with the connecting portion 3a6.

[0096] Similar to the foregoing, as described in part (c) of Fig. 15, the support portion 4d is engaged with the regulating rib 3b3 so that it cannot shift in the direction of arrow B in the figure. Therefore, when the developer supply container 1 is moved from the position of Fig. 15 to the position of Fig. 13 is removed, the developer supply container 1 moves relative to the shutter 4 because the shutter 4 cannot move relative to the developer receiving device 8.

[0097] Then, the developer supply container 1 is pulled out from the developer receiving device 8 to the position shown in part (a) of Fig. 14. Then, as in part (d) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 14, the engaging portion 11b slides down the first engaging portion 3b2 to the position of the general center of the first engaging portion 3b2 by the urging force of the urging member 12. Therefore, the main assembly seal 13 provided on the developer accommodating portion 11 is spaced downward from the connecting portion 3a6 of the opening seal 3a5, thereby releasing the connection between the developer accommodating portion 11 and the developer supply container 1. At this time, the developer is substantially deposited on the connecting portion 3a6 of the opening seal 3a5 to which the developer accommodating portion 11 has been connected.

[0098] Then, the developer supply container 1 is attracted by the developer receiving device 8 to the position shown in part (a) of Fig. 13. Then, as in part (d) of Fig. 13, the engaging portion 11b slides down the first engaging portion 3b2 to reach the upstream lateral edge with respect to the disassembly direction of the first engaging portion 3b2 by the urging force of the urging member 12. Therefore, the developer receiving port 11a of the developer receiving portion 11, which is detached from the developer supply container 1, is sealed by the main assembly shutter 15. This prevents foreign matter or the like from entering through the developer receiving port 11a and prevents the developer in the sub-chute 8c ( Fig. 4) disperses from the developer receiving port 11a. The shutter 4 shifts toward the connecting portion 3a6 of the opening seal 3a5, to which the main assembly seal 13 of the developer receiving portion 11 has been connected, to shield the connecting portion 3a6 where the developer is deposited.

[0099] Furthermore, with the above-described dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1, the developer receiving portion 11 is guided by the first engaging portion 3b2, and after the completion of the distancing operation from the developer supply container 1, the support portion 4d of the shutter 4 is disengaged from the regulating rib 3b3 to be elastically deformable. The configurations of the regulating rib 3b3 and / or the support portion 4d are appropriately selected so that the position at which the engaging relationship is released is substantially the same as the position at which the shutter 4 enters when the developer supply container 1 is not mounted on the developer receiving device 8. Therefore, when the developer supply container 1 is further pulled in the direction of arrow B shown in Fig. 3a of Fig. 13, the second stopper portion 4c of the shutter 4 abuts against the second shutter stopper portion 8b of the developer receiving device 8, as shown in part (c) of Fig. 13. Thereby, the second stopper portion 4c of the shutter 4 displaces (elastically deforms) in the direction of arrow C along a tapered surface of the second shutter stopper portion 8b, so that the shutter 4 becomes displaceable in the direction of arrow B relative to the developer receiving device 8 together with the developer supply container 1. That is, when the developer supply container 1 is completely removed from the developer receiving device 8, the shutter 4 returns to the position it occupies when the developer supply container 1 is not mounted on the developer receiving device 8. Furthermore, the discharge opening 3a4 is securely sealed by the shutter 4, and therefore, the developer is not scattered from the developer supply container 1 that is dismounted from the developer receiving device 8.Even if the developer supply container 1 is remounted on the developer receiving device 8, it can be mounted without a problem.

[0100] Fig. 17 shows a sequence of the assembly operation of the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving device 8 ( Fig. 13-16) and the sequence of the dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving device 8. When the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer receiving device 8, the engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 engages with the first engaging portion 3b2 of the developer supply container 1, thereby shifting the developer receiving port toward the developer supply container. On the other hand, when the image material supply container 1 is dismounted from the developer receiving portion 8, the engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 engages with the first engaging portion 3b2 of the developer supply container 1, thereby shifting the developer receiving port away from the developer supply container.

[0101] As described above, according to this example, the mechanism for connecting and spacing the developer accommodating portion 11 relative to the developer supply container 1 can be simplified by shifting the developer accommodating portion 11. Specifically, a drive source and / or a drive transmission mechanism for moving the entirety of the developing device upward is unnecessary, and therefore, complication of the structure of the image forming device side and / or cost increase due to an increase in the number of parts can be avoided.

[0102] In an ordinary structure, a large space is required to avoid interference with the developing device in the up and down movement, but according to this example, such a large space is unnecessary, so that the enlargement of the image forming apparatus can be avoided.

[0103] The connection between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving device 8 can be properly established using the assembly operation of the developer supply container 1 with minimal developer contamination. Similarly, using the disassembly operation of the developer supply container 1, the spacing and resealing between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving device 8 can be performed with minimal developer contamination.

[0104] The developer supply container 1 of this example can cause the developer receiving portion 11 to connect upward and to move away downward in the direction intersecting with the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1 by using the engaging portions 3b2, 3b4 of the lower flange portion 3b with the mounting and dismounting operation on the developer receiving device 8. The developer receiving portion 11 is sufficiently small relative to a developer supply container 1 and therefore, the developer contamination of the downstream end surface Y (part (b) of Fig. 5) of the developer supply container 1 in terms of the mounting direction, with a simple and space-saving structure. Furthermore, the developer contaminants slide through the main assembly seal 13 on the protective portion 3b5 of the lower flange portion 3b and the sliding surface (lower surface of the shutter) 4i.

[0105] Furthermore, according to this example, after the developer accommodating portion 11 is connected to the developer supply container 1 with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 to the developer accommodating device 8, the discharge opening 3a4 is exposed from the shutter 4 so that the discharge opening 3a4 and the developer accommodating port 11a can be brought into communication with each other. In other words, the timing of each step is controlled by the engaging portions 3b2, 3b4 of the developer supply container 1, and therefore, the scattering of the developer can be securely suppressed with a simple and lightweight structure without being affected by the operation of an operator.

[0106] Furthermore, after the discharge opening 3a4 is sealed and the developer receiving portion 11 of the developer supply container 1 is spaced apart from the developer receiving device 8 during the disassembly operation of the developer supply container 1, the shutter 4 can shield the developer deposition portion of the opening seal 3a5. In other words, the timing of each step in the disassembly operation can be controlled by the engaging portions 3b2 and 3b4 of the developer supply container 1, and therefore, the scattering of the developer can be suppressed and the developer deposition portion can be prevented from being exposed to the outside.

[0107] In the prior art structure, the connection relationship between the connection portion and the connected portion is established indirectly by another mechanism, and therefore it is difficult to control the connection relationship with high precision.

[0108] However, in this example, the connection relationship can be established through the direct engagement between the connecting portion (developer accommodating portion 11) and the connected portion (developer supply container 1). More specifically, the timing of the connection between the developer accommodating portion 11 and the developer supply container 1 can be easily controlled by the positional relationship in the mounting direction among the engaging portion 11b of the developer accommodating portion 11, the first and second engaging portions 3b2 and 3b4 of the lower flange portion 3b of the developer supply container 1, and the discharge opening 3a4. In other words, the timing can be varied within the tolerances of the three elements, and therefore, very high-precision control can be performed.Therefore, the connecting operation of the developer receiving portion 11 to the developer supply container 1 and the removing operation from the developer supply container 1 can be surely performed with the mounting operation and the dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1.

[0109] Regarding the displacement amount of the developer receiving portion 11 in the direction intersecting with the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1, it can be controlled by the positions of the engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 and the second engaging portion 3b4 of the lower flange portion 3b. Similar to the above, the deviation of the displacement amount can be within the tolerances of the two elements, and therefore, very high-precision control can be performed. Therefore, for example, a close contact state (amount of sealing compression or the like) between the main assembly seal 13 and the discharge opening 3a4 can be easily controlled, so that the developer discharged from the discharge opening 3a4 can be fed into the developer receiving port 11a with certainty. [Embodiment 2]

[0110] Referring to Fig. 19 - Fig. Embodiment 2 will be described in FIG. 32. Embodiment 2 is partially different from Embodiment 1 in configuration, and a structure of the developer accommodating portion 11, the shutter 4, the lower flange portion 3b, and the mounting and dismounting operations of the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving device 8 are correspondingly partially different. Other structures are substantially the same as Embodiment 1. In this example, the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiments are assigned to the elements having the corresponding functions in this embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted. (Developer recording section)

[0111] Fig. 19 shows the developer receiving section 11 of Embodiment 2. Part (a) of Fig. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the developer receiving section 11 and part (b) of Fig. 19 is a sectional view of the developer receiving section 11.

[0112] As described in part (a) of Fig. As shown in Figure 19, the developer receiving portion 11 of Embodiment 2 is provided with a tapered portion 11c to prevent misalignment at the downstream side end portion with respect to the connection direction with the developer supply container 1, and the end surface adjacent to the tapered portion 11c is substantially annular. The misalignment prevention cone portion 11c is provided with a misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g ( Fig. 21) provided on the shutter 4, as will be described hereinafter. The misalignment preventing cone portion 11c is provided to prevent misalignment between the developer receiving port 11a and a shutter opening 4f ( Fig. 21) of the shutter 4 due to vibration by a drive source in the image forming apparatus and / or deformation of a part. The detail of the engagement relationship (contact relationship) between the misalignment prevention cone portion 11c and the misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g will be described hereinafter. The material and / or configuration and dimensions of the main assembly seal 13, such as a width and / or height, are appropriately selected so that the leakage of the developer can be prevented in relation to a configuration of a close contact portion 4h provided around the shutter opening 4f of the shutter 4, which will be described hereinafter, to which the main assembly seal 13 is connected with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1. (Lower flange)

[0113] Fig. 20 shows the lower flange section 3b in embodiment 2. Part (a) of Fig. 20 is a perspective view (upward direction) of the lower flange portion 3b and part (b) of Fig. 20 is a perspective view (downward direction) of the lower flange portion 3b. The lower flange portion 3b in this embodiment is provided with a shielding portion 3b6 for shielding the shutter opening 4f, which will be described hereinafter, when the developer supply container 1 is not mounted on the developer receiving device 8. The provision of the shielding portion 3b6 is different from the previously described lower flange portion 3b of Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the shielding portion 3b6 is on the downstream side of the lower flange portion 3b with respect to the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1.

[0114] Furthermore, in this example, similar to the previously described embodiment, the lower flange portion 3b is provided with engaging portions 3b2 and 3b4 which are connected to an engaging portion 11b ( Fig. 19) of the developer receiving section 11 are engageable, as shown in Fig. 20 is shown.

[0115] In this example, of the engaging portions 3b2 and 3b4, the first engaging portion 3b2 displaces the developer accommodating portion 11 toward the developer supply container 1 so that the main assembly seal 13 provided in the developer accommodating portion 11 is connected to the shutter 4, which will be described hereinafter, with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1. The first engaging portion 3b2 displaces the developer accommodating portion 11 toward the developer supply container 1 with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 so that the developer accommodating port 11a formed in the developer accommodating portion 11 is connected to the shutter opening (connecting port) 4f.

[0116] In addition, the first engaging portion 3b2 guides the developer receiving portion 11 away from the developer supply container 1, so that the connection state between the developer receiving portion 11 and the shutter opening 4f of the shutter 4 is interrupted with the dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1.

[0117] On the other hand, a second engaging portion 3b4 maintains the connected state between the shutter 4 and the main assembly seal 13 of the developer accommodating portion 11 in the movement of the developer supply container 1 relative to the shutter 4, so that a discharge opening 3a4 is brought into fluid communication with the developer accommodating port 11a of the developer accommodating portion 11, with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1. The second engaging portion 3b4 maintains the connected state between the developer accommodating port 11a and the shutter opening 4f in the movement of the lower flange portion 3b relative to the shutter 4 with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1, so that the discharge opening 3a4 is brought into fluid communication with the shutter opening 4f.

[0118] In addition, the second engaging portion 3b4 maintains the connected state between the developer accommodating portion 11 and the shutter 4 in the movement of the developer supply container 1 relative to the shutter 4, so that the discharge opening 3a4 is sealed again with the dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1. (closure)

[0119] Fig. 21 - Fig. 25 shows the closure 4 in embodiment 2. Part (a) of Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the closure 4, part (b) of Fig. 21 shows a modified example 1 of the closure 4, part (c) of Fig. 21 illustrates a connection relationship between the shutter 4 and the developer receiving portion 11, part (d) of Fig. 21 is a representation similar to part (c) of Fig. 21.

[0120] As described in part (a) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 21, the shutter 4 of Embodiment 2 is provided with the shutter opening (communication port) 4f connectable to the discharge port 3a4. Further, the shutter 4 is provided with a close contact portion (projecting portion) 4h surrounding an exterior of the shutter opening 4f, and the misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g further outside the close contact portion 4h. The close contact portion 4h has a projection height such that it is lower than a sliding surface 4i of the shutter 4, and a diameter of the shutter opening 4f is approximately Φ2 mm. The size is selected for the same purpose as in Embodiment 1, and therefore, the explanation is omitted for simplicity.

[0121] The shutter 4 is provided with a recess at a substantially central portion with respect to the longitudinal direction of the shutter 4, as a retreat space for the support portion 4d at the time when the support portion 4d of the shutter 4 moves in the direction C (part (c) of Fig. 26) shifts with the mounting operation. A gap between the recessed configuration and the support portion 4d is larger than an amount of overlap between the first stopper portion 4b and a first shutter stopper portion 8a of the developer replenishing device 8, so that the shutter 4 can be smoothly engaged with and disengaged from the developer receiving device 8.

[0122] Referring to Fig. 22 - Fig. 24 the configuration of the shutter 4 will be described. Part (a) of Fig. 22 shows a position (the same position as Fig. 27) at which the developer supply container 1 engages with the developer receiving device 8, which will be described hereinafter, and a part (b) of Fig. 22 shows a position (the same position as Fig. 31), to which the developer supply container 1 is entirely mounted or attached to the developer receiving device 8.

[0123] As in Fig. 22, a length D2 of the support portion 4d is set to be greater than a displacement amount D1 of the developer supply container 1 with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 (D1 ≤ D2). The displacement amount D1 is the amount of displacement of the developer supply container 1 relative to the shutter in the actuating operation of the developer supply container 1. That is, it is the displacement amount of the developer supply container 1 in the state (part (a) of Fig. 22), in which stopper portions (holding portions) 4b and 4c of the shutter 4 are engaged with the shutter stopper portions 8a and 8b of the developer receiving device 8. With such a structure, the interference between the regulating rib 3b3 of the lower flange 3b and the support portion 4d of the shutter 4 can be reduced in the process of mounting the developer supply container 1.

[0124] On the other hand, in the case where D2 is smaller than D1, the support portion 4d of the shutter 4 may be provided with a regulated projection (projection) 4k which is securely engageable with the regulating rib 3b3, as shown in Fig. 23 to prevent interference between the support portion 4d and the regulating rib 3b3. With such a structure, the developer supply container 1 can be mounted on the developer receiving device 8 regardless of the size relationship between the displacement amount D1 in the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 and the length D2 of the support portion 4d of the shutter 4. On the other hand, if the structure shown in Fig. 23 is used, the size of the developer supply container 1 is increased only by a height D4 of the regulated projection 4k. Fig. Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the shutter 4 for the developer supply container 1 when D1 > D2. Therefore, if the position of the developer receiving device 8 within the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100 is the same, a cross-sectional area is larger by S than the developer supply container 1 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 24, and therefore a correspondingly larger space is required. The foregoing applies to the above-described embodiment 1 and the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0125] Part (b) of Fig. 21 shows a modified example 1 of the shutter 4, in which the misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g is divided into a plurality of parts, as is different from the shutter 4 of this embodiment. In other respects, substantially the same behavior is provided.

[0126] With reference to part (c) of Fig. 21 and part (d) of Fig. 21, the engagement relationship between the shutter 4 and the developer receiving portion 11 will be described.

[0127] Part (c) of Fig. 21 shows the engagement relationship between the misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g of the shutter 4 and the misalignment prevention cone portion 11c of the developer accommodating portion 11 in Embodiment 2.

[0128] As described in part (c) of Fig. 21 and part (d) of Fig. 21, distances of the corner lines constituting the close contact portion 4h and the misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g of the shutter 4 from a center R of the shutter opening 4f (part (a) of Fig. 21) L1, L2, L3, L4. Similarly, as in part (c) of Fig. 21, distances of corner lines constituting the misalignment prevention cone portion 11c of the developer receiving portion 11 from the center R of the developer receiving port 11a ( Fig. 19) M1, M2, M3. The positions of the centers of the shutter opening 4f and the developer receiving port 11a are set to be aligned with each other. In this embodiment, the positions of the corner lines are selected to satisfy L1 < L2 < M1 < L3 < M2 < L4 < M3. As described in part (c) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 21, the corner lines abut against the misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g of the shutter 4 at the distance M2 from the center R of the developer receiving port 11a of the developer receiving portion 11. Therefore, even if the positional relationship between the shutter 4 and the developer receiving portion 11 deviates more or less due to vibration from the drive source of the device main assembly and / or part accuracies, the misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g and the misalignment prevention are guided by the tapered surfaces to align with each other. Therefore, the deviation between the center shafts of an opening 4f and the developer receiving port 11a can be suppressed.

[0129] Similarly, part (d) of Fig. 21 shows a modified example of the engagement relationship between the misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g of the shutter 4 and the misalignment prevention cone portion 11c of the developer accommodating portion 11 according to Embodiment 2.

[0130] As described in part (d) of Fig. 21, the structure of this modified example is different from the structure shown in part (c) of Fig. 21, only in that the positional relationship of the corner lines is L1 < L2 < M1 < M2 < L3 < L4 < M3. In this modified example, the corner lines abut against the tapered surface of the tapered portion 11c at the position L4 away from the center R of the shutter opening 4f of the misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g. Furthermore, in this case, the deviation of the center shafts of the shutter and the developer receiving port 11a can be similarly suppressed.

[0131] Referring to Fig. 25, a modified example 2 of the closure 4 will be described. Part (a) of Fig. 25 shows a modified example 2 of the closure 4, and the part (b) of Fig. 25 and part (c) of Fig. 25 shows the connection relationship between the shutter 4 and the developer receiving portion 11 in the modified example 2.

[0132] As described in part (a) of Fig. 25, the shutter 4 of Modified Example 2 is provided with the misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g in the close contact portion 4h, respectively. The other configurations are the same as those of the shutter 4 (part (a) of Fig. 25) of this embodiment. The close contact portion 4h is provided to control the amount of compression of the main assembly seal 13 (part (a) of Fig. 19).

[0133] In this modified example, as in part (b) of Fig. 25, distances of the corner lines constituting the close contact portion 4h and the misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g of the shutter 4 from the center R of the shutter opening 4f are shown (part (a) of Fig. 25). Similarly, M1, M2, M3 ( Fig. 21, Fig. 25) Distances of the corner lines separating the misalignment prevention cone portion 11c of the developer receiving portion 11 from the center R of the developer receiving port 11a ( Fig. 19).

[0134] As described in part (b) of Fig. 25, the positional relationship of the corner lines satisfies L1 < M1 < M2 < L2 < M3 < L3 < L4. As shown in part (c) of Fig. 25, the positional relationship of the corner lines may be M1 < L1 < L2 < M2 < M3 < L3 < L4. Similar to the relationship between the shutter 4 and the developer receiving portion 11 shown in part (a) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 21, through an alignment function by the misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g and the misalignment prevention cone portion 11c, the misalignment between the center axes of the opening 4f and the developer receiving port 11a can be prevented. In this example, the misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g of the shutter 4 is uniformly linearly tapered, but the tapered surface portion may be curved, that is, it may be arcuate. Further, it may be a continuous taper or cone with a truncated portion or portions. The same applies to the configuration of the misalignment prevention cone portion 11c of the developer receiving portion 11 corresponding to the misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g.

[0135] With such structures, if the main assembly seal 13 ( Fig. 19) and the close contact portion 4h of the shutter 4 are connected to each other, the centers of the developer receiving port 11a and the shutter opening 4f are aligned, and therefore, the developer can be smoothly discharged from the developer supply container 1 into the sub-bay 8c. If the center positions deviate even by 1 mm when the shutter opening 4f and the developer receiving port 11a have small diameters, such as Φ2 mm and Φ3 mm, respectively, the effective opening area is only one half of the intended area, and therefore, the smooth discharge of the developer is not expected. Using the structures of this example, the deviation between the shutter opening 4f and the developer receiving port 11a can be suppressed to 0.2 mm or less (approximately the tolerances of the parts), and therefore the effective through-opening area can be ensured.Therefore, the developer can be released evenly. (Assembly work of the developer supply container)

[0136] Referring to Fig. 26 - Fig. 31 and Fig. 32, the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 of this embodiment to the developer receiving device 8 will be described. Fig. 26 shows the position when the developer supply container 1 is inserted into the developer receiving device 8 and the shutter 4 has not yet engaged with the developer receiving device 8. Fig. 26 shows the position (according to Fig. 13 of Embodiment 1), in which the shutter 4 of the developer supply container 1 is engaged with the developer receiving device 8. Fig. 28 shows the position in which the shutter 4 of the developer supply container 1 is exposed from the shielding portion 3b6. Fig. 29 shows a position (corresponding Fig. 14 of Embodiment 1) in the connecting process between the developer supply container 1 and the developer accommodating portion 11. Fig. 30 shows the position (according to Fig. 15 of Embodiment 1), in which the developer supply container 1 was connected to the developer accommodating portion 11. Fig. 31 shows the position in which the developer supply container 1 is completely mounted on the developer receiving device 8, and the developer receiving port 11a, the shutter opening 4f and the discharge opening 3a4 are in fluid communication therethrough, accordingly enabling supply of the developer. Fig. Fig. 32 is a timing chart of operations of all elements relating to the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving device 8 as shown in Fig. 27 - Fig. 31 is shown.

[0137] As described in part (a) of Fig. 26, in the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1, the developer supply container 1 is inserted in the direction of an arrow A in the figure to the developer receiving device 8. At this time, as shown in part (b) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 26, the shutter opening 4f of the shutter 4 and the close contact portion 4h are shielded by the shielding portion 3b6 of the lower flange. This protects the operator from touching the shutter opening 4f and / or the close contact portion 4h that are contaminated by the developer.

[0138] Furthermore, as explained in part (c) of Fig. 26, in the insertion operation, a first stopper portion 4b, which is provided on the upstream side with respect to the mounting direction, of the support portion 4d of the shutter 4 abuts against an insertion guide 8e of the developer receiving device 8, so that the support portion 4d slides in the direction of an arrow C in the figure. In addition, as shown in part (d) of Fig. 26, a first engaging portion 3b2 of the lower flange portion 3b and the engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 are not engaged with each other. Therefore, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 26, the developer receiving portion 11 is held in the home position by an urging force of an urging member 12 in the direction of an arrow F. In addition, the developer receiving port 11a is sealed by a main assembly shutter 15, so that entry of foreign matter or the like through the developer receiving port 11a and scattering of the developer through the developer receiving port 11a from the sub-chute 8c ( Fig. 4) are prevented.

[0139] When the developer supply container 1 is inserted into the developer receiving device 8 in the direction of an arrow A to the position shown in part (a) of Fig. 27, the shutter 4 engages with the developer receiving device 8. That is, similarly to the developer supply container 1 of Embodiment 1, the support portion 4d of the shutter 4 is released from the insertion guide 8e and slides in the direction of an arrow D in the figure by an elastic restoring force as shown in part (c) of Fig. 27. Therefore, the first stopper portion 4b of the shutter 4 and the first shutter stopper portion 8a of the developer receiving device 8 engage with each other. Then, in the insertion process of the developer supply container 1, the shutter 4 is held immovably relative to the developer receiving device 8 by the relationship between the support portion 4d and the regulating rib 3b3 described with Embodiment 1. At this time, the positional relationship between the shutter 4 and the lower flange portion 3b remains unchanged from the position shown in Fig. 26. Therefore, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 27, the shutter opening 4f of the shutter 4 remains shielded by the shielding portion 3b6 of the lower flange portion 3b, and the discharge opening 3a4 remains sealed by the shutter 4.

[0140] Furthermore, in this position, as in part (d) of Fig. 27, the engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 is not engaged with the first engaging portion 3b2 of the lower flange portion 3b. In other words, as shown in part (b) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 27, the developer receiving portion 11 is held in the home position and is therefore spaced apart from the developer supply container 1. Therefore, the developer receiving port 11a is sealed by the main assembly shutter 15. The center axes of the shutter opening 4f and the developer receiving port 11a are substantially coaxial.

[0141] Then, the developer supply container 1 is further inserted into the developer receiving device 8 in the direction of an arrow A to the position shown in part (a) of Fig. 28. At this time, since the position of the shutter 4 relative to the developer receiving device 8 is held, the developer supply container 1 moves relative to the shutter 4 and therefore the close contact portion 4h ( Fig. 25) and the shutter opening 4f of the shutter 4 is exposed through the shielding portion 3b6. In this case, at this time, the shutter 4 still seals the discharge opening 3a4. In addition, as shown in part (d) of Fig. 28, the engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 is in the vicinity of a bottom end portion of the first engaging portion 3b2 of the lower flange portion 3b. Therefore, the developer receiving portion 11 is held at the home position shown in part (b) of Fig. 28, and is spaced from the developer supply container 1, and therefore the developer receiving port 11a is sealed by the main assembly shutter 15.

[0142] Thereafter, the developer supply container 1 is further inserted into the developer receiving device 8 in the direction of an arrow A to the position shown in part (a) of Fig. 29. At this time, similarly to the foregoing, the position of the shutter 4 is held relative to the developer receiving device 8, and therefore, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 29, the developer supply container 1 moves relative to the shutter 4 in the direction of an arrow A. As shown in part (b) of Fig. 29, at this time the closure 4 still seals the discharge opening 3a4. At this time, as shown in part (d) of Fig. 29, the engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 is substantially in a central part of the first engaging portion 3b2 of the lower flange portion 3b. Therefore, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 29, the developer receiving portion 11 moves in the direction of an arrow E in the figure toward the exposed shutter opening 4f and the close contact portion 4h ( Fig. 25) with the assembly activity by engaging with the first engaging portion 3b2. Therefore, as described in part (b) of Fig. 29, the developer receiving port 11a, which has been sealed by the main assembly shutter 15, gradually starts to open.

[0143] Then, the developer supply container 1 is further inserted into the developer receiving device 8 in the direction of an arrow A toward the position shown in part (a) of Fig. 30. Then, as in part (d) of Fig. 30, by the direct engagement between the engaging portion 11b of the developer accommodating portion 11 and the first engaging portion 13b2, the developer supply container 1 shifts toward the upper end of the first engaging portion 3b2 in the direction of arrow E in the figure, which is a direction intersecting with the mounting direction. In other words, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 30, the developer receiving portion 11 shifts in the direction of arrow E in the figure, that is, in the direction that crosses the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1, so that the main assembly seal 13 connects to the shutter 4 in the state of being closely contacted with the close contact portion 4h of the shutter 4 ( Fig. 25) is in close contact. At this time, as described hereinbefore, the misalignment prevention cone portion 11c of the developer accommodating portion 11 and the misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g of the shutter 4 are engaged with each other (part (c) of Fig. 21), and therefore, the developer receiving port 11a and the shutter opening 4f are brought into fluid communication with each other. Furthermore, by the displacement of the developer receiving portion 11 in the direction of arrow E, the main assembly shutter 15 is further spaced from the developer receiving port 11a, and therefore, the developer receiving port 11a is completely unsealed. In this case, even at this time, the shutter 4 still seals the discharge opening 3a4.

[0144] In this embodiment, the starting timing of the displacement of the developer accommodating portion 11 is after the shutter opening 4f of the shutter 4 and the close contact portion 4h are certainly exposed, but this is not essential. For example, it may be before the completion of the exposure if the shutter opening 4f and the close contact portion 4h are completely covered by the shielding portion 3b, at the time when the developer accommodating portion 11 reaches the vicinity of the position of engagement with the shutter 4, that is, when the engaging portion 11b of the developer accommodating portion 11 comes within the vicinity of the upper end of the first engaging portion 3b2.However, in order to connect the developer receiving portion 11 and the shutter 4 to each other with certainty, it is desirable that the developer receiving portion 11 is shifted as described above after the shutter opening 4f and the close contact portion 4h of the shutter 4 are covered by the shielding portion 3b6, as in this embodiment.

[0145] Hereinafter, as in part (a) of Fig. 31, the developer supply container 1 is further inserted into the developer receiving device 8 in the direction of arrow A. Then, as shown in part (c) of Fig. 31, similarly to the foregoing, the developer supply container 1 moves relative to the shutter 4 in the direction of arrow A and reaches a supply position.

[0146] At this time, as described in part (d) of Fig. 31, the engaging portion 11d of the developer receiving portion 11 shifts relative to the lower flange portion 3b toward the downstream end of the second engaging portion 3b4 with respect to the mounting direction, and the position of the developer receiving portion 11 is held at the position being connected to the shutter 4. Further, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 31, the shutter 4 unseals the discharge opening 3a4. In other words, the discharge opening 3a4, the shutter opening 4f, and the developer receiving port 11a are in fluid communication with each other. In addition, as shown in part (a) of Fig. 31, the drive receiving portion 2d is connected to a drive gear (9) so that the developer supply container 1 is capable of receiving drive from the developer receiving device 8. A detecting mechanism (not shown) provided in the developer receiving device 8 detects that the developer supply container 1 is in the predetermined position (position) capable of feeding. When the drive gear 9 rotates in the direction of an arrow Q in the figure, the container body 2 rotates in the direction of an arrow R, and the developer is supplied into the sub-chute 8c by the operation of the above-described pumping portion 5.

[0147] As described above, the main assembly seal 13 of the developer receiving portion 11 is connected to the close contact portion 4h of the shutter 4 in the state where the developer receiving portion 11 is positioned with respect to the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1. Furthermore, the developer supply container 1 moves relative to the shutter 4, after which the discharge opening 3a4, the shutter opening 4f, and the developer receiving port 11a are brought into fluid communication with each other. Therefore, as compared with Embodiment 1, the positional relationship with respect to the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1 is maintained between the main assembly seal 13 forming the developer receiving port 11a and the shutter 4, and therefore the main assembly seal 13 does not slide on the shutter 4.In other words, in the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving device 8, no direct sliding pulling action occurs in the mounting direction between the developer receiving portion 11 and the developer supply container 1 from the start of connection therebetween to the developer-supplyable state. Therefore, in addition to the advantageous effects of the above-described embodiment, contamination of the main assembly seal 13 of the developer receiving portion 11 with the developer, which may be caused by pulling the developer supply container 1, can be prevented. Furthermore, wear of the main assembly seal 13 of the developer receiving portion 11 attributable to the pulling can be prevented.Therefore, a reduction in durability due to the wear of the main assembly seal 13 of the developer accommodating portion 11 can be suppressed, and the reduction in the sealing property of the main assembly seal 13 due to the wear can be suppressed. (Disassembly of the developer supply container)

[0148] Referring to Fig. 26 - Fig. 31 and Fig. 32, the operation of removing the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving device 8 will be described. Fig. 32 is a timing chart of operations of all elements related to the removal operation of the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving device 8 as shown in Fig. 27 - Fig. 31. Similar to Embodiment 1, the removing operation of the developer supply container 1 (dismounting operation) is a reversal of the mounting operation.

[0149] As described hereinbefore, in the position of part (a) of Fig. 31, when the amount of developer in the developer supply container 1 decreases, the operator removes or disassembles the developer supply container 1 in the direction of an arrow B in the figure. The position of the shutter 4 relative to the developer receiving device 8 is maintained by the relationship between the support portion 4d and the regulating rib 3b, as described above. Therefore, the developer supply container 1 moves relative to the shutter 4. When the developer supply container 1 is moved to the position shown in part (a) of Fig. 30, the discharge opening 3a4 is sealed by the closure 4 as shown in part (b) of Fig. 30. That is, in such a position, the developer is not supplied from the developer supply container 1. Furthermore, with the discharge opening 3a4 sealed, the developer is not scattered through the discharge opening 3a4 from the developer supply container 1 due to vibration or the like resulting from the disassembly operation. The developer receiving portion 11 remains connected to the shutter 4, and therefore, the developer receiving port 11a and the shutter are still in communication with each other.

[0150] Then, when the developer supply container 1 is moved to the position shown in part (a) of Fig. 28, the engaging portion 11b of the developer accommodating portion 11 shifts in the direction of arrow F along the first engaging portion 3b2 by the urging force in the direction of arrow F of the urging member 12, as shown in part (d) of Fig. 28. As shown in part (b) of Fig. 28, the shutter 4 and the developer receiving portion 11 are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, in the process of reaching this position, the developer receiving portion 11 shifts in the direction of arrow F (downward). Therefore, even if the developer is in this state of being packed in the vicinity of the developer receiving portion 11a, the developer is accommodated in the sub-chute 8c by the vibration or the like resulting from the disassembly operation. This prevents the developer from scattering outward. Therefore, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 24, the developer receiving port 11a is sealed by the main assembly shutter 15.

[0151] Then, when the developer supply container 1 is removed to the position shown in part (a) of Fig. 27, the shutter opening 4f is shielded by the shielding portion 3b6 of the lower flange portion 3b. More specifically, the vicinity of the shutter opening 4f and the close contact portion 4h, which is the only contaminated part, is shielded by the shielding portion 3b6. Therefore, the vicinity of the shutter opening 4f and the close contact portion 4h are not seen by the operator handling the developer supply container 1. In addition, the operator is protected from adversely touching the vicinity of the shutter opening 4f and the close contact portion 4h, which are contaminated with the developer. Further, the close contact portion 4h of the shutter 4 is stepped lower than the sliding surface 4i. Therefore, when the shutter opening 4f and the close contact portion 4h are shielded by the shielding portion 3b6, a downstream end side surface X (part (b) of Fig. 20) of the shielding portion 3b6 with respect to the disassembly direction of the developer supply container 1 is not contaminated with the developer deposited at the shutter opening 4f and the close contact portion 4h.

[0152] Furthermore, with the disassembly operation of the developer supply container 1 described above, the distancing operation of the developer supply container 1 by the engaging portions 3b2, 3b4 is completed, and thereafter, the support portion 4d of the shutter 4 is disengaged from the regulating rib 3b3 to become elastically deformable. Therefore, the shutter 4 is disengaged from the developer receiving device 8, so that it becomes slidable (movable) together with the developer supply container 1.

[0153] When the developer supply container 1 is moved to the position of part (a) of Fig. 26, a support portion 4d of the shutter 4 contacts the insertion guide 8e of the developer receiving device 8, by which it is displaced in the direction of arrow C in the figure, as shown in part (c) of Fig. 26. Thereby, the second stopper portion 4c of the shutter 4 is disengaged from the second shutter stopper portion 8b of the developer receiving device 8, so that the lower flange portion 3b of the developer supply container 1 and the shutter 4 integrally shift in the direction of arrow B. By further moving the developer supply container 1 away from the developer receiving device 8 in the direction of arrow B, the developer supply container 1 is completely removed from the developer receiving device 8. The shutter 4 of the developer supply container 1, which was thus removed, returned to the original position, and therefore, even if the developer receiving device 8 is remounted, no problem occurs.As described hereinbefore, the shutter opening 4f and the close contact portion 4h of the shutter 4 are shielded by the shielding portion 3b6, and therefore, the portion contaminated with the developer is not seen by the operator handling the developer supply container 1. Therefore, the only portion of the developer supply container 1 contaminated with the developer is shielded, and therefore, the removed developer supply container 1 looks as if it is an unused developer supply container 1.

[0154] Fig. 32 shows a sequence of the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving device 8 ( Fig. 26-31) and the sequence of the dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving device 8. When the developer supply container 1 is mounted or attached to the developer receiving device 8, the engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 engages with the first engaging portion 3b2 of the developer supply container 1, thereby shifting the developer receiving port toward the developer supply container. On the other hand, when the image material supply container 1 is dismounted from the developer receiving device 8, the engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 engages with the first engaging portion 3b2 of the developer supply container 1, thereby shifting the developer receiving port away from the developer supply container.

[0155] As described in the foregoing, according to this embodiment of the developer supply container 1, the following advantageous effects can be provided in addition to the same advantageous effects of Embodiment 1.

[0156] In the developer supply container 1 of this embodiment, the developer accommodating portion 11 and the developer supply container 1 are connected to each other through the shutter opening 4f. Through this connection, the misalignment prevention portion of the developer accommodating portion 11 and the misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g of the shutter 4 are engaged with each other. Due to the alignment function of such engagement, the discharge opening 3a4 is securely unsealed, and therefore, the discharge amount of the developer is stabilized.

[0157] In the case of Embodiment 1, the discharge opening 3a4 formed in the part of the opening seal 3a5 on the shutter 4 moves to come into fluid communication with the developer receiving port 11a. In this case, the developer may enter a gap existing between the developer receiving portion 11 and the shutter 4 in the process of fully communicating with the developer receiving port 11a after the discharge opening 3a4 is exposed by the shutter 4, with the result that a small amount of the developer scatters over the developer receiving device 8. However, according to this example, the shutter opening 4f and the discharge opening 3a4 are brought into communication with each other after completion of the communication between the developer receiving port 11a of the developer receiving portion 11 and the shutter opening 4f of the shutter 4.For this reason, there is no gap between the developer receiving portion 11 and the shutter 4. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the shutter and the developer receiving port 11a does not change. Therefore, developer contamination caused by the developer entering the gap between the developer receiving portion 11 and the shutter 4 and developer contamination caused by the main assembly seal 13 being pulled on the surface of the opening seal 3a5 can be avoided. Therefore, from the viewpoint of reducing developer contamination, this example is advantageous over Embodiment 1.Furthermore, by providing the shielding portion 3b6, the shutter opening 4f and the close contact portion 4h, which are the only portions contaminated by the developer, are shielded, and the developer contamination color portion is not exposed to the outside, similar to Embodiment 1 in which the developer contamination color portion of the opening seal 3a5 is shielded by the shutter 4. Therefore, similar to Embodiment 1, the portion contaminated with the developer is not visible to the operator from the outside.

[0158] Furthermore, as described above, regarding Embodiment 1, the connecting side (developer accommodating portion 11) and the connected side (developer supply container 1) are directly engaged to establish the connecting relationship therebetween. Specifically, the timing of the connection between the developer accommodating portion 11 and the developer supply container 1 can be easily controlled by the positional relationship, with respect to a mounting direction, among the engaging portion 11b of the developer accommodating portion 11, the first engaging portion 3b2 and the second engaging portion 3b4 of the lower flange portion 3b of the developer supply container 1, and the shutter opening 4f of the shutter 4. In other words, the timing can be deviated within the tolerances of the three elements, and therefore, very high-precision control can be performed.Therefore, a connecting operation of the developer receiving portion 11 to the developer supply container 1 and the removing operation from the developer supply container 1 can be securely performed with the mounting operation and the dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1.

[0159] Accordingly, the displacement amount of the developer receiving portion 11 in the direction intersecting with the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1 can be controlled by the positions of the engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 and the second engaging portion 3b4 of the lower flange portion 3b. Similar to the above, the deviation of the displacement amount can be within the tolerances of the two elements, and therefore, very high-precision control can be performed. Therefore, for example, the close contact state between the main assembly seal 13 and the shutter 4 can be easily controlled, so that the developer discharged from the opening 4f can be fed into the developer receiving port 11a with certainty. [Embodiment 3]

[0160] Referring to Fig. 33, Fig. 34, a structure of Embodiment 3 will be described. Part (a) of Fig. 33 is an enlarged partial view around a first engaging portion 3b2 of a developer supply container 1, and part (b) of Fig. 33 is an enlarged partial view of a developer receiving device 8. Part (a) - part (c) of Fig. 34 are schematic views illustrating the movement of a developer receiving section 11 in a disassembly operation. The position of part (a) of Fig. 34 corresponds to the position of Fig. 15, Fig. 30, the position of part (c) of Fig. 34 corresponds to the position of Fig. 13 and Fig. 28, the position of part (b) of Fig. 34 is in between and corresponds to the position of Fig. 14, Fig. 29.

[0161] As described in part (a) of Fig. 33, in this example, the structure of the first engaging portion 3b2 is partly different from those of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2. The other structures are substantially similar to Embodiment 1 and / or Embodiment 2. In this example, the same reference numerals as in the foregoing Embodiment 1 are given to elements having the corresponding functions in this embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0162] As described in part (a) of Fig. 33, above the engaging portions 3b2 and 3b4 for moving the developer accommodating portion 11 upward, an engaging portion 3b7 is provided for moving the developer accommodating portion 11 downward. In this case, the engaging portion including the first engaging portion 3b2 and the second engaging portion 3b4 for moving the developer accommodating portion 11 upward is called a lower engaging portion. On the other hand, the engaging portion 3b7 provided for moving the developer accommodating portion 11 downward in this embodiment is called an upper engaging portion.

[0163] The engagement relationship between the developer receiving portion 11 and the lower engaging portion having the first engaging portion 3b2 and the second engaging portion 3b4 is similar to the previously described embodiments, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted. The engagement relationship between the developer receiving portion 11 and the upper engaging portion having the engaging portion 3b7 will be described.

[0164] For example, if the developer supply container 1 is disassembled extremely quickly (quick disassembly although not practical), in the developer supply container 1 of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, the developer receiving portion 11 cannot be passed through the first engaging portion 3b2 and would be lowered at a delayed timing, with the result of slight contamination with the developer at a practically trouble-free level on the lower surface of the developer supply container 1, the developer receiving portion 11 and / or the main assembly seal 13. This was confirmed.

[0165] In view of this, the developer supply container 1 of Embodiment 3 is improved in this respect by providing it with the upper engaging portion 3b7. When the developer supply container 1 is disassembled, the developer receiving portion 11 reaches a region contacting the first engaging portion. Even if the developer supply container 1 is taken out extremely quickly, an engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 engages with the upper engaging portion 3b and is guided thereby, with the disassembling operation of the developer supply container 1, so that the developer receiving portion 11 is clearly moved in the direction of an arrow F in the figure. The upper engaging portion 3b7 extends to an upstream side beyond the first engaging portion 3b2 in the direction (arrow B) in which the developer supply container 1 is taken out.More specifically, a free end portion 3b70 of the upper engaging portion 3b7 is upstream of a free end portion 3b20 of the first engaging portion 3b2 with respect to the direction (arrow B) in which the developer supply container 1 is taken out.

[0166] The starting time or the starting timing of the downward movement of the developer receiving portion 11 in the disassembly of the developer supply container 1 is after the sealing of the discharge opening 3a4 by the shutter 4 similar to Embodiment 2. The movement starting time is controlled by the position of the upper engaging portion 3b7 shown in part (a) of Fig. 33. If the developer accommodating portion 11 is removed from the developer supply container 1 before the discharge opening 3a4 is sealed by the shutter 4, the developer in the developer accommodating device 8 may scatter from the discharge opening 3a4 due to vibration or the like during disassembly. Therefore, it is desirable to remove the developer accommodating portion 11 after the discharge opening 3a4 is securely sealed by the shutter 4.

[0167] Using the developer supply container 1 of this embodiment, the developer receiving portion 11 can be surely spaced from the discharge opening 3a4 in the disassembly operation of the developer supply container 1. Furthermore, with the structure of this example, the developer receiving portion 11 can be surely moved downward by the upper engaging portion 3b7 without using the urging member 12 for moving the developer receiving portion 11. Therefore, as described above, even in the case of rapid disassembly of the developer supply container 1, the upper engaging portion 3b7 surely guides the developer receiving portion 11 so that the downward movement can be effected at the predetermined timing. Therefore, contamination of the developer supply container 1 with the developer can be prevented even in the rapid disassembly.

[0168] With the structures of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the developer receiving portion 11 is moved against the urging force of the urging member 12 in the assembly of the developer supply container 1. Therefore, a manipulation force required by the operator in the assembly increases accordingly, and on the other hand, it can be disassembled smoothly with the help of the urging force of the urging member 12 in the disassembly. Using this example, as in part (b) of Fig. 3, it may be unnecessary to provide the developer receiving device 8 with a member for urging the developer receiving portion 11 downward. In this case, the urging member 12 is not provided, and therefore the required operating force is the same regardless of whether the developer supply container 1 is mounted or dismounted relative to the developer receiving device 8.

[0169] Furthermore, regardless of the provision of the urging member 12, the developer receiving portion 11 of the developer receiving device 8 can be connected and spaced in the direction intersecting with the mounting and dismounting direction with the mounting and dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1. In other words, the contamination with the developer on the downstream end surface Y (part (b) of Fig. 5) Regarding the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1, the frictional movement can be reduced or prevented compared to the case where the developer supply container 1 is connected to and separated from the developer accommodating portion 11 in the mounting and dismounting direction of the developer supply container 1. Furthermore, the developer contamination caused by the main assembly gasket 13 being pulled on the lower surface of the lower flange portion 3b can be prevented.

[0170] From the standpoint of suppressing the maximum value of the operating force during assembly and disassembly of the developer supply container 1 of this example, omission of the urging member 12 is desirable. On the other hand, from the standpoint of reducing the operating force during disassembly or from the standpoint of ensuring the home position of the developer receiving portion 11, the developer receiving device 8 is desirably provided with the urging member 12. An appropriate selection therebetween can be made depending on the specifications of the main assembly and / or the developer supply container. [Comparison example]

[0171] Referring to Fig. 35 a comparative example will be described. Part (a) of Fig. Fig. 35 is a sectional view of a developer supply container 1 and a developer receiving device 8 before assembly, parts (b) and (c) of Fig. 35 are sectional views during the course of mounting the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving device 8, part (d) of Fig. 35 is a sectional view of the developer supply container 1 after it is connected to the developer receiving device 8. In the description of this comparative example, the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiments are assigned to the elements having the corresponding functions in this embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted for simplicity.

[0172] In the comparative example, the developer receiving portion 11 is fixed to the developer receiving device 8 and is immovable in the upward or downward direction, unlike Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. In other words, the developer receiving portion 11 and the developer supply container 1 are connected and spaced relative to each other in the mounting and dismounting direction of the developer supply container 1. Therefore, in order to prevent interference of the developer receiving portion 11 with the shielding portion 3b6 provided on the downstream side of the lower flange portion 3b with respect to the mounting direction in Embodiment 2, for example, a lower end of the developer receiving portion 11 is lower than the shielding portion 3b6, as shown in part (a) of Fig. 35. In addition, in order to provide a compression state similar to that of Embodiment 2 between the shutter 4 and the main assembly seal 13, the main assembly seal 13 of the comparative example is longer than that of the main assembly seal 13 of Embodiment 2 in the vertical direction. As described above, the main assembly seal 13 is made of an elastic member or a foam member or the like, and therefore, even if interference occurs between the developer supply container 1 and the developer supply container 1 in the assembling and disassembling work, the interference does not prevent the assembling and disassembling work of the developer supply container 1 due to the elastic deformation as in part (b) of Fig. 35 and part (c) of Fig. 35 is shown.

[0173] Experiments were conducted to determine discharge amount and operability, as well as developer contamination, using the developer supply container 1 of Comparative Example and the developer supply container 1 of Embodiment 1 - Embodiment 3. In the experiments, the developer supply container 1 is filled with a predetermined amount of a predetermined developer, and the developer supply container 1 is mounted once in the developer receiving device 8. Thereafter, the developer supplying operation is performed to the extent of one-tenth of the filled amount, and the discharge amount during the supplying operation is measured. Then, the developer supply container 1 is taken out from the developer receiving device 8, and the contamination of the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving device 8 with the developer is observed. Further, the operability is measured.The operability, such as the operating force and operating feel, were checked during the assembly and disassembly operations of the developer supply container 1. In the experiments, the developer supply container 1 of Embodiment 3 was based on the developer supply container 1 of Embodiment 2. The experiments were performed five times for each case to ensure the reliability of the evaluations. Table 1 shows the results of the experiments and evaluations. Table 1 Strukturen Entwicklerkontaminationsverhinderung Abgabeverhalten Bedienbarkeit Entwicklerzuführvorrichtungsseite Entwicklerzuführbehälterseite Vergleichsbeispiel N N F G Ausführungsform 1 F G F G Ausführungsform 2 G G G G Ausführungsform 3 E E G G

[0174] Developer contamination prevention: E: hardly any contamination even in an extreme condition of use; G: hardly any contamination in a normal condition of use; F: minor contamination (practically problem-free) in normal use; and N: contaminated (actually problematic) in normal use.

[0175] Output power: G: sufficient delivery quantity per unit time; F: 70% (based on G-case) (practically problem-free); and N: less than 50% (based on G-case) (actually problematic).

[0176] Operational capability: G: required force is less than 20 N with a good operating feeling; F: required force is 20 N or greater with a good operating feeling; and N: required force is 20 N or greater with no good operating feeling.

[0177] Regarding the level of developer contamination of the developer supply container 1 or the developer receiving device 8 taken out of the developer receiving device 8 after the supplying operation, the developer deposited on the main assembly seal 13 is deposited on the lower surface of the lower flange portion 3b and / or the sliding surface 4i ( Fig. 35) of the shutter 4 in the developer supply container 1 of the comparative example. In addition, the developer is transferred to the end surface Y (part (b) of Fig. 5) of the developer supply container 1. Therefore, in this state, if the operator adversely touches the developer deposition portion, the operator's finger will be contaminated with the developer. In addition, a large amount of the developer will be scattered on the developer receiving device 8. With the structure of the comparative example, when the developer supply container 1 is mounted in the mounting direction (arrow A in the figure) from the position shown in part (a) of Fig. 35, first, the upper surface of the main assembly seal 13 of the developer accommodating portion 11 contacts the end surface Y (part (b) of Fig. 5) on the downstream side with respect to the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1. Thereafter, as described in part (c) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 35, the developer supply container 1 shifts in the direction of arrow A in the state where the upper surface of the main assembly seal 13 of the developer receiving portion 11 is in contact with the lower surface of the lower flange portion 3b and the sliding surface 4i of the shutter 4. Therefore, the developer contamination remains on the contact portions by the pulling, and the developer contamination is exposed and scattered to the outside of the developer supply container 1 as a result of contamination of the developer receiving device 8.

[0178] It was confirmed that the levels of developer contamination in the developer supply container 1 of Embodiment 1 - Embodiment 3 are greatly improved over that in the comparative example. In Embodiment 2, by the assembly operation of the developer supply container 1, the connecting portion 3a6 of the opening seal 3a5 shielded by the shutter 4 is exposed, and the main assembly seal 13 of the developer accommodating portion 11 is connected to the exposed portion in the direction intersecting with the assembly direction.With the structure of Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 3, the shutter opening 4f and the close contact portion 4h are exposed by the shielding portion 3b6, and by the time immediately before the alignment between the discharge opening 3a4 and the shutter opening 4f, the developer receiving portion 11 shifts in the direction (upward in the embodiments) intersecting with the mounting direction to connect with the shutter 4. Therefore, the developer contamination of the downstream end surface Y (part (b) of FIG. Fig. 5) regarding the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1 can be prevented. Furthermore, in the developer supply container 1 of Embodiment 1, the connecting portion 3a6 formed on the opening seal 3a5 contaminated by the developer to be connected through the main assembly seal 13 of the developer accommodating portion 11 is shielded in the shutter 4 with the disassembly operation of the developer supply container 1. Therefore, the connecting portion 3a6 of the opening seal 3a5 of the removed developer supply container 1 is not seen from the outside. In addition, the scattering of the developer deposited on the connecting portion 3a6 of the opening seal 3a5 of the removed developer supply container 1 can be prevented.Similarly, in the developer supply container 1 of Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3, the close contact portion 4h of the shutter 4 and the shutter opening 4f contaminated with the developer in the junction of the developer accommodating portion 11 are shielded in the shielding portion 3b6 with the disassembly operation of the developer supply container 1. Therefore, the close contact portion 4h of the shutter 4 and the shutter opening 4f contaminated with the developer are not seen from the outside. In addition, the scattering of the developer deposited at the close contact portion 4h and the shutter of the shutter 4 can be prevented.

[0179] The levels of developer contamination are checked in the case of quick disassembly of the developer supply container 1. With the structures of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, a low level of developer contamination is observed, and with the structure of Embodiment 3, no developer contamination was seen on the developer supply container 1 or the developer accommodating portion 11. This is because, even when the quick disassembly of the developer supply container 1 of Embodiment 3 is performed, the developer accommodating portion 11 is guided downward with certainty at the predetermined timing by the upper engaging portion 3b7, and therefore, no deviation in the timing of movement of the developer accommodating portion 11 occurs.It was confirmed that the structure of Embodiment 3 is better than the structures of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 in terms of the developer contamination level in the rapid disassembly.

[0180] A discharge performance during the feeding operation of the developer supply container 1 is checked. For this check, the discharge amount of developer discharged from the developer supply container 1 per unit time is measured, and the repeatability is checked. The results show that in Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 3, the discharge amount from the developer supply container 1 per unit time is sufficient, and the repeatability is excellent. With Embodiment 1 and the comparative example, the discharge amounts from the developer supply container 1 per unit time are sufficient on one occasion and 70% on another occasion. When the developer supply container 1 is observed during the feeding operation, the developer supply containers 1 sometimes shift slightly in the disassembly direction from the mounting position due to vibration during operation.The developer supply container 1 of Embodiment 1 is mounted and dismounted relative to the developer receiving device 8 a plurality of times, and the connection state is checked each time. In one out of five cases, the positions of the discharge opening 3a4 of the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving port 11a are offset, resulting in a relatively small opening communication area. It is considered that the discharge amount from the developer supply container 1 per unit time is relatively small.

[0181] From the phenomenon and structure, it is understood that in the developer supply containers 1 of Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 3, due to the alignment function of the engagement effect between the misalignment prevention cone portion 11c and the misalignment prevention cone engagement portion 4g, the shutter opening 4f and the developer receiving port 11a communicate with each other without misalignment even when the position of the developer receiving device 8 is slightly displaced. Therefore, it is considered that the discharge performance (discharge amount per unit time) is stabilized.

[0182] The operability was verified. A mounting force for the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving device 8 was slightly higher in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, and Embodiment 3 than in the comparative example. This is because, as described above, the developer receiving portion 11 is displaced upward against the urging force of the urging member 12 that urges the developer receiving portion 11 downward. The operating force in Embodiment 1 - Embodiment 3 was approximately 8N - 15N, which was no problem. With the structure of Embodiment 3, the operating force was verified with the structure not having the urging member 12. At this time, the operating force in the mounting operation was substantially the same as that of the comparative example and was approximately 8N - 10N. The dismounting force in the dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1 was measured.The results show that the disassembly force is lower than the assembly force in the case of the developer supply container 1 of Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, and Embodiment 3, and is approximately 5N-9N. As described above, this is because the developer accommodating portion 11 moves downward by assisting the urging force of the urging member 12. Similar to the above, when the urging member 12 is not provided in Embodiment 3, there is no significant difference between the assembly force and the disassembly force, and it is approximately 6N-10N.

[0183] In any of the developer supply containers 1, the operation feeling was smooth.

[0184] Through the examination described in the foregoing, it was confirmed that the developer supply container 1 of this embodiment is overwhelmingly better than the developer supply container 1 of the comparative example from the viewpoint of preventing developer contamination.

[0185] In addition, the developer supply container 1 of these embodiments solved the various problems with a conventional developer supply container.

[0186] In the developer supply container of this embodiment, the mechanism for displacing the developer accommodating portion 11 and connecting it to the developer supply container 1 can be simplified compared to the conventional technique. Specifically, a driving force or a drive transmission mechanism for moving the entire developing device upward is not required, and therefore, the structure of the image forming device side is not complicated, and a cost increase due to the increase in the number of parts can be avoided. In the conventional technique, in order to avoid interference with the developing device when the entire developing device moves up and down, a large space is required, but such an increase in the size of the image forming device can be prevented in the present invention.

[0187] The connection between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving device 8 can be properly established using the assembly operation of the developer supply container 1 with minimal developer contamination. Similarly, using the disassembly operation of the developer supply container 1, the spacing and resealing between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving device 8 can be performed with minimal developer contamination.

[0188] Furthermore, with the developer supply container 1 of this embodiment, the timing of sliding the developer accommodating portion 11 in the direction intersecting with the mounting and dismounting direction of the developer supply container 1 in the mounting and dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1 can be controlled with certainty by the engaging portion having the first engaging portion 3b2 and the second engaging portion 3b4. In other words, the developer supply container 1 and the developer accommodating portion 11 can be connected and spaced apart relative to each other without relying on the operator's operation. [Embodiment 4]

[0189] Referring to the drawings, Embodiment 4 will be described. In Embodiment 4, the structure of the developer receiving device and the developer supply container are partially different from those of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2. The other structures are substantially the same as those of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as in Embodiments 1 and 2 are assigned to the elements having the corresponding functions in this embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted for simplicity. (image forming device)

[0190] Fig. 36 and Fig. 37 illustrates an example of the image forming apparatus having a developer receiving device to which a developer supply container (so-called toner cartridge) is detachably mounted. The configuration of the image forming apparatus is substantially the same as Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 except for a structure of a part of the developer supply container and a part of the developer receiving device, and therefore, the detailed description of the common parts is omitted for simplicity. (Developer receiving device)

[0191] Referring to Fig. 38, Fig. 39 and Fig. 40, the developer receiving device 8 will be described. Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the developer receiving device 8. Fig. 39 is a schematic perspective view of the developer receiving device 8 when viewed from a rear side of Fig. 38 seen from. Fig. 40 is a schematic sectional view of the developer receiving device 8.

[0192] The developer receiving device 8 is provided with a mounting portion (mounting space) 8f to which the developer supply container 1 is detachably mounted. Furthermore, a developer receiving portion 11 is provided for receiving a developer discharged from the developer supply container 1 through a discharge opening (opening) 1c ( Fig. 43). The developer receiving section 11 is mounted or fixed to be movable relative to the developer receiving device 8 in the vertical direction. As shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. 40, the upper end surface of the developer accommodating portion 11 is provided with a main assembly seal 13 having a developer accommodating port 11a at the central portion. The main assembly seal 13 comprises an elastic member, a foam member, or the like, and the main assembly seal 13 is in close contact with an orifice seal (not shown) provided with a discharge port 1c for the developer supply container 1, which will be described later, to prevent leakage of the developer from the discharge port 1c and / or the developer accommodating port 11a.

[0193] In order to prevent the contamination in the mounting portion 8f by the developer as much as possible, a diameter of the developer receiving port 11a is desirably substantially the same as or slightly larger than a diameter of the discharge opening 3a4 of the developer supply container 1. This is because if the diameter of the developer receiving port 11a is smaller than the diameter of the discharge opening 1c, the developer discharged from the developer supply container 1 is deposited on the upper surface of the developer receiving port 11a, and the deposited developer is transferred to the lower surface of the developer supply container 1 during the disassembly operation of the developer supply container 1, with the result of contamination with the developer.In addition, the developer transferred to the developer supply container 1 may be scattered on the mounting portion 8f, resulting in contamination of the mounting portion 8f with the developer. In contrast, if the diameter of the developer receiving port 11a is slightly larger than the diameter of the discharge opening 1c, an area where the developer is deposited on the vicinity of the discharge opening 1c scattered from the developer receiving port 11a is large. That is, the contaminated area of ​​the developer supply container 1 by the developer is large, which is undesirable. Under the circumstances, the difference between the diameter of the developer receiving port 11a and the diameter of the discharge opening 1c is desirably substantially 0 to about 2 mm.

[0194] In this example, the diameter of the discharge opening 1c of the developer supply container 1 is approximately Φ 2 mm (pinhole) and therefore the diameter of the developer receiving port 11a is approximately φ 3 mm.

[0195] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 40, the developer receiving portion 11 is urged downward by an urging member 12. When the developer receiving portion 11 moves upward, it must move against the urging force of the urging member 12.

[0196] A sub-tray 8c is provided below the developer receiving device 8 for temporarily storing the developer. As shown in Fig. 40, in the sub-shaft 8c, a conveying screw 14 for conveying the developer into the developer shaft section 201a ( Fig. 36), which is a part of the developing device 201, and an opening 8d which is in fluid communication with the developer shaft portion 201a.

[0197] The developer receiving port 11a is closed to prevent foreign matter and / or dust from entering the sub-chute 8c in a state where the developer supply container 1 is not mounted. More specifically, the developer receiving port 11a is closed by a main assembly shutter 15 in the state where the developer receiving portion 11 is removed to the upper side. The developer receiving portion 11 moves upward (arrow E) from the position shown in Fig. 43, toward the developer supply container 1 with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1. Thereby, the developer receiving port 11a and the main assembly shutter 15 are spaced apart from each other to unseal the developer receiving port 11a. With this open state, the developer is discharged from the developer supply container 1 through the discharge opening 1c, so that the developer received by the developer receiving port 11a is movable toward the sub-chute 8c.

[0198] A side surface of the developer receiving portion 11 is provided with an engaging portion 11b ( Fig. 4, Fig. 19). The engagement portion 11b is provided with an engagement portion 3b2, 3b4 ( Fig. 8 and Fig. 20) provided on the developer supply container 1 which will be described hereinafter, and is thereby guided such that the developer receiving portion 11 is lifted toward the developer supply container 1.

[0199] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 38, the mounting portion 8f of the developer receiving device 8 is provided with a positioning guide (holding member) 81 having an L-shape for fixing the position of the developer supply container 1. The mounting portion 8f of the developer receiving device 8 is provided with an insertion guide 8e for guiding the developer supply container 1 in the mounting and dismounting direction. By the positioning guide 81 and the insertion guide 8e, the mounting direction of the developer supply container 1 is determined as the direction of an arrow A. The dismounting direction of the developer supply container 1 is the opposite direction (arrow B) to the direction of the arrow A.

[0200] The developer receiving device 8 is provided with a drive gear 9 ( Fig. 39) which functions as a drive mechanism for driving the developer supply container 1, and is provided with a locking member 10 ( Fig. 38).

[0201] The locking component 10 is provided with a locking section 18 ( Fig. 44) which functions as a drive input portion of the developer supply container 1 when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the mounting portion 8f of the developer receiving device 8.

[0202] As in Fig.38, the locking member 10 is loosely fitted into a slotted hole portion 8g formed in the mounting portion 8f of the developer receiving device 8, and is movable relative to the mounting portion 8f in the upward and downward directions in the figure. The locking member 10 is in the form of a round rod configuration and is provided at the free end with a tapered portion 10d for easy insertion into a locking portion 18 ( Fig. 44) of the developer supply container 1, which will be described hereinafter.

[0203] The locking portion 10a (engagement portion engageable with a locking portion 18) of the locking member 10 is provided with a rail portion 10b which is Fig.39. The sides of the rail portion 10b are held by a guide portion 8j of the developer receiving device 8 and are movable in the up and down directions in the figure.

[0204] The rail portion 10b is provided with a gear portion 10c that meshes with a drive gear 9. The drive gear 9 is connected to a drive motor 500. Through a control device 600 that periodically reverses the rotational direction of a drive motor 500 provided in the image forming apparatus 100, the locking member 10 reciprocates in the up-and-down direction in the figure along the elongated hole 8g. (Developer feed control of the developer receiving device)

[0205] Referring to Fig. 41 and Fig.42, a developer supply control by the developer receiving device 8 will be described. Fig. 41 is a block diagram illustrating the function and structure of the control device 600, and Fig. 42 is a flowchart showing a flow of the feeding operation.

[0206] In this example, an amount of the developer temporarily stored in the hopper 8c (height of the developer level) is limited so that the developer does not reversely flow into the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving device 8 by the suction operation of the developer supply container 1, which will be described hereinafter. For this purpose, in this example, a developer sensor 8k ( Fig. 40) is provided to detect the amount of developer stored in the shaft 8g. As shown in Fig.41, the control device 600 controls the operation / non-operation of the drive motor 500 in accordance with an output of the developer sensor 8k by which the developer is not accommodated in the hopper 8c over a predetermined amount.

[0207] The control process will be described. First, as in Fig. As shown in Fig. 42, the developer sensor 8k checks the accommodated amount of developer in the hopper 8c. When the accommodated amount of developer detected by the developer sensor 8k is discriminated as less than a predetermined amount, that is, when no developer is detected by the developer sensor 8k, the drive motor 500 is actuated to perform a developer supply operation for a predetermined period of time (S101).

[0208] When the accommodated amount of developer detected by the developer sensor 8k is discriminated as reaching the predetermined amount, that is, when the developer is detected by the developer sensor 8k as a result of the developer supply operation, the drive motor 500 is deactivated to stop the developer supply operation (S102). By stopping the supply operation, a series of developer supply steps is completed.

[0209] Such developer supply steps are repeatedly executed whenever the accommodated amount of developer in the hopper 8c becomes less than a predetermined amount as a result of consumption of the developer by the image forming operations.

[0210] In this example, the developer discharged from the developer supply container 1 is temporarily stored in the hopper 8c and then supplied into the developing device, but the following structure of the developer receiving device may be employed.

[0211] Particularly in the case of a slow image forming device, the main assembly must be compact and inexpensive. In such a case, it is desirable that the developer be supplied directly to the developing device 201, as shown in Fig. 43. More specifically, the previously described hopper 8c is omitted, and the developer is directly supplied into the developing device 201a from the developer supply container 1. Fig.43 shows an example using a two-component developer device 201 as the developer receiving device. The developer device 201 includes a mixing chamber into which the developer is supplied, and a developer chamber for supplying the developer to the developer roller 201f. The stirring chamber and the developer chamber are provided with screws 201d rotatable in such directions that the developer is conveyed in opposite directions from each other. The stirring chamber and the developer chamber communicate with each other at the opposite longitudinal end portions, and the two-component developer is circulated in the two chambers. The stirring chamber is provided with a magnetometric sensor 201g for detecting a toner content of the developer, and based on the detection result of the electrometric sensor 201g, the control device 600 controls the operation of the drive motor 500.In such a case, the developer supplied from the developer supply container is a non-magnetic toner or a non-magnetic toner plus a magnetic carrier.

[0212] The developer receiving section is in Fig. 43 is not shown, but in the case where the hopper 8c is omitted and the developer is directly supplied to the developing device 201 from the developer supply container 1, the developer accommodating portion 11 is provided in the developing device 201. The arrangement of the developer accommodating portion 11 in the developing device 201 can be appropriately determined.

[0213] In this example, as will be described hereinafter, the developer in the developer supply container 1 is hardly discharged through the discharge opening 1c only by gravity, however, the developer is discharged by a discharge operation by a pumping section 2 and therefore, a change in the discharge amount can be suppressed. Therefore, the developer supply container 1, which will be described hereinafter, is suitable for the example of Fig. 8, which lacks shaft 8c, can be used. (Developer supply container)

[0214] Referring to Fig. 44 and Fig. 45, the developer supply container 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 44 is a schematic perspective view of the developer supply container 1. Fig. 45 is a schematic sectional view of the developer supply container 1.

[0215] As in Fig.As shown in Fig. 44, the developer supply container 1 has a container body 1a (developer discharge chamber) that functions as a developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer. 1b in Fig. 45 denotes a developer accommodating space in which the developer is accommodated in the container body 1a. In the example, the developer accommodating space 1b, which functions as the developer accommodating section, is the space in which the container body 1a plus an internal space in the pumping section 5 are accommodated. In this example, the developer accommodating space 1b accommodates a toner that is a dry powder with a volume-average particle size of 5 µm-6 µm.

[0216] In this example, the pumping section is a positive displacement pumping section 5 in which the volume changes. Specifically, the pumping section 5 includes a bellows-like expansion and contraction section 5a (bellows section, expansion and contraction member) that can be contracted and expanded by a driving force received from the developer receiving device 8.

[0217] As in Fig. 44 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 45, the bellows-type pumping portion 5 of this example is folded to provide alternately and periodically provided crests and valleys, and is contractible and expandable. When the bellows-type pumping portion 2 is used as in this example, a change in the amount of volume change can be reduced relative to the amount of expansion and contraction, and therefore, a stable volume change can be achieved.

[0218] In this embodiment, the total volume of the developer accommodation space 1b is 480 cm 3 , of which the volume of the pumping section is 2 160 cm 3 (in the free state of the expansion and contraction section 5a), and in this example, the pumping operation in the pumping section 2 is effected in an expansion direction of the length in the free state.

[0219] The volume change amount by the expansion and contraction of the expansion and contraction section 5a of the pumping section 5 is 15 cm 3 , and the total volume at the time of maximum expansion of the pumping section is 495 cm 3 .

[0220] The developer supply container 1 is filled with 240 g of developer. The drive motor 500 for driving the locking member 10, which is in Fig. 43 is controlled by the control device 600 to achieve a volume change rate of 90 cm 3 / s. The volume change amount and the volume change speed can be appropriately selected in consideration of a desired or required discharge amount of the developer receiving device 8.

[0221] The pumping section 5 in this example is a bellows-type pump, however, another pump may be used if the air amount (pressure) in the developer accommodating space 1b can be changed. For example, the pumping section 5 may be a single-shaft progressive cavity pump. In this case, an opening for suction and discharge of the single-shaft progressive cavity pump is required, and such an opening requires an additional filter or the like in addition to the filter described above to prevent the developer from leaking therethrough. Furthermore, a single-shaft progressive cavity pump requires a very high torque to operate, and therefore, the load on the main assembly 100 of the image forming apparatus increases. Therefore, the bellows-type pump is preferable because it is free from such problems.

[0222] The developer accommodating space 1b may be merely the inner space of the pumping section 5. In such a case, the pumping section 5 functions simultaneously as the developer accommodating space 1b.

[0223] A connecting portion 5b of the pumping portion 5 and the connected portion 1i of the container body 1a are united by welding to prevent leakage of the developer, that is, to maintain the hermetic property of the developer accommodating space 1b.

[0224] The developer supply container 1 is provided with a locking portion 18 as a drive input portion (drive force receiving portion, drive connecting portion, engagement portion) which is engageable with the drive mechanism of the developer receiving device 8 and which receives a drive force for driving the pumping portion 5 from the drive mechanism.

[0225] More specifically, the locking portion 18, which is engageable with the locking member 18 of the developer receiving device 8, is fixed to an upper end of the pumping portion 5. The locking portion 18 is provided with a locking hole 18a in the central portion, as shown in Fig. 44. When the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the mounting portion 8f ( Fig. 38), the locking member 10 is inserted into a locking hole 18a so that they are united (slight play is provided for easy insertion). Fig. 44 shows the relative position between the locking portion 18 and the locking member 10 in an arrow p direction and an arrow q direction, which are expansion and contraction directions of the expansion and contraction portion 5a. It is desirable that the pump portion 5 and the locking portion 18 be integrally molded using an injection molding method or a blow molding method.

[0226] The locking portion 18, which is substantially united with the locking member 10 in this manner, receives a driving force for expanding and contracting the expansion and contraction portion 5a of the pumping portion 2 from the locking member 10. As a result, with the vertical movement of the locking member 10, the expansion and contraction portion 5a of the pumping portion 5 is expanded and contracted.

[0227] The pumping portion 5 functions as an air flow generating mechanism for alternately and repeatedly generating an air flow in the developer supply container and the air flow to the outside of the developer supply container through the discharge opening 1c by the driving force generated by the locking portion 18 acting as the driving input portion.

[0228] In this embodiment, the round rod locking member 10 and the round hole locking portion 18 are used to substantially unite them. However, another structure is usable if the relative position between them can be fixed with respect to the expansion and contraction direction (arrow p direction and arrow q direction) of the expansion and contraction portion 5a. For example, the locking portion 18 is a rod-like member, and the locking member 10 is a locking hole; the cross-sectional configurations of the locking portion 18 and the locking member 10 may be triangular, rectangular, or other polygonal, or may be an ellipse, a star shape, or other shapes. Or, any other known locking structure may be usable.

[0229] The bottom end portion of the container body 1a is provided with an upper flange portion 1g forming a flange held by the developer receiving device 8 so as to be non-rotatable. The upper flange portion 1g is provided with a discharge opening 1c for enabling the developer to be discharged to the outside of the developer supply container 1 from the developer accommodating space 1b. The discharge opening 1c will be described in detail hereinafter.

[0230] As in Fig.45, an inclined surface 1f toward the discharge opening 1c is formed in a lower portion of the container body 1a, and the developer accommodated in the developer accommodating space 1b slides down on the inclined surface 1f by gravity to a vicinity of the discharge opening 1c. In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the inclined surface 1f (angle relative to a horizontal surface in the state where the developer supply container 1 is set in the developer receiving device 8) is larger than an angle of the remainder of the toner (developer).

[0231] Regarding the configuration of the peripheral portion of the discharge opening 1c, which is as shown in Fig. 46, the configuration of the connecting portion between the discharge opening 1c and the inside of the container body 1a may be flat (1W in Fig. 45), or, as in Fig.46, the discharge opening 1c may be connected to the inclined surface 1f.

[0232] The flat configuration or design that is used in Fig. 45 provides high space efficiency in the direction of the height of the developer supply container 1 and the configuration that combines with the inclined surface 1f shown in Fig. 46, provides for the reduction of the remaining developer because the developer remaining on the inclined surface 1 descends toward the discharge opening 1c. As described above, the configuration of the peripheral portion of the discharge opening 1c can be appropriately selected depending on the situation.

[0233] In this embodiment, the flat shape shown in Fig. 45 is used.

[0234] The developer supply container 1 is in fluid communication with the outside of the developer supply container 1 only through the discharge opening 1c and is substantially sealed except for the discharge opening 1c.

[0235] Referring to Fig. 38 and Fig. 45, a closure mechanism for opening and closing the discharge opening 1c will be described.

[0236] An orifice seal (sealing member) 3a5 of an elastic material is fixed by adhering a lower surface of the upper flange portion 1g to surround the periphery of the discharge opening 1c to prevent developer leakage. The orifice seal 3a5 is provided with a circular discharge opening (orifice) 3a4 for discharging the developer into the developer receiving device 8, similar to the previously described embodiments. A shutter 4 is provided for sealing the discharge opening 3a4 (discharge opening 1c) so that the orifice seal 3a5 is compressed between the lower surface of the upper flange portion 1g. In this way, the orifice seal 3a5 is adhered to the lower surface of the upper flange portion 1g and is clamped by the upper flange portion 1g and the shutter 4, which will be described hereinafter.

[0237] In this example, the discharge opening 3a4 on the orifice seal 3a5 is not integral with the upper flange portion 1g, but the discharge opening 3a4 may be provided directly on the upper flange portion 1g (discharge opening 1c). Furthermore, in this case, to prevent developer leakage, it is desirable to clamp the orifice seal 3a5 between the upper flange portion 1g and the shutter 4.

[0238] Mounted or fixed below the upper flange portion 1g is a lower flange portion 3b, which forms a flange through the shutter 4. The lower flange portion 3b has engaging portions 3b2, 3b4, which are engaged with the developer receiving portion 11 ( Fig. 4) are engageable, similar to the lower flange section shown in Fig. 8 or Fig.20. The structure of the lower flange portion 3b having the engaging portions 3b2 and 3b4 is similar to the previously described embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0239] The shutter 4 is provided with a stopper portion (holding portion) which is held by a shutter stopper portion of the developer receiving device 8 such that the developer supply container 1 is movable relative to the shutter 4, similar to the shutter shown in Fig. 9 or Fig. 21. The structure of the shutter 4 with the stopper portion (holding portion) is similar to that of the previously described embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0240] The shutter 4 is fixed to the developer receiving device 8 by the stopper portion engaging with the shutter stopper portion formed on the developer receiving device 8 with the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1. Then, the developer supply container 1 starts the relative movement relative to the fixed shutter 4.

[0241] At this time, similar to the previously described embodiments, the engaging portion 3b2 of the developer supply container 1 is first directly engaged with the engaging portion 11b of the developer accommodating portion 11 to move the developer accommodating portion 11 upward. Thereby, the developer accommodating portion 11 is brought into close contact with the developer supply container 1 (or the shutter opening 4f of the shutter 4), and the developer accommodating port 11a of the developer accommodating portion 11 is unsealed.

[0242] Thereafter, the engaging portion 3b4 of the developer supply container 1 is directly engaged with the engaging portion 11b of the developer accommodating portion 11, and the developer supply container 1 moves relative to the shutter 4 while maintaining the above-described close contact state with the assembly operation. As a result, the shutter 4 is unsealed, and the discharge opening 1c of the developer supply container 1 and the developer accommodating port 11a of the developer accommodating portion 11 are aligned with each other. At this time, the upper flange portion 1g of the developer supply container 1 is guided by the positioning guide 8l of the developer accommodating device 8, so that a side surface 1k ( Fig.44) of the developer supply container 1 abuts the stopper portion 8i of the developer receiving device 8. As a result, the position of the developer supply container 1 relative to the developer receiving device 8 in the mounting direction (A direction) is determined ( Fig. 52).

[0243] In this way, the upper flange portion 1g of the developer supply container 1 is guided by the positioning guide 8l, and at the time when the insertion operation of the developer supply container 1 is completed, the discharge opening 1c of the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving port 11a of the developer receiving portion 11 are aligned with each other.

[0244] At the time when the insertion operation of the developer supply container 1 is completed, the opening seal 3a5 ( Fig.52) between the discharge opening 1c and the developer receiving port 11a to prevent leakage of the developer to the outside.

[0245] With the insertion operation of the developer supply container 1, the locking member 109 is inserted into the locking hole 18a of the locking portion 18 of the developer supply container 1 so that they are unified or become one.

[0246] At this time, its position is fixed by the L-shaped section of the positioning guide 8L in the direction (up and down direction in Fig. 38) perpendicular to the mounting direction (A direction) of the developer supply container 1 relative to the developer receiving device 8. The flange portion 1g as the positioning portion also functions to prevent movement of the developer supply container 1 in the up-and-down direction (reciprocating direction of the pumping portion 5).

[0247] The operations or activities up to this point are the sequence of the assembly steps for the developer supply container 1. The assembly step is completed by the operator closing the front cover 40.

[0248] The steps for disassembling or detaching the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving device 8 are opposite to those in the assembly step. The steps for disassembling the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving device 8 are opposite to those in the assembly step.

[0249] More specifically, the steps described as the mounting operation and the dismounting operation of the developer supply container 1 in the above-described embodiments apply. More specifically, in this case, the steps described in connection with Fig. 13 - 17 are described by embodiment 1, or the steps described in connection with Fig.26 - 29 are described by embodiment 2.

[0250] In this example, the state (decompressed state, negative pressure state) in which the internal pressure of the container body 1a (developer accommodation space 1b) is lower than the ambient pressure (external air pressure) and the state (compressed state, positive pressure state) in which the internal pressure is higher than the ambient pressure are alternately repeated at a predetermined cyclic period. In this case, the ambient pressure (external air pressure) is the pressure under the ambient condition in which the developer supply container 1 is placed. Therefore, the developer is discharged through the discharge opening 1c by changing a pressure (internal pressure) of the container body 1a. In this example, it is changed (switched back and forth) between 480 - 495 cm 3 with a cyclic time of 0.3 seconds.

[0251] The material of the container body 1a is preferably such that it provides sufficient rigidity to avoid collision or extreme expansion.

[0252] In view of this, this example uses a polystyrene resin material as the materials of the developer container body 1a and uses polypropylene resin material as the material of the pumping portion 2.

[0253] Regarding the material for the container body 1a, other resin materials such as ABS (acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene copolymer resin material), polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene, for example, can be used if they have sufficient hardness or resistance to pressure. Alternatively, they can be metal.

[0254] Regarding the material of the pumping section 2, any material can be used if it has sufficient expansibility and contractibility to change the internal pressure of the space in the developer accommodating space 1b through volume change. Examples include thin ABS (acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene copolymer resin material), polystyrene, polyester, and polyethylene materials. Alternatively, other expansibility and contractibility materials, such as rubber, can be used.

[0255] They may be integrally molded from the same material by an injection molding method, a blow molding method, or the like if the thicknesses are set appropriately for the pumping portion 5b and the container body 1a.

[0256] In this example, the developer supply container 1 is in fluid communication with the outside only through the discharge opening 1c and is therefore substantially sealed from the outside except for the discharge opening 1c. That is, the developer is discharged through the discharge opening 1c by compressing and decompressing the inside of the developer supply container 1 by the pumping section 5, and therefore, the hermetic property is desired to maintain the stabilized discharge performance.

[0257] On the other hand, during transportation (air transport) of the developer supply container 1 and / or during a long period of non-use, the internal pressure of the container is likely to change abruptly due to a sudden change in environmental conditions. For example, when the device is used in a high-altitude area, or when the developer supply container 1, which is kept in a low-temperature environment, is transferred to a high-temperature environment, the interior of the developer supply container 1 may become pressurized compared to the ambient air pressure. In such a case, the container may deform and / or the container may splash when the container is unsealed.

[0258] In view of this, the developer supply container 1 is provided with an opening of a diameter of φ 3 mm, and the opening is provided with a filter in this example. The filter is TEMISH (registered trademark) available from Nitto Denko AG, Japan, which is provided with a property that prevents developer leakage to the outside while allowing air passage between the inside and outside of the container. In this case, in this example, despite the fact that such a countermeasure is taken, the influence thereof on the suction action and the discharge action through the discharge opening 1c by the pumping section 5 can be ignored, and therefore the hermetic property of the developer supply container 1 is effectively maintained. (Developer supply container discharge opening)

[0259] In this example, the size of the discharge opening 1c of the developer supply container 1 is selected such that, when the developer supply container 1 is oriented to supply the developer into the developer receiving device 8, the developer is not discharged in sufficient quantity or to a sufficient extent solely by gravity. The opening size of the discharge opening 1c is so small that the discharge of the developer from the developer supply container is insufficient solely by gravity, and therefore, the opening is hereinafter referred to as a pinhole. In other words, the size of the opening is determined such that the discharge opening 1c is substantially blocked. This is expected to be advantageous in the following respects: 1) the developer does not leak easily through the discharge opening 1c; 2) excessive discharge of the developer at a time of opening the discharge port 1c can be suppressed; and 3) the release of the developer is primarily based on the release activity by the pumping section.

[0260] The inventors determined the size of the discharge opening 1c such that the toner is not discharged in sufficient quantities by gravity alone. The verification experiment (measurement method) and criteria will be described.

[0261] A rectangular, parallelepiped container of a predetermined volume, in which a discharge opening (circular) is formed at the center portion of the bottom portion, is provided and filled with 200 g of developer; then, the filling port is sealed and the discharge opening is plugged; in this state, the container is sufficiently shaken to loosen or release the developer. The rectangular, parallelepiped container has a volume of 1000 cm 3 , 90 mm in length, 92 mm wide and 120 mm in height.

[0262] Then, as soon as possible, the discharge port is unsealed with the discharge port facing downward, and the amount of developer discharged through the discharge port is measured. At this time, the rectangular parallelepiped container is completely sealed except for the discharge port. Furthermore, the verification experiments were conducted under conditions of a temperature of 24°C and a relative humidity of 55%.

[0263] Using these processes, the discharge amounts are measured while changing the type of developer and the size of the discharge opening. In this example, if the amount of developer discharged is no more than 2 g, the amount is negligible, and therefore the size of the discharge opening at this time is assumed to be sufficient to discharge the developer sufficiently by gravity alone.

[0264] The developers used in the verification experiment are shown in Table 1. The types of developer are single-component magnetic toner, non-magnetic toner for a two-component developer developing device, and a mixture of the non-magnetic toner and the magnetic carrier.

[0265] Regarding property values ​​indicative of the property of the developer, measurements were made regarding angles of repose indicating flowabilities and fluidity energy indicating ease of loosening of the developer layer, which is measured by a powder flowability analysis device (Powder Rheometer FT4 available from Freeman Technology). Table 2 developer Volume average particle size of the toner (µm) Developer component Angle of repose (degrees) Fluidity energy (bulk density of 0.5 g / cm 3 ) A 7 non-magnetic two-component toner 18 2,09×10 -3 J B 6,5 non-magnetic two-component toner + carrier 22 6,80×10 -4 J c 7 magnetic single-component toner 35 4,30×10 -4 J D 5,5 non-magnetic two-component toner + carrier 40 3,51×10 -3 J E 5 non-magnetic two-component toner + carrier 27 4,14×10 -3 J

[0266] Referring to Fig. 47 a method for measuring fluid energy will be described. In this case, Fig.47 a schematic view of a device for measuring fluid energy.

[0267] The principle of the powder flowability analysis device is that a blade is moved into a powder sample and the energy required for the blade to move into the powder, i.e. the fluidity energy, is measured.

[0268] The blade is of a propeller type, and when it rotates, it moves in the rotation axis direction simultaneously and therefore a free end of the blade moves spirally.

[0269] The propeller-like blade 51 is made of SUS (Type = C210) and has a diameter of 48 mm. It is uniformly twisted counterclockwise. Specifically, a rotating shaft extends from a 48 mm x 10 mm blade center in a normal direction relative to a rotation plane of the blade. The twist angle of the blade at the opposite outermost edge portions (the portions 24 mm from the rotating shaft) is 70°, and the twist angle at the positions 12 mm from the rotating shaft is 35°.

[0270] The fluidity energy is a total energy obtained by integrating, over time, the sum of the torque and the vertical load when the spiral rotary blade 51 penetrates and advances in the powder layer. The value thus obtained indicates the ease of loosening the developing powder layer. A large fluidity energy indicates less ease, and a small fluidity energy indicates greater ease.

[0271] In this measurement, as in Fig. 12, the developer T is up to a powder surface level of 70 mm (L2 in Fig. 47) in the cylindrical container 53 with a diameter φ of 50 mm (volume = 200 cc, L1 ( Fig.47) = 50 mm), which is the standard part of the device. The filling quantity is adjusted according to the density of the developer to be measured. The blade 54 of φ 48 mm, which is the standard part, is advanced into the powder layer, and the energy required to advance from a depth of 10 mm to a depth of 30 mm is displayed.

[0272] The set conditions at the time of measurement are as follows. The rotational speed of the blade 51 (tip end speed = peripheral speed of the outermost edge portion of the blade) is 60 mm per second. The blade feed speed in the vertical direction into the powder layer is such that an angle θ (helix angle) formed between a trajectory of the outermost edge portion of the blade 51 during feed and the surface of the powder layer is 10°. The feed speed into the powder layer in the vertical direction is 11 mm per second (blade feed speed into the powder layer in the vertical direction = blade rotational speed) × tan (helix angle × π / 180), and the measurement is carried out under the condition of a temperature of 24°C and a relative humidity of 55%.

[0273] The density of the developer, when the fluidity energy of the developer is measured, is close to that when the experiments to verify the relationship between the discharge amount of the developer and the size of the discharge opening are less variable and stable, and in particular, is set to 0.5 g / cm 3 to be.

[0274] The verification experiments were carried out for the developers (Table 2) with the fluid energy measurements in such a way. Fig. 48 is a graph showing relationships between the diameters of the discharge openings and the discharge amounts with respect to the respective developers.

[0275] From the verification results presented in Fig. 48, it was confirmed that the discharge amount through the discharge opening is not more than 2 g for each of the developers A - E if the diameter φ of the discharge opening is not more than 4 mm (12.6 mm 2in the orifice area (circle ratio = 3.14). When the diameter φ of the discharge opening exceeds 4 mm, the discharge amount increases rapidly.

[0276] The diameter φ of the discharge opening is preferably not more than 4 mm (12.6 mm 2 of the opening area) when the fluidity energy of the developer (0.5 g / cm 3 of the density) not less than 4.3 × 10 -4 kg m 2 / s 2 (J) and not more than 4.14 × 10 -3 kg m 2 / s 2 (J) is.

[0277] Regarding the density of the developer, the developer was sufficiently loosened and liquefied in the verification experiments and therefore the density is lower than that expected in the normal use condition (left condition), ie the measurements are carried out in the condition in which the developer is dispensed more easily than in the normal use condition.

[0278] The verification experiments were carried out with respect to developer A, with which the discharge quantity in the results of Fig. 48 is the largest, where the filling quantity in the container was varied in the range of 30 - 300 g, while the diameter Φ of the discharge opening was constant at 4 mm. The verification results are shown in part (b) of Fig. 49. From the results of Fig. 49, it was confirmed that the discharge amount through the discharge port hardly changes even if the filling amount of the developer changes.

[0279] From the foregoing, it was confirmed that by providing the diameter φ of the discharge opening to not more than 4 mm (12.6 mm 2in area) the developer is not sufficiently discharged through the discharge opening merely by gravity in the state where the discharge opening is directed downward (presumed feeding position in the developer receiving device 201 regardless of the type of developer or the density state).

[0280] On the other hand, the lower limit of the size of the discharge opening 1c is preferably such that the developer to be supplied from the developer supply container 1 (single-component magnetic toner, non-magnetic single-component toner, non-magnetic two-component toner, or two-component magnetic carrier) can at least pass therethrough. More specifically, the discharge opening is preferably larger than a particle size of the developer (volume-average particle size in the case of a toner, number-average particle size in the case of a carrier) contained in the developer supply container 1. For example, in the case where the supply developer comprises a non-magnetic two-component toner and a two-component magnetic carrier, it is desirable that the discharge opening be larger than a particle size, that is, the number-average particle size, of the two-component magnetic carrier.

[0281] In particular, in the case where the supply developer comprises a non-magnetic two-component toner having a volume-average particle size of 5.5 µm and a magnetic two-component carrier having a number-average particle size of 40 µm, the diameter of the discharge opening 1c is preferably not less than 0.05 mm (0.002 mm 2 in the opening area).

[0282] However, if the size of the discharge opening 1c is too close to the particle size of the developer, the energy required to discharge a desired amount from the developer supply container 1, that is, the energy required to actuate the pumping portion 1, is large. This may impose a limitation on the manufacturing of the developer supply container 1. When the discharge opening 1c is formed in a resin material part using an injection molding method, durability of a metal molded part forming the discharge opening portion must be high. From the foregoing, the diameter φ of the discharge opening 1c is preferably not less than 0.5 mm.

[0283] In this example, the configuration or design of the discharge opening 1c is circular, but this is not essential. A square, a rectangle, an ellipse, or a combination of lines and curves or the like can be used if the opening area does not exceed 12.6 mm. 2 is the opening area or opening surface corresponding to the diameter of 4 mm.

[0284] However, a circular discharge opening has a minimum circumferential edge length among configurations with the same opening area, and the edge is contaminated by the deposition of the developer. Therefore, the amount of developer scattered with the opening and closing operation of the shutter 5 is small, and contamination is reduced. Furthermore, with the circular discharge opening, resistance during discharge is also small, and discharge performance is high. Therefore, the configuration of the discharge opening 1c is preferably circular, which is excellent in balancing the discharge amount and contamination prevention.

[0285] From the foregoing, the size of the discharge opening 1c is preferably such that the developer is not sufficiently discharged only by gravity in the state that the discharge opening 1c is directed downward (presumed discharge setting into the developer receiving device 8). Specifically, a diameter φ of the discharge opening 1c is not less than 0.05 mm (0.002 mm 2 in the opening area or opening surface) and not more than 4 mm (12.6 mm 2 in the opening area). Furthermore, the diameter φ of the discharge opening 1c is not less than 0.5 mm (0.2 mm 2 in the opening area) and not more than 4 mm (12.6 mm 2 in the opening area). In this example, based on the previous determination, the discharge opening 1c is circular and the diameter Φ of the opening is 2 mm.

[0286] In this example, the number of discharge openings 1c is one, but this is not essential, and a plurality of discharge openings 1c may be provided, with a total opening area of ​​the opening areas satisfying the above-described range. For example, instead of one developer receiving port 8a having a diameter φ of 2 mm, two discharge openings 3a are employed, each having a diameter φ of 0.7 mm. However, in this case, the discharge amount of the developer per unit time tends to decrease, and therefore, a discharge opening 1c having a diameter φ of 2 mm is preferable. (Developer supply step)

[0287] Referring to Fig. 50 - 53, a developer supplying step by the pumping section will be described. Fig. 50 is a schematic perspective view in which the expansion and contraction section 5a of the pumping section 5 is contracted. Fig. 51 is a schematic perspective view in which the expansion and contraction section 5a of the pumping section 5 is expanded and expanded. Fig. 52 is a schematic sectional view in which the expansion and contraction section 5a of the pumping section 5 is contracted. Fig. 53 is a schematic sectional view in which the expansion and contraction section 5a of the pumping section 5 is expanded.

[0288] In this example, as will be described hereinafter, the drive conversion of the rotational force is performed by the drive conversion mechanism such that the suction step (suction operation through discharge port 3a) and the discharge step (discharge operation through discharge port 3a) are alternately repeated. The suction step and the discharge step will be described.

[0289] The description is made with respect to a developer dispensing principle using a pump.

[0290] The operating principle of the expansion and contraction section 5a of the pumping section 5 is as in the foregoing. In short, as in Fig. 45, the lower end of the expansion and contraction section 5a is connected to the container body 1a. The container body 1a is movable in the arrow p direction and in the arrow q direction ( Fig. 44) is prevented from moving through the positioning guide 8l of the developer supplying device 8 by the upper flange 1g at the lower end. Therefore, the vertical position of the lower end of the expansion and contraction portion 5a connected to the container body 1a is fixed relative to the developer receiving device 8.

[0291] On the other hand, the upper end of the expansion and contraction portion 5a is connected to the locking member 10 through the locking portion 18 and is reciprocated in the arrow p direction and the arrow q direction by the vertical movement of the locking member 10.

[0292] Since the lower end of the expansion and contraction section 5a of the pumping section 5 is fixed, the section above expands and contracts.

[0293] The description will be made with respect to the expansion and contraction operation (discharge operation and suction operation) of the expansion and contraction section 5a of the pump section 5 and the developer discharge. (Dispensing operation)

[0294] First, the discharge operation through the discharge opening 1c will be described.

[0295] With the downward movement of the locking member 10, the upper end of the expansion and contraction portion 5a shifts in the p-direction (contraction of the expansion and contraction portion), thereby causing a discharging operation. Specifically, with the discharging operation, the volume of the developer accommodating space 1b decreases. At this time, the interior of the container body 1a is sealed except for the discharge opening 1c, and therefore, until the developer is discharged, the discharge opening 1c is substantially clogged or closed by the developer, so that the volume in the developer accommodating space 1b decreases to increase the internal pressure of the developer accommodating space 1b. Therefore, the volume of the developer accommodating space 1b decreases, so that the internal pressure of the developer accommodating space 1b increases.

[0296] Then, the internal pressure of the developer accommodating space 1b becomes higher than the pressure in the shaft 8c (substantially equivalent to the ambient pressure). Therefore, as shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. 52, the developer T is forced out by the air pressure due to the pressure difference (differential pressure relative to the ambient pressure). Therefore, the developer T is discharged from the developer accommodating space 1b into the chute 8c. An arrow in Fig. 52 shows a direction of a force applied to the developer T in the developer accommodating space 1b.

[0297] Thereafter, the air in the developer accommodating space 1b is also discharged together with the developer, and therefore the internal pressure of the developer accommodating space 1b decreases. (suction operation)

[0298] The suction operation through the discharge opening 1c will be described.

[0299] With an upward movement of the locking member 10, the upper end of the expansion and contraction member 5a of the pumping section 5 shifts in the p-direction (the expansion and contraction section expands), causing the suction operation. Specifically, the volume of the developer accommodating space 1b increases with the suction operation. At this time, the inside of the container body 1a is sealed except for the discharge opening 1c, and the discharge opening 1c is clogged with the developer and is substantially closed. Therefore, with the increase in the volume of the developer accommodating space 1b, the internal pressure of the developer accommodating space 1b decreases.

[0300] The internal pressure of the developer accommodating space 1b at this time becomes lower than the internal pressure in the shaft 8c (substantially equivalent to the ambient pressure). Therefore, as shown in Fig.53, the air in the upper portion of the shaft 8c enters the developer accommodating space 1b through the discharge opening 1c by the pressure difference between the developer accommodating space 1b and the shaft 8c. An arrow in Fig. 53 shows a direction of a force applied to the developer T in the developer accommodating space 1b. Ovals Z in Fig. 53 show schematically the air taken from the shaft 8c.

[0301] At this time, air is drawn in from the outside of the developer receiving device 8 side, and therefore, the developer in the vicinity of the discharge opening 1c can be loosened. Specifically, the air impregnated into the developer powder present in the vicinity of the discharge opening 1c reduces the density of the developer powder and liquefies it.

[0302] In this way, by liquefying the developer T, the developer T does not condense or clog the discharge opening 3a, so that the developer can be evenly discharged through the discharge opening 3a in the discharge operation described below. Therefore, the amount of developer T (per unit time) discharged through the discharge opening 1c can be maintained at a substantially constant level for a long time. (Change in the internal pressure of the developer accommodation section)

[0303] Verification experiments were conducted regarding a change in the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1. The verification experiments will be described.

[0304] The developer is filled such that the developer accommodating space 1b in the developer supply container 1 is filled with the developer; and the change in the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 is measured when the pumping section 5 is expanded and contracted in the range of 15 cm 3 a volume change. The internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 is measured using a pressure gauge (AP-C40 available from KEYENCE AG) connected to the developer supply container 1.

[0305] Fig. 54 shows a pressure change when the pumping portion 5 is expanded and contracted in the state that the shutter 4 of the developer supply container 1 filled with the developer is open and therefore in the connectable state with the outside air.

[0306] In Fig.54, the abscissa represents time and the ordinate represents a relative pressure in the developer supply container 1 relative to the ambient pressure (reference (0)) (+ is a positive pressure side and - is a negative pressure side).

[0307] When the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 becomes negative relative to the external ambient pressure due to the increase in the volume of the developer supply container 1, air is drawn in through the discharge port 1c due to the pressure difference. When the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 becomes positive relative to the external ambient pressure due to the decrease in the volume of the developer supply container 1, pressure is exerted on the internal developer by the pressure difference. At this time, the internal pressure relaxes in accordance with the discharged developer and air.

[0308] Through the verification experiments, it was confirmed that by increasing the volume of the developer supply container 1, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 becomes negative relative to the external ambient pressure, and air is drawn in by the pressure difference. Furthermore, it was confirmed that by decreasing the volume of the developer supply container 1, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 becomes positive relative to the external ambient pressure, and pressure is applied to the internal developer to discharge the developer. In the verification experiments, the absolute value of the negative pressure is 1.3 kPa, and the absolute value of the positive pressure is 3.0 kPa.

[0309] As described above, with the structure of the developer supply container 1 of this example, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 switches between the negative pressure and the positive pressure alternately by the suction operation and the discharge operation of the pumping section 5, and the discharge of the developer is properly carried out.

[0310] As described above, in this example, a simple and easy pump capable of effecting the suction operation and the discharge operation of the developer supply container 1 is provided, by which the discharge of the developer by the air can be stably carried out while providing the developer loosening effect by the air.

[0311] In other words, with the structure of the example, even if the size of the discharge opening 1c is extremely small, a high discharge efficiency can be ensured without applying a large stress to the developer because the developer can be passed through the discharge opening 1c in the state where the density is small due to liquefaction.

[0312] Furthermore, in this example, the interior of the positive displacement pump section 5 is used as a developer accommodating space, and therefore, if the internal pressure is reduced by increasing the volume of the pump section 5, an additional developer accommodating space can be formed. Therefore, when the interior of the pump section 5 is filled with the developer, the density can be reduced (the developer can be liquefied) by impregnating the air into the developer powder. Therefore, the developer in the developer supply container 1 can be filled with a higher density than in the prior art.

[0313] In the foregoing, the internal space in the pumping section 5 is used as a developer accommodating space 1b, but alternatively, a filter that allows passage of air but prevents passage of toner may be provided to partition between the pumping section 5 and the developer accommodating space 1b. However, the embodiment described in the above form is preferable in that as the volume of the pump 5 increases, an additional developer accommodating space can be provided. (Developer loosening effect in the suction step)

[0314] Verification was conducted regarding the developer loosening effect by the suction operation through the discharge port 1c in the suction step. When the developer loosening effect by the suction operation through the discharge port 1c is significant, a small discharge pressure (small volume change of the pump) is sufficient in the subsequent discharge step to immediately start discharging the developer from the developer supply container 1. This verification is intended to demonstrate a remarkable improvement in the developer loosening effect in the structure of this example. This will be described in detail.

[0315] Part (a) of Fig. 55 and part (a) of Fig. 56 are block diagrams schematically showing a structure of the developer supply system used in the verification experiment. Part (b) of Fig. 55 and part (b) of Fig.56 are schematic views showing a phenomenon occurring in the developer supply container. The system of Fig. 55 is analogous to this example, and a developer supply container C is provided with a developer accommodating portion C1 and a pumping portion P. By the expanding and contracting operation of the pumping portion P, the suction operation and the discharging operation through a discharging opening (the discharging opening 1c of this example) (not shown) of the developer supply container C are alternately carried out to discharge the developer into a chute H. On the other hand, the system of Fig.56 shows a comparative example in which a pumping section P is provided in the developer receiving device side, and by an expanding and contracting operation of the pumping section P, an air supply operation into the developer accommodating section C1 and the suction operation from the developer accommodating section C1 are alternately carried out to discharge the developer into a hopper H. In Fig. 55 and Fig. 56, the developer accommodation sections C have the same internal volumes, the wells H have the same internal volumes, and the pumping sections P have the same internal volumes (volume change amounts).

[0316] First, 200 g of developer is filled into the developer supply container C.

[0317] Then, the developer supply container C is shaken for 15 minutes in consideration of the condition after transportation and thereafter it is connected to the tray H.

[0318] The pumping section P is operated and a peak value of the internal pressure in the suction operation is measured as a condition of the suction step required to start the developer discharging immediately in the discharging step. In the case of Fig. 55 corresponds to the starting position of the operation of the pumping section P 480 cm 3 of the volume of the developer accommodation section C, and in the case of Fig. 56 corresponds to the starting position of the operation of the pumping section P 480 cm 3 the volume of the shaft H.

[0319] In the experiments of building Fig. 56, the shaft H is pre-filled with 200 g of developer to ensure the conditions of air volume equal to those of the structure of Fig.55. The internal pressures of the developer accommodating section C1 and the tray H are measured by the pressure measuring instrument (AP-C40 available from KEYENCE AG) connected to the developer accommodating section C1.

[0320] As a result of the verification, according to the system analogous to this example, which is shown in Fig. 55, if the absolute value of the peak value (negative pressure) of the internal pressure at the time of the suction operation is at least 1.0 kPa, the developer discharge can be started immediately in the subsequent discharge step. In the comparative example system shown in Fig. 56, on the other hand, the developer discharging cannot be started immediately in the subsequent discharging step unless the absolute value of the peak value (gauge pressure) of the internal pressure at the time of the suction operation is at least 1.7 kPa.

[0321] It has been confirmed that, using the system of Fig.55, similar to the example, the suction is carried out with the volume increase of the pumping section P, and therefore the internal pressure of the developer supply container C can be lower (negative pressure side) than the ambient pressure (pressure outside the container), so that the developer solution effect is remarkably high. This is because, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 55, the volume increase of the developer accommodating portion C with the expansion of the pumping portion P provides a pressure reduction state (relative to the ambient pressure) of the upper portion air layer of the developer layer T. For this reason, the forces are applied in the directions to increase the volume of the developer layer T due to decompression (wavy arrows), and therefore the developer layer can be efficiently loosened. Furthermore, the air in the system of Fig.55 is absorbed from the outside into the developer supply container C1 by decompression (white arrow), and the developer layer T is also loosened when the air reaches the air layer R, making it a very good system. As evidence of the loosening of the developer in the developer supply container C in the experiments, it was confirmed that the apparent volume of the entire developer increases (the level of the developer rises) in the suction mode.

[0322] In the case of the system of the comparative example, which is Fig. 56, the internal pressure of the developer supply container C is raised to a positive pressure (higher than the ambient pressure) by the air supply operation of the developer supply container C, and therefore the developer is accumulated and the developer solution effect is not achieved. This is because, as shown in part (b) of Fig.56, the air is forcibly supplied from the outside of the developer supply container C, and therefore, the air layer R above the developer layer T becomes positive relative to the ambient pressure. For this reason, the forces are applied in the directions to reduce the volume of the developer layer T due to the pressure (wavy line arrows), and therefore, the developer layer T is compacted. In fact, a phenomenon was confirmed that the apparent volume of the total developer in the developer supply container C increases in the suction operation in this comparative example. Accordingly, in the system of Fig. 56 a vulnerability that the compaction of the developer layer T hinders or blocks a subsequent suitable developer dispensing step.

[0323] In order to prevent the compaction of the developer layer T by the pressure of the air layer R, it has been considered that an air vent with a filter or the like is provided at a position corresponding to the air layer R to thereby reduce the pressure increase. However, in such a case, the flow resistance of the filter or the like leads to a pressure increase of the air layer R. However, in such a case, the flow resistance of the filter or the like leads to a pressure increase of the air layer R. Even if the pressure increase is eliminated, the loosening effect by the pressure reduction state of the air layer R, which is described above, cannot be provided.

[0324] From the foregoing, the significance of the function of suction operation through a discharge port with the volume increase of the pumping section was confirmed by employing the system of this example.

[0325] As described above, by repeatedly alternating the suction operation and discharge operation of the pumping section 2, the developer can be discharged through the discharge opening 1c of the developer supply container 1. That is, in this example, the discharge operation and the suction operation are not parallel or simultaneous, but are alternately repeated, and therefore the energy required for discharging the developer can be minimized.

[0326] On the other hand, in the case where the developer receiving device has the air supply pump and the suction pump separately, it is necessary to control the operations of the two pumps, and furthermore, it is not easy to quickly switch the air supply and suction alternately.

[0327] In this example, a pump is effective to discharge the developer efficiently and therefore the structure of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified.

[0328] In the foregoing, the discharge operation and the suction operation of the pump are alternately repeated to efficiently discharge the developer, but in an alternative structure, the discharge operation or the suction operation is temporarily stopped and then resumed.

[0329] For example, the pump's discharge operation is not performed monotonously; rather, the compression operation can be stopped halfway and then resumed to discharge. The same applies to the suction operation. Each operation can be performed in a multi-stage form as long as the discharge volume and discharge speed are sufficient. It is still necessary to perform the suction operation after the multi-stage discharge operation, and these operations must be repeated.

[0330] In this example, the internal pressure of the developer accommodating space 1b is reduced to take air through the discharge port 1c to loosen the developer. On the other hand, in the conventional example described above, the developer is loosened by supplying air into the developer accommodating space 1b from the outside of the developer supply container 1, but at this time, the internal pressure of the developer accommodating space 1b is in a compressed state, resulting in the developer being accumulated. This example is preferable because the developer is loosened in the state of reduced pressure, in which the developer is not easily accumulated.

[0331] Furthermore, according to this example, the mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the developer accommodating portion 11 relative to the developer supply container 1 can be simplified by shifting the developer accommodating portion 11, similarly to Embodiments 1 and 2. Specifically, a drive source and / or a drive transmission mechanism for moving the entirety of the developing device upward is unnecessary, and therefore, complication of the structure of the image forming device side and / or increase in cost due to an increase in the number of parts can be avoided.

[0332] In a conventional structure, a large space is required to avoid interference with the developing device in the up and down movement, but according to this example, such a large space is unnecessary, so that the enlargement of the image forming device can be avoided.

[0333] The connection between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving device 8 can be properly established using the assembly operation of the developer supply container 1 with minimal developer contamination. Similarly, using the disassembly operation of the developer supply container 1, the spacing and resealing between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving device 8 can be performed with minimal developer contamination. [Embodiment 5]

[0334] Referring to Fig. 57, Fig. 58, a structure of Embodiment 5 will be described. Fig. 57 is a schematic perspective view of a developer supply container 1, and Fig.58 is a schematic sectional view of the developer supply container 1. In this example, the structure of the pump is different from that of Embodiment 4, and the other structures are substantially the same as those of Embodiment 4. In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 5 are assigned to the elements having the corresponding functions in this embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0335] In this example, as in Fig. 57, Fig.58, a piston pump is used instead of the bellows-type positive displacement pump as in Embodiment 4. Specifically, the piston pump of this example includes an inner cylinder portion 1h and an outer cylinder portion 6 extending outside the outer surface of the inner cylinder portion 1h and movable relative to the inner cylinder portion 1h. The upper surface of the outer cylinder portion 36 is provided with a locking portion 18 fixed by bonding similarly to Embodiment 4. Specifically, the locking portion 18 fixed to the upper surface of the outer cylinder portion 36 receives a locking member 10 of the developer receiving device 8, thereby substantially uniting them, and the outer cylinder portion 36 can move in the up-and-down direction (reciprocal motion) together with the locking member 10.

[0336] The inner cylinder portion 1h is connected to the container body 1a, and the interior thereof functions as a developer accommodating space 1b.

[0337] To prevent air leakage through a gap between the inner cylinder portion 1h and the outer cylinder portion 36 (to prevent developer leakage by maintaining the hermetic property), a sealing member (elastic seal 7) is bonded to the outer surface of the inner cylinder portion 1h. The elastic seal 37 is compressed between the inner cylinder portion 1h and the outer cylinder portion 35.

[0338] Therefore, by reciprocating the outer cylinder portion 36 in the arrow p direction and the arrow q direction relative to the container body 1a (inner cylinder portion 1h) immovably fixed to the developer receiving device 8, the volume in the developer accommodating space 1b can be changed (increased and decreased). That is, the internal pressure of the developer accommodating space 1b can be repeated alternately between the negative pressure state and the positive pressure state.

[0339] Therefore, in this example, one pump is sufficient to perform both the suction and discharge operations, and therefore, the structure of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Furthermore, the suction operation through the discharge opening can provide a decompressed state (negative pressure state) in the developer accommodating supply container, and therefore, the developer can be efficiently released.

[0340] In this example, the configuration of the outer cylinder portion 36 is cylindrical, but it may be another shape, such as a rectangular cross-section. In such a case, it is desirable that the configuration of the inner cylinder portion 1h match the configuration of the outer cylinder portion 36. The pump is not limited to the submersible pump or plunger pump, but may be a piston pump.

[0341] When the pump of this example is used, the sealing structure is required to prevent developer leakage through the gap between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, resulting in a complicated structure and a need for a large driving force to drive the pumping portion, and therefore Embodiment 4 is preferred.

[0342] Furthermore, in this example, the developer supply container 1 is provided with an engaging portion similar to Embodiment 4, and therefore, similar to the previously described embodiments, the mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the developer accommodating portion 11 relative to the developer supply container 1 can be simplified by shifting the developer accommodating portion 11 of the developer accommodating device 8. Specifically, a drive source and / or a drive transmission mechanism for moving the entirety of the developing device upward is unnecessary, and therefore, complication of the structure of the image forming device side and / or cost increase due to an increase in the number of parts can be avoided.

[0343] The connection between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving device 8 can be properly established using the assembly operation of the developer supply container 1 with minimal developer contamination. Similarly, using the disassembly operation of the developer supply container 1, the spacing and resealing between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving device 8 can be performed with minimal developer contamination. [Embodiment 6]

[0344] Referring to Fig. 59, Fig. 60, a structure of Embodiment 6 will be described. Fig. Fig. 59 is a perspective view of an external appearance in which a pumping portion 38 of a developer supply container 1 according to this embodiment is in an expanded state, and Fig.60 is a perspective view of an external appearance in which the pump portion 38 of the developer supply container 1 is in a contracted state. In this example, the structure of the pump is different from that of Embodiment 4, and the other structures are substantially the same as in Embodiment 4. In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 4 are assigned to the elements having the corresponding functions in this embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0345] In this example, as in Fig. 59, Fig.60, instead of the bellows-type pump with folded portions of Embodiment 4, a film-type pumping portion 38 capable of expansion and contraction without a folded portion is used. The film-type portion of the pumping portion 38 is made of rubber. The material of the film-type portion of the pumping portion 12 may be a flexible material such as a resin film, rather than rubber.

[0346] The film-like pumping portion 38 is connected to the container body 1a, and the interior thereof functions as a developer accommodating space 1b. The upper portion of the film-like pumping portion 38 is provided with a locking portion 18 fixed thereto by bonding, similar to the previous embodiments. Therefore, the pumping portion 38 can alternately repeat the expansion and contraction by the vertical movement of the locking member 10 ( Fig. 38).

[0347] In this way, in this example, one pump is sufficient to perform both the suction and discharge operations, and therefore, the structure of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Furthermore, by performing a suction operation through the discharge opening, a pressure reduction (negative pressure) state can be provided in the developer supply container, and therefore, the developer can be efficiently released.

[0348] In the case of this example, which as in Fig. 61, it is desirable that a plate-like member 39 having higher rigidity than the film-like portion is fixed to the upper surface of the film-like portion of the pumping portion 38, and the locking member 18 is provided on the plate-like member 39. With such a structure, it can be suppressed that the amount of volume change of the pumping portion 38 decreases due to deformation of only the vicinity of the locking portion 18 of the pumping portion 38. That is, the followability of the pumping portion 38 to the vertical movement of the locking member 10 can be improved, and therefore, the expansion and contraction of the pumping portion 38 can be efficiently effected. Therefore, the discharging property of the developer can be improved.

[0349] Furthermore, in this example, the developer supply container 1 is provided with the engaging portion similar to Embodiment 1, and therefore, the mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the developer accommodating portion 11 relative to the developer supply container 1 by shifting the developer accommodating portion 11 of the developer accommodating device 8 can be simplified similarly to the previous embodiments. Specifically, a drive source and / or a drive transmission mechanism for moving the entire developing device upward is unnecessary, and therefore, complication of the structure of the image forming device side and / or cost increase due to an increase in the number of parts can be avoided.

[0350] The connection between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving device 8 can be properly established using the assembly operation of the developer supply container 1 with minimal developer contamination. Similarly, using the disassembly operation of the developer supply container 1, the spacing and resealing between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving device 8 can be performed with minimal developer contamination. [Embodiment 7]

[0351] Referring to Fig. 62 - 64, a structure of Embodiment 7 will be described. Fig. 62 is a perspective view of an external appearance of a developer supply container 1, Fig. 63 is a perspective sectional view of the developer supply container 1, and Fig.64 is a partial sectional view of the developer supply container 1. In this example, the structure is different from that of Fig. 4 differs only in the structure of a developer accommodation space, and the other structure is substantially the same. In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 4 are assigned to the elements or components having the corresponding functions in this embodiment, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0352] As in Fig. 62, Fig.63, the developer supply container 1 of this example has two components, namely, a portion X including a container body 1a and a pumping portion 5, and a portion Y including a cylindrical portion 24. The structure of the portion X of the developer supply container 1 is substantially the same as that of Embodiment 4, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. (Structure of the developer supply container)

[0353] In the developer supply container 1 of this example, unlike Embodiment 4, the cylindrical portion 24 is connected to one side of the portion X (a discharge portion in which a discharge opening 1c is formed) by a connecting portion 14c, as shown in Fig. 63 is shown.

[0354] The cylindrical portion (developer accommodating rotary portion) 24 has a closed end at one longitudinal end thereof and an open end at the other end connected to an opening of the portion X, and the space therebetween is a developer accommodating space 1b. In this example, an interior of the container body 1a, an interior of the pumping portion 5, and the interior of the cylindrical portion 24 are all a developer accommodating space 1b, and therefore, a large amount of developer can be accommodated. In this example, the cylindrical portion 24 as the developer accommodating rotary portion has a circular cross-sectional configuration, however, the circular shape is not limiting to the present invention. For example, the cross-sectional configuration of the developer accommodating rotary portion may be of a non-circular shape, such as a rectangular shape.a polygonal configuration, as long as the rotational movement is not hindered during the developer conveying activity.

[0355] An interior of the cylindrical portion (developer conveying chamber) 24 is provided with a spiral conveying projection (conveying portion) 24a having a function of conveying the internal developer accommodated therein to the portion X (discharge opening 1c) when the cylindrical portion 24 rotates in a direction shown by an arrow R.

[0356] Furthermore, the interior of the cylindrical portion 24 is provided with a receiving and conveying member (conveying portion) 16 for receiving the developer conveyed by the conveying projection 24a and feeding it to the X-section side by rotating the cylindrical portion 24 in the direction of an arrow R (the rotation axis extends substantially in the horizontal direction), with the moving member standing upright from the inside of the cylindrical portion 24. The receiving and conveying member 16 is provided with a plate-like portion 16a for receiving the developer and inclined portions 16b for conveying (guiding) the developer received by the plate-like portion 16a to the X-section, the inclined projections 16b being provided on respective sides of the plate-like portion 16a.The plate-like portion 16a is provided with a through-hole 16c for allowing the developer to pass through in both directions to improve the mixing or stirring property of the developer.

[0357] In addition, a gear portion 24b as a drive input mechanism is fixed by bonding to an outer surface at the other longitudinal end (with respect to the conveying direction of the developer) of the cylindrical portion 24. When the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer receiving device 8, the gear portion 24b engages with the drive gear (drive portion) 9, which functions as a drive mechanism provided in the developer receiving device 8. When the rotational force is input to the gear portion 24b as the drive force receiving portion from the drive gear 9, the cylindrical portion 24 rotates in the direction of an arrow R ( Fig.63). The gear portion 24b is not limiting to the present invention, but any other drive input mechanism, such as a belt or a friction wheel, may be used as long as it can rotate the cylindrical portion 24.

[0358] As in Fig. 64, one longitudinal end of the cylindrical portion 24 (downstream end with respect to the developer conveying direction) is provided with a connecting portion 24c as a connecting tube for connecting to portion X. The above-described inclined projection 16b extends to a vicinity of the connecting portion 24c. Therefore, the developer conveyed by the inclined projection 16b is prevented as much as possible from falling down to the bottom side of the cylindrical portion 24 again, so that the developer is properly supplied to the connecting portion 24c.

[0359] The cylindrical portion 24 rotates as described above, but on the other hand, the container body 1a and the pumping portion 5 are connected to the cylindrical portion 24 through a flange portion 1g, so that the container body 1a and the pumping portion 5 are non-rotatable relative to the developer receiving device 8 (non-rotatable in the rotational axis direction of the portion 24 and immovable in the rotational movement direction), similarly to Embodiment 4. Therefore, the cylindrical portion 24 is rotatable relative to the container body 1a.

[0360] A ring-like elastic seal 25 is provided between the cylindrical portion 24 and the container body 1a and is compressed by a predetermined amount between the cylindrical portion 24 and the container body 1a. This prevents developer leakage during rotation of the cylindrical portion 24. Furthermore, the hermetic property can be maintained in the structure, and therefore, the loosening and discharging effect by the pumping portion 5 is applied to the developer without any loss. The developer supply container 1 has no opening for substantial fluid communication between the inside and the outside except for the discharge opening 1c. (Developer supply step)

[0361] A developer supply step will be described.

[0362] When the operator sets the developer supply container 1 into the developer receiving device 8, similarly to Embodiment 4, the locking portion 18 of the developer supply container 1 is locked with the locking member 10 of the developer receiving device 8, and the gear portion 24b of the developer supply container 1 is engaged with the drive gear 9 of the developer receiving device 8.

[0363] Thereafter, the drive gear 9 is rotated by another drive motor (not shown), and the locking member 10 is driven in the vertical direction by the above-described drive motor 500. Then, the cylindrical portion 24 rotates in the direction of arrow R, whereby the developer therein is conveyed to the receiving and conveying member 16 through the conveying projection 24a. Furthermore, the receiving and conveying member 16 conveys the developer by the rotation of the cylindrical portion 24 in the direction R and conveys it to the connecting portion 24c. The developer conveyed into the container body 1a from the connecting portion 24c is discharged from the discharge opening 1c by the expansion and contraction operation of the pumping portion 5, similarly to Embodiment 4.

[0364] There are a series of developer supply container mounting steps and developer supply steps. In this case, the developer supply container 1 is replaced, where the operator removes the developer supply container 1 from the developer receiving device 8 and inserts and mounts or fixes a new developer supply container 1.

[0365] In the case of a vertical container having a developer accommodating space 1b that is long in the vertical direction, as in Embodiment 4 - Embodiment 6, if the volume of the developer supply container 1 is increased to increase the filling amount, the developer tends to concentrate in the vicinity of the discharge opening 1c due to the weight of the developer. Consequently, the developer adjacent to the discharge opening 1c tends to be compressed, resulting in difficulty in suction and discharge through the discharge opening 1c. In such a case, in order to loosen the developer compressed by suction through the discharge opening 1c or to discharge the developer by discharge, the internal pressure (negative pressure / positive pressure) of the developer accommodating space 1b must be increased by increasing the amount of change in the volume of the pumping section 5.Then, the driving forces or a drive of the pumping section 5 must be increased, and the load on the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100 may become excessive.

[0366] However, according to this embodiment, a container body 1a and the portion X of the pumping portion 5 and the portion Y of the cylindrical portion 24 are arranged in the horizontal direction and therefore, the thickness of the developer layer across the discharge opening 1c in the container body 1a can be thinner than in the structure of Fig. 44. As a result, the developer is not easily compacted by gravity, and therefore the developer can be stably discharged without a load on the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0367] As described, with the structure of this example, the provision of the cylindrical portion 24 is effective to achieve a large-capacity developer supply container 1 without a load on the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

[0368] In this way, in this example, one pump is enough to effect both the running operation and the discharging operation, and therefore the structure of the developer discharging mechanism can be simplified.

[0369] The developer conveying mechanism in the cylindrical portion 24 is not limited to the present invention, and the developer supply container 1 may be vibrated or pivoted, or may be another mechanism. In particular, the structure of Fig. 65 usable.

[0370] As in Fig.65, the cylindrical portion 24 per se is not substantially movable relative to the developer receiving device 8 (with slight play), and a conveying member 17 is provided in the cylindrical portion instead of the conveying projection 24a, the conveying member 17 being effective to convey the developer by rotation relative to the cylindrical portion 24.

[0371] The conveying member 17 includes a shaft portion 17a and flexible conveying blades 17b fixed to the shaft portion 17a. The conveying blade 17b is provided with a free end portion having an inclined portion S that is inclined relative to an axial direction of the shaft portion 17a. Therefore, it can convey the developer to the portion X while stirring or mixing the developer in the cylindrical portion 24.

[0372] A longitudinal end surface of the cylindrical portion 24 is provided with a coupling portion 24e as the rotational driving force receiving portion, and the coupling portion 24e is operatively connected to a coupling member (not shown) of the developer receiving device 8, thereby enabling the rotational force to be transmitted. The coupling portion 24e is coaxially connected to the shaft portion 17a of the conveying member 17 to transmit the rotational force to the shaft portion 17a.

[0373] By the rotational force transmitted from the coupling member (not shown) of the developer receiving device 8, the conveying blade 17b fixed to the shaft portion 17a is rotated so that the developer in the cylindrical portion 24 is conveyed to the portion X while being stirred or mixed.

[0374] However, the modified example shown in Fig.65, the tension applied to the developer in the developer conveying step tends to be large, and the driving torque is also large, and for this reason, the structure of the embodiment is desirable.

[0375] Therefore, in this example, one pump is sufficient to perform both the suction and discharge operations, and therefore, the structure of the developer discharge mechanism can be simplified. Furthermore, the suction operation through the discharge opening can create a pressure reduction (negative pressure) state in the developer supply container, and therefore, the developer can be efficiently released.

[0376] Furthermore, in this example, the developer supply container 1 is provided with the engaging portion similar to Embodiment 4, and therefore, similar to the previously described embodiments, the mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the developer accommodating portion 11 relative to the developer supply container 1 can be simplified by shifting the developer accommodating portion 11 of the developer accommodating device 8. Specifically, a drive source and / or a drive transmission mechanism for moving the entirety of the developing device upward is unnecessary, and therefore, complication of the structure of the image forming device side and / or cost increase due to an increase in the number of parts can be avoided.

[0377] The connection between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving device 8 can be properly established using the assembly operation of the developer supply container 1 with minimal developer contamination. Similarly, using the disassembly operation of the developer supply container 1, the spacing and resealing between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving device 8 can be performed with minimal developer contamination. [Embodiment 8]

[0378] Referring to Fig. 66 - 68, the description will be made regarding structures of Embodiment 8. Part (a) of Fig. 66 is a front view of a developer receiving device 8 when viewed in a mounting direction of a developer supply container 1, and (b) is a perspective view of an inside of the developer receiving device 8. Part (a) of Fig.67 is a perspective view of the entire developer supply container 1, (b) is a partial enlarged view of a vicinity of a discharge opening 21a of the developer supply container 1, and (c) - (d) are a front view and a sectional view illustrating a state in which the developer supply container 1 is mounted on a mounting portion 8f. Part (a) of Fig. 68 is a perspective view of the developer accommodating portion 20, (b) is a partially sectional view showing an interior of the developer supply container 1, (c) is a sectional view of a flange portion 21, and (d) is a sectional view showing the developer supply container 1.

[0379] In the preceding embodiment 4 - 7, the pump is expanded and contracted by vertically moving the locking member 10 ( Fig.38) of the developer receiving device 8. In this example, the developer supply container 1 receives only a rotational force from the developer receiving device 8, similarly to Embodiment 1 - Embodiment 3. In other respects, the structure is similar to the preceding embodiments, and therefore, the same reference numerals as in the preceding embodiments are assigned to the elements having the corresponding functions in this embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted for simplicity.

[0380] Specifically, in this example, the rotational force input from the developer receiving device 8 is converted to the force in the direction of reciprocal movement of the pump, and the converted force is transmitted to the pumping section 5.

[0381] The structure of the developer receiving device 8 and the developer supply container 1 will be described in detail below. (Developer receiving device)

[0382] Referring to Fig. 66, the developer receiving device 8 will be described.

[0383] The developer receiving device 8 is provided with a mounting portion (mounting space) 8f to which the developer supply container 1 is detachably mounted. As shown in part (b) of Fig. 66, the developer supply container 1 is mountable in a direction indicated by an arrow A at the mounting portion 8f. Therefore, a longitudinal direction (rotational axis direction) of the developer supply container 1 is substantially the same as the direction of an arrow A. The direction of the arrow A is substantially parallel to a direction indicated by X of a part (b) of Fig.68, which will be described hereinafter. Furthermore, a dismounting direction of the developer supply container 1 from the mounting portion 8f is opposite (the direction of arrow B) to the direction of arrow A.

[0384] As described in part (a) of Fig. 66, the mounting portion 8f of the developer receiving device 8 is provided with a rotation regulating portion (holding mechanism) 29 for limiting a movement of the flange portion 21 in the rotational movement direction by abutting a flange portion 21 ( Fig. 67) of the developer supply container 1 when the developer supply container 1 is mounted. Furthermore, as described in part (b) of Fig.66, the mounting portion 8f is provided with a regulating portion (holding mechanism) 30 for regulating the movement of the flange portion 21 in the rotational axis direction by locking it with the flange portion 21 of the developer supply container 1 when the developer supply container 1 is mounted. The rotational axis direction regulating portion 30 elastically deforms upon engagement with the flange portion 21, and thereafter elastically returns upon disengagement from the flange portion 21 (part (b) of Fig. 67) to lock the flange portion 21 (resin material snap lock mechanism).

[0385] The mounting portion 8f of the developer receiving device 8 is provided with a developer receiving portion 11 for receiving the developer discharged through the discharge opening (opening) 21a (part (b) of Fig.68) of the developer supply container 1, which will be described hereinafter. Similar to the above-described Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, the developer receiving portion 11 is movable (slidable) in the vertical direction relative to the developer receiving device 8. An upper end surface of the developer receiving portion 11 is provided with a main assembly seal 13 having a developer receiving port 11a in its central portion. The main assembly seal 13 is made of an elastic member, a foam member, or a foamed member, or the like, and is in close contact with an opening seal 3a5 (part (b) of Fig.7) with a discharge opening 3a4 of the developer supply container 1, whereby the developer discharged through the discharge opening 3a4 is prevented from leaking from a developer conveying path including a developer receiving port 11a. Or it is in close contact with a shutter 4 (part (a) of Fig. 25) with a shutter opening 4f to prevent leakage of the developer through the discharge opening 21a, the shutter opening 4f and the developer receiving port 11a.

[0386] In order to prevent the contamination in the mounting portion 8f by the developer as much as possible, a diameter of the developer receiving port 11a is desirably substantially the same as or slightly larger than a diameter of the discharge opening 21a of the developer supply container 1. This is because if the diameter of the developer receiving port 11a is smaller than the diameter of the discharge opening 21a, the developer discharged from the developer supply container 1 is deposited on an upper surface of the developer receiving port 11a, and the deposited developer is transferred to the lower surface of the developer supply container 1 during the disassembly operation of the developer supply container 1, with the result of contamination with the developer.In addition, the developer transferred to the developer supply container 1 may be scattered on the mounting portion 8f, resulting in contamination of the mounting portion 8f with the developer. In contrast, if the diameter of the developer receiving port 11a is significantly larger than the diameter of the discharge opening 21a, an area in which the developer scattered from the developer receiving port 11a is deposited in the vicinity of the discharge opening 21a is large. That is, the contaminated area of ​​the developer supply container 1 by the developer is large, which is undesirable. Under the circumstances, the difference between the diameter of the developer receiving port 11a and the diameter of the discharge opening 21a is preferably substantially 0 to about 2 mm.

[0387] In this example, the diameter of the discharge opening 21a of the developer supply container 1 is approximately Φ 2 mm (pinhole) and therefore the diameter of the developer receiving port 11a is approximately φ 3 mm.

[0388] Furthermore, the developer receiving section 11 is supported by an urging member 12 ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) is urged downward. When the developer receiving section 11 moves upward, it must move against an urging force of the urging member 12.

[0389] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a sub-chute 8c for temporarily storing the developer is provided below the developer receiving device 8. Provided in the sub-chute 8c are a conveying screw 14 for conveying the developer into the developer chute portion 201a, which is a part of the developing device 201, and an opening 8d in fluid communication with the developer chute portion 201a.

[0390] The developer receiving port 11a is closed to prevent foreign matter and / or dust from entering the sub-hopper 8c in a state where the developer supply container 1 is not mounted. Specifically, the developer receiving port 11a is closed by a main assembly shutter 15 in the state where the developer receiving portion 11 is removed to the upper side. The developer receiving portion 11 moves upward (arrow E) from the position away from the developer supply container 1 toward the developer supply container 1. Thereby, the developer receiving port 11a and the main assembly shutter 15 are spaced apart from each other such that the developer receiving port 11a is open.With this open state, the developer discharged from the developer supply container 1 through the discharge opening 21a or the shutter and received by the developer receiving port 11a becomes movable toward the sub-chute 8c.

[0391] A side surface of the developer receiving portion 11 is provided with an engaging portion 11b ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 4). The engagement section 11b is directly connected to an engagement section 3b2, 3b4 ( Fig. 8 or Fig. 20) provided on the developer supply container 1, which will be described hereinafter, and is guided thereby, so that the developer receiving portion 11 is lifted toward the developer supply container 1.

[0392] The mounting portion 8f of the developer receiving device 8 is provided with an insertion guide 8e for guiding the developer supply container 1 in the mounting and dismounting direction and is guided by the insertion guide 8e ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) The mounting direction of the developer supply container 1 is made along the arrow A. The dismounting direction of the developer supply container 1 is the opposite direction (arrow B) to the direction of the arrow A.

[0393] As described in part (a) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 66, the developer receiving device 8 is provided with a drive gear 9 that functions as a drive mechanism for driving the developer supply container 1. The drive gear 9 receives a rotational force from a drive motor 500 through a drive gear train and functions to apply a rotational force to the developer supply container 1 set in the mounting portion 8f.

[0394] As in Fig. 66, the drive motor 500 is controlled by a control device (CPU) 600.

[0395] In this example, the drive gear 9 is unidirectionally rotatable to simplify the control of the drive motor 500. The control device 600 only controls the ON (operation) and OFF (non-operation) of the drive motor 500. This simplifies the drive mechanism for the developer replenishing device 8 compared to a structure in which forward and reverse drive forces are provided by periodically rotating the drive motor 500 (drive gear 9) in the forward and reverse directions. (Developer supply container)

[0396] Referring to Fig. 67 and Fig. 68, the structure of the developer supply container 1, which is a constituent element of the developer supply system, will be described.

[0397] As described in part (a) of Fig.As shown in Fig. 67, the developer supply container 1 includes a developer accommodating portion 20 (container body) having a hollow cylindrical interior for accommodating the developer. In this example, a cylindrical portion 20k and the pumping portion 20b function as the developer accommodating portion 20. Further, the developer supply container 1 is provided with a flange portion 21 (non-rotatable portion) at one end of the developer accommodating portion 20 with respect to the longitudinal direction (developer conveying direction). The developer accommodating portion 20 is rotatable relative to the flange portion 21.

[0398] In this example, as in part (d) of Fig.As shown in Fig. 68, a total length L1 of the cylindrical portion 20k functioning as the developer accommodating portion is approximately 300 mm, and an outer diameter R1 is approximately 70 mm. A total length L2 of the pumping portion 20b (in the state of being most expanded in the expandable range during operation) is approximately 50 mm, and a length L3 of a portion where a gear portion 20a of the flange portion 21 is provided is approximately 20 mm. A length L4 of a portion of a discharging portion 21h functioning as a developer discharging portion is approximately 25 mm. A maximum outer diameter R2 (in the state of being maximally expanded in the expandable range during operation in the diameter direction) of the pumping portion 20b is approximately 65 mm, and a total volume capacity accommodating the developer in the developer supply container 1 is 1250 cm 3. In this example, the developer may be accommodated in the cylindrical portion 20k and the pumping portion 20b, and additionally in the discharging portion 21h, that is, they function as a developer accommodating portion.

[0399] As in Fig. 67 and Fig.68, in this example, in the state that the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer receiving device 8, the cylindrical portion 20k and the discharge portion 21h are substantially on a line along a horizontal direction. That is, the cylindrical portion 20k has a sufficiently long length in the horizontal direction compared to the length in the vertical direction, and one end part with respect to the horizontal direction is connected to the discharge portion 21h. To this end, the suction and discharge operations can be smoothly performed compared with the case where the cylindrical portion 20k is above the discharge portion 21h in the state that the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer receiving device 8. This is because the amount of toner existing above the discharge opening 21a is small, and therefore the developer in the vicinity of the discharge opening 21a is less compressed.

[0400] As described in part (b) of Fig. 67, the flange portion 21 is provided with a hollow discharge portion (developer discharge chamber) 21h for temporarily storing the developer discharged from the inside of the developer accommodating portion (interior of the developer accommodating chamber) 20 (see parts (b) and (c) of Fig. 33, if necessary). A bottom portion of the discharge portion 21h is provided with the small discharge opening 21a for allowing discharge of the developer to the outside of the developer supply container 1, that is, for supplying the developer into the developer receiving device 8. The size of the discharge opening 21a is as described hereinbefore.

[0401] An inner shape of the bottom portion of the interior of the discharging portion 21h (interior of the developer discharging chamber) is like a chute converging to the discharging opening 21a to reduce the amount of the developer remaining therein as much as possible (parts (b) and (c) of Fig. 68, if necessary).

[0402] In addition, as in Fig. 67, the flange portion 21 is provided with engaging portions 3b2, 3b4 engageable with the developer receiving portion 11 slidably provided in the developer receiving device 8, similarly to the above-described Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. The structures of the engaging portions 3b2, 3b4 are similar to those of the above-described Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, and therefore, the description will be omitted.

[0403] Further, the flange portion 21 is provided therein with the shutter 4 for opening and closing a discharge opening 21a, similar to the above-described Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. The structure of the shutter 4 and the movement of the developer supply container 1 in the mounting and dismounting operation are similar to the above-described Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0404] The flange portion 21 is constructed such that when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the mounting portion 8f of the developer receiving device 8, it is substantially stationary.

[0405] More specifically, as described in part (c) of Fig.67, the flange portion 21 is regulated (prevented) from rotating in the rotational direction around the rotational axis of the developer accommodating portion 20 by a rotational movement direction regulating portion 29 provided in the mounting portion 8f. In other words, the flange portion 21 is held so as to be substantially non-rotatable by the developer receiving device 8 (although rotation is possible within the clearance).

[0406] Furthermore, the flange portion 21 is locked by the rotation axis direction regulating portion 30 provided in the mounting portion 8f during the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1. More specifically, the flange portion 21 contacts the rotation axis direction regulating portion 30 during the mounting operation of the developer supply container 1 to elastically deform the rotation axis direction regulating portion 30. Thereafter, the flange portion 21 abuts against an inner wall portion 28a (part (d) of Fig. 67), which is a stopper provided in the mounting portion 8f, thereby completing the assembling step of the developer supply container 1. At this time, substantially simultaneously with completion of the assembly, the engagement by the flange portion 21 is released, so that the elastic deformation of the regulating portion 30 is released.

[0407] As a result, as described in part (d) of Fig.As shown in Fig. 67, the rotation axis direction regulating portion 30 is locked with the edge portion (functioning as a locking portion) of the flange portion 21 such that the movement in the rotation axis direction (rotation axis direction of the developer accommodating portion 20) is substantially prevented (regulated). At this time, a slight negligible movement is possible within the clearance.

[0408] As described above, in this example, the flange portion 21 is held by the rotational axis direction regulating portion 30 of the developer receiving device 8 so as not to move in the rotational axis direction of the developer accommodating portion 20. Further, the flange portion 21 is held by the rotational movement direction regulating portion 29 of the developer receiving device 8 so as not to rotate in the rotational movement direction of the developer accommodating portion 20.

[0409] When the operator removes the developer supply container 1 from the mounting portion 8f, the rotation axis direction regulating portion 30 is elastically deformed by the flange portion 21 to be detached from the flange portion 21. The rotation axis direction of the developer accommodating portion 20 is substantially coaxial with the rotation axis direction of the gear portion 20a ( Fig. 68).

[0410] Therefore, in the state where the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer receiving device 8, the discharge portion 21h provided in the flange portion 21 is substantially prevented from moving the developer accommodating portion 20 in the axial direction and in the rotational movement direction (movement within the clearance is allowed).

[0411] On the other hand, the developer accommodating portion 20 is not restricted in the rotational movement direction by the developer receiving device 8 and is therefore rotatable in the developer supplying step. However, the movement of the developer accommodating portion 20 in the rotational axis direction is substantially restricted by the flange portion 21 (the movement within the clearance is allowed). (pumping section)

[0412] Referring to Fig. 68 and Fig. 69, the description is made regarding the pumping section (reciprocating pump) 20b, in which the volume of the latter changes with a reciprocating movement. Part (a) of Fig. Fig. 69 is a sectional view of the developer supply container 1 in which the pumping portion 20b is extended to the maximum extent in an operation of the developer supplying step, and part (b) of Fig.69 is a sectional view of the developer supply container 1 in which the pumping portion 20b is compressed to the maximum extent in an operation of the developer supplying step.

[0413] The pump portion 20b of this example functions as a suction and discharge mechanism for repeating the suction operation and the discharge operation alternately through the discharge port 21a.

[0414] As described in part (b) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 68, the pumping portion 20b is provided between the discharge portion 21h and the cylindrical portion 20k and is fixedly connected to the cylindrical portion 20k. Therefore, the pumping portion 20b is rotatable integrally with the cylindrical portion 20k.

[0415] In the pumping section 20b of this example, the developer can be accommodated therein. The developer accommodation space in the pumping section 20b has a significant function of liquefying the developer in the suction operation, as will be described hereinafter.

[0416] In this example, the pumping section 20b is a positive displacement pump (bellows-type pump) made of resin material, in which the volume thereof changes with the reciprocating motion. More specifically, as shown in (a) - (b) of Fig. As shown in Figure 68, the bellows-type pump has periodic and alternating crests and valleys. The pumping section 20b repeats compression and expansion alternately by the driving force received from the developer receiving device 8. In this example, the volume change of the pumping section 20b due to the expansion and contraction is 15 cm 3 (cc).

[0417] As described in part (d) of Fig.68, a total length L2 (most expanded state within the expansion and contraction range in operation) of the pumping portion 20b is approximately 50 mm, and a maximum outer diameter (largest state within the expansion and contraction range in operation) R2 of the pumping portion 20b is approximately 65 mm.

[0418] With the use of such a pumping section 20b, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 (developer accommodating section 20 and discharging section 21h) is increased above the ambient pressure and the internal pressure is decreased below the ambient pressure alternately and repeatedly at a predetermined cyclic period (approximately 0.9 seconds in this example). The ambient pressure is the pressure of the ambient condition in which the developer supply container 1 is placed. As a result, the developer in the discharging section 21h can be efficiently discharged through the small-diameter discharge opening 21a (approximately 2 mm in diameter).

[0419] As described in part (b) of Fig.68, the pump portion 20b is connected to the discharge portion 21h rotatably relative thereto in the state where one side end of the discharge portion 21h is pressed or compressed against a ring-like sealing member 27 provided on an inner surface of the flange portion 21.

[0420] As a result, the pumping portion 20b rotates slidingly on the sealing member 27, and therefore, the developer does not leak from the pumping portion 20b, and a hermetic property is maintained during rotation. Therefore, air inflow and outflow through the discharge port 21a are appropriately performed, and the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 (the pumping portion 20b, the developer accommodating portion 20, and the discharge portion 21h) is appropriately changed during a supply operation. (drive transmission mechanism)

[0421] The description will be made with respect to a drive receiving mechanism (drive input portion, driving force receiving portion) of the developer supply container 1 for receiving the rotating force for rotating the conveying portion 20c from the developer receiving device 8.

[0422] As described in part (a) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 68, the developer supply container 1 is provided with a gear portion 20a functioning as a drive receiving mechanism (drive input portion, driving force receiving portion) that is engageable (drivingly connected) with a drive gear 9 (functioning as a drive portion, drive mechanism) of the developer receiving device 8. The gear portion 20a is fixed to one longitudinal end portion of the pump portion 20b. Therefore, the gear portion 20a, the pump portion 20b, and the cylindrical portion 20k are integrally rotatable.

[0423] Therefore, the rotational force input to the gear portion 20a from the drive gear 9 is transmitted to the cylindrical portion 20k (feed portion 20c) and the pump portion 20b.

[0424] In other words, in this example, the pump portion 20b functions as a drive transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotational force input to the gear portion 20a to the conveyance portion 20c of the developer accommodating portion 20.

[0425] For this purpose, the bellows-like pumping portion 20b of this example is made of a resin material having a high property against torsion or twisting around the axis within a limit of not adversely affecting the expansion and contraction operation.

[0426] In this example, the gear portion 20a is provided at the longitudinal end (developer conveyance direction) of the developer accommodating portion 20, that is, at the side end of the discharging portion 21h. However, this is not essential, and, for example, it may be provided in the other longitudinal end portion of the developer accommodating portion 20, that is, an outermost rear portion. In such a case, the drive gear 9 is provided at a corresponding position.

[0427] In this example, a gear mechanism is used as the drive connection mechanism between the drive input portion of the developer supply container 1 and the driver of the developer receiving device 8, but this is not essential, and a known clutch mechanism, for example, can be used. Specifically, in such a case, the structure may be such that a non-circular recess is formed in a bottom surface of a longitudinal end portion (right side end surface of (d) of Fig. 68) as a drive input portion and a projection having a configuration corresponding to the recess as a driver for the developer receiving device 8, respectively, so that they are in driving connection with each other. (drive conversion mechanism)

[0428] A drive converting mechanism (drive converting section) for the developer supply container 1 will be described.

[0429] The developer supply container 1 is provided with the cam mechanism for converting the rotational force for rotating the conveying portion 20c, which is received by the gear portion 20a, into a force in the reciprocating directions of the pumping portion 20b. That is, in the example, the description will be made with respect to an example using a cam mechanism as the drive conversion mechanism, however, the present invention is not limited to this example, and other structures, such as those shown in Embodiments 9 and subsequent ones, are applicable.

[0430] In this example, a drive input portion (gear portion 20a) receives the drive force for driving the conveying portion 20c and the pumping portion 20b, and the rotational force received by the gear portion 20a is converted into a reciprocating force on the developer supply container 1 side.

[0431] Due to this structure, the structure of the drive input mechanism for the developer supply container 1 is simplified compared to the case of providing the developer supply container 1 with two separate drive input sections. Furthermore, the drive is received by a single drive gear of a developer receiving device 8, and therefore the drive mechanism of the developer receiving device 8 is also simplified.

[0432] In the case where the reciprocating force is received by the developer receiving device 8, there is a risk that the drive connection between the developer receiving device 8 and the developer supply container 1 is not suitable, and therefore, the pumping portion 20b is not driven. Specifically, when the developer supply container 1 is removed from the image forming apparatus 100 and then remounted, the pumping portion 20b cannot be reciprocated properly.

[0433] For example, if the drive input to the pumping portion 20b stops in a state where the pumping portion 20b is compressed from the normal length, the pumping portion 20b spontaneously restores the normal length when the developer supply container 1 is taken out. In this case, the position of the drive input portion for the pumping portion 20b changes when the developer supply container 1 is taken out, despite the fact that a stop position of the drive output portion of the image forming device side remains unchanged. As a result, the drive connection is not properly established between the drive output portion of the image forming device 100 and the pumping portion 20b and a drive input portion of the developer supply container 1, and therefore, the pumping portion 20b cannot be reciprocated. Then, the developer supply is not carried out, and sooner or later, image formation is interrupted.Image formation impossible.

[0434] Such a problem may similarly occur when the expansion and contraction state of the pumping section 20b is changed by the user while the developer supply container 1 is outside the device. Such a problem similarly occurs when the developer supply container 1 is replaced with a new one.

[0435] The structure of this example is essentially free of such a problem. This will be described in detail.

[0436] As in Fig. 68 and Fig. As shown in Fig. 69, the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 20k of the developer accommodating portion 20 is provided with a plurality of cam protrusions 20d functioning as a rotatable portion at substantially regular intervals in the circumferential direction. Specifically, two cam protrusions 20d are arranged on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 20k at diametrically opposite positions, that is, approximately 180° opposite positions.

[0437] The number of cam protrusions 20d may be at least one. However, there is a vulnerability that a torque is generated in the drive conversion mechanism, etc., by a tension at the time of expansion or contraction of the pumping portion 20b, and therefore a smooth reciprocal movement is disturbed, and therefore, it is desirable to provide a plurality of them so that the relationship with the configuration of the cam groove 21b, which will be described later, is maintained.

[0438] On the other hand, a cam groove 21b, which engages with the cam projections 20d, is formed in an inner surface of the flange portion 21 over an entire circumference and functions as a follower portion. Referring to Fig. 70, the cam groove 21b will be described. In Fig. 70, an arrow An represents a rotational movement direction of the cylindrical portion 20k (movement direction of a cam projection 20d), an arrow B represents a direction of expansion of the pumping portion 20b, and an arrow C represents a direction of compression of the pumping portion 20b. In Fig. 40, an arrow An represents a rotational movement direction of the cylindrical portion 20k (movement direction of a cam protrusion 20d), an arrow B represents an expansion direction of the pumping portion 20b, and an arrow C represents a contraction direction of the pumping portion 20b. In this case, an angle α is formed between a cam groove 20c and a rotational movement direction An of the cylindrical portion 20k, and an angle β is formed between a cam groove 21d and the rotational movement direction A. In addition, an amplitude (= length of expansion and contraction of a pumping portion 20b) in the expansion and contraction directions B, C of the pumping portion 20b of the cam groove L is formed.

[0439] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 70, which illustrates the cam groove 21b in a developed view, a groove portion 21c that slopes from the cylindrical portion 20k side toward the discharge portion 21h side and a groove portion 21d that slopes from the discharge portion 21h side toward the cylindrical portion 20k side are alternately connected. In this example, the relationship between the angles of the cam grooves 21c, 21d is α = β.

[0440] Therefore, the cam projection 20d and the cam groove 21b function as a drive transmission mechanism at the pump portion 20b. More specifically, the cam projection 20d and the cam groove 21b function as a mechanism for converting the rotational force received by the gear portion 20a from the drive gear 300 into a force (force in the rotational axis direction of the cylinder portion 20k) in the reciprocating directions of the pump portion 20b and transmitting the force to the pump portion 20b.

[0441] More specifically, the cylindrical portion 20k is rotated with the pumping portion 20b by the rotational force input from the drive gear 9 to the gear portion 20a, and the cam projections 20d are rotated by the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k. Therefore, the pumping portion 20b moves in the rotational axis direction (X direction of Fig. 68) together with the cylindrical portion 20k back and forth. The arrow X direction is substantially parallel to the arrow M direction of Fig. 66 and Fig. 67.

[0442] In other words, the cam projection 20d and the cam groove 21b convert the rotational force input from the drive gear 9 so that the state in which the pumping portion 20b is expanded (part (a) of Fig. 69), and the state in which the pumping section 20b is contracted (part (b) of Fig. 69), are repeated alternately.

[0443] Therefore, in this example, the pumping portion 20b rotates with the cylindrical portion 20k, and therefore, when the developer in the cylindrical portion 20k moves in the pumping portion 20b, the developer can be stirred or mixed (loosened) by the rotation of the pumping portion 20b. In this example, the pumping portion 20b is provided between the cylindrical portion 20k and the discharging portion 21h, and therefore, a stirring action can be exerted on the developer being conveyed to the discharging portion 21h, which is further advantageous.

[0444] Further, as described above, in this example, the cylindrical portion 20k reciprocates together with the pumping portion 20b, and therefore, the reciprocating movement of the cylindrical portion 20k can stir or mix (loosen) the developer within the cylindrical portion 20k. (Set conditions of the drive conversion mechanism)

[0445] In this example, the drive conversion mechanism effects the drive conversion such that an amount (per unit time) of developer conveyed to the discharge portion 21h by the rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k is larger than a discharge amount (per unit time) from the discharge portion 21h to the developer receiving device 8 by the pumping function.

[0446] This is because when the developer discharge performance of the pumping section 20b is higher than the developer conveying performance of the conveying section 20c to the discharging section 21h, the amount of developer present in the discharging section 21h gradually decreases. In other words, the time required to supply the developer from the developer supply container 1 to the developer receiving device 8 is prevented from being prolonged.

[0447] In the drive conversion mechanism of the example, the conveyance amount of the developer by the conveyance portion 20c to the discharge portion 21h is 2.0 g / s, and the discharge amount of the developer by the pump portion 20b is 1.2 g / s.

[0448] Furthermore, in the drive conversion mechanism of this example, the drive conversion is such that the pump portion 20b is reciprocated a plurality of times per one full rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k. This is for the following reasons.

[0449] In the case of the structure where the cylindrical portion 20k is rotated internally of the developer receiving device 8, it is desirable that the drive motor 500 be set to an output required to stably rotate the cylindrical portion 20k at all times. However, from the standpoint of reducing power consumption in the image forming apparatus 100, it is desirable to minimize the output of the drive motor 500 as much as possible. The output required by the drive motor 500 is calculated from the torque and the rotation frequency of the cylindrical portion 20k, and therefore, to reduce the output of the drive motor 500, the rotation frequency of the cylindrical portion 20k is minimized.

[0450] However, in the case of this example, if the rotation frequency of the cylindrical portion 20k is reduced, the number of operations of the pump portion 20b per unit time decreases, and therefore, the amount of developer (per unit time) discharged from the developer supply container 1 decreases. In other words, there is a possibility that the amount of developer discharged from the developer supply container 1 is insufficient to quickly meet the developer supply amount required by the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0451] If the amount of volume change of the pumping portion 20b is increased, the developer discharge amount per unit cycle time of the pumping portion 20b can be increased, and therefore, the requirement of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100 can be satisfied, but does not give rise to the following problem.

[0452] If the amount of volume change of the pumping portion 20b is increased, a peak value of the internal pressure (positive pressure) of the developer supply container 1 in the discharging step increases, and therefore the load required for the reciprocating movement of the pumping portion 20b increases.

[0453] For this reason, in this example, the pumping portion 20b operates for a plurality of cyclic periods per one full rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k. This allows the developer discharge amount per unit time to be increased compared to the case where the pumping portion 20b operates for a cyclic period per one full rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k without increasing the volume change amount of the pumping portion 20b. In accordance with the increase in the developer discharge amount, the rotation frequency of the cylindrical portion 20k can be reduced.

[0454] Verification experiments were conducted regarding the effects of multiple cyclic actuations per one full rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k. In the experiments, the developer is filled into the developer supply container 1, and a developer discharge amount and a torque of the cylindrical portion 20k are measured. Then, the output (= torque × rotational frequency) of the drive motor 500 required for one rotation of a cylindrical portion 20k is calculated from the torque of the cylindrical portion 20k and the preset rotational frequency of the cylindrical portion 20k. The experimental conditions are that the number of actuations of the pump portion 20b per one full rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k is two, the rotational frequency of the cylindrical portion 20k is 30 revolutions per minute (rpm), and the volume change of the pump portion 20b is 15 cm 3 is.

[0455] As a result of the verification experiment, the developer discharge amount from the developer supply container 1 is approximately 1.2 g / s. The torque of the cylindrical portion 20k (average torque in the normal state) is 0.64 Nm, and the output of the drive motor 500 is approximately 2W (motor load (W) = 0.1047 × torque (N m) × rotation frequency (rpm), where 0.1047 is the unit conversion coefficient) as a result of the calculation.

[0456] Comparative examples were conducted in which the number of actuations of the pumping portion 20b per one full rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k was one, the rotation frequency of the cylindrical portion 20k was 60 rpm, and other conditions were the same as those of the previous experiments. In other words, the developer discharge amount was made equal to that of the previously described experiments, i.e., approximately 1.2 g / s.

[0457] As a result of the comparative examples, the torque of the cylindrical portion 20k (average torque in the normal state) is 0.66 N·m and the output of the drive motor 500 is about 4W by the calculation.

[0458] Through these experiments, it was confirmed that the pumping portion 20b preferably performs the cyclic operation a plurality of times per one full rotation of the cylindrical portion 20k. In other words, it was confirmed that this can maintain the discharge performance of the developer supply container 1 with a low rotation frequency of the cylindrical portion 20k. With the structure of this example, the required output of the drive motor 500 can be low, and therefore, the power consumption of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100 can be reduced. (Position of the drive conversion mechanism)

[0459] As in Fig. 68 and Fig. 69, in this example, the drive conversion mechanism (cam mechanism formed by the cam projection 20d and the cam groove 21b) is provided outside the developer accommodating portion 20. More specifically, the drive conversion mechanism is arranged at a position separated from the interiors of the cylindrical portion 20k, the pumping portion 20b, and the flange portion 21, so that the drive conversion mechanism does not contact the developer accommodated within the cylindrical portion 20k, the pumping portion 20b, and the flange portion 21.

[0460] This avoids a problem that can occur when the drive conversion mechanism is provided in the interior of the developer accommodating section 20. Specifically, the problem is that when the developer enters the portions of the drive conversion mechanism where sliding motions occur, the developer particles are subjected to heat and pressure to soften, and therefore accumulate in masses (coarse particles) or enter the conversion mechanism, resulting in an increase in torque. This problem can be avoided. (Developer delivery principle through the pump section)

[0461] Referring to Fig. 69, a developer supplying step by the pumping section will be described.

[0462] In this example, as will be described hereinafter, the drive conversion of the rotational force is performed by the drive conversion mechanism such that the suction step (suction operation through the discharge port 21a) and the discharge step (discharge operation through the discharge port 21a) are alternately repeated. The suction step and the discharge step will be described. (suction step)

[0463] First, the suction step (suction operation through the discharge opening 21a) will be described.

[0464] As described in part (a) of Fig. As shown in Fig. 69, the suction operation is effected by the pump portion 20b being expanded in a direction indicated by an arrow ω by the drive conversion mechanism (cam mechanism) described above. Specifically, by the suction operation, a volume of a portion of the developer supply container 1 (the pump portion 20b, the cylindrical portion 20k, and the flange portion 21) capable of accommodating the developer increases.

[0465] At this time, the developer supply container 1 is substantially hermetically sealed except for the discharge opening 21a, and the discharge opening 21a is substantially clogged by the developer T. Therefore, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 decreases with the increase in the volume of the portion of the developer supply container 1 capable of retaining the developer T.

[0466] At this time, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 becomes lower than the ambient pressure (external air pressure). For this purpose, air outside the developer supply container 1 enters the developer supply container 1 through the discharge port 21a due to a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the developer supply container 1.

[0467] At this time, the air is taken in from the outside of the developer supply container 1, and therefore the developer T in the vicinity of the discharge opening 21a can be loosened (liquefied). Specifically, by the air impregnated into the developer powder present in the vicinity of the discharge opening 21a, the density of the developer powder T is reduced, and the developer is liquefied.

[0468] Since the air is taken into the developer supply container 1 through the discharge opening 21a as a result, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 changes in the vicinity of the ambient pressure (outside air pressure) despite the increase in the volume of the developer supply container 1.

[0469] In this way, the developer T does not condense or clog the discharge opening 21a due to the liquefaction of the developer T, so that the developer can be evenly discharged through the discharge opening 21a in the discharge operation described below. Therefore, the amount of developer T (per unit time) discharged through the discharge opening 3a can be maintained at a substantially constant level for a long time. (Submission step)

[0470] As described in part (b) of Fig. 69, the discharging operation is effected by the pump portion 20b being compressed in a direction indicated by an arrow γ by the drive conversion mechanism (cam mechanism) described above. More specifically, by the discharging operation, a volume of a portion of the developer supply container 1 (pumping portion 20b, cylindrical portion 20k, and flange portion 21) capable of accommodating the developer decreases. At this time, the developer supply container 1 is substantially hermetically sealed except for the discharging opening 21a, and the discharging opening 21a is substantially clogged with the developer T until the developer is discharged. Therefore, the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 increases with the decrease in the volume of the portion of the developer supply container 1 capable of containing the developer T.

[0471] Since the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 is higher than the ambient pressure (the outside air pressure), the developer T is forced out by the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the developer supply container 1, as shown in part (b) of Fig. 69. That is, the developer T is discharged from the developer supply container 1 into the developer receiving device 8.

[0472] Thereafter, the air in the developer supply container 1 is also discharged with the developer T, and therefore the internal pressure of the developer supply container 1 decreases.

[0473] As described above, according to this example, the discharging of the developer can be effected efficiently by using an alternating motion pump, and therefore the mechanism for discharging the developer can be simplified. (Cam groove adjustment status)

[0474] Referring to Fig. 71 - 76, modified examples of the setting state or setting precondition of the cam groove 21b will be described. Fig. 71 - 76 are developed views of cam grooves 3b. Referring to the developed views of Fig. 71 - 76, the description will be made regarding the influence of the operating condition of the pump portion 20b when the configuration of the cam groove 21b is changed.

[0475] In this case, in each of Fig. 71 - 76 - 41, an arrow A represents a rotational movement direction of the developer accommodating portion 20 (moving direction of the cam projection 20d); an arrow B represents the extension direction of the pumping portion 20b, and an arrow C represents a compression direction of the pumping portion 20b. In addition, a groove portion of the cam groove 21b for compressing the pumping portion 20b is represented as a cam groove 21c, and a groove portion for expanding the pumping portion 20b is represented as a cam groove 21d. Further, an angle formed between the cam groove 21c and the rotational movement direction Δn of the developer accommodating portion 20 is represented as α; an angle formed between the cam groove 21d and the rotational movement direction An is β, and an amplitude (expansion and contraction length of the pumping portion 20b) in the expansion and contraction directions B, C of the pumping portion 20b of the cam groove is L.

[0476] First, the description will be made regarding the expansion and contraction length L of the pumping section 20b.

[0477] For example, when the expansion and contraction length L is shortened, the volume change amount of the pumping section 20b decreases, and therefore the pressure difference from the outside air pressure is reduced. Then, the pressure exerted on the developer in the developer supply container 1 decreases, with the result that the amount of developer discharged from the developer supply container 1 per one cyclic period (one reciprocal movement, that is, one expansion and contraction action of the pumping section 20b) decreases.

[0478] From this perspective, as in Fig. 71, the amount of developer discharged when the pumping portion 20b is reciprocated once can be reduced as compared with the structure of Fig. 70, if an amplitude L' is selected to satisfy L' < L under the condition that the angles α and β are constant. In contrast, if L' > L, the developer discharge amount can be increased.

[0479] Regarding the angles α and β of the cam groove, as the angles are increased, for example, the moving distance of the cam protrusion 20d increases when the developer accommodating portion 20 rotates for a constant time if the rotational speed of the developer accommodating portion 20 is constant, and therefore, as a result, the expansion and contraction speed of the pumping portion 20b increases.

[0480] On the other hand, when the cam protrusion 20d moves into the cam groove 21d, the resistance received by the cam groove 21d is large, and therefore, a torque required to rotate the developer accommodating portion increases as a result.

[0481] For this reason, as in Fig. 72, if the angle β' of the cam groove 21d is selected to satisfy α' > α and β' > β without changing the expansion and contraction length L, the expansion and contraction speed of the pumping section 20b can be increased, compared with the structure of the Fig. 70. As a result, the number of expansion and contraction operations of the pump portion 20b per one revolution of the developer accommodating portion 20 can be increased. Further, since a flow velocity of the air entering the developer supply container 1 through the discharge opening 21a increases, the loosening effect of the developer present in the vicinity of the discharge opening 21a is enhanced.

[0482] In contrast, if the selection satisfies α' < α and β' < β, the torque of the developer accommodating portion 20 can be reduced. For example, when a developer with high fluidity is used, the expansion of the pumping portion 20b tends to cause the air entering through the discharge opening 21a to blow out the developer present in the vicinity of the discharge opening 21a. As a result, there is a possibility that the developer may not be sufficiently accumulated in the discharge portion 21h, and therefore, the developer discharge amount decreases. In this case, by reducing the expansion speed of the pumping portion 20b in accordance with this selection, the blowout of the developer can be suppressed, and therefore, the discharge performance can be improved.

[0483] If, as in Fig. 73, the angle of the cam groove 21b is selected to satisfy α < β, the expansion speed of the pumping section 20b can be increased compared to a compression speed. In contrast, as shown in Fig. 70, if the angle α > the angle β, the expansion speed of the pumping section 20b can be reduced compared to the compression speed.

[0484] When the developer is in a highly compressed state, for example, the actuating force of the pumping portion 20b is larger in a compression stroke of the pumping portion 20b than in an expansion stroke thereof. As a result, the torque for the developer accommodating portion 20b tends to be higher in the compression stroke of the pumping portion 20b. However, in this case, if the cam groove 21b is as shown in Fig. 73, the developer loosening effect in the expansion stroke of the pumping section 20b can be enhanced, compared with the structure of Fig. 70. In addition, the resistance received by the cam protrusion 20d from the cam groove 21b in the compression stroke is small, and therefore the increase of the torque in the compression of the pumping portion 20b can be suppressed.

[0485] As in Fig. As...

Claims

[1] A developer supply container (1) for supplying a developer through a developer receiving section (11) slidably provided in a developer receiving device (8) to which the developer supply container (1) is detachably mountable, the developer supply container (1) comprising: a developer accommodating section (2, 3) for accommodating a developer; and an engagement portion (3b2, 3b4) engageable with the developer receiving portion (11) for sliding, characterized by , that the engagement portion (3b2, 3b4) is configured such that, when the developer supply container (1) is mounted on the developer receiving device (8) by insertion in an insertion direction (A), the engagement portion (3b2, 3b4) is capable of starting engagement with the developer receiving portion (11), and further, a configuration of the engagement portion (3b2, 3b4) causes, upon further insertion of the developer supply container (1) in the insertion direction (A), the engagement portion (3b2, 3b4) engaged with the developer receiving portion (11) to be capable of displacing the developer receiving portion (11) toward the developer supply container (1) in a direction (E) intersecting with the insertion direction (A) during a mounting operation of the developer supply container (1), in order to maintain a connected state between the developer supply container (1) and the developer receiving portion (11) to establish. [2] The developer supply container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion (3b2, 3b4) slides the developer receiving portion (11) in the mounting operation of the developer supply container (1) to open the developer receiving portion (11). [3] The developer supply container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an opening (3a4) formed in the developer accommodating portion (2, 3), a connecting port (3a3) communicating with the opening (3a4), a shutter (4) for opening and closing the opening (3a4) during an assembling and disassembling operation of the developer supply container (1), wherein the engaging portion (3b2, 3b4) comprises: a first engagement portion (3b2) for displacing the developer receiving portion (11) toward the developer supply container (1) during the mounting operation of the developer supply container (1) so as to establish the connected state between the connecting terminal (3a3) and a receiving terminal formed in the developer receiving portion (11), and a second engagement portion (3b4) for maintaining the connected state between the connecting terminal (3a3) and the receiving terminal so as to connect the opening (3a4) to the connecting terminal (3a3) when the developer accommodating portion (2, 3) moves relative to the shutter (4) in the assembling operation of the developer supply container (1). [4] The developer supply container (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first engaging portion (3b2) extends in the direction intersecting with the insertion direction (A) of the developer supply container (1). [5] A developer supply container (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the shutter (4) has a holding portion (4b) which is held by the developer receiving device (8) in the assembling operation of the developer supply container (1) so as to enable the movement of the developer accommodating portion (2, 3) relative to the shutter (4). [6] The developer supply container (1) according to claim 5, wherein the shutter (4) has a support portion (4d) for slidably supporting the holding portion (4b), and the developer supply container (1) has a regulating portion for maintaining the held state of the holding portion (4b) by the developer receiving device (8) by regulating elastic deformation of the support portion (4d) in the assembling operation of the developer supply container (1) and by allowing the elastic deformation of the support portion (4d) after completion of a spacing operation of the developer receiving portion (11) by the engaging portion (3b2, 3b4). [7] A developer supply container (1) according to any one of claims 3-6, further comprising a shielding portion (3b6) for shielding the connection terminal (3a3) when the shutter (4) is in a sealing position. [8] A developer supply container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a removal engagement portion (3b7) for displacing the developer receiving portion (11) in a direction of spacing from the developer supply container (1) in a disassembling operation of the developer supply container (1). [9] The developer supply container (1) according to claim 8, wherein the removal engaging portion (3b7) displaces the developer receiving portion (11) in the disassembling operation of the developer supply container (1) to effect a sealing operation of the developer receiving portion (11). [10] The developer supply container (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the removal engaging portion (3b7) displaces the developer receiving portion (11) in a direction (F) intersecting with a dismounting direction (B) of the developer supply container (1). [11] A developer supply container (1) according to any one of claims 1-10, further comprising a drive input portion (2d, 10c, 24e, 20a) for receiving a driving force from the developer receiving device (8) and a pumping portion (5) such that an internal pressure of the developer accommodating portion (2, 3) alternately and repeatedly changes between a pressure lower than an ambient pressure and a pressure higher than the ambient pressure, wherein the developer accommodating section (2, 3) has a rotatable developer conveying chamber (2) for conveying the developer and a developer discharging chamber (3) provided with an opening for enabling discharging of the developer and held by the developer receiving device (8) so as not to be rotatable relative to the developer receiving device (8), and wherein the engaging portion (3b2, 3b4) is integral with the developer discharge chamber (3). [12] A developer supply system comprising a developer supply container (1) according to any one of claims 1-11 and a developer receiving device (8) to which the developer supply container (1) is detachably mounted, wherein the system further comprises a developer receiving section (11) for receiving the developer from the developer supply container (1), wherein the developer receiving section (11) is displaceable toward the developer supply container (1) during the mounting operation of the developer supply container (1) to establish a connected state with the developer supply container (1). [13] The developer supply container (1) according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion (3b2, 3b4) has an inclined portion (3b2) inclined relative to the insertion direction (A) of the developer supply container (1) for engaging with the developer receiving portion (11) in the mounting operation of the developer supply container (1) to shift the developer receiving portion (11) toward the developer supply container (1). [14] The developer supply container (1) according to claim 13, wherein the inclined portion (3b2) displaces the developer receiving portion (11) in the assembling operation of the developer supply container (1) to cause the developer receiving portion (11) to open. [15] A developer supply container (1) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the inclined portion (3b2) displaces the developer receiving portion (11) in the direction intersecting with the insertion direction (A) of the developer supply container (1). [16] The developer supply container (1) according to any one of claims 13-15, further comprising an opening (3a4) formed in the developer accommodating portion (2, 3), a communication port (3a3) communicating with the opening (3a4), a shutter (4) for opening and closing the opening (3a4) during an assembling and disassembling operation of the developer supply container (1), and an expanded portion for maintaining the connected state between the communication port (3a3) and a receiving port to communicate the opening (3a4) with the communication port (3a3) when the developer accommodating portion (2, 3) moves relative to the shutter (4) during the assembling operation of the developer supply container (1), wherein the inclined portion (3b2) and the expanded portion are connected to each other. [17] The developer supply container (1) according to claim 16, wherein the shutter (4) has a holding portion (4b) held by the developer receiving device (8) in the assembling operation of the developer supply container (1) to enable the movement of the developer accommodating portion (2, 3) relative to the shutter (4). [18] The developer supply container (1) according to claim 17, wherein the shutter (4) has a support portion (4d) for slidably supporting the holding portion (4b), and the developer supply container (1) has a regulating portion for maintaining a held state of the holding portion (4b) by the developer receiving device (8) by regulating elastic deformation of the support portion (4d) in the assembling operation of the developer supply container (1) and by allowing the elastic deformation of the support portion (4d) after completion of a spacing operation of the developer receiving portion (11) by the engaging portion (3b2, 3b4). [19] A developer supply container (1) according to any one of claims 16-18, further comprising a shielding portion (3b6) for shielding the connection terminal (3a3) when the shutter (4) is in a resealing position. [20] The developer supply container (1) according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein the inclined portion (3b2) is configured to displace the developer receiving portion (11) in a direction of spacing from the developer supply container (1) in a disassembling operation of the developer supply container (1). [21] The developer supply container (1) according to claim 20, wherein the inclined portion (3b2) displaces the developer receiving portion (11) in the disassembling operation of the developer supply container (1) to effect a sealing operation of the developer receiving portion (11). [22] A developer supply container (1) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the inclined portion (3b2) displaces the developer receiving portion (11) in a direction (F) intersecting with a disassembly direction (B) of the developer supply container (1). [23] A developer supply container (1) according to any one of claims 13-22, further comprising a drive input portion (2d, 10c, 24e, 20a) to which a driving force is input from the developer receiving device (8), and a pumping portion (5) such that an internal pressure of the developer accommodating portion (2, 3) alternately and repeatedly changes between a pressure lower than an ambient pressure and a pressure higher than the ambient pressure, wherein the developer accommodating section (2, 3) has a rotatable developer conveying chamber (2) for conveying the developer and a developer discharging chamber (3) provided with an opening for enabling discharging of the developer and held by the developer receiving device (8) so as not to be rotatable relative to the developer receiving device (8), wherein the inclined portion (3b2) is integral with the developer discharge chamber (3). [24] A developer supply system comprising a developer supply container (1) according to any one of claims 13-23, and a developer receiving device (8) to which the developer supply container (1) is detachably mounted, wherein the system further comprises a developer receiving section (11) for receiving the developer from the developer supply container (1), wherein the developer receiving section (11) is displaceable toward the developer supply container (1) during the mounting operation of the developer supply container (1) to establish a connected state with the developer supply container (1).

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