Process cartridge and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To prevent trouble during supply of toner in an image forming apparatus that has a configuration to supply toner to a process cartridge.SOLUTION: A process cartridge is used comprising a reception chamber that is provided with a supply port from which developer is supplied and receives the developer supplied from the supply port, and a conveyance area that is located on a lower side in the gravity direction than the supply port in the reception chamber and in which the received developer is conveyed in a conveyance direction. The reception chamber is provided with a first filter on the downstream side of the supply port in the conveyance direction and a second filter on the upstream side of the supply port, and the first filter and the second filter regulate passage of the developer and permit passage of air. At least part of the first filter or at least part of the second filter is provided on an upper side in the gravity direction than the conveyance area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Image forming apparatuses that form images on recording media using an electrophotographic image forming method are known, including, for example, electrophotographic copying machines, electrophotographic printers (LED printers, laser beam printers, etc.), facsimile machines, and word processors.

[0003] Here, electrophotographic image forming devices to which a cartridge can be detachably attached are known. A cartridge is, for example, a cartridge that has at least one of a developer, a photosensitive drum, and a process means acting on the photosensitive drum, and is detachably attached to the main body of an image forming device (hereinafter referred to as the "main body of the device"). A typical example of a cartridge is a process cartridge. This process cartridge is a cartridge that contains an image carrier and a process means acting on the image carrier, and is detachably attached to the main body of the device. There are also other cartridges such as a development cartridge that includes a development means, and a toner cartridge that holds replenishment toner. [Background technology]

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which toner is replenished from a toner pack to a toner storage section provided in a frame of a process cartridge that is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus.

[0005] The frame of the process cartridge in Patent Document 1 is provided with a supply port that communicates with a toner storage unit, and first and second openings that communicate from the toner storage unit to the outside of the frame. A filter that allows air to pass but restricts the passage of toner is attached to cover the first and second openings. This allows air to flow in together with the toner when the toner is supplied.

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes a conveying member that is disposed in a toner storage section and conveys toner in a direction away from a supply port. A first opening is provided on the opposite side of the supply port from a center position of the toner storage section in the direction of the rotation axis of the conveying member, and a second opening is provided between the center position of the toner storage section and the supply port in the direction of the rotation axis. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-063970 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to prevent problems that may occur when toner is replenished in an image forming apparatus having a structure in which toner is replenished in a process cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention provides the following configuration. a developer supply port for supplying the developer to the developing device; and a receiving chamber for receiving the developer supplied from the developer supply port. a transport area located below the supply port in a direction of gravity in the receiving chamber, and through which the received developer is transported in a transport direction; Equipped with The receiving chamber includes a first filter disposed downstream of the supply port in the conveying direction. a second filter is provided upstream of the supply port, and the first filter and the second filter regulate the passage of the developer and allow the passage of air; At least a part of the first filter or at least a part of the second filter is provided above the transport area in the direction of gravity. The process cartridge is characterized in that The present invention also provides the following configuration. a developer supply port for supplying the developer to the developing device; and a receiving chamber for receiving the developer supplied from the developer supply port. a storage chamber for storing the developer; a storage chamber receiving port that allows the developer to move from the receiving chamber to the storage chamber; A process cartridge comprising: The storage chamber receiving port is provided on a bottom surface of the receiving chamber, The bottom surface has a slope, When the upper side of the inclination in the direction of gravity is defined as the upstream side and the lower side in the direction of gravity is defined as the downstream side, a first filter is disposed in a first opening provided downstream of the supply port in the receiving chamber, and a second filter is disposed in a second opening provided upstream of the supply port, and the first filter and the second filter restrict the passage of the developer and allow the passage of air, At least a part of the first filter or at least a part of the second filter is provided above the receiving chamber in the direction of gravity. The process cartridge is characterized in that The present invention also provides the following configuration. a supply port connected to the developer cartridge and through which developer is supplied; a receiving chamber for receiving the developer supplied from the supply port; An image carrier; a developer carrier for supplying the developer to the image carrier; A process cartridge comprising: The direction in which the developer is replenished from the developer cartridge to the supply port is along the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier. The process cartridge is characterized in that The present invention also provides the following configuration: An image forming apparatus including a process cartridge having a longitudinal direction and a developer cartridge for replenishing a developer to the process cartridge, the process cartridge includes a supply port through which the developer is supplied, and a receiving chamber that receives the developer supplied through the supply port; the developer cartridge includes a discharge port for discharging the developer, the discharge port being connectable to the supply port; The direction in which the developer is replenished from the developer cartridge to the supply port is along the longitudinal direction. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that: Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus having a configuration in which toner is replenished to a process cartridge, problems occurring when the toner is replenished can be prevented. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] Cross-sectional view of a toner receiving chamber of a process cartridge [Diagram 2] Cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a laser printer [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view showing an outline of the process cartridge; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a process cartridge. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a second waste toner transport path of the process cartridge. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a supply port of the process cartridge. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an outline of a toner cartridge; [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a toner supply unit of the toner cartridge. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view showing a waste toner collecting section of a toner cartridge. [Figure 10A] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge; [Figure 10B] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge from a different angle. [Figure 11A] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a contact position of a developing unit with respect to a photosensitive drum. [Figure 11B] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a position where a developing unit is spaced from a photosensitive drum. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the installation of a process cartridge and a toner cartridge. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing the installation of a process cartridge and a toner cartridge. [Figure 14A] Exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge [Figure 14B] Exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge from a different angle [Figure 15A] FIG. 2 is a sectional perspective view showing a supply port of the process cartridge; [Figure 15B] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective sectional view showing a supply port of the process cartridge; [Figure 16] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the toner receiving chamber and the stay at the contact and separation positions. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a toner receiving chamber of the process cartridge; [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a toner transport state in a toner receiving chamber of the process cartridge. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the toner powder surface in the toner receiving chamber of the process cartridge. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a toner receiving chamber of a process cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 21] 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of the toner discharge port of the shutter member; [Figure 22] A cross-sectional perspective view of a toner cartridge [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is an exploded side view showing a driving train for developing the process cartridge; [Figure 24] Side view of the process cartridge [Diagram 25] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the supply port, the development coupling, and the longitudinal position of the development contact [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a driving train for development of a process cartridge; [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a supply port of the process cartridge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] [Example 1] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a laser printer, which is an example of an image forming apparatus. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the following embodiments may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration and various conditions of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0013] As described below and shown in the drawings, the photosensitive drum unit 11 (image carrier), cleaning blade 17, charging roller 12, developing roller 16 (developer carrier), and toner cartridge C included in the process cartridge B have a shape that extends in one direction. This extension direction is also referred to as the longitudinal direction or the transverse direction.

[0014] <Overview of Laser Printers> 2, the laser printer 1 is made up of a printer body A (image forming device body), a process cartridge B, and a toner cartridge C (developer cartridge). The printer body A is provided with a sheet feeding section 103, a transfer roller 104, a fixing section 105, and a laser scanner 101. The printer body A also has the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C removably arranged therein.

[0015] The process cartridge B will be described with reference to Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6. Figure 3 is a front view showing the outline of the process cartridge B. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section aa in Figure 3) showing the outline of the process cartridge B. Figure 5 shows the second waste toner of the process cartridge B. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the conveying path 10c (cross-section taken along line bb in FIG. 3), and FIG 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the supply port of the process cartridge B (cross-section taken along line cc in FIG. 3).

[0016] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, it is composed of a cleaning unit 10 (first unit) equipped with a photosensitive drum unit 11 as a photosensitive drum, and a developing unit 15 (second unit) equipped with a developing roller 16 as a developing means for carrying a developer (toner).

[0017] The cleaning unit 10 includes the photosensitive drum unit 11 described above, a cleaning blade 17 as a cleaning member for the photosensitive drum unit 11, a charging roller 12 as a charging member, a charging roller cleaner 14 as a cleaning member for the charging roller 12, a primary waste toner storage section 10a, and a first waste toner transport path 10b.

[0018] The charging roller 12 is disposed so as to be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum unit 11, and the charging roller 12 charges the photosensitive drum unit 11 when a voltage is applied from the printer main body A. The charging roller 12 is rotated together with the photosensitive drum unit 11.

[0019] The cleaning blade 17 is an elastic member disposed so as to come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum unit 11. The cleaning blade 17, with its tip elastically coming into contact with the photosensitive drum unit 11, removes from the photosensitive drum unit 11 the toner remaining after a sheet S, which will be described later, passes between the photosensitive drum unit 11 and a transfer roller 104. The removed toner (waste toner) is transported from a primary waste toner storage section 10a, which will be described later, to a toner cartridge C through a first waste toner transport path 10b and a second waste toner transport path 10c.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 6, the developing unit 15 has a developing chamber 151 in which the developing roller 16 is disposed, a developer storage chamber 152 that supplies toner to the developing chamber 151, and a toner receiving chamber 153 that receives toner supplied from a toner cartridge C.

[0021] The developing roller 16 supplies toner to a developing area of ​​the photosensitive drum unit 11. The developing roller 16 uses the toner to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum unit 11. The supply roller 13 supplies the toner to the developing roller 16.

[0022] The developing blade 18 contacts the peripheral surface of the developing roller 16 to regulate the amount of toner that adheres to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 16. The developing blade 18 also imparts a frictional charge to the toner.

[0023] The toner contained in the developer container 152 is sent to the developing chamber 151 by the rotation of the stirring member 154 and is supplied to the developing roller 16 .

[0024] The remaining amount of toner in the developer storage chamber 152 is detected by a remaining amount detection means (not shown), and when the amount of toner in the developer storage chamber 152 falls below a certain amount, toner is supplied from the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B. The toner supplied to the developing unit 15 through the supply port 21c and the delivery port 21d of the stay 21 is supplied to the developer storage chamber 152 through the toner receiving chamber 153.

[0025] Although details will be described later, the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C are detachable from the printer body A.

[0026] Next, the operation of the laser printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0027] The photosensitive drum unit 11 is rotated by a driving source (not shown). The surface of the photosensitive drum unit 11 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by a laser scanner 101. After charging, the surface of the photosensitive drum unit 11 is exposed to light based on image information by a laser scanner 101, and the charge in the exposed area is removed to form an electrostatic latent image. Toner is supplied from a developing roller 16 to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum unit 11, and the image is visualized as a toner image.

[0028] Meanwhile, in parallel with the formation of the toner image, the sheet S is transported along the sheet feeding section 103. Specifically, the feeding roller 103b rotates to feed the sheet S. Thereafter, the sheet S is transported between the photosensitive drum unit 11 and the transfer roller 104 in accordance with the timing of forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum unit 11. When the sheet S passes through, a bias is applied to the transfer roller 104, so that the toner image is transferred to the sheet S as an unfixed image. The sheet S with the transferred toner image is then transported to the fixing section 105. When the sheet S transported to the fixing section 105 passes through the fixing section 105, the unfixed image is heated and pressurized to be fixed to the surface of the sheet S. The sheet is further transported by the sheet feeding section 103, and discharged to and stacked on the discharge tray 106.

[0029] <Process Cartridge B Overview> The configuration of the process cartridge B in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 4, 10A, 10B, 11A, and 11B. Figures 10A and 10B are exploded perspective views of the process cartridge B. Figures 11A and 11B are schematic side views showing the contact and separation of the developing unit 15 with respect to the photosensitive drum unit 11 in the process cartridge B.

[0030] 10A and 10B, the cleaning unit 10 has a photosensitive drum unit 11, a charging roller 12, and a cleaning blade 17, and is composed of a cleaning frame 20, a stay 21, and a side cover 7. The cleaning frame 20 supports the cleaning blade 17, the charging roller 12, and the charging roller cleaner 14. The photosensitive drum unit 11 is rotatably supported on one side by a drum pin 22 attached to the cleaning frame 20, and on the other side by a photosensitive drum unit support portion 7b provided on the side cover 7.

[0031] Similarly, the developing unit 15 includes a developing roller 16 , a developing blade 18 , a developing chamber 151 , a developer storage chamber 152 , and a toner receiving chamber 153 .

[0032] 10A and 10B, bearing members 4 and 5 are disposed at the axial ends of developing roller 16, and developing unit 15 is coupled to cleaning unit 10 so as to be rotatable about a swing axis 8 defined by a straight line including support shafts 8a and 8b. Developing unit 15 is supported relative to cleaning unit 10 so as to be rotatable about swing axis 8 such that swing axis 8 is disposed approximately parallel to rotation axis 11b of photosensitive drum unit 11.

[0033] The developing unit 15 is biased toward the cleaning unit 10 by pressure springs 19 a and 19 b which are elastic members, and the developing roller 16 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum unit 11 .

[0034] Next, the contact and separation operation of the developing unit 15 with respect to the cleaning unit 10 will be described with reference to Figures 11A and 11B. Figures 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams in which the side cover 7 has been removed in order to show the separation mechanism 100 of the printer main body A.

[0035] 11A, a protrusion 5b is provided on the bearing member 5. When the protrusion 5b is in a position where it does not contact the separating mechanism 100 as shown in FIG. 11B, the developing roller 16 contacts the photosensitive drum unit 11. This state is the image forming position where the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum unit 11 by the developing roller 16 is developed.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 11B, the spacing mechanism 100 provided in the printer main body A is attached to the protruding portion 5b. By contacting and receiving the force, the developing unit 15 rotates in the R2 direction about the swing axis 8 as the rotation center, and the photosensitive drum unit 11 and the developing roller 16 are separated. This state is the non-image forming position retreated from the image forming position.

[0037] As described above, it is possible to switch between the contact position (image forming position) and the spaced position (non-image forming position) of the process cartridge B. This allows the attitude of the developing unit 15 in the process cartridge B to be switched between the contact position and the spaced position with respect to the photosensitive drum unit 11.

[0038] <Toner Cartridge C Overview> The toner cartridge C will be described with reference to Figures 7, 8, 9, 14A, 14B, 21, and 22. Figure 7 is a front view showing an outline of the toner cartridge C. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section aa in Figure 7) showing the toner supplying section 30 of the toner cartridge C. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section bb in Figure 7) showing the waste toner collecting section 40 of the toner cartridge C. Figures 14A and 14B are exploded perspective views of the toner cartridge C.

[0039] 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of the toner discharge port 31a of the shutter member 34 of the toner cartridge C. FIG.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the toner supplying unit 30 supplies toner to the process cartridge B, and the waste toner collecting unit 40 collects waste toner from the process cartridge B.

[0041] An overview of the toner supply unit 30 is provided below. As shown in Figures 8, 9, 14A, 14B, 21 and 22, the toner supply unit 30 has a toner storage unit 30a formed by a supply unit frame 31 and a supply unit lid 32. The toner supply unit 30 has a toner discharge port 31a for discharging toner from the toner storage unit 30a, and the toner discharge port 31a is provided on the tip side (downstream in the mounting direction of the toner cartridge C) of a shutter member 34 that opens and closes in conjunction with the mounting of the toner cartridge C. A discharge port seal member 211 is attached to the periphery of the toner discharge port 31a of the shutter member 34.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 21(b), the toner discharge port 31a can be rotated from an upward direction to a horizontal direction by rotating the shutter member 34. That is, the orientation of the toner discharge port 31a can be changed between a direction along the longitudinal direction (first direction) and a second direction different from the first direction. In addition, the shutter protection member 210 is disposed around the shutter member 34. The shutter protection member 210 has a discharge port seal abutment surface 210a that abuts against the discharge port seal member 211 to seal the toner discharge port 31a when the toner discharge port 31a faces upward. In conjunction with the installation of the toner cartridge C, the shutter member 34 rotates in the H direction and the toner discharge port 31a faces horizontally. The shutter protection member 210 has an opening through which the toner discharge port 31a is exposed when the toner discharge port 31a of the shutter member 34 faces horizontally. This allows the toner storage section 30a to be in a state in which toner can be discharged.

[0043] 8 and 22, the toner storage section 30a has a toner storage section screw member 35 that transports the toner toward the toner discharge port 31a, and a toner storage section stirring and transporting unit 36 ​​that transports the toner toward the toner storage section screw member 35. The toner transported to the toner discharge port 31a is discharged by the volumetric fluctuation of the pump 37a.

[0044] A method for varying the volume of the pump 37a will be described. A rotational drive is applied from the printer body A to the pump-screw coupling part 39a, which is a protruding part of the pump-screw input part 39. This rotational drive is converted into a reciprocating motion by the cam 37b and the link arm 37c. The reciprocating motion is used to expand and contract the bellows shape of the pump 37a, thereby varying the volume. .

[0045] The inventors came up with the idea that it would be problematic if there were a component that would be undesirable to be contaminated in the direction in which the toner is discharged, and studied ways to prevent such contamination. This issue becomes even more important when discharging toner mixed with air using a pump. Examples of components that are undesirable to be contaminated include the pump-screw coupling part 39a, which is a moving part, and the drive train. In addition, it is also undesirable to contaminate contacts and terminals for power supply, which are components through which electricity passes.

[0046] The toner discharge port 31a discharges toner in a direction away from the pump screw coupling portion 39a. As a result, the toner is discharged from one of the two longitudinal ends where the pump screw coupling portion 39a is provided to the other end where the pump screw coupling portion 39a is not provided. This prevents the pump screw coupling portion 39a from becoming dirty with toner even if the toner leaks when the toner is discharged.

[0047] Next, an overview of the waste toner recovery unit 40 will be provided below. As shown in Fig. 9, in the waste toner recovery unit 40, the waste toner storage unit is formed by a waste toner storage unit frame 41 and a waste toner storage lid 42. A waste toner receiving opening 42a is provided in the waste toner storage lid 42. The waste toner recovery unit 40 has a waste toner shutter member 43 that opens and closes the waste toner receiving opening 42a. The waste toner shutter member 43 is opened and closed in the direction R3 in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the toner cartridge C to the printer body A.

[0048] <How to install and remove the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C> Next, the method of installing and removing the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C in the printer main body A will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the installation of the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C in the printer main body A. Figure 13 is a schematic side view illustrating the installation of the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C in the printer main body A.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 12(a), the space inside the printer main body A is the mounting section for the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C. The door 107 is provided rotatably about a rotation axis R5 relative to the printer main body A, and Fig. 12(a) shows the door 107 in the open state.

[0050] The printer main body A also has guide portions 108 and 109. The process cartridge B has upper bosses 93 and 94, and lower bosses 95 and 96 on both the left and right sides, as shown in FIG.

[0051] First, the process cartridge B is installed in the printer main body A. As shown in Figures 12(a) and 13(a), the guide portion 108 is sandwiched between the upper boss 93 (Figure 10) and the lower boss 95 (Figure 10), and the guide portion 109 is sandwiched between the upper boss 94 and the lower boss 96, so that the process cartridge B is inserted in the direction of arrow D while being guided by the guide portions.

[0052] 14A and 14B, the toner cartridge C has positioning bosses 50a and 60a at the front in the mounting direction, and has guided portions 50b and 60b downstream of the positioning bosses 50a and 60a in the mounting direction. The process cartridge B has toner cartridge positioning portions 21a and 21b on the stay 21, as shown in FIG.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 12(b) and 13(b), the guided portions 50b and 60b are placed on the guide portions 108 and 109, respectively, and inserted in the direction of arrow D.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 13(c), when the toner cartridge C is mounted to the insertion completion position, the positioning bosses 50a and 60a (FIG. 14) enter the toner cartridge positioning portions 21a and 21b (FIG. 10). At this time, the leading ends of the guided portions 50b and 60b in the insertion direction are separated from the guide portions 108 and 109, and their rear ends abut against the guide portions 108 and 109. As a result, the toner cartridge C is positioned in the process cartridge B. Furthermore, the rear ends of the guided portions 50b and 60b abut against the guide portions 108 and 109, thereby determining the position of the toner cartridge C within the printer body A.

[0055] Thereafter, the image formation is enabled when the door 107 is closed after inserting the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C. When removing the toner cartridge C and the process cartridge B, the above procedure is reversed.

[0056] <Toner supply path for process cartridge B> Next, the toner supply path of the process cartridge B will be described with reference to Figures 15A, 15B, 16, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27. Figures 15A and 15B are a cross-sectional perspective view and an enlarged view showing the supply port of the process cartridge B. Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the toner receiving chamber 153 and the stay 21 when the developing unit 15 in the process cartridge B is in abutment with and separated from the photosensitive drum unit 11.

[0057] Fig. 23 is an exploded side view showing the developing drive train of the process cartridge B. Fig. 24 is a side view of the process cartridge B. Fig. 25 is a schematic sectional view showing the supply port 21c, the developing coupling 155, and the longitudinal position of the developing contact 16b of the process cartridge B. Fig. 26 is a schematic sectional view showing the developing drive train of the process cartridge B. Fig. 27 is a schematic sectional view showing the supply port of the process cartridge.

[0058] As described above, the process cartridge B receives toner supply from the connected toner cartridge C. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 15A, 15B, and 16, the stay 21 has a supply port 21c that receives toner from the toner discharge port 31a of the toner cartridge C. The toner received at the supply port 21c is transported to the toner receiving chamber 153 from the receiving port 153a of the toner receiving chamber 153 of the developing unit 15 via the delivery port 21d. The toner supplied to the toner receiving chamber 153 is supplied to the developer storage chamber 152 (Fig. 6) from the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a by the receiving chamber transport member 153b. In this embodiment, in the transport area, which is the area of ​​the gap 302 to which the supplied toner is transported, the receiving chamber transport member (transport member) transports the toner in the transport direction as a transport means.

[0059] 15A and 15B, since the supply port 21c receives the toner from the toner discharge port 31a, it is disposed horizontally (longitudinal direction) like the toner discharge port 31a, and the toner received from the supply port 21c continues to be transported horizontally, and then turns in a direction perpendicular to the swing axis 8 and is transported to the delivery port 21d.

[0060] A receiving port seal member 153c is attached around the receiving port 153a to seal the gap between the delivery opening 21d and the receiving port 153a.

[0061] As shown in Figures 11, 23, and 26, the developing unit 15 of the process cartridge B is provided with a developing coupling 155 as a drive input member for receiving a drive force from the printer main body A. The developing coupling 155 transmits a rotational force to the developing roller 16. The rotational force is transmitted to a developing roller gear 16a for reaching the developing roller 16a, an agitating gear 154a for transmitting the rotational force to an agitating member 154, and a receiving chamber transport gear 153h for transmitting the rotational force to a receiving chamber transport member 153b.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 26, the developing coupling 155 is disposed with the swing axis 8 as the center of rotation. Also, as shown in FIG. 26, the developing coupling 155 rotates in a direction R6 in which the developing roller 16 abuts against the photosensitive drum unit 11. Also, the developing roller 16 rotates in a direction R7, which is a driven direction of the photosensitive drum unit 11. In order to freely dispose the developing coupling 155 with respect to the developing roller 16 and achieve the above-mentioned rotation directions R6 and R7, an idler gear 156a and an idler gear 156b are disposed between the developing coupling 155 and the developing roller gear 16a. The same effect can be obtained if the number of idler gears is an even number. However, since increasing the number of gears reduces the transmission efficiency, two idler gears are preferable.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 24, the process cartridge B has, at the end opposite the development coupling 155 in the longitudinal direction, a development contact 16b that supplies power from the printer main body A to the development roller 16, and a development blade contact 18a that supplies power to the development blade 18.

[0064] 25 and 27, the supply port 21c of the process cartridge B faces the longitudinal direction. In addition, as shown in Fig. 25, the supply port 21c is disposed on the side closer to the development coupling 155 than the development contact 16b, and after transporting the toner in the direction away from the development coupling 155, the toner is transported to the development unit 15.

[0065] As a result, the toner is transported in a direction away from the development coupling 155, which reduces contamination of the development coupling 155 with toner, and since the supply port 21c is located at a position away from the development contact 16b, which reduces contamination of the development contact 16b with toner.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 16(a), the shape of the periphery of the receiving port 153a of the toner receiving chamber 153 and the periphery of the delivery port 21d of the stay 21 are in the shape of a circular arc R4 centered on the swing axis 8 of the developing unit 15 described above.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 16(b), even if the developing unit 15 is in the separated position, the position of the supply port 21c for receiving toner from the toner cartridge C does not change because it is provided in the stay 21. Also, the amount of squeezing of the receiving port seal member 153c hardly changes, so stable sealing can be ensured regardless of whether the developing unit 15 is in contact with the toner cartridge C. Even in the separated position, the receiving port 153a is sized so that a part of the receiving port 153a can communicate with the delivery port 21d. This makes it possible to receive toner regardless of whether the developing unit 15 is in contact with the toner cartridge C or not.

[0068] As shown in this embodiment, the receiving port 153a may be configured to completely communicate with the delivery port 21d, or may be configured to at least partially communicate with the delivery port 21d.

[0069] <Configuration of the toner receiving chamber of the developing unit> The toner receiving chamber 153 of the developing unit 15 will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 17. Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of the toner receiving chamber 153 of the process cartridge B.

[0070] As described above, toner cartridge C uses pump 37a to supply toner to process cartridge B. In other words, the toner supplied to process cartridge B is mixed with air. Therefore, depending on the supplying conditions, there is a possibility that the internal pressure of the container may increase, or air may be ejected and toner may be released to the outside, and measures must be taken to deal with this. After careful consideration, the inventors have come to the conclusion that a filter must be provided to ensure sufficient air flow when supplying toner containing air. The process cartridge configuration has been improved, including the placement of the ink cartridge.

[0071] That is, as shown in Fig. 17, the toner receiving chamber 153 has a downstream filter 153f (first filter) and an upstream filter 153g (second filter) for removing air. In this embodiment, the downstream filter 153f and the upstream filter 153g are respectively provided in openings (first opening 159f and second opening 159g shown in Fig. 18) provided in the toner receiving chamber 153. Each filter may be of any material, number of holes, arrangement, size, etc. as long as it has a structure that restricts the passage of toner but allows the passage of air.

[0072] Next, the transportation of the toner supplied to the toner receiving chamber 153 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 18. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the toner receiving chamber 153. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of toner in the toner receiving chamber 153. The toner receiving chamber 153 has a receiving chamber transport member 153b that transports the supplied toner to the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a. In order to smoothly accommodate the toner, it is preferable that the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a and the receiving port 153a overlap when viewed from above in the direction of gravity, as shown in the figure. The receiving chamber transport member 153b is provided with a sheet member 153d and a screw spiral portion 153e. The receiving chamber transport member 153b rotates around a rotation shaft 309, so that the toner that falls from the receiving port 153a and accumulates in the toner receiving chamber 153 is transported in the transport direction 301 by the screw spiral portion 153e. Further, the toner is supplied to the developer accommodating chamber 152 through the developer accommodating chamber receiving port 152a by the sheet member 153d.

[0073] 18, below the receiving port 153a, there is provided a gap 302 as a transport area for replenishing toner to the upstream side and downstream side of the receiving port 153a in the transport direction 301. Therefore, by dispersing the toner carried in through the receiving port 153a to the upstream side 303 and the downstream side 304 in the transport direction from the receiving port 153a, it is possible to prevent toner clogging around the receiving port 153a.

[0074] Next, the arrangement of at least two filters provided in toner receiving chamber 153 will be described with reference to Figure 19. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of toner powder surface 308 in toner receiving chamber 153.

[0075] A downstream filter 153f serving as a first ventilation filter is provided on the downstream side of the receiving chamber transport member 153b in the transport direction 301 and on the upper part of the sheet member 153d, and an upstream filter 153g serving as a second ventilation filter is provided on the upstream side in the transport direction 301. The downstream filter 153f and the upstream filter 153g are each disposed above the screw spiral portion 153e in the direction of gravity.

[0076] The toner supplied from the receiving port 153a is transported to the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a side (arrow 305) by the screw helical portion 153e and the sheet member 153d. That is, since the toner is constantly supplied from the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a to the developer storage chamber 152 side, the toner powder surface does not rise to the top of the sheet member 153d and reach the downstream filter 153f. As a result, air is present below the downstream filter 153f, and the air supplied together with the toner from the receiving port 153a can be stably deaerated by the downstream filter 153f.

[0077] Furthermore, by providing the upstream filter 153g and the downstream filter 153f, a larger filter area can be secured near the receiving port 153a in the toner receiving chamber 153. This allows stable exhaust and intake of air from the receiving port 153a, resulting in stable toner supply.

[0078] In FIG. 19, a part of the downstream filter 153f is provided above the upstream filter 153g in the direction of gravity. In this way, it is preferable that at least a part of the downstream filter 153f is provided above the upstream filter 153g in the direction of gravity. Therefore, even if the powder level in the toner receiving chamber 153 is high, air can be easily interposed below the downstream filter 153f, and a state in which ventilation is easy can be maintained. Furthermore, when air is drawn in from the receiving port 153a, the air is drawn in from the upstream filter 153g, so that the air flows in the direction of the arrow 307, and the toner in the toner receiving chamber 153 can be transported to the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a.

[0079] It is also desirable that at least a part of the downstream filter 153f is disposed above the receiving port 153a in the direction of gravity, so that the downstream filter 153f is prevented from being blocked by the toner supplied to the receiving port 153a, and air can be stably removed from the mixture of toner and air.

[0080] Next, the positions of the developer storage chamber receiving inlet 152a and the downstream filter 153f in the transport direction will be described. As shown in Fig. 19, a part of the downstream filter 153f is provided downstream of the developer storage chamber receiving inlet 152a in the transport direction. At this time, the toner supplied from the receiving inlet 153a is transported to the developer storage chamber receiving inlet 152a by the airflow. After that, the toner can be degassed downstream of the developer storage chamber receiving inlet 152a in the transport direction, so that the toner can be transported stably to the developer storage chamber.

[0081] 1, the receiving port 153a and the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a partially overlap in the transport direction 301. At this time, the toner supplied to the toner receiving chamber 153 from the receiving port 153a moves to the lower side 306 in the gravity direction according to gravity, so that the toner can be supplied from the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a to the developer storage chamber 152. The areas of the receiving port 153a and the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a are set so that the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a is larger than the receiving port 153a. This ensures the ability to supply more toner from the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a to the developer storage chamber 152 than the amount of toner supplied from the receiving port 153a, and prevents toner clogging.

[0082] As shown in this embodiment, by simultaneously implementing the above-mentioned configurations, it is possible to stabilize the ventilation around the receiving port 153a and the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a, thereby suppressing toner clogging and enabling the toner to be stably replenished to the developer storage chamber 152 side.

[0083] [Example 2] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the parts different from the above-mentioned embodiment will be described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the material, shape, etc. are the same as the above-mentioned embodiment. Such parts are given the same numbers and detailed description will be omitted.

[0084] In this embodiment, a configuration is shown in which the lower surface of the toner receiving chamber 153 is inclined. The toner receiving chamber 153 of the developing unit 15 will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 20. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the toner receiving chamber of the embodiment 2.

[0085] As described above, the toner cartridge C uses the pump 37a (FIG. 14) to supply toner to the process cartridge B. In other words, the toner supplied to the process cartridge B is supplied in a state mixed with air. If the direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity is defined as the orthogonal direction L, the toner receiving chamber 153 having the receiving port 153a has the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a provided on one side of the receiving port 153a in the orthogonal direction L. Also, on the bottom surface of the toner receiving chamber 153, a lower portion is provided from the receiving port 153a to the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a side in the orthogonal direction L. In the transport area of ​​this embodiment, a sloping bottom surface is used as the transport means, and the transport direction is determined according to the direction of the slope. As a result, in addition to supplying toner from the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a to the developer storage chamber 152 using the pump 37a, the inclination of the slope 310 makes it possible to transport the toner toward the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a. Furthermore, the vibration caused by the contact and separation operation of the developing unit 15 makes it possible to transport a larger amount of toner supplied from the receiving port 153a to the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a.

[0086] Therefore, by providing the inclined surface 310 on the bottom surface of the toner receiving chamber 153, it becomes possible to transport the toner in the toner receiving chamber 153 to the developer storage chamber 152 of the process cartridge B without providing a transport member.

[0087] As described above, by adopting the configuration of the second embodiment, it becomes possible to efficiently transport the toner in the toner receiving chamber 153 to the process cartridge B without providing a transport member.

[0088] [Configuration 1] a developer supply port for supplying the developer to the developing device; and a receiving chamber for receiving the developer supplied from the developer supply port. a conveying member disposed in the receiving chamber below the supply port in a direction of gravity, the conveying member conveying the developer in a feed direction; Equipped with In the receiving chamber, a first filter is disposed in a first opening provided downstream of the supply port in the transport direction, and a second filter is disposed in a second opening provided upstream of the supply port, and the first filter and the second filter regulate the passage of the developer and allow the passage of air, At least a part of the first filter or at least a part of the second filter is provided above the conveying member in the direction of gravity. A process cartridge comprising: [Configuration 2] a storage chamber for storing the developer; a storage chamber receiving port that allows the developer to move from the receiving chamber to the storage chamber; Further equipped 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, [Configuration 3] At least a portion of the supply port is provided upstream of the storage chamber receiving port in the conveying direction, At least a portion of the first filter is provided downstream of the receiving port in the conveying direction. 3. The process cartridge according to claim 2. [Configuration 4] The first filter is disposed above the second filter in the direction of gravity. 4. The process cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 3. [Configuration 5] At least a portion of the first filter is provided above the supply port in the direction of gravity. 5. The process cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. [Configuration 6] a developer cartridge that discharges the developer by a pump and supplies the developer to the receiving chamber is connected to the supply port; At least a portion of the storage chamber receiving port is provided downstream of the supply port in the conveying direction, the first filter is provided downstream of the supply port in the conveying direction, The second filter is disposed lower than the first filter in the direction of gravity. The process cartridge according to the configuration 2 or 3, which has a toner receiving chamber, characterized in that: [Configuration 7] The supply port is provided upstream of the receiving port in the conveying direction. 8. The process cartridge according to any one of Configurations 2, 3, and 7. [Configuration 8] When viewed from above in the direction of gravity, the supply port and the receiving port of the storage chamber overlap each other. 9. The process cartridge according to any one of configurations 2, 3, 7, and 8. [Configuration 9] a developer supply port for supplying the developer to the developing device; and a receiving chamber for receiving the developer supplied from the developer supply port. a storage chamber for storing the developer; a storage chamber receiving port that allows the developer to move from the receiving chamber to the storage chamber; A process cartridge comprising: The storage chamber receiving port is provided on a bottom surface of the receiving chamber, The bottom surface has a slope, When the upper side of the inclination in the direction of gravity is defined as the upstream side and the lower side in the direction of gravity is defined as the downstream side, a first filter is disposed in a first opening provided downstream of the supply port in the receiving chamber, and a second filter is disposed in a second opening provided upstream of the supply port, and the first filter and the second filter restrict the passage of the developer and allow the passage of air, At least a part of the first filter or at least a part of the second filter is provided above the receiving chamber in the direction of gravity. A process cartridge comprising: [Configuration 10] The bottom surface is inclined toward the storage chamber receiving opening. 10. The process cartridge according to configuration 9. [Configuration 11] a supply port connected to the developer cartridge and through which developer is supplied; a receiving chamber for receiving the developer supplied from the supply port; An image carrier; a developer carrier for supplying the developer to the image carrier; A process cartridge comprising: The direction in which the developer is replenished from the developer cartridge to the supply port is along the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier. A process cartridge comprising: [Configuration 12] The developer is supplied in a direction away from one end side in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge. 12. The process cartridge according to claim 11, [Configuration 13] The process cartridge is mounted in a main body of an image forming apparatus, A drive train that receives a drive force from the main body of the image forming apparatus is provided at one end of the process cartridge in the longitudinal direction. 13. The process cartridge according to claim 12, [Configuration 14] The process cartridge is mounted in a main body of an image forming apparatus, The process cartridge is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction with a There is a contact that receives power from 14. The process cartridge according to claim 12 or 13. [Configuration 15] The developer cartridge discharges the developer by a pump and supplies the developer to the supply port. The direction in which the developer is replenished from the developer cartridge to the replenishing port is the direction in which the developer discharged by the pump moves away from the pump. 15. The process cartridge according to any one of configurations 11 to 14. [Configuration 16] An image forming apparatus including a process cartridge having a longitudinal direction and a developer cartridge for replenishing a developer to the process cartridge, the process cartridge includes a supply port through which the developer is supplied, and a receiving chamber that receives the developer supplied through the supply port; the developer cartridge includes a discharge port for discharging the developer, the discharge port being connectable to the supply port; The direction in which the developer is replenished from the developer cartridge to the supply port is along the longitudinal direction. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: [Configuration 17] a direction of an outlet of the developer cartridge is changeable between a first direction along the longitudinal direction and a second direction different from the first direction; When the direction of the discharge port is the first direction, the discharge port can be connected to the supply port of the process cartridge, The developer cartridge further includes a seal member that seals the discharge opening when the discharge opening is in the second direction. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, [Configuration 18] The direction of the discharge port of the developer cartridge is the first direction when the developer cartridge is attached to the process cartridge, and is the second direction when the developer cartridge is not attached to the process cartridge. 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] A: printer body, B: process cartridge, C: toner cartridge, 1: laser printer, 15: development unit, 152: developer storage chamber, 152a: developer storage chamber inlet, 153: toner receiving chamber, 153a: inlet, 153b: receiving chamber transport member, 153f: downstream filter, 153g: upstream filter, 31a: toner discharge port, 301: transport direction, 302: gap

Claims

1. A receiving chamber is provided with a supply port for replenishing a developer, and the receiving chamber receives the developer replenished from the supply port; A conveying member is disposed below the supply port in the direction of gravity in the receiving chamber and conveys the developer in the conveying direction; and in the receiving chamber, a first filter is disposed at a first opening provided on the downstream side of the supply port in the conveying direction, and a second filter is disposed at a second opening provided on the upstream side of the supply port. The first filter and the second filter regulate the passage of the developer and allow the passage of air; at least a part of the first filter or at least a part of the second filter is provided above the conveying member in the direction of gravity; the first filter is provided above the second filter in the direction of gravity A process cartridge characterized by the above.

2. A storage chamber for storing the developer; a storage chamber inlet that enables the developer to move from the receiving chamber to the storage chamber; further comprising The process cartridge according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. At least a part of the supply port is provided on the upstream side of the storage chamber inlet in the conveying direction; At least a part of the first filter is provided on the downstream side of the storage chamber inlet in the conveying direction. The process cartridge according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. At least a part of the first filter is provided above the supply port in the direction of gravity. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

5. A developer cartridge that discharges the developer by a pump and supplies it to the receiving chamber is connected to the supply port; At least a part of the storage chamber inlet is provided on the downstream side of the supply port in the conveying direction; The first filter is provided on the downstream side of the supply port in the conveying direction; The second filter is provided below the first filter in the direction of gravity. The process cartridge according to claim 2, having a toner receiving chamber, characterized by the above.

6. The supply port is provided on the upstream side of the storage chamber inlet in the conveying direction. The process cartridge according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

7. When viewed from above in the direction of gravity, a part of the supply port and the storage chamber inlet overlap. The process cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that

8. A supply port for supplying a developer is provided, a receiving chamber for receiving the developer supplied from the supply port, A storage chamber for storing the developer, A storage chamber receiving port that enables the developer to move from the receiving chamber to the storage chamber, A process cartridge comprising: The storage chamber receiving port is provided on the bottom surface of the receiving chamber, The bottom surface has an inclination, When the upper side in the direction of gravity of the inclination is the upstream side and the lower side in the direction of gravity is the downstream side, in the receiving chamber, a first filter is provided at a first opening provided on the downstream side of the supply port, and a second filter is provided at a second opening provided on the upstream side of the supply port. The first filter and the second filter regulate the passage of the developer and allow the passage of air, At least a part of the first filter or at least a part of the second filter is provided on the upper side in the direction of gravity than the receiving chamber A process cartridge characterized in that

9. The bottom surface is inclined toward the storage chamber receiving port The process cartridge according to claim 8, characterized in that

10. A supply port connected to a developer cartridge for supplying a developer, A receiving chamber for receiving the developer supplied from the supply port, An image carrier, A developer carrier for supplying the developer to the image carrier, A process cartridge comprising: The direction in which the developer is supplied from the developer cartridge to the supply port is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier A process cartridge characterized in that

11. The developer is supplied in a direction away from one end side in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge The process cartridge according to claim 10, characterized in that

12. The process cartridge is to be mounted on an image forming apparatus main body, A drive train for receiving a driving force from the image forming apparatus main body is provided at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge The process cartridge according to claim 11, characterized in that

13. The process cartridge is to be mounted on an image forming apparatus main body, At one end side in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge, the image forming apparatus main body A contact for receiving power supply from is provided The process cartridge according to claim 11, characterized in that...

14. The developer cartridge discharges the developer by a pump and supplies it to the supply port. The direction in which the developer is supplied from the developer cartridge to the supply port is the direction in which the developer discharged by the pump moves away from the pump. The process cartridge according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that...

15. An image forming apparatus comprising a process cartridge having a longitudinal direction and a developer cartridge for supplying a developer to the process cartridge, wherein the process cartridge includes a supply port to which the developer is supplied and a receiving chamber for receiving the developer supplied from the supply port, the developer cartridge includes a discharge port for discharging the developer, the discharge port being connectable to the supply port, and the direction in which the developer is supplied from the developer cartridge to the supply port is a direction along the longitudinal direction. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that...

16. The direction of the discharge port of the developer cartridge is changeable between a first direction along the longitudinal direction and a second direction different from the first direction. When the direction of the discharge port is the first direction, the discharge port can be connected to the supply port of the process cartridge. The developer cartridge further includes a seal member for sealing the discharge port when the discharge port is in the second direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that...

17. The direction of the discharge port of the developer cartridge becomes the first direction when the developer cartridge is mounted on the process cartridge, and becomes the second direction when the developer cartridge is not mounted on the process cartridge. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that...

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