Image forming device

Abstract

To address the need for a simple configuration to suppress vibration of a developing unit in distribution of an image forming device including the developing unit with a mounting part for mounting a toner container.SOLUTION: An attachment for use in an image forming device comprising: a device body including a photosensitive drum and a body engaging object part; and a developing unit including a developer container, a developing roller stored in the developer container and carrying toner, and a mounting part on which a toner container containing the toner can be mounted, the mounting part configured to communicate with the inside of the developer container and to be exposed outside the device body; the attachment mountable on the mounting part when the toner container is not mounted on the mounting part, includes a first engaging part and a second engaging part respectively configured to engage with the mounting part and a body engaging part when the image forming apparatus is mounted on the mounting part, and does not include a toner storage part for storing the toner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 22

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment that is attached to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material. [Background technology]

[0002] A configuration has been disclosed in which toner is replenished from a toner container attached to a mounting portion to a developing container provided in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication 2020-154301 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for a simple configuration capable of suppressing vibration of a developing unit during transportation of an image forming apparatus including a developing unit provided with a mounting portion for mounting a toner container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention is an attachment for use in an image forming device comprising: an apparatus main body including a photosensitive drum and a main body engaged portion; a developing unit having a developing container, a developing roller carrying toner contained in the developing container, and a mounting portion into which a toner container containing toner can be attached, the mounting portion being configured to communicate with the inside of the developing container and to be exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body, the attachment being mountable in the mounting portion when the toner container is not attached to the mounting portion, having a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion configured to engage with the mounting portion and the main body engaged portion, respectively, when attached to the mounting portion, and not having a toner storage portion for storing toner. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress, with a simple structure, vibration of a developer container during transportation of an image forming apparatus including a development unit provided with a mounting portion for mounting a toner container. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 2A and 2B are a top view and a side view of the process unit according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 3A and 3B are bottom and rear views of the process unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a process unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the process unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the process unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the drum unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a bearing member and a gear of the drum unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a developing device driving member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a longitudinal end portion of the process unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the development unit according to the first embodiment moves to a contact position and a separation position with respect to the drum unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a side surface of the process unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mounting portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main body shutter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] 3A and 3B are a top view and a cross-sectional view of a mounting portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] 1A and 1B are a front view and a partially enlarged view of a toner pack according to a first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vicinity of an operating lever of the device main body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] 11A and 11B are perspective views showing the state in which the operating lever is operated during and after the toner pack is attached to the attachment portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an attachment according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 2 is a six-view diagram of the attachment according to the first embodiment. [Figure 24] 2 is a perspective view of the operating lever of the device body and the vicinity of the operating lever with the attachment attached to the attachment portion. FIG. [Diagram 25] 4A and 4B are a top view and a cross-sectional view of the operating lever and the mounting portion when the attachment is mounted. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus with the opening / closing member opened and closed; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] <Example 1> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] The overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3. Figures 1, 2, and 3 are schematic cross-sectional views of an image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, each of which is a cross-section perpendicular to the rotation axis of a rotating member such as a photosensitive drum 31 provided in the image forming apparatus 1. Figures 1, 2, and 3 are cross-sections at different positions in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is a monochrome printer that forms an image on a recording material based on image information input from an external device. The recording material includes various sheet materials of different materials, such as paper such as plain paper and thick paper, plastic film such as sheets for overhead projectors, sheets of special shapes such as envelopes and index paper, and cloth.

[0012] The main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming section 12 that forms a toner image on a recording material, a fixing section 8 that fixes the toner image formed by the image forming section 12 to the recording material, and the like. The image forming section 12 includes a scanner unit 6, a process unit 2, and a transfer roller 7. The process unit 2 includes a drum unit 3 and a developing unit 5. The drum unit 3 is a photosensitive unit that includes a photosensitive drum 31 that is a photosensitive member on which an electrostatic latent image is formed based on image information. The drum unit 3 includes the photosensitive drum 31, a charging roller 35, a pre-exposure section 34, and a brush unit 33. The developing unit 5 includes a developing roller 51 that develops the electrostatic latent image with toner as a developer. The transfer roller 7 forms a transfer section (transfer nip section) between the photosensitive drum 31 and the transfer roller 7, which transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 31 as a developer image to the recording material.

[0013] The recording material is placed on a tray section 102 and, in synchronization with the operation of the image forming section 12, is fed toward a transfer section where the photosensitive drum 31 and the transfer roller 7 face each other by a pickup roller 103, a feed roller 104, a separation roller 105, a pair of conveying rollers 106, etc.

[0014] In the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, a tray section 102 is provided on the inner surface of a front door 101. The front door 101 is provided on the apparatus body 10 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis 101X extending in the Y direction. The front door 101 can take a closed position (standing position) in which the front of the apparatus is closed, as shown by a dashed line in FIG. 1, and an open position (horizontal position) in which the tray section 102 is exposed to the outside, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 1. That is, the tray section 102 becomes usable by opening the front door 101 (laying it down horizontally), and a recording material can be placed on the tray section 102. FIGS. 1 to 3 show the image forming apparatus 1 in a state in which the front door 101 is open, and when the image forming apparatus 1 is not in use, the front door 101 can be closed to close the paper feed section.

[0015] The photosensitive drum 31 is a cylindrically shaped photosensitive member. The photosensitive drum 31 has a photosensitive layer formed of a negatively charged organic photosensitive member on a drum-shaped base body formed of aluminum. The photosensitive drum 31 is rotated by a motor (not shown) in a predetermined rotation direction (clockwise in FIG. 445) at a predetermined process speed.

[0016] The charging roller 35 rotatably contacts the photosensitive drum 31 to form a charging section. A predetermined charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 35 from a charging high-voltage power supply, so that the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential. The photosensitive drum 31 is negatively charged by the charging roller 35. The pre-exposure section 34 neutralizes the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 31 before it reaches the charging section in order to generate a stable discharge in the charging section. The brush unit 33 brings a brush section made of, for example, pile fabric into contact with the photosensitive drum 31 to collect paper dust and the like generated from the recording material.

[0017] The scanner unit 6 uses a polygon mirror to irradiate the photosensitive drum 31 with laser light corresponding to image information input from an external device, thereby scanning and exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 31. This exposure forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31. Note that the scanner unit 6 is not limited to a laser scanner device, and may employ, for example, an LED exposure device having an LED array in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged along the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction, Y direction) of the photosensitive drum 31.

[0018] The developing unit 5 includes a developing roller 51 that carries a developer, a developing container 50 that serves as a frame of the developing unit 5, a supply roller 52 that can supply the developer to the developing roller 51, and a developing blade 53 that regulates the amount of toner carried by the developing roller 51. The developing roller 51 and the supply roller 52 are rotatably supported by the developing container 50. The developing roller 51 has a core made of a metal material and a rubber portion that forms a rubber layer on the outer periphery of the core. The supply roller 52 has a core made of a metal material and an elastic portion that forms an elastic layer on the outer periphery of the core. The developing blade 53 is disposed at the opening of the developing container 50 in which the developing roller 51 is disposed so as to come into contact with the developing roller 51 with a predetermined contact pressure.

[0019] The developing roller 51 is disposed at the opening of the developing container 50 so as to face the photosensitive drum 31. The toner contained in the developing container 50 as the developer is supplied to the surface of the developing roller 51 by a supply roller 52 which rotates in contact with the developing roller 51. Note that the supply roller 52 is not necessarily required as long as the developing roller 51 is configured to be sufficiently supplied with toner. The toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller 51 passes through the portion facing the developing blade 53 as the developing roller 51 rotates, whereby the toner is uniformly formed into a thin layer and is negatively charged by frictional charging.

[0020] In this embodiment, the developing unit 5 uses a contact development method and a reversal development method as a developing method. In the contact development method, a toner layer carried by the developing roller 51 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 31 in a developing section (developing area) where the photosensitive drum 31 and the developing roller 51 face each other. A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller 51 from a high-voltage developing power supply. Under the developing voltage, the toner carried by the developing roller 51 is transferred from the developing roller 51 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 according to the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image. In the reversal development method, the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is charged in a charging process, and then exposed in an exposure process, whereby the toner adheres to an area where the charge amount has attenuated, thereby forming a toner image.

[0021] The developer used in this embodiment is a polymerized toner produced by a polymerization method, has an average particle size of 6 μm, has a normal charging polarity of negative polarity, does not contain a magnetic component, and is a non-magnetic one-component developer that is carried on the developing roller 51 mainly by intermolecular forces and electrostatic forces (image forces). A one-component developer containing a magnetic component may also be used. In addition to toner particles, the one-component developer may also contain additives (e.g., wax or silica particles) for adjusting the fluidity and charging performance of the toner. A two-component developer composed of a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier may also be used as the developer. When a magnetic developer is used, a cylindrical developing sleeve with a magnet arranged inside may be used as the developer carrier.

[0022] The developing container 50 has a toner storage chamber 50a that stores toner. An agitating member 54 (toner transport member) is provided inside the toner storage chamber 50a. The agitating member 54 is rotatably supported in the toner storage chamber 50a, and agitates the toner in the developing container 50 and transports the toner toward the developing roller 51 and the supply roller 52. The agitating member 54 also circulates the toner that is not used for development and is peeled off from the developing roller 51 in the developing container 50, and serves to homogenize the toner in the developing container 50. The agitating member 54 is not limited to a rotating type. For example, a swinging type agitating member may be used.

[0023] The image forming operation will be described. When an image formation command is input to the apparatus main body 10, an image forming process is started by the image forming section 12 based on image information input from an external computer connected to the apparatus main body 10. The scanner unit 6 irradiates the photosensitive drum 31 with laser light L based on the input image information. At this time, the photosensitive drum 31 is pre-charged by the charging roller 35, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 31 by irradiating it with the laser light L. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 51, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 31.

[0024] In parallel with the above-mentioned image forming process, the recording material is sent out from the tray unit 102 by a pickup roller 103 and conveyed toward a transfer unit (transfer nip) formed by a transfer roller 7 and a photosensitive drum 31.

[0025] A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 7 from a transfer high voltage power supply, and the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 31 is transferred to the recording material. When the recording material to which the toner image has been transferred passes through a fixing unit 8 equipped with a fixing film 81, a pressure roller 82, etc., the toner image is heated and pressurized. This causes the toner particles to melt and then solidify, thereby fixing the toner image onto the recording material. The recording material that has passed through the fixing unit 8 is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body 10 (outside the machine) by a pair of discharge rollers 107 as a discharge means, and is stacked on a discharge tray 14 as a stacking unit formed on the upper part of the apparatus main body 10. On the other hand, the toner that has not been transferred to the recording material and remains on the photosensitive drum 31 is charged by the charging roller 35 and collected by the developing roller 51. The collected toner is used again to perform the image forming process. In this manner, in a configuration in which the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 31 is collected by the developing roller 51, the force required to rotate the photosensitive drum 31 is smaller than in a configuration in which the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 31 is collected by a so-called cleaning blade or the like.

[0026] The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a double-sided conveying path 13, and is configured to be able to form images on both sides of the recording material. Double-sided conveying by the double-sided conveying path 13 (double-sided conveying in which the recording material is conveyed so as to be turned over so that images can be formed on both sides of the recording material) is performed by switching the flapper and reversely rotating the pair of discharge rollers 107. That is, the recording material on which a toner image has been transferred to one side or the other and fixed by the fixing unit 8 is not discharged to the tray unit 102, but the rotation direction of the pair of discharge rollers 107 is switched to reverse the conveying direction of the recording material. At this time, the attitude of the flapper forming the conveying path between the fixing unit 8 and the pair of discharge rollers 107 is changed, and the recording material is guided so as to head toward the double-sided conveying path 13 instead of the fixing unit 8. As a result, the recording material returns to the upstream side of the conveying path from the transfer unit, and the surface to which the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 31 is changed from the one surface to which the toner image was previously transferred to the other surface, which is the back surface of the one surface.

[0027] The image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is configured to be able to detect the amount of toner remaining in the developing container 50. The developing unit 5 includes a toner remaining sensor 55, which is an optical sensor. The toner remaining sensor 55 emits detection light into the developing container 50 through a light guide member 56 incorporated in a part of the wall of the developing container 50, and receives the detection light that is reflected and returned according to the amount of toner remaining in the developing container 50. The toner remaining sensor 55 can detect the amount of toner remaining based on the amount of detection light received. Note that the detection configuration for the amount of toner remaining is not limited to an optical sensor, and may be, for example, a sensor that detects the amount of toner remaining in the developing container 50 based on the electrostatic capacitance detected by an electrode provided on the wall of the developing container 50.

[0028] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the toner pack 100 is not attached to the apparatus main body 10 and an image forming operation can be performed. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the toner pack 100 is attached to the apparatus main body 10 and toner is being replenished.

[0029] The developing unit 5 includes a mounting portion 501 to which the toner pack 100 can be detachably attached. The toner pack 100 contains toner to be supplied to the developing unit 5. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, during an image forming operation, the mounting portion 501 is covered by the discharge tray 14 and is not exposed to the outside of the device body 10. The position of the discharge tray 14 at this time is the closed position. When toner is supplied by the toner pack 100, as shown in FIG. 3, during non-image formation, the discharge tray 14 and the regulating portion 15 are rotated to expose the mounting portion 501 to the outside of the device body 10. The discharge tray 14 at this time is the open position. The toner pack 100 is mounted in the mounting portion 501 when the discharge tray 14 is in the open position. That is, the discharge tray 14 also functions as an open / close cover (open / close member) that covers the mounting portion 501. When the toner pack 100 is mounted in the mounting portion 501, the discharge tray 14 cannot move to the closed position.

[0030] The discharge tray 14 is provided in the apparatus body 10 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 14x parallel to the Y direction. The regulating unit 15 has a regulating surface 151 that regulates the rear end of the recording material discharged to the discharge tray 14, and is provided in the apparatus body 10 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 15x parallel to the Y direction. The discharge tray 14 and the regulating unit 15 are configured to take a closed position during image formation operation that allows the recording material to be discharged, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and to take an open position during toner replenishment that allows the toner pack 100 to be mounted in the mounting unit 501, as shown in Figure 3.

[0031] 3, when the toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment portion 501, the toner discharge port 921 of the toner pack 100 communicates with the toner storage chamber 50a of the developing container 50, making it possible to supply the toner stored in the toner pack 100 to the toner storage chamber 50a. The developing container 50 is provided with a ventilation sheet 57 for deaeration.

[0032] The process unit 2 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Fig. 4(a) is a view showing the front side of the process unit 2 with the top and bottom (Z direction) reversed. Fig. 4(b) is a plan view (top) of the process unit 2. Fig. 4(c) is a view showing the right side (driving side side) of the process unit 2. Fig. 4(d) is a view showing the left side (non-driving side side) of the process unit 2. Fig. 5(a) is a rear view of the process unit 2. Fig. 5(b) is a bottom view of the process unit 2. Fig. 6(a) is a perspective view of the process unit 2 as seen from the left rear upper side. Fig. 6(b) is a perspective view of the process unit 2 as seen from the right rear lower side. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the process unit 2 at the center in the longitudinal direction, where (a) is a view of the cross-section as seen from the left side, and (b) is a view of the cross-section as seen from the right side. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of the center of the mounting portion 501 for the toner pack 100 in the longitudinal direction of the process unit 2, where (a) is a view of the cross section seen from the left side, and (b) is a view of the cross section seen from the right side.

[0033] 4, 5, and 6 are diagrams showing the state when the process unit 2 is in an image forming posture (a posture when an image forming operation is possible) within the apparatus body 10. When the process unit 2 is in the image forming posture, the developing unit 5 is inclined around the rotation center 5X so that the side where the mounting portion 501 where the toner pack 100 is mounted is located is slightly lower than when the toner pack 100 is in the replenishment posture.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the process unit 2 includes a drum unit 3 and a developing unit 5.

[0035] The drum unit 3 includes a photosensitive drum 31 , a brush unit 33 , a pre-exposure section 34 , a charging roller 35 , a drum frame 30 , a driving side cover member 302 , and a non-driving side cover member 303 .

[0036] The photosensitive drum 31 has a driving side end journaled by a driving side cover member 302 and a non-driving side end journaled by a non-driving side cover member 303. At one end (driving side, +Y direction end) of the photosensitive drum 31 in the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction, Y direction), a drum driving member (drive receiving portion) 32 that receives a rotational force (driving force) from the apparatus main body 10 and rotates the photosensitive drum 31 is provided. The drum driving member 32 is an input unit that inputs a rotational driving force from a power source such as a motor provided in the apparatus main body 10 to the photosensitive drum 31. The drum driving member 32 has a coupling portion and a gear portion around the coupling portion.

[0037] The charging roller 35 is supported by the drum frame 30 so as to be rotatable in contact with the photosensitive drum 31. The charging roller 35 has a charging roller gear on one end side in the longitudinal direction (the driving side, the end on the +Y direction side), i.e., on the side where the drum driving member 32 of the photosensitive drum 31 is installed. The charging roller gear meshes with a gear portion of the drum driving member 32, so that the charging roller 35 receives the rotational force of a driving motor (not shown) of the apparatus main body 10 via the drum driving member 32 and rotates.

[0038] On the non-driven side of the drum unit 3, a drum contact 311, which is an end of the shaft of the photosensitive drum 31, is exposed from the non-driven side cover member 303. On the driven side, a charging contact 351 of the charging roller 35 and a brush contact 331 of the brush unit 33 are exposed from the drum frame 30. A predetermined voltage is applied to each member from a high-voltage power source provided in the device main body 10 via these contacts.

[0039] The developing unit 5 is made up of a developing roller 51, a supply roller 52, a developing blade 53, an agitating member 54, a developing container 50, a driving side bearing 502, a non-driving side bearing 503, a developing cover member 504, and the like.

[0040] The developing roller 51 has an end on the driving side axially supported by a driving side bearing 502 and an end on the non-driving side axially supported by a non-driving side bearing 503. The supply roller 52 has an end on the driving side axially supported by a driving side bearing 502 and an end on the non-driving side axially supported by a non-driving side bearing 503. The developing unit 5 has a developing drive member that receives a rotational force transmitted from a transmission member. The transmission member is configured to transmit the rotational force received by the drum drive member 32 to the developing drive member of the developing unit 5. That is, the photosensitive drum 31 is rotated by the driving force input to the drum drive member 32, and the driving force is also transmitted to the charging roller 35, the developing roller 51, the supply roller 52, and the stirring member 54 via a gear train (not shown), and they are rotated. Such a drive transmission mechanism is assembled between the driving side bearing 502 and the developing cover member 504.

[0041] In the developing unit 5, on the drive side, a developing contact 511 of the developing roller 51 and a supply contact 521 of the supply roller 52 are exposed from the developing container 50. A predetermined voltage is applied to each member from a high-voltage power source provided in the main body 10 of the apparatus via these contacts.

[0042] The developing unit 5 is configured to move (rotate) between a contact position (developable state) where the developing roller 51 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 31 and a separated position where the developing roller 51 is separated from the photosensitive drum 31, relative to the drum unit 3. A developing pressure spring 305 is provided between the developing unit 5 and the drum unit 3, and the developing unit 5 is biased by the biasing force of the developing pressure spring 305 in a direction to assume a contact state with the drum unit 3.

[0043] 7 and 8, the developing container 50 includes a developing container lid portion 510 and a developing container frame 520. A toner remaining amount sensor 55, a light guide member 56, and the like are disposed in the developing container lid portion 510. Various process members in the developing unit 5, such as the developing roller 51, the supply roller 52, the developing blade 53, and the stirring member 54, are disposed in the developing container frame 520.

[0044] A frame side weld portion 5201 of the developing container frame 520 and a first lid side weld portion 5101 of the developing container lid portion 510 are joined by ultrasonic welding. In addition, a second lid side weld portion 5102 of the developing container lid portion 510 and a light guiding portion side weld portion 5601 of the light guiding member 56 are joined by ultrasonic welding.

[0045] The mounting portion 501 is provided on a frame 513 attached to a developing container lid portion 510 . The frame 513 has a toner supply passage 513a for guiding the toner supplied from the toner pack 100 attached to the mounting portion 501 to the toner storage chamber 50a of the developing container 50. The frame 513 has a through hole in a part of the wall portion that forms the toner supply passage 513a, and a ventilation sheet 57 is attached to close the through hole, and a scattering prevention auxiliary sheet 58 is attached to the outer side of the ventilation sheet 57.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, etc., the mounting portion 501 and the frame 513 are provided on the side of the developing container 50 close to the non-driven side in the longitudinal direction.

[0047] (Drum unit) The configuration of the drum unit 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the drum unit 3. The drum unit 3 includes a photosensitive drum 31, a charging roller 35, a drum frame 30, a driving side cover member 302, and a non-driving side cover member 303.

[0048] A drum driving member 32 for receiving a driving force for rotating the photosensitive drum 31 from the image forming apparatus 1 is provided on one end side of the photosensitive drum 31 in the longitudinal direction. The drum driving member 32 has a coupling portion 32a and a gear portion 32b centered on the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 31.

[0049] Both longitudinal ends of the photosensitive drum 31 are rotatably supported by a driving-side cover member 302 and a non-driving-side cover member 303 of the drum unit 3. The driving-side cover member 302 is provided with a support hole 302a that supports the outer circumferential surface of the coupling portion 32a of the drum driving member 32. The non-driving-side cover member 303 is provided with a support shaft 303a that fits into a hole (not shown) on the other longitudinal end side of the photosensitive drum 31. The driving-side cover member 302 and the non-driving-side cover member 303 are fixed to the drum frame 30 with screws, adhesive, or the like.

[0050] A coupling (not shown) serving as a drum drive output part of the image forming apparatus 1 engages with a coupling part 32a of the drum drive member 32, and the coupling part 32a receives the driving force of a drive motor (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1, causing the photosensitive drum 31 to rotate.

[0051] The charging roller 35 is supported by the drum frame 30 so as to be in contact with the photosensitive drum 31 and to be rotatable. A charging roller gear 40 is provided at one end of the charging roller 35 in the longitudinal direction, and the charging roller gear 40 meshes with a gear portion 32b of the drum driving member 32 to rotate.

[0052] Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the drive-side cover member 302. As shown in Fig. 10, the drive-side cover member 302 has a cylindrical support portion 302b and a support hole 302c. The support portion 302b fits into a hole 41a of the input member 41 to rotatably support the input member 41. The input member 41 has a coupling portion 41c that transmits a rotational force to the development drive member 45 supported by the development unit 5, and a gear portion 41b.

[0053] The gear support member 42 shown in FIG. 10 has a cylindrical support portion 42a. The support portion 42a of the gear support member 42 is fitted into a hole 43a of the idler gear 43 and a support hole 302c of the driving side cover member 302. The gear support member 42 is fixed to the driving side cover member 302. As a result, the driving side cover member 302 rotatably supports the idler gear 43. The gear support member 42 is fixed to the driving side cover member 302 by screws, adhesives, etc. (not shown). The idler gear 43 has a gear portion 43b. The gear portion 43b of the idler gear 43 rotatably supported by the driving side cover member 302 is configured to mesh with the gear portion 41b of the input member 41. As a result, the idler gear 43 can transmit a driving force to the input member 41. 9, when the driving side cover member 302 is fixed to the drum frame 30, the gear portion 32b of the drum driving member 32 meshes with the gear portion 43b of the idler gear 43, and the drum driving member 32 can transmit a rotational force to the idler gear 43. In other words, the rotational force received by the drum driving member 32 from the image forming apparatus 1 can be transmitted to the input member 41 via the idler gear 43.

[0054] (Developing unit) The configuration of the developing unit 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit 5. Fig. 11(a) is an exploded perspective view showing an assembled state of a driving side bearing 502 that supports the developing roller 51, a non-driving side bearing 503, and an agitating member 54. Fig. 11(b) is an exploded perspective view showing an assembled state of a plurality of gears included in the developing unit 5 and a developing device cover member 504.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 11, the developing unit 5 includes a developing roller 51, a developing blade 53, and a developing container 50. The developing container 50 includes a toner storage chamber 36 that stores the toner to be supplied to the developing roller 51, and is equipped with a developing blade 53 that regulates the thickness of the toner layer on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 51. The developing blade 53 is formed by attaching an elastic member 53b, which is a sheet metal having a thickness of about 0.1 mm, to a supporting member 53a, which is formed of metal and has an L-shaped cross section, by welding or the like. The developing blade 53 is fixed at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction to the developing container 50 by a fastening member such as a screw, and the elastic member 53b is brought into contact with the developing roller 51 with a predetermined pressure to regulate the thickness of the toner layer on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 51. That is, when the developing roller 51 rotates, a frictional force is generated between the developing roller 51 and the developing blade 53, and a rotational load is generated on the developing roller 51.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 11A, both ends of the metal core 51a of the developing roller 51 are rotatably supported by a support hole 502b of the driving side bearing 502 and a support hole 503b of the non-driving side bearing 503, which are provided at both ends of the developer container 50 in the longitudinal direction. In addition, both ends of the metal core 52a of the supply roller 52 are rotatably supported by a support hole 502c of the driving side bearing 502 and a support hole 503c of the non-driving side bearing 503. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11B, a developing roller gear 39 for receiving a driving force for rotating the developing roller 51 is attached to one longitudinal end of the metal core 51a of the developing roller 51. In addition, a supply roller gear 44 for receiving a driving force for rotating the supply roller 52 is attached to one longitudinal end of the metal core 52a of the supply roller 52.

[0057] 12 is a perspective view of the developing device driving member 45. The developing unit 5 has the developing device driving member 45 provided with a coupling portion 45d. The coupling portion 45d engages with the coupling portion 41c of the input member 41 to receive a driving force. A first gear portion 45a and a second gear portion 45b are provided around the coupling portion 45d. Holes 45c are provided on the insides of the first gear portion 45a and the second gear portion 45b.

[0058] 11(b), the driving side bearing 502 has a cylindrical support portion 502a, which fits into a hole 45c of the developing device driving member 45. The developing device covering member 504 has a hole 504a, which fits into the outer periphery of the coupling portion 45d of the developing device driving member 45. In this manner, the developing device driving member 45 is rotatably supported by the driving side bearing 502 and the developing device covering member 504.

[0059] Further, the first gear portion 45a of the developing drive member 45 thus rotatably supported by the developing unit 5 meshes with the developing roller gear 39 to transmit a driving force to the developing roller gear 39. Furthermore, the second gear portion 45b of the developing drive member 45 meshes with the supply roller gear 44 to transmit a driving force to the supply roller gear 44. In other words, the rotational force received by the developing drive member 45 from the input member 41 can be transmitted to the developing roller gear 39 and the supply roller gear 44, and the developing roller 51 and the supply roller 52 can be rotated.

[0060] The developing container 50 has a toner storage chamber 36 for storing toner, and an agitating member 54 is installed in the toner storage chamber 36. The agitating member 54 is composed of a sheet-like agitating elastic member 54a and an agitating shaft 54b to which one end of the agitating elastic member 54a is fixed. As shown in FIG. 11(a), a cylindrical support portion 54c is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the agitating shaft 54b, and a support hole 54d is provided at the other end. The agitating member 54 installed in the toner storage chamber 36 is rotatably supported by the support portion 54c engaging with the arc portion 50b installed on the inner wall of the developing container 50, and the square column-shaped support portion 48a of the agitating gear 48 installed from the outside of the developing container 50 engaging with the support hole 54d. As shown in FIG. 11(a), the developing container 50 forms the toner storage chamber 36 by fixing a developing container lid portion 510 to a developing container frame 520 by ultrasonic welding, adhesive, or the like. The developing container lid portion 510 is provided with an attachment portion 501 having a toner path communicating with the toner storage chamber 36. The developing unit 5 having this configuration can replenish (supply) toner to the toner storage chamber 36 by attaching a toner pack 100 to the attachment portion 501.

[0061] The agitating gear 48 has a gear portion 48b, and the inner periphery of the gear portion 48b engages with an annular support portion 50d of the developing container 50 as shown in FIG. 11(a), thereby rotatably supporting the developing container 50. As shown in FIG. 11(b), the agitating idler gear 47 has a first gear portion 47a and a second gear portion 47b, and has a hole 47c penetrating the inside of the first gear portion 47a and the second gear portion 47b. The hole 47c is rotatably supported by engaging with a cylindrical portion 46b of the developing cover member 504 fixed to the developing container 50. In this manner, the first gear portion 47a of the agitating idler gear 47 installed in the developing container 50 meshes with the second gear portion 45b of the developing drive member 45, and the second gear portion 47b meshes with the gear portion 48b of the agitating gear 48. In other words, the driving force received by the developing drive member 45 can be transmitted to the agitating gear 48 via the agitating idler gear 47 to rotate the agitating member 54.

[0062] (Rotational movement of the development unit) The rotational movement configuration of the developing unit 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the process unit 2, Fig. 13(a) shows the attached state of the driving side cover member 302, and Fig. 13(b) shows the attached state of the non-driving side cover member 303. Here, the rotation center of the developing driving member 45 rotatably supported by the developing unit 5 as described above is referred to as the developing rotation axis N, as shown in Fig. 13.

[0063] 13(a), the developing device cover member 504 fixed to the developing unit 5 has an annular support portion 504c. The annular support portion 504c is provided coaxially with a hole 504a that supports the developing device driving member 45, and the center of the annular support portion 504c coincides with the developing device rotation axis N. In addition, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the non-driving side bearing 503 fixed to the developing container 50 is provided with a cylindrical support portion 503d whose center coincides with the developing device rotation axis N.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 13(a), the annular support portion 504c is engaged with the developer support portion 302d provided on the driving side cover member 302. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the support portion 503d is engaged with the long hole-shaped developer support portion 303b of the non-driving side cover member 303. As a result, the developing unit 5 rotatably supported by the driving side cover member 302 and the non-driving side cover member 303 becomes rotatable with respect to the drum unit 3 around the developer rotation axis N as the rotation center. At this time, the rotation center of the developing drive member 45 and the rotation center of the developing unit 5 coincide with the developer rotation axis N. In addition, the rotation center of the developing drive member 45 and the input member 41 also coincides with the developing rotation axis N, and the coupling portion 41c of the input member 41 and the developing drive member 45 are engaged, so that the driving force can be transmitted from the input member 41 to the developing drive member 45.

[0065] (Drive transmission path) The driving force transmission path to each rotating body of the process unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a side view of the process unit 2 as viewed from the side where the drum driving member 32 is located in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 31. FIG. 14(a) shows a state in which the developing unit 5 is located at a contact position where the developing roller 51 and the photosensitive drum 31 are in contact with each other. FIG. 14(b) shows a state in which the developing unit 5 is located at a separated position where the developing roller 51 and the photosensitive drum 31 are separated from each other. In FIG. 14, the driving side cover member 302, the non-driving side cover member 303, the driving side bearing 502, and the developing cover member 504 are omitted in order to make the gear train easier to see.

[0066] The developing unit 5 is configured to be rotatable about the development rotation axis N with respect to the drum unit 3. As shown in FIG. 14(a), when the developing unit 5 is located at the abutment position, the developing roller 51 abuts against the photosensitive drum 31, and the latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 31 can be developed. When the developing unit 5 is located at the abutment position, the isolating cam 51 provided on the apparatus main body 10 is disposed below the mounting portion 501. There is a gap H between the isolating cam 51 and the bottom surface 123f of the mounting portion 501. When the developing unit 5 is located at the abutment position, if a driving force is input to the coupling portion 32a of the drum driving member 32 in the direction of the arrow Q shown in FIG. 14(a), the photosensitive drum 31 rotates in the direction of the arrow Q shown in FIG. 14(a). In addition, the charging roller 35 on which the charging roller gear 40 meshing with the gear portion 32b of the drum driving member 32 is disposed rotates in the direction of the arrow R shown in FIG. 14(a). Further, the idler gear 43 meshing with the gear portion 32b of the drum driving member 32 rotates, and the input member 41 meshing with the idler gear 43 rotates in the direction of the arrow K1 shown in FIG. 14(a) about the development rotation axis N. The coupling portion 41c of the input member 41 engages with the coupling portion 45d of the development drive member 45 to transmit the driving force, so that the development drive member 45 also rotates in the direction of the arrow K1 shown in FIG. 14(a). Here, the driving force transmitted by the input member 41 to the development drive member 45 becomes an external force for the development unit 5, and the development unit 5 rotates in the direction of the arrow K1 in FIG. 14(a) about the development rotation axis N. Then, the development roller 51 of the development unit 5 can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 31. In this configuration, the development roller 51 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 31 by inputting a rotational force to the development drive member 45 of the development unit 5 in this way, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0067] FIG. 15 is a side view of the process unit 2 installed inside the image forming apparatus 1, seen from the installation side of the non-drive side cover member 303 in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 31. As shown in FIG. 15, the non-drive side cover member 303 has a protruding spring hook portion 303c, and the non-drive side bearing 503 has a protruding spring hook portion 503e. A developer pressure spring 305 is installed on the spring hook portion 303c and the spring hook portion 503e, and a force in the direction of arrow G shown in FIG. 15 is applied to the developer unit 5. The developer unit 5 receiving the force in the direction of arrow G shown in FIG. 15 rotates in the direction of K1 shown in FIG. 15 around the developer rotation axis N, so that the developer roller 51 can be abutted against the photosensitive drum 31. In this way, in addition to transmitting the rotation force to the developer drive member 45, a contact pressure for the developer roller 51 to abut against the photosensitive drum 31 may be generated using a spring.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 14(a), the first gear portion 45a of the developing drive member 45 to which the driving force is input meshes with the developing roller gear 39, rotating the developing roller 51 in the direction of the arrow S shown in FIG. 14(a). The second gear portion 45b (not shown) meshes with the supply roller gear 44, rotating the supply roller 52 (not shown) in the direction of the arrow T in FIG. 14(a). The second gear portion 45b (not shown) meshes with the stirring idler gear 47, and the stirring idler gear 47 meshes with the stirring gear 48, rotating the stirring gear 48 and the stirring member 54 (not shown) in the direction of the arrow U in FIG. 14(a). In this way, the developing drive member 45 transmits the driving force to the developing roller 51, the supply roller 52, and the stirring member 54, which are rotating bodies that the developing unit 5 has. That is, the development drive member 45 is subjected to the rotational load of these rotating bodies of the development unit 5, and the input member 41 that rotates the development drive member 45 is also subjected to the rotational load of these rotating bodies of the development unit 5. Furthermore, the drum drive member 32 that rotates the input member 41 via the idler gear 43 is also subjected to the rotational load of these rotating bodies of the development unit 5. That is, the rotational load generated by these rotating bodies of the developing unit 5 can be applied to the drum driving member 32. This makes it possible to stabilize the rotation of the drum driving member 32, and therefore the rotation of the photosensitive drum 31 can be made more stable.

[0069] When the discharge tray 14 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the separation cam 51 rotates in the direction of the arrow J shown in FIG. 14(a) in conjunction with the movement of the discharge tray 14, and as shown in FIG. 14(b), the separation cam 51 comes into contact with the bottom surface 123f of the mounting portion 501. The bottom surface 123f is pressed in the direction of the arrow F shown in FIG. 14(b), and the developing unit 5 rotates in the direction of the arrow K2 shown in FIG. 14(b) about the development rotation axis N, and the developing unit 5 reaches the separation position. At this time, a gap V shown in FIG. 14(b) is generated between the developing roller 51 and the photosensitive drum 31, and the developing roller 51 is separated from the photosensitive drum 31. In this way, even when the developing unit 5 is located at the separation position, the meshing relationship of the gear parts of the drum unit 3 and the developing unit 5 does not change. That is, the driving force in the direction of the arrow Q shown in FIG. 14(b) input to the drum driving member 32 is transmitted from the input member 41 to the developing driving member 45 and then to the rotating body installed in the developing unit 5, in the same manner as when the developing unit 5 is located at the abutting position. Even when the developing unit 5 is located at the separated position, the drum driving member 32 is subjected to the load of the rotating body of the developing unit 5, and the photosensitive drum 31 rotates stably. In addition, since the driving force can be transmitted to the rotating body of the developing unit 5 when the developing roller 51 is separated from the photosensitive drum 31, the developing roller 51 is less likely to deteriorate due to friction with the photosensitive drum 31. In addition, when the developing unit 5 is located at the separated position, the toner supplied to the toner storage chamber 36 of the developing container 50 through the mounting portion 501 can be stirred by the stirring member 54, and the toner can be supplied to the supply roller 52 and the developing roller 51. 1 to 3 is moved from the open position to the closed position, the isolating cam 51 rotates in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow J in Fig. 14(a) in conjunction with the discharge tray 14, and the isolating cam 51 moves away from the bottom surface 123f as shown in Fig. 14(a). The developing unit 5 rotates in the direction of arrow K1 in Fig. 14(a) about the development rotation axis N, and the developing unit 5 reaches the abutment position.

[0070] Since the mounting portion 501 is fixed to the developing unit 5, the mounting portion 501 also moves with the rotation of the developing unit 5 about the development rotation axis N. When the user uses the toner pack 100 to replenish the toner to the developing container 50, as described above, the discharge tray 14 is moved to the open position, so that the developing unit 5 swings in the direction of the arrow K2, and the mounting portion 501 reaches the separated position shown in FIG. 14(b). The user mounts the toner pack 100 in the mounting portion 501 of the developing unit 5 in the separated position, and replenishes the toner in the toner pack 100. Details of the mounting portion 501 will be described later. When the replenishment of the toner by the toner pack 100 is completed, the user closes the discharge tray 14, and the developing unit 5 moves again to the abutting position shown in FIG. 16(a), and the image forming apparatus 1 is ready to start preparing for image formation.

[0071] (Mounting part) The mounting part 501 will be described with reference to Figs. 16 to 18. Fig. 16(a) is a perspective view of the mounting part 501 when the main body shutter 121 is in the open position. Fig. 16(b) is a perspective view of the mounting part 501 when the main body shutter 121 is in the closed position. Fig. 16(c) is a perspective view of the mounting part 501 seen from below. Figs. 17(a) and 17(b) are perspective views of the main body shutter 121. Fig. 18(a) is a view of the mounting part 501 seen from above along the rotation axis RA1. Figs. 18(b) and 18(c) are cross sections taken along lines A1-A1 and B1-B1 of Fig. 18(a), respectively.

[0072] The mounting portion 501 has a base frame 123 and a main body shutter 121 provided inside the base frame 123 and rotatable relative to the base frame 123 .

[0073] As shown in Fig. 17(a) and Fig. 17(b), the main body shutter 121 is a cylindrical member with an open top. An inner peripheral surface 121c (first engaged portion, first inner peripheral surface) centered on the rotation axis RA1, a shutter opening 121a, and a main body shutter engaging portion 121b are provided on a side wall extending in the direction of the rotation axis RA1 of the main body shutter 121. As shown in Fig. 18(a), Fig. 18(b), and Fig. 18(c), the inner peripheral surface 121c extends in the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis RA1 and in the direction of the rotation axis RA1. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis RA1, the main body shutter engaging portion 121b is provided at a position facing the shutter opening 121a in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis RA1, and protrudes from the inner peripheral surface 121c in a direction approaching the rotation axis RA1. A main body shutter shaft 121d is provided on the bottom surface of the main body shutter 121, and extends upward along the direction of the rotation axis RA1.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 16(c), the base frame 123 is provided with a communication port 123a that communicates with the inside of the developing container 50 (the toner storage chamber 36). The base frame 123 is also provided with a nozzle positioning portion 123c that protrudes toward the rotation axis RA1 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis RA1. The base frame 123 also has a bottom surface 123f that receives a pressing force from the separating cam 51 of the apparatus main body 10. The base frame 123 is integrated with the developing container 50 by being coupled to the developing container lid portion 510 of the developing container 50 at a coupling surface 122 shown in Fig. 16(c).

[0075] The main body shutter 121 is configured to rotate around a rotation axis RA1 between an open position (Figure 16(a)) in which the shutter opening 121a communicates with the communication opening 123a relative to the base frame 123, and a closed position (Figure 16(b)) in which the shutter opening 121a does not communicate with the communication opening 123a.

[0076] (Toner pack) The toner pack 100 will now be described. The toner pack 100 is configured to be mountable in the mounting portion 501 described above. Fig. 19(a) is a front view of the toner pack 100 when the pack-side shutter 1103 is in the blocking position. Fig. 19(b) is a front view of the toner pack 100 when the pack-side shutter 1103 is in the open position. Figs. 19(c) and 19(d) are enlarged perspective views of the vicinity of the nozzle 1102 when the pack-side shutter 1103 is in the blocking position.

[0077] The toner pack 100 has a pouch 1101 configured to contain contents such as toner, a nozzle 1102, and a pack-side shutter 1103 (container shutter) rotatable relative to the nozzle 1102 about a rotation axis RA2.

[0078] The pouch 1101 is flexible and is provided on one end side of the toner pack 100 on the rotation axis RA2 of the pack-side shutter 1103. The nozzle 1102 and the pack-side shutter 1103 are provided on the other end side of the toner pack 100 on the rotation axis RA2. The rotation axis RA2 of the pack-side shutter 1103 coincides with the rotation axis RA1 of the main body shutter 121 when the toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment portion 501. The pouch 1101 of this embodiment is formed of a flexible polypropylene sheet. Note that a resin bottle or a container made of paper, vinyl, or the like may be used as the pouch 1101.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 19(b), the nozzle 1102 has a side surface 1102c extending along the rotation axis RA2. The side surface 1102c is provided with an outlet 1102a configured to communicate with the toner storage chamber 36 of the pouch 1101, and a nozzle positioning portion 1102d (FIG. 19(a)). The toner stored in the pouch 1101 is configured to be discharged to the outside of the toner pack 100 through the outlet 1102a when the pouch 1101 is crushed (deformed) by an external force applied by a user. The nozzle 1102 further has a protruding portion 1102e protruding in the direction of the rotation axis RA2 from a bottom surface on the opposite side to the pouch 1101, as shown in FIG. 19(c) and FIG. 19(d). The protruding portion 1102e is provided with an inner peripheral surface 1102e1 centered on the rotation axis RA2. The function of the inner peripheral surface 1102e1 will be described later.

[0080] The pack-side shutter 1103 is provided rotatably around the rotation axis RA2 and has an opening 1103a. The pack-side shutter 1103 is provided outside the side surface 1102c in the radial direction r of a virtual circle VC centered on the rotation axis RA2. The arc surface of the side surface 1102c is a curved surface that is convex toward the outside in the radial direction r. The inner surface of the pack-side shutter 1103, i.e., the surface facing the side surface 1102c, is a curved surface along the side surface 1102c of the nozzle 1102, and a substantially rectangular pack-side seal 1105 is attached to it. The outer surface 1103c of the pack-side shutter 1103 is provided with a first convex surface 1103g, a second convex surface 1103h, and a third convex surface 1103i that protrude toward the outside in the radial direction of the rotation axis RA2 relative to the outer surface 1103c. The first convex surface 1103g, the second convex surface 1103h, and the third convex surface 1103i are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis RA2. When the toner pack 100 is mounted in the mounting portion 501, the first convex surface 1103g, the second convex surface 1103h, and the third convex surface 1103i contact the inner peripheral surface 121c of the main body shutter 121. This determines the radial position of the pack-side shutter 1103 relative to the main body shutter 121 centered on the rotation axis RA2.

[0081] The pack-side shutter 1103 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis RA2 between a blocking position (position shown in FIG. 19(a)) where it blocks the discharge port 1102a of the nozzle 1102, and an open position (position shown in FIG. 19(b)) where it opens the discharge port 1102a. As shown in FIG. 19(b), when the pack-side shutter 1103 is in the open position, the discharge port 1102a of the nozzle 1102 is exposed from an opening 1103a formed in the pack-side shutter 1103.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 19(a), when the pack-side shutter 1103 in the shielding position is rotated in the direction of arrow K about the rotation axis RA2, the pack-side shutter 1103 reaches the open position shown in FIG. 19(b). Conversely, when the pack-side shutter 1103 in the open position is rotated in the direction of arrow L, the pack-side shutter 1103 reaches the shielding position. That is, the direction of arrow K as the first rotation direction is the direction from the shielding position to the open position about the rotation axis RA, and the direction of arrow L as the second rotation direction is the direction from the open position to the shielding position about the rotation axis RA2. During the rotation of the pack-side shutter 1103, the pack-side shutter 1103 rubs against the side surface 1102c of the nozzle 1102 via the pack-side seal 1105.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 19(c), the nozzle 1102 has a positioned portion 1102d including surfaces facing each other in the circumferential direction (direction perpendicular to the rotation axis RA2) centered on the rotation axis RA2. The nozzle positioned portion 1102d has a first opposing surface 1102d1 and a second opposing surface 1102d2 extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis RA2. When the toner pack 100 is mounted in the mounting portion 501, the nozzle positioned portion 1102d engages with the nozzle positioning portion 123c (Figs. 16(a)(b), Fig. 18(a)) of the base frame 123. This determines the position of the nozzle 1102 in the rotation direction (circumferential direction) centered on the rotation axis RA1 (RA2) relative to the base frame 123. In other words, the rotation of the nozzle 1102 about the rotation axis RA1 is restricted by the first opposed surface 1102d1 or the second opposed surface 1102d2 coming into contact with the nozzle positioning portion 123c.

[0084] The pack-side shutter 1103 has an opening 1103a formed in a side surface 1103c. As shown in FIG. 19(c), when the pack-side shutter 1103 is in the shielding position, the nozzle positioned portion 1102d is exposed from the opening 1103a. This is to allow the nozzle positioned portion 1102d to engage with the nozzle positioning portion 123c when the toner pack 100 is mounted in the mounting portion 501 with the pack-side shutter 1103 in the shielding position. Furthermore, the pack-side shutter 1103 is provided with a drive-transmitted portion 1103e shown in FIG. 19(d). When the pack-side shutter 1103 is in the shielding position, the drive-transmitted portion 1103e is provided on the opposite side of the rotation axis RA2 from the nozzle positioned portion 1102d. The drive-transmitted portion 1103e has a surface 1103e1, a surface 1103e2, and a side surface 1103e3, and is configured to engage with the drive-transmitting portion 103d of the operation lever 103 described later. The side surface 1103e3 is provided between the surfaces 1103e1 and 1103e2, and is recessed inward in the radial direction r from the side surface 1103e3. In addition, a flange portion 1103f is provided at the upstream end portion in the mounting direction M of the pack-side shutter 1103, which extends outward in the radial direction r from the side surface 1103c.

[0085] (Operation lever) The operation lever 103 (operation member) will be described. FIG. 20(a) is a perspective view showing the state where the operation lever 103 is installed on the main body cover 700 that covers the process unit 2. FIG. 20(b) is a view from above of the vicinity of the operation lever 103 in the closed position. FIG. 20(c) is a view from above of the vicinity of the operation lever 103 in the open position. FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b) are perspective views showing the toner pack 100 in the middle of being mounted in the mounting portion 501. FIG. 21(c) is a perspective view showing a state where the toner pack 100 has been mounted in the mounting portion 501 and the operation lever 103 is in the closed position. FIG. 21(d) is a perspective view showing a state where the toner pack 100 has been mounted in the mounting portion 501 and the operation lever 103 is in the open position.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 20(a), the operating lever 103 is provided rotatably around the rotation axis RA1 of the main body shutter 121 relative to the main body cover 700. The operating lever 103 has an inner circumferential surface 103a (main body engaged portion, second engaged portion, second inner circumferential surface) that forms a central hole (main body opening), an upper surface 103b, and a drive transmission portion 103d that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface 103a toward the rotation axis RA1. The central hole of the operating lever 103 is a hole that exposes the mounting portion 501 to the outside of the device main body 10. The operating lever 103 further has an annular rib 103c that protrudes upward from the upper surface 103b, and a grip portion 103e that extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis RA1. The inner circumferential surface 103a is a surface centered on the rotation axis RA1. The annular rib 103c has a straight portion 103c1 extending linearly when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis RA1, and a circular portion 103c2 extending in an arc shape. The grip portion 103e is a portion for a user to grasp when rotating the operating lever 103.

[0087] 21(a) and 21(b), the user mounts the toner pack 100 with the pack-side shutter 1103 in the covering position in the mounting direction M to the mounting part 501 with the main body shutter 121 in the covering position and the operation lever 103 in the closed position. At this time, the user aligns the nozzle positioned portion 1102d of the nozzle 1102 with the nozzle positioning portion 123c of the base frame 123. At the same time, the user aligns the drive transmitted portion 1103e of the pack-side shutter 1103 with the drive transmitting portion 103d (main body shutter engaging portion 121b) of the operation lever 103.

[0088] After aligning the toner pack 100 with the mounting portion 501, the user mounts the toner pack 100 in the mounting portion 501 in the mounting direction M. An inner circumferential surface 1102e1 of the protruding portion 1102e of the nozzle 1102 shown in Figs. 19(c) and 19(d) engages with the main body shutter shaft 121d (Fig. 17) of the main body shutter 121. This determines the position of the nozzle 1102 in the radial direction centered on the rotation axis RA1 relative to the main body shutter 121 (mounting portion 501). At this time, the drive transmission portion 1103e of the pack-side shutter 1103 engages with the drive transmission portion 103d of the operation lever 103 and the main body shutter engagement portion 121b of the main body shutter 121. At the same time, the nozzle positioned portion 1102d of the nozzle 1102 engages with the nozzle positioning portion 123c of the base frame 123. As a result, the rotation axis RA2 of the pack-side shutter 1103 and the rotation axis RA1 of the main body shutter 121 become approximately coaxial. Since the nozzle positioned portion 1102d engages with the nozzle positioning portion 123c of the base frame 123, the rotation of the nozzle 1102 relative to the base frame 123 is restricted. Therefore, the operation lever 103, the pack-side shutter 1103, and the main body shutter 121 become rotatable approximately integrally with respect to the base frame 123 and the nozzle 1102 about the rotation axis RA1 (RA2).

[0089] When the operating lever 103 is rotated in the D direction from the closed position in Fig. 21(c), the drive transmission part 103d of the operating lever 103 presses the surface 1103e1 or 1103e2 of the pack-side shutter 1103, causing the pack-side shutter 1103 to rotate. At the same time, the surface 1103e1 or the surface 1103e2 constituting the drive-receiving part 1103e of the pack-side shutter 1103 presses the main body shutter engagement part 121b of the main body shutter 121, causing the main body shutter 121 to rotate. As a result, the operating lever 103 reaches the open position as shown in Fig. 21(d), allowing toner to be replenished from the pouch 1101 to the developing container 50 through the opening 1103a of the pack-side shutter 1103 and the opening 121a of the main body shutter 121. A user applies a force from the outside to the pouch 1101 to deform it, thereby supplying the toner in the pouch 1101 toward the developing container 50.

[0090] (attachment) The structure of the attachment 101 (shiplock member) will be described with reference to Figures 22 and 23. Figure 22 is a perspective view of the attachment 101. Figure 23 is a six-sided view of the attachment 101.

[0091] The attachment 101 is a member for mounting to the mounting portion 501 when the toner pack 100 is not mounted during distribution of the image forming apparatus 1. The attachment 101 is moved in a mounting direction M shown in Fig. 22(b) relative to the mounting portion 501 and mounted. The attachment 1 and the image forming apparatus 1 together constitute an image forming system.

[0092] The attachment 101 is a cylindrical member centered on a central axis C1, and is provided with a recess 101i recessed in the direction of the central axis C1. The recess 101i is open on the upstream side in the mounting direction M, allowing a user to hook his / her fingers when grasping the attachment 101. A plurality of ribs 101j extending in a direction perpendicular to the central axis CA are provided on the upstream end surface in the mounting direction M. The plurality of ribs 101j function as a non-slip surface when the user grasps the attachment.

[0093] The attachment 101 has an outer peripheral surface 101h centered on the central axis C1, and the outer peripheral surface 101h is not provided with a hole communicating with the inside of the recess 101i. The attachment 101 is further provided with four protrusions 104a (first protrusion), 104b (second protrusion), 104c (third protrusion), and 104d (fourth protrusion) that protrude outward in the radial direction centered on the central axis C1 relative to the outer peripheral surface 101h. The four protrusions 104a to 104d are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the central axis C1.

[0094] The attachment 101 further has a first recess 101e recessed from the outer circumferential surface 101h inward in the radial direction centered on the central axis C1, the first recess 101e including a surface 101e1 and a surface 101e2 extending in a direction perpendicular to the central axis C1. The first recess 101e is provided between the first convex portion 101a and the second convex portion 101b in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis CA. The attachment 101 further has a second recess 101g recessed from the outer circumferential surface 101h inward in the radial direction centered on the central axis C1, the second recess 101g including a surface 101g1 and a surface 101g2 extending in the radial direction centered on the central axis C1. The second recess 101g is provided between the third convex portion 101c and the fourth convex portion 101d in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis CA. As shown in FIG. 23(d), when viewed in the direction of the central axis CA, the second recess 101g is located on the opposite side to the first recess 101e with respect to the central axis CA.

[0095] The attachment 101 has a flange portion 101m extending radially outward from the central axis CA on the upstream side in the mounting direction M. The outer edge of the flange portion 101m has a straight portion 101m1 extending linearly and an arc portion 101m2 extending on an arc when viewed in the direction of the central axis CA as shown in Fig. 23(b). In addition, as shown in Fig. 23(d), a plurality of abutment ribs 101k protruding in the direction of the central axis CA are provided on the end face of the flange portion 101m on the downstream side in the mounting direction M.

[0096] Next, the function of the attachment 101 will be described. FIG. 24(a) is a perspective view of the mounting unit 501 and the vicinity of the operation lever 103 in a state where the attachment 101 is attached. FIG. 24(b) is a view showing the posture of the mounting unit 501 in a state where the attachment 101 is attached. FIG. 25(a) is a view of the mounting unit 501 in which the attachment 101 is attached, seen from above. FIG. 25(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along C1-C1 in FIG. 25(a). FIG. 25(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along D1-D1 in FIG. 25(a). FIG. 26(a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the discharge tray 14 is in an open position and the attachment 101 is not attached to the mounting unit 501. FIG. 26(b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus in a state where the discharge tray 14 is in an open position and the attachment 101 is attached to the mounting unit 501. FIG. 26C is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the attachment 101 attached to the mounting portion 501 and the discharge tray 14 in the closed position.

[0097] A method of determining the phase of the attachment 101 in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis RA1 when the attachment 101 is mounted on the mounting part 501 will be described. The attachment 101 is mounted on the mounting part 501 in a phase in which the straight part 101m1 of the flange part 101m of the attachment 101 faces the straight part 103c1 of the annular rib 103c of the operation lever 103. By adjusting the attachment 101 to this phase, the first recess 101e and the second recess 101g are positioned corresponding to the drive transmission part 103d (main body shutter engagement part 121b) of the operation lever 103 and the nozzle positioning part 123c of the base frame 123, respectively. Thus, the attachment 101 can be mounted on the mounting part 501. The rotation of the attachment 101 around the rotation axis RA1 is restricted by the engagement of the second recess 101g with the nozzle positioning part 123c of the base frame 123.

[0098] When the attachment 101 is mounted in the mounting portion 501, as shown in FIG. 25(b), the projections 101a-d (101c in this cross-sectional view) of the attachment 101 are configured to engage (contact) with the inner peripheral surface 121c of the main body shutter 121. This determines the radial position of the attachment 101 relative to the main body shutter 121, centered on the central axis CA (rotation axis RA1). The projections 101a-d (101c in this cross-sectional view) of the attachment 101 further engage with the inner peripheral surface 103a of the operating lever 103. This causes the attachment 101 to engage with both the mounting portion 501, which is a part of the developing unit 5, and the operating lever 103, which is a part of the apparatus main body 10. In FIG. 25(b), the portion of the protrusion 101c of the attachment 101 that engages (contacts) with the inner circumferential surface 121c of the main body shutter 121 is referred to as the first engagement portion 101c1, and the portion that contacts with the inner circumferential surface 103a of the operating lever 103 is referred to as the second engagement portion 101c2. The first engagement portion 101c1 and the second engagement portion 101c2 are surfaces that are located at different positions in the direction of the rotation axis RA1. In addition, the first engagement portion 101c1 and the second engagement portion 101c2 are surfaces that are located at the same distance from the central axis CA in a direction perpendicular to the central axis CA. In addition, the second engagement portion 101c2 is located between the first engagement portion 101c1 and the flange portion 101m in the direction of the rotation axis RA1, as shown in FIG. 25(b).

[0099] The development unit 5 including the mounting portion 501 is configured to be rotatable in the direction of arrow K1 or arrow K2 shown in Figure 24(b) around the development rotation axis N relative to the device main body 10 (drum unit 3) when the attachment 101 is not mounted in the mounting portion 501. Here, the direction of the arrow K', which is the tangent direction of the rotation locus (arc) of the mounting portion 501 represented by the arrows K1 and K2, intersects with the mounting direction M of the attachment 101. Therefore, as described above, the attachment 101 engages with the main body shutter 121 and the operation lever 103, so that the developing unit 5 is restricted from rotating about the development rotation axis N relative to the device main body 10 (drum unit 3). Also, as shown in FIG. 26(c), the discharge tray 14 can be moved to the closed position with the attachment 101 mounted on the mounting portion 501. At this time, even if the separation cam 51 moves to the separated position as shown in FIG. 24(b) in conjunction with the movement of the discharge tray 14 to the closed position, the developing unit 5 is maintained at the separated position relative to the drum unit 3. In other words, when the image forming apparatus 1 is transported, the developing roller 51 can be separated from the photosensitive drum 31 by mounting the attachment 101 to the mounting portion 501. This also has the effect of suppressing deformation of the surface of the developing roller 51.

[0100] As shown in Figures 25(b) and 25(c), an abutment rib 101k provided on the lower surface of the flange portion 101m of the attachment 101 abuts against an upper surface 103b of the operating lever 103. This determines the position of the attachment 101 relative to the operating lever 103 in the mounting direction M (central axis CA).

[0101] Unlike the toner pack 100, the attachment 101 does not have a toner storage portion for storing toner.

[0102] As described above, by mounting the attachment 101 to the mounting portion 501, it is possible to suppress vibration of the developing unit 5 during transportation of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0103] In this embodiment, when the attachment 101 is attached to the mounting portion 501, the attachment 101 engages with the inner circumferential surface 103a of the operating lever 103 of the device body 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the attachment 101 may engage with the inner circumferential surface of a main body opening provided in the main body cover 700 shown in FIG. 20(a).

[0104] In the process unit 2 of this embodiment, the developing unit 5 is configured to be rotatable between a contact position and a separation position around the development rotation axis N relative to the drum unit 3, but is not limited to this. The same effect can be achieved by mounting an attachment to the mounting portion even in a process unit in which the developing unit is fixed at a contact position relative to the drum unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1. Image forming device 2 Process Unit 3 Drum unit 5 Development Unit 14 Output tray 10. Device body 31 Photosensitive drum 50 Developer container 51 Developing roller 100 toner packs 101 Attachment 101a First protrusion 101b Second protrusion 101c Third convex part 101c1 First engaging part 101c2 Second engaging part 101d 4th convex part 101m flange 101m1 Straight section 103 Operating lever 103a Inner surface 103b Top surface 501 Mounting part 1103 Pack side shutter

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, a device body to which a toner container for storing toner can be attached; Attachment and a developing unit provided inside the device main body, the developing unit having a developing container, a developing roller that carries the toner contained in the developing container, and a mounting portion into which the toner container can be mounted and configured to communicate with the inside of the developing container; a cover that is movable between an open position that exposes the mounting portion to the outside of the device body and a closed position that covers the mounting portion so as not to expose the mounting portion to the outside of the device body; and the attachment is removably attached to the mounting portion when the toner container is not attached to the mounting portion, the attachment is configured such that a movable amount of the developing unit relative to the device main body is smaller when the attachment is attached to the attachment portion than when neither the toner container nor the attachment is attached to the attachment portion; The cover is configured to be movable from the open position to the closed position when the attachment is attached to the attachment portion, and is configured such that the movement from the open position to the closed position is prevented by the toner container when the toner container is attached to the attachment portion. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. The device body has a body-engaged portion, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attachment has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion that engage with the mounting portion and the main body engaged portion, respectively.

3. the mounting portion is a cylindrical shutter that is rotatable about a rotation axis and has an inner circumferential surface that faces the rotation axis, and the shutter rotates between an open position that connects the inside of the developing container with the outside of the image forming apparatus and a closed position that does not connect the inside of the developing container with the outside of the image forming apparatus, The image forming apparatus of claim 2, wherein the attachment is attached so that at least a portion of the attachment is inserted inside the inner peripheral surface of the shutter in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and has an outer peripheral surface that faces the inner peripheral surface of the shutter when attached to the attachment portion, and a convex portion that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface toward the rotation axis and includes a first engagement portion configured to contact the inner peripheral surface.

4. When the inner circumferential surface is a first inner circumferential surface, the device main body has a main body opening for exposing the mounting portion to the outside of the device main body, the main body opening having a second inner circumferential surface facing the rotation axis, the main body engaged portion is the second inner circumferential surface, 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the protrusion of the attachment includes the second engagement portion configured to come into contact with the second inner circumferential surface.

5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the convex portion of the attachment includes a first convex portion and a second convex portion provided at different positions on the outer circumferential surface in a circumferential direction about the rotation axis.

6. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion of the attachment are provided at different positions in the direction of the rotation axis.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion of the attachment are surfaces extending in the direction of the rotation axis and are surfaces that are the same distance from the rotation axis in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

8. the toner container has a container shutter configured to rotate about a rotation axis to open and close a discharge port for discharging the toner; the device body has an operating member configured to engage with the container shutter and rotate together with the container shutter about the rotation axis when the toner container is attached to the attachment portion, 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the main body engagement portion is the operation member.

9. The device body has a photosensitive drum, the developing unit is configured to be movable relative to the apparatus main body between a contact position where the developing roller contacts the photosensitive drum and a separation position where the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the attachment is configured to be attachable to the mounting portion when the developing unit is in the separated position, and is configured to restrict movement of the developing unit from the separated position to the abutting position when attached to the mounting portion.

10. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the attachment has an outer circumferential surface centered on a central axis, and a flange portion extending radially outward beyond the outer circumferential surface centered on the central axis.

11. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second engaging portion of the attachment is located between the flange portion and the first engaging portion in the direction of the central axis.

Images