Developer storage container, developing device, process cartridge, toner container, sub hopper, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To hardly cause formation of a dead space for developer, a reduction in the performance of a developer conveying member in conveying developer, and damage to the developer conveying member and a rotating member.SOLUTION: A developer storage container comprises: a first storage unit A in which a stirring paddle 54 (rotating member) is installed which rotates in a predetermined direction; and a second storage unit B in which an agitator 55 (developer conveying member) is installed. The agitator 55 is provided with a rotation shaft 55a and a flexible sheet member 55b, and is configured such that when assuming that the agitator draws a rotation locus S2 when the flexible sheet member 55b is not in contact with any member and not bent, the rotation locus S2 intersects a rotation locus S1 of the stirring paddle 54 staying inside the first storage unit A. A plurality of partition walls 64 are in contact with the flexible sheet member 55b so as to prevent the flexible sheet member 55b from coming into contact with the stirring paddle 54, and are provided at an interval 65 in a rotation axis direction between the first storage unit A and the second storage unit B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a developer container that contains a developer such as toner, and a developing device, a process cartridge, a toner container, a sub-hopper, and an image forming apparatus that include the developer container. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in developing devices installed in image forming devices such as copiers and printers, there has been known a technology for installing a developer storage container having two storage sections (spaces) for storing developer such as toner (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Specifically, in Patent Document 1, a toner supply device (developer storage container) installed in a developing device is provided with two spaces (storage sections) that allow exchange of the stored toner (developer). Then, the toner contained in one space (second storage section) is transported to the other space (first storage section) by a stirring member (developer transport member) installed in one space, and the toner is stirred and mixed with the toner contained in the other space by a transport member (rotating member).The stirred and mixed toner is then supplied into the developing device by the transport member.

[0004] On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a flexible wing (flexible sheet member) is provided on an agitator member (developer transport member) installed in one of the spaces (second storage section) and the wing is brought into sliding contact with the bottom of the space, thereby preventing the formation of dead space in which toner stagnates within the space. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In conventional developer storage containers, the flexible sheet member of the developer transport member rotating in the second storage section could interfere with the rotating member rotating in the first storage section, which could result in damage to the flexible sheet member or the rotating member. To solve this problem, it is possible to provide a high partition between the first and second containers, but this would result in a decrease in the developer transport efficiency from the second container to the first container by the developer transport member.

[0006] This invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a developer storage container, developing device, process cartridge, toner container, sub-hopper, and image forming apparatus in which dead space in the developer is less likely to be formed, the developer transportability by the developer transport member is less likely to decrease, and damage to the developer transport member and rotating members is less likely to occur. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The developer storage container in this invention comprises a first storage section in which a rotating member rotating in a predetermined direction is installed inside the container and developer is stored, a second storage section in which a developer transport member which rotates in a predetermined rotational direction around a rotation axis is installed and which communicates with the first storage section so that the developer stored inside can be transported to the first storage section, and the developer transport member comprises the rotation axis and a flexible sheet member extending radially from the rotation axis, and is configured so that the rotational trajectory of the flexible sheet member when it is not in contact with any member and is not bent intersects with the rotational trajectory of the rotating member remaining inside the first storage section, and between the first storage section and the second storage section, a plurality of partitions which contact the flexible sheet member are provided at intervals in the direction of the rotation axis so that the flexible sheet member does not contact the rotating member. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a developer storage container, a developing device, a process cartridge, a toner container, a sub-hopper, and an image forming apparatus in which dead space in the developer is less likely to be formed, the developer transportability by the developer transport member is less likely to decrease, and damage to the developer transport member or rotating member is less likely to occur. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a process cartridge. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a developer container in the developing device. [Figure 4] 11 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a flexible sheet member, a partition wall, and a paddle of the agitator. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an agitator as a first modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a flexible sheet member, a partition wall, and a paddle of an agitator according to a second modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a flexible sheet member, a partition wall, and a paddle of an agitator as a third modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a flexible sheet member, a partition wall, and a paddle of an agitator according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a flexible sheet member, a partition wall, and a paddle of an agitator as a fifth modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a toner container, a sub-hopper, and a developing device according to a sixth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the duplicated description will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0011] First, the overall configuration and operation of an image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a printer as an image forming apparatus, 1 denotes a photosensitive drum on whose surface a toner image is formed, 6 denotes a process cartridge in which the photosensitive drum 1, a charging roller 4, a developing device 5, and a cleaning device 2 are integrated, and 7 denotes an exposure unit (writing unit) that irradiates the photosensitive drum 1 with exposure light L based on image information input from an input device such as a personal computer. Also, reference numeral 9 denotes a transfer roller that transfers the toner image carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 onto a sheet P transported to a transfer nip portion (transfer position), and reference numeral 12 denotes a paper feed device (paper feed cassette) in which sheets P such as paper are stored. Also, reference numeral 16 denotes a registration roller (timing roller) that conveys the sheet P toward a transfer nip portion where the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer roller 9 abut against each other, and 20 denotes a fixing device that fixes an unfixed image on the sheet P.

[0012] Here, a charging roller 4, a developing device 5 as a developer container, a cleaning device 2, and the like are arranged around the photosensitive drum 1. These members (the photosensitive drum 1, the charging roller 4, the developing device 5, and the cleaning device 2) are integrated as a process cartridge 6, which is installed detachably (replaceably) in the image forming apparatus main body 100. When the process cartridge 6 reaches a predetermined replacement cycle or when maintenance is performed, it is removed from the image forming apparatus main body 100 and replaced with a new one (or one that has been maintained).

[0013] With reference to FIG. 1, the operation of image forming apparatus 100 during normal image formation will be described. First, when image information is sent from an input device such as a personal computer to the exposure unit 7 of the image forming apparatus 100, the exposure unit 7 emits exposure light L (laser light) based on the image information toward the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. Meanwhile, the photoconductor drum 1 receives drive from a drive motor installed in the image forming apparatus main body 100 and rotates in the direction of the arrow (clockwise). Then, first, the surface of the photoconductor drum 1 is uniformly charged at a position facing the charging roller 4 (charging process). In this way, a charging potential (about -900V) is formed on the photoconductor drum 1. Then, the charged surface of the photoconductor drum 1 reaches a position irradiated with the exposure light L. Then, the potential of the portion irradiated with the exposure light L becomes a latent image potential (about 0 to -100V), and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 1 (exposure process).

[0014] Thereafter, the surface of the photoconductor drum 1 on which the electrostatic latent image has been formed reaches a position facing the developing device 5. Then, toner is supplied from the developing device 5 onto the photoconductor drum 1, and the latent image on the photoconductor drum 1 is developed to form a toner image (this is the developing process). Thereafter, the surface of the photoconductor drum 1 after the development process reaches a transfer nip portion (transfer position) with the transfer roller 9. Then, at the transfer nip portion with the transfer roller 9, a transfer bias (a bias with a polarity different from that of the toner) is applied from a power supply unit to the transfer roller 9, so that the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 1 is transferred onto the sheet P conveyed by the registration roller 16 (this is the transfer process).

[0015] Then, after the transfer process, the surface of the photoconductor drum 1 reaches a position facing the cleaning device 2. At this position, untransferred toner remaining on the photoconductor drum 1 is mechanically removed by a cleaning blade 2a (see FIG. 2) and collected in the cleaning device 2 (cleaning process). Thus, a series of image forming processes on the photosensitive drum 1 is completed.

[0016] On the other hand, the sheet P conveyed to the transfer nip portion between the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer roller 9 operates as follows. First, the uppermost sheet of the sheets P stored in the sheet feeder 12 is fed by the sheet feed roller 15 toward the conveyance path. Thereafter, the sheet P reaches the position of the registration rollers 16. Then, the sheet P that has reached the position of the registration rollers 16 is transported toward the transfer nip portion (the contact position between the transfer roller 9 and the photosensitive drum 1) in time for alignment with the image formed on the photosensitive drum 1.

[0017] After the transfer process, the sheet P passes through the transfer nip portion (transfer roller 9) and then travels through a transport path to reach the fixing device 20. The sheet P that has reached the fixing device 20 is fed between the fixing roller 21 and the pressure roller 22, and the image is fixed by the heat received from the fixing roller 21 and the pressure received from both members 21 and 22. The sheet P with the fixed image is sent out from between the fixing roller 21 and the pressure roller 22 (the fixing nip portion), and then discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 100 and placed on the paper discharge tray. In this way, a series of image forming processes is completed.

[0018] Next, the process cartridge 6 in the image forming apparatus will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge 6 is composed of a photosensitive drum 1 as an image carrier, a charging roller 4 (charging device), a developing device 5 integrated with a developer container 60, a cleaning device 2, and the like. The photosensitive drum 1 serving as an image carrier is a negatively charged organic photosensitive member, and receives a driving force from a driving motor provided on the apparatus main body 100 side and is driven to rotate in the clockwise direction in FIG.

[0019] The charging roller 4 (charging device) is an elastic roller in which a medium resistance foamed urethane layer is formed on a core metal by mixing urethane resin, carbon black as conductive particles, a sulfide agent, a foaming agent, etc. The material for the medium resistance layer of the charging roller 4 may be a rubber material in which conductive materials such as carbon black and metal oxides are dispersed in urethane, ethylene-propylene-diene polyethylene (EPDM), butadiene acrylonitrile rubber (NBR), silicone rubber, isoprene rubber, etc. to adjust the resistance, or a foamed version of these may also be used. In this embodiment, the charging roller 4 is configured to come into contact with the photosensitive drum 1, but it may also be configured so that the charging roller 4 does not come into contact with the photosensitive drum 1. The cleaning device 2 is provided with a cleaning blade 2a that comes into sliding contact with the photosensitive drum 1, and mechanically removes and collects untransferred toner on the photosensitive drum 1. The cleaning blade 2a is a substantially plate-shaped member made of an elastic material such as urethane rubber, and comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 1 with a predetermined contact pressure and contact angle.

[0020] The developing device 5 (developer container) is disposed so that a developing roller 51 as a developer carrier comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 1 with a predetermined pressure, and a developing area is formed between the two members 1, 51 (developing nip). The developing device 5 contains toner T (a non-magnetic or magnetic one-component developer) as a developer. The developing device 5 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 (forms a toner image).

[0021] Hereinafter, the developing device 5 integrated with the developer container 60 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2, developing device 5 in this embodiment is a contact one-component developing type developing device, and is detachably (replaceably) installed in apparatus main body 100 as process cartridge 6 together with other image forming members 1, 2, 4. The developing device 5 is composed of a developing roller 51 as a developer carrier, a supply roller 52 as a developer supply member, a doctor blade 53 as a developer regulating member, a developer storage container 60 in which toner T (developer) is stored, and the like. The developing device 5 in this embodiment is integrated with the developer container 60, and therefore can also be said to be a "developing device as a developer container".

[0022] The developing roller 51 (developer carrier) is disposed so as to come into contact with the photosensitive drum 1, and rotates in a predetermined direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 2) while carrying toner, supplying the toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1. The developing roller 51 may be one having a roller portion made of an elastic material on a rotating shaft portion (core metal) made of a conductive metal material such as stainless steel. The supply roller 52 (developer supply member) is disposed so as to be in sliding contact with the developing roller 51, and supplies toner to the developing roller 51. The supply roller 52 is made of a core metal and has a conductive foamed polyurethane layer (having an electrical resistance of 10 3 ~10 14 The supply roller 52 also has a function of removing, from the developing roller 51, the toner on the developing roller 51 that has not been used in the developing process in the developing area with the photosensitive drum 1. Doctor blade 53 (developer regulating member) is disposed so that its tip portion comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of developing roller 51 at a predetermined angle with a pressure of about 10 to 100 N / m, and regulates the amount of toner carried by developing roller 51. In other words, doctor blade 53 comes into contact with developing roller 51 to form a thin layer of toner carried by developing roller 51. As doctor blade 53, a thin plate-like member made of a metal material such as stainless steel can be used.

[0023] Here, a predetermined voltage is applied from a power supply unit to the developing roller 51, the supply roller 52, and the doctor blade 53, promoting electrostatic movement of the toner on the developing roller 51. In this embodiment, an alternating voltage (a square wave with an AC frequency of about 500 to 1000 Hz, a peak-to-peak voltage of about 500 to 3000 V, and an application time duty of about 30 to 70%) is applied to the developing roller 51 so that the toner moves back and forth between the developing roller 51 and the photosensitive drum 1 in the development area. In this embodiment, an AC voltage is applied to the developing roller 51, but it is also possible to apply a DC voltage of about -100 to -500V to the developing roller 51.

[0024] Further, in the developer storage container 60 in which the toner T (developer) is stored, a stirring paddle 54 (rotating member) and an agitator 55 (developer transport member) are provided for stirring and transporting the toner T stored therein. The stirring paddle 54 and the agitator 55 are provided with gears, similar to the developing roller 51 and the supply roller 52, and a gear train including an idler gear is formed. A driving force is input from a driving motor (driving means) to these gear trains, and the developing roller 51, the supply roller 52, the stirring paddle 54, and the agitator 55 are each driven to rotate in the directions of the arrows in FIG. 2. The developer container 60 in the developing device 5 will be described in detail later.

[0025] The developing device 5 configured as above operates as follows during a normal developing process. First, a portion of the toner contained in the developing device 5 is supplied to and carried by the supply roller 52. The toner carried by the supply roller 52 is frictionally charged at the pressure contact portion (contact position) with the developing roller 51, and then moves onto the developing roller 51 and is carried there. The toner carried on the developing roller 51 is then thinned, uniformed, and frictionally charged at the contact position with the doctor blade 53, and then reaches a position facing the photoconductor drum 1 (development area). At this position, the toner is attracted to the latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 1 by the electric field (development electric field) formed in the development area.

[0026] The configuration and operation of the developer storage container 60, which is a characteristic feature of the developing device 5 (process cartridge 6) in this embodiment, will be described in detail below. 2, 3, etc., the developer storage container 60 in this embodiment is provided with two storage sections (a first storage section A and a second storage section B). In other words, the inside of the developer storage container 60 is generally partitioned into two large storage sections A and B (spaces). This allows the developer storage container 60 to have a larger capacity than when the developer storage container 60 is configured only with the first storage section A (where the developing roller 51, the supply roller 52, etc. are installed). Therefore, the replacement cycle of the developing device 5 (process cartridge 6) can be extended. Furthermore, compared to the case where the volume of the first storage section A is simply increased, the toner T is less likely to aggregate within the first storage section A.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first container A is a space that extends upward from a main portion of the developing device 5 in which the developing roller 51 and the supply roller 52 are installed. Here, the first storage section A contains toner T as developer, and has a stirring paddle 54 as a rotating member that rotates in a predetermined direction (clockwise in Figures 2 and 3) around the central axis of rotation. The agitating paddle 54 as a rotating member is made of a resin material or a metal material, and has one or more blade-shaped members attached to a central axis of rotation. The agitating paddle 54 agitates and transports the toner T by tracing a rotation path S1 as shown by a broken line in Fig. 3(A) in the first storage section A. The agitating and transporting of the toner T by the agitating paddle 54 reduces the problem of the toner T agglomerating in the first storage section A, and reduces the occurrence of abnormal images. In addition to the stirring paddle 54, the first container A also includes a developing roller 51, a supply roller 52, a doctor blade 53 (developer regulating member), and the like.

[0028] On the other hand, the second storage section B is a space that extends to the side of the first storage section A, and communicates with the first storage section A so that the toner T (developer) stored therein can be transported to the first storage section A. Specifically, in the developer storage container 60, the toner T flows from the second storage section B toward the first storage section A, and the toner T flows from the first storage section A toward the second storage section B, and an exchange of the toner T takes place. Here, in the second container B, an agitator 55 is installed as a developer transport member that rotates in a predetermined rotation direction (clockwise in FIGS. 2 and 3) around a rotation shaft 55a.

[0029] More specifically, the agitator 55 as a developer transport member is mainly composed of a rotating shaft 55a made of a metal material or a resin material, and a flexible sheet member 55b extending in the radial direction from the rotating shaft 55a. The flexible sheet member 55b is a substantially rectangular sheet member made of a flexible material such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) having a thickness of about 0.08 to 1.5 mm, and its base portion (fixed end side) is joined to the rotating shaft 55a by adhesive, screwing, heat welding, or the like. In addition, the length of the flexible sheet member 55b from its base (fixed end) to its tip (free end) is set to be sufficiently long, so that its tip (free end) can trace a rotational trajectory not only over the bottom 62 and side (the wall surface extending vertically on the right side in Figures 2 and 3) of the second storage section B, but also over the upper range of the first storage section A. In particular, the flexible sheet member 55b is set so that its tip (free end) side is curved as shown by the dashed line and slides against the bottom 62 and side parts of the second storage section B. This reduces problems such as toner T staying or sticking to the inner wall surfaces (particularly the bottom 62 and side parts) of the second storage section B. In addition, the rotation of the agitator 55 agitates and transports not only the toner T in the second storage section B but also the toner T stored in a portion of the first storage section A, reducing the problem of the toner T clumping together and reducing the occurrence of defective images. Furthermore, the rotation of the agitator 55 promotes the transfer of the toner T from the second storage section B to the first storage section A.

[0030] With reference to FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the agitator 55 (developer transport member) is configured such that a plurality of flexible sheet members 55b (three flexible sheet members 55b in the example of FIG. 4) are mounted on the rotating shaft 55a with gaps in the direction of the rotating shaft (perpendicular to the paper surface of FIGS. 2 and 3, and left-right in FIG. 4). In this way, by dividing multiple flexible sheet members 55b in the rotational axis direction (width direction, length direction), the resistance that the agitator 55 receives from the toner T can be dispersed compared to the case where one flexible sheet member 55b is provided over almost the entire area in the rotational axis direction, and therefore the rotational torque of the agitator 55 is reduced.

[0031] 3A, in this embodiment, the agitator 55 (developer transport member) is configured so that a rotation locus S2 drawn when the flexible sheet member 55b does not come into contact with any member (such as an inner wall surface) and does not bend intersects (or overlaps) with a rotation locus S1 of the agitating paddle 54 (rotating member) remaining inside the first storage section A. That is, the two rotation loci S1 and S2 shown in FIG. 3A are set to overlap. With this configuration, the range in which the agitator 55 (flexible sheet member 55b) enters the first storage section A can be increased, thereby narrowing the area (dead space) in the first storage section A that is not agitated by either the agitating paddle 54 or the agitator 55. This reduces problems such as toner T staying in the dead space and coagulating or sticking.

[0032] Thus, in this embodiment, in order to reduce the dead space, the flexible sheet member 55b is lengthened to widen the range in which the agitator 55 (flexible sheet member 55b) enters the first storage section A, but if this is left as is, the flexible sheet member 55b will interfere with the agitating paddle 54. If such interference occurs, the flexible sheet member 55b and the agitating paddle 54 will be damaged, and they will no longer be able to perform their functions. In order to prevent such problems from occurring, referring to Figures 3, 4, etc., the developer storage container 60 in this embodiment has multiple partitions 64 provided at the boundary between the first storage section A and the second storage section B, with intervals 65 (gaps) between them in the rotation axis direction.

[0033] The multiple partitions 64 (four partitions 64 in the example of Figure 4) contact the flexible sheet member 55b so that the flexible sheet member 55b does not contact the stirring paddle 54 (rotating member), and are provided between the first storage section A and the second storage section B with a gap 65 in the direction of the rotation axis (perpendicular to the paper surface of Figure 3, left and right in Figure 4). Providing the partition 64 reduces the problem of the flexible sheet member 55b coming into contact with the stirring paddle 54. Also, by providing a plurality of partitions 64 separated in the rotation axis direction at intervals 65, a flow of the toner T (the transfer of the toner T between the first and second storage sections A and B) occurs from the intervals 65, so that a decrease in the toner transportability in the developer storage container 60 can be suppressed. 3A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a partition wall 64 as a cross section, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a space 65 (gap) as a cross section.

[0034] 3(A), the partition wall 64 is integrally (or as a separate member) connected to the bottoms 61, 62 of the first storage section A and the second storage section B, and is formed to rise from the bottoms 61, 62 to a height equal to or greater than the upper end R of the rotation locus S1 of the stirring paddle 54 (rotating member). Specifically, in this embodiment, the upper end of the partition wall 64 is set at a height position substantially equal to the upper end R of the rotation locus S1 of the stirring paddle 54, and at a height position sufficiently distant downward from the ceilings 63 of the first storage section A and the second storage section B. In addition, the upper end of the partition wall 64 is set at a height position substantially equal to the rotation shaft 55a of the agitator 55. 3, the flexible sheet member 55b slides in a bent state against the side portion, the bottom portion 62, and the partition wall 64 until it passes from the side portion to the bottom portion 62 and reaches the partition wall 64. Then, the moment the flexible sheet member 55b passes through the partition wall 64, the restriction imposed by the partition wall 64 is released, and the flexible sheet member 55b returns to its original straight state (or a state close to that) due to the elasticity of the flexible sheet member 55b. Thereafter, the flexible sheet member 55b passes through the ceiling portion 63 (or the vicinity thereof) of the first storage section A or the second storage section B, and returns to the side portion of the second storage section B again. This reduces the problem of the long flexible sheet member 55b interfering with the agitating paddle 54. Furthermore, since the tip portion (free end) of the flexible sheet member 55b can be inserted into the space above the first storage section A (the agitating paddle 54), it is possible to reduce the accumulation of toner T above the first storage section A, as described above.

[0035] Also, referring to Figure 3 (B), the distance 65 (gap) between the flexible sheet members 55b and 55b is cut out from the bottoms 61, 62 of the first storage section A and the second storage section B to a height equal to the upper end of the partition wall 64. That is, when viewed in a cross section in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, the partition walls 64 are formed in a comb-like shape. With this configuration, a sufficient space (gap) is formed between the adjacent partition walls 64, and the fluidity of the toner T from the gap 65 described above is enhanced.

[0036] In this manner, in the present embodiment, the developer storage container 60 (developing device 5) has multiple partitions 64 spaced apart at intervals 65 in the direction of the rotation axis between the first storage section A and the second storage section B to prevent the flexible sheet member 55b from interfering with the stirring paddle 54. This makes it difficult for dead space for toner T to be formed in the first and second storage sections A and B, makes it difficult for the agitator 55 to reduce the ability to transport toner T from the second storage section B to the first storage section A, and makes it difficult for damage to occur to the agitator 55 and the stirring paddle 54.

[0037] Now, referring to Figure 2 etc., in this embodiment, the rotation direction of the agitator 55 (developer transport member) is such that in the second storage section B, the flexible sheet member 55b moves from the side away from the first storage section A, passes along the side of the bottom 62, approaches the first storage section A, passes along the side of the ceiling section 63, and then returns to the side away from the first storage section A again. That is, in FIG. 2, the agitator 55 rotates clockwise about the rotation shaft 55a. By configuring in this manner, the toner transport ability from the second storage section B to the first storage section A by the agitator 55 can be improved, and the function of the partition 64 described above (the function of reducing interference between the flexible sheet member 55b and the agitating paddle 54) can be improved.

[0038] Now, referring to FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, a distance 65 (gap) between two adjacent partition walls 64 is formed at a position in the rotation axis direction capable of facing flexible sheet member 55b. 4, the leftmost flexible sheet member 55b is disposed so as to face the gap 65 between the leftmost partition 64 and the partition 64 adjacent to it on the right side. The central flexible sheet member 55b is disposed so as to face the gap 65 between the two central partitions 64. The rightmost flexible sheet member 55b is disposed so as to face the gap 65 between the rightmost partition 64 and the partition 64 adjacent to it on the left side.

[0039] The widths M1 to M3 of the flexible sheet member 55b in the rotation axis direction are configured to be larger than the distances N1 to N3 of the intervals 65 in the rotation axis direction (M1>N1, M2>N2, M3>N3). That is, the flexible sheet member 55b is capable of coming into contact with the adjacent partition walls 64 at both ends in the rotation axis direction. By configuring in this manner, the function of the partition 64 described above (which is the function of reducing interference between the flexible sheet member 55b and the agitating paddle 54) can be maintained while enhancing the toner flow between the first and second storage sections A and B from the gap 65 created by the flexible sheet member 55b (agitator 55). It is not necessary for the widths M1 to M3 of the flexible sheet members 55b to be equal to one another, and accordingly, the distances N1 to N3 of the intervals 65 do not have to be equal to one another.

[0040] In this embodiment, in order to reduce the number of parts and lower costs, the partition 64 is formed integrally with the housing (case) of the developer storage container 60 (developing device 5), but the partition 64 may be formed as a separate member from the housing and configured to be detachable. In such a case, partitions 64 with different shapes can be replaced in the market, increasing the degree of freedom in responding to market demands.

[0041] <Variation 1> As shown in FIG. 5(A), the agitator 55 installed in the developer container 60 (developing device 5) in variant example 1 is mounted on a rotating shaft 55a so that multiple flexible sheet members 55b extend separately in at least two different radial directions (in the example of FIG. 5(A), two radial directions that are 180° out of phase with each other). In this configuration, the resistance received from the toner T during one rotation of the agitator 55 can be dispersed, so that the rotation torque of the agitator 55 is reduced and the fluctuation of the rotation torque is also reduced. Moreover, an agitator 55 shown in FIG. 5(B) is configured such that a plurality of flexible sheet members 55b are integrally connected at their base portions (portions surrounded by dashed lines) where they are joined to a rotating shaft 55a. In this configuration, multiple flexible sheet members 55b can be integrated into one component, which facilitates installation of the rotating shaft 55a and dimensional control.

[0042] <Variation 2> As shown in FIG. 6, in the developer storage container 60 (developing device 5) of the variant example 2, the flexible sheet member 55b of the agitator 55 is configured to be opposed to at least three partitions 64 and at least two gaps 65 within a range of width in the direction of the rotation axis. 6, each of the two flexible sheet members 55b has two partition walls 64 facing parts of the two partition walls 64 at both ends in the width direction (both ends in the rotation axis direction), and has one shorter partition wall 64 facing the center in the width direction (center in the rotation axis direction). The widths M1 and M2 of the flexible sheet members 55b and the lengths N1 to N4 of the intervals 65 satisfy the relationships M1>N1+N2 and M2>N3+N4. In this manner, by configuring at least one partition 64 to be in contact with the widthwise center of flexible sheet member 55b, the function of partition 64 described above (the function of reducing interference between flexible sheet member 55b and stirring paddle 54) can be improved. In particular, problems such as flexible sheet member 55b being deformed and entering gap 65 can be prevented.

[0043] <Variation 3> As shown in FIG. 7, a developer storage container 60 (developing device 5) in Modification 3 is provided with a second partition 66 in addition to a partition 64 (first partition). The second partition 66 is located at a position closer to the first storage section A (agitating paddle 54) from partition 64 (first partition), at a position in the rotational axis direction where interval 65 (gap) is formed, and is configured to be able to contact flexible sheet member 55b so that flexible sheet member 55b does not contact agitating paddle 54 (rotating member), and is provided so as not to contact agitating paddle 54. By providing the second partition 66 in this manner, problems such as deformation of the flexible sheet member 55b passing through the position of the gap 65 and interference with the stirring paddle 54 can be prevented.

[0044] <Modification 4> As shown in FIG. 8, in a developer container 60 (developing device 5) in Modification 4, an agitator 55 has a second flexible sheet member 55c attached to a rotating shaft 55a in addition to a flexible sheet member 55b (first flexible sheet member). More specifically, the flexible sheet member 55b (first flexible sheet member) is disposed at a position in the direction of the rotation axis where it can face the partition wall 64. In contrast, second flexible sheet member 55c is disposed at a position in the rotation axis direction that can face interval 65 (gap) between partitions 64. Second flexible sheet member 55c is configured so that the rotation trajectory (corresponding to trajectory S2 in FIG. 3(A)) that it would follow if it were not in contact with any member and was not bent does not intersect with the rotation trajectory of stirring paddle 54 (rotating member). Specifically, the length from the fixed end (rotation shaft 55a) to the free end (tip) of first flexible sheet member 55b is set to be longer than the distance from rotation shaft 55a to the agitating paddle 54. In contrast, the length from the fixed end (rotation shaft 55a) to the free end (tip) of second flexible sheet member 55c is set to be shorter than the distance from rotation shaft 55a to the agitating paddle 54. The second flexible sheet member 55c thus configured does not interfere with the agitating paddle 54 even if it is disposed in a position of the interval 65 (gap) where there is no partition wall 64. Furthermore, by providing the second flexible sheet member 55c, the toner flow between the first and second storage sections A and B from the interval 65 by the agitator 55 can be improved.

[0045] <Variation 5> 9, in the developer storage container 60 (developing device 5) in Modification 5, similarly to that in Fig. 8, a flexible sheet member 55b (first flexible sheet member) and a second flexible sheet member 55c are provided on an agitator 55. In addition, a plurality of flexible sheet members 55b (first flexible sheet members) and second flexible sheet members 55c are alternately arranged in the rotation axis direction. Here, in the agitator 55 in FIG. 9 (or variant example 5), multiple flexible sheet members 55b (first flexible sheet members) are integrally connected at their respective tip portions (free ends, which are the portions surrounded by dashed lines) away from the rotation shaft 55a. With this configuration, the second flexible sheet member 55c can easily follow the rotational movement of the first flexible sheet member 55b, thereby further enhancing the toner flow between the first and second storage sections A and B from the gap 65 by the agitator 55. In addition, the toner transportability and toner agitation properties of the first flexible sheet member 55b can be improved.

[0046] <Variation 6> FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a main part of an image forming apparatus 100 in the sixth modification, and mainly shows a toner container 200, a sub-hopper 300, and a developing device 5. As shown in FIG. 10, a toner container 200 (toner cartridge) containing toner T is installed in a removable (replaceable) manner. When the toner T contained in the toner container 200 becomes empty, it is replaced with a new one. The toner container 200 supplies the toner T contained therein to the developing device 5 via a sub-hopper 300. The sub-hopper 300 is fixedly installed in the image forming apparatus main body 100, stores the toner T (developer) supplied from the toner container 200, and supplies the stored toner T toward the developing device 5. That is, the toner T contained in the toner container 200 is transported toward the developing device 5 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. Here, in the sixth modified example, the toner container 200 is an integrated developer container as described above in Figs. 3 and 4 (or Figs. 5 to 9), and can be said to be a "toner container as a developer container". That is, the toner container 200 is provided with two storage sections (a first storage section A and a second storage section B), and the first storage section A is provided with a toner supply screw 254 (a member for discharging toner outside the container, and a screw section is wound in a spiral shape around a shaft section) as a rotating member, and the second storage section B is provided with an agitator 255 (configured almost the same as the agitator 55 in Fig. 3) as a developer transport member. In addition, a plurality of partition walls 264 are provided between the first storage section A and the second storage section B at intervals in the direction of the rotation axis (configured almost the same as those in Figs. 3 and 4). As a result, in the toner container 200, dead space for the toner T is unlikely to be formed, the transportability of the toner T by the agitator 255 is unlikely to decrease, and damage to the agitator 255 and the toner supply screw 254 is unlikely to occur. Similarly, in the sixth modified example, the sub-hopper 300 is an integrated developer container as described above in Figs. 3 and 4 (or Figs. 5 to 9), and can be said to be a "sub-hopper as a developer container." That is, the sub-hopper 300 is provided with two containers (a first container A and a second container B), and the first container A is provided with a toner supply screw 354 (a member for discharging toner out of the sub-hopper, and a screw portion is wound in a spiral shape around a shaft portion) as a rotating member, and the second container B is provided with an agitator 355 (configured almost the same as the agitator 55 in Fig. 3) as a developer transport member. In addition, a plurality of partition walls 364 are provided between the first container A and the second container B at intervals in the direction of the rotation axis (configured almost the same as those in Figs. 3 and 4). As a result, in the sub-hopper 300, a dead space for the toner T is unlikely to be formed, the transportability of the toner T by the agitator 355 is unlikely to decrease, and the agitator 355 and the toner supply screw 354 are unlikely to be damaged. In the example of FIG. 10, the developing device 5 contains a two-component developer made up of toner T and a carrier.

[0047] As described above, the developer container 60 (developing device 5) in this embodiment includes a first container A in which the agitating paddle 54 (rotating member) rotating in a predetermined direction is installed and toner T (developer) is stored, and a second container B in which the agitator 55 (developer transport member) rotating in a predetermined rotation direction around the rotation shaft 55a is installed, communicating with the current toner T stored inside so as to be transportable to the first container A. The agitator 55 is provided with the rotation shaft 55a and the flexible sheet member 55b extending radially from the rotation shaft 55a, and is configured so that a rotation locus S2 drawn when the flexible sheet member 55b does not come into contact with any member and does not bend intersects with a rotation locus S1 of the agitating paddle 54 remaining inside the first container A. Between the first storage section A and the second storage section B, a plurality of partitions 64 are provided at intervals 65 in the direction of the rotation axis, which contact the flexible sheet member 55b so that the flexible sheet member 55b does not come into contact with the stirring paddle 54. As a result, dead spaces for the toner T are less likely to be formed, the transportability of the toner T by the agitator 55 is less likely to decrease, and damage to the agitator 55 and the agitating paddle 54 is less likely to occur.

[0048] In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a case where the developing device 5 as a developer container is configured as a process cartridge 6 integrated with the photosensitive drum 1 (image carrier), the charging roller 4, and the cleaning device 2. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can be naturally applied even when the developing device 5 is configured as a unit that is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 100 by itself. And even in such a case, the same effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained. In this application, a "process cartridge" is defined as a unit in which at least one of a charging device for charging an image carrier, a developing device for developing a latent image formed on the image carrier, and a cleaning device for cleaning the image carrier is integrated with an image carrier, and is detachably installed in the main body of an image forming apparatus.

[0049] In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a developing device 5 (developer storage container) of a contact type one-component development method configured so that the developing roller 51 contacts the photosensitive drum 1 without a gap. In contrast, the present invention can also be applied to a developing device of a non-contact type one-component development method configured so that the developing roller faces the photosensitive drum with a gap. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a developing device 5 that contains a one-component developer consisting of only toner T. In contrast, the present invention can also be applied to a developing device that contains a two-component developer consisting of toner T and carrier (for example, the developing device 5 shown in FIG. 10). In that case, the developer storage container 60 can contain carrier in addition to toner, that is, two-component developer. In these cases, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a monochrome image forming apparatus 100 in which a toner image is transferred to a sheet P by one image creating unit (process cartridge 6). However, the present invention can also be applied to a color image forming apparatus in which a toner image is primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer body such as an intermediate transfer belt by a plurality of image creating units, and then the toner image is secondarily transferred from the intermediate transfer body to a sheet. In addition, in this embodiment, flexible sheet member 55b is directly attached to rotating shaft 55a, but flexible sheet member 55b can also be indirectly attached to rotating shaft 55a via another member. In this specification and the like, such a case is also defined as "a flexible sheet member being attached to a rotating shaft." In these cases, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

[0051] It is clear that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and that the present embodiment may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention in addition to the modifications suggested in the present embodiment. Furthermore, the number, position, shape, etc. of the components are not limited to the present embodiment, and may be any number, position, shape, etc. suitable for implementing the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1 Photoconductor drum (image carrier), 5 developing device, 6 Process cartridge, 51 developing roller (developer carrier), 52 supply roller (developer supply member), 53 Doctor blade (developer control member), 54 Stirring paddle (rotating member), 55 agitator (developer transport member), 55a Rotating shaft, 55b flexible sheet member; 55c second flexible sheet member; 60 Developer container (developer storage device), 64 Bulkhead; 65 interval (gap), 66 Second bulkhead, 100 Image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus main body), 200 Toner container (developer container), 300 Sub hopper (developer container), A first storage section, B. Second storage section; T Toner (developer).

[0053] The present invention can also be embodied in the following combinations of Supplementary Notes 1 to 17. (Appendix 1) A first container in which a rotating member that rotates in a predetermined direction is installed and in which a developer is contained; a second container in which a developer transport member that rotates in a predetermined rotation direction around a rotation axis is installed, the second container communicating with the first container so as to be capable of transporting the developer contained therein to the first container; The developer transport member is The rotating shaft and a flexible sheet member extending radially from the rotating shaft, a rotation locus of the flexible sheet member when it is assumed that the flexible sheet member does not contact any member and does not bend is configured to intersect with a rotation locus of the rotating member that remains inside the first housing portion, A developer storage container characterized in that a plurality of partitions are provided between the first storage section and the second storage section, the partitions being in contact with the flexible sheet member and spaced apart in the direction of the rotation axis so that the flexible sheet member does not come into contact with the rotating member. (Appendix 2) the partition wall is connected to the bottom of the first housing section and the second housing section either integrally or as a separate member, and is formed to rise from the bottom to a height equal to or greater than an upper end of a rotation trajectory of the rotating member, 2. The developer storage container according to claim 1, wherein the gap is formed by cutting out the bottoms of the first storage section and the second storage section to a height equal to the height of an upper end of the partition. (Appendix 3) The developer transport member is a developer storage container described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, characterized in that a plurality of the flexible sheet members are installed on the rotating shaft with gaps between them in the direction of the rotating shaft. (Appendix 4) The developer container according to claim 3, wherein the flexible sheet members are arranged on the rotating shaft so as to extend separately in at least two different radial directions. (Appendix 5) 5. The developer storage container according to claim 3, wherein the flexible sheet members are integrally connected at their base portions to be joined to the rotating shaft. (Appendix 6) the gap is formed at a position in the rotation axis direction that can face the flexible sheet member, 6. A developer storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the width of the flexible sheet member in the rotational axis direction is configured to be larger than the distance of the gap in the rotational axis direction. (Appendix 7) The developer storage container according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 6, characterized in that the flexible sheet member is configured such that at least three of the partitions and at least two of the gaps can face each other within a width range in the rotation axis direction. (Appendix 8) A developer storage container as described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 7, characterized in that a second partition capable of contacting the flexible sheet member is provided at a position closer to the first storage section from the partition and at a position in the rotational axis direction where the gap is formed, so as not to contact the flexible sheet member. (Appendix 9) The developer transport member is the flexible sheet member is disposed at a position in the rotation axis direction so as to be able to face the partition wall; a second flexible sheet member disposed at a position in the rotation axis direction capable of facing the gap; is installed on the rotating shaft, The developer storage container according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 8, characterized in that the second flexible sheet member is configured such that the rotational trajectory that it would follow if it were not in contact with any member and did not bend does not intersect with the rotational trajectory of the rotating member. (Appendix 10) a plurality of the flexible sheet members and the second flexible sheet members are alternately arranged in the rotation axis direction; 10. The developer container according to claim 9, wherein the flexible sheet members are each integrally connected at their respective tip portions away from the rotation shaft. (Appendix 11) A developer storage container as described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 10, characterized in that the rotation direction of the developer transport member is a rotation direction such that in the second storage section, the flexible sheet member moves from a side away from the first storage section, passes through a bottom side, approaches the first storage section, passes through a ceiling side, and returns to the side away from the first storage section again. (Appendix 12) 12. A developing device, comprising a developer container according to any one of claims 1 to 11 integrated therein. (Appendix 13) a developing roller facing or in contact with an image carrier; a supply roller for supplying a developer to the developing roller; a developer regulating member for regulating an amount of developer supplied to the developing roller; The rotating member; The developing device according to claim 12, wherein the developing device is installed in the first storage section. (Appendix 14) A process cartridge that is detachably installed in a main body of an image forming apparatus, A process cartridge comprising the developing device according to claim 12 or 13. (Appendix 15) 12. A toner container, comprising a developer storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 11 integrated therein. (Appendix 16) A sub-hopper that stores developer supplied from a toner container and supplies the stored developer to a developing device, 12. A sub-hopper having a developer container according to claim 1 integrated therein. (Appendix 17) 17. An image forming apparatus comprising the developer container according to claim 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0054] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-134725 A

Claims

1. a first container in which a rotating member that rotates in a predetermined direction is installed and in which a developer is contained; a second container in which a developer transport member is provided, the developer transport member being connected to the first container so as to be capable of transporting the developer contained therein to the first container and rotating in a predetermined direction around a rotation axis; The developer transport member is The rotating shaft and a flexible sheet member extending radially from the rotating shaft, a rotation locus of the flexible sheet member when it is assumed that the flexible sheet member does not contact any member and does not bend is configured to intersect with a rotation locus of the rotating member remaining inside the first housing portion; A developer storage container characterized in that a plurality of partitions are provided between the first storage section and the second storage section, the partitions contacting the flexible sheet member so as to prevent the flexible sheet member from contacting the rotating member, the partitions being spaced apart in the direction of the rotation axis.

2. the partition wall is connected to the bottom of the first housing portion and the second housing portion either integrally or as a separate member, and is formed to rise from the bottom to a height equal to or greater than an upper end of a rotation trajectory of the rotating member, 2. The developer storage container according to claim 1, wherein the gap is formed by cutting out the bottoms of the first storage portion and the second storage portion to a height equal to the height of an upper end of the partition wall.

3. 3. The developer container according to claim 1, wherein the developer transport member is a plurality of the flexible sheet members arranged on the rotation shaft with gaps therebetween in the direction of the rotation shaft.

4. 4. The developer container according to claim 3, wherein the flexible sheet members are disposed on the rotation shaft so as to extend separately in at least two different radial directions.

5. 4. The developer container according to claim 3, wherein the flexible sheet members are integrally connected at their base portions which are joined to the rotating shaft.

6. the gap is formed at a position in the rotation axis direction that can face the flexible sheet member, 3. The developer storage container according to claim 1, wherein a width of the flexible sheet member in the rotation axis direction is larger than a distance of the gap in the rotation axis direction.

7. 3. The developer storage container according to claim 1, wherein the flexible sheet member is configured such that at least three of the partitions and at least two of the gaps can face each other within a range of the width in the rotation axis direction.

8. 3. A developer storage container as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that a second partition capable of contacting the flexible sheet member so as not to contact the rotating member is provided at a position closer to the first storage section from the partition and in the rotational axis direction where the gap is formed, so as not to contact the rotating member.

9. The developer transport member is the flexible sheet member is disposed at a position in the rotation axis direction so as to be able to face the partition wall; a second flexible sheet member disposed at a position in the rotation axis direction capable of facing the gap; is installed on the rotating shaft, 3. A developer storage container as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the second flexible sheet member is configured so that the rotational trajectory that it would follow if it were not in contact with any member and no bending occurred does not intersect with the rotational trajectory of the rotating member.

10. A plurality of the flexible sheet members and the second flexible sheet members are alternately arranged in the rotation axis direction, 10. The developer container according to claim 9, wherein the flexible sheet members are integrally connected at their respective leading ends remote from the rotation shaft.

11. 3. A developer storage container as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the rotation direction of the developer transport member is a rotation direction such that in the second storage section, the flexible sheet member moves from the side away from the first storage section, passes through the bottom side, approaches the first storage section, passes through the ceiling side, and returns to the side away from the first storage section again.

12. 3. A developing device, comprising: a developer container according to claim 1 or 2 integrated therein.

13. a developing roller facing or in contact with an image carrier; a supply roller for supplying a developer to the developing roller; a developer regulating member for regulating an amount of developer supplied to the developing roller; The rotating member; The developing device according to claim 12, wherein the developing agent is disposed in the first container.

14. A process cartridge that is detachably installed in a main body of an image forming apparatus, A process cartridge comprising the developing device according to claim 12.

15. A toner container, comprising the developer storage container according to claim 1 or 2 integrated therein.

16. A sub-hopper that stores developer supplied from a toner container and supplies the stored developer to a developing device, 3. A sub-hopper, comprising: a developer container according to claim 1 or 2 integrated therein.

17. 3. An image forming apparatus comprising the developer container according to claim 1.

Images