Developing device and image-forming device

Abstract

To provide a developing device and an image-forming device for improving replenishment properties of toner.SOLUTION: A developing device includes: a development roller that is rotatable with a rotation axis extending in a first direction as a center; a frame body that has a housing section, and also has a first frame body end and a second frame body end, and a through hole and a replenishment port provided in the first frame body end; a filter that has a first surface for covering the through hole of the frame body and is mounted to an outer surface of the housing section; a sheet; and a spacer that is provided so as to form a gap between the sheet and a second surface in a side opposite to the first surface of the filter, and has a first spacer section, a second spacer section, and a third spacer section. An area surrounded by the first spacer section, the second spacer section, and the third spacer section overlaps with the through hole of the frame body when viewed in a third direction orthogonal to both of a first direction and a second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a developing device that contains toner and an image forming apparatus equipped with the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses form images by transferring a toner image formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum to a transfer material as a transfer medium. Known methods of supplying toner include a process cartridge method and a toner supply method. In the process cartridge method, the photosensitive drum and a developing container are integrated as a process cartridge, and when the toner runs out, the process cartridge is replaced with a new one.

[0003] On the other hand, the toner supply method is a method in which new toner is supplied to the developing container when the toner runs out. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus in which toner is supplied to the developing container using a toner pack that can be attached to an attachment portion provided in the developing container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-26218 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the toner pack described in Patent Document 1, when the user squeezes the bag of the toner pack to discharge the toner, air is discharged from the toner pack along with the toner. When air is discharged from the toner pack into the developing container, the internal pressure of the developing container increases, which may reduce the ease of supplying toner.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide a developing device and an image forming apparatus that improve the ease of supplying toner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a developing device, comprising: a developing roller rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a first direction; a frame having a container for containing toner carried by the developing roller, the frame having a first frame end and a second frame end provided on opposite sides in the first direction; a through hole provided in the first frame end for communicating the container with an outside of the container; and a supply port provided in the first frame end through which toner is supplied to the container from the outside of the developing device passes; a filter having a first surface covering the through hole of the frame and attached to an outer surface of the container; a sheet; and a spacer provided to form a gap between the sheet and a second surface of the filter opposite to the first surface, the first spacer extending in the first direction and aligned at an interval in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. the spacer has a through hole of the frame body when viewed in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction, and an opening is provided between an end of the first spacer part and an end of the second spacer part, the opening being provided at a first end of the spacer in a direction from the second frame body end to the first frame body end in the first direction, the third spacer part of the spacer is connected to the first spacer part and the second spacer part at a second end opposite the first end of the spacer in the first direction, and a region surrounded by the first spacer part, the second spacer part and the third spacer part overlaps with the through hole of the frame body when viewed in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

[0008] The present invention also relates to an image forming apparatus, comprising: a photosensitive drum; and a developing device, the developing device being rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a first direction; a developing roller supplying toner to the photosensitive drum; and a frame having a container for containing toner carried by the developing roller, the frame having a first frame end and a second frame end provided on opposite sides in the first direction, a through hole provided in the first frame end for communicating the container with an outside of the container, and a supply port provided in the first frame end through which toner passes to be supplied to the container from the outside of the developing device; a filter having a first surface covering the through hole of the frame and attached to an outer surface of the container; and a spacer having a first spacer portion and a second spacer portion aligned at a distance in a second direction in which the second frame body end is perpendicular to the first frame body end, and a third spacer portion extending in the second direction so as to connect the first spacer portion and the second spacer portion, wherein the spacer has an opening between an end of the first spacer portion and an end of the second spacer portion, the end of the first spacer portion being provided at a first end of the spacer in a direction from the second frame body end toward the first frame body end in the first direction, the third spacer portion of the spacer is connected to the first spacer portion and the second spacer portion at a second end opposite to the first end of the spacer in the first direction, and a region surrounded by the first spacer portion, the second spacer portion, and the third spacer portion overlaps with the through hole of the frame body when viewed in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the toner supply efficiency can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the toner pack when the pack-side shutter is in the blocking position. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is another exploded perspective view showing the toner pack when the pack-side shutter is in the blocking position. [Diagram 5] 1A is a perspective view showing the toner pack when the pack-side shutter is in the blocking position, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the toner pack when the pack-side shutter is in the open position. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view showing a ventilation sheet and a ventilation filter, and FIG. 4B is another exploded perspective view showing a ventilation sheet and a ventilation filter. [Figure 8] FIG. 4A is a plan view showing a mounting part including an operating lever in a closed position, and FIG. 4B is a plan view showing a mounting part including an operating lever in an open position. [Figure 9] FIG. 8( b ) is a cross-sectional view showing the HH cross section of FIG. 8( a ). [Figure 10] FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing how the toner pack is mounted in the mounting portion, and FIG. 4B is another perspective view showing how the toner pack is mounted in the mounting portion. [Figure 11] 4A is a plan view showing the toner pack and the mounting portion when the operating lever is in the closed position, and FIG. 4B is a plan view showing the toner pack and the mounting portion when the operating lever is in the open position. [Figure 12] FIG. 11( b ) is a cross-sectional view showing the JJ cross section of FIG. [Figure 13] 12. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the path E2 of the flow path E in a form different from that of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a ventilation sheet and a ventilation filter. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a process unit and a toner pack. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a mounting portion according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18]Plan view showing the mounting part. [Figure 19] Cross-sectional view showing the filter part. [Figure 20] Schematic diagram for explaining the configuration around the filter part.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1(a) is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the opening / closing member 83 and the supply port 32a.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome printer that forms an image on a recording material P based on image information input from an external device. The recording material P includes various sheet materials of different materials such as paper such as plain paper and thick paper, plastic films such as sheets for overhead projectors, special-shaped sheets such as envelopes and index papers, and cloth.

[0013] [Overall Configuration] As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 2, a reading device 200 that is supported by the apparatus main body 2 so as to be openable and closable, and an operation unit 300 that is attached to the outer surface of the apparatus main body 2. The apparatus main body 2 includes an image forming unit 10 that forms a toner image on a recording material, a feeding unit 60 that feeds the recording material to the image forming unit 10, a fixing unit 70 that fixes the toner image formed by the image forming unit 10 to the recording material, and a pair of discharge rollers 80.

[0014] The image forming unit 10 includes a scanner unit 11, an electrophotographic process unit 20, and a transfer roller 12 that transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 of the process unit 20 to the recording material. The process unit 20 includes a photosensitive drum 21, a charging roller 22 disposed around the photosensitive drum 21, a pre-exposure device 23, and a developing device 30 including a developing roller 31.

[0015] The photosensitive drum 21 is a cylindrically shaped photosensitive member. The photosensitive drum 21 of this embodiment has a photosensitive layer formed of a negatively charged organic photosensitive member on a drum-shaped base body formed of aluminum. The photosensitive drum 21 as an image carrier is rotated by a motor in a predetermined direction (clockwise direction in the figure) at a predetermined process speed.

[0016] The charging roller 22 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 21 with a predetermined pressure to form a charging portion. A desired charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 22 by a charging high-voltage power supply, thereby uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 to a predetermined potential. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 is negatively charged by the charging roller 22. The pre-exposure device 23 neutralizes the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 21 at a position before the charging portion in order to generate a stable discharge at the charging portion.

[0017] The scanner unit 11 uses a polygon mirror to irradiate the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light corresponding to image information input from an external device or the reading device 200, thereby scanning and exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. This exposure forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Note that the scanner unit 11 is not limited to a laser scanner device, and may be, for example, an LED exposure device having an LED array in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 21.

[0018] The developing device 30 includes a developing roller 31 as a developer carrier that carries a developer, a developing container 32 that is a case of the developing device 30, and a supply roller 33 that can supply the developer to the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are rotatably supported by the developing container 32. The developing roller 31 is configured to rotate around a roller axis 31a (see FIG. 15) that serves as a rotation axis and a first rotation axis, and is disposed at an opening of the developing container 32 so as to face the photosensitive drum 21. The supply roller 33 rotatably contacts the developing roller 31, and the toner contained in the developing container 32 as the developer is applied to the surface of the developing roller 31 by the supply roller 33. Note that the supply roller 33 is not necessarily required as long as the developing roller 31 is configured to be sufficiently supplied with toner.

[0019] The developing device 30 of this embodiment uses a contact development method as a development method. That is, the toner layer carried by the developing roller 31 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 21 in a development section (development area) where the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 31 face each other. A development voltage is applied to the developing roller 31 by a development high-voltage power supply. Under the development voltage, the toner carried by the developing roller 31 is transferred from the developing roller 31 to the drum surface according to the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, so that the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image. Note that this embodiment employs a reversal development method. That is, the toner image is formed by adhering to the surface area of ​​the photosensitive drum 21, which is charged in the charging process and then exposed in the exposure process, where the charge amount is attenuated.

[0020] In this embodiment, a toner having a particle size of 6 μm and a normal charging polarity of negative polarity is used. As an example of the toner in this embodiment, a polymerized toner produced by a polymerization method is used. The toner in this embodiment does not contain a magnetic component, and is a so-called non-magnetic one-component developer in which the toner is carried on the developing roller 31 mainly by intermolecular forces and electrostatic forces (image forces). However, a one-component developer containing a magnetic component may be used. In addition to toner particles, the one-component developer may 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 be used as the developer. When a magnetic developer is used, a cylindrical developing sleeve with a magnet arranged inside is used as the developer carrier.

[0021] The developing container 32 is provided with a storage section 36 as a second storage section for storing toner, and an agitating member 34 disposed inside the storage section 36. The agitating member 34 has a shaft member 34b that is driven by a motor (not shown) and rotates around a rotation axis 34a as a second rotation axis, and sheet members 34c and 34d that are fixed to the shaft member 34b (see FIG. 15). The agitating member 34 as a transport member agitates the toner in the developing container 32 by rotating, and transports the toner toward the developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33. The agitating member 34 circulates the toner that is not used for development and is peeled off from the developing roller 31 in the developing container, and has a role of making the toner in the developing container uniform. The agitating member 34 is not limited to a rotating form. For example, an agitating member in a swinging form may be adopted. Also, only one of the sheet members 34c and 34d may be provided, or three or more sheet members may be provided.

[0022] In addition, a developing blade 35 that regulates the amount of toner carried by the developing roller 31 is disposed at the opening of the developing container 32 in which the developing roller 31 is disposed. The toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller 31 passes through the portion facing the developing blade 35 as the developing roller 31 rotates, whereby the toner is uniformly formed into a thin layer and is negatively charged by frictional charging.

[0023] 1(a) and 1(b), the feeding section 60 has a front door 61 supported by the apparatus body 2 so as to be openable and closable, a tray section 62, a middle plate 63, a tray spring 64, and a pickup roller 65. The tray section 62 constitutes the bottom surface of a recording material storage space that appears when the front door 61 is opened, and the middle plate 63 is supported by the tray section 62 so as to be movable up and down. The tray spring 64 biases the middle plate 63 upward, and presses the recording material P loaded on the middle plate 63 against the pickup roller 65. The front door 61 closes the recording material storage space when closed relative to the apparatus body 2, and supports the recording material P together with the tray section 62 and the middle plate 63 when opened relative to the apparatus body 2.

[0024] The fixing unit 70 is a thermal fixing type that fixes an image by heating and melting the toner on the recording material. The fixing unit 70 includes a fixing film 71, a fixing heater such as a ceramic heater that heats the fixing film 71, a thermistor that measures the temperature of the fixing heater, and a pressure roller 72 that is in pressure contact with the fixing film 71.

[0025] Next, an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. When an image formation command is input to the image forming apparatus 1, an image forming process is started by the image forming section 10 based on image information input from an external computer or a reading device 200 connected to the image forming apparatus 1. The scanner unit 11 irradiates a laser beam toward the photosensitive drum 21 based on the input image information. At this time, the photosensitive drum 21 is charged in advance by the charging roller 22, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21 by irradiating it with the laser beam. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 31, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21.

[0026] In parallel with the above-mentioned image forming process, the pickup roller 65 of the feeding section 60 feeds out the recording material P supported by the front door 61, the tray section 62, and the middle plate 63. The recording material P is fed by the pickup roller 65 to the pair of registration rollers 15, and the skew of the recording material P is corrected by hitting the nip of the pair of registration rollers 15. The pair of registration rollers 15 is then driven in accordance with the transfer timing of the toner image, and conveys the recording material P toward the transfer nip formed by the transfer roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21.

[0027] A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 12 from a transfer high voltage power supply, and the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to the recording material P being conveyed by the registration roller pair 15. The recording material P to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing section 70, and the toner image is heated and pressurized when passing through a nip between a fixing film 71 and a pressure roller 72 of the fixing section 70. This causes the toner particles to melt and then adhere, thereby fixing the toner image to the recording material P. The recording material P that has passed through the fixing section 70 is discharged to the outside (outside the machine) of the image forming apparatus 1 by the discharge roller pair 80, and is loaded on a discharge tray 81 formed on the upper part of the apparatus main body 2. The discharge roller pair 80 as discharge rollers discharges the recording material P onto the discharge tray 81 in a discharge direction DD.

[0028] The discharge tray 81 is inclined upward toward the downstream in the discharge direction of the recording material, and the recording material discharged to the discharge tray 81 slides down the discharge tray 81 so that the trailing edge of the recording material is aligned by a regulating surface 84 .

[0029] The reading device 200 has a reading unit 201 with a built-in reading section (not shown), and a pressure plate 202 supported so as to be openable and closable by the reading unit 201. On the upper surface of the reading unit 201, there is provided a document table glass 203 which transmits light emitted from the reading section and on which a document is placed.

[0030] When a user wants to read an image of an original document by the reading device 200, the user places the original document on the glass platen 203 with the pressure platen 202 open. Then, the user closes the pressure platen 202 to prevent the original document on the glass platen 203 from being displaced, and outputs a reading command to the image forming device 1 by operating the operation unit 300, for example. When the reading operation is started, the reading unit in the reading unit 201 moves back and forth in the sub-scanning direction, that is, in the left and right directions with the operation unit 300 of the image forming device 1 facing the front. The reading unit emits light to the original document from the light-emitting unit, receives the light reflected by the original document with the light-receiving unit, and reads the image of the original document by photoelectric conversion. In the following, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are defined based on the state in which the operation unit 300 faces the front.

[0031] A top cover 82 is provided on the top of the device body 2, and a discharge tray 81 is formed on the upper surface of the top cover 82. As shown in Figures 1(b) and 2, an opening / closing member 83 is supported on the top cover 82 so as to be openable and closable about a rotation shaft 83a extending in the front-rear direction. An opening 82a that opens upward is formed in the discharge tray 81 of the top cover 82.

[0032] The opening / closing member 83 is configured to be movable between a closed position where the opening / closing member 83 covers the supply port 32a so that the toner pack 100 cannot be attached to the developing container 32, and an open position where the opening / closing member 83 exposes the supply port 32a so that the toner pack 100 can be attached to the developing container 32. In the closed position, the opening / closing member 83 functions as a part of the discharge tray 81. The opening / closing member 83 and the opening 82a are formed on the left side of the discharge tray 81. The opening / closing member 83 is opened to the left by placing a finger in a groove 82b provided in the top cover 82. The opening / closing member 83 is formed in a substantially L-shape along the shape of the top cover 82.

[0033] The opening 82a of the discharge tray 81 is open so as to expose the supply port 32a for toner supply formed at the top of the developing container 32, and the user can access the supply port 32a by opening the opening / closing member 83. Note that in this embodiment, a method (direct supply method) is adopted in which the user supplies toner from a toner pack 100 (see FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b)) filled with replenishment toner to the developing device 30 while the developing device 30 is still attached to the image forming device 1. At least a part of the toner pack 100 is exposed to the outside while the toner pack 100 is attached to the attachment portion 106 (see FIG. 6) of the image forming device 1.

[0034] Therefore, when the remaining amount of toner in the process unit 20 becomes low, it is not necessary to remove the process unit 20 from the apparatus main body 2 and replace it with a new process unit, thereby improving usability. Also, toner can be replenished to the developing container 32 at a lower cost than replacing the entire process unit 20. Note that the direct replenishment method can reduce costs compared to replacing only the developing device 30 of the process unit 20, since it is not necessary to replace various rollers, gears, etc. The image forming apparatus 1 and the toner pack 100 constitute an image forming system 1000.

[0035] [Toner pack composition] Next, a basic configuration of a toner pack 100 that is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 1 and contains toner will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5(b). The toner pack 100 as a toner container is attached to a mounting portion 106, which will be described later. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the toner pack 100 when the pack-side shutter 103 is in the shielding position. Fig. 4 is another exploded perspective view showing the toner pack 100 when the pack-side shutter 103 is in the shielding position. Fig. 5(a) is a perspective view of the toner pack 100 when the pack-side shutter 103 is in the shielding position. Fig. 5(b) is a perspective view of the toner pack 100 when the pack-side shutter 103 is in the open position.

[0036] As shown in Figs. 3 to 5(b), the toner pack 100 includes a pouch 101 for storing toner, a nozzle 102 coupled to the pouch 101, and a pack-side shutter 103. The pouch 101 as a first storage section is flexible and is provided at one end of the toner pack 100 in an axial direction D1 along a rotation axis A which is the rotation axis of the pack-side shutter 103. The nozzle 102 and the pack-side shutter 103 are provided at the other end of the toner pack 100 in the axial direction D1. The pouch 101 is formed by pouch processing a flexible polypropylene sheet, for example, and has a bag shape with one end open. The pouch 101 may be a resin bottle or a paper or vinyl container.

[0037] The nozzle 102 as the discharge part is connected to the pouch 101, and any method of connection may be used. For example, the connection method may be a method using various adhesives such as hot melt, or a method of thermally welding the pouch 101 to the outer periphery of the nozzle 102.

[0038] A side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 extending in the axial direction D1 is provided with an outlet 102a configured to communicate with the inside of the pouch 101, and a recess 102e. The recess 102e is provided at a position different from the outlet 102a in the rotation direction of the pack-side shutter 103. The toner contained in the pouch 101 is configured to be discharged together with air to the outside of the toner pack 100 through the outlet 102a when the pouch 101 is crushed by a user to reduce the volume of the pouch 101. The nozzle 102 may be composed of multiple members instead of one member.

[0039] A pack-side shutter 103 is disposed on the outside of the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102. The pack-side shutter 103 is provided rotatably about a rotation axis A extending in a direction along the axial direction D1, and is provided on the outside of the side surface 102c in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A. The inner surface of the pack-side shutter 103, i.e., the surface facing the side surface 102c, is a curved surface that follows the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102, and a substantially rectangular pack-side seal 105 is attached to it.

[0040] The pack-side shutter 103 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis A between a blocking position where the pack-side seal 105 blocks the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 and an open position where the discharge port 102a is open. When the pack-side shutter 103 is in the open position, the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 is exposed from an opening 103a formed in the pack-side shutter 103. Also, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5(a), when the pack-side shutter 103 is in the blocking position, at least a part of the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 is exposed from the pack-side shutter 103 through the opening 103a. On the opposite side of the opening 103a of the pack-side shutter 103, a driven transmission part 103b that can be engaged with a drive transmission part 108a of an operating lever 108 described later is provided.

[0041] When the pack-side shutter 103 in the blocking position shown in Fig. 5(a) is rotated in the direction of arrow K about the rotation axis A, the pack-side shutter 103 reaches the open position shown in Fig. 5(b). Conversely, when the pack-side shutter 103 in the open position is rotated in the direction of arrow L, the pack-side shutter 103 reaches the blocking position. During the rotation of the pack-side shutter 103, the pack-side shutter 103 rubs against the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 via the pack-side seal 105.

[0042] [Installation part] Next, the configuration of the mounting unit 106 to which the toner pack 100 is attached will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 9. In this embodiment, the mounting unit 106 is a unit for mounting the toner pack 100, and is provided in the image forming apparatus 1 (see Figure 1(a)). More specifically, the mounting unit 106 is connected to the developing container 32 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0043] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting part 106. Figs. 7(a) and 7(b) are exploded perspective views showing the ventilation sheet 112 and the ventilation filter 116. Fig. 8(a) is a plan view showing the mounting part 106 including the operating lever 108 in the closed position, and Fig. 8(b) is a plan view showing the mounting part 106 including the operating lever 108 in the open position. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the HH cross section of Fig. 8(a).

[0044] 6 to 9, the mounting portion 106 has a main body base portion 3, an operation lever 108, and an apparatus-side shutter 109. The main body base portion 3 includes a first frame 107, a second frame 117, a cover member 110, a shutter sheet 121, a ventilation sheet 112, and a ventilation filter 116. The first frame 107 and the second frame 117 form a frame 150, which is configured separately from the developing container 32 and restricts movement of the apparatus-side shutter 109 in the axial direction D2. In other words, the developing container 32 is configured separately from the mounting portion 106.

[0045] The cover member 110 and the second frame 117 are fixed to the first frame 107. The first frame 107, the cover member 110, and the second frame 117 may be integrally configured rather than being separate members. The second frame 117 is provided with an apparatus side opening 117a, which communicates with the storage section 36 of the developing container 32 (see FIG. 1(a)).

[0046] The operating lever 108 and the device-side shutter 109 are each attached to the main body base portion 3 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis B serving as a shutter rotation axis. A positioning portion 107a is provided on the first frame 107. The positioning portion 107a protrudes inward in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis B from an inner peripheral surface of the first frame 107 centered on the rotation axis B.

[0047] Further, the operating lever 108 is provided with a supply port 32a, a drive transmission part 108a, and an operating part 108b. The drive transmission part 108a of the operating lever 108 is a convex part that protrudes inward from an inner circumferential surface of the operating lever 108 centered on the rotation axis B in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis B.

[0048] By operating the operation part 108b, the user can rotate the operation lever 108 around the rotation axis B relative to the main body base part 3. Specifically, the operation lever 108 is configured to be rotatable between a closed position shown in FIG. 8(a) and an open position shown in FIG. 8(b). As will be described later, when the operation lever 108 is in the closed position, the pack-side shutter 103 and the device-side shutter 109 are in the shielding position. Then, by operating the operation lever 108 from the closed position to the open position, the pack-side shutter 103 and the device-side shutter 109 move to the open position.

[0049] The device-side shutter 109 as a shutter has an inner circumferential surface 109h, an inlet 109a formed on the inner circumferential surface 109h for receiving toner supplied from the toner pack 100, an outer circumferential surface 109f, and a driven transmission part 109e. An device-side seal 111 is attached to the inner circumferential surface 109h so as to surround the periphery of the inlet 109a. The driven transmission part 109e is engageable with a driven transmission part 103b of the pack-side shutter 103. The device-side shutter 109 is supported so that the outer circumferential surface 109f can slide on the inner circumferential surface 107c of the first frame 107.

[0050] The apparatus-side shutter 109 is configured to take a covering position and an open position with respect to the main body base part 3. In the covering position, the apparatus-side shutter 109 covers the receiving port 109a with the apparatus-side seal 111 and the cover member 110, and in the open position, the receiving port 109a is not covered by the cover member 110 and is open. That is, when the apparatus-side shutter 109 is located at the covering position, the receiving port 109a does not communicate with the apparatus-side opening 117a of the second frame 117, and when the apparatus-side shutter 109 is located at the covering position, the receiving port 109a communicates with the apparatus-side opening 117a of the second frame 117. When the apparatus-side shutter 109 moves to the open position, toner can be replenished (supplied) from the toner pack 100 to the storage part 36 of the developing container 32 through the receiving port 109a.

[0051] Since the operating lever 108 and the apparatus-side shutter 109 are not connected to each other, even if the operating lever 108 is operated without the toner pack 100 attached, the apparatus-side shutter 109 will not rotate.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 6 to Fig. 7(b), the first frame 107 is provided with a through hole 107b as a first through hole, a ventilation sheet seating surface 107d, and a restriction surface 107e. A ventilation sheet 112 is heat-welded to the ventilation sheet seating surface 107d, and the ventilation sheet 112 is arranged so as to cover the through hole 107b. In this embodiment, the ventilation sheet 112 is made of a nonwoven fabric, but may be made of a material other than the nonwoven fabric. The ventilation sheet 112 as the first filter may be attached to the ventilation sheet seating surface 107d by a method other than heat welding, for example, by an adhesive or the like.

[0053] In addition to the above-mentioned apparatus-side opening 117a, the second frame 117 is provided with a wall portion 117b and a restricting surface 117d. The apparatus-side shutter 109 is restricted in movement in the axial direction D2 along the rotation axis B by the restricting surface 107e of the first frame 107 and the restricting surface 117d of the second frame 117. In other words, the first frame 107 restricts movement of the apparatus-side shutter 109 on one side in the axial direction D2, and the second frame 117 restricts movement of the apparatus-side shutter 109 on the other side in the axial direction D2.

[0054] The wall portion 117b is provided with a through hole 117c as a second through hole, and a ventilation filter 116 is attached to cover the through hole 117c. In the present embodiment, the ventilation filter 116 as the second filter is made of urethane foam, i.e., urethane, but may be made of a material other than urethane and is preferably made of a material different from that of the ventilation sheet 112.

[0055] A part of the surface 116a of the ventilation filter 116 on the side where the toner comes into contact is adhered to the wall portion 117b by a double-sided tape (not shown). The ventilation sheet 112 and the ventilation filter 116 are provided so as to cover the through holes 107b and 117c, and constitute a filter portion 140 that allows air to pass through. The through holes 107b and 117c are configured to open upward. As shown in FIG. 14, the filter portion 140 constituted by the ventilation sheet 112 and the ventilation filter 116 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the first frame 107 and the second frame 117. The thickness of the ventilation filter 116 is preferably 90 μm to 250 μm, and the thickness of the ventilation sheet 112 is preferably 1 mm to 20 mm.

[0056] The ventilation filter 116 has a coarser mesh than the ventilation sheet 112 and is more breathable. The breathability of the ventilation sheet 112 and the ventilation filter 116 is measured, for example, by the Frazier method. The Frazier method is carried out as follows. First, five test pieces of approximately 200 mm x 200 mm are adjusted and attached to a Frazier type testing machine. Next, the suction fan and air holes are adjusted so that the inclined barometer reads a pressure of 125 Pa, and the pressure indicated by the vertical barometer at this time is measured. Then, from the measured pressure and the type of air hole used, the amount of air passing through the test piece (cm3) is calculated using a conversion table provided with the testing machine. 3 / cm 2 The more air that passes through the test piece, the better the breathability.

[0057] [Installing the toner pack into the installation area] Next, the state when the toner pack 100 is mounted in the mounting portion 106 will be described with reference to Figures 10(a) to 11(b). Figure 10(a) is a perspective view showing the state in which the toner pack 100 is mounted in the mounting portion 106, and Figure 10(b) is another perspective view showing the state in which the toner pack 100 is mounted in the mounting portion 106. In these Figures 10(a) and 10(b), the operation lever 108 is in the closed position, and the pack-side shutter 103 and the device-side shutter 109 are in the closed position. Figure 11(a) is a plan view showing the toner pack 100 and the mounting portion 106 when the operation lever 108 is in the closed position, and Figure 11(b) is a plan view showing the toner pack 100 and the mounting portion 106 when the operation lever 108 is in the open position.

[0058] 10(a) and 10(b), the user moves the toner pack 100 with the pack-side shutter 103 in the covering position in the mounting direction N to mount the toner pack 100 with the device-side shutter 109 in the covering position to the mounting portion 106. At this time, the user aligns the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 and the opening 103a of the pack-side shutter 103 with the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107. At the same time, the user also aligns the positions of the driven transmission portion 103b of the pack-side shutter 103 and the drive transmission portion 108a of the operation lever 108.

[0059] After aligning the toner pack 100 with the mounting portion 106 in this manner, the user moves the toner pack 100 in the mounting direction N to mount it in the mounting portion 106. Then, the drive transmitted portion 103b of the pack-side shutter 103 engages with the drive transmitted portion 109e of the device-side shutter 109 and the drive transmitting portion 108a of the operating lever 108. As a result, the rotation axis A of the pack-side shutter 103 and the rotation axis B of the device-side shutter 109 become approximately coaxial. In addition, since the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 engages with the end face of the cover member 110, the nozzle 102 of the toner pack 100 does not rotate with respect to the main body base portion 3 including the cover member 110.

[0060] The operating lever 108, the pack-side shutter 103, and the device-side shutter 109 are rotatable approximately integrally with the main body base portion 3 and the nozzle 102 about the rotation axes A and B.

[0061] For example, as shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), when the operating lever 108 is rotated from the closed position to the open position in the direction of arrow D, the drive transmission part 108a of the operating lever 108 presses the drive transmission receiving part 103b of the pack-side shutter 103. As a result, the pack-side shutter 103 is rotated from the closed position to the open position together with the operating lever 108. Also, the drive transmission receiving part 103b of the pack-side shutter 103 rotated from the closed position to the open position presses the drive transmission receiving part 109e of the device-side shutter 109. As a result, the device-side shutter 109 is rotated from the closed position to the open position together with the pack-side shutter 103. Therefore, the pouch 101 of the toner pack 100 and the storage part 36 communicate with each other via the discharge port 102a, the receiving port 109a, and the device-side opening 117a.

[0062] Conversely, when the operating lever 108 is rotated from the open position to the closed position, the drive transmission part 108a of the operating lever 108 presses the drive transmission part 103b of the pack-side shutter 103. As a result, the pack-side shutter 103 is rotated from the open position to the closing position together with the operating lever 108. Also, the drive transmission part 103b of the pack-side shutter 103 rotated from the open position to the closing position presses the drive transmission part 109e of the device-side shutter 109. As a result, the device-side shutter 109 is rotated from the open position to the closing position together with the pack-side shutter 103.

[0063] In this way, by operating the operation lever 108, the pack-side shutter 103 and the apparatus-side shutter 109 can be rotated between the closed position and the open position, and toner can be replenished from the toner pack 100 to the developing container 32. When the replenishment of toner from the toner pack 100 to the developing container 32 is completed, the user rotates the operation lever 108 from the open position to the closed position, and pulls out the toner pack 100 from the mounting portion 106.

[0064] [Toner Supply] Next, the supply of toner from the toner pack 100 to the developing container 32 will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 12 to 15. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the JJ cross section of Fig. 11(b). That is, in Fig. 12, the operation lever 108 is in the open position, and the pack-side shutter 103 and the device-side shutter 109 are in the open position. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the path E2 of the flow path E in a form different from that shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the ventilation sheet 112 and the ventilation filter 116. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the process unit 20 and the toner pack 100. Figs. 12 to 15 are views seen in the axial direction D4 (see Fig. 15) of the roller axis 31a of the developing roller 31 and in the horizontal direction.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 12, the pouch 101 of the toner pack 100 and the storage section 36 of the developing container 32 communicate with each other via the discharge port 102a, the receiving port 109a, and the device side opening 117a. In this state, when the user crushes the pouch 101, the toner stored in the pouch 101 of the toner pack 100 is supplied to the storage section 36. A hollow passage 400 is formed in the mounting section 106 so that the toner and air can pass through. In Fig. 12, a flow path E indicates the flow of the toner from the toner pack 100 to the storage section 36. The passage 400 is mainly formed by the inner walls of the first frame 107 and the second frame 117.

[0066] To explain flow path E in more detail, the toner advances from pouch 101 into nozzle 102 in the direction of gravity G (path E1), is guided by guide surface 102f, which is the inner wall of nozzle 102, and advances to outlet 102a and receiving port 109a (path E2). Guide surface 102f extends at an angle with respect to the direction of gravity G so as to approach receiving port 109a in the horizontal direction as it extends downward. Then, the toner collides with surface 116a of ventilation filter 116 and advances in the direction of gravity G (path E3), and is supplied to storage section 36.

[0067] Incidentally, when toner is replenished from the toner pack 100 to the storage section 36, the pouch 101 is crushed and deformed so that the internal volume decreases. Therefore, together with the toner contained in the toner pack 100, the air inside the toner pack 100 flows through the flow path E toward the storage section 36. That is, a part of the air mixed with the toner flows through the paths E1 and E2 constituting the above-mentioned flow path E, and is discharged from the discharge port 102a and the receiving port 109a into the mounting section 106. Then, the air passes through the through hole 117c and reaches the ventilation filter 116.

[0068] At this time, the toner is collected by the ventilation filter 116, and a portion of the remaining air passes through the ventilation filter 116 and the ventilation sheet 112. Then, as shown in flow path F, the air passes through the through-hole 107b and is discharged to the outside of the mounting portion 106. By discharging a portion of the air from the through-hole 107b to the outside of the mounting portion 106, the amount of air discharged into the storage portion 36 is suppressed, and an increase in the internal pressure of the storage portion 36 can be suppressed. This makes it easier for the user to crush the pouch 101 of the toner pack 100, improving the ease of replenishing toner into the storage portion 36.

[0069] Here, in the axial direction D2, the area where the receiving port 109a exists is defined as area X, the area where the through hole 107b exists is defined as area Y, and the area where the area X and the area Y overlap is defined as area Z. When the toner pack 100 is attached to the mounting portion 106, the axial direction D2 is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity G. That is, the rotation axes A and B extend in the direction of gravity G. As described above, a part of the air mixed with the toner passes through the receiving port 109a due to the pressure when the user deforms the pouch 101. That is, the air passes through the area X. Also, a part of the air that passes through the receiving port 109a passes through the through hole 107b and is discharged to the outside of the mounting portion 106 as shown by the flow path F. That is, the air passes through the area Y.

[0070] In this embodiment, the region X and the region Y overlap in the region Z in the axial direction D2. In other words, as shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 15, at least a part of the through hole 107b overlaps with the receiving port 109a when viewed in a horizontal direction, for example, a direction perpendicular to the gravity direction G and the axial direction D4 of the roller axis 31a of the developing roller 31. The direction perpendicular to the gravity direction G and the axial direction D4 of the roller axis 31a of the developing roller 31 is the front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus 1. As with the through hole 107b, at least a part of the through hole 117c overlaps with the receiving port 109a when viewed in a horizontal direction. In addition, the through holes 107b and 117c are disposed above the connecting portion 117e between the mounting portion 106 and the developing container 32. The connecting portion 117e is a portion where the second frame 117 and the developing container 32 are connected by a screw or the like.

[0071] Furthermore, at least a portion of the through holes 107b and 117c is located between the receiving port 109a and the roller axis 31a of the developing roller 31 in the gravity direction G. Also, at least a portion of the through holes 107b and 117c is located between the receiving port 109a and the rotation axis 34a of the stirring member 34 in the gravity direction G. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (axial direction D4 of the developing roller 31), the through holes 107b and 117c are located below the supply port 32a into which the toner pack 100 is inserted and above the roller axis 31a of the developing roller 31. Also, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A (axial direction D4 of the developing roller 31), the through holes 107b and 117c are located below the supply port 32a into which the toner pack 100 is inserted and above the rotation axis 34a of the stirring member 34.

[0072] 15, a straight line that passes through the supply port 32a and extends horizontally is called line L1, a straight line that passes through the roller axis 31a and extends horizontally is called line L2, and a straight line that passes through the rotation axis 34a and extends horizontally is called line L3. Furthermore, a straight line that passes through the lower end of the receiving port 109a and extends horizontally is called line L4, and a straight line that passes through the receiving port 109a and extends in the direction of gravity G (vertical direction) is called line L5. A straight line that passes through the roller axis 31a and extends in the direction of gravity G is called line L6, and a straight line that passes through the rotation axis 34a and extends in the direction of gravity G is called line L7.

[0073] At least a portion of the through holes 107b, 117c (for example, the area other than area Z in area Y in FIG. 12) is located between the straight lines L4 and L2 and between the straight lines L4 and L3. The through holes 107b, 117c are located below the straight line L1 and above the straight lines L2, L3. It is sufficient that at least a portion of the through holes 107b, 117c is located below the supply port 32a and above the roller axis 31a of the developing roller 31 and the rotation axis 34a of the stirring member 34, not necessarily all of the through holes 107b, 117c.

[0074] Further, the through holes 107b and 117c are located between the receiving opening 109a and the roller axis 31a in the horizontal direction. That is, the through holes 107b and 117c are located between the straight lines L5 and L6. Further, the through holes 107b and 117c are located between the receiving opening 109a and the rotation axis 34a in the horizontal direction. That is, the through holes 107b and 117c are located between the straight lines L5 and L7. It is not necessary that all of the through holes 107b and 117c are located between the receiving opening 109a and the roller axis 31a or between the receiving opening 109a and the rotation axis 34a in the horizontal direction, but it is sufficient that at least a part of the through holes 107b and 117c is located between the receiving opening 109a and the roller axis 31a or between the receiving opening 109a and the rotation axis 34a.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 15, the roller axis 31a of the developing roller 31, the rotation axis 34a of the stirring member 34, the through holes 107b, 117c, and the receiving port 109a are aligned in this order in the discharge direction DD.

[0076] In this way, by arranging the through holes 107b and 117c at the positions described above, it is possible to efficiently discharge a part of the air mixed with the toner to the outside of the mounting portion 106, and to suppress an increase in the internal pressure of the containing portion 36. This improves the ease of supplying toner. In addition, since the through hole 107b is arranged above the connecting portion 117e, it is possible to reduce the backflow of the toner once contained in the developing container 32 into the through hole 107b.

[0077] The air mixed with the toner hits the surface 116a of the ventilation filter 116, but the surface 116a faces the receiving port 109a and is arranged to be inclined with respect to the direction of gravity G so that the surface 116a is farther from the receiving port 109a in the horizontal direction as it goes downward. Similarly, the wall 400a (see FIG. 15) of the passage 400 in which the through holes 107b and 117c are provided is inclined downward in the direction of gravity G as it goes from the receiving port 109a to the developing roller 31 in the horizontal direction. Therefore, after collecting the toner, the ventilation filter 116 is easy to drop the collected toner in the direction of gravity G, that is, toward the storage section 36. Therefore, clogging of the ventilation filter 116 can be suppressed, and the performance of the ventilation filter 116 can be maintained. By suppressing the frequency of replacing the ventilation filter 116, the maintenance cost and the cost of replacing parts can be reduced.

[0078] 14, the ventilation filter 116 and the ventilation sheet 112 are attached to the second frame 117 and the first frame 107, respectively, without any seals or the like. The ventilation sheet 112 has finer mesh than the ventilation filter 116, and is disposed on the opposite side of the ventilation filter 116 from the passage 400. Therefore, even if the toner passes through the ventilation filter 116, it is collected by the ventilation sheet 112, and the toner can be prevented from scattering outside the mounting portion 106 through the through holes 117c and 107b.

[0079] Incidentally, in Fig. 12, the path E2 of the flow path E is depicted in a schematic manner, and the path E2 is depicted as changing direction at one point. Fig. 13 depicts the path E2 of the flow path E more smoothly, and the guide surface 102f of the nozzle 102 guides the toner and air along the path E2. In the path E2, the air advances in the air entry direction D3 at the receiving port 109a. That is, the air is guided in the air entry direction D3 by the guide surface 102f at the receiving port 109a.

[0080] At this time, at least a part of the through hole 107b faces the receiving port 109a in the air entry direction D3. Therefore, a part of the air mixed with the toner can be efficiently discharged to the outside of the mounting portion 106 through the through hole 107b, and an increase in the internal pressure of the storage portion 36 can be suppressed.

[0081] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described, which is a modification of the first embodiment in terms of the configuration of the filter section 140. Therefore, configurations similar to those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals or omitted from illustration.

[0082] Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing mounting portion 2106 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing mounting portion 2106. The cross-section of Fig. 17 is similar to the HH cross-section of Fig. 8(a). Fig. 18 is a plan view showing mounting portion 2106. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing filter portion 2140. Fig. 20 is a schematic view showing the configuration around filter portion 2140.

[0083] 16 and 17, filter section 2140 according to the present embodiment has ventilation sheet 112 as a third filter, shatterproof sheet 2113 as a fourth filter, double-sided tape 2114, and shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115. Other configurations of mounting section 2106 other than filter section 2140 are similar to those of mounting section 106 of the first embodiment.

[0084] The first frame 107 and the second frame 117 of the frame 150 are provided with through holes 107b and 117c, respectively. The ventilation sheet 112 is fixed to the ventilation sheet seating surface 107d provided on the inner surface of the first frame 107 by thermal welding, as in the first embodiment. The shatterproof sheet 2113 is fixed to the shatterproof sheet seating surface 107g provided on the outer surface of the first frame 107 by double-sided tape or adhesive (not shown). The center of the shatterproof sheet 2113 is provided with a hole 2113h which is a through hole.

[0085] A shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 is fixed integrally onto the shatterproof sheet 2113 with a U-shaped double-sided tape 2114. The double-sided tape 2114 is attached to the shatterproof sheet 2113 so as not to overlap with the hole 2113h of the shatterproof sheet 2113. In this embodiment, the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 is made of the same filter material as the breathable sheet 112, and its breathability is 2 to 80 (cc / cm 2 ·sec). The shatterproof sheet 2113 is, for example, a film or sheet material having a thickness in the range of 25 μm to 3.0 mm, and allows less toner to pass through it than the ventilation sheet 112 and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115. In other words, the toner that collides with the shatterproof sheet 2113 in areas other than the holes 2113h hardly passes through the shatterproof sheet 2113.

[0086] The ventilation sheet 112, the shatterproof sheet 2113, and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 have an area larger than the through hole 107b, and are provided so as to cover the through hole 107b. The shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 as the fifth filter is disposed on the opposite side of the ventilation sheet 112 and the passage 400 with the shatterproof sheet 2113 in between. That is, the ventilation sheet 112, the shatterproof sheet 2113, and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 are disposed so as to overlap the through hole 107b when the through hole 107b is viewed from the front. The ventilation sheet 112 and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 cover the hole 2113h as an opening of the shatterproof sheet 2113.

[0087] The double-sided tape 2114 as the adhesive portion has a first straight portion 2114a, a second straight portion 2114b, and a third straight portion 2115c connecting the first straight portion 2114a and the second straight portion 2114b, and is formed in a U-shape. That is, the double-sided tape 2114 is formed in a U-shape so that it is located only in a part of the periphery of the hole 2113h, and is not disposed around the entire periphery of the hole 2113h. In other words, one side of the double-sided tape 2114 is opened to form an opening portion 2114f.

[0088] In this way, the shatterproof sheet 2113 and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 are bonded in the portion where the double-sided tape 2114 exists, but the shatterproof sheet 2113 and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 are not bonded in the open portion 2114f. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 18, the shatterproof sheet 2113 and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 are easily allowed to escape in the direction of the arrow K from a small gap between the shatterproof sheet 2113 and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 at the position corresponding to the open portion 2114f. In other words, the double-sided tape 2114 is configured so that the air that has passed through the hole 2113h passes between the shatterproof sheet 2113 and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 from the open portion 2114f, which is a portion where the double-sided tape 2114 is not located. The direction of the arrow K is the direction from the hole 2113h toward the open portion 2114f.

[0089] As described above, when toner is replenished, a small amount of toner may pass through the ventilation sheet 112 together with air. At this time, as shown in FIG. 19, the toner T that passes through the ventilation sheet 112 from a portion not facing the hole 2113h collides with the shatterproof sheet 2113 and accumulates in the gap 107f formed between the ventilation sheet 112 and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115. The shatterproof sheet 2113 and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 are arranged to sandwich the through hole 107b, and the gap 107f is a part of the space formed by the through hole 107b. In other words, the ventilation sheet 112 and the shatterproof sheet 2113 are arranged such that the gap 107f is between the ventilation sheet 112 and the shatterproof sheet 2113 and below the hole 2113h.

[0090] On the other hand, the toner passing through the ventilation sheet 112 from the portion facing the hole 2113h is very small, and passes through the hole 2113h and adheres to the scattering prevention auxiliary sheet 2115. This can reduce the toner passing through the through holes 117c and 107b from scattering outside the mounting portion 2106. In particular, when the image forming apparatus 1 is moved during distribution or when toner is replenished from the toner pack 100 to the developing container 32, the toner in the developing container 32 tends to fly, but the filter portion 2140 can reduce the toner from scattering outside the mounting portion 2106. Note that the above-mentioned flow of toner is merely an example, and for example, the toner passing through the ventilation sheet 112 from the portion facing the hole 2113h may hit the scattering prevention sheet 2113 and accumulate in the gap 107f.

[0091] Most of the air that passes through the ventilation sheet 112 passes through the holes 2113h of the shatterproof sheet 2113. Since the holes 2113h are formed in the shatterproof sheet 2113, the sheet has good ventilation and can effectively reduce the internal pressure of the storage section 18. The shape and size of the holes 2113h are not limited as long as they can sufficiently ventilate the air, but a circular hole having a diameter of 2 mm to 15 mm is preferable. The holes 2113h may also be polygonal holes such as rectangular holes.

[0092] The air that passes through the shatterproof sheet 2113 and hits the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 is discharged from the opening 2114f of the double-sided tape 2114 in the direction of the arrow K. More specifically, this air is discharged in the direction of the arrow K from between the shatterproof sheet 2113 and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 at the opening 2114f. This air contains almost no toner. Note that if a breathable filter material is used for the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115, part of the air may pass through the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 and be discharged to the outside of the attachment part 2106.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 20, in a plan view of the image forming apparatus 1 seen from above, the photosensitive drum 21 is disposed at the rear side of the filter section 2140, and the supply port 32a for mounting the toner pack 100 is disposed at the front side of the filter section 2140. In addition, the scanner unit 11 as an exposure section is disposed at the right side of the filter section 2140, and the left side plate 401 of the device body 2 is disposed at the left side of the filter section 2140. The left side plate 401 is a part of the frame of the device body 2. In other words, the first straight portion 2114a of the double-sided tape 2114 is disposed between the hole 2113h of the shatterproof sheet 2113 and the photosensitive drum 21. The second straight portion 2114b is disposed between the hole 2113h and the supply port 32a. The third straight portion 2114c is disposed between the hole 2113h and the scanner unit 11.

[0094] The direction of the arrow K is from the filter portion 2140 toward the left side of the image forming apparatus 1, i.e., toward the left side plate 401. The air discharged from the opening 2114f in the direction of the arrow K contains almost no toner, but may contain a very small amount of toner. The photosensitive drum 21 and the scanner unit 11, which are disposed on the rear and right sides of the filter portion 2140, respectively, may cause poor image formation if toner adheres thereto.

[0095] Furthermore, if toner adheres to the supply port 32a located on the front side of the filter portion 2140, there is a possibility that the toner will adhere to the user when the toner is replenished. For this reason, in this embodiment, the air is discharged in the direction of the arrow K from the open portion 2114f toward the left side plate 401. Since there is no configuration between the left side plate 401 and the open portion 2114f that could cause poor image formation or toner adhesion to the user, poor image formation or toner adhesion to the user can be suppressed. Note that it is preferable to appropriately provide an opening in the left side plate 401 for air to escape.

[0096] As described above, in this embodiment, the through holes 107b, 117c are provided in the frame 150 constituting the passage 400 through which the toner passes during toner replenishment, and the through hole 107b is covered by the filter portion 2140. During toner replenishment, the pouch 101 of the toner pack 100 is crushed, causing air to pass through the passage 400 together with the toner. This air passes through the through holes 107b, 117c and the filter portion 2140 and is discharged to the outside of the mounting portion 2106, thereby suppressing an increase in the internal pressure of the storage portion 36 and improving the ease of toner replenishment.

[0097] The filter unit 2140 is composed of the ventilation sheet 112, the shatterproof sheet 2113, the double-sided tape 2114, and the auxiliary shatterproof sheet 2115. The toner contained in the air is successively collected by the ventilation sheet 112, the shatterproof sheet 2113, and the auxiliary shatterproof sheet 2115, thereby reducing the scattering of the toner outside the attachment unit 2106.

[0098] In addition, since the double-sided tape 2114 that bonds the shatterproof sheet 2113 and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 is formed in a U-shape, most of the air that passes through the shatterproof sheet 2113 is discharged in the direction of the arrow K from the open portion 2114f of the double-sided tape 2114. In addition, the shatterproof sheet 2113 has good breathability because it is provided with the hole portion 2113h. This improves the breathability of the filter portion 2140, and effectively suppresses the rise in the internal pressure of the storage portion 36. Furthermore, the air discharged from the opening 2114f in the direction of the arrow K advances toward the left side plate 401, making it possible to prevent poor image formation and toner adhesion to the user.

[0099] <Other embodiments> In the first embodiment, the region where the inlet 109a exists in the axial direction D2 is defined as the region X, but the region where the outlet 102a exists may be defined as the region X. That is, by arranging the outlet 102a and the through hole 107b so as to overlap each other in the axial direction D2, air can be efficiently discharged from the mounting part 106.

[0100] In the first embodiment, the ventilation sheet 112 and the ventilation filter 116 are arranged so as to be sandwiched between the first frame 107 and the second frame 117, but this is not limiting. That is, it is sufficient that the ventilation sheet 112 and the ventilation filter 116 are arranged so as to cover at least one of the through holes 107b, 117c, and for example, the ventilation filter 116 may be arranged closer to the flow path E than the through hole 117c.

[0101] In the first embodiment, the filter section 140 is configured by two ventilation filters, the ventilation sheet 112 and the ventilation filter 116, but may be configured by one ventilation filter or three or more ventilation filters.

[0102] In the second embodiment, the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 has an air permeability of 2 to 80 (cc / cm 2 sec) filter material, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in consideration of the amount of toner passing through the ventilation sheet 112 and the increase in the internal pressure of the storage section 36, the scattering prevention auxiliary sheet 2115 may be a non-breathable PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sheet or PO (polyolefin) sheet.

[0103] In the second embodiment, the shatterproof sheet 2113 and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 are configured separately from the first frame 107, but they may be molded integrally with the first frame 107. In this case, however, the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 is made of the same material as the first frame 107, and therefore the internal pressure increases more than when a breathable filter material is used. For this reason, for example, a more breathable sheet may be used for the ventilation sheet 112.

[0104] In the second embodiment, the ventilation sheet 112 is disposed on the passage 400 side, and the shatterproof sheet 2113 and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 are disposed on the opposite side of the passage 400 across the through hole 107b, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the shatterproof sheet 2113 may be disposed on the passage 400 side with respect to the through hole 107b. In this case, the U-shaped double-sided tape 2114 may bond the shatterproof sheet seating surface 107g of the first frame 107 and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115. Also, all of the ventilation sheet 112, the shatterproof sheet 2113, and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 may be provided on the shatterproof sheet seating surface 107g side of the first frame 107.

[0105] In the second embodiment, the shatterproof sheet 2113 and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 are adhered to each other by the U-shaped double-sided tape 2114, but this is not limiting. For example, instead of the double-sided tape, the shatterproof sheet 2113 and the shatterproof auxiliary sheet 2115 may be adhered to each other by an adhesive or the like. The shape of the double-sided tape 2114 is also not limited to the U-shape, and may be, for example, an L-shape or a V-shape.

[0106] In addition, in any of the embodiments described above, the frame body 150 is configured by the first frame body 107 and the second frame body 117, but is not limited to this. For example, the frame body 150 may be configured by one member, or may be configured by three or more members.

[0107] In addition, in any of the above-described embodiments, the first frame 107 and the second frame 117 are provided with the through holes 107b and 117c, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second frame 117 may not be provided with the through hole 117c, and the first frame 107 may be provided with the through hole 107b only. That is, the through hole 107b may be provided anywhere in the frame 150. In this case, the wall portion 117b of the second frame 117 may be omitted.

[0108] In addition, in any of the above-described embodiments, the receiving opening 109a is provided in the apparatus-side shutter 109, but this is not limiting. For example, the receiving opening 109a may be provided in a member different from the apparatus-side shutter 109, and the receiving opening 109a may be closed or opened by the apparatus-side shutter 109.

[0109] In addition, in any of the above-described embodiments, the frame 150 and the developing container 32 are configured as separate bodies, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the frame 150 and the developing container 32 may be formed as a single body.

[0110] In addition, in any of the above-described embodiments, the process unit 20 is attached to the apparatus main body 2 in a non-replaceable manner, but this is not limiting. In other words, the process unit 20 may be attached to the apparatus main body 2 in a detachable manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1: image forming apparatus / 11: exposure unit (scanner unit) / 21: image carrier (photosensitive drum) / 31: developing roller / 31a: rotation axis, first rotation axis (roller axis) / 32a: supply port / 34: conveying member (stirring member) / 34a: second rotation axis (rotation axis) / 36: storage section, second storage section / 80: discharge roller (pair of discharge rollers) / 81: discharge tray / 100: toner container (toner pack) / 101: first storage section (pouch) / 102: discharge section (nozzle) / 102a: discharge port / 106: mounting section / 107b: through hole, first through hole / 107f: gap / 109: shutter (apparatus side shutter 109a: receiving port / 112: first filter, third filter (ventilation sheet) / 116: second filter (ventilation filter) / 117c: through hole, second through hole / 140, 2140: filter section / 400: passage / 400a: wall / 2113: fourth filter (shatterproof sheet) / 2113h: opening (hole) / 2114: adhesive section (double-sided tape) / 2114a: first straight section / 2114b: second straight section / 2114c: third straight section / 2115: fifth filter (shatterproof auxiliary sheet) / B: shutter rotation axis (rotation axis) / D2, D4: axial direction / DD: discharge direction / G: gravity direction

Claims

1. 1. A developing device comprising: a developing roller rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a first direction; a frame having a container portion for containing toner carried by the developing roller, the frame having a first frame end portion and a second frame end portion provided on opposite sides in the first direction, a through hole provided in the first frame end portion for communicating the container portion with an outside of the container portion, and a supply port provided in the first frame end portion through which toner passes when the toner is supplied to the container portion from an outside of the developing device; a filter having a first surface covering the through hole of the frame and attached to an outer surface of the housing portion; A seat, a spacer provided to form a gap between the sheet and a second surface of the filter opposite to the first surface, the spacer including: a first spacer portion and a second spacer portion extending in the first direction and aligned at an interval in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a third spacer portion extending in the second direction to connect the first spacer portion and the second spacer portion; The spacer has an opening between an end of the first spacer portion and an end of the second spacer portion, the opening being provided at a first end of the spacer in a direction from the second frame end toward the first frame end with respect to the first direction; the third spacer portion of the spacer is connected to the first spacer portion and the second spacer portion at a second end portion of the spacer opposite to the first end portion of the spacer in the first direction; a region surrounded by the first spacer portion, the second spacer portion, and the third spacer portion overlaps with the through hole of the frame body when viewed in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction; A developing device characterized by the above.

2. The sheet is a first sheet, Further comprising a second sheet attached to an inner surface of the storage portion so as to face the through hole.

2. The developing device according to claim 1,

3. The sheet is formed from polyethylene terephthalate or polyolefin.

3. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developing device is a developing unit.

4. The air permeability of the sheet is 2 to 80 (cc / cm ２ sec), 4. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developing device is a developing unit.

5. The spacer is bonded to the filter and the sheet.

5. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developing device is a developing unit.

6. the through hole is provided on a surface of the frame that faces upward and is inclined when the developing device is oriented in a predetermined direction during use within the main body of an image forming apparatus; 6. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developing device is a developing unit.

7. the supply port is provided above the through hole when the developing device is oriented in a predetermined direction during use within the main body of an image forming apparatus; 7. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developing device is a developing unit.

8. The image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum and a developing device. The developing device is a developing roller that is rotatable about a rotation axis that extends in a first direction and that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum; a frame having a container portion for containing toner carried by the developing roller, the frame having a first frame end portion and a second frame end portion provided on opposite sides in the first direction, a through hole provided in the first frame end portion for communicating the container portion with an outside of the container portion, and a supply port provided in the first frame end portion through which toner passes when the toner is supplied to the container portion from an outside of the developing device; a filter having a first surface covering the through hole of the frame and attached to an outer surface of the housing portion; A seat, a spacer provided to form a gap between the sheet and a second surface of the filter opposite to the first surface, the spacer including: a first spacer portion and a second spacer portion extending in the first direction and aligned at an interval in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a third spacer portion extending in the second direction to connect the first spacer portion and the second spacer portion; The spacer has an opening between an end of the first spacer portion and an end of the second spacer portion, the opening being provided at a first end of the spacer in a direction from the second frame end toward the first frame end with respect to the first direction; the third spacer portion of the spacer is connected to the first spacer portion and the second spacer portion at a second end portion of the spacer opposite to the first end portion of the spacer in the first direction; a region surrounded by the first spacer portion, the second spacer portion, and the third spacer portion overlaps with the through hole of the frame body when viewed in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction; 1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

9. a scanner capable of irradiating the photosensitive drum with light; a first side plate and a second side plate aligned in the first direction; the photosensitive drum, the developing device, and the scanner are provided between the first side plate and the second side plate in the first direction, the through hole of the frame and the sheet are provided closer to the first side plate than to the second side plate in the first direction, the opening of the spacer is provided at a position closer to the first side plate than the scanner; 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8,

10. The sheet is a first sheet, the developing device has a second sheet attached to an inner surface of the container portion so as to face the through hole of the frame body; 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

11. The sheet is formed from polyethylene terephthalate or polyolefin.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is a multi-layered image forming apparatus.

12. The air permeability of the sheet is 2 to 80 (cc / cm ２ sec), 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a first direction.

13. The spacer bonds the filter and the sheet.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is a multi-layered image forming apparatus.

14. The through hole is provided in a surface of the frame body that is inclined upward.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is a multi-layered image forming apparatus.

15. The supply port is provided above the through hole.

15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image forming apparatus is a multi-layered image forming apparatus.

Images