Sealing member, developing device, image forming apparatus, and sealing method

Abstract

To provide a sealing member capable of achieving simplification and cost reduction of a configuration for sealing a discharge port, a developing device, an image forming apparatus, and a sealing method.SOLUTION: The sealing member 400 includes a sealing portion 410 that seals the discharge port side 21a of the developer discharge portion 21, and a held portion 420 that is connected to an end portion 411 of one side N1 of the sealing portion 410 in a predetermined connecting direction N and is detachably held by a holding portion side 21a provided on the one side N1 of the discharge port side 21b of the developer discharge portion 21 in the connecting direction N. And a fixed part 430 connected to an end part 412 of the other side N2 in the connecting direction N of the sealing part 410 and detachably fixed to a fixing part side 21a provided on the other side N2 in the connecting direction N of the discharge port side 21c in the developer discharge part 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sealing member for sealing a discharge port of a developer discharge portion in a developing device provided in an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a multifunction device, a printer, or a facsimile machine, a developing device, an image forming apparatus, and a sealing method. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, some image forming apparatuses are shipped or transported with developer stored in a developing device having a developer discharge section with a discharge port for discharging the developer. When shipping or transporting such image forming apparatuses, it is necessary to prevent developer from leaking from the developing device.

[0003] For this reason, a sealing member is sometimes used to seal the discharge port of the developer discharge portion in the developing device.

[0004] As a conventional sealing member, for example, an adhesive tape that is stuck to the discharge port to seal it, or a molded sealing product that is attached to the discharge port to seal it, has been used to ensure sealing performance.

[0005] However, when releasing the seal on the discharge port with a sealing member such as adhesive tape or a molded seal, the developing device must be temporarily removed from the image forming apparatus main body. When the sealing member is adhesive tape, there are problems such as adhesive remaining in the sealed area after the adhesive tape is peeled off, or the sealed area being damaged when the adhesive tape is peeled off. Furthermore, adhesive tape cannot be reused once it has been used. Furthermore, when the sealing member is a molded seal, the cost is high.

[0006] In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which, when the shutter (shutter member) moves in the direction of closing the toner discharge port, the tip of a sealing material (sealing member) made of a flexible material that can be bent and deformed on the surface facing the toner discharge port (discharge port) in the direction of movement is rolled up toward the toner discharge port, thereby adhering closely to the periphery of the toner discharge port. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-230343 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the configuration for sealing the outlet is complicated and expensive.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a sealing member, a developing device, an image forming apparatus, and a sealing method that can simplify the configuration for sealing the discharge port and reduce costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides the following sealing member, developing device, image forming apparatus, and sealing method.

[0011] (1) Sealing member The sealing member according to the present disclosure is a sealing member for sealing the discharge outlet of a developing device having a developer discharge section provided with an outlet for discharging developer, and is characterized in that it is a sheet member having: a sealing section for sealing the discharge outlet in the developer discharge section; a held section connected to one end of the sealing section in a predetermined connecting direction and removably held by a holding section provided on one side of the discharge outlet in the developer discharge section in the connecting direction; and a fixed section connected to the other end of the sealing section in the connecting direction and removably fixed to a fixing section provided on the other side of the discharge outlet in the developer discharge section in the connecting direction.

[0012] (2) Developing device The developing device according to the present disclosure is a developing device having a developer discharge section with a discharge port, and is equipped with the sealing member according to the present disclosure, wherein the developer discharge section has a holding section provided on one side of the discharge port in the connecting direction and a fixed section provided on the other side of the discharge port in the connecting direction, and the sealing member is characterized in that the held section is removably held by the holding section in the developer discharge section, and the fixed section is removably fixed to the fixed section in the developer discharge section, thereby the sealing section seals the discharge port in the developer discharge section.

[0013] (3) Image forming device The image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure is characterized by including the developing device according to the present disclosure.

[0014] (4) Sealing method The sealing method according to the present disclosure is a sealing method for a sealing member according to the present disclosure, characterized in that it includes a holding step of holding the held portion of the sealing member to the holding portion in the developer discharge portion, a sealing step of sealing the discharge outlet in the developer discharge portion with the sealing portion of the sealing member, and a fixing step of fixing the fixed portion of the sealing member to the fixing portion in the developer discharge portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to simplify the configuration for sealing the discharge port and reduce the cost. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front. [Figure 2] 2 is an exploded perspective view of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the opening / closing door removed and the collection container detached, as viewed obliquely from above on the front side. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a perspective view of the developing device for black toner and the collection container in the image forming apparatus, viewed obliquely from above on the front side; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the collection container as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a side view of the developing device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a perspective view of a shutter member portion in a closed state in the developing device shown in FIG. 3, viewed obliquely from below. [Figure 7] 4 is a perspective view of a shutter member portion in an open state in the developing device shown in FIG. 3, viewed obliquely from below. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a sealing member according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a perspective view of the shutter member closing the discharge port of the developer discharge portion when the shutter member is in a closed state, as viewed obliquely from below. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a bottom view showing how the discharge port of the developer discharge portion is sealed when the shutter member is in a closed state; FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a perspective view of the state in which the discharge port of the developer discharge portion is sealed when the shutter member is in the closed state, as viewed from the upper right of the front side. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a perspective view of the shutter member closing the discharge port of the developer discharge portion when the shutter member is in the closed state, as viewed from the upper left on the front side. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a perspective view of the developer discharge portion when viewed obliquely from below, showing a state in which a shutter member is in an open state and a discharge port in the developer discharge portion is sealed. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a bottom view showing a state in which the shutter member is in an open state and seals the discharge port in the developer discharge portion, as viewed from the bottom. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a perspective view of the developer discharge portion when the shutter member is in an open state and the discharge port is sealed, as viewed from the upper right front side. FIG. [Figure 16] 10 is a perspective view of the developer discharge portion when the shutter member is in an open state and the discharge port is sealed, as viewed from the upper left on the front side. FIG. [Figure 17] 6 is a flowchart showing steps of a sealing method for sealing a discharge port of a developer discharge portion in a developing device with a sealing member. [Figure 18]10 is a flowchart showing steps of an unsealing method for unsealing a discharge port of a developer discharge portion in a developing device, the discharge port being sealed by a sealing member. [Figure 19] 10 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a folded portion of the sealing member as viewed from the insertion direction. FIG. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are front views showing examples of the shape of an engaging portion of a fixed portion in a sealing member. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are front views showing other examples of the shape of the engaging portion provided on the fixed portion of the sealing member. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are front views showing still another example of the shape of the engaging portion provided on the fixed portion of the sealing member. [Figure 23] 23 is a front view showing an example of an engagement state of the engagement portion shown in FIG. 22 with the fixing portion. FIG. [Figure 24] 10 is a bottom view showing an embodiment in which an elastic member is provided on the periphery of a developer discharge portion with the shutter member removed. FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment in which an elastic member is provided on a shutter member, as viewed obliquely from below. [Figure 26] 9 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which an elastic member is provided on the sealing member shown in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of an elongated member connected to a sealing member and a detachable part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0018] [Image forming device] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the front. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1 with the opening and closing door removed and the collection container 300 removed, viewed obliquely from above the front. In the figure, the symbol X represents the left-right direction, the symbol Y represents the depth direction, and the symbol Z represents the up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0019] The image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is a color image forming apparatus that forms multicolor and monochrome images on a recording sheet P such as paper. The image forming apparatus 100 performs image formation processing in accordance with image data read by a document reading device 90 or image data transmitted from an external device. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may be a color image forming apparatus of another type. Also, the image forming apparatus 100 may be a monochrome image forming apparatus.

[0020] The image forming apparatus 100 includes an original reading device 90 and an image forming apparatus main body 110. The image forming apparatus main body 110 includes an image forming section 102 and a sheet transport system 103.

[0021] The image forming unit 102 includes an exposure device 1 (exposure unit), multiple developing devices 2BK, 2C, 2M, and 2Y (developing units), multiple photosensitive drums 3-3 acting as image carriers, multiple cleaning devices 4BK, 4C, 4M, and 4Y (photosensitive drum cleaning units), multiple charging devices 5-5, an intermediate transfer belt device 6, a cleaning device 4T (belt cleaning unit), multiple toner cartridges 15-15, and a fixing device 7 (fixing unit). The sheet transport system 103 includes a paper feed tray 81, a discharge roller 31, and a discharge tray 14. Here, BK, C, M, and Y represent black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively. The intermediate transfer belt device 6 includes multiple intermediate transfer rollers 65-65 and an intermediate transfer belt 61. The intermediate transfer rollers 65-65 are disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 61. The intermediate transfer belt 61 rotates in a predetermined rotational direction R. The intermediate transfer rollers 65-65 transfer the toner images of the respective colors formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 3-3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61 in a superimposed manner while rotating in accordance with the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 61.

[0022] An original reading device 90 for reading an image of an original (not shown) is provided on the top of the image forming apparatus main body 110. The original reading device 90 reads an image of an original, and includes an original transport section 90a and an original reading section 90b. The original reading device 90 either reads the image of the original using the original transport section 90a while transporting the original, or scans and reads the image of the original placed on the original table of the original reading section 90b using the original reading section 90b. The image of the original read by the original reading device 90 is sent to the image forming apparatus main body 110 as image data, and the image is recorded on a recording sheet P.

[0023] A sheet transport path W1 is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 110. A sheet supply unit 11a supplies a recording sheet P to the sheet transport path W1. The sheet transport path W1 leads the recording sheet P to a transfer roller 10a of a secondary transfer device 10 and a fixing device 7, and then to a discharge tray 14. The fixing device 7 heats and fixes the toner image formed on the recording sheet P to the recording sheet P. Near the sheet transport path W1, the sheet supply unit 11a, a plurality of transport rollers 12a, a registration roller 13, a transfer roller 10a, a fixing roller 71 and a pressure roller 72 in the fixing device 7, and a discharge roller 31 are arranged.

[0024] In the image forming apparatus 100, a recording sheet P supplied from a sheet supply unit 11a to a paper feed tray 81 is conveyed via conveyance rollers 12a to registration rollers 13. Next, the recording sheet P is conveyed to transfer rollers 10a by registration rollers 13 at a timing that aligns the recording sheet P with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 61, and the toner image is transferred onto the recording sheet P by transfer rollers 10a. The recording sheet P then passes through a fixing roller 71 and a pressure roller 72 in the fixing device 7, and is then conveyed via conveyance rollers 12a and discharge rollers 31 to be discharged onto a discharge tray 14. When an image is to be formed on the back side of the recording sheet P in addition to the front side, the recording sheet P is conveyed in the opposite direction from the discharge rollers 31 to a reverse sheet conveyance path W2. The recording sheet P passes via reverse conveyance rollers 12b to be reversed and guided again to registration rollers 13. A toner image is then formed and fixed on the back side of the recording sheet P in the same manner as on the front side, and the recording sheet P is then discharged to a discharge tray 14.

[0025] The developing devices 2BK, 2C, 2M, and 2Y develop the electrostatic latent images on the photosensitive drums 3 using a two-component developer whose main components are toner and carrier. In this example, the developing devices 2BK, 2C, 2M, and 2Y are trickle development type developing devices. Carrier is mixed with toner at a fixed ratio in the toner cartridges 15. The developing devices 2BK, 2C, 2M, and 2Y supply toner from the toner cartridges 15 together with new carrier to the developing tanks 2a, while discharging waste developer containing degraded carrier from the developing tanks 2a into a collection container 300.

[0026] Cleaning devices 4BK, 4C, 4M, and 4Y collect waste toner remaining on the photosensitive drums 3-3 without being transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 61 by the intermediate transfer rollers 65-65, and transport the waste toner to a collection container 300. Cleaning device 4T collects waste toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 61 without being transferred to the recording sheet P by the transfer roller 10a of the secondary transfer device 10, and transports the waste toner to a collection container 300.

[0027] In image forming apparatus 100, an image is formed (printed) in image forming unit 102 using toner supplied from toner cartridges 15-15, while powder (waste toner and / or waste developer, in this example, waste toner and waste developer) discharged from image forming unit 102 is collected in collection container 300. In this example, black developing device 2BK has developer discharge portion 21 and discharges black developer (waste developer) into collection container 300, but cyan, magenta, and yellow developing devices 2C, 2M, and 2Y do not have developer discharge portions 21. However, without being limited thereto, cyan, magenta, and yellow developing devices 2C, 2M, and 2Y may each have developer discharge portion 21 and discharge cyan, magenta, and yellow developers into collection container 300.

[0028] The collection container 300 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100 in the direction of the arrow in the figure (Y2 direction). More specifically, the collection container 300 is provided on one side Y1 in the depth direction Y (in this example, the front side, the operation side) of the image forming apparatus main body 110, as shown in Fig. 2. Specifically, the collection container 300 is removed from the image forming apparatus main body 110 to one side Y1 in the depth direction Y (in this example, the front side), and attached from the front side (Y1) toward the other side Y2 in the depth direction Y (in this example, the rear side), and attached to the front of the image forming apparatus main body 110.

[0029] The collection container 300 stores powder discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 110. Specifically, the collection container 300 stores toner (waste toner) sent from the cleaning devices 4BK, 4C, 4M, 4Y, and 4T, and developer (waste developer) sent from the developing device 2BK.

[0030] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the black developing device 2BK and collection container 300 in the image forming apparatus 100, viewed obliquely from above on the front side. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the collection container 300, viewed from behind. Fig. 5 is a side view of the developing device 2BK shown in Fig. 3. Figs. 6 and 7 are perspective views of the shutter member 211 in the closed and open states of the developing device 2BK shown in Fig. 3, viewed obliquely from below.

[0031] The developing device 2BK is provided with a developer discharge section 21 through which developer (waste developer) is discharged. As shown in FIG. 4, the collection container 300 is provided with a developer receiving port 302 and toner receiving ports 304-304. The receiving port 302 is an opening for receiving developer sent from the developing device 2BK. The receiving port 302 communicates with the discharge port 21a (see FIGS. 6 and 7) of the developing device 2BK when the collection container 300 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 110. The receiving ports 304-304 are openings for receiving waste toner sent from the cleaning devices 4BK, 4C, 4M, 4Y, and 4T. The receiving ports 304-304 communicate with the discharge ports (not shown) of the cleaning devices 4BK, 4C, 4M, 4Y, and 4T when the collection container 300 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 110.

[0032] 6, before the collection container 300 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 110, the discharge port 21a of the developer discharge portion 21 is closed by the shutter member 211 which is urged in the closing direction by the urging force of the urging member 22 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) such as a coil spring and which is regulated by the regulating portion 21e of the developer discharge portion 21. On the other hand, when the collection container 300 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 110, the abutted portion 211a (see FIGS. 6 and 7) provided on the shutter member 211 abuts against the abutting portion 311 (see FIG. 4) provided on the collection container 300, and the shutter member 211 moves to the opening direction against the urging force of the urging member 22. At this time, the cover member 312, which is movable in the attachment / detachment direction S of the collection container 300 and is biased toward the other side (Y2) in the attachment / detachment direction S (depth direction Y in this example) by a biasing member (not shown), comes into contact with the developer discharge portion 21, thereby retracting to one side (Y1) in the attachment / detachment direction S. As a result, the developer conveyed by the rotating conveying screw 23 (see FIG. 7) and discharged from the discharge port 21a falls into the collection container 300 through the receiving port 302 of the collection container 300.

[0033] More specifically, the discharge port 21a is provided at the bottom of the developer discharge portion 21. The shutter member 211 is provided at the bottom of the developer discharge portion 21 so as to be movable in the attachment / detachment direction S (depth direction Y in this example) between an open position and a closed position of the receiving port 302. On the side of the abutting portion 311 of the shutter member 211, a contacted portion 211a that abuts against the abutting portion 311 is provided. The biasing member 22 is provided between the shutter member 211 and the developer discharge portion 21 so as to bias the shutter member 211 toward the closed position side (Y1).

[0034] In the present embodiment, the developing device 2BK has a developer discharge section 21. The developer discharge section 21 is provided with a discharge opening 21a through which the developer is discharged. A shutter member 211 is provided in the developer discharge section 21 so as to be able to open and close the discharge opening 21a. The recovery container 300 stores the developer discharged from the discharge opening 21a of the developer discharge section 21 in the developing device 2BK.

[0035] (About this embodiment) FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a sealing member 400 according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 9 to 12 are a perspective view, a bottom view, and perspective views from the upper right and upper left of the front side, respectively, showing the state in which the shutter member 211 seals the discharge outlet 21a of the developer discharge portion 21 when the shutter member 211 is in the closed state. FIGS. 13 to 16 are a perspective view, a bottom view, and perspective views from the upper right and upper left of the front side, respectively, showing the state in which the shutter member 211 seals the discharge outlet 21a of the developer discharge portion 21 when the shutter member 211 is in the open state. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the steps of a sealing method for sealing the discharge outlet 21a of the developer discharge portion 21 of the developing device 2BK with the sealing member 400. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the steps of a sealing release method for releasing the sealing state of the discharge outlet 21a of the developer discharge portion 21 of the developing device 2BK, which is sealed by the sealing member 400. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the folded portion 440 of the sealing member 400 as viewed from the insertion direction T. In FIG.

[0036] In this embodiment, the developing device 2BK includes a developer discharge section 21 provided with a discharge port 21a, and a sealing member 400 that seals the discharge port 21a. The developer discharge section 21 has a holding section 21b and a fixing section 21c. The holding section 21b is provided on one side N1 of the discharge port 21a in the connecting direction N. The fixing section 21c is provided on the other side N2 of the discharge port 21a in the connecting direction N.

[0037] The sealing member 400 has a held portion 420 that is removably held by a holding portion 21b in the developer discharge portion 21, and a fixed portion 430 that is removably fixed to a fixing portion 21c in the developer discharge portion 21, so that the sealing portion 410 seals (covers) the discharge outlet 21a in the developer discharge portion 21.

[0038] That is, the sealing member 400 seals the discharge port 21a of the developing device 2BK, which has a developer discharge section 21 provided with the discharge port 21a for discharging the developer. The sealing member 400 is a single flexible sheet member (film-like). Here, the sealing member 400 can be, for example, a sheet member made of a synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyslider [PA6 (6 nylon)].

[0039] The sealing member 400 has a sealing portion 410, a held portion 420, and a fixed portion 430. The sealing portion 410 seals (covers) the discharge port 21a of the developer discharge portion 21. The held portion 420 is connected to an end portion 411 on one side N1 of the sealing portion 410 in a predetermined connecting direction N. The held portion 420 is detachably held (attached) to a holding portion 21b (attachment portion) provided on one side N1 of the discharge port 21a of the developer discharge portion 21 in the connecting direction N. The fixed portion 430 is connected to an end portion 412 on the other side N2 of the sealing portion 410 in the connecting direction N. Here, the fixed portion 430 may be bent in advance toward the fixing portion 21c at the end portion 412 of the sealing portion 410. The fixed portion 430 is detachably fixed (locked) to a fixing portion 21c provided on the other side N2 of the discharge port 21a of the developer discharge portion 21 in the connecting direction N.

[0040] In this embodiment, the sealing member 400 seals the discharge outlet 21a in the developing device 2BK, but the developing devices 2Y, 2M, and 2C may each have a developer discharge section 21 provided with a discharge outlet 21a, and the sealing member 400 may seal the discharge outlet 21a in the developing devices 2Y, 2M, and 2C.

[0041] In this embodiment, the sealing method of the sealing member 400 includes a holding step P11, a sealing step P12, and a fixing step P13, as shown in FIG.

[0042] In the holding step P11, the held portion 420 of the sealing member 400 is held by the holding portion 21b of the developer discharge portion 21. For example, the held portion 420 is held by the holding portion 21b by an operator or a sealing device (not shown).

[0043] Examples of a manner in which the held portion 420 of the sealing member 400 is detachably held by the holding portion 21b include a manner in which the held portion 420 of the sealing member 400 is inserted into a gap SP provided in the developer discharge portion 21 as the holding portion 21b, and a manner in which one or more protrusions (not shown) provided in the developer discharge portion 21 as the holding portion 21b are engaged with one or more through holes (not shown) provided in the sealing member 400 as the held portion 420. In this example, when the shutter member 211 is in the closed state, the tip end 421 of the held portion 420 of the sealing member 400 is inserted into the gap SP (holding portion 21b).

[0044] In the sealing step P12, the discharge port 21a of the developer discharge portion 21 is sealed by the sealing portion 410 of the sealing member 400. For example, the discharge port 21a is sealed by the sealing portion 410 by an operator or a sealing device.

[0045] In the fixing step P13, the fixed portion 430 of the sealing member 400 is fixed to the fixing portion 21c of the developer discharge portion 21. For example, the fixed portion 430 is fixed to the fixing portion 21c by an operator or a sealing device.

[0046] This allows the discharge port 21a to be easily sealed by the sealing member 400. In this example, the shutter member 211 is opened when the collection container 300 is attached to the developer discharge portion 21. At this time, the discharge port 21a in the developer discharge portion 21 can be sealed by the sealing member 400 in a state where the shutter member 211 is open.

[0047] In this embodiment, the method for releasing the sealing member 400 includes a fixing release step P21 and a pulling-out step P22, as shown in FIG.

[0048] In the fixing release step P21, the fixing of the fixed portion 430 of the sealing member 400 to the fixing portion 21c in the developer discharge portion 21 is released. In the pulling out step P22, the fixed portion 430 of the sealing member 400 is pulled out by an operator, thereby removing the sealing member 400 from the developer discharge portion 21.

[0049] This makes it possible to reliably release the sealing state of the discharge port 21a by the sealing member 400. When the protrusion provided on the developer discharge portion 21 is engaged with the through-hole provided in the held portion 420 of the sealing member 400, the engagement of the protrusion with the through-hole is released when the fixation of the fixed portion 430 to the fixing portion 21c is released.

[0050] According to this embodiment, the sealing member 400 includes a sealing portion 410 that seals the discharge port 21a, a held portion 420 that is detachably held by the holding portion 21b of the developer discharge portion 21, and a fixed portion 430 that is detachably fixed to the fixing portion 21c of the developer discharge portion 21. Therefore, when releasing the sealing state of the discharge port 21a by the sealing member 400, it is not necessary to temporarily remove the developing device 2BK from the image forming apparatus main body 110. Furthermore, since no adhesive is used, no adhesive remains in the sealed portion, and the sealed portion is not damaged. Furthermore, the sealing member 400 can be reused after use. Furthermore, because the sealing member 400 is not a molded sealing part, the configuration for sealing the discharge port 21a is simple and costs can be kept low. This simplifies and reduces the cost of the configuration for sealing the discharge port 21a.

[0051] However, if the fixing portion 21c is provided below the peripheral portion 212 (flat portion) surrounding the discharge outlet 21a in the developer discharge portion 21 (see Figures 7, 13, and 14), even if the fixed portion 430 in the sealing member 400 is fixed to the fixing portion 21c, it is difficult to obtain the desired adhesion between the sealing portion 410 in the sealing member 400 and the discharge outlet 21a (peripheral portion 212).

[0052] In this regard, in the present embodiment, fixing portion 21c is provided above peripheral portion 212 (on the side that enhances adhesion to outlet 21a). As a result, by fixing fixed portion 430 to fixing portion 21c of sealing member 400, it is possible to improve adhesion between sealing portion 410 of sealing member 400 and outlet 21a.

[0053] First Embodiment Incidentally, in a state in which the held portion 420 of the sealing member 400 is held by the holding portion 21b of the developer discharge portion 21 and the fixed portion 430 of the sealing member 400 is fixed to the fixing portion 21c of the developer discharge portion 21, if the sealing portion 410 is bent with respect to the peripheral portion 212 surrounding the discharge outlet 21a of the developer discharge portion 21 (if the gap between the sealing portion 410 and the peripheral portion 212 becomes large), the sealing ability of the sealing portion 410 with respect to the discharge outlet 21a (the peripheral portion 212 surrounding the discharge outlet 21a) deteriorates, and as a result, developer becomes more likely to leak from the discharge outlet 21a. Here, the peripheral portion 212 is a predetermined area around the discharge outlet 21a.

[0054] In this regard, in the present embodiment, of the sealing portion 410 and the held portion 420, at least all or a part of the sealing portion 410 (in this example, all of the sealing portion 410 and a part of the held portion 420) has a folded portion 440. The folded portion 440 is folded toward both side surfaces of the peripheral portion 212 so as to follow both end edges in the width direction H perpendicular to the connecting direction N of the peripheral portion 212. In this example, the folded portion 440 is a pair of folded pieces 441, 441 erected on both side surfaces of the peripheral portion 212 from both end portions in the width direction H of the entire sealing portion 410 and a part of the held portion 420. Note that the peripheral portion 212 may extend toward the side facing the held portion 420.

[0055] In this configuration, since the folded portions 440 are folded toward both side surfaces along both end edges of the peripheral portion 212 in the width direction H, it is possible to eliminate bending of the sealing portion 410 relative to the peripheral portion 212 (reducing the gap between the sealing portion 410 and the peripheral portion 212), thereby improving the sealing ability of the sealing portion 410 relative to the discharge outlet 21a (the peripheral portion 212 surrounding the discharge outlet 21a) and ultimately suppressing leakage of developer from the discharge outlet 21a. Furthermore, when the held portion 420 has the folded portions 440, it is possible to easily hold (attach) the held portion 420 to the holding portion 21b along the folded portions 440.

[0056] As shown in Figure 19, the folded portion 440 has bent portions 442, 442 that are further bent inward on both sides at the tip ends of a pair of folded pieces 441, 441, and the bent portions 442, 442 may be supported by a support portion 21d that is T-shaped in cross section and provided in the developer discharge portion 21.

[0057] Second Embodiment In the present embodiment, the holding portion 21b has a gap SP between the peripheral portion 212 and a component of the developing device 2BK. The held portion 420 is inserted into the gap SP and thereby held in the gap SP (holding portion 21b). An example of a component of the developing device 2BK that forms the gap SP with the peripheral portion 212 is the shutter member 211 that opens and closes the discharge opening 21a while the gap SP is present relative to the peripheral portion 212. Furthermore, a holding portion 21b may be provided separately from the shutter member 211. For example, an example of such a component is a bridge portion that is provided between both ends of the peripheral portion 212 in the width direction H so as to straddle the discharge opening 21a while the gap SP is present relative to the peripheral portion 212.

[0058] In this configuration, the held portion 420 can be held in a state where it is inserted into the gap SP (holding portion 21b) between the peripheral portion 212 and a component of the developing device 2BK. This allows the held portion 420 to be simply and easily held by the holding portion 21b.

[0059] <Third embodiment> In the present embodiment, tip end 421 of held portion 420 is formed in a tapered shape such that the width in width direction H orthogonal to insertion direction T of held portion 420 decreases as the distance from sealing portion 410 increases downstream in insertion direction T. The tapered shape may be a triangular shape as in the present embodiment, or C-shaped or R-shaped chamfered portions may be provided at both corners in width direction H of tip end 421 of held portion 420. Here, the C-shaped shape refers to an inclined shape that is inclined with respect to both sides in width direction H, and the R-shaped shape refers to a curved shape that is convexly curved between both sides in width direction H and the tip end side.

[0060] In this configuration, the tip 421 of the held portion 420 is formed in a tapered shape, making it easier to insert the tip 421 of the held portion 420 into the gap SP (holding portion 21b), thereby improving the ease with which the operator can hold the held portion 420 in the holding portion 21b.

[0061] <Fourth embodiment> Incidentally, when inserting the held portion 420 into the gap SP, the operator may insert it past the reference sealing position of the sealing portion 410 (the position where the sealing portion 410 should seal the discharge port 21a).

[0062] In this regard, in the present embodiment, the sealing member 400 further includes a regulating portion 450. The regulating portion 450 regulates the movement of the held portion 420 downstream in the insertion direction T from the reference sealing position of the sealing portion 410 when the held portion 420 is inserted into the gap SP. In this example, the regulating portion 450 includes an abutting portion 451 that is bent toward the fixed portion 21c at the end 412 of the sealing portion 410 in the sealing member 400 and abuts against the tip end of the developer discharge portion 21, as shown in FIG. 11 etc.

[0063] In this configuration, when the held portion 420 is inserted into the gap SP, the restricting portion 450 can effectively prevent the held portion 420 from being inserted too far downstream in the insertion direction T from the reference insertion position of the held portion 420. In this example, the sealing member 400 is bent at the end 412 toward the fixing portion 21c, and the abutting portion 451 abuts against the tip end of the developer discharge portion 21, thereby effectively preventing the held portion 420 from being inserted too far downstream in the insertion direction T from the reference insertion position of the held portion 420.

[0064] Fifth Embodiment In the present embodiment, a component of the developing device 2BK is a shutter member 211 that opens and closes the discharge port 21a with a gap SP between the peripheral portion 212 and the shutter member 211. The held portion 420 is inserted into the gap SP between the peripheral portion 212 and the shutter member 211, and is thereby held in the gap SP (holding portion 21b).

[0065] In this configuration, the existing shutter member 211 can be used as a component of the developing device 2BK that forms the gap SP with the peripheral portion 212 in the developer discharge portion 21. This eliminates the need to provide a separate component of the developing device 2BK for forming the gap SP with the peripheral portion 212, thereby simplifying the configuration and reducing costs.

[0066] In this example, a pair of slide portions 210, 210 extending in the mounting / removal direction S are provided at both ends of the lower portion of the developer discharge portion 21 in the width direction H. The shutter member 211 has a flat plate portion 2111, a pair of standing portions 2112, 2112, and a pair of sliding portions 2113, 2113. The flat plate portion 2111 faces the discharge opening 21a. The pair of standing portions 2112, 2112 are respectively erected upward from both ends of the flat plate portion 2111 in the width direction H. The pair of sliding portions 2113, 2113 are respectively bent from the tip ends of the pair of standing portions 2112, 2112 toward the pair of slide portions 210, 210 and slide against the pair of slide portions 210, 210. This allows the shutter member 211 to slide relative to the developer discharge portion 21 in the mounting / removal direction S.

[0067] Sixth Embodiment However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, when the shutter member is in the open state, the discharge port is open, so if the image forming apparatus is shipped or moved with developer contained in the developing device, the developer will leak out from the discharge port.

[0068] In this regard, in the present embodiment, the held portion 420 is inserted into the gap SP (holding portion 21b) even when the shutter member 211 is in the open state. For example, even when the shutter member 211 is in the open state, the held portion 420 is inserted into the gap SP by about 1 cm or more. In other words, the held portion 420 has a length such that the tip side of the held portion 420 reaches the gap SP (for example, between the elastic member 213 and the peripheral portion 212) when inserted into the gap SP, even when the shutter member 211 is in the open state (for example, even when the elastic member 213 is located at the back when the elastic member 213 is provided on the shutter member 211).

[0069] With this configuration, regardless of the open / closed state of the shutter member 211 (even when the shutter member 211 is in the open state), a holding state can be maintained in which the tip side of the held portion 420 is inserted into the gap SP (holding portion 21b) (for example, a state in which the held portion 420 is inserted into the gap SP by about 1 cm or more when the shutter member 211 is in the open state), and therefore the discharge port 21a can be maintained in a sealed state. As a result, even if the shutter member 211 is in the open state and the discharge port 21a is exposed, the sealing portion 410 of the sealing member 400 can prevent the developer from leaking from the discharge port 21a.

[0070] Incidentally, when collection container 300 is attached to developer discharging section 21, shutter member 211 is in an open state, and some conventional image forming apparatuses are equipped with a collection container to which a switching member is added for switching between a closed state and an open state of shutter member 211 when collection container 300 is attached to developer discharging section 21. However, in such image forming apparatuses, adding a switching member to the collection container increases the cost of the collection container.

[0071] In this regard, in the present embodiment, there is no need to add a switching member to the collection container 300 for switching the shutter member 211 between a closed state and an open state, which effectively prevents an increase in the cost of the collection container 300.

[0072] Seventh Embodiment In this embodiment, the fixed portion 430 has an extension portion 431 that extends from the fixed portion 21c to the opposite side of the outlet 21a.

[0073] In this configuration, when an operator pulls out the fixed portion 430 to release the sealing state of the discharge outlet 21a by the sealing member 400, the operator can grip the extension portion 431 that extends from the fixing portion 21c to the opposite side of the discharge outlet 21a in the fixed portion 430. This improves the ease with which the operator can pull out the fixed portion 430. In this example, the fixed portion 430 has a pair of protruding pieces 432, 432 that protrude outward in the width direction H of the peripheral portion 212.

[0074] Eighth Embodiment FIG. 20 is a front view showing an example of the shape of the engaging portion 430a of the fixed portion 430 in the sealing member 400. As shown in FIG.

[0075] In this embodiment, the fixed portion 430 has an engaging portion 430a having the same shape as the fixing portion 21c, and is fixed by the engaging portion 430a engaging with the fixing portion 21c.

[0076] In this configuration, the fixing can be achieved by engaging the engaging portion 430a, which has the same shape as all or part of the shape of the fixing portion 21c in the fixing portion 430, with the fixing portion 21c. Therefore, the fixing portion 430 can be reliably fixed to the fixing portion 21c.

[0077] The shape of the fixing portion 21c may be, for example, a circle, an oval, or a polygon such as a rectangle. In this example, the shape of the fixing portion 21c is a circle (specifically, the shape of the rotation shaft 23a of the conveying screw 23 viewed from the front), and the shape of the engaging portion 430a is a circular through-hole. The fixing portion 21c may be the rotation shaft 23a of the conveying screw 23 as shown in FIG. 9, or a separate protrusion may be provided.

[0078] 21 and 22 are front views respectively showing another example and yet another example of the shape of the engaging portion 430a provided on the fixed portion 430 of the sealing member 400. Fig. 23 is a front view showing an example of the state in which the engaging portion 430a shown in Fig. 22 is engaged with the fixed portion 21c (23a).

[0079] 21 and 22, the fixed portion 430 may be provided with a communication portion 430b that communicates with the engaging portion 430a. The engaging portion 430a and the communicating portion 430b are shaped so that they can be attached to and detached from the inside of a fastener such as a C-ring or an E-ring (in this example, an E-ring 24 (see FIG. 23)) provided on the rotation shaft 23a of the conveying screw 23. By providing the communicating portion 430b in this way, the communicating portion 430b can make it easier to fit the fixed portion 430 into the fastener (24) when fixing the fixed portion 430 to the fixing portion 21c (23a), and after fixing the fixed portion 430 to the fixing portion 21c (23a), the fastener (24) can make it more difficult for the fixed portion 430 to come off the fixing portion 21c (23a). The shape of the engaging portion 430a and the communicating portion 430b may be a keyhole shape in which a portion including one apex of the triangle is connected to the engaging portion 430a. Also, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, in the keyhole shape of the engaging portion 430a and the communicating portion 430b, the base on the opposite side to the engaging portion 430a may be open to the outside (cut out).

[0080] Ninth Embodiment FIG. 24 is a bottom view showing an embodiment in which an elastic member 213 is provided on the peripheral portion 212 of the developer discharge portion 21 with the shutter member 211 removed.

[0081] In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 24, an elastic member 213 can be provided in the peripheral portion 212 of the developer discharge portion 21 to prevent leakage of developer from the discharge port 21a. In the example shown in Fig. 24, the elastic member 213 is adhered to the peripheral portion 212 by a double-sided adhesive sheet. In this case, the held portion 420 is inserted between the elastic member 213 provided in the peripheral portion 212 and the shutter member 211.

[0082] Specifically, there is no gap between peripheral portion 212 and elastic member 213, but rather they are in light contact with each other. Therefore, by inserting held portion 420 of sealing member 400 between elastic member 213 and shutter member 211, it is possible to get it between elastic member 213 and shutter member 211, and also, elastic member 213 exerts a force that presses held portion 420 toward shutter member 211, making it possible to reliably hold the tip of held portion 420.

[0083] Furthermore, when the shutter member 211 moves from the closed state to the open state, a force acts on the held portion 420 of the sealing member 400 in the direction in which the shutter member 211 opens. This can further improve the tension of the held portion 420 against the discharge port 21a, thereby improving the adhesion with the peripheral portion 212.

[0084] Figure 25 is a perspective view, seen from diagonally below, of one embodiment in which an elastic member 213 is provided on a shutter member 211. Note that Figure 25 shows the shutter member 211 in a closed state.

[0085] In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 25, an elastic member 213 can be provided on the discharge port 21a side of the shutter member 211 in order to prevent leakage of developer from the discharge port 21a. In the example shown in Fig. 25, the elastic member 213 is adhered to the discharge port 21a side of the shutter member 211 with a double-sided adhesive sheet. In this case, the held portion 420 of the sealing member 400 is inserted between the elastic member 213 provided on the discharge port 21a side of the shutter member 211 and the peripheral portion 212.

[0086] Specifically, there is no gap between peripheral portion 212 and elastic member 213, but rather they are in light contact with each other. Therefore, by inserting held portion 420 of sealing member 400 between peripheral portion 212 and elastic member 213, it is possible to get it between peripheral portion 212 and elastic member 213, and also, elastic member 213 acts to press held portion 420 toward peripheral portion 212, so that the tip end of held portion 420 can be securely held.

[0087] Furthermore, when shutter member 211 moves from the closed state to the open state, a force acts on held portion 420 of sealing member 400 in the direction that opens shutter member 211. This can further improve the tension of held portion 420 against discharge port 21a, thereby improving the adhesion of held portion 420 to peripheral portion 212.

[0088] In this configuration, the elastic member 213 can improve the sealing performance of the sealing portion 410.

[0089] In this example, the holding portion 21b is held in the gap SP by being inserted between the elastic member 213 and the shutter member 211 or the peripheral portion 212. This makes it possible to eliminate the gap between the shutter member 211 or the peripheral portion 212 and the elastic member 213, thereby making it possible to reliably hold the holding portion 21b between the elastic member 213 and the shutter member 211 or the peripheral portion 212 (making it difficult to come off due to tight contact), and further improving the sealing performance of the sealing portion 410.

[0090] Here, the thickness of the elastic member 213 is not limited to, but can be approximately 1.0 mm to 4.0 mm. As the elastic member 213, for example, a porous member made of a foam material such as polyurethane foam, polyolefin foam, natural (NR) rubber sponge, chloroprene (CR) rubber sponge, or ethylene-propylene (EPDM) rubber sponge can be used.

[0091] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the sealing member 400 shown in FIG. 8 is provided with an elastic member 213. In FIG.

[0092] 26, the elastic member 213 may be provided in at least the sealing portion 410 out of the sealing portion 410 and the held portion 420, instead of the peripheral portion 212. In the example shown in Fig. 26, the elastic member 213 is adhered to the entire sealing portion 410 and a part of the held portion 420 by a double-sided adhesive sheet.

[0093] In this configuration, the elastic member 213 is provided at least in the sealing portion 410 out of the sealing portion 410 and the held portion 420, and thereby the elastic member 213 can improve the sealing performance of the sealing portion 410. Furthermore, when the elastic member 213 is provided in the sealing portion 410 and the held portion 420, the elastic member 213 can reliably hold the held portion 420 to the holding portion 21b.

[0094] Tenth Embodiment However, if the flexibility and elasticity of the sealing member 400 are too small, the sealing member 400 will be easily deformed, and if the flexibility and elasticity of the sealing member 400 are too large, the sealing member 400 will be difficult to deform.In either case, the handling of the sealing member 400 and, ultimately, the ease of installation of the sealing member 400 will be deteriorated.

[0095] Therefore, the thickness of the sealing member 400 is preferably, for example, about 0.075 mm to 0.2 mm, and the bending strength is preferably about 96 MPa to 131 MPa, although the values ​​are not limited to these.

[0096] This makes it possible to effectively prevent deterioration in the handling of the sealing member 400, and in turn, the ease of attaching the sealing member 400.

[0097] Eleventh Embodiment In this embodiment, the sealing member 400 is a single sheet member in which the sealing portion 410, the held portion 420, and the fixed portion 430 are integrally connected.

[0098] In this way, the sealing member 400 can be easily formed by punching and / or further bending one sheet member.

[0099] <Twelfth embodiment> In the present embodiment, the developer discharge portion 21 includes a conveying screw 23 (see FIG. 7) that conveys the developer to the discharge port 21a, a peripheral portion 212 that surrounds the discharge port 21a, and a shutter member 211 that is provided in the peripheral portion 212 and opens and closes the discharge port 21a. The holding portion 21b has a gap SP between the peripheral portion 212 and the shutter member 211. The fixed portion 21c has a rotation shaft 23a of the conveying screw 23. The fixed portion 430 has an insertion hole (an example of an engagement portion 430a) for the rotation shaft 23a of the conveying screw 23. The held portion 420 is inserted into the gap SP between the peripheral portion 212 and the shutter member 211, so that the sealing member 400 is held in the gap SP in the holding portion 21b, and the insertion hole (430a) in the fixed portion 430 is fixed to the rotation shaft 23a of the conveying screw 23 in the fixed portion 21c.

[0100] In this configuration, the gap SP between the existing peripheral portion 212 and the shutter member 211 can be used as the holding portion 21b without providing a separate member. Also, the existing rotation shaft 23a of the conveying screw 23 can be used as the fixing portion 21c without providing a separate member. Therefore, it is possible to further simplify the configuration for sealing the discharge port 21a and reduce the cost.

[0101] <Thirteenth embodiment> FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing an example of the elongated member 500 connected to the sealing member 400 and the detachable part (300).

[0102] In this embodiment, image forming apparatus 100 further includes a detachable part (collection container 300 in this example) that is detachably attached to image forming apparatus main body 110, and a long member 500 that is used during packaging. When packaged, long member 500 has one end 510 connected to sealing member 400 and the other end 520 connected to detachable part (300). In this example, long member 500 is a string, and one end 510 is connected to connection hole 430c in fixed portion 430 of sealing member 400, and the other end 520 is fixed to collection container 300 (front surface 301 of collection container 300 in this example) with adhesive tape TP for temporary fastening.

[0103] In this configuration, when an operator detaches the detachable part (300) from the image forming apparatus main body 110, the other end 520 of the elongated member 500, one end 510 of which is connected to the detachable part (300), pulls the sealing member 400, thereby releasing the sealing state of the discharge outlet 21a by the sealing member 400. In other words, the sealing state of the discharge outlet 21a by the sealing member 400 can be easily released in conjunction with the operator's operation to detach the detachable part (300) from the image forming apparatus main body 110.

[0104] Here, the elongated member 500 may be, for example, a string- or strip-shaped elongated member 500 made of paper, natural fiber, synthetic fiber, etc. In this example, a connection hole 430c is provided in the fixed portion 430 of the sealing member 400, and the other end of the elongated member 500 (the string-shaped elongated member 500 in this example) is connected to the connection hole 430c.

[0105] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be implemented in various other forms. Therefore, the embodiments are merely examples in all respects and should not be interpreted as being limiting. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims and is not bound by the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and variations within the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 100 Image forming device 110 Image forming device main body 21 Developer discharge section 211 Shutter parts 211a Abutted part 212 Periphery 213 Elastic Members 21a Outlet 21b Holding part 21c Fixed part 21d Support part 22 biasing member 23 Conveying screw 23a Rotation axis 24 E-ring 2BK developing device 2a Developer tank 300 Collection container 31 Discharge roller 311 Contact part 400 Sealing member 410 Sealing part 411 One end 412 other end 420 Holding part 421 Tip 430 Fixed part 430a Engagement part 430b Communication part 431 Extension section 440 Folding section 441 Folded Piece 442 Bend 450 Regulatory Department 451 Contact part 500 Long members 510 One end 520 Other end H Width direction N Connection direction N1 One side N2 other side P11 Holding process P12 Sealing process P13 Fixing process P21 Fixation release process P22 Drawing process S Attachment / detachment direction SP Gap T Insertion direction X Left / right direction Y depth direction Y1 one side Y2 other side Z vertical direction

Claims

1. A sealing member for sealing a discharge port of a developing device having a developer discharge portion provided with the discharge port for discharging developer, a sheet member having: a sealing portion that seals the discharge port in the developer discharge portion; a held portion that is connected to one end of the sealing portion in a predetermined connecting direction and is removably held by a holding portion provided on one side of the discharge port in the developer discharge portion in the connecting direction; and a fixed portion that is connected to the other end of the sealing portion in the connecting direction and is removably fixed to a fixing portion provided on the other side of the discharge port in the developer discharge portion in the connecting direction.

2. The sealing member according to claim 1 , A sealing member characterized in that at least the sealing portion of the sealing portion and the held portion has a folded portion folded on both side surfaces of the peripheral portion so as to follow both end edges in the width direction perpendicular to the connection direction of the peripheral portion surrounding the discharge outlet in the developer discharge portion.

3. The sealing member according to claim 1 , the holding portion has a gap between a peripheral portion surrounding the discharge port of the developer discharge portion and a component of the developing device, The sealing member, characterized in that the held portion is held in the gap by being inserted into the gap.

4. The sealing member according to claim 3, A sealing member characterized in that the tip of the held portion is formed in a tapered shape such that the width in a width direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the held portion becomes smaller as it moves away from the sealing portion to the downstream side in the insertion direction.

5. The sealing member according to claim 3, A sealing member characterized in that it further has a regulating portion that regulates movement of the held portion downstream in the insertion direction from a reference sealing position of the sealing portion when the held portion is inserted into the gap.

6. The sealing member according to claim 3, a component of the developing device is a shutter member that opens and closes the discharge port in a state where the gap exists with respect to the peripheral portion, The sealing member, characterized in that the held portion is held in the gap by being inserted into the gap between the peripheral portion and the shutter member.

7. The sealing member according to claim 6, The sealing member, wherein the held portion is inserted into the gap even when the shutter member is in an open state.

8. The sealing member according to claim 1 , The sealing member, wherein the fixed portion has an extension portion that extends from the fixing portion to a side opposite the outlet.

9. The sealing member according to claim 1 , The sealing member, characterized in that the fixed portion has an engaging portion having the same shape as the fixing portion, and is fixed by the engaging portion engaging with the fixing portion.

10. The sealing member according to claim 3, A sealing member characterized in that the held portion is inserted between an elastic member provided on the peripheral portion surrounding the discharge outlet and the shutter member, or between an elastic member provided on the discharge outlet side of the shutter member and the peripheral portion surrounding the discharge outlet.

11. The sealing member according to claim 1 , A sealing member having a thickness of 0.075 mm to 0.2 mm.

12. The sealing member according to claim 1 , A sealing member, characterized in that the sealing portion, the held portion, and the fixed portion are integrally connected to form a single sheet member.

13. A developing device having a developer discharge section provided with a discharge port, A sealing member according to claim 1, the developer discharge portion has a holding portion provided on one side of the discharge port in the connecting direction and a fixing portion provided on the other side of the discharge port in the connecting direction, The developing device is characterized in that the sealing member has a held portion that is removably held by the holding portion in the developer discharge portion, and a fixed portion that is removably fixed to the fixing portion in the developer discharge portion, thereby causing the sealing portion to seal the discharge outlet in the developer discharge portion.

14. 14. The developing device according to claim 13, the developer discharge portion includes a conveying screw that conveys the developer to the discharge port, a peripheral portion that surrounds the discharge port, and a shutter member that is provided in the peripheral portion and that opens and closes the discharge port; the holding portion has a gap between the peripheral portion and the shutter member, the fixed portion has a rotation axis of the conveying screw, the fixed portion has an insertion hole for the rotation shaft of the conveying screw, A developing device characterized in that the sealing member is held in the gap in the holding portion by inserting the held portion into the gap between the peripheral portion and the shutter member, and the insertion hole in the fixed portion is fixed to the rotation axis of the conveying screw in the fixed portion.

15. An image forming apparatus comprising the developing device according to claim 13 or 14.

16. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, The image forming apparatus further includes a detachable part that is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus body, and a long member that is used when packaging the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when packaged, one end of the elongated member is connected to the sealing member and the other end is connected to the detachable part.

17. 2. A sealing method for a sealing member according to claim 1, comprising: a holding step of holding the held portion of the sealing member to the holding portion of the developer discharge portion; a sealing step of sealing the discharge port of the developer discharge portion with the sealing portion of the sealing member; a fixing step of fixing the fixed portion of the sealing member to the fixing portion of the developer discharge portion; A sealing method comprising:

Images