Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To prevent the developer from flowing back and splashing, and to prevent damage to the unit and other adverse effects. [Solution] The image forming apparatus 10000 has a residual toner discharge unit 221 which includes a housing 2211 into which a residual toner transport unit 301 is inserted when a drum cleaner 207 is attached to the apparatus body 200 and which discharges residual toner discharged from a residual toner discharge port 305, a contact member 2213 that contacts the residual toner transport unit 301, and an elastic member 2214 provided between the housing 2211 and the contact member 2213. The contact member 2213 moves in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction while elastically deforming the elastic member 2214 when pressed in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction by the residual toner transport unit 301.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile machine using an electrophotographic method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer using electrophotographic technology develops an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier such as a photosensitive drum into a toner image by developing means. Then, the image forming apparatus transfers the developed toner image onto a sheet of paper, and after that, fixes the toner image transferred onto the sheet of paper to the sheet of paper by fixing means to obtain an image.

[0003] Further, after transferring the toner image onto the sheet of paper, the image forming apparatus removes the toner remaining on the image carrier as recovered toner from the image carrier by a cleaning device. Then, the image forming apparatus conveys the recovered toner removed by the cleaning device outside the cleaning device, and discharges the recovered toner conveyed outside the cleaning device toward a recovery container through a toner conveyance path provided on the apparatus main body side.

[0004] As a toner discharging device for discharging the recovered toner, for example, a developing device can be considered in addition to the above-described cleaning device. Such a developing device is called a trickle developing device. The trickle developing device is provided with a discharge port for discharging deteriorated developer. The deteriorated developer discharged from the discharge port is discharged toward a recovery container through a toner conveyance path provided on the main body side and recovered.

[0005] In such a situation, when there are a plurality of toner discharge units like the trickle developing device of Patent Document 1 or the cleaning device of Patent Document 2, the toner discharged from each toner discharge unit is merged and conveyed through the same conveyance path and recovered in the same recovery container. Thereby, the toner conveyance path can be simplified and an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses an image forming apparatus in which the developing device is movable between a position where it is pressurized relative to the drum unit and a position where it is retracted, and in which the developing device can be inserted and removed from the front side of the image forming apparatus. As a result, the drum unit and the developing device can be made into separate units, allowing for individual maintenance and improving maintainability.

[0007] In image forming apparatuses in which units such as developing devices can be inserted and removed, the insertion and removal of units causes looseness in the units. Therefore, conventionally, the size of the connection port on the main body side that connects to the toner discharge port of the unit is made larger than the discharge port, taking into account the aforementioned looseness and the dimensional difference between the position of the discharge port of the unit positioned relative to the main body and the position of the connection port. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-119289 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-204678 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-191233 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] However, in conventional image forming apparatuses with removable units, there is a problem in that when the internal pressure of the toner transport path provided on the main body of the apparatus increases, there is a risk of toner backflow and scattering through the gap between the connecting port and the discharge port. On the other hand, if the size of the connecting port and the discharge port are made the same to prevent toner backflow and scattering and reduce the gap, it becomes impossible to tolerate rattle when inserting or removing the unit, which can lead to problems such as damage to the unit.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent the developer from flowing back and scattering, and can also prevent problems such as damage to the mounting unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises an apparatus body, a housing for containing a developer, a protruding portion protruding from the housing, and a developer discharge port provided on the protruding portion for discharging the developer contained in the housing to the outside, and a mounting unit that is detachably mounted to the apparatus body, a connecting housing into which the protruding portion is inserted and which discharges the developer discharged from the developer discharge port when the mounting unit is mounted to the apparatus body, and a developer discharge member comprising a contact member extending within the connecting housing along the insertion direction of the protruding portion into the connecting housing and contacting the protruding portion inserted into the connecting housing, and an elastic member provided between the connecting housing and the contact member, wherein the contact member moves in the orthogonal direction while elastically deforming the elastic member when pressed by the protruding portion in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the developer from flowing back and scattering, and to prevent problems such as damage to the mounting unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a partial perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a partial perspective view of the developing unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a retracted state. [Figure 4] This is a partial perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the developing unit removed. [Figure 5]It is a schematic diagram of a part of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of a drum cleaner of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram of a drum cleaner of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of a residual toner discharge unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram immediately before inserting a drum cleaner into a residual toner discharge unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a schematic diagram of a state where insertion of a drum cleaner into a residual toner discharge unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention has started. [Figure 11] It is a schematic diagram of a state where insertion of a drum cleaner into a residual toner discharge unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention has been completed. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing a part of the configuration of a residual toner discharge unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of a deteriorated developer discharge unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a schematic diagram immediately before inserting a developing device into a deteriorated developer discharge unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a schematic diagram of a state where insertion of a developing device into a deteriorated developer discharge unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention has started. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram of a state where insertion of a developing device into a deteriorated developer discharge unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention has been completed. [Figure 17] It is a schematic diagram of a deteriorated developer discharge unit when the developing device of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is in a retracted state. [Figure 18] It is a schematic diagram of a deteriorated developer discharge unit when the developing device of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is in a unit set state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0015] <Configuration of an image forming apparatus> The configuration of the image forming apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figure 1.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 1000 forms an image on a sheet. Here, the image forming apparatus 1000 is exemplified as a full-color image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus 1000 comprises an image reading device 100 and a main apparatus body 200.

[0017] The image reading device 100 scans the document in the direction of the arrow in Figure 1, converting the image of the document into an image signal consisting of a line-by-line sequence of electrical signal data, and outputs the converted image signal to the control unit 105 of the main unit 200, which will be described later. The image reading device 100 includes a document glass 101, a light source 102, an optical system member 103, and a CCD sensor 104.

[0018] The document is placed on the document glass 101.

[0019] The light source 102 illuminates the document placed on the document glass 101.

[0020] The optical system component 103 is a lens or the like that forms an image on the CCD sensor 104 of the reflected light from the light source 102 that irradiates the original document.

[0021] The CCD sensor 104 outputs an image signal obtained by photoelectrically converting the reflected light imaged by the optical system component 103 to the control unit 105 of the device body 200.

[0022] The main unit 200 generates a toner image based on the image signal input from the image reading device 100, and also forms the generated toner image on a sheet.

[0023] <Configuration of the main device> The configuration of the main body 200 of the image forming apparatus 1000 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 7 and Figure 9.

[0024] Note that the X direction in Figure 3 is to the left. Also, the Y direction in Figure 4 is forward, which is the direction from the back to the front in Figure 1. Furthermore, Figure 5 is a view of the device body 200 from the rear side (the back side in Figure 1).

[0025] The main body of the apparatus 200 includes image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd, a control unit 105, a polygon scanner 201, an intermediate transfer belt 206, a secondary transfer roller 208, a secondary transfer roller 209, a registration unit 210, and a fixing device 211.

[0026] Furthermore, the main body of the device 200 includes a paper feeding section 218, a degraded developer discharge section 220, a residual toner discharge section 221, a first recovered toner transport section 222, a first recovered toner transport member 223, a first recovered toner discharge section 224, and a recovered toner buffer 225. In addition, the main body of the device 200 includes a recovered toner container 226, a second recovered toner discharge section 227, a second recovered toner transport section 228, a second recovered toner transport screw 229, a stirring member 230, and a positioning section 501.

[0027] The degraded developer discharge unit 220, the residual toner discharge unit 221, the first recovered toner transport unit 222, the first recovered toner discharge unit 224, the recovered toner buffer 225, and the recovered toner container 226 are located at the rear of the main body 200 of the device. In addition, the second recovered toner discharge unit 227, the second recovered toner transport unit 228, the residual toner transport unit 301, and the degraded developer transport unit 401 are located at the rear of the main body 200 of the device.

[0028] The image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd perform image formation under the control of the control unit 105. The image forming unit Pa forms a yellow (Y) image. The image forming unit Pb forms a magenta (M) image. The image forming unit Pc forms a cyan (C) image. The image forming unit Pd forms a black (Bk) image.

[0029] Each of the image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd is equipped with a primary charger 203a, 203b, 203c, and 203d, and a developer 204a, 204b, 204c, and 204d. Each of the image forming units Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd is also equipped with a transfer roller 205a, 205b, 205c, and 205d, and a drum unit 300a, 300b, 300c, and 300d.

[0030] Since the primary chargers 203a, 203b, 203c, and 203d are all identical in configuration, they will be collectively referred to as primary charger 203 in the following description and drawings. The developers 204a, 204b, 204c, and 204d, and the transfer rollers 205a, 205b, 205c, and 205d are the same as primary charger 203, so they will be collectively referred to as developer 204 and transfer roller 205 in the following description and drawings. Furthermore, the drum units 300a, 300b, 300c, and 300d are the same as primary charger 203, so they will be collectively referred to as drum unit 300 in the following description and drawings.

[0031] The primary charger 203 prepares the drum 202 of the drum unit 300 for electrostatic latent image formation by charging its surface to a predetermined potential. The primary charger 203 charges the surface of the drum 202 using a charging roller that generates an electric field with a rubber roller charged with high voltage, a Corotron that discharges from a wire electrode to which high voltage is applied, or a Scortron equipped with a rectifier grid electrode. Here, the primary charger 203 is shown as an example of a configuration in which the surface of the drum 202 is charged using a Corotron.

[0032] The developer unit 204, acting as a mounting unit, develops the electrostatic latent image on the drum 202 to form a toner image on the drum 202. The developer unit 204 forms the toner image using a two-component developer consisting of toner and a magnetic carrier. The developer unit 204 employs a trickle development system that discharges excess developer (hereinafter referred to as "degraded developer") resulting from the replenishment of developer from a developer replenishment device (not shown) to a degraded developer discharge unit 220.

[0033] The developing unit 204 is detachably mounted to the main unit 200 for ease of maintenance. Specifically, the developing unit 204 can be in a unit set state as shown in Figure 2, where the developing sleeve 409 is close to the drum 202. From the unit set state, the developing unit 204 can move in the X direction as shown in Figure 3, where the developing sleeve 409 is retracted and moved away from the drum 202, as shown in Figure 3.

[0034] Furthermore, the developing unit 204 can move from its retracted state in the opposite direction to the X direction in Figure 3 to enter the unit set state. The developing unit 204 can be pulled out from the main unit 200 by moving from its retracted state in the Y direction in Figure 4. Also, the developing unit 204 can be inserted into the main unit 200 and return to its retracted state by moving from the state pulled out in the Y direction in Figure 4 in the opposite direction to the Y direction. Details of the configuration of the developing unit 204 will be described later.

[0035] The transfer roller 205 applies a primary transfer bias with opposite polarity to the toner by discharging electricity onto the inner surface of the intermediate transfer belt 206, thereby transferring the toner image formed on the drum 202 by the developer 204 onto the intermediate transfer belt 206.

[0036] The drum unit 300 integrates the drum 202 and the drum cleaner 207. The drum unit 300 is detachably mounted to the main unit 200, taking into consideration the maintainability of the drum cleaner 207 and other components. Specifically, the drum unit 300 can be pulled out from the main unit 200 in the Y direction as shown in Figure 4 when the developer 204 is in the retracted state as shown in Figure 3. The drum unit 300 is then inserted into the main unit 200 by moving in the opposite direction to the Y direction from the pulled-out state in Figure 4.

[0037] The drum 202 has photosensitive properties and is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the primary charger 203. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the drum 202, which is charged to the predetermined potential, by a laser beam scanned by the polygon scanner 201. A toner image is formed on the drum 202 by developing the electrostatic latent image using the developer 204.

[0038] The drum cleaner 207, as an attached unit, removes residual toner, which acts as a developer, from the surface of the drum 202 after the toner image has been first transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 206. The drum cleaner 207 then discharges the removed residual toner to the residual toner discharge unit 221. Details of the configuration of the drum cleaner 207 will be described later.

[0039] The control unit 105 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1000 and performs image processing based on image signals input from the CCD sensor 104 of the image reading device 100 or from an external device such as a print server (not shown). The control unit 105 outputs a PWM signal generated by controlling the image signal input from the CCD sensor 104 with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to the polygon scanner 201. The control unit 105 controls the timing of sheet transport by the register unit 210 so that the toner image transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 206 and the position where the toner image on the sheet is transferred align in the secondary transfer unit.

[0040] The polygon scanner 201 forms an electrostatic latent image on the drum 202 by scanning the drum 202, which is charged by the primary charger 203, with a laser beam corresponding to the image signal, based on the PWM signal input from the control unit 105.

[0041] The intermediate transfer belt 206 sequentially transports the toner images transferred by the transfer rollers 205 in the order of Y, M, C, and Bk. A full-color image of four colors is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 206 as the toner images are transferred sequentially. After secondary transfer by the secondary transfer rollers 208 and 209, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 206 is cleaned by an intermediate transfer belt cleaner (not shown).

[0042] The secondary transfer rollers 208 and 209 constitute a secondary transfer roller pair and a secondary transfer section. The secondary transfer section, composed of the secondary transfer rollers 208 and 209, applies a secondary transfer electric field with the opposite polarity to the toner image, thereby secondary transferring the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 206 to the sheet conveyed by the register section 210. The secondary transfer section, composed of the secondary transfer roller pair of the secondary transfer rollers 208 and 209, conveys the sheet with the secondary transferred toner image to the fuser 211.

[0043] The register unit 210 keeps the sheets fed by the paper feed unit 218 in standby. The register unit 210, under the control of the control unit 105, transports the standby sheets to the secondary transfer unit in time with the timing when the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt is transported to the secondary transfer unit.

[0044] The fixing device 211 heats and pressurizes the toner image that has been secondarily transferred to the sheet being transported by the secondary transfer unit to fix it to the sheet, and also transports the sheet with the fixed toner image to the outside of the main unit 200.

[0045] The paper feeding unit 218 stores the sheets and also feeds the stored sheets to the register unit 210.

[0046] The deteriorated developer discharge section 220, which serves as a developer discharge member, is located downstream of the developer in the direction of transport of the deteriorated developer in the developer unit 204.

[0047] The residual toner discharge unit 221, which serves as a developer discharge member, is located downstream of the drum cleaner 207 in the direction of residual toner transport. Details of the configuration of the residual toner discharge unit 221 will be described later.

[0048] The first recovered toner transport unit 222 is located downstream of the deteriorated developer discharge unit 220 and the residual toner discharge unit 221 in the direction of transporting the recovered toner. Here, the deteriorated developer and residual toner together are referred to as recovered toner.

[0049] The first recovered toner transport member 223 transports the recovered toner in the first recovered toner transport unit 222 in the direction of arrow A in Figure 5.

[0050] The first recovered toner discharge unit 224 is located downstream of the first recovered toner transport unit 222 in the direction of transporting the recovered toner (direction A in Figure 5).

[0051] The recovered toner buffer 225 is located downstream of the first recovered toner discharge unit 224 in the direction of transporting the recovered toner. The recovered toner buffer 225 stores the recovered toner.

[0052] The toner recovery container 226 is located downstream of the second toner recovery discharge unit 227 in the direction of transporting the recovered toner. The recovered toner is discharged into the toner recovery container 226 from the second toner recovery discharge unit 227.

[0053] The second recovered toner discharge unit 227 is located downstream of the second recovered toner transport unit 228 in the direction of transporting the recovered toner.

[0054] The second toner recovery transport unit 228 is located downstream of the toner recovery buffer 225 in the direction of transporting the recovered toner.

[0055] The second recovered toner transport screw 229 transports the recovered toner in the recovered toner buffer 225 in the direction of arrow B in Figure 5.

[0056] The stirring member 230 stirs the recovered toner in the recovered toner buffer 225.

[0057] The positioning unit 501 engages with the positioned unit 309 of the drum cleaner 207 (described later), thereby positioning the drum cleaner 207 relative to the main body 200 (see Figure 9).

[0058] In the image forming apparatus 1000 having the above configuration, the maximum image guarantee area on the drum 202 is set to approximately 320 mm, which is the difference between the irradiation width of the polygon scanner 201 and the toner coat width of the developer 204.

[0059] Furthermore, some of the image, such as control patches formed between sheets of paper that are not secondarily transferred to the sheet, is recovered by a secondary transfer roller cleaner (not shown). Toner that is not recovered by the secondary transfer roller cleaner is sent to an intermediate transfer belt cleaner.

[0060] In addition, in the case of double-sided printing, after the transfer and fixing of toner to the first image-forming surface (1st surface) of the sheet has been reversed via the inversion transport path 217, the toner transfer, fixing, and cooling of the second image-forming surface (2nd surface) are completed before the sheet is discharged from the machine.

[0061] Furthermore, the developing unit 204 is configured to be able to be pulled out after being retracted from the drum 202. This allows the developing unit 204 to be removed without damaging the drum 202.

[0062] <Drum cleaner configuration> The configuration of the drum cleaner 207 of the image forming apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 7.

[0063] The drum cleaner 207 comprises a residual toner transport unit 301, a container housing 302, a cleaning member 303, a transport member 304, a residual toner discharge port 305, a shutter 306, and a shutter pressurizing member 307.

[0064] The residual toner transport section 301, which acts as a protruding part, protrudes from the container housing 302 in the direction in which the drum cleaner 207 is inserted into the main body 200. The residual toner transport section 301 has a cylindrical shape because the transport member 304 is a helical screw. The residual toner transport section 301 is equipped with a residual toner discharge port 305 on the tip side in the direction in which the drum cleaner 207 is inserted into the main body 200, which serves as a developer discharge port for discharging residual toner transported by the transport member 304 to the outside.

[0065] The residual toner transport unit 301 transports the residual toner contained in the container housing 302 and discharges it to the outside of the drum cleaner 207 through the residual toner discharge port 305.

[0066] The container housing 302, which serves as a housing, is located on the rear side of the drum cleaner 207. The container housing 302 contains the residual toner scraped off the drum 202 by the cleaning member 303. The container housing 302 is equipped with a positioning part 309 that positions the drum unit 300 relative to the main body 200 of the device.

[0067] The cleaning member 303 is a plate-shaped rubber blade. The cleaning member 303 scrapes off any residual toner remaining on the drum 202 after the toner image has been first transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 206.

[0068] The transport member 304 transports the residual toner inside the residual toner transport section 301 and the container housing 302.

[0069] The residual toner discharge port 305 discharges the residual toner that is transported to the residual toner transport unit 301 to the outside of the drum cleaner 207.

[0070] The shutter 306 covers the residual toner discharge port 305 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed. The shutter 306 opens and closes the residual toner discharge port 305 by moving in accordance with the insertion and removal of the drum cleaner 207 from the residual toner discharge section 221. When the drum cleaner 207 is removed from the residual toner discharge section 221, the shutter 306 closes and seals the residual toner discharge port 305, thereby preventing residual toner from falling out of the residual toner discharge port 305.

[0071] The shutter pressurizing member 307 biases the shutter 306 in a direction that closes the residual toner discharge port 305.

[0072] <Configuration of the residual toner discharge unit> The configuration of the residual toner discharge unit 221 of the image forming apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 8, 9, and 12.

[0073] In Figure 12, Figure 12(a) shows the state in which the elastic member 2214 is attached to the contact member 2213 and the configuration of the elastic member 2214. Figure 12(b) shows the state in which an elastic member 2214 with a different configuration from the elastic member 2214 in Figure 12(a) is attached to the contact member 2213 and the state in which the elastic member 2214 is unfolded. Figure 12(c) shows the state in which an elastic member 2214 with a different configuration from the elastic member 2214 in Figures 12(a) and 12(b) is attached to the contact member 2213 and the state in which the elastic member 2214 is unfolded.

[0074] The residual toner discharge unit 221 comprises a housing 2211, a receiving port 2212, a contact member 2213, an elastic member 2214, and a chamfered surface portion 2215.

[0075] The housing 2211, as a connected housing, constitutes a discharge path for discharging residual toner discharged from the residual toner discharge port 305 of the residual toner transport unit 301 to the first recovered toner transport unit 222. The housing 2211 is provided with a restricting portion 2216 that is bent inward at the rear end side in the insertion direction of the residual toner transport unit 301 into the residual toner discharge unit 221 (the insertion direction shown in Figures 9 to 11 (hereinafter referred to as the "first insertion direction")). The first insertion direction is the same direction as the protrusion direction of the residual toner transport unit 301 from the container housing 302. In addition to the configuration in which the housing 2211 is provided with a restricting portion 2216 at the rear end side in the first insertion direction, the housing 2211 may also be configured to have a restricting portion at the front end side in the first insertion direction.

[0076] The residual toner transport unit 301 is inserted into the receiving port 2212.

[0077] As shown in Figure 12, the contact member 2213 is cylindrical in shape and extends within the housing 2211 along the first insertion direction. The contact member 2213 comes into contact with the residual toner transport unit 301 when the residual toner transport unit 301 is inserted into the residual toner discharge unit 221. Preferably, the contact member 2213 is made of a resin or metal that is resistant to deformation even when it comes into contact with the residual toner transport unit 301.

[0078] The elastic member 2214 is formed from a material that is flexible and elastic. The elastic member 2214 is provided between the housing 2211 and the contact member 2213. If the reaction force of the elastic member 2214 is large, when connected to the residual toner transport unit 301, it will apply an external force to the drum unit 300 via the residual toner transport unit 301, affecting the posture of the drum unit 300. Therefore, it is preferable to use a foam material with a high foaming ratio or a thin film elastomer for the elastic member 2214. As an example of the elastic member 2214, a foam material using EPDM with a high foaming ratio is given here. Details of the structure of the elastic member 2214 will be described later.

[0079] The C-shaped portion 2215, which serves as a guide, is provided at the rear end of the contact member 2213 in the first insertion direction. The C-shaped portion 2215 forms a receiving opening 2212 by expanding in diameter towards the rear at the rear end of the contact member 2213 in the first insertion direction. The C-shaped portion 2215 comes into contact with the shutter 306 when the residual toner transport unit 301 is inserted into the residual toner discharge unit 221. By coming into contact with the shutter 306, the C-shaped portion 2215 moves the shutter 306 in the direction opposite to the first insertion direction and guides the insertion of the residual toner transport unit 301 into the residual toner discharge unit 221.

[0080] In the residual toner discharge unit 221 having the above configuration, the contact member 2213 moves while elastically deforming the elastic member 2214 as the residual toner transport unit 301 contacts the C-surface portion 2215 and is pressed by the residual toner transport unit 301. The residual toner transport unit 301 is connected to the residual toner discharge unit 221. As a result, the residual toner discharge port 305 provided in the residual toner transport unit 301 is connected to the residual toner discharge unit 221.

[0081] Here, if a change in internal pressure occurs within the housing 2211, there is a possibility that the recovered toner inside the housing 2211 may flow back out through the gap S1. In this case, the backflowing recovered toner may scatter into the surroundings, leading to image defects or an increased load on the drive system. The change in internal pressure inside the housing 2211 occurs because the housing 2211 is connected to the developer unit 204, etc., via the drum cleaner 207 and the first recovered toner transport unit 222.

[0082] Specifically, the change in internal pressure within the housing 2211 is caused by the difference in transport speed between the toner transport member (not shown) in the developer unit 204 and the first recovered toner transport member 223. Alternatively, it can also be caused by the difference in the discharge volume between the residual toner discharged from the drum cleaner 207 and the degraded developer discharged from the developer unit 204. Therefore, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the residual toner transport section 301 and the inner diameter of the contact member 2213 are set such that the gap S1 between the residual toner transport section 301 and the contact member 2213 becomes smaller when the connection between the residual toner discharge section 221 and the residual toner transport section 301 is completed.

[0083] Generally, it is known that the flow resistance of an air passage changes depending on the cross-sectional area, and the flow resistance of an air passage increases as the cross-sectional area decreases. Therefore, the larger the gap S1 between the residual toner transport unit 301 and the contact member 2213, the lower the flow resistance, making it easier for air to flow and thus more likely for backflow of recovered toner to occur. On the other hand, the smaller the gap S1 between the residual toner transport unit 301 and the contact member 2213, the higher the flow resistance, making it more difficult for air to flow, thus suppressing backflow.

[0084] In order to minimize the gap S1, it is preferable to make the inner diameter of the contact member 2213 and the outer diameter of the residual toner transport section 301 as small as possible in terms of shape tolerances so that the contact member 2213 and the residual toner transport section 301 do not interfere with each other.

[0085] Furthermore, since the elastic member 2214 also serves as a sealing member for sealing away residual toner that attempts to flow back from between the housing 2211 and the contact member 2213, it is preferable that it has a shape that provides high flow resistance. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 12(a), the elastic member 2214 is cylindrical in shape to seal the space between the contact member 2213 and the housing 2211 over the entire circumference of the outer surface of the cylindrical contact member 2213.

[0086] Furthermore, the elastic member 2214 is not limited to the cylindrical shape shown in Figure 12(a), but may also be constructed by wrapping and attaching a thin sheet of foam material, which has a parallelogram shape when unfolded, to the contact member 2213, as shown in Figure 12(b). By using the elastic member 2214 with the configuration shown in Figure 12(b), the thickness can be reduced and the processability can be improved compared to using the cylindrical elastic member 2214 shown in Figure 12(a).

[0087] Furthermore, the elastic member 2214 is not limited to the shape described above. As shown in Figure 12(c), it may also be constructed by wrapping and attaching a thin, sheet-like foam material, whose unfolded state is the shape shown in Figure 12(c), to the contact member 2213. By using the elastic member 2214 with the configuration shown in Figure 12(c), the thickness can be reduced and processability can be improved compared to using the cylindrical elastic member 2214 shown in Figure 12(a).

[0088] When the elastic member 2214, which has the shape shown in Figure 12(b), is wrapped around and attached to the contact member 2213, a gap S2 is created between the starting and ending points of attachment, which serves as a flow path for residual toner from the front end to the rear end in the first insertion direction. The gap S2 is straight in a direction that is not parallel to the first insertion direction and intersects the first insertion direction in order to make the flow path longer and increase the flow resistance.

[0089] Similarly, when the elastic member 2214, which has the shape shown in Figure 12(c), is wrapped around and attached to the contact member 2213, a gap S3 is created between the starting and ending points of attachment, which serves as a flow path for residual toner from the front end to the rear end in the first insertion direction. The gap S3 is crank-shaped in part, and is not parallel to the first insertion direction, in order to make the flow path longer and increase the flow resistance.

[0090] <Developer unit configuration> The configuration of the developing unit 204 of the image forming apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 14 to 18.

[0091] The developing unit 204 comprises a degraded developer transport unit 401, a developing unit housing 402, a transport member 404, a degraded developer discharge port 405, a shutter 406, and a developing sleeve 409.

[0092] The degraded developer transport section 401, which acts as a protruding part, protrudes from the developer housing 402 in the direction of insertion of the developer 204 into the main body 200. The degraded developer transport section 401 is equipped with a degraded developer discharge port 405 on the tip side in the direction of insertion of the developer 204 into the main body 200. The degraded developer transport section 401 has a cylindrical shape because the transport member 404 is a helical screw.

[0093] The developing unit housing 402, which serves as a housing, contains the developer to be supplied to the developing sleeve 409.

[0094] The transport member 404 transports the deteriorated developer from the developing unit housing 402 and the deteriorated developer transport unit 401.

[0095] The degraded developer discharge port 405 discharges the degraded developer being transported to the degraded developer transport unit 401 to the outside of the developer unit 204.

[0096] The shutter 406 covers the degraded developer outlet 405 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed. The shutter 406 is biased by a biasing member (not shown), such as a spring, in a direction that closes the degraded developer outlet 405, which is the insertion direction of the developer unit 204 into the main body 200 of the device. The shutter 406 opens and closes the degraded developer outlet 405 by moving in accordance with the insertion and removal of the developer unit 204 into and out of the degraded developer outlet 220. When the developer unit 204 is removed from the degraded developer outlet 220, the shutter 406 closes and blocks the degraded developer outlet 405, thereby preventing the degraded developer from falling out of the degraded developer outlet 405.

[0097] The developing sleeve 409 carries and transports the developer, and when a developing bias is applied, it supplies the transported developer to the surface of the drum 202.

[0098] In addition to the above, the developing unit 204 is equipped with a developing screw (not shown) for agitating and transporting the developer inside the developing unit housing 402.

[0099] The developer unit 204, having the above configuration, is inserted into and removed from the main unit 200 in the front-to-back direction (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 1). When the developer unit 204 is inserted into the main unit 200, it may be in a retracted state where the developing sleeve 409 is separated from the surface of the drum 202. Also, when the developer unit 204 is inserted into the main unit 200, it may be in a unisex state where the drum 202 and the developing sleeve 409 are in close proximity. During image formation, the developer unit 204 is in the unisex state in order to develop toner on the drum 202.

[0100] Furthermore, the developing unit 204 is retracted when the drum unit 300 or the developing unit 204 is inserted or removed for maintenance. This prevents scratches on the drum or sleeve caused by contact between the developing unit 204 and the drum unit 300 when the drum unit 300 or the developing unit 204 is inserted or removed.

[0101] <Configuration of the degraded developer discharge section> The configuration of the degraded developer discharge unit 220 of the image forming apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 14 to 18.

[0102] The degraded developer discharge unit 220 comprises a housing 2201, a contact member 2203, an elastic member 2204, a chamfered surface portion 2205, a movable member 2207, and a pressurizing member 2208.

[0103] The housing 2201, which serves as a connected housing, constitutes a discharge path that discharges the deteriorated developer discharged from the deteriorated developer discharge port 405 of the deteriorated developer transport unit 401 to the first recovered toner transport unit 222.

[0104] The contact member 2203 extends within the housing 2201 along the insertion direction of the degraded developer transport unit 401 into the housing 2201 (the insertion direction shown in Figures 14 to 16 (hereinafter referred to as the "second insertion direction")). The contact member 2203 contacts the degraded developer transport unit 401 when the degraded developer transport unit 401 is inserted into the degraded developer discharge unit 220. It is preferable that the contact member 2203 is made of a resin or metal that is not easily deformed even when it comes into contact with the degraded developer transport unit 401. The second insertion direction is the same direction as the protrusion direction of the degraded developer transport unit 401 from the developer housing 402.

[0105] The elastic member 2204 is made of a material that is flexible and elastic. The elastic member 2204 is provided between the moving member 2207 and the contact member 2203. If the reaction force of the elastic member 2204 is large, when connected to the deteriorated developer transport unit 401, it will apply an external force to the developer unit 204 via the deteriorated developer transport unit 401, affecting the posture of the developer unit 204. Therefore, it is preferable to use a foam material with a high foaming ratio or a thin film elastomer for the elastic member 2204. As an example of the elastic member 2204, a foam material using EPDM with a high foaming ratio is shown here. The elastic member 2204 has the same configuration as the elastic member 2214 as shown in Figure 12.

[0106] The C-shaped surface 2205, which serves as a guide, is provided at the rear end of the contact member 2203 in the second insertion direction. The C-shaped surface 2205 forms a receiving opening 2202 by expanding in diameter towards the rear at the rear end of the contact member 2203 in the second insertion direction. The C-shaped surface 2205 comes into contact with the shutter 406 when the degraded developer transport unit 401 is inserted into the degraded developer discharge unit 220. By coming into contact with the shutter 406, the C-shaped surface 2205 moves the shutter 406 in the direction opposite to the second insertion direction and guides the insertion of the degraded developer transport unit 401 into the degraded developer discharge unit 220.

[0107] The movable member 2207 is supported in the housing 2201 so as to be movable in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the second insertion direction. Here, the predetermined direction is the direction of movement for moving the developer unit 204 from the unit set state to the retracted state or from the retracted state to the unisex state, and is parallel to the X direction shown in Figure 3. The movable member 2207 moves in conjunction with the movement of the developer unit 204 from the unit set state to the retracted state or from the retracted state to the unisex state.

[0108] The pressurizing member 2208 applies pressure to the moving member 2207 in the direction of movement for the developer unit 204 to move from the unset state to the retracted state. It is preferable that the reaction force of the pressurizing member 2208 is set to be as small as possible so as not to affect the posture of the developer unit 204 via the deteriorated developer transport unit 401.

[0109] <Toner cartridge transport operation> The transport operation of the recovered toner in the image forming apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figure 5.

[0110] The degraded developer discharged from the degraded developer transport section 401 of the developer unit 204 reaches the first toner recovery transport section 222 by free fall from the degraded developer discharge section 220. Similarly, the residual toner discharged from the residual toner transport section 301 of the drum cleaner 207 reaches the first toner recovery transport section 222 by free fall from the residual toner discharge section 221. As a result, the degraded developer discharged from the degraded developer transport section 401 and the residual toner discharged from the residual toner transport section 301 merge in the first toner recovery transport section 222.

[0111] Next, the degraded developer and residual toner that have reached the first toner recovery transport unit 222 are transported in the direction of arrow A by the first toner recovery transport member 223 provided within the first toner recovery transport unit 222. At this time, the degraded developer discharged from each of the developer units 204 and the residual toner discharged from each of the drum cleaners 207 are combined and transported in the first toner recovery transport unit 222.

[0112] Next, the degraded developer and residual toner that merged in the first toner recovery transport unit 222 are transported as recovered toner to the toner recovery buffer 225 via the first toner recovery discharge unit 224.

[0113] Next, the recovered toner to be transported to the recovered toner buffer 225 is transported in the direction of arrow B in the second recovered toner transport section 228 by the second recovered toner transport screw 229. At this time, the recovered toner stored in the recovered toner buffer 225 is agitated by the agitator 230.

[0114] Next, the recovered toner transported in the direction of arrow B in the second recovered toner transport unit 228 free-falls from the second recovered toner transport unit 228 and is transported to the recovered toner container 226 via the second recovered toner discharge unit 227.

[0115] In this manner, the degraded developer discharged from the developing unit 204 and the residual toner discharged from the drum cleaner 207 are transported to the toner recovery container 226 as recovered toner.

[0116] <Connection operation between the residual toner discharge unit and the residual toner transport unit> The coupling operation between the residual toner discharge unit 221 and the residual toner transport unit 301 of the image forming apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 to 11.

[0117] As shown in Figure 9, the residual toner discharge port 305 is closed by a shutter 306 before the residual toner transport unit 301 and the residual toner discharge unit 221 are connected. At this time, the shutter 306 is biased toward the first insertion direction by a shutter pressurizing member 307.

[0118] Furthermore, the contact member 2213 is supported by the elastic member 2214 and is in a waiting position, movable in a direction perpendicular to the first insertion direction. At this time, the contact member 2213 moves downward due to gravity, and may also tilt or shift in the opposite direction to the first direction due to uneven thickness of the elastic member 2214 or distortion during attachment. In such cases, the contact member 2213 comes into contact with the restricting portion 2216, restricting its freedom of movement in the direction opposite to the first insertion direction. As a result, the contact member 2213 can wait while maintaining a horizontal position with respect to the first insertion direction.

[0119] Furthermore, if a restricting portion is provided on the tip side of the housing 2211 in the first insertion direction to restrict the degree of freedom of movement of the contact member 2213 in the first insertion direction, the contact member 2213 can more reliably maintain a horizontal position with respect to the first insertion direction while in standby mode.

[0120] As shown in Figure 10, when the residual toner transport unit 301 is inserted into the residual toner discharge unit 221, the tip of the residual toner transport unit 301 in the first insertion direction comes into contact with the C-surface 2215. At this time, if there is a misalignment between the center position of the residual toner transport unit 301 and the center position of the receiving port 2212 in a direction perpendicular to the first insertion direction, the contact member 2213 is pressed against the residual toner transport unit 301, causing the elastic member 2214 to elastically deform. The contact member 2213 then moves in a direction perpendicular to the first insertion direction while elastically deforming the elastic member 2214, thereby absorbing the misalignment.

[0121] Then, by further inserting the residual toner transport section 301 into the residual toner discharge section 221, the shutter 306 comes into contact with the C-surface section 2215 and is pressed against the biasing force of the shutter pressurizing member 307 in the opposite direction to the first insertion direction. As a result, the residual toner discharge port 305 changes from being blocked by the shutter 306 to being exposed to the outside and open.

[0122] When the connection between the residual toner discharge section 221 and the residual toner transport section 301 is completed, the residual toner discharge port 305 connects the inside of the residual toner transport section 301 to the residual toner discharge section 221, as shown in Figure 11. The residual toner discharge port 305 is also positioned so that the residual toner in the residual toner transport section 301 can fall vertically into the housing 2211. At this time, the shutter 306 is in contact with the C-surface section 2215 and the shutter pressurizing member 307 is compressed. Furthermore, the positioning section 309 is fitted into the positioning section 501 provided on the rear side of the device body 200 to position the drum unit 300 relative to the device body 200.

[0123] In the above operation, the contact member 2213 moves according to the position of the residual toner transport unit 301 due to the elastic member 2214, so that the gap S1 can be kept small. Alternatively, a configuration can be considered in which a receiving opening for inserting the residual toner transport unit 301 is directly provided in the housing, and a plastic foam material or the like is used to reduce the gap and increase the flow resistance in order to prevent the scattering of residual toner. However, in this configuration, when the residual toner transport unit 301 is inserted and removed multiple times, a decrease in flow resistance due to deterioration of the foam material, damage to the foam material, or image defects due to debris generated by the damage to the foam material may occur.

[0124] In contrast, this embodiment has a movable contact member 2213. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in flow path resistance due to the deterioration of the elastic member 2214, damage to the elastic member 2214, or image defects caused by residue resulting from the damage to the elastic member 2214, even when the residual toner transport unit 301 is inserted and removed multiple times.

[0125] <Connection operation between the degraded developer discharge unit and the degraded developer transport unit> The connection operation between the degraded developer discharge unit 220 and the degraded developer transport unit 401 of the image forming apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 14 to 18. Figures 14 to 16 are schematic diagrams of the AA cross-section of Figure 17.

[0126] As shown in Figure 14, the residual toner outlet 305 is closed by a shutter 406 before the deteriorated developer transport section 401 and the deteriorated developer discharge section 220 are connected. At this time, the shutter 406 is biased toward the second insertion direction by a biasing member (not shown).

[0127] Furthermore, the contact member 2203 is supported by the elastic member 2204 and is in a waiting state, in a state where it can move in a direction perpendicular to the second insertion direction.

[0128] As shown in Figure 15, when the insertion of the deteriorated developer transport unit 401 into the deteriorated developer discharge unit 220 begins, the tip of the deteriorated developer transport unit 401 in the second insertion direction comes into contact with the C-surface 2205. At this time, if there is a misalignment between the center position of the deteriorated developer transport unit 401 and the center position of the receiving port 2202 in a direction perpendicular to the second insertion direction, the contact member 2203 is pressed against the deteriorated developer transport unit 401, causing the elastic member 2204 to elastically deform. The contact member 2203 then moves in a direction perpendicular to the second insertion direction while elastically deforming the elastic member 2204, thereby absorbing the misalignment.

[0129] Then, by further inserting the deteriorated developer transport section 401 into the deteriorated developer discharge section 220, the shutter 406 comes into contact with the C-surface section 2205 and is pressed in the opposite direction to the second insertion direction against the biasing force of the biasing member. As a result, the deteriorated developer discharge port 405 changes from being blocked by the shutter 406 to being exposed to the outside and open.

[0130] When the connection between the deteriorated developer discharge section 220 and the deteriorated developer transport section 401 is completed, the deteriorated developer discharge port 405 connects the inside of the deteriorated developer transport section 401 to the deteriorated developer discharge section 220, as shown in Figure 16. The deteriorated developer discharge port 405 is also positioned so that the deteriorated developer inside the deteriorated developer transport section 401 can fall vertically into the housing 2201. At this time, the shutter 406 is in contact with the C-surface section 2205 and resisting the biasing force of the biasing member.

[0131] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 17, where the connection between the deteriorated developer discharge unit 220 and the deteriorated developer transport unit 401 is completed, the contact member 2203 is pushed by the deteriorated developer transport unit 401 as the developer unit 204 begins to move from the retracted state to the unset state. The contact member 2203 then moves while elastically deforming the elastic member 2204 against the pressure applied by the pressurizing member 2208.

[0132] Furthermore, the contact member 2203 is pressed by the deteriorated developer transport unit 401 until the developer unit 204 is in a unison state. As a result, after the elastic member 2204 is fully compressed, the contact member 2203 moves the moving member 2207 in the direction (to the right in Figure 18) where the developer sleeve 409 and the drum 202 are closer together.

[0133] In this case, the amount of movement of the contact member 2203 from the state shown in Figure 17 until the elastic member 2204 is completely compressed is smaller than the amount of movement of the moving member 2207 from the state shown in Figure 18 until the elastic member 2204 is completely compressed. As a result, the amount of compression of the elastic member 2204 can be suppressed, thereby preventing damage to the elastic member 2204, such as tearing.

[0134] In this way, the contact member 2203 moves according to the position of the deteriorated developer transport section 401 due to the elastic member 2204, thereby keeping the gap S4 small. Furthermore, by moving the moving member 2207 with the contact member 2203 moving while the elastic member 2204 is elastically deformed, it becomes possible to move the developer unit 204 from the retracted state to the unset state while remaining connected to the deteriorated developer discharge section 220.

[0135] Incidentally, conventionally, if the gap between the drum cleaner 207 and the connection port of the residual toner discharge section is reduced in order to prevent the backflow of residual toner, it becomes impossible to tolerate rattling when inserting or removing the drum cleaner 207. Also, conventionally, if the gap between the developer unit 204 and the connection port of the deteriorated developer discharge section is reduced in order to prevent the backflow of deteriorated developer, it becomes impossible to tolerate rattling when inserting or removing the developer unit 204.

[0136] Consequently, conventionally, the load generated by the dimensional misalignment between the discharge port of the drum cleaner 207 and the connecting port connected to the discharge port affects the pressurizing force and posture of the drum cleaner 207. Similarly, the load generated by the dimensional misalignment between the discharge port of the developer unit 204 and the connecting port connected to the discharge port affects the pressurizing force and posture of the developer unit 204. As a result, conventionally, this led to fluctuations in the gap between the developing sleeve and the drum, and deterioration of developing performance.

[0137] In contrast, in this embodiment, by making the contact members 2213 and 2203 movable, the gaps S1 and S4 can be reduced, and the gap between the developing sleeve and the drum and deterioration of developing performance can be prevented.

[0138] In this embodiment, the device has a contact member 2213 that moves in the direction of pressure applied by the residual toner transport unit 301 while elastically deforming the elastic member 2214 when pressed by the residual toner transport unit 301. This prevents the developer from flowing back and scattering, and also prevents damage to the drum cleaner 207 or the developer unit 204.

[0139] Furthermore, this embodiment includes a contact member 2203 that can move in the direction of pressure applied by the deteriorated developer transport unit 401 while elastically deforming the elastic member 2204 when pressed by the deteriorated developer transport unit 401. It also includes a movable member 2207 that can move in the direction of pressure applied by the deteriorated developer transport unit 401 via the contact member 2203. This prevents the developer from flowing back and scattering, and also prevents damage to the drum cleaner 207 or the developer unit 204.

[0140] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0141] Specifically, in this embodiment, the contact member 2213 that contacts the residual toner transport section 301 or the contact member 2203 that contacts the degraded developer transport section 401 is made movable. However, the invention is not limited to this, and a contact member that contacts the residual toner transport section, which has a residual toner discharge port for the transfer cleaning device, may be provided at the connecting section connected to the transfer cleaning device as a mounting unit, and this contact member may also be made movable. In this case, the residual toner removed by the transfer cleaning device is collected and transported to the collected toner container 226.

[0142] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the primary charger 203 may be provided in the main body of the device 200 instead of the drum unit 300. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0143] 200 Main unit of the device 202 Drums 204 Developer 207 Drum Cleaner 220 Degraded Developer Discharge Section 221 Residual toner discharge unit 226 Toner Recycle Container 300 Drum Units 301 Residual Toner Transport Unit 302 Container housing 305 Residual toner outlet 306 Shutter 309 Positioning part 401 Degraded Developer Transport Unit 402 Developer container 405 Degraded Developer Discharge Port 406 Shutter 409 Developing Sleeves 501 Positioning section 1000 Image forming apparatus 2201 enclosure 2203 Contact Member 2204 Elastic member 2205 C side part 2207 Moving member 2211 enclosure 2213 Contact Member 2214 Elastic member 2215 C side part 2216 Regulatory Department

Claims

1. The main body of the device, A mounting unit comprising a housing for containing a developer, a protruding portion extending from the housing, and a developer discharge port provided on the protruding portion for discharging the developer contained in the housing to the outside, and which is detachably attached to the main body of the device, A developer discharge member comprising: a connecting housing into which the protruding portion is inserted and which discharges the developer discharged from the developer discharge port when the mounting unit is mounted on the main body of the device; a contact member extending within the connecting housing along the insertion direction of the protruding portion into the connecting housing and contacting the protruding portion inserted into the connecting housing; and an elastic member provided between the connecting housing and the contact member, It has, The aforementioned contact member is When pressed by the protrusion in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, the elastic member moves in the perpendicular direction while elastically deforming. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following:

2. The aforementioned mounting unit is It is equipped with a positioning portion that protrudes in the insertion direction, The positioning portion is, The protruding portion is inserted into the connecting housing, thereby engaging with the positioning portion of the device body to position the mounting unit relative to the device body. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned connecting housing is The system includes a restricting portion that restricts the movement of the contact member in a direction parallel to the insertion direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned mounting unit is The developer outlet is equipped with a shutter that can be opened and closed to cover it, The aforementioned contact member is The rear end of the insertion direction is provided with a guide portion that expands in the opposite direction to the insertion direction to guide the insertion of the protruding portion in the insertion direction, and moves the shutter so as the protruding portion moves in the insertion direction that the developer discharge port is opened to the outside. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The elastic member is A gap is provided between the connecting housing and the contact member, extending from the front end to the rear end in the insertion direction, At least a portion of the gap is non-parallel to the insertion direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The main body of the device, A mounting unit comprising a housing for containing a developer, a protruding portion extending from the housing, and a developer discharge port provided on the protruding portion for discharging the developer contained in the housing to the outside, and which is detachably attached to the main body of the device, A developer discharge member comprising: a connecting housing into which the protruding portion is inserted and which discharges the developer discharged from the developer discharge port when the mounting unit is mounted on the main body of the device; a contact member extending within the connecting housing along the insertion direction of the protruding portion into the connecting housing and contacting the protruding portion inserted into the connecting housing; a movable member movable in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the insertion direction; and an elastic member provided between the movable member and the contact member, It has, The aforementioned contact member is When pressed by the protrusion in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, the elastic member moves in the perpendicular direction while elastically deforming, The aforementioned movable member is When pressed in the predetermined direction by the protruding portion, it moves in the predetermined direction. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following:

Images