Storage container, powder storage container, developing device, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a developer storage container that can prevent protrusion of sealant, a developing device, and an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: A developer storage container internally forms a space for storing a developer by combining a plurality of members 58a, 58b, 58c, and bonds the members with sealant 200, 201 to seal gaps between the members, and comprises position regulation parts that regulate the positions of a first member that is one member of two members to be bonded by the sealant 200, 201 and a second member that is the other member, such that a predetermined gap is formed between a bonded part of the first member and a bonded part of the second member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a developer container, a developing device, and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a space for accommodating a developer is formed inside by combining a plurality of members, and a sealing material is also used. There is known a developer storage container in which members are sealed by bonding with a sealing member.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the developer container has a seal between the container body and the container lid. The document describes a method for bonding and sealing the entire surface of the package using hot melt adhesive. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is a risk that the encapsulant may be over-compressed and may protrude from the adhesive area. I did. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a storage container, wherein the sealing portion includes a first sealing portion formed in a recessed shape of the first casing member such that a part of the second casing member fits into the recessed shape, and a second sealing portion formed in a stepped shape formed by two intersecting surfaces of the first casing member such that two surfaces of the second casing member face the two intersecting surfaces, respectively. Department and The present invention is characterized in that it has the following features. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the protrusion of the sealing material. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is an enlarged explanatory view of one of the four image forming units. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of developer in the longitudinal direction within the developing device. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of one longitudinal end side of the lower developing case as viewed from above. [Figure 10] An enlarged view of the area surrounded by the dashed line in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Cross section taken along CC in Figure 10 . [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing how the upper developer case is positioned and fixed to the lower developer case. [Figure 13] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 9 when the upper developer case is positioned in the lower developer case. [Figure 14] 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the area indicated by dashed line B in FIG. 8 when the upper developer case is positioned in the lower developer case. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing how the developing cover is positioned and fixed to the developing upper case. [Figure 16] 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the position of the dashed line γ in FIG. 8 when the developing cover is positioned on the developing upper case. [Figure 17] 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the position of the dashed line β in FIG. 8 when the developing cover is positioned on the developing upper case. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, a tandem type color copier (hereinafter, a copier) is used as an image forming apparatus to which the present invention can be applied. An embodiment of the device 500 will be described.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a copying machine 500. The copying machine 500 includes a main body of an image forming apparatus and The document reading section 4 and the document transport section 3 are provided above the printer section 100 as the document reading section. The document feeder 7 is disposed below the document feeder 00. The document feeder 3 feeds the document to the document reader 4, and the document is read. The input unit 4 reads the image information of the original that has been conveyed. The paper feed unit 7 feeds the transfer paper, which is a recording medium. A paper feed cassette 26 in which P is stored, and the transfer paper P in the paper feed cassette 26 is fed to the printer unit 100 The transfer roller 27 in the copying machine 500 is provided. The transport path of the paper P is shown.

[0010] The upper portion of the printer section 100 is a paper output tray 3 on which transfer paper P on which an output image is formed is stacked. 0. The printer unit 100 prints each color (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) Four imaging units 6 (Y, M, C, K) as an imaging section for forming a toner image of the intermediate The image forming units 6 (Y, M, C, K) are each provided with a transfer unit 10. A drum-shaped photoconductor 1 (Y, M, C, K) as an image carrier, and each photoconductor 1 A developing device 5 (Y, M, C, K).

[0011] The intermediate transfer unit 10 includes an intermediate transfer belt 8 and a primary transfer bias roller 9 (Y, M, C The intermediate transfer belt 8 is formed on the surface of each photoconductor 1 (Y, M, C, K). The toner images of each color are transferred onto the intermediate transfer body, forming a color toner image on the surface. In addition, the primary transfer bias rollers 9 (Y, M, C, K) are , K) to the intermediate transfer belt 8. .

[0012] The printer unit 100 transfers the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 8 onto the transfer paper P. The secondary transfer bias roller 19 is provided for transferring the paper fed by the paper feed roller 27. The transfer paper P is transferred to the secondary transfer nip where the intermediate transfer belt 8 and the secondary transfer bias roller 19 face each other. The printer unit 1 further includes a pair of registration rollers 28 for adjusting the timing of conveying the sheet to the printer unit 1. 00 is a fixing device 20 that fixes an unfixed toner image on a transfer paper P above the secondary transfer nip. Prepare.

[0013] Below the paper discharge tray 30 in the printer section 100 and above the intermediate transfer unit 10, , the toner containers 11 (Y, M, C, K) of the respective colors are arranged. Y, M, C, K) are the colors (yellow, magenta, yellow ... magenta, yellow, magenta, magenta, magenta, magenta, magenta, magenta, magenta, magenta, magenta It contains three toner cartridges (color, cyan, and black).

[0014] FIG. 2 shows one of the four image forming units 6 (Y, M, C, K) to which the present invention can be applied. The four imaging units 6 (Y, M, C, K) are used in the imaging process. The configuration and operation are almost the same except for the color of the toner used. In the following description, the symbols Y, M, C, and K indicating the corresponding colors will be omitted as appropriate.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 6 is a plate that integrally supports the photoconductor 1 and the developing device 5. This process cartridge is for the main body of the copier 500. The image forming unit 6 is equipped with a developing device 5 around the photoconductor 1, The photoconductor cleaning device 2, the lubricant application device 41, and the charging device 40 are included. In the image forming unit 6 of the embodiment, the photoconductor cleaning device 2 includes a cleaning blade 2a The charging device 40 is configured to be charged by a charging roller 40a. This is the configuration.

[0016] The operation of the copying machine 500 of this embodiment during normal color image formation will be described below. do.

[0017] First, with the document set on the document table of the document transport unit 3, the start button is pressed. The document is conveyed from the document table by the conveying rollers of the document conveying unit 3 and read by the document reading unit 4. Then, the document is read by the document reader 4. The image information of the document is optically read.

[0018] In detail, the document reading unit 4 reads the image of the document on the contact glass from an illumination lamp. The light reflected by the document is then guided to the mirror group and the laser. The color image information of the document is reflected by the color sensor through the lens. After each GB (red, green, blue) color separation is read, an electrical image signal is generated. Furthermore, the image processing unit performs color conversion processing based on the RGB color separation image signal. , color correction processing, spatial frequency correction processing, etc., are performed to produce yellow, magenta, cyan, Obtain black color image information.

[0019] Then, the image information for each color, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, is sent to the writing section. Then, the laser light L based on the image information of each color is emitted from the writing unit, The light is emitted onto the corresponding photoconductor 1 (Y, M, C, K).

[0020] On the other hand, the four photoconductors 1 (Y, M, C, K) are rotated in a clockwise direction in FIG. First, the surface of the photoconductor 1 (Y, M, C, K) is charged by the charging device 40. The photoconductor 1 is uniformly charged at the portion facing the charging roller 40a (charging step). The surfaces of the (Y, M, C, K) are charged to a charged potential. , C, K) surface reaches the irradiation position of the laser light L.

[0021] In the writing section, laser light L corresponding to the image signal is emitted from four light sources corresponding to each color. Each laser beam L is emitted for each color component: yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. The light passes through a separate optical path and is irradiated onto the surface of each photoconductor 1 (Y, M, C, K) (exposure process). ).

[0022] The laser light L corresponding to the yellow component is the first yellow-sensitive photodiode from the left side of the paper in FIG. At this time, the yellow laser light L is irradiated onto the surface of the body 1Y. The yellow photoconductor 1Y is scanned in the direction of the rotation axis (main scanning direction) by the scanning mirror. After being charged by the charging device 40, the surface of the yellow photoconductor 1Y is charged with yellow toner. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the component is formed.

[0023] Similarly, the laser light L corresponding to the magenta component is the second magenta component from the left in FIG. The surface of the photoconductor 1M is irradiated with light, forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the magenta component. The laser light L of the component is irradiated onto the surface of the cyan photoconductor 1C, which is the third from the left in FIG. The black component laser light L is directed from the left side of the paper in FIG. Then, the fourth photoconductor 1K is irradiated with the black component, forming an electrostatic latent image. do.

[0024] After that, the surface of the photoconductor 1 (Y, M, C, K) on which the electrostatic latent images of each color are formed is The developing device 5 then receives the developer, which is made up of the toner of each color and the carrier. The developing device 5 (Y, M, C, K) receives the toner of each color and applies it to the surface of the photoconductor 1 (Y, M, C, K). Toner is supplied to develop the latent image on the photoconductor 1 (Y, M, C, K) (developing process).

[0025] After passing through the area facing the developing device 5, the surfaces of the photoconductors 1 (Y, M, C, K) are respectively as follows: The rollers 14 and 15 reach the intermediate transfer belt 8. At this point, the intermediate transfer belt 8 is The primary transfer bias rollers 9 (Y, M, C, K) are disposed so as to contact the inner peripheral surface of the rollers 8. The intermediate transfer belt 8 is sandwiched between the photoconductor 1 (Y, M, C, K) and the primary transfer bias roller. The primary transfer nip is formed by facing the rollers 9 (Y, M, C, K). At the primary transfer nip, the toner images of each color formed on each photoconductor 1 (Y, M, C, K) are transferred to the The images are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 in a sequentially overlapping manner (primary transfer process).

[0026] After passing through the primary transfer nip, the surface of the photoconductor 1 is cleaned by a photoconductor cleaning device 2. Then, at the position facing the photoconductor cleaning device 2, the photoconductor 1 is The untransferred toner remaining on the transfer roller 2 is scraped off and collected by the cleaning blade 2a. Photoconductor cleaning process).

[0027] The surface of the photoconductor 1 that has passed the area facing the photoconductor cleaning device 2 passes through a charge removing section. The residual charge is removed, the series of image forming processes on the photoconductor 1 is completed, and the photoconductor 1 is ready for the next image forming operation. can.

[0028] Meanwhile, the toner images of each color on the four photoconductors 1 (Y, M, C, K) are transferred and superimposed, The intermediate transfer belt 8 carrying the toner image moves counterclockwise in FIG. The transfer roller 19 reaches the secondary transfer nip, which is a position facing the bias roller 19 .

[0029] Also, the transfer paper P is fed from a paper feed cassette 26 by a paper feed roller 27. The copy paper P passes through the conveying guide and is guided to the pair of registration rollers 28. The transfer paper P that hits the registration roller pair 28 is conveyed to the intermediate transfer roller pair 29 and stops. The color toner image formed on the transfer belt 8 is transferred to the secondary transfer nip at the same time. The sheet is then transported toward the secondary transfer nip.

[0030] Then, the color toner image carried on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is transferred to the transfer paper P It is then transferred onto the image (secondary transfer process).

[0031] The surface of the intermediate transfer belt 8 that has passed through the secondary transfer nip is cleaned by an intermediate transfer belt cleaning device. At this opposing portion, the transfer residual toner adhering to the intermediate transfer belt 8 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 8. The transfer belt cleaning device collects the toner particles, and the transfer process on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is completed. The process ends.

[0032] The waste toner scraped off from the surface of the photoconductor 1 by the cleaning blade 2a is collected. The toner is collected in a waste toner container through a collection toner transport path. The cleaning device scrapes off the waste toner and process components from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 8. The waste toner of the control pattern image also passes through the collected toner transport path and is transported to the waste toner container. To be contained.

[0033] The transfer paper P onto which the color toner image has been transferred in the secondary transfer nip is guided to a fixing device 20 . In the fixing device 20, heat and pressure are applied to the fixing nip formed by the fixing roller and the pressure roller. The color image is fixed onto the transfer paper P by pressure.

[0034] The transfer paper P that has passed through the fixing device 20 is discharged from the printer unit 100 by a pair of paper discharge rollers 25. The output image is discharged to the output tray 30 and stacked thereon, and a series of image forming processes are carried out. The process is completed.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a developing device 5 to which the present invention can be applied, and FIG. FIG.

[0036] The developing device 5 includes a lower developing case 58a, an upper developing case 58b, and a developing cover 58c. The casing 58 is a developer container having an internal space for storing the developer. In addition, inside the casing 58, a developer carrying member facing the photoconductor 1 is provided. An image roller 50, a supply screw 53 which is a supply conveying member, and a recovery screw which is a recovery conveying member. 54, a doctor blade 52 which is a developer regulating member, and a partition plate 57. The screw 53 and the recovery screw 54 are screw members each having a spiral blade on a rotating shaft. By rotating, the developer is transported in an axial direction parallel to the axis of rotation. The blade 52 is disposed between the doctor portion facing the developing roller 50 and the developing area to prevent toner scattering. A development zone entrance seal may be provided to allow for the development of the image.

[0037] In the space within the casing of the developing device 5, the supply conveying path 5 in which the supply screw 53 is arranged A partition plate 57 separates the recovery screw 54 from the recovery conveying path 54a. The partition plate 57 is generally divided into two parts. The end of the developing roller 50 in the cross section is disposed in close proximity to the surface of the developing roller 50. The partition plate also functions as a separation plate for facilitating the separation of the developer G from the surface of the developing roller 50. The developing roller 50 is supported by the developing member 57, which functions as a separator plate. The developer G is prevented from reaching the supply conveying path 53a and directed toward the recovery conveying path 54a. G can be moved smoothly.

[0038] The developing roller 50 includes a magnet roller 55 having a plurality of magnets fixed inside, and a magnet The developing sleeve 51 rotates around the net roller 55. Reference numeral 1 denotes a cylindrical member made of a rotatable non-magnetic material, which contains a magnet roller 55. The magnet roller 55 of this embodiment has a plurality of magnetic poles, which are a first magnetic pole P1 (N pole), Second magnetic pole P2 (S pole), third magnetic pole P3 (N pole), fourth magnetic pole P4 (N pole), and fifth magnetic pole In addition, P1 to P5 in FIG. 3 are the magnetic poles. The magnetic flux density (absolute value) in the normal direction on the surface of the developing sleeve 51 of the magnetic field formed by The distribution is shown.

[0039] In the developing device 5, a two-component developer G (containing additives, etc.) consisting of a toner and a carrier is mixed. The developer G is stored in the developing sleeve 51 in the longitudinal direction (the axis of the developing sleeve 51). The developer conveying member conveys the developer in the direction (the direction) to form a circulation path. The developing device 5 includes a supply screw 53 and a recovery screw 54. are arranged vertically, and a partition plate is arranged between the supply screw 53 and the recovery screw 54. The supply conveying path 53a and the recovery conveying path 54a are formed by the passage 57.

[0040] In addition, the developing sleeve 51 is disposed in a developing area where the photoconductor 1 faces the developing sleeve 51. The toner is carried on the surface of the developing sleeve 51 on the upstream side of the surface movement direction of the developing sleeve 51 and heads toward the developing area. A doctor blade 52 for regulating the amount of developer is disposed below the developing roller 50 .

[0041] Since the developing device 5 uses a two-component developer G, the toner in the developing device 5 is consumed. Depending on the cost, toner is appropriately supplied into the developing device 5 from a toner supply port 59 provided in a part of the developing device. Na is replenished.

[0042] Here, the supply of new toner to the developing device 5 will be described. The new toner is fed to the copying machine 500 by a toner supply device located at the rear of the copying machine 500 in FIG. The toner stored in the toner hopper is replenished to the toner hopper. The toner concentration in the developing device 5 is detected by a toner concentration detection means disposed in the developing device 5. If it is determined that the toner supply amount is low, the toner supply screw in the toner hopper is rotated. The toner supply screw is rotated for a time calculated using a predetermined conversion formula to supply an appropriate amount of toner. The toner is supplied from the toner hopper to the toner supply port 59 of the developing device 5.

[0043] A toner detection sensor is installed in the toner hopper, and this toner detection sensor detects When it is detected that there is no toner at the detection position, the control unit requests the toner supply device to supply toner. Request.

[0044] In response to this request, the toner supply device supplies toner to the toner hopper, and the toner is detected. When the toner sensor detects that there is toner at the detection position, the toner supply device On the other hand, even if the control unit requests the toner supply device to supply toner for a predetermined period of time, When the toner detection sensor in the toner hopper does not detect the presence of toner at the detection position The control unit determines that there is no toner in the toner container 11. It is possible to detect when the toner is exhausted.

[0045] The toner supplied from the toner supply port 59 is mixed with the developer G in the developing device 5. The material is stirred and mixed while being transported by the recovery screw 54 and the supply screw 53, which are transport members. In this way, the developer G that has been stirred and mixed by the developer transport member is partially The toner is supplied to the surface of the developing sleeve 51, which is a developer carrier, and is carried on the surface. The developer G carried on the surface of the sleeve 51 is transferred to a developing roller disposed below the developing sleeve 51. After being regulated to an appropriate amount by the tab blade 52, the toner reaches the development zone. The toner in the developer G on the surface of the image sleeve 51 adheres to the latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor 1, and is developed. The developing roller 50 is provided with a plurality of magnets fixed inside the developing sleeve 51. There is a magnet roller 55, which is disposed around the developing sleeve 51. It has a plurality of magnetic poles (P1 to P5) that form a magnetic field.

[0046] In the developing device 5 of this embodiment, a toner mainly composed of polyester resin (average particle size 5 0.8[μm]) and magnetic fine particle carrier (average particle size 35[μm]) are mixed at a toner concentration of The developer G is filled with 300g of developer G, which is mixed uniformly so that the developer content is 7wt%. The supply screw 53 and the recovery screw 54 arranged in parallel are rotated at 600 [rpm]. By this, the developer G is transported and new toner is supplied from the toner supply port 59. At the same time, stirring is performed to uniformly mix the toner and carrier and to impart an electric charge to the toner and carrier.

[0047] The developer G is uniformly mixed by a supply screw provided in parallel to the developing sleeve 51. 53, the developing sleeve 51 is conveyed in the longitudinal direction by the magnet roller 54. The toner is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 51 by the magnetic force of the fifth magnetic pole P5 of the developing roller 55. The developer G transferred to the surface of the sleeve 51 is rotated as shown by the arrow in FIG. The developing area is reached by rotating counterclockwise. When a voltage is applied to the sleeve 51, the developing sleeve 51 and the photoconductor 1 are in the developing area. A developing electric field is formed between the photoconductor 1 and the latent image on the surface of the photoconductor 1. The toner in the developer G on the surface of the sleeve 51 is supplied, and the latent image on the photoreceptor 1 is developed. .

[0048] The developer G on the surface of the developing sleeve 51 after passing through the developing area is As the toner rotates, it is collected in a collection path 54a in the developing device 5. The developer G that has been separated from the surface of the developing sleeve 51 falls onto the upper surface of the partition plate 57 and slides thereon. The waste falls and is collected by the collection screw 54.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the developer G in the longitudinal direction within the developing device 5. The white arrows indicate the flow of developer G within the developing device 5.

[0050] The partition plate 57 (see FIG. 4) is provided at both ends of the developing device 5 in the longitudinal direction to separate the supply and transport path 53a and the recovery path 53b. The supply passage 54a has openings 71 and 72 communicating with the supply passage 54a. The developer G that has reached the downstream end of the supply screw 53 in the supply conveying path 53a in the conveying direction is The agent is transferred to the recovery and transport path 54a through the agent lifting port 72, which is one of the openings provided in the cutting plate 57. On the other hand, the recovery screw 5 in the recovery conveying path 54a is delivered to the upstream end of the recovery screw 5 The developer G that has reached the downstream end of the conveying direction of the developer conveyor 4 passes through an opening in the partition plate 57. The developer passes through the developer drop port 71 and is delivered to the upstream end of the supply and conveyance path 53a in the conveyance direction.

[0051] In FIG. 5, for the sake of convenience of illustrating the supply and recovery of the developer G to the developing sleeve 51, The transport path 53a and the recovery transport path 54a are depicted as having a certain distance between them. However, the supply conveying path 53a and the recovery conveying path 54a are separated by a plate-shaped partition plate as shown in FIG. 57, and the openings thereof, that is, the agent lifting port 72 and the agent dropping port 71, are plate-shaped. It is a through hole that penetrates the partition plate 57 from the front to the back.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 5, the developer in the supply conveying path 53a located below the recovery conveying path 54a G is the feed screw 53 along the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the feed screw 53. The developer G in the supply conveying path 53a is conveyed toward the left side of the supply screw 53. While the powder is being transported to the pump, the rotation of the supply screw 53 and the magnetic force of the fifth magnetic pole P5 acting as a pumping magnetic pole A certain amount of the developer is pumped up onto the surface of the developing sleeve 51. After being pumped up by the developing roller 51 and passing through the developing area, the developer G on the surface of the developing sleeve 51 is mixed with the neighboring The magnetic pole P3 and the magnetic pole P4 are the same polarity (N pole) and are arranged in a magnetic field. Then, the agent is released by the magnetic force of the magnetic pole and the separation of the partition plate 57. By acting as a plate, the toner particles are separated from the surface of the developing sleeve 51 and fed to a recovery transport path 54a will be sent inside.

[0053] The recovery screw 54 in the recovery conveying path 54a located above the supply conveying path 53a The developer G separated from the developing sleeve 51 at the position of the magnetic pole is collected by the recovery screw 54 in the axial direction ( The sheet is conveyed in the longitudinal direction along the feeding screw 53 (opposite to the conveying direction by the feeding screw 53).

[0054] The downstream end of the supply conveying path 53a, which is the conveying path of the supply screw 53, and the The upstream end of the recovery conveying path 54a, which is the conveying path of the collecting screw 54, is The toner is pumped up from the supply path 53a to the developing roller 50 through the outlet 72. The developer G that reaches the downstream end of the supply / transport path 53a in the transport direction remains at that position. The developer G is pushed up by the developer G transported later, and the developer G is transported along the recovery transport path 54a in the transport direction. The flow end is reached.

[0055] A toner supply port 59 is provided at the upstream end of the recovery transport path 54a in the transport direction. New toner is supplied from the toner container 11 through the toner replenishing device and the toner hopper. The supply passage 53a is connected to the upstream end of the supply passage 53a in the conveying direction and the recovery passage 53b in the conveying direction. The developer collecting passage 54 communicates with the downstream end of the developer collecting passage 54a in the conveying direction through a developer dropping port 71. The developer G that has reached the downstream end of the transport path 54a in the transport direction falls through the developer drop port 71 by its own weight. The sheet is delivered to the upstream end of the supply / conveyance path 53a in the conveying direction.

[0056] The developer G is transferred from the downstream end of the supply conveyance path 53a in the conveyance direction to the recovery conveyance path 54a. The collected waste paper is then transferred from the downstream end of the recovery transport path 54a to the supply transport path 53a. As a result, the developer G circulates within the developing device 5 .

[0057] In the supply conveying path 53a, the developer G is conveyed to the supply screw 53 and then to the developing roller 50. Because the developer G is pumped up, the amount of the developer G decreases toward the downstream side in the transport direction.

[0058] In the recovery transport path 54a, the recovery screw 54 transports the toner supplied from the toner supply port 59. The new toner and developer G are conveyed while being agitated. The developer G that has been separated from the surface of the developing sleeve 51 after passing through the developing area is collected by the collection slit. Since the developer G is transported by the crusher 54, the developer G in the recovery transport path 54a flows downstream in the transport direction. The rate increases as the

[0059] Also, below the supply screw 53 in the supply conveying path 53a or in the recovery conveying path 54a A toner concentration sensor, which is a toner concentration detection means, is disposed below the collection screw 54. The toner concentration in the developing device 5 is measured at any time by the toner concentration sensor. Based on the results, the control unit controls the toner hopper so that the toner concentration remains within the appropriate value. .

[0060] As described above, the developing device 5 has a supply screw 53 and a recovery screw 54, which are arranged in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. At the same time, the magnetic field of the magnetic roller 55 contained in the developing sleeve 51 The developing sleeve 51 is attracted to the photoconductor 1 by the suction force. By rotating at a predetermined speed ratio, developer G is continuously pumped up and supplied to the development area. The developer G is separated from the developing sleeve 51 by the third magnetic pole P3 and the fourth magnetic pole P4. This is done by forming a repulsive magnetic force at the magnetic poles. The developer G transported to the section where the magnetic force is formed moves in the normal direction and the tangential direction of rotation at the developer release magnetic pole. and then falls by its own weight onto the partition plate 57 and is collected.

[0061] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the casing 58 of the developing device 5. As shown in FIG.

[0062] The casing 58 is made up of a lower developer case 58a, an upper developer case 58b, and a developer cover 58c. The upper developer case 58b is positioned in the lower developer case 58a. The developing cover 58c is fixed to the lower developing case 58a by adhesive 200, which is a sealing material. 201 as a sealant. is fixed at b.

[0063] The developing lower case 58a has a supply conveying path 53a and extends in the longitudinal direction (axial direction). A base portion 250a that forms the bottom of the gasket 58, and a pair of support members 250a are provided at both ends of the base portion 250a in the longitudinal direction. The casing 58 has a side wall portion 250b that is perpendicular to the axial direction and forms a side wall of the casing 58. The toner supply port 59 is provided on one side of the sidewall 250 (the left side in the figure). At the upper front end of b (the rear end in the drawing: the developing roller arrangement side), there is a case of the developing upper case 58b. A case positioning groove 161 into which the main positioning protrusion 171 fits is provided near the center of the upper part. The case positioning hole 172 of the upper developing case 58b is inserted into the case positioning hole 172. 62 is provided.

[0064] In addition, on the inner wall surfaces of the side wall portions 250b, a sponge seal 140 ( A flat seal mounting surface 110 is provided on which a seal (see FIG. 9) is attached. A concave-shaped application groove 101a in the lower case as an application portion in which adhesive 200 as a stopper is applied. is provided so as to be continuous with this seal mounting surface 110.

[0065] Both ends in the longitudinal direction of the rear side of the base portion 250a (the front side in the figure: the side opposite to the side where the developing roller is disposed) The adhesive 200 is applied to the lower case application surface 101c of the lower case. The groove 101a is connected to the lower case coating surface 101c. In this way, the back surface of the base portion 250a is provided with a stepped portion as an application portion where the adhesive 200 is applied. The lower case step coating portion 101b is provided with a step shape. It is a shape composed of two adjacent faces, with one face located at the end of the other face.

[0066] In this manner, in this embodiment, the lower case coating groove 101a, the lower case coating surface 101c, and The lower case step coating portion 101b and the lower case step coating portion 101c are formed so as to be continuous. The adhesive 200 is continuous and is applied to the lower case application groove 101a, the lower case application surface 101c, and the This allows the developer to be applied to the upper developer case 58 and the lower case stepped coating portion 101b. The gap between the lower developing case and the lower developing case can be effectively sealed with the adhesive 200. The lower case coating groove 101a, the lower case coating surface 101c, and the lower case step coating portion 101 b are formed in a continuous manner, so that the lower case application groove 101a and the lower case application groove 101b can be formed in one application operation. Applying adhesive 200 to the case application surface 101c and the lower case step application portion 101b This makes it possible to easily carry out automatic coating by machine.

[0067] The upper developing case 58b has a rear wall portion 251a extending in the longitudinal direction and a The rear wall 251 has an inner side wall 251b provided at the end of the rear wall 251 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A partition plate 57 is provided at a to separate the supply transport path 53a from the recovery transport path 54a. .

[0068] The inner side walls 251b of the upper developer case 58b are coated with the lower case coating 58a. The upper case bonding protrusion as a bonding part that is inserted into the groove 101a and bonded with the adhesive 200 120a, and a sealing protrusion 111 that contacts and seals with the sponge seal 140. do.

[0069] In addition, the front end of each of the inner side walls 251b is provided with a case main positioning projection 1 extending outward. 71, and near the top center, there is a case secondary positioning projection 172 extending outward. The front end of each of the inner side walls 251b is provided with a cover 58c for the developing device. The cover positioning groove 173 into which the bar main positioning protrusion 181 fits is provided. The rear end surface of the side wall portion 251b is provided with a cover positioning reference for the positioning of the developing cover 58c. A cover positioning projection 174 is provided for hooking a positioning hook portion 182 thereon.

[0070] In addition, an adhesive 201 is applied to the inner wall surfaces of both inner sidewall portions 251b as a sealing material. The upper case is provided with a concave coating groove 131a as a coating portion. The rear wall 251a of the upper case 58b is provided with an adhesive 201. The surface 131b is provided so as to be continuous with the upper case application groove 131a.

[0071] The upper case 58b also has an upper case coating groove 131a for bonding the developing cover 58c. Since the upper case application surface 131b is formed so as to be continuous with the upper case application surface 131b, the adhesive 201 can be continuously applied. This allows the adhesive to be applied to the upper case application groove 131a and the upper case application surface 131b. As a result, the gap between the upper developing case 58b and the developing cover 58c is well sealed with the adhesive 201. In addition, the upper case coating groove 131a and the upper case coating surface 131 can be coated with the coating agent in one coating operation. b) and the adhesive 201 can be applied to the substrate 202, and automatic application by a machine can be easily performed. This can be done.

[0072] In addition, the rear wall portion 251a is provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction with a lower case coating surface 1 The upper case adhesive surface portion 120 as an adhesive portion that faces the upper case 01c and is adhered by the adhesive 200 c is provided.

[0073] In addition, the rear wall portion 251a is provided with a lower case step coating portion 101b of the lower developing case 58a. The step-shaped upper case step bonding portion 12 is bonded with the adhesive 200. 0b (see FIGS. 12 and 14) on its inner wall surface.

[0074] The developing cover 58c is provided with a cover base portion 252 which forms the upper wall portion of the casing 58. At both longitudinal end faces of the cover base portion 252, there are protruding portions for the upper developing case 251. 58b and is bonded with the adhesive 201. The cover base portion 252 is provided with a cover bonding protrusion 151a extending in the longitudinal direction. The front end of each end face is provided with a cover main positioning projection 181, and the rear end is provided with a cover main positioning projection 182. A cover positioning hook portion 182 is provided.

[0075] The cover base portion 252 has a rear end portion extending downward and a top portion of the upper developing case 58b. The cover joint as the adhesive part which is bonded by the adhesive 201 facing the case coating surface 131b. A landing portion 151b is provided.

[0076] Adhesive 200 as a sealant applied to the lower developer case 58a and the upper developer case 58b, 201 is a material that has the property of being fluid during the bonding process and hardening (solidifying) later. In addition, it is preferable that the adhesive has a certain degree of viscosity during the bonding process. By using this, it is possible to prevent the adhesive from flowing off the application area during the adhesive work. For example, when applying adhesive, the adhesive is heated to a high temperature and applied in a molten state, and then cooled. Hot melt adhesives are adhesives that harden and bond, while UV curing adhesives are adhesives that harden when exposed to ultraviolet light. Mold adhesives, thermosetting adhesives that harden when heated, and adhesives that harden when the solvent components evaporate. Use a solvent-evaporating adhesive or a moisture-curing adhesive that hardens by reacting with moisture in the air. can be done.

[0077] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the lower developing case 58a.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 7, the upper case of the upper developer case 58b is disposed near the lower case coating surface 101c. The position of the upper case adhesive surface portion 120c is restricted by a positioning rule. The first case abutment protrusion 102a is provided as a control part. The outer edge of the lower case 101c is provided with a dam to hold back the adhesive 200 applied to the lower case application surface 101c. In addition, a blocking wall portion 102c is provided to prevent the liquid from leaking out.

[0079] In addition, in the vicinity of the lower side of the lower case step coating portion 101b, the rear wall portion 2 of the upper development case 58b 51a, and determines the position of the upper case step adhesive portion 120b (see FIG. 12 and FIG. 14). The second case abutment protrusion 102b is also provided as a position regulating portion for restricting the position of the second case. An inclined surface 103a is formed on the upper side of the case step coating portion 101b, the inclined surface 103a being inclined toward the inside. It is being done.

[0080] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of the upper developing case 58b.

[0081] As shown in the figure, the upper end of the upper case coating surface 131b is provided with a cover adhesive surface of the developing cover 58c. 151b and serves as a position regulating portion that regulates the position of the cover adhesive surface portion 151b. The cover abutment protrusion 132b is also provided at the lower end of the upper case application surface 131b. The cover adhesive surface portion 151 is located at a position one step higher than the upper case application surface 131b. b as a position regulating portion that regulates the position of the cover adhesive surface portion 151b. An abutment surface 132c is provided.

[0082] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of one end side in the longitudinal direction of the lower developing case 58a as viewed from above. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. do.

[0083] A sponge seal 140 as a sealing member is attached to the seal attachment surface 1 by double-sided tape or the like. 10. On the opposite side of the sponge seal 140 to the developing roller 50 side, The outer side in the hand direction has a notch-shaped portion 140a. The developing roller side of the developing roller 50 is in contact with the surface of the developing roller 50, and the developing roller 50 has a hole through which the shaft of the developing roller 50 passes. is sealed.

[0084] The adhesive 200 is applied to the notched portion of the notched portion 140a of the sponge seal 140. The adhesive is applied so as to come into contact with the sponge seal 140. The cutout portion 140a of the sponge seal 140 is located inside the application groove 101a of the lower case. The cutout portion 140a is a part of the side wall, and the cutout portion 140a is a cutout portion of the sponge seal 140. This has the function of blocking the adhesive 200 applied to the chipped area from flowing out to the inside. In this way, the sponge seal 140 is inserted into the notched portion of the notched portion 140a. By applying the adhesive 200, the sponge seal 140 and the adhesive 200 form a gap. Therefore, the developer upper case 58b can be sealed without any trouble, and leakage of the developer can be effectively suppressed. This can be done.

[0085] In addition, the tip portion T of the cutout portion 140a is aligned with the inner side wall of the lower case application groove 101a. The sponge seal 140 is disposed so as to bite into the end face, and as shown in FIG. The tip portion T of the notch 140a is aligned with the end face H of the inner side wall of the lower case application groove 101a. The inner side wall is attached to the end face H in a curved state. The sponge seal 140 is brought into contact with the end face H of the inner side wall of the lower case application groove 101a. The adhesive 200 applied to the notched portion of the sponge seal 140 is The liquid flows inward from a gap between the tip of the portion 140a and the end face H of the inner side wall of the lower case application groove 101a. This can prevent the liquid from leaking out.

[0086] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing how the upper developer case 58b is positioned and fixed to the lower developer case 58a. FIG.

[0087] First, the case main positioning projection 171 of the upper developing case 58b is aligned with the case of the lower developing case 58a. Then, the case is fitted into the base positioning groove 161. Next, the case is rotated so that the case main positioning projection 171 is used as a fulcrum. The developer upper case 58b is rotated clockwise in the drawing to move the case secondary positioning projection 172 to the developer lower case. The developer upper case 58b is fitted into the case positioning hole 162 of the case 58a. It is positioned relative to the lower developing case 58a.

[0088] FIG. 13 shows the state A of FIG. 9 when the upper developer case 58b is positioned in the lower developer case 58a. -A schematic cross-sectional view.

[0089] When the upper developer case 58b is positioned in the lower developer case 58a, the upper developer case 58b The upper case adhesive protrusion 120a of the lower case 58a is inserted into the lower case coating groove 101a of the lower case 58a. The tip of the upper case adhesive protrusion 120a contacts the adhesive 2 applied to the lower case application groove 101a. 00. As a result, the upper case adhesive protrusion 120a is fitted into the lower case application groove 101a. It is glued and sealed.

[0090] In addition, the upper case adhesive protrusion 120a fits into the lower case application groove 101a, The adhesive 200 applied to the adhesive groove 101a is crushed by the upper case adhesive protrusion 120a. However, in this embodiment, the upper developer case 58b is located in the lower developer case 58a. This determines the position of the upper developer case 58b relative to the lower developer case 58a. As a result, the tip of the upper case adhesive protrusion 120a is spaced from the bottom surface of the lower case application groove 101a by a distance The position is restricted at the Z1 distance and it does not move any further toward the bottom side. A predetermined gap is formed between the base adhesive protrusion 120a and the lower case application groove 101a. The position between the upper developer case 58b and the lower developer case 58a is regulated by positioning. This prevents the adhesive 200 from being crushed more than necessary by the upper case adhesive protrusion 120a. This can prevent the adhesive 200 from leaking out of the lower case application groove 101a. It is possible.

[0091] In this manner, in this embodiment, the upper developer case 58b is positioned relative to the lower developer case 58a. The structure (the case main positioning projection 171 and the case secondary positioning projection 17 of the upper developing case 58b) 2. The developing lower case 58a is configured with a case positioning groove 161 and a case positioning hole 162. functions as a position restriction portion.

[0092] In this embodiment, the position between the upper developer case 58b and the lower developer case 58a is regulated. The positioning structure is such that the upper case bonding protrusion 120a and the lower case coating groove 101a are bonded to each other. As a result, the upper case adhesive protrusion 120a and the lower case coating groove 1 01a, the positional relationship can be determined with high precision, and the adhesive 200 is applied to the lower case application groove 101 It is possible to prevent leakage from a.

[0093] In this embodiment, the adhesion between the upper case adhesive protrusion 120a and the lower case application groove 101a Since the upper case is positioned on the outer side of the lower case, the upper case bonding protrusion 120a and the lower case are bonded well. The positional relationship with the adhesive application groove 101a can be precisely determined, and the adhesive 200 can be applied to the lower case application groove 101b. This can prevent leakage from the groove 101a.

[0094] In this embodiment, the secondary reference for positioning is the short-side direction (either the long-side direction or the up-down direction). The reference point for positioning is preferably located on the rear side. It is preferable to provide the upper case at the end of the short side. The attachment portion 120a is positioned outside the attachment portion of the lower case application groove 101a in the short side direction. The positional relationship between the upper case adhesive protrusion 120a and the lower case application groove 101a, and The positional relationship between the lower case step coating portion 101b and the upper case step adhesive portion 120b is determined with high accuracy. As a result, the upper case adhesive protrusion 120a and the lower case application groove 101a are and between the lower case step coating portion 101b and the upper case step adhesive portion 120b. This is preferable because it is possible to reliably secure the space (Z1 in FIG. 13 and α in FIG. 14).

[0095] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the inner surface of the lower case application groove 101a The upper side of the tapered surface 106 is the tapered surface 106. The volume of the coating groove 101a of the lower case can be increased compared to when the lower case does not have a palladium surface. As a result, the amount of adhesive 200 applied to the application groove 101a of the lower case is increased slightly from the specified amount. In addition, it is possible to prevent the adhesive 200 from leaking out of the lower case application groove 101a. .

[0096] FIG. 14 shows the broken line diagram of FIG. 7 when the upper developer case 58b is positioned relative to the lower developer case 58a. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the portion indicated by line α.

[0097] When the upper developer case 58b is positioned relative to the lower developer case 58a, the upper case step adhesive portion 1 20b presses and crushes the adhesive 200 applied to the lower case step application portion 101b to the upper case The step adhesive portion 120b is adhered to the lower case step coating portion 101b and sealed with adhesive 200. In addition, between the upper case step adhesive portion 120b and the lower case step coating portion 101b, In this state, the gap α is formed. b, and a case bonding surface portion having an upper case step bonding portion 120b on the inside of the upper development case 58b A gap β is formed between the inner wall surface of the 251c. The gap β is narrower than the gap α. It is.

[0098] The case bonding surface portion 251c of the upper developer case 58b is positioned relative to the lower developer case 58a. The case bonding surface portion 251c is a plate-like shape extending in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the rigidity in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the case bonding surface portion 251c is low. When the case adhesive surface portion 251c is pressed, the case adhesive surface portion 251c is attached to the lower case stepped coating portion 101. The upper case step adhesive portion 120b provided on the case adhesive surface portion 251c is deformed toward the b side. The adhesive 200 is excessively pressed down so that the adhesive 200 does not leak from the lower case stepped application portion 101b. There is a risk of it leaking out.

[0099] However, in this embodiment, the upper case is in contact with the case bonding surface portion 251c. The second case abutting protrusion 102b is provided as a position regulating portion for regulating the position of the contact portion 120b. As described above, the second case abutting protrusion 102b and the case bonding surface portion 251c The gap β between the inner wall surface of the lower case step coating portion 101b and the upper case step bonding portion 120b is Therefore, when the worker presses the case bonding surface portion 251c, the case When the adhesive surface portion 251c is deformed toward the lower case step application portion 101b, Before the adhesive portion 120b comes into contact with the lower case step coating portion 101b, the case adhesive surface portion 251c The lower case abuts against the second case abutment protrusion 102b, and the position is regulated. A predetermined gap (β-α) is maintained between the upper case step application portion 101b and the upper case step adhesive portion 120b. Prevents the adhesive 200 applied to the lower case stepped application portion 101b from being excessively crushed. , can be prevented.

[0100] In this way, a predetermined amount of adhesive is applied between the lower case step coating portion 101b and the upper case step adhesive portion 120b. The lower developer case 58a and the upper developer case 58b are arranged so that the gap (β-α) is formed (maintained). 58b by the second case abutment protrusion 102b, The adhesive 200 applied to the step application portion 101b of the lower case leaks from the step application portion 101b of the lower case. This can suppress the leakage of

[0101] In this embodiment, when the upper developer case 58b is positioned relative to the lower developer case 58a, The two case abutment protrusions 102b are not in contact with the inner wall surface of the case bonding surface portion 251c, When the upper developer case 58b is positioned relative to the lower developer case 58a, the second case abutment protrusion Alternatively, the portion 102b may be configured to come into contact with the inner wall surface of the case adhesive surface portion 251c.

[0102] However, when the upper developer case 58b is positioned relative to the lower developer case 58a, the second case It is preferable that the abutment protrusion 102b is not in contact with the inner wall surface of the case bonding surface portion 251c. This is because when the upper developer case 58b is positioned in the lower developer case 58a, the second case In the case where the abutting protrusion 102b is configured to come into contact with the inner wall surface of the case bonding surface portion 251c, When the second case abutment protrusion 102b becomes higher than the target height due to manufacturing errors, etc. The adhesive 2 applied to the lower case step application portion 101b is applied to the upper case step adhesive portion 120b. 00 could not be crushed to the desired amount, or the coating was applied to the lower case step coating portion 101b. This is because there is a risk of failure to come into contact with the adhesive 200, resulting in defective sealing.

[0103] In this embodiment, the lower case step coating portion 101b has an inwardly inclined inclined surface 103a By providing the inclined surface 103a in this manner, the lower case step coating portion 101b The volume of the space between the upper developer case 58b and the lower developer case 58a on the upper side can be increased. As a result, the adhesive 200 that has been crushed by the upper case step adhesive portion 120b is This can prevent the oil from leaking into the inside of the gasket.

[0104] In this embodiment, the second case abutting protrusion 102b blocks the adhesive 200. This also has the function of preventing the adhesive 200 from leaking out.

[0105] In addition, the upper developer case 58b is positioned relative to the lower developer case 58a, so that the lower case coating The adhesive 200 applied to the cloth surface 101c is pressed against the upper case adhesive surface portion 120c, The case adhesive surface portion 120c is adhered to the lower case coating surface 101c. 120c is a positioning portion for the lower developing case 58a, similar to the case adhesive surface portion 251c. When pressed, the upper case adhesive surface portion 120 is pushed toward the lower case coating surface 101c. As a result, the adhesive 200 applied to the application surface 101c of the lower case is excessively There is a risk of being crushed even more.

[0106] However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the vicinity of the coating surface 101c of the lower case The first case abutment protrusion 102a is provided on the upper developing case 58b. When the first case is positioned at the upper case bonding surface portion 158a, the first case abutment protrusion 102a is 20c with a gap therebetween. This gap is formed by the lower case coating surface 101c and the upper case adhesive surface portion Therefore, the distance between the upper case adhesive surface portion 120c and the upper case adhesive surface portion 120c is narrower than the distance between the upper case adhesive surface portion 120c and the upper case adhesive surface portion 120c. When pressed, the upper case adhesive surface portion 120c comes into contact with the lower case coating surface 101c before the first adhesive surface portion 120c comes into contact with the lower case coating surface 101c. The case abutment protrusion 102a abuts against the upper case adhesive surface portion 120c to regulate the position. As a result, a predetermined gap is formed between the lower case coating surface 101c and the upper case adhesive surface portion 120c. The adhesive 200 applied to the lower case step application portion 101b is excessively crushed. This can prevent the following:

[0107] In this way, a predetermined gap is formed between the lower case coating surface 101c and the upper case adhesive surface portion 120c. is formed (maintained) between the lower developer case 58a and the upper developer case 58b. By restricting the first case abutment protrusion 102a, the coating surface 101c of the lower case is The applied adhesive 200 is excessively pressed and leaks out from the application surface 101c of the lower case. can be prevented.

[0108] In addition, the first case abutting protrusion 102a is also the same as the second case abutting protrusion 102b. When the upper developer case 58b is positioned on the lower developer case 58a, the upper case adhesive surface portion 12 This prevents the second case from being bumped due to manufacturing errors. Even if the contact protrusion 102b is slightly higher than the target height, the case bonding surface portion 251c is kept within the specified range. The adhesive 200 applied to the lower case application surface 101c can be applied to the lower case application surface 101c. Can be crushed moderately.

[0109] In this embodiment, the first case abutting protrusion 102a blocks the adhesive 200. Therefore, the adhesive 200 can be prevented from leaking out to the inside.

[0110] In this embodiment, the case coating portion of the lower developing case 58a (the lower case coating groove 101a, the lower case The step coating portion 101b, the lower case coating surface 101c, and the case joint of the upper development case 58b The upper case bonding protrusion 120a, the upper case step bonding portion 120b, the upper case bonding surface portion 12 0c) are arranged so that a predetermined gap is formed between the lower developer case 58a and the upper developer case 58. b) 2. The first case abutment protrusion 102a and the second case abutment protrusion 102b are provided. Therefore, the adhesive 200 applied to the application portion of the case can be prevented from being excessively crushed. Therefore, leakage of the adhesive 200 can be suppressed.

[0111] In this embodiment, the position between the lower developer case 58a and the upper developer case 58b is regulated. The position regulation portion (case positioning groove 161 and case positioning hole 162, the first case abutment The protrusion 102a and the second case abutting protrusion 102b are fitted to the case application section (lower case application groove 1 The coating surface 101c of the lower case is provided near the lower case step coating portion 101a, the lower case step coating portion 101b, and the lower case coating surface 101c. As a result, the case application portion and the case adhesive portion (upper case adhesive protrusion 120a, upper case step adhesive The gap between the upper case adhesive surface portion 120b and the upper case adhesive surface portion 120c is precisely set to a predetermined value. It is possible.

[0112] In this embodiment, the upper developer case 58b is positioned relative to the lower developer case 58a. Then, each case bonding portion of the upper developing case 58b (upper case bonding protrusion 120a, upper case step bonding The upper case adhesive surface portion 120b and the upper case adhesive surface portion 120c can be reliably positioned at a predetermined position. This ensures that the adhesive portion of the upper case 58b (upper case adhesive protrusion 120a, The upper case step adhesive portion 120b and the upper case adhesive surface portion 120c are brought into contact with the adhesive 200. The gap between the upper developer case 58b and the lower developer case 58a can be sealed well with the adhesive 200. It can be stopped.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper developer case 58b is positioned relative to the lower developer case 58a. As a result, the upper developer case 58b can be easily moved in a direction to be removed from the lower developer case 58a. Therefore, the adhesive 200 is solidified and the upper developer case 58b and the lower developer case 58c are prevented from moving. The upper developer case 58b is connected to the lower developer case 58a until the bonding is completed. It is possible to suppress the relative movement in the direction away from a. The lower case 58b and the lower case 58a can be reliably bonded to each other, and sealing failure can be prevented. It can be suppressed.

[0114] In the above, the lower developing case 58a is provided with a position regulating portion (first case abutting protrusion 102a and The upper case 58b is provided with a position regulating portion. In addition, a coating portion for coating the adhesive 200 may be provided in the upper developing case 58b. The lower developing case 58a may be provided with an adhesive portion that is attached with an adhesive 200.

[0115] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing how the developing cover 58c is positioned and fixed to the developing upper case 58b. FIG.

[0116] The cover main positioning projection 181 (see FIG. 6) of the developing cover 58c is inserted into the developing upper case 58b. 6, the cover main positioning protrusion 181 is supported by fitting it into the cover positioning groove 173. Then, the cover positioning hook portion 182 is rotated clockwise in the figure. The developing cover 58c is hooked onto the positioning protrusion 174. As a result, the developing cover 58c is attached to the developing upper case 58b. It is positioned.

[0117] FIG. 16 shows a state where the developing cover 58c is positioned in the developing upper case 58b. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the dashed line γ.

[0118] When the developing cover 58c is positioned in the developing upper case 58b, the cover of the developing cover 58c is The adhesive protrusion 151a fits into the upper case coating groove 131a of the upper development case 58b, and the cover The tip of the adhesive protrusion 151a appropriately applies the adhesive 201 applied to the upper case application groove 131a. The cover adhesive protrusion 151a is adhered to and sealed in the upper case application groove 131a. do.

[0119] In this embodiment, the developing cover 58c is positioned on the developing upper case 58b. As a result, the position of the cover bonding protrusion 11 is restricted. The tip of 51a is positioned at a distance Z2 from the bottom surface of the upper case application groove 131a. Thus, the cover adhesive protrusion 151a and the upper case are prevented from moving further toward the bottom side. The developing cover 58c and the developing upper surface are fixed to each other so that a predetermined gap is formed between the developing cover 58c and the developing upper surface. By restricting the position between the cover 58b and the case 58b, the adhesive 201 adheres to the cover adhesive protrusion 151. a prevents the case from being crushed more than necessary, and the adhesive 201 adheres to the upper case coating. This can prevent leakage from the fabric groove 131a.

[0120] In this embodiment, the adhesive points between the cover adhesive protrusions 151a and the upper case application grooves 131a are The outer side of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction (the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction) The developing cover 58c and the developing upper case 58b are positioned on the outside of the developing unit 58 (the direction perpendicular to the rear surface). Furthermore, the proximity of the adhesive portion between the cover adhesive protrusion 151a and the upper case application groove 131a is The developing cover 58c and the developing upper case 58b are positioned in the vicinity. - The positional relationship between the adhesive protrusion 151a and the upper case application groove 131a can be determined with high precision, This can prevent the adhesive 201 from leaking out of the upper case application groove 131a. The positioning by the cover positioning protrusion 174 and the cover positioning hook portion 182 is The adhesive is applied to the longitudinal end of the upper case 131b and the cover 151b. This allows the positional relationship between the upper case application surface 131b and the cover 131c to be determined with high accuracy. A predetermined gap (X2 in FIG. 17) can be reliably secured between the bar bonding surface portion 151b and the bar bonding surface portion 151b. This makes it difficult for adhesive 201 to leak out from upper case application surface 131a.

[0121] In addition, the upper case application groove 131a is also tapered at the top, similarly to the lower case application groove 101a. The adhesive 201 is prevented from leaking out of the upper case application groove 131a. is.

[0122] FIG. 17 shows a state where the developing cover 58c is positioned in the developing upper case 58b at a point corresponding to the position shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along a dashed line β.

[0123] The developer cover 58c is positioned on the developer upper case 58b, so that the upper case coating surface 13 The adhesive 201 applied to the cover 1b is appropriately pressed against the cover adhesive surface portion 151b, and the adhesive 201 is adhered to the cover 1b. The adhesive surface portion 151b is adhered to the upper case application surface 131b.

[0124] The cover adhesive surface portion 151b is away from the positioning portion relative to the upper developing case 58b. 6, the cover adhesive surface portion 15 is long in the longitudinal direction and is therefore easily deformed. When the cover adhesive surface 151b is pressed toward the upper case coating surface 131b, the cover adhesive surface 151b is pressed against the upper case coating surface 131b. It moves to the side of the fabric surface 131b.

[0125] However, in this embodiment, the upper case coating surface 131b has cover abutment projections on the upper and lower sides. The cover abutment protrusion 132b and the cover abutment surface 132c are provided. b and the cover abutment surface 132c are from the upper case coating surface 131b to the cover adhesive surface portion 151b Therefore, the cover adhesive surface portion 151b is pressed against the upper case application surface 131b side. When the cover is moved to the position shown in FIG. 1, the cover adhesive surface portion 151b comes into contact with the cover abutment protrusion 132b. The position of the upper case application surface 131 is restricted by the contact with the upper case application surface 132c. A predetermined gap is provided between the upper case coating and the cover adhesive surface 151b. The adhesive 201 applied to the cloth surface 131b is excessively pressed and squeezed out of the upper case application surface 131b. This can prevent leakage from the container.

[0126] In addition, the cover abutment protrusions 132b and the cover 132a are provided above and below the upper case application surface 131b. The adhesive 201 adheres to the upper case due to the step between the abutting surface 132c and the upper case application surface 131b. This can prevent the upper case coating liquid from leaking out from the coating surface 131b. The adhesive 201 applied to the surface 131b of the upper case is prevented from leaking out from the application surface 131b of the upper case. Layers can be prevented.

[0127] In this embodiment, a predetermined gap is provided between the upper case coating surface 131b and the cover adhesive surface portion 151b. A position for regulating the position of the developing cover 58c and the developing upper case 58b so that a gap is formed. Although the regulating portion is provided on the upper developing case, it may be provided on the developing cover 58c.

[0128] In this embodiment, the developing cover 58c is positioned on the developing upper case 58b. The adhesive portions of the developing cover 58c (the cover adhesive protrusion 151a and the cover adhesive surface portion 151b) The coating portions of the upper case 58b (upper case coating groove 131a, upper case coating surface 131b ) and can be appropriately crushed. As a result, the gap between the developing cover 58c and the developing upper case 58b can be effectively sealed with the adhesive 201. This can be done.

[0129] Furthermore, the developing cover 58c is positioned on the developing upper case 58b. The developing case 58c is prevented from easily moving in a direction away from the developing case 58b. As a result, the adhesive 201 solidifies and adheres the upper developer case 58b and the developer cover 58c together. The developing cover 58c is rotated in a direction away from the developing upper case 58b until the completion of the above process. As a result, the developer upper case 58b and the developer cover 58c can be prevented from moving relative to each other. 58c can be reliably bonded, and the occurrence of defective sealing can be suppressed.

[0130] In addition, the developing cover 58c is positioned in the developing upper case 58b. 58c and the developing roller 50. The rotation of the developing roller 50 creates an appropriate suction airflow between the developing roller 50 and the developing cover 58c. This makes it possible to prevent the toner from scattering.

[0131] In addition, the coating portion of the upper case 58b (upper case coating groove 131a, upper case coating surface 131 b), a position regulating portion (a cover positioning groove 173) that regulates the position of the developing cover 58c is provided. and the cover positioning protrusion 174, the cover abutment protrusion 132b and the cover abutment surface 132c. ) is provided, so that the adhesive 201 applied to the upper developer case 58b is not excessively crushed. This can prevent the adhesive 201 from leaking out.

[0132] In addition, a coating portion for coating the adhesive 201 is provided on the developing cover 58c, and the developing upper case 58 An adhesive portion for adhering to the developing cover 58c may be provided at b.

[0133] In the above, the present invention has been described as being applied to the casing 58 of the developing device. However, a toner container 11 for storing toner as a developer and a waste toner container for storing waste toner as a developer are provided. The present invention can also be applied to a waste toner storage container.

[0134] The above description is merely an example, and each of the following aspects provides unique effects. (Aspect 1) A space for accommodating a developer is formed inside by combining a plurality of members, and an adhesive or the like is also used. In a developer storage container such as a casing 58 in which components are sealed by bonding with a sealant, Two members (in this embodiment, the lower developer case 58a and the upper developer case 58b) are bonded together by a sealant. The first member is one of the upper case 58b and the cover 58c. A predetermined gap is formed between the adhesive portion and the adhesive portion of the second member, which is the other member. The position restricting portion restricts the position between the first member and the second member.

[0135] According to this, by regulating the position between the first member and the second member by the position regulating portion, To prevent the gap between the adhesive portion of the first member and the adhesive portion of the second member from becoming narrower than a predetermined gap. This makes it possible to prevent the sealing material from being excessively crushed and protruding. This can be done.

[0136] (Aspect 2) In the first aspect, the position regulating portion is a positioning portion that positions the second member relative to the first member. (In this embodiment, the case positioning groove 161 and the case main positioning protrusion 171, The positioning hole 162, the case secondary positioning projection 172, the cover positioning groove 173 and the cover primary positioning The cover positioning protrusion 174 and the cover positioning hook portion 182 are .

[0137] According to this, as described in the embodiment, the adhesion of the second member to the adhesion portion of the first member The position of the adhesive part of the first member and the adhesive part of the second member can be positioned almost at the target position. The sealing material applied to the adhesive portion of one of the materials can be brought into contact with the sealing material applied to the adhesive portion of the other material. In addition, the first member may move relative to the second member in a direction away from the second member until the sealing material solidifies. This prevents the adhesive portion of the first member from moving to the adhesive portion of the second member. The first member and the second member can be well sealed by the sealing material. It is possible.

[0138] (Aspect 3) In the second embodiment, the positioning portion is provided outside the adhesive portion.

[0139] According to this, as described in the embodiment, the adhesive portion of the first member and the adhesive portion of the second member The positional relationship can be accurately adjusted to the desired positional relationship. The adhesive portion of the first member and the adhesive portion of the second member can be satisfactorily adhered to each other by the sealing material. It is possible to provide a good seal between the

[0140] (Aspect 4) In any one of the first to third aspects, the adhesive portion of the first member and the adhesive portion of the second member One of the two is a coating portion to which the sealant is applied, and the coating portion is a concave portion (in this embodiment, the lower case The base coating groove 101a and the upper case coating groove 131a), the step shape (in this embodiment, the lower case This is the stepped coating portion 101b).

[0141] This makes it possible to satisfactorily hold the fluid sealing material during the bonding operation.

[0142] (Aspect 5) In the fourth aspect, the shape of the adhesive part to be adhered to the concave application part is a convex shape (in this embodiment, are the upper case adhesive protrusions 120a and the cover adhesive protrusions 151a).

[0143] According to this, the adhesive portion can be reliably brought into contact with the sealant applied to the recessed portion of the concave application portion. The adhesive portion can be bonded to the coated portion.

[0144] (Aspect 6) In the fourth or fifth embodiment, the concave application portion and the stepped application portion are connected to each other.

[0145] According to this, as described in the embodiment, the first member and the second member are connected without a gap. It can be sealed by bonding with a sealant.

[0146] (Aspect 7) In any one of the first to sixth aspects, the first part of the lower developing case 58a, etc., is elastically deformed. A seal such as a sponge seal 140 for sealing between the developing member and a second member such as the upper case 58b of the developing device. The sealing member is in contact with a sealing material such as an adhesive 200 .

[0147] According to this, a sealing member such as a sponge seal 140 and a sealing material such as an adhesive 200 are A first member such as the lower developing case 58a and a second member such as the upper developing case 58b are separated. It can be sealed without any problems.

[0148] (Aspect 8) In the seventh embodiment, the sealing member such as the sponge seal 140 has a cutout shape portion 140a. The cutout portion of the cutout shape portion 140a is filled with a sealant such as an adhesive. .

[0149] According to this, the sealing member such as the sponge seal 140 and the sealing material such as the adhesive 200 This ensures that there will be no gaps between the two.

[0150] (Aspect 9) In the eighth embodiment, a seal attachment to which a sealing member such as a sponge seal 140 is attached A sealant such as adhesive 200 is applied to the mounting portion such as the mounting surface 110 of the lower case. Concave application portions such as 101a are connected together.

[0151] According to this, a sealing material such as an adhesive 200 is applied to the cutout portion of the cutout portion 140a. It can be applied without gaps to any area.

[0152] (Aspect 10) In the ninth embodiment, the tip of the cutout portion 140a is aligned with the lower case application groove 101a, etc. The adhesive is attached to the tip surface H of the side wall of the concave application portion.

[0153] According to this, as described in the embodiment, the cutout portion of the cutout shape portion 140a The sealing material such as adhesive 200 applied to the lower case 101a is applied to the side of the concave application portion of the application groove 101a. It is possible to prevent the liquid from flowing out from the gap between the tip surface of the wall and the tip of the notch shape portion 140a. can.

[0154] (Aspect 11) In any one of the seventh to tenth embodiments, a developing roller 50 or other rotating member is provided, and a sponge sheet is A sealing member, such as seal 140, contacts the rotating member.

[0155] According to this, the rotation of the rotating member of the developing roller 50 is not hindered, and the sealing portion around the rotating member is The material can be sealed.

[0156] (Aspect 12) In any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the position restriction portion is provided in the vicinity of the adhesive portion.

[0157] According to this, as described in the embodiment, the position regulation portion regulates the first member and the second member. When the position of the gap is controlled, the gap between the adhesive portion of the first member and the adhesive portion of the second member is targeted. This allows for a gap to be created, ensuring that the sealing material is not overly crushed. Cut.

[0158] (Aspect 13) In any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the position regulating portion protrudes from the application surface on which the sealant is applied. The convex shape (such as the first case abutting convex portion 102a and the second case abutting convex portion 102b) It is.

[0159] According to this, the other member of the member on which the coating surface is formed abuts against the position regulating portion. This allows the position to be regulated, and the sealing material is reliably prevented from being excessively crushed. It is possible.

[0160] (Aspect 14) A developing roller 5 that carries a developer and rotates to develop a latent image on a latent image carrier such as a photoconductor. In a developing device having a developer carrier such as 0 and a developer storage section that stores developer, As the developer storage section, a developer storage container according to any one of the embodiments 1 to 13 was used.

[0161] This can prevent problems caused by leaking adhesive.

[0162] (Aspect 15) A latent image carrier such as a photoconductor 1 and a developing device that develops the latent image on the latent image carrier using a developer. In an image forming apparatus having a developing means such as the developing means 5 and a developer container for accommodating a developer, As the developer storage section, a developer storage container according to any one of the embodiments 1 to 13 was used.

[0163] This can prevent problems caused by leaking adhesive. [Explanation of symbols]

[0164] 1: Photoreceptor 5: Developing device 50: Developing roller 51: Developing sleeve 52: Doctor Blade 53: Supply screw 53a: Supply conveying path 54: Recovery screw 54a: Collection and transport route 55: Magnetic roller 57: Partition plate 58: Casing 58a: Developing case 58b: Developing case 58c: Developing cover 59: Toner supply port 101a: Lower case coating groove 101b: Lower case step coating part 101c: Lower case coating surface 102a: First case abutting protrusion 102b: second case abutment protrusion 102c: Dam wall 103a: Inclined surface 106: Tapered surface 110: Seal mounting surface 111: Sealing protrusion 120a: Upper case adhesive protrusion 120b: Upper case step adhesive part 120c: Upper case adhesive surface 131a: Upper case coating groove 131b: Upper case coating surface 132b: Cover abutment protrusion 132c: Cover abutment surface 133: Tapered surface 140: Sponge seal 140a: Notch shape part 151a: Cover adhesive protrusion 151b:Cover adhesive surface part 161: Case positioning groove 162: Case positioning hole 171: Case main positioning protrusion 172: Case secondary positioning protrusion 173: Cover positioning groove 174: Cover positioning protrusion 181: Cover main positioning protrusion 182: Cover positioning hook part 200: Adhesive 201: Adhesive 250a: Base part 250b: Side wall part 251a: Rear wall 251b:Inner side wall part 251c: Case adhesive surface 252: Cover base part 500: Copy machine [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0165] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5366471

Claims

1. In a storage container having a sealing portion in which a gap between a first casing member and a second casing member is sealed with a sealant, The sealing portion is a first sealing portion formed in the first casing member such that a portion of the second casing member fits into the recessed shape; a second sealing portion formed such that two surfaces of the second casing member face each of the two intersecting surfaces of the first casing member in a stepped shape formed by the two intersecting surfaces of the first casing member; A storage container comprising:

2. In a storage container having a sealing portion in which a gap between a first casing member and a second casing member is sealed with a sealant, The sealing portion is a first sealing portion formed in the first casing member such that a portion of the second casing member fits into the recessed shape; a third sealing portion formed such that a planar shape of the first casing member and a planar shape of the second casing member face each other with a gap therebetween; having a surface of the concave shape faces, with a gap therebetween, a tip surface of the first sealing portion that is inserted into the concave shape and a side surface that intersects with the tip surface; A storage container characterized by:

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, A storage container characterized in that the first casing member and the second casing member have a positioning portion, and the positioning portion is provided on one end side of the sealing portion in the longitudinal direction of the storage container.

4. The container according to claim 3, The storage container has a second positioning portion at the other end opposite to the one end in the longitudinal direction.

5. The container according to claim 4, The second positioning portion is provided on the other end side of the sealing portion.

6. In a storage container having a sealing portion in which a gap between a first casing member and a second casing member is sealed with a sealant, The sealing portion is a first sealing portion formed in the first casing member such that a portion of the second casing member fits into the recessed shape; A second sealing portion is formed so that two surfaces of the second casing member face each other with respect to a step shape formed by two intersecting surfaces of the first casing member, or a planar shape of the first casing member and a planar shape of the second casing member are spaced apart from each other by a gap. a third sealing portion formed to face each other; having The first casing member is disposed below the second casing member, the first casing member and the second casing member have a positioning portion, the positioning portion being provided on one end side of the sealing portion in a longitudinal direction of the storage container; the positioning portion is configured such that a protrusion shape provided on the first casing member and a fitting shape provided on the second casing member are fitted to the protrusion shape, the sealing material is applied continuously from the first sealing portion to the second sealing portion or the third sealing portion, The storage container is characterized in that the sealing material is applied in a continuous manner over the entire surface of the storage container.

7. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The storage container according to the present invention is characterized in that the sealing material has a property of being fluid during the sealing operation and hardening thereafter.

8. In a storage container having a sealing portion in which a gap between a first casing member and a second casing member is sealed with a sealant, The sealing portion is a first sealing portion formed in the first casing member such that a portion of the second casing member fits into the recessed shape; a second sealing portion formed such that two surfaces of the second casing member face each other with respect to a step shape formed by two intersecting surfaces of the first casing member, or a third sealing portion formed such that a planar shape of the first casing member and a planar shape of the second casing member face each other with a gap therebetween; having A storage container, characterized in that the concave application section and the stepped or planar application section are connected to each other.

9. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The storage container is characterized in that the concave shape has a tapered surface on the upper side of the inner surface.

10. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A storage container characterized in that a portion of the second casing member and a bottom surface of the concave shape are regulated so as not to come into contact with each other.

11. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The facing surface of the second casing member is restricted so as not to abut against one surface of the stepped shape of the first casing member, or the facing surface of the second casing member is restricted so as not to abut against one surface of the planar shape of the first casing member, A storage container characterized by:

12. A storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, Powder contained in the storage container; A powder storage container comprising:

13. The powder includes at least a toner, the container is a developing device; The powder storage container according to claim 12,

14. The powder is a two-component developer consisting of a toner and a carrier, the container is a developing device; The powder storage container according to claim 12,

15. A storage container according to any one of claims 13 and 14, a developer carrier for developing the latent image on the latent image carrier; a conveying member that conveys the powder.

16. In a storage container having a sealing portion in which a gap between a first casing member and a second casing member is sealed with a sealant, The sealing portion is a first sealing portion formed in the first casing member such that a portion of the second casing member fits into the recessed shape; a second sealing portion formed such that two surfaces of the second casing member face each other with respect to a step shape formed by two intersecting surfaces of the first casing member, or a third sealing portion formed such that a planar shape of the first casing member and a planar shape of the second casing member face each other with a gap therebetween; having The storage container includes: Powder and a developer carrier for developing the latent image on the latent image carrier; A conveying member that conveys the powder; an elastically deformable seal member in contact with the developer carrier; having A storage container characterized by:

17. the sealing member has a sponge member and a double-sided tape member; 17. The storage container according to claim 16.

18. the seal member contacts the sealing material; 18. The container according to claim 16 or 17,

19. 19. An image forming apparatus comprising: a storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and 16 to 18; a powder storage container according to any one of claims 12 to 14; or a developing device according to claim 15; and a latent image carrier.

Images