Developer container and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A developer storage container (200) comprises: a container main body (201) which has an opening (216) that opens in a conveyance direction (D5) along a rotating shaft (203), and which conveys toner stored therein in the conveyance direction (D5) and discharges the toner from the opening (216) by being rotated in a specific direction about the rotating shaft (203); a cap part (202) which guides downward the toner discharged from the opening (216) on the downstream side in the conveyance direction (D5) from the opening (216); and an extension part (217) which is formed integrally with the container main body (201), and extends to the downstream side in the conveyance direction (D5) beyond the opening (216) from inside the container main body (201).

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] An image forming apparatus such as a printer capable of forming an image by an electrophotographic method includes a developer storage container that stores a developer such as a toner. The developer storage container includes a container body and a guide portion. The container body is rotated in a specific direction about a rotation axis along a horizontal plane, thereby transporting the developer stored therein in a transport direction along the rotation axis and discharging the developer from an opening formed at an end portion downstream in the transport direction. The guide portion guides the developer discharged from the opening downward on the downstream side of the opening in the transport direction.

[0003] In addition, an image forming apparatus is known that is equipped with a stirring member that extends from within the container body beyond the opening to the downstream side in the transport direction in order to suppress solidification of the developer adhering to the guide portion (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-71762 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the above-described image forming apparatus, the container body and the stirring member are separate members, and the developer storage container requires the laborious task of attaching the stirring member to the container body during manufacture.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a developer storage container and an image forming apparatus that can reduce the labor required for manufacturing the developer storage container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A developer storage container according to one aspect of the present invention is used with a rotation axis aligned along a horizontal plane, and includes a container body, a guide portion, and an extension portion. The container body has an opening that opens in a transport direction along the rotation axis, and is rotated in a specific direction about the rotation axis to transport the developer stored therein in the transport direction and discharge it from the opening. The guide portion guides the developer discharged from the opening downward on the downstream side of the opening in the transport direction. The extension portion is formed integrally with the container body, and extends from within the container body beyond the opening to the downstream side in the transport direction.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including the developer container and an image forming section, the image forming section forming an image using the developer supplied from the developer container. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the labor involved in manufacturing a developer storage container. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a toner supply unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the configuration of a toner container of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of a container main body of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a configuration of an insertion opening portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a drive unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration around a lock mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration around a lock mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a rear view showing the configuration of the lock release unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the configuration of the lock release unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a gripping portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view showing the configuration of the gripping portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a pumping unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view showing the configuration of the pumping unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1 of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a configuration of a pumping unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a configuration around a communication portion of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a configuration around a communication portion of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a rear view showing the configuration of the opening of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an extension portion of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21]FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the periphery of a communication portion of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a toner container of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a gear unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] [Configuration of image forming apparatus 100] First, with reference to FIG. 1, a configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0013] In the following description, a top-bottom direction D1 is defined based on the state in which the image forming apparatus 100 is installed. A front-to-back direction D2 is defined with the side into which the toner container 200 is inserted being the front side (front side) of the image forming apparatus 100. A left-to-right direction D3 is defined when the image forming apparatus 100 is viewed from the front side (front side).

[0014] The image forming apparatus 100 is an apparatus equipped with at least a printing function. The image forming apparatus 100 prints an image on a printing paper, which is a sheet member, using a developer including a toner (one example of a developer of the present invention). For example, the image forming apparatus 100 is a color printer. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may be a monochrome printer, a facsimile machine, a copy machine, a multifunction machine, or the like.

[0015] Image forming apparatus 100 is a so-called tandem type color image forming apparatus. As shown in Fig. 1, image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of image forming units 1 to 4, an optical scanning device 5, an intermediate transfer unit 6, a secondary transfer device 7, a fixing device 8, a control unit 9, an operation display unit 10, a paper feed tray 11, a paper discharge tray 12, and a toner supply unit 13. These components are attached to a housing 14 that constitutes an external frame (not shown) and an internal frame of image forming apparatus 100.

[0016] The image forming units 1 to 4 form different color toner images on the multiple photoconductor drums 21 arranged side by side by using a so-called electrophotographic method. The toner images are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 6A while it is running (moving) so as to be superimposed one on top of the other. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming units 1 to 4 are arranged in a line in the following order from the downstream side in the moving direction D4 of the intermediate transfer belt 6A: an image forming unit 1 for black, an image forming unit 2 for yellow, an image forming unit 3 for cyan, and an image forming unit 4 for magenta.

[0017] Each of the image forming units 1 to 4 is provided below the intermediate transfer belt 6A. Each of the image forming units 1 to 4 includes a photoconductor drum 21 that carries a toner image, a charging device 22, a developing device 23, and a primary transfer device 24. The surface of the photoconductor drum 21 is charged by the charging device 22, and the surface of the charged photoconductor drum 21 is exposed and scanned by the optical scanning device 5. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 21. The developing device 23 develops the electrostatic latent image with toner. Then, the toner image on the photoconductor drum 21 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 6A by the primary transfer device 24.

[0018] The intermediate transfer unit 6 includes an intermediate transfer belt 6A, a driving roller 6B, a driven roller 6C, and a belt cleaning device 6D. The intermediate transfer belt 6A carries a toner image composed of a toner image of multiple colors (four colors in this embodiment). The intermediate transfer belt 6A is supported by the driving roller 6B and the driven roller 6C so that it can be rotated and moved while its surface is in contact with the surface of each photoconductor drum 21. When the intermediate transfer belt 6A is rotated and driven, its surface passes between the photoconductor drum 21 and the primary transfer device 24. At that time, the toner images of each color carried by the multiple photoconductor drums 21 are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 6A in order so as to be superimposed on each other.

[0019] A toner supply unit 13 is provided above the intermediate transfer unit 6. The toner supply unit 13 supplies each of the image forming units 1 to 4 with toner of a corresponding color.

[0020] The secondary transfer device 7 transfers the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6A onto the print sheet transported from the paper feed tray 11. The print sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fixing device 8 by a transport section (not shown). The fixing device 8 has a heating roller 8A and a pressure roller 8B. The fixing device 8 transports the print sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred while applying heat and pressure to it. This melts the toner image and fixes it onto the print sheet. The print sheet onto which the toner image has been fixed is transported further downstream and discharged to and held on a tray-shaped paper output tray 12 located above the intermediate transfer unit 6.

[0021] The belt cleaning device 6D removes and collects the waste toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6A, and discharges the collected waste toner into a waste toner container 6E.

[0022] The control unit 9 includes control devices such as a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an EEPROM (registered trademark), which are not shown. The CPU is a processor that executes various arithmetic operations. The ROM is a non-volatile storage device in which information such as a control program for causing the CPU to execute various processes is stored in advance. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile storage device. The EEPROM is a non-volatile storage device. The RAM and the EEPROM are used as temporary storage memories (work areas) for various processes executed by the CPU. In the control unit 9, the CPU executes various control programs previously stored in the ROM. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 is comprehensively controlled by the control unit 9. The control unit 9 may be configured with electronic circuits such as an integrated circuit (ASIC), or may be a control unit provided separately from a main control unit that comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 100.

[0023] The operation display unit 10 has a display unit such as an LCD display that displays various information in response to control instructions from the control unit 9, and an operation unit such as operation keys or a touch panel that inputs various information to the control unit 9 in response to user operations.

[0024] [Configuration of toner supply unit 13] Next, the toner supply unit 13 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the toner supply unit 13 includes toner containers 200 (an example of a developer storage container of the present invention) corresponding to each of the colors black, yellow, cyan, and magenta, and a mounting unit 30 into which each of the toner containers 200 is mounted.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the toner supply unit 13 includes an insertion opening 31, a drive unit 32, and a lock cover 33. The insertion opening 31 is formed in the toner supply unit 13. The drive unit 32 is a drive unit.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 7, the toner supply unit 13 includes a locking mechanism 34 and an unlocking unit 35.

[0028] The toner container 200 contains the toner to be replenished to the developing device 23. In this embodiment, four toner containers 200 corresponding to the colors of black, yellow, cyan, and magenta are provided in the toner replenishing unit 13. In FIG. 2, only the toner container 200 for yellow is shown, and the toner containers 200 for other colors are omitted. In FIG. 5, only the lock cover 33 and the lock mechanism 34 corresponding to the toner container 200 for yellow are shown, and the lock cover 33 and the lock mechanism 34 corresponding to the toner containers 200 for other colors are omitted. The toner containers 200 for each color have a common configuration, except that the toner container 200 for black has a larger outer diameter than the toner containers 200 for other colors. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the toner container 200 for yellow shown in FIG. 2 and the configuration corresponding to the toner container 200 will be described.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the toner container 200 includes a container body 201 and a cap portion 202 (an example of a guide portion of the present invention).

[0030] The container body 201 stores toner and transports the toner along a transport direction D5 (see FIG. 3). The transport direction D5 is a direction from the front surface (front face) of the image forming apparatus 100 to the rear surface (rear face). The container body 201 is integrally formed of a synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET resin). For example, the container body 201 has a communication portion 214, a gear portion 215, and an opening portion 216 (see FIG. 4) formed by injection molding. The container body 201 has a storage portion 211 and a grip portion 212 formed by injection blow molding.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the container body 201 includes a storage portion 211 , a grip portion 212 , a communication portion 214 , a gear portion 215 , and an opening portion 216 .

[0032] The storage unit 211 is formed in a tubular shape concentric with the rotation axis 203 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) of the toner container 200. Specifically, the storage unit 211 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The storage unit 211 stores replenishment toner therein.

[0033] In the toner container 200, the container body 201 is provided so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis 203. The inner periphery of the storage section 211 is provided with a protrusion 211A (see FIG. 4) formed in a spiral shape along the rotation axis 203. FIG. 4 shows a spiral recess formed on the outer periphery of the storage section 211 corresponding to the protrusion 211A. With the spiral protrusion 211A formed inside, the storage section 211 can convey the toner contained therein in a conveying direction D5 along the rotation axis 203 by rotating in a first direction D6 (an example of the specific direction of the present invention) (see FIG. 2) about the rotation axis 203.

[0034] The grip portion 212 is provided at an end portion on the upstream side in the transport direction D5 of the container body 201. The grip portion 212 is a portion that is gripped by a user's hand when the toner container 200 is pulled forward from the insertion opening portion 31 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). The toner container 200 is inserted into the insertion opening portion 31 with its leading end in the transport direction D5 as the leading edge.

[0035] 4, gripping portion 212 is provided to protrude from end face 211B on the upstream side in transport direction D5 of storage portion 211 toward the upstream side in transport direction D5. Specifically, gripping portion 212 is provided to protrude from end face 211B in a cylindrical shape concentric with rotation shaft 203. Grip portion 212 is formed to be hollow, and the internal space communicates with storage portion 211. Refill toner is stored inside gripping portion 212.

[0036] The grip portion 212 is formed such that the protruding tip portion expands in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 203 more than the protruding base end portion. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the grip portion 212 has a small diameter portion 221 and a large diameter portion 222. The small diameter portion 221 is formed on the protruding base end side of the grip portion 212. The large diameter portion 222 is formed on the protruding tip end side of the grip portion 212. The large diameter portion 222 is provided adjacent to the small diameter portion 221. The large diameter portion 222 has a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 221. Since the grip portion 212 is formed in this manner, a user can hook a finger on the large diameter portion 222 and pull out the toner container 200 from the insertion opening portion 31. Note that the grip portion 212 may expand in a radial size in any number of steps from the protruding base end portion to the protruding tip end portion. Furthermore, the gripping portion 212 may have a size in the radial direction that increases continuously from the protruding base end to the protruding tip end.

[0037] Opening 216 is provided at the downstream end of container body 201 in transport direction D5. Opening 216 opens toward transport direction D5 along rotation shaft 203. Toner inside container body 201 is discharged from opening 216 in transport direction D5.

[0038] The communication portion 214 is provided so as to extend from the downstream end of the storage portion 211 in the conveying direction D5 toward the conveying direction D5 in a cylindrical shape concentric with the rotation axis 203. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the communication portion 214 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a smaller diameter than the storage portion 211. The communication portion 214 communicates the internal space of the storage portion 211 with the opening 216. The opening 216 is formed to have the same size as the downstream end of the communication portion 214 in the conveying direction D5. It can also be said that the opening 216 is the downstream end of the communication portion 214 in the conveying direction D5.

[0039] The gear portion 215 is provided on the outer circumferential portion 241 (see FIG. 13 ) of the communication portion 214. The gear portion 215 receives a rotational driving force supplied from the drive portion 32. In the container body 201, each component including the gear portion 215 is integrally formed. Therefore, when the gear portion 215 receives a rotational driving force supplied from the drive portion 32, the container body 201 rotates around the rotation shaft 203.

[0040] The cap portion 202 is attached to the rear end portion of the container body 201, i.e., the opening 216. The cap portion 202 is sized to cover a part of the communication portion 214 including the opening 216, and is formed in a cylindrical shape that is open on one side.

[0041] The cap portion 202 guides the toner discharged from the opening 216 downward, downstream of the opening 216 in the transport direction D5. Inside the cap portion 202, a guide space 202A (see FIG. 22) is formed to guide the toner discharged from the opening 216 downward. The guide space 202A is formed by the inner periphery of the cap portion 202 and an inner wall surface facing the opening 216. Inside the cap portion 202, a gap formed between the opening 216 and the cap portion 202 is filled by a seal member 202B (see FIG. 22). At the bottom of the inner periphery of the cap portion 202, a discharge port 202C (see FIG. 22) is formed through which the toner is discharged to the outside of the cap portion 202.

[0042] The toner container 200 is attached to the mounting portion 30. A mounting portion 30 is provided corresponding to each of the toner containers 200. The mounting portion 30 forms a storage space for the toner container 200 extending in the front-rear direction D2 inside the housing 14. The toner container 200 is attached to the mounting portion 30 with the rotation shaft 203 aligned along the horizontal plane.

[0043] The insertion opening 31 is provided on a side surface of the housing 14 of the image forming apparatus 100. Specifically, the insertion opening 31 is provided on the front surface (front face) of the housing 14. A lock frame 14A (see FIG. 5) that is long in the left-right direction D3 is provided on the front surface of the housing 14. The insertion opening 31 is formed in the lock frame 14A. The insertion opening 31 is provided corresponding to each mounting portion 30. The insertion opening 31 is located at the front end of the mounting portion 30 and communicates with the mounting portion 30. The toner container 200 is inserted into the insertion opening 31.

[0044] The driving unit 32 rotates the container body 201 of the toner container 200. The driving unit 32 is provided corresponding to each mounting unit 30. The driving unit 32 is provided at the rear end of the mounting unit 30 (see FIG. 2).

[0045] 6, the drive unit 32 includes a motor 41, a first gear 42, a second gear 43, a shaft 44, and a third gear 45. The first gear 42 is fixed to a drive shaft of the motor 41. The second gear 43 is fixed to one end of the shaft 44 and meshes with the first gear 42. The shaft 44 is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) inside the housing 14. The third gear 45 is fixed to the other end of the shaft 44 and meshes with a gear portion 215 of the container body 201.

[0046] In the drive unit 32, a rotational driving force generated by the motor 41 is transmitted to the gear unit 215 via the first gear 42, the second gear 43, the shaft 44, and the third gear 45. This causes the container body 201 to rotate about the rotation shaft 203.

[0047] The lock covers 33 open and close the insertion openings 31. The lock covers 33 are provided corresponding to the respective insertion openings 31. As shown in Fig. 5, the lock covers 33 are provided on the front side of the lock frame 14A.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7, the lock cover 33 includes a flat plate portion 51, a bearing portion 52, and a swing shaft 53. The flat plate portion 51 functions as a cover that covers the insertion opening 31. The bearing portion 52 supports the lock cover 33 so that it can be opened and closed. The bearing portion 52 is provided on the lower portion of the flat plate portion 51, and a rotating shaft along the left-right direction D3 is inserted through the bearing portion 52. The rotating shaft is fixed to the lower portion of the lock frame 14A. This allows the lock cover 33 to rotate about the rotating shaft and transition between a closed state in which the insertion opening 31 is closed and an open state in which the insertion opening 31 is opened. The swing shaft 53 is provided to protrude from the inner surface (rear surface) of the flat plate portion 51 along the front-rear direction D2 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0049] The locking mechanism 34 restricts the transition of the lock cover 33 from a closed state to an open state. The locking mechanism 34 is provided corresponding to each lock cover 33. As shown in Fig. 5, the locking mechanism 34 is provided on the upper part of the lock frame 14A.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 7, the lock mechanism 34 includes an arm support portion 61, an arm portion 62, an engaging portion 63, and an engaged portion 64. The arm support portion 61 is fixed to an upper portion of the lock frame 14A. The arm portion 62 is provided so as to protrude forward from the arm support portion 61. The engaging portion 63 is provided so as to protrude leftward from the tip of the arm portion 62 in the protruding direction. As shown in FIG. 8, the engaging portion 63 has an inclined surface 63A facing obliquely downward toward the front. The inclined surface 63A is formed so as to incline downward from the front end portion to the rear end portion of the engaging portion 63. The engaged portion 64 is provided so as to be swingable about the swing shaft 53 of the lock cover 33. The engaged portion 64 is formed so as to be engageable with the engaging portion 63. As shown in FIG. 8, the engaged portion 64 has an inclined surface 64A. When the lock cover 33 is in the closed state, the inclined surface 64A faces obliquely upward toward the rear. When the lock cover 33 transitions from the open state to the closed state, the inclined surface 64A comes into contact with the inclined surface 63A of the engaging portion 63 to swing the engaged portion 64 downward. This causes the engaged portion 64 to be guided to the rear side of the engaging portion 63, and the engaging portion 63 and the engaged portion 64 engage with each other. The engagement between the engaging portion 63 and the engaged portion 64 limits the transition of the lock cover 33 from the closed state to the open state.

[0051] The unlocking portions 35 release the restriction imposed by the locking mechanisms 34 on the state transition of the locking cover 33. The unlocking portions 35 are provided corresponding to the respective locking mechanisms 34. The unlocking portions 35 are provided on the inner surface (rear surface) of the flat portion 51 of the locking cover 33.

[0052] As shown in Figs. 7 and 9, the unlocking part 35 includes a first lever part 71 and a second lever part 72. The first lever part 71 extends from a pivot shaft 53 (see Fig. 9) parallel to the pivot shaft 203 toward the pivot shaft 203, and the extending base end part is pivotally supported by the pivot shaft 53. As shown in Fig. 9, the first lever part 71 extends from the pivot shaft 53 toward the grip part 212. As shown in Fig. 9, the first lever part 71 includes a bearing part 71A inserted into the pivot shaft 53, an extending part 71B extending from the bearing part 71A in a direction perpendicular to the pivot shaft 53, and a pressing part 71C provided on the left side of the extending part 71B. The second lever part 72 is pivotally provided around the pivot shaft 53 and supports the engaged part 64. The second lever portion 72 is provided between the first lever portion 71 and the inner surface (rear surface) of the flat plate portion 51. As shown in Fig. 9, the second lever portion 72 includes a bearing portion 72A into which the swing shaft 53 is inserted, a support portion 72B extending rightward from the bearing portion 72A to support the engaged portion 64, and a pressed portion 72C extending leftward from the bearing portion 72A.

[0053] The unlocking portion 35 releases the restriction on the state transition of the lock cover 33 imposed by the lock mechanism 34 in response to the swinging of the first lever portion 71 in a second direction D7 (see FIG. 9) opposite to the first direction D6.

[0054] Specifically, the extension 71B of the first lever portion 71 is provided so as to be able to come into contact with the grip portion 212 of the toner container 200 mounted in the mounting portion 30. When the container body 201 rotates in the second direction D7, the first lever portion 71 comes into contact with the grip portion 212 and is swung toward the second direction D7. As a result, the pressing portion 71C of the first lever portion 71 presses the pressed portion 72C of the second lever portion 72 upward, and the support portion 72B and the engaged portion 64 of the second lever portion 72 swing downward, and the engagement between the engaging portion 63 and the engaged portion 64 is released. That is, the lock by the lock mechanism 34 is released. When the container body 201 rotates in the first direction D6, the first lever portion 71 comes into contact with the grip portion 212 and is swung toward the first direction D6, but the second lever portion 72 does not move in conjunction with the swing of the first lever portion 71. Therefore, even if the container body 201 is rotated in the first direction D6, the locking by the locking mechanism 34 is not released.

[0055] Incidentally, an image forming device having a protrusion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the gripping portion 212, protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface, and rotating integrally with the storage portion 211 to come into contact with the first lever portion 71 is known as a related technology.

[0056] However, in the image forming device according to the related technology described above, the protrusion is arranged to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the grip portion 212, and therefore a collision sound is generated when the protrusion comes into contact with the first lever portion 71.

[0057] In contrast, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the collision noise that occurs when the toner container 200 is driven, as will be described below.

[0058] [Configuration of container body 201] The container body 201 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0059] The grip portion 212 includes a contact portion 224 that rotates integrally with the housing portion 211 and comes into contact with the first lever portion 71. The contact portion 224 is provided on the outer periphery of the grip portion 212.

[0060] Specifically, the contact portion 224 has a curved surface 224A that curves from a first position P1 (see FIG. 12) on a reference circle 223 (see FIG. 9 and FIG. 12) that is concentric with the rotation axis 203 and does not intersect with the first lever portion 71 toward a second position P2 (see FIG. 12) that faces the first position P1 across the rotation axis 203 on the reference circle 223, passing through the outside of the reference circle 223. The curved surface 224A is formed so as to intersect with the first lever portion 71, that is, so as to be able to come into contact with the first lever portion 71.

[0061] 11 and 12, large diameter portion 222 of gripping portion 212 is formed into an elliptical cylindrical shape concentric with rotation axis 203. Contact portion 224 is a bulge from a reference circle 223 included in large diameter portion 222. In other words, large diameter portion 222 is provided with a pair of contact portions 224 that face each other across rotation axis 203. Note that small diameter portion 221 of gripping portion 212 is also formed into an elliptical cylindrical shape like large diameter portion 222.

[0062] By providing the contact portion 224 described above, it is possible to lay down the contact surface with the first lever portion 71 provided on the outer periphery of the grip portion 212 as flat as possible. This makes it possible to suppress the collision noise that occurs when the contact portion 224 and the first lever portion 71 come into contact with each other. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 100, it is possible to suppress the collision noise that occurs when the toner container 200 is driven.

[0063] The number of contact portions 224 provided on the outer periphery of grip portion 212 may be one or three or more. In this case, small diameter portion 221 may be formed in the same shape as large diameter portion 222 including contact portion 224, or may be formed in a cylindrical shape. Grip portion 212 may be formed such that the size in the radial direction does not expand from the protruding base end to the protruding tip end. Contact portion 224 may be provided on the outer periphery of storage portion 211.

[0064] Incidentally, a developer storage container is known as a related technology in which the downstream end of the storage section 211 in the transport direction D5 is tapered to connect to the communicating section 214, and the protrusion 211A is formed along the transport direction D5 up to the connection section with the communicating section 214, thereby guiding the toner in the storage section 211 to the communicating section 214.

[0065] However, in the developer storage container according to the related art described above, the conveying force applied to the toner by the protrusion 211A formed on the connecting portion is weak, so that the toner remains in the communication portion 214 when the container is replaced.

[0066] Even if the communicating portion 214 is not provided with a configuration for transporting toner, toner remains in the communicating portion 214 when the developer storage container is replaced.

[0067] In contrast, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the amount of toner remaining in the toner container 200 when the container is replaced, as will be described below.

[0068] 13 and 14, a pumping section 231 and a guide section 234 are provided at the downstream end of the storage section 211 in the conveying direction D5. Also, the communication section 214 has an inner periphery formed in a tapered shape that expands in the radial direction along the conveying direction D5 (see FIG. 21). These features will be described below in order.

[0069] The pumping portion 231 is an end portion on the downstream side in the transport direction D5 of the storage portion 211, and has a pumping surface 231A (see FIGS. 14 and 15) facing the first direction D6 on the outer side in the radial direction than the communication portion 214. The pumping portion 231 pumps up the toner in contact with the pumping surface 231A in response to the rotation of the storage portion 211 in the first direction D6. In FIG. 15, an end portion 242A on the upstream side in the transport direction D5 of the inner circumferential portion 242 of the communication portion 214 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0070] 14, the pumping surface 231A is formed to be inclined toward the upstream side in the first direction D6 along the transport direction D5, so that the toner pumped up by the pumping surface 231A is guided to the downstream side in the transport direction D5.

[0071] The pumping portion 231 is provided in the first direction D6 at the downstream end of the pumping surface 231A in the transport direction D5, and has a wall portion 231B (see FIGS. 14 and 16) whose radially inner end is inclined toward the transport direction D5 side more than the radially outer end. The wall portion 231B guides the toner pumped up by the pumping surface 231A to the radially inner side, i.e., to the communicating portion 214 side.

[0072] Guide portion 234 guides the toner pumped up by pumping portion 231 to communicating portion 214. Specifically, guide portion 234 guides, to communicating portion 214, the toner that slides down from pumping surface 231A that slopes downward toward the inside in the radial direction as storage portion 211 rotates in first direction D6.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the guide portion 234 is provided continuous with the pumping surface 231A and the inner circumferential surface of the communication portion 214 on the inner side of the pumping portion 231 in the radial direction.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the guide portion 234 is formed to be inclined along the inner circumferential surface of the communication portion 214 from the inner end portion in the radial direction of the pumping surface 231A.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 16, the guide portion 234 is formed so as to widen from the upstream end of the pumping surface 231A in the transport direction D5 toward the communication portion 214.

[0076] The storage section 211 includes a pair of pumping sections 231 (see FIG. 15) facing each other across the rotation shaft 203. Of the pair of pumping sections 231, a first pumping section 232 is provided continuous with the downstream end of the protrusion 211A in the conveying direction D5 (see FIG. 14). Also, of the pair of pumping sections 231, a second pumping section 233 is not continuous with the protrusion 211A of the storage section 211 (see FIG. 13).

[0077] Moreover, the storage section 211 includes a pair of guide portions 234 (see FIG. 15) corresponding to the pair of pumping portions 231. Of the pair of guide portions 234, a first guide portion 235 is provided corresponding to the first pumping portion 232. Of the pair of guide portions 234, a second guide portion 236 is provided corresponding to the second pumping portion 233.

[0078] By providing the above-described pumping portion 231 and guide portion 234, it is possible to cause the toner in the storage portion 211 to slide down from a position above the rotation shaft 203 toward the communicating portion 214. This makes it possible to transport the toner to the communicating portion 214 with a stronger transport force than a configuration in which the toner is transported to the communicating portion 214 using the protrusion 211A formed up to the connecting portion with the communicating portion 214. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of toner remaining in the toner container when replacing the container.

[0079] The number of pumping parts 231 provided in the storage part 211 may be three or more. In this case, the guide parts 234 may be provided in a number corresponding to the number of pumping parts 231. Furthermore, the pumping part 231 provided in the storage part 211 may be any one of the first pumping part 232 and the second pumping part 233.

[0080] Furthermore, the guide portion 234 may be formed to widen from the downstream side in the conveying direction D5 toward the communication portion 214 relative to the upstream end of the pumping surface 231A in the conveying direction D5. Furthermore, the wall portion 231B may not have an inner end in the radial direction inclined toward the conveying direction D5 relative to an outer end in the radial direction. Furthermore, the pumping surface 231A may not have an inclination toward the upstream side in the first direction D6 along the conveying direction D5.

[0081] 21, the inner circumferential portion 242 of the communication portion 214 is formed to be inclined radially outward at a specific angle Z1 along the conveying direction D5. For example, the specific angle Z1 is an angle that is set arbitrarily within a range of up to 10 degrees.

[0082] Furthermore, the communication portion 214 includes a protrusion 243 (see FIG. 18) formed on the inner periphery 242 along the rotation axis 203.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, six protrusions 243 are provided along the inner circumference of the inner circumferential portion 242 at intervals.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 18, the protrusion 243 extends from an upstream end 242A of the inner circumferential portion 242 in the transport direction D5 to a downstream end, that is, to the opening 216.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 19, the protrusion 243 extends from the inner circumferential surface of the communication portion 214 in the transport direction D5 intersecting with the inner circumferential surface. That is, the protrusion 243 is provided radially outward from the end 242A on the upstream side of the inner circumferential surface in the transport direction D5 of the inner circumferential surface. For example, the top of the protrusion 243 is formed along a straight line that passes through the end 242A and is parallel to the rotation shaft 203 (see FIG. 19). In this case, the protrusion 243 gradually increases in the amount of protrusion from the inner circumferential surface 242 along the transport direction D5. This makes it possible to prevent a step from occurring between the end of the protrusion 243 on the upstream side of the transport direction D5 and the inner circumferential surface 242. That is, it is possible to prevent the step from interfering with the transport of the toner.

[0086] 19, the protrusion 243 has a wall surface 243A facing the downstream side in the first direction D6. As the container 211 rotates in the first direction D6, the wall surface 243A scoops up the toner in contact with the wall surface 243A and causes it to slide downward.

[0087] 19, the protrusion 243 is formed in a claw shape with a protruding tip facing the downstream side in the first direction D6. That is, the protrusion 243 has an inclined surface that inclines from the radially inner end of the wall surface 243A toward the upstream side in the first direction D6 toward the inner periphery 242. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the protrusion 243 compared to a configuration in which the protrusion 243 has the wall surface 243A and a wall surface facing the upstream side in the first direction D6.

[0088] The provision of the inner peripheral portion 242 described above makes it possible to cause the toner in the communication portion 214 to slide down downstream in the transport direction D5. In addition, the toner is scooped up and dropped by the protrusion portion 243, and the dropped toner is brought into contact with the inner peripheral portion 242, so that the energy of the drop can be converted into a transport force in the transport direction D5 and applied to the toner.

[0089] The protrusions 243 may be provided in any section between the end 242A on the upstream side of the inner circumferential portion 242 in the conveying direction D5 and the opening 216. The protrusions 243 may be provided so as to extend along the conveying direction D5 with a constant protrusion amount from the inner circumferential portion 242. The protrusions 243 may have any shape as long as they are formed along the rotation shaft 203 in the inner circumferential portion 242. The number of protrusions 243 provided on the inner circumferential portion 242 may be any number including zero.

[0090] Incidentally, an image forming apparatus having an agitating member extending from within the container body 201 beyond the opening 216 downstream in the conveying direction D5 in order to suppress coagulation of toner adhering to the cap portion 202 (see FIG. 22) is known as a related technology.

[0091] However, in the image forming apparatus according to the related art described above, the container body 201 and the stirring member are configured as separate members, and the laborious task of attaching the stirring member to the container body 201 occurs during the manufacture of the developer accommodating container.

[0092] In contrast, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the labor involved in manufacturing the toner container 200, as will be described below.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 17, the container body 201 includes an extension portion 217 .

[0094] The extension portion 217 is formed integrally with the container body 201. The extension portion 217 extends from within the container body 201 beyond the opening 216 toward the downstream side in the conveying direction D5.

[0095] 18 and 19, extending portion 217 is formed in a flat plate shape along the inner circumferential surface of communicating portion 214, and the extending base end is supported by inner circumferential portion 242 of communicating portion 214. This makes it possible to increase the support area of ​​the extending base end of extending portion 217 on inner circumferential portion 242. In addition, it is possible to prevent extending portion 217 from interfering with the movement of toner in communicating portion 214.

[0096] 17 and 18, the exposed portion 261 of the extension portion 217 that is exposed to the outside of the container body 201 is formed such that the end surface 261A on the downstream side in the first direction D6 is inclined toward the upstream side in the first direction D6 along the conveying direction D5. For example, the exposed portion 261 is formed in a substantially triangular shape in a side view (see FIG. 17). This makes it possible to disperse the force acting on the extension base end of the extension portion 217 along the first direction D6 when the extension portion 217 comes into contact with the toner adhering to the inner wall of the cap portion 202. This makes it possible to improve the durability of the extension portion 217.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the extension portion 217 extends from the inner peripheral surface of the communication portion 214 in the transport direction D5 intersecting with the inner peripheral surface, similar to the protrusion portion 243. That is, the extension portion 217 is provided radially outward from the end portion 242A on the upstream side of the transport direction D5 of the inner peripheral portion 242. For example, the upper portion of the extension portion 217 is formed along a straight line that passes through the end portion 242A and is parallel to the rotation shaft 203 (see FIG. 19). In addition, the extension portion 217 extends from the opening 216 to the downstream side of the transport direction D5 with a predetermined thickness in a direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft 203 (see FIG. 19 and FIG. 20). This makes it possible to prevent a step from being generated between the end portion on the upstream side of the transport direction D5 of the extension portion 217 and the inner peripheral portion 242. That is, it is possible to prevent the step from interfering with the transport of the toner.

[0098] By providing the extending portion 217 described above, it is possible to eliminate the labor required for attaching the extending portion 217 during the manufacturing of the toner container 200. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the labor required during the manufacturing of the toner container 200.

[0099] The extension portion 217 may be provided so as to extend along the transport direction D5 with a constant protrusion amount from the inner circumferential portion 242. The exposed portion 261 may be formed in any shape. The extension portion 217 may be formed in a shape other than a flat plate shape along the inner circumferential surface of the communication portion 214.

[0100] Incidentally, in a conventional image forming apparatus, heat generated by driving the main body of the apparatus may be transferred to the container 211 via the gear portion 215. In this case, the toner in the container 211 is heated and the toner tends to solidify.

[0101] In contrast, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the heat transfer from the main body side via the gear portion 215, as will be described below.

[0102] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 23, the gear portion 215 includes a support portion 251, a tooth portion 252, and a rib 253.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 23, the support portion 251 is formed in a disk shape concentric with the rotation shaft 203 at the outer circumferential portion 241 of the communication portion 214 .

[0104] 21 and 23, the teeth portion 252 is provided along an edge of a support surface 251A of the support portion 251 that is perpendicular to the conveying direction D5. The support surface 251A is the upstream surface of the support portion 251 in the conveying direction D5. The teeth portion 252 has a support portion formed in an annular shape along the edge of the support surface 251A, and teeth formed on the outer circumferential surface of the support portion. The teeth portion 252 meshes with a third gear 45 of the drive portion 32.

[0105] 21 and 23, the rib 253 is provided on the support surface 251A, extending from the outer circumferential portion 241 of the communication portion 214 along the radial direction. As shown in FIG. 21, the rib 253 is formed inclined radially outward along the conveying direction D5. As shown in FIG. 23, the extending end of the rib 253 does not reach the tooth portion 252. This makes it possible to prevent heat from being transferred from the tooth portion 252 through the rib 253 to the communication portion 214 without passing through the support portion 251.

[0106] 23, the gear portion 215 has eight ribs 253 arranged at equal intervals along the outer circumferential surface of the communication portion 214. The number of ribs 253 provided on the gear portion 215 may be any number.

[0107] 12, 14, and 19, the gear portion 215 is provided with a tooth tip circle diameter larger than the diameter of the storage portion 211. This makes it possible to interpose the gear portion 215 in the path of airflow generated along the transport direction D5 by the rotation of the storage portion 211, and to cool the gear portion 215 by the airflow, as compared to a configuration in which the tooth tip circle diameter is smaller than the diameter of the storage portion 211. In addition, it is possible to prevent the airflow from flowing downstream of the gear portion 215 in the transport direction D5, causing toner leaking from the cap portion 202 to scatter.

[0108] In addition, in the gear portion 215, the tooth portion 252 and the rib 253 are provided on the support surface 251A, which is the surface of the support portion 251 on the upstream side in the conveying direction D5. This makes it possible to increase the contact area between the airflow and the gear portion 215, compared to a configuration in which the tooth portion 252 and the rib 253 are provided on the surface of the support portion 251 on the downstream side in the conveying direction D5. In other words, it is possible to enhance the cooling effect of the gear portion 215 by the airflow. In addition, it is possible to guide the airflow that has reached the support surface 251A in the opposite direction to the conveying direction D5 along the shape of the gear portion 215, and it is possible to more effectively prevent the airflow from flowing downstream of the gear portion 215 in the conveying direction D5.

[0109] By providing the gear portion 215 described above, it is possible to suppress the heat transfer from the main body side via the gear portion 215.

[0110] The gear portion 215 may be provided with a tooth tip circle diameter smaller than the diameter of the storage portion 211. The support surface 251A may be a surface of the support portion 251 on the downstream side in the conveying direction D5. The rib 253 may be provided on the support surface 251A, extending from the tooth portion 252 along the radial direction. The rib 253 may be provided on both the tooth portion 252 and the outer circumferential portion 241 of the communication portion 214.

Claims

1. A developer storage container used in a position in which a rotation axis is aligned along a horizontal plane, a container body having an opening that opens in a transport direction along the rotation axis, and being rotated in a specific direction around the rotation axis to transport the developer contained therein in the transport direction and discharge the developer from the opening; a guide portion that guides the developer discharged from the opening downward on a downstream side of the opening in the transport direction; an extension portion that is formed integrally with the container body and extends from within the container body beyond the opening toward a downstream side in the conveying direction; Equipped with The container body includes: a container that conveys the developer contained therein in the conveying direction by being rotated in the specific direction; a communication portion that is provided so as to extend in the conveying direction from an end portion of the storage portion on the downstream side in the conveying direction into a cylindrical shape concentric with the rotation axis, and that communicates the opening portion with the storage portion; Equipped with The extension portion is formed in a flat plate shape along the inner peripheral surface of the communication portion, and an extension base end portion is supported by the inner peripheral surface of the communication portion, an exposed portion of the extension portion that is exposed to the outside of the container body is formed such that an end surface on a downstream side in the specific direction is entirely inclined toward an upstream side in the specific direction along the conveying direction, The exposed portion is a developer container that protrudes from the opening in a triangular shape.

2. The inner periphery of the communication portion is formed in a tapered shape expanding in a radial direction along the conveying direction. The developer container according to claim 1 .

3. The extension portion extends from an inner circumferential surface of the communication portion in the conveying direction. The developer container according to claim 2 .

4. The developer container according to claim 1 , an image forming section that forms an image using the developer supplied from the developer storage container; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images