Developing container, developing device, process cartridge and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a developer container configured to open an opening for communicating a developer storage chamber and a conveyance path of developer with each other through a movement of a moving member connected with a seal member that seals the opening, and to suppress generation of an unusual sound during image formation after the opening.SOLUTION: A developer container comprises: a frame body that has a developer storage chamber, a conveyance path, and an opening for communicating the developer storage chamber and the conveyance path with each other; conveying means that has a rotation shaft and a spiral projection provided therearound, and conveys developer in the conveyance path toward the opening through the rotation of the rotation shaft; a moving member that has an engagement part engaged with the spiral projection, and moves from a first position to a second position in a rotation axis direction in association with the rotation of the rotation shaft; a seal member that is connected with the moving member, seals the opening when the moving member is at the first position, and opens the opening when the moving member is at the second position; and regulation parts that are provided in the frame body, and regulate the movement of the moving member at the second position in a direction toward the first position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In image forming devices, a technology is known that allows toner to be replenished from an external source to a toner storage chamber that contains toner to be supplied to a photosensitive drum by a developing roller. For example, in an image forming device described in Patent Document 1, toner can be replenished from a toner cartridge separate from the process cartridge to a toner storage chamber of a developing unit of a process cartridge. Specifically, the developing unit is provided with a receiving port that receives toner from the toner cartridge, a transport path connected to the receiving port, an opening that connects the transport path to the toner storage chamber, and a transport means that transports toner from the receiving port to the opening. The transport means is a screw with a helical protrusion on its rotational shaft. Rotation of the rotational shaft transports toner in the transport path toward the opening in the direction of the rotational axis. Before use, the opening of the process cartridge is sealed with a sealing member. The developing unit is provided with a moving member having an engaging portion that engages with the helical protrusion of the transport means. When the transport means rotates, the engaging portion moves relatively along the helical protrusion, causing the moving member to move in the direction of the rotational axis. One end of the seal member is fixed to the frame of the developing unit, the other end of the seal member is fixed to the moving member, and a portion of the seal member is removably attached to the frame around the opening to cover the opening. When the process cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the driving force transmitted from the image forming apparatus rotates the rotation shaft of the conveying means, and the moving member moves in a direction away from the opening. This causes the seal member attached around the opening to peel off from the frame, opening to become unsealed, allowing toner supplied from the toner cartridge to be supplied into the toner storage chamber through the opening. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-47259 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, when the moving member moves to the end of the area where the spiral protrusion of the conveying means is provided and the engagement portion separates from the spiral protrusion, the moving member no longer receives force from the spiral protrusion and stops moving in the direction away from the opening. Meanwhile, because the moving member is connected to the frame body by a sealing member, the elastic force of the sealing member causes the moving member to receive force in the direction toward the opening, moving toward the spiral protrusion of the conveying means. Therefore, after the opening is opened, the spiral protrusion of the conveying means and the engagement portion of the moving member repeatedly come into and out of contact with each other during image formation, which could generate abnormal noise. The present invention aims to suppress the generation of abnormal noise during image formation after opening in a developing container that is configured to open an opening by moving a moving member connected to a sealing member that seals the opening that connects a developer storage chamber to a developer transport path. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention provides a developer cartridge, comprising: a frame having a developer storage chamber for storing developer, a transport path for transporting the developer, and an opening communicating the developer storage chamber with the transport path; a conveying means having a rotating shaft and a spiral protrusion provided around the rotating shaft, and conveying the developer inside the conveying path toward the opening by rotation of the rotating shaft; The rotary shaft has an engaging portion that engages with the helical projection, and the engaging portion engages with the helical projection as the rotary shaft rotates. a moving member that moves relatively along the spiral protrusion to move from a first position to a second position in the rotation axis direction; a seal member connected to the movable member, the seal member sealing the opening when the movable member is in the first position and opening the opening when the movable member is in the second position; a restricting portion provided on the frame body and configured to restrict movement of the movable member in the second position toward the first position; The developing container is characterized by comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, in a developing container configured to open an opening by moving a movable member connected to a sealing member that seals the opening connecting a developer storage chamber and a developer transport path, the generation of abnormal noise during image formation after opening can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the regulating portion of the developing frame and the regulated portion of the moving member in the embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] Principal cross-sectional view of a process cartridge according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the entire process cartridge according to the embodiment, seen from the rear; [Figure 6] Principal cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge (Y·M·C) according to an embodiment [Figure 7] Principal cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge (K) according to an embodiment [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge (Y·M·C) according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a developing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an opening and a conveying screw according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a regulating portion of a developing frame and a regulated portion of a moving member according to another embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiment may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0009] <Overall configuration of image forming apparatus> The overall configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as the image forming apparatus) according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus 100, a process cartridge 1, and a toner cartridge 13 according to this embodiment. The process cartridge 1 and the toner cartridge 13 are detachably mounted to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. The parts of the image forming apparatus 100 other than the process cartridge 1 and the toner cartridge 13 are referred to as the main body of the apparatus.

[0010] Image forming apparatus 100 has first to fourth image forming units that form images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively. In the following description, components common to the first to fourth image forming units are given common reference numerals and distinguished by the suffixes Y, M, C, and K. When components common to the first to fourth image forming units are not distinguished, the suffixes Y, M, C, and K are omitted.

[0011] The first to fourth process cartridges 1 are arranged in a horizontal line. Each process cartridge 1 is formed of a cleaning unit 4 and a developing unit 6 which is a developing device. The cleaning unit 4 includes a photosensitive drum 7 as an image carrier that carries a developer image, a charging roller 8 as charging means, and a cleaning blade 1 as cleaning means. 0. The charging roller 8 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 7. The cleaning blade 10 removes residual toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum 7. The developing unit 6 has a developing roller 11, which is a developer carrier that carries developer, and a developing means that contains developer T (hereinafter referred to as toner) and develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 7 into a toner image. The cleaning unit 4 and developing unit 6 are supported so that they can swing relative to each other. The first process cartridge 1Y contains yellow (Y) toner TY in the developing unit 6Y. The second process cartridge 1M contains magenta (M) toner TM in the developing unit 6M. The third process cartridge 1C contains cyan (C) toner TC in the developing unit 6C. The fourth process cartridge 1K contains black (K) toner TK in the developing unit 6K.

[0012] The process cartridge 1 is detachably mountable to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 via mounting means such as a mounting guide (not shown) and a positioning member (not shown) provided on the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. A scanner unit 12 for forming an electrostatic latent image is disposed below the process cartridge 1. A waste toner transport unit 23 is disposed behind the process cartridge 1 in the image forming apparatus 100 (downstream in the mounting / removal direction of the process cartridge 1).

[0013] The first to fourth toner cartridges 13 are arranged horizontally below the process cartridge 1 in an order corresponding to the colors of toner contained in the first to fourth process cartridges 1. The first toner cartridge 13Y contains yellow (Y) toner TY. The second toner cartridge 13M contains magenta (M) toner TM. The third toner cartridge 13C contains cyan (C) toner TC. The fourth toner cartridge 13K contains black (K) toner TK. Each toner cartridge 13 is a supply device that supplies toner T to the process cartridge 1 containing toner of the same color. In this way, the toner cartridge 13 supplies developer to a development unit having a development roller 11, which is a developer carrier.

[0014] The toner cartridge 13 is replenished when a remaining amount detection unit (not shown) provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 detects that the amount of toner remaining in the process cartridge 1 is low (a state in which the amount of remaining toner is less than a predetermined threshold). The toner cartridge 13 is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 100 via attachment means such as an attachment guide (not shown) and a positioning member (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus 100. The process cartridge 1 and the toner cartridge 13 will be described in detail later.

[0015] Below the toner cartridges 13, first to fourth toner transport devices 14 are arranged corresponding to the respective toner cartridges 13. Each toner transport device 14 transports the toner received from each toner cartridge 13 upward and supplies the toner to each development unit 6.

[0016] An intermediate transfer unit 19 serving as an intermediate transfer body is provided above the process cartridge 1. The intermediate transfer unit 19 is disposed substantially horizontally with the primary transfer portion S1 facing downward. The intermediate transfer belt 18, which faces each photosensitive drum 7, is a rotatably supported endless belt that is stretched over multiple stretching rollers. Primary transfer rollers 20 serving as primary transfer members are disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 18, respectively, at positions that form the primary transfer portion S1 together with each photosensitive drum 7 via the intermediate transfer belt 18. A secondary transfer roller 21 serving as a secondary transfer member contacts the intermediate transfer belt 18 from its outer circumferential surface side and forms a secondary transfer portion S2 together with a roller disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the intermediate transfer belt 18 that faces it across the intermediate transfer belt 18. An intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 22 is disposed on the opposite side of the secondary transfer portion S2 in the left-right direction (the direction in which the secondary transfer portion S2 and the intermediate transfer belt 18 are stretched over).

[0017] A fixing unit 25 is disposed further above the intermediate transfer unit 19. The fixing unit 25 is composed of a heating unit 26 and a pressure roller 27 that is in pressure contact with the heating unit 26. A discharge tray 32 is disposed on the top surface of the image forming apparatus 100, and a waste toner collection container 24 is disposed between the discharge tray 32 and the intermediate transfer unit 19. A paper feed tray 2 for storing recording materials 3 is disposed at the bottom of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0018] <Image formation process> Next, the image forming operation in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. During image formation, the photosensitive drum 7 is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed in the direction of arrow A in Figure 3. The intermediate transfer belt 18 is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow B in Figure 2 (the same direction as the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 7 in the image forming section S1).

[0019] First, the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 8. Next, the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 is scanned and exposed to laser light emitted from the scanner unit 12, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 7 based on image information. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 is developed into a toner image by the developing unit 6. At this time, the developing unit 6 is pressurized by a developing pressure unit (not shown) provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. Then, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 18 by the primary transfer roller 20.

[0020] For example, when a full-color image is formed, the above-described process is sequentially performed in the image forming units S1Y to S1K, which are the first to fourth primary transfer units, so that toner images of each color are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 18.

[0021] Meanwhile, the recording material 3 stored in the paper feed tray 2 is fed in synchronization with the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 18 and conveyed to the secondary transfer section S2. Then, the four-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 18 is secondarily transferred onto the recording material 3 all at once by a secondary transfer roller 21 that is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 18 via the recording material 3.

[0022] Thereafter, the recording material 3 onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 25. In the fixing unit 25, the recording material 3 is heated and pressurized, thereby fixing the toner image onto the recording material 3. Thereafter, the recording material 3 onto which the toner image has been fixed is conveyed to the discharge tray 32, thereby completing the image forming operation.

[0023] Furthermore, primary transfer residual toner (waste toner) remaining on the photosensitive drum 7 after the primary transfer process is removed by a cleaning blade 10. Secondary transfer residual toner (waste toner) remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 18 after the secondary transfer process is removed by an intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 22. The waste toner removed by the cleaning blade 10 and the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 22 is transported by a waste toner transport unit 23 provided in the device main body and accumulated in a waste toner collection container 24. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 can also form a single color or multicolor image using only some of the four color image forming units.

[0024] <Process cartridge> Next, the overall structure of the process cartridge 1 to be mounted in the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3, 4 and 5. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 1 as seen from the front (upstream side in the process cartridge mounting / removal direction). Figure 5 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 1 as seen from the rear (upstream side in the process cartridge mounting / removal direction). 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 1 as seen from the downstream side in the cartridge mounting / removal direction. FIG.

[0025] The process cartridge 1 is made up of a cleaning unit 4 and a developing unit 6. The cleaning unit 4 and the developing unit 6 are coupled to each other so as to be able to swing about a rotation support pin 30.

[0026] The cleaning unit 4 has a cleaning frame 5 that supports various components within the cleaning unit 4. In addition to the photosensitive drum 7, charging roller 8, and cleaning blade 10, the cleaning unit 4 also contains a waste toner transport screw 15 that extends in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 7. The cleaning frame 5 rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 7, and cleaning bearings 33 equipped with cleaning gear trains 31 for transmitting driving force from the photosensitive drum 7 to the waste toner transport screw 15 are disposed on both longitudinal ends of the cleaning unit 4.

[0027] The charging roller 8 provided in the cleaning unit 4 is biased in the direction of arrow C toward the photosensitive drum 7 by charging roller pressure springs 36 arranged on both ends. The charging roller 8 is provided to follow the rotation of the photosensitive drum 7, and when the photosensitive drum 7 is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow A during image formation, the charging roller 8 rotates in the direction of arrow D (the same direction as the rotation of the photosensitive drum 7).

[0028] The cleaning blade 10 provided in the cleaning unit 4 is composed of an elastic member 10a for removing residual toner (waste toner) remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 after primary transfer, and a support member 10b for supporting the elastic member 10a. The waste toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 by the cleaning blade 10 is stored in a waste toner storage chamber 9 formed by the cleaning blade 10 and the cleaning frame 5. The waste toner stored in the waste toner storage chamber 9 is transported toward the rear of the image forming apparatus 100 (downstream in the installation / removal direction of the process cartridge 1) by a waste toner transport screw 15 installed in the waste toner storage chamber 9. The transported waste toner is discharged from a waste toner discharge section 35 and delivered to a waste toner transport unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0029] The developing unit 6 has a developing frame 16 that supports various components within the developing unit 6. The developing frame 16 is divided into a developing chamber 16a in which the developing roller 11 and the supply roller 17 are provided, and a toner storage chamber 16b, which is a developer storage chamber in which toner is stored and an agitating member 29 is provided.

[0030] The developing chamber 16a is provided with a developing roller 11, a supply roller 17, and a developing blade 28. The developing roller 11 carries toner and rotates in the direction of arrow E during image formation, conveying the toner to the photosensitive drum 7 by contacting the photosensitive drum 7. The developing roller 11 is rotatably supported by the developing frame 16 at both ends in its longitudinal direction (direction of the rotation axis) by developing bearing units 34. The supply roller 17 is rotatably supported by the developing frame 16 by the developing bearing units 34 while in contact with the developing roller 11, and rotates in the direction of arrow F during image formation. Furthermore, a developing blade 28, which serves as a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the thickness of the toner layer formed on the developing roller 11, is disposed so as to abut against the surface of the developing roller 11.

[0031] The toner storage chamber 16b is provided with an agitating member 29 for agitating the stored toner T and for transporting the toner to the supply roller 17 through the opening 16c. The agitating member 29 has a rotation shaft 29a parallel to the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 11 and an agitating sheet 29b which is a flexible sheet. One end of the agitating sheet 29b is attached to the rotation shaft 29a and the other end of the agitating sheet 29b is a free end, and the rotation shaft 29a rotates to move the agitating sheet 29b. As the agitation sheet 29b rotates in the direction of arrow G, the toner is agitated by the agitation sheet 29b.

[0032] The developing unit 6 has an opening 16c that connects the developing chamber 16a and the toner storage chamber 16b. When the developing unit 6 is in use, the developing chamber 16a is located above the toner storage chamber 16b. The toner in the toner storage chamber 16b that has been stirred by the stirring member 29 is supplied to the developing chamber 16a through the opening 16c.

[0033] Furthermore, the developing unit 6 is provided with a receiving port 40 at one end downstream in the attachment / detachment direction for receiving toner supplied from the outside (from the toner cartridge 13). A seal member 45 and a shutter 41 that is movable in the attachment / detachment direction (front-rear direction) of the process cartridge 1 are disposed above the receiving port 40. The receiving port 40 is closed by the shutter 41 when the process cartridge 1 is not attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. The shutter 41 is configured to open and close in conjunction with the attachment / detachment operation of the process cartridge 1, and is biased by the main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0034] The developing unit 6 has a transport path 42 connected to the receiving port 40 for transporting toner supplied from the outside, an opening 44 connecting the transport path 42 to the toner storage chamber 16b, and a transport screw 43, which is a transport member that transports the toner from the receiving port 40 to the opening 44. The opening 44 is located near the center of the developing unit 6 in the longitudinal direction. The transport screw 43 is located inside the transport path 42 and has a rotation shaft 43b with a spiral protrusion 43a (see FIG. 10) on its outer periphery. By rotating, the transport screw 43 transports the toner inside the transport path 42 toward the opening 44. The rotation shaft of the transport screw 43 is parallel to the rotation shafts of the developing roller 11 and the supply roller 17. By rotating the transport screw 43, the toner supplied from the receiving port 40 is transported along the transport path 42 toward the opening 44 and supplied to the toner storage chamber 16b through the opening 44.

[0035] <Toner cartridge> Next, the overall configuration of the toner cartridge 13 installed in the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. FIG. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridges (13Y, 13M, 13C) according to this embodiment at the center in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction). FIG. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridges (13Y, 13M, 13C) according to this embodiment at the rear opening 52 in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction). FIG. 7(a) is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge (13K) according to this embodiment at the center in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction). FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge (13K) according to this embodiment at the rear opening 52 in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction). FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view of the toner cartridges (13Y, 13M, 13C) according to this embodiment, as seen from the rear. FIG. 8(b) is a perspective view of the toner cartridges (13Y, 13M, 13C) according to this embodiment, as seen from the rear, with the side cover 62 removed.

[0036] The toner cartridge 13 includes a supply frame 50 that supports various components within the toner cartridge 13, and a toner storage chamber 51 that stores toner therein. Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 13 is in the position (usage position) when it is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 and used, an opening 52 is provided on the bottom side. A stirring member 53, a conveying screw 54, and a partition member 55 are provided within the toner storage chamber 51. In this embodiment, the fourth toner cartridge (13K) that stores black (K) toner is larger in the width direction (left-right direction) than the first to third toner cartridges (13Y, 13M, 13C) that store color (Y, M, C) toner.

[0037] The agitating member 53 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 13 and is rotatably supported. The agitating member 53 is supported by the supply frame 50. The agitating member 53 has a rotating shaft 53a and an agitating sheet 53b, which is a flexible sheet-like conveying member. One end of the agitating sheet 53b is attached to the rotating shaft 53a, and the other end of the agitating sheet 53b is a free end. When the rotating shaft 53a rotates, the agitating sheet 53b rotates in the direction of arrow G, causing the agitating sheet 53b to agitate the toner and send it to the conveying screw 54.

[0038] The conveying screw 54 is disposed parallel to the rotation axis of the agitating member 53 and is rotatably supported by the supply frame 50. As the conveying screw 54 rotates, it conveys the toner in the toner storage chamber 51 from front to rear (from upstream to downstream in the toner cartridge mounting / removal direction). In other words, it conveys the toner toward the opening 52.

[0039] Partition member 55 and supply frame 50 form tunnel portion 56. The internal space of tunnel portion 56 is formed to correspond to the outer diameter of conveying screw 54, so that toner is worn out and the amount of toner conveyed by conveying screw 54 can be made constant. Partition member 55 and supply frame 50 also form toner discharge chamber 57.

[0040] Toner discharge chamber 57 has opening 52. Pump 58 with expandable bellows 58a is provided in communication with the interior. Pump 58 expands and contracts using a drive train (described later), allowing its internal volume to vary. As pump 58 expands and contracts, the internal pressure of toner storage chamber 51 and toner discharge chamber 57 fluctuates, and air is suctioned and exhausted through opening 52, allowing toner to be stably discharged.

[0041] A drive train is disposed behind the toner cartridge 13. A drive input gear 59 receives rotational drive from the apparatus body 100 of the image forming apparatus 100 and transmits the rotation to a cam gear 60. A cam groove 60a is provided in the cam gear 60, and a link protrusion 61a of a link mechanism 61 engages with the cam groove 60a. The link mechanism 61 is supported by a side cover 62 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. As the cam gear 60 rotates, the link protrusion 61a alternately passes through the peaks and valleys of the cam groove 60a, causing the link mechanism 61 to reciprocate in the front-rear direction. The link mechanism 61 is connected to a coupling portion 58b of the pump 58, and the coupling portion 58b of the pump 58 reciprocates in conjunction with the link mechanism 61. The expansion and contraction of the bellows portion 58a of the pump 58 causes the internal volume of the pump 58 to fluctuate, resulting in fluctuations in the internal pressure of the toner storage chamber 51 and the toner discharge chamber 57. A screw gear 64 is provided at the end of the conveying screw 54, and the screw gear 64 receives rotational drive from the cam gear 60 to rotate the conveying screw 54.

[0042] Furthermore, in the toner discharge chamber 57, when the toner cartridge 13 is installed in the image forming apparatus 100 and in use (in-use position), an opening 52 and a supply port 63 are provided on the bottom surface, and these are supported by the supply frame 50 so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction. When the toner cartridge 13 is not installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the opening 52 is closed by a shutter 46. The shutter 46 is configured to move to a predetermined position in conjunction with the installation or removal of the toner cartridge 13, being urged by the main body of the image forming apparatus 100. When the toner cartridge 13 is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the opening 52 and the supply port 63 communicate with each other, allowing toner to be discharged from the toner cartridge 13.

[0043] <Toner seal configuration> The developing unit 6 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1, 9, and 10. Figure 9(a) is an overall perspective view of the developing unit 6. Figure 9(b) is an overall perspective view of the developing unit 6 with the supply pipe frame 67 removed. Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the developing unit 6 showing the operation of the moving member. Also, Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the developing unit showing the operation of unsealing the seal member.

[0044] 9(b) and 10(a), in a new process cartridge 1, the opening 44 provided in the developing frame 16 is covered with a seal member 65. Specifically, one end of the seal member 65 is welded or adhered to the developing frame 16 in the vicinity of the opening 44 so as to cover the opening 44. The other end of the seal member 65 is welded or adhered to a moving member 66.

[0045] When a new process cartridge 1 is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, the process cartridge 1 receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus 100. This driving force is transmitted to the conveying screw 43 via gears (not shown) in the developing unit 6 and drives the conveying screw 43 to rotate. The helical protrusion 43a of the conveying screw 43 engages with the engaging portion 66a of the moving member 66. When the conveying screw 43 rotates, the engaging portion 66a and the helical protrusion 43a move relatively along the helical shape of the helical protrusion 43a, and the moving member moves in the direction of the rotation axis from the first position to the second position. Here, the helical protrusion 43a is provided within a predetermined range of the rotation shaft 43b, and the position of the moving member 66 when the end of the predetermined range closest to the opening 44 engages with the engaging portion 66a is the first position. On the other hand, the position of the moving member 66 when the end of the predetermined range farthest from the opening 44 engages with the engaging portion 66a is the second position. The spiral shape of the spiral protrusion 43a is configured so that the movement of the moving member 66 in the rotational axis direction is a direction away from the opening 44 from the first position to the second position. Therefore, as the conveying screw 43 rotates, the moving member 66 moves in the direction of arrow P in FIG. 10(a) (direction away from the opening 44). One end 65a of the seal member 65 is attached to the developing device frame 16, and the other end 65b of the seal member 65 is attached to the moving member 66. When the moving member 66 is at the first position (FIG. 10(a)), a portion 65c of the seal member 65 is removably attached to the developing device frame 16 around the opening 44. As the conveying screw 43 rotates, the moving member 66 moves from the first position in the direction of arrow P, and as shown in FIG. 10(b), the other end 65b of the seal member 65 also moves in the direction of arrow P, and the distance between the other end 65b of the seal member 65 and the opening 44 increases. When the distance between the other end 65b of the sealing member 65 and the opening 44 exceeds the distance between the part 65c of the sealing member 65 attached around the opening 44 and the other end 65b of the sealing member 65, the part 65c of the sealing member 65 is peeled off from the periphery of the opening 44. This opens the opening 44 and unseals the opening 44. In this way, the sealing member 65 is connected to the movable member 66, and seals the opening 44 when the movable member 66 is in the first position, and opens the opening 44 when the movable member 66 is in the second position.

[0046] 10(c), when the conveying screw 43 rotates further, the engaging portion 66a of the moving member 66 moves to a position outside the area where the spiral projection 43a is provided. When the engaging portion 66a is in this position, the moving member 66 does not move even when the conveying screw 43 rotates.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 1A, a regulating portion 70 is provided on a supply pipe frame 67, which, together with the developing frame 16, constitutes the frame of the developer container. The regulating portion 70 regulates the movement of the moving member 66, which is in the second position, toward the first position. The regulating portion 70 has a second inclined surface 70a on the upstream side and a first inclined surface 70b on the downstream side in the direction of arrow P (the direction in which the moving member 66 moves away from the opening 44). The first inclined surface 70b faces the direction from the second position toward the first position (the direction of arrow Q). That is, the rotational axis direction component of the normal to the first inclined surface 70b faces the direction opposite to the direction from the second position toward the first position (the direction of arrow P). The second inclined surface 70a is provided closer to the first position than the first inclined surface 70b and faces the direction from the first position toward the second position (the direction of arrow P). That is, the rotational axis direction component of the normal to the second inclined surface 70a is opposite to the direction from the first position to the second position (the direction of arrow Q). The second inclined surface 70a and the first inclined surface 70b each have a shape symmetrical with respect to a plane including the rotational axis of the conveying screw 43, and are provided as a pair at positions symmetrical with respect to that plane.

[0048] The moving member 66 has a regulated portion 66b that can engage with the regulating portion 70. When the moving member 66 is in the second position, the regulated portion 66b engages with the regulating portion 70, thereby regulating the movement of the moving member 66 in a direction toward the first position. The regulated portions 66b are elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the rotational axis direction of the conveying screw 43, and are provided in pairs on the moving member 66. The pair of regulated portions 66b have shapes that are symmetrical with respect to a plane that includes the rotational axis of the conveying screw 43, and are provided at positions symmetrical with respect to the plane. The components of the elastic deformation directions of the pair of regulated portions 66b that are perpendicular to the rotational axis direction are opposite to each other.

[0049] When the conveying screw 43 rotates and the moving member 66 moves in the direction of arrow P from the state of a brand new process cartridge 1 shown in FIG. 1A, as shown in FIG. 1B, the regulated portion 66b provided on the moving member 66 comes into contact with the second inclined surface 70a. This causes elastic deformation in a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow P. As the moving member 66 continues to move and reaches a second position where the engaging portion 66a does not engage with the helical protrusion 43a, the regulated portion 66b comes into contact with the second inclined surface 70a and elastically deforms while climbing over the second inclined surface 70a. Once the regulated portion 66b climbs over the second inclined surface 70a, the moving member 66 reaches the second position, and the regulated portion 66b comes into contact with the first inclined surface 70b. When the moving member 66 is in the second position, the regulated portion 66b is pressed by the first inclined surface 70b, causing elastic deformation of the regulated portion 66b so that it is more compressed than in its natural state. The elastic force generated by the elastic deformation of the regulated portion 66b causes the regulated portion 66b to press against the first inclined surface 70b. At this time, the regulated portion 66b receives a repulsive force in the normal direction of the first inclined surface 70b, and movement of the moving member 66 in the direction of arrow Q (the opposite direction to arrow P) is restricted. As a result, the engaging portion 66a of the moving member 66 remains spaced apart from the helical protrusion 43a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise caused by repeated contact between the engaging portion 66a and the helical protrusion 43a as the conveying screw 43 rotates.

[0050] 1 illustrates a configuration in which the movement of the moving member 66 is restricted by an elastic restoring force caused by elastic deformation of the regulated portion 66b provided on the moving member 66, but the configuration for restricting the movement of the moving member 66 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a configuration may be adopted in which the regulated portion 110 provided on the moving member 66 does not elastically deform, but a regulating portion 80 provided on the developing frame 16 elastically deforms.

[0051] In the example of FIG. 11 , the restricting portion 80 is elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the rotational axis direction of the conveying screw 43. A pair of restricting portions 80 are provided, and the components perpendicular to the rotational axis direction of the elastic deformation directions of the pair of restricting portions 80 are opposite to each other. The restricting portion 80 has a second inclined surface 80a and a first inclined surface 80b. The first inclined surface 80b faces the direction from the second position to the first position (the direction of arrow Q). That is, the rotational axis direction component of the normal to the first inclined surface 80b is opposite to the direction from the second position to the first position (the direction of arrow P). The second inclined surface 80a is provided closer to the first position than the first inclined surface 80b and faces the direction from the first position to the second position (the direction of arrow P). That is, the rotational axis direction component of the normal to the second inclined surface 80a is opposite to the direction from the first position to the second position (the direction of arrow Q). The second inclined surface 80a and the first inclined surface 80b are each symmetrical with respect to a plane including the rotation axis of the conveying screw 43, and a pair of the second inclined surface 80a and the first inclined surface 80b are provided at positions symmetrical with respect to the plane.

[0052] The moving member 66 has a restricted portion 110 that can engage with the restricting portion 80. When the moving member 66 is in the second position, the restricted portion 110 engages with the restricting portion 80, thereby restricting the movement of the moving member 66 in a direction toward the first position. When the moving member 66 moves in the direction of arrow P in conjunction with the rotation of the conveying screw 43, the restricted portion 110 of the moving member 66 abuts against the second inclined surface 80a, elastically deforming the restricting portion 80. When the moving member 66 further moves in the direction of arrow P, the restricted portion 110 abuts against the second inclined surface 80a, elastically deforming the restricting portion 80, and overcomes the second inclined surface 80a, the moving member 66 reaches the second position, and the restricted portion 110 comes into contact with the first inclined surface 80b. When the moving member 66 is in the second position, the first inclined surface 80b is pressed by the regulated portion 110, causing the regulating portion 80 to elastically deform. The elastic force generated by the elastic deformation of the regulating portion 80 restricts the movement of the moving member 66 in the direction toward the first position. This keeps the engaging portion 66a of the moving member 66 spaced apart from the helical protrusion 43a. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of abnormal noise caused by repeated contact between the engaging portion 66a and the helical protrusion 43a as the conveying screw 43 rotates. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 16: developing frame, 16b: toner storage chamber, 42: conveying path, 43: conveying screw, 43a: helical projection, 43b: rotating shaft, 44: opening, 65: sealing member, 66: moving member, 66a: engaging portion, 66b: regulated portion, 70: regulating portion

Claims

1. a frame having a developer storage chamber for storing developer, a transport path for transporting the developer, and an opening communicating the developer storage chamber with the transport path; a conveying means having a rotating shaft and a spiral protrusion provided around the rotating shaft, and conveying the developer inside the conveying path toward the opening by rotation of the rotating shaft; a moving member having an engaging portion that engages with the helical protrusion, the engaging portion moving relatively along the helical protrusion as the rotation shaft rotates, thereby moving in the rotation axis direction from a first position to a second position; a seal member connected to the movable member, the seal member sealing the opening when the movable member is in the first position and opening the opening when the movable member is in the second position; a restricting portion provided on the frame body and configured to restrict movement of the movable member in the second position toward the first position; A developing container comprising:

2. the moving member has a restricted portion that can be engaged with the restricting portion, The developing container according to claim 1 , wherein when the moving member is at the second position, the regulated portion engages with the regulating portion, thereby regulating movement of the moving member in a direction toward the first position.

3. the restricted portion is elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction, The developing container according to claim 2 , wherein when the moving member is in the second position, the movement of the moving member in the direction toward the first position is restricted by an elastic force generated by elastic deformation of the restricted portion.

4. 4. The developing container according to claim 3, wherein a pair of the regulated portions are provided, and components of the directions of elastic deformation of the pair of the regulated portions that are perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis are opposite to each other.

5. the restricting portion has a first inclined surface that faces in a direction from the second position to the first position, 5. The developing container according to claim 3, wherein when the moving member is in the second position, the regulated portion is pressed by the first inclined surface, thereby elastically deforming the regulated portion.

6. the restricting portion has a second inclined surface that is provided closer to the first position than the first inclined surface and faces the first inclined surface in a direction from the first position to the second position, The developing container according to claim 5 , wherein the regulated portion of the moving member comes into contact with the second inclined surface and overcomes the second inclined surface while elastically deforming, thereby causing the moving member to reach the second position.

7. the restricting portion is elastically deformable in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction, The developing container according to claim 2 , wherein when the moving member is in the second position, the movement of the moving member in the direction toward the first position is restricted by an elastic force generated by elastic deformation of the restricting portion.

8. 8. The developing container according to claim 7, wherein a pair of the regulating portions are provided, and components of the directions of elastic deformation of the pair of the regulating portions that are perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis are opposite to each other.

9. the restricting portion has a first inclined surface that faces in a direction from the second position to the first position, 9. The developing container according to claim 7, wherein when the moving member is at the second position, the first inclined surface is pressed by the regulated portion, thereby causing the regulating portion to elastically deform.

10. the restricting portion has a second inclined surface that is provided closer to the first position than the first inclined surface and faces the first inclined surface in a direction from the first position to the second position, The developing container according to claim 9 , wherein the regulated portion of the moving member comes into contact with the second inclined surface, elastically deforming the regulating portion and climbing over the second inclined surface, thereby causing the moving member to reach the second position.

11. 11. The developing container according to claim 1, wherein one end of the sealing member is attached to the frame, and the other end of the sealing member is attached to the moving member.

12. When the movable member is in the first position, a portion of the seal member is releasably attached to the periphery of the opening, 12. The developing container according to claim 11, wherein the opening is opened by a part of the sealing member peeling off from the periphery of the opening while the moving member moves from the first position to the second position.

13. 13. The developing container according to claim 1, wherein the transport path transports developer supplied from outside the developing container.

14. The developing container according to any one of claims 1 to 13, a developer carrier that carries a developer; A developing device comprising:

15. The developing container according to any one of claims 1 to 13, a developer carrier that carries a developer; and a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main body of an image forming apparatus.

16. The developing container according to any one of claims 1 to 13, a developer carrier that carries the developer; an image carrier that carries a developer image; a transfer unit that transfers the developer image carried on the image carrier onto a recording material; a supply device for supplying the developer to the developer container; An image forming apparatus comprising:

17. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the supply device is a toner cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Images