Toner supply device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide a toner supply device that achieves reduction in load on a rotation drive system while achieving stable supply of toner.SOLUTION: A toner supply device comprises: a toner container 40 that includes groove parts 47 for driving on an end face and includes recesses 48 for excitation on an outer peripheral surface; a driving coupling 54 that includes projections 54a for driving engaged with the groove parts 47 for driving to rotate the toner container 40; and an excitation member 60 that includes a projection 61 for excitation pressing the toner container 40. The projection 61 for excitation has a shape to get into the recess 48 for excitation to energize the toner container 40 in a direction for lifting up it and come out from the recess 48 for excitation to release the energization. The groove part 47 for driving is provided with a relief part 47c so as to allow the toner container 40 with the projection 54a for driving engaged with the groove part 47 for driving to move in a direction matching a direction in which the projection 61 for excitation energizes the toner container 40 in a state where the projection 61 for excitation gets into the recess 48 for excitation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toner supply device that supplies toner by rotating a toner container, and an image forming apparatus including the same.

Background Art

[0002] An electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image using toner supplied from a mounted toner container by rotating the toner container. In this type of image forming apparatus, the toner stored in the toner container may aggregate and adhere to the inner wall of the toner container. It is difficult to peel off the toner adhering to the inner wall of the toner container only by rotating the toner container.

[0003] Therefore, for example, in the toner supply device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-272052 (Patent Document 1), a stepped portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical holding member that fits into the toner container and rotates together with it is dropped into a concave portion formed on the inner peripheral surface of a main body-side holding member that fits into the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical holding member and supports it rotatably, thereby vibrating the toner container and peeling off the toner adhering to the inner wall of the toner container.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the case of the toner supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1, while the stepped portion of the cylindrical holding member is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the main body holding member other than the recess and is rotating, the rotation axis of the toner container and the rotation axis of the rotation drive system of the toner supply device will rotate in a misaligned state. If no measures are taken to address this misalignment, an excessive load will be placed on the rotation drive system of the toner supply device, which may cause the toner supply device to malfunction. Therefore, in order to improve the durability of the toner supply device, it is important to reduce the load on the rotation drive system.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a toner supply device that reduces the load on the rotary drive system while achieving a stable supply of toner, and an image forming apparatus equipped therewith. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The toner supply device according to the present invention comprises a toner container having a cylindrical outer shape, a drive coupling for rotating the toner container, and a vibration-enhancing member for applying vibration to the toner container. The toner container has a drive groove on its end face located in the direction of extension of its axis, and a vibration-enhancing recess on its outer circumferential surface. The drive coupling has a drive projection that rotates the toner container around its axis when it rotates while engaged with the drive groove. The vibration-enhancing member has a vibration-enhancing projection that presses against the outer circumferential surface of the toner container. The vibration-enhancing projection has a shape that biases the toner container in an upward direction by entering the vibration-enhancing recess, and releases the bias by disengaging from the vibration-enhancing recess. In the toner supply device according to the present invention described above, when the vibration projection is engaged with the vibration recess, a relief portion is provided in the drive groove so that the toner container can move in a direction consistent with the direction in which the toner container is biased by the vibration projection, while the drive projection remains engaged with the drive groove.

[0008] The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is equipped with the toner supply device according to the present invention described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a toner supply device that achieves a stable supply of toner while reducing the load on the rotary drive system, and an image forming apparatus equipped therewith. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the printer unit. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the toner supply device. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the rotational drive mechanism of the toner container. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the toner container and vibration member as viewed along the axial direction of the toner container. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view showing the vibration-generating protrusion in contact with the outer surface of the toner container other than the vibration-generating recess. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a magnified view showing the vibration-generating projection in contact with the vibration-generating recess of the toner container. [Figure 8] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the engagement state between the drive groove of the toner container and the drive projection of the drive coupling before and after the vibration projection engages with the vibration recess. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the figures. The embodiments shown below illustrate a multi-functional peripheral (MFP) equipped with multiple functions such as a copy function, a scan function, and a print function as an image forming apparatus. In the embodiments shown below, the same or common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0012] (Embodiment) Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the printer section shown in Figure 1. In the following, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 described above.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 comprises a printer unit 2 located in its center, a paper feed cassette 3 located below the printer unit 2, a paper output tray 4 located above the printer unit 2, and a scanner unit 5 and an operation panel 6 located above the paper output tray 4.

[0014] The printer unit 2 performs electrophotographic image formation on the sheet 9 fed from the paper tray 10 (described later), transferring a toner image based on the image data to be printed onto the sheet 9, fixing the toner image onto the sheet 9, and then ejecting it onto the output tray 4. The front of the printer unit 2 is provided with a door member 2c that can be opened and closed when replacing the toner container 40 installed inside.

[0015] The paper feed cassette 3 has a paper feed tray 10 inside, and by pulling it out to the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, a stack of sheets 9 such as printing paper can be stored in the paper feed tray 10.

[0016] The scanner unit 5 optically reads an image of a document set by a user to generate image data. For example, when the job specified by the user is a copy job, the scanner unit 5 reads the image of the document to generate image data, and the printer unit 2 forms an image on the sheet 9 based on the image data.

[0017] The operation panel 6 serves as a user interface when the user operates the image forming apparatus 1, displays various screens to the user, and accepts operations by the user.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the printer unit 2 includes, inside thereof, a sheet conveyance mechanism 2a that conveys the sheet 9 and an image forming mechanism 2b.

[0019] The sheet conveyance mechanism 2a takes out the sheet 9 from the paper feed tray 10 and conveys it in the direction of arrow F1 along the conveyance path 11 shown by the broken line in FIG. 2. The sheet conveyance mechanism 2a includes a pickup roller 12 and a paper feed roller 13 provided near the paper feed tray 10, and a timing roller 14, a secondary transfer roller 23, a fixing unit 28, and a paper discharge roller 15 provided on the conveyance path 11.

[0020] The sheet conveyance mechanism 2a first takes out one sheet 9 from the top of the stack of sheets 9 stored in the paper feed tray 10 and sends it out to the conveyance path 11 by the pickup roller 12 and the paper feed roller 13.

[0021] Next, the sheet 9 conveyed along the conveyance path 11 waits at the position of the timing roller 14. The sheet 9 is supplied by the timing roller 14 toward the secondary transfer roller 23 at the timing when the toner image first transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 22 by the image forming mechanism 2b described later reaches the position of the secondary transfer roller 23. As a result, when the sheet 9 passes through the position of the secondary transfer roller 23, the toner image first transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 22 is secondarily transferred onto the surface of the sheet 9.

[0022] Next, the sheet 9 on which the toner image has been transferred passes through the fuser unit 28. At this time, the fuser unit 28 applies heat and pressure to the sheet 9, thereby fixing the toner image to the surface of the sheet 9. After that, the sheet 9 with the fixed toner image is discharged onto the output tray 4 by the output roller 15.

[0023] The image forming mechanism 2b includes a drive roller 20, a driven roller 21, an intermediate transfer belt 22, a secondary transfer roller 23, image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K, each individually provided for the respective colors Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), primary transfer rollers 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K, respectively, positioned opposite the image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K across the intermediate transfer belt 22, a toner supply device 50 that supplies toner of each color to each of the image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K, and joints 43Y, 43M, 43C, and 43K connected to each of the image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K from the toner supply device 50.

[0024] The drive roller 20 is positioned opposite the secondary transfer roller 23 across the sheet 9 transport path 11, and is rotated in a predetermined direction (counterclockwise in this embodiment) by a motor or the like (not shown).

[0025] The driven roller 21 is positioned approximately the same as the drive roller 20 in the vertical direction and spaced apart from the drive roller 20 in the horizontal direction. The driven roller 21 is biased in a direction away from the drive roller 20 (i.e., to the left in the figure) by a spring or the like (not shown), thereby applying tension to the intermediate transfer belt 22, which will be described later.

[0026] The intermediate transfer belt 22 is an endless belt stretched over the drive roller 20 and the driven roller 21. The intermediate transfer belt 22 is moved in a circular motion in the direction of arrow F2 shown in Figure 2 as the drive roller 20 is rotated in a predetermined direction, and this causes the driven roller to rotate as well.

[0027] Below the intermediate transfer belt 22, image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K of the respective colors Y, M, C, and K are arranged at predetermined intervals. The image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K differ only in the color of toner they handle; their specific configurations and operations are common to each other. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the individual image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K of each color are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to as the image forming unit 30.

[0028] The image forming unit 30 includes a photoreceptor drum 31 positioned opposite the primary transfer rollers 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K, with the intermediate transfer belt 22 in between. The photoreceptor drum 31 is an image carrier in which a photosensitive layer is formed on the surface of a cylindrical drum.

[0029] A charging unit 32, an exposure unit 33, a developing unit 34, and a cleaner 35 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 31.

[0030] The charging unit 32 charges the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 31 to a predetermined charge. The exposure unit 33 has a light source such as a semiconductor laser or a light-emitting diode, and by exposing the photosensitive layer, which has been charged to a predetermined charge, based on the image data to be drawn, it forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 31. The developing unit 34 is filled with a developer containing toner, and by applying the developer to the surface of the photoreceptor drum 31, it makes the electrostatic latent image formed by the exposure unit 33 visible with toner. With this configuration, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 31. The cleaner 35 removes toner that remains on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 31 and was not transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 22.

[0031] The toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 31 is first transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 22 as the intermediate transfer belt 22 passes between the photoreceptor drum 31 and the primary transfer rollers 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K. This operation is performed sequentially in each color image forming unit 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K, so that the toner images of Y, M, C, and K are sequentially superimposed and first transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 22, forming a color image.

[0032] The color image is transferred to the sheet 9 as it passes through a nip formed between the intermediate transfer belt 22 and the secondary transfer roller 23. Toner that remains on the intermediate transfer belt 22 without being transferred to the sheet 9 is recovered by a cleaning means (not shown).

[0033] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the toner supply device shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the rotational drive mechanism of the toner container shown in Figure 3, where Figure 4(A) shows the structure of the end face of the toner container and Figure 4(B) shows the structure of the rotational drive unit. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the toner container and vibration member shown in Figure 3, viewed along the axial direction of the toner container, where Figure 5(A) is a schematic diagram of the state in which the vibration projection is not engaged with the vibration recess, and Figure 5(B) is a schematic diagram of the state in which the vibration projection is engaged with the vibration recess. Figures 6 and 7 are enlarged views of the contact area between the outer circumferential surface of the toner container and the vibration projection shown in Figure 5, where Figure 6 is a partially enlarged view showing the state in which the vibration projection is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the toner container other than the vibration recess, and Figure 7 is a partially enlarged view showing the state in which the vibration projection is in contact with the vibration recess of the toner container. Next, the configuration of the toner supply device 50 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 7 and Figure 2 described above.

[0034] The toner supply device 50 shown in Figures 3 to 7 is configured to vibrate the toner container 40 by lifting or dropping it using the vibration member 60, but only when the amount of toner contained in the toner container 40 is less than a predetermined amount (i.e., when its own weight is small). This allows the toner supply device 50 to peel off the toner adhering to the inner wall of the toner container 40.

[0035] Furthermore, the vibration of the toner container 40 by the vibration member 60 is performed only when the amount of toner is less than a predetermined amount, and this is achieved by adjusting the biasing force of the vibration member 60. Details of this will be described later.

[0036] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the toner supply device 50 includes a sub-hopper unit 41 positioned above the image forming unit 30, toner containers 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K of each color positioned above the sub-hopper unit 41, a rotation holding unit 51, a drive source 52, and a rotation drive unit 53 for rotating the toner containers 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K around their axes 49 (see Figure 4(A)), and a vibration excitation member 60 for applying vibration to the toner containers 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K.

[0037] The sub-hopper unit 41 includes sub-hoppers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K corresponding to the colors Y, M, C, and K. The toner containers 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K are arranged adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to their axis 49, and supply toner to the sub-hoppers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K corresponding to each color.

[0038] Sub-hoppers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K are connected to toner supply joints 43Y, 43M, 43C, and 43K, respectively. The developing units 34 of each color image forming unit 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K are supplied with toner of each color from the sub-hoppers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K via the joints 43Y, 43M, 43C, and 43K.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the toner containers 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K of each color are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to as the toner container 40. Similarly, when the sub-hoppers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K of each color are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to as the sub-hopper 42.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the toner container 40 has a cylindrical outer shape and comprises a container body 44 for containing toner and a cap portion 45 provided at the end of the container body 44. The container body 44 and the cap portion 45 are mounted so as to be rotatable relative to each other. One end of the container body 44 on the side where the cap portion 45 is provided is held by a sub-hopper unit 41, and the other end is held by a rotating holding portion 51 that is configured to allow the container body 44 to rotate.

[0041] The toner container 40 is detachable from the toner supply device 50. For example, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the toner supply device 50 is exposed to the outside when the door member 2c (see Figure 1) provided on the printer unit 2 is opened, so that the toner container 40 can be attached to and detached from the toner supply device 50 by manual operation. A knob 45a is formed on the front side of the cap portion 45 to rotate the container body 44 by manual operation. This makes it possible to adjust the position of the container body 44 in the rotational direction when attaching it.

[0042] When the toner container 40 is installed in the toner supply device 50, it is inserted from the front side of the printer unit 2 toward the X direction shown in Figure 3, with the end face 44a of the container body 44 as the tip. As a result, the cap portion 45 of each color toner container 40 is placed on top of the sub-hopper unit 41.

[0043] A toner supply port (not shown) is provided at the end of the container body 44 on the cap portion 45 side. Therefore, when the toner container 40 is attached to the toner supply device 50, the toner supply port is positioned above the sub-hopper 42.

[0044] The cap portion 45 functions as a shutter that opens and closes the toner supply port. By rotating the cap portion 45 relative to the container body 44, the toner supply port is opened, allowing the toner supply device 50 to supply the toner contained in the toner container 40 to the sub-hopper 42. In this state, by rotating the container body 44, the toner that has moved toward the cap portion 45 falls from the toner supply port towards the sub-hopper 42 and is supplied to it.

[0045] A spiral groove 46 is provided on the outer surface of the container body 44. As a result, spiral projections are formed on the container body 44 at positions corresponding to the spiral groove 46, projecting inward. These spiral projections have the function of transporting the toner inside the container body 44 toward the cap portion 45 as the container body 44 rotates.

[0046] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the container body 44 has a pair of vibration-enhancing recesses 48 on its outer circumferential surface. These pair of vibration-enhancing recesses 48 are formed in a straight line along the axis 49 direction of the toner container 40 (i.e., the X direction in Figure 3).

[0047] The vibration-enhancing recesses 48 are provided to apply vibration to the toner container 40 in conjunction with its rotational drive, as will be described later. In this embodiment, the pair of vibration-enhancing recesses 48 are positioned at 180° rotationally symmetrical positions when viewed along the axis 49 of the toner container 40. As a result, vibration is applied to the toner container 40 each time it rotates half a turn. Note that the number of vibration-enhancing recesses 48 is not limited to two; for example, there may be one.

[0048] A drive source 52, such as a motor, is connected to a rotating holding part 51 that holds one end of the container body 44. In this embodiment, two rotating holding parts 51 are provided, and each of them rotatably holds two container bodies 44.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4(A), the toner container 40 has a pair of first drive grooves 47a and second drive grooves 47b on the end face 44a on the side of the rotation holding portion 51, which is one of a pair of end faces located in the direction of the axis 49 of the toner container 40. The first drive groove 47a and the second drive groove 47b are positioned at 180° rotationally symmetrical positions when viewed along the direction of the axis 49.

[0050] Furthermore, the first drive groove 47a is provided with a first relief portion 47c1 so that the toner container 40 can move while the first drive projection 54a1 (described later) is engaged with it, and similarly, the second drive groove 47b is provided with a second relief portion 47c2 so that the toner container 40 can move while the second drive projection 54a2 (described later) is engaged with it, but the details thereof will be described later.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4(B), a drive coupling 54 is provided at the tip of the rotary drive unit 53. The drive coupling 54 rotates in the rotational direction R shown in the figure around the rotation axis 55 when the rotary drive unit 53 operates as the driving force from the drive source 52 is transmitted to the rotary drive unit 53. In this embodiment, the rotation axis 55 coincides with the axis 49 of the toner container 40.

[0052] The drive coupling 54 has a pair of first drive projections 54a1 and second drive projections 54a2 on the end face of the drive coupling 54 facing the toner container 40. The first drive projection 54a1 and the second drive projection 54a2 are positioned at 180° rotationally symmetrical positions when viewed along the axis 49.

[0053] The first drive projection 54a1 engages with the first drive groove 47a, and the second drive projection 54a2 engages with the second drive groove 47b. By rotating in this state, the drive coupling 54 can rotate the toner container 40 around its axis 49, as shown in Figure 4(A).

[0054] In this embodiment, when the first drive groove 47a and the second drive groove 47b are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to as the drive groove 47; when the first drive projection 54a1 and the second drive projection 54a2 are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to as the drive projection 54a; and when the first relief portion 47c1 and the second relief portion 47c2 are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to as the relief portion 47c.

[0055] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the vibration member 60 has a base portion 69. The outer circumferential surface of the end of the container body 44 located on the rotating holding portion 51 side is placed on the base portion 69. In this embodiment, four vibration members 60 are arranged adjacent to each other to support four toner containers 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K which are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0056] As shown in Figures 3 and 5 to 7, the vibration member 60 has a vibration projection 61 that presses against the outer surface of the toner container 40. The vibration projection 61 is shaped to bias the toner container 40 in an upward direction by engaging with a vibration recess 48 in conjunction with the rotational drive of the toner container 40, and to release this bias by disengaging from the vibration recess 48. This makes it possible for the vibration projection 61 to vibrate the toner container 40, but the details will be described later.

[0057] Here, the vibration-exciting member 60 is made of an elastic material such as metal, resin, and urethane foam. Preferably, the vibration-exciting member 60 is made of a material having a leaf spring shape or to which an external force is applied by an externally provided coil spring or the like. This makes it possible for the vibration-exciting projection 61 to always press against the outer surface of the toner container 40 with a predetermined pressing force F1 as shown in Figure 5.

[0058] The position of the vibration member 60 in the axial direction 49 of the toner container 40 is preferably on the side where the rotation holding unit 51 is provided. This allows vibration to be applied to the toner container 40 upstream of the toner transport path compared to when the vibration member 60 is positioned on the sub-hopper unit 41 side, thus enabling more efficient toner supply.

[0059] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the vibration projection 61 has a top portion 66 that abuts the outer circumferential surface of the container body 44, and a first inclined surface 67 located upstream of the top portion 66 and a second inclined surface 68 located downstream in the rotational direction R of the toner container 40.

[0060] As shown in Figure 6, the first inclined surface 67 is configured such that the angle α formed by the first inclined surface 67 and the tangent line 40L to the outer surface of the container body 44 at the contact position of the top portion 66 is acute. As a result, as shown in Figure 7, after the vibration-stimulating projection 61 enters the vibration-stimulating recess 48, the container body 44 rotates further, causing the rear end portion 48a of the vibration-stimulating recess 48 to come into contact with the first inclined surface 67. Subsequently, the container body 44 becomes able to rotate smoothly, and further after that, the vibration-stimulating projection 61 becomes able to smoothly disengage from the vibration-stimulating recess 48.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the second inclined surface 68 is configured such that the angle β it makes with the tangent line 40L is larger than the angle α mentioned above. This ensures a larger instantaneous displacement when the vibration-generating projection 61 enters the vibration-generating recess 48, and as a result, it becomes possible to increase the vibration applied to the toner container 40.

[0062] It is preferable that the height H of the vibration-generating projection 61 that protrudes in the direction normal to the outer surface of the container body 44 is greater than the depth of the vibration-generating recess 48. This allows the top portion 66 of the vibration-generating projection 61 to strike the bottom of the vibration-generating recess 48 when it enters the vibration-generating recess 48, and as a result, the vibrations imparted to the toner container 40 can be increased.

[0063] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the engagement state between the drive groove of the toner container and the drive projection of the drive coupling before and after the vibration projection shown in Figure 3 enters the vibration recess. Next, the operation of the toner supply device 50 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8.

[0064] As shown in Figure 8(A), when the vibration-stimulating recess 48 of the container body 44 is in a different position from the vibration-stimulating projection 61 of the vibration-stimulating member 60, the vibration-stimulating projection 61 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the container body 44 and is pressing it with a predetermined pressing force F1. Here, the position of the axis 49 of the toner container 40 in the vertical direction in this state will be referred to as the initial position.

[0065] Next, as the toner container 40 rotates in the rotational direction R shown in the figure from the state shown in Figure 8(A), the vibration-exciting recess 48 reaches the position of the vibration-exciting projection 61, as shown in Figure 8(B), and the vibration-exciting projection 61 enters the vibration-exciting recess 48. As a result, the top 66 of the vibration-exciting projection 61 comes into contact with the bottom of the vibration-exciting recess 48. Furthermore, at the same time or slightly later, the first inclined surface 67 of the vibration-exciting projection 61 comes into contact with the upstream portion of the vibration-exciting recess 48 in the rotational direction R. As a result, the vibration-exciting projection 61 biases the toner container 40 in an upward direction with a predetermined biasing force F2 shown in the figure.

[0066] Next, with the vibration-generating projection 61 inserted into the vibration-generating recess 48, the toner container 40 rotates in the rotational direction R. At this time, if the amount of toner contained in the toner container 40 is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, the weight of the toner container 40 applied to the vibration-generating projection 61 via the first inclined surface 67 exceeds the biasing force F2 of the vibration-generating projection 61, and the vibration-generating projection 61 is unable to lift the toner container 40.

[0067] Furthermore, the force applied by the rotation of the toner container 40 and the weight of the toner container 40 are applied to the vibration projection 61 against the pressing force F1, causing the vibration projection 61 to retract. As a result, the vibration projection 61 disengages from the vibration recess 48, and consequently, the toner container 40 continues to rotate without being lifted by the vibration member 60.

[0068] On the other hand, if the amount of toner contained in the toner container 40 is less than a predetermined amount, the biasing force F2 of the vibration projection 61 will exceed the weight of the toner container 40. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8(C), the toner container 40 is lifted by the vibration member 60 as it rotates with the vibration projection 61 inserted into the vibration recess 48 (see arrow DR in the figure).

[0069] More specifically, while at least a portion of the vibration-generating projection 61 remains engaged with the vibration-generating recess 48, the upstream portion of the vibration-generating recess 48 in the rotational direction R and the outer circumferential surface of the container body 44 adjacent to that portion ride up onto the first inclined surface 67, thereby lifting the toner container 40 by the vibration-generating member 60. As a result, the toner container 40 is moved such that the position of its axis 49 is displaced vertically from the initial state described above.

[0070] Next, as the toner container 40, which has been lifted by the vibration member 60, rotates further in the rotational direction R, the force applied by this rotation and the weight of the toner container 40 are applied to the vibration projection 61 against the pressing force F1, and as a result the vibration projection 61 disengages from the vibration recess 48.

[0071] As a result, the biasing force from the vibration-generating projection 61 is released, and the toner container 40 falls from the vibration-generating projection 61. At that time, the toner container 40 is subjected to vibration due to its own weight. Therefore, even if the toner contained inside the toner container 40 has aggregated and adhered to its inner wall, the vibration of the toner container 40 makes it possible to detach the toner adhering to its inner wall.

[0072] Here, the drive groove 47 is provided with the aforementioned relief portion 47c in a direction that coincides with the direction in which the toner container 40 is biased by the vibration projection 61 when the vibration projection 61 is engaged in the vibration recess 48.

[0073] More specifically, as shown in Figures 8(B) and 8(C), when viewed along the axis 49 of the toner container 40, the drive groove 47 into which the drive projection 54a engages has a pair of relief portions 47c arranged so as to sandwich the drive projection 54a in a direction that coincides with the direction in which the toner container 40 is biased (i.e., the vertical direction). That is, when the vibration projection 61 is inserted into the vibration recess 48, the pair of relief portions 47c and Drive projection 54a However, they are arranged in a line in the vertical direction.

[0074] In this configuration, even when the toner container 40 is lifted or dropped by the vibration member 60, the toner container 40 can move while the drive projection 54a remains engaged with the drive groove 47. Therefore, it becomes possible to remove toner adhering to the inner wall of the toner container 40 without applying an excessive load to the rotational drive system of the toner supply device 50.

[0075] In other words, when the toner container is lifted or dropped by the vibration member, if there is no relief portion in the drive groove provided on the end face of the toner container, the drive groove and the drive projection of the drive coupling may interfere with each other, placing an excessive load on the rotational drive system of the toner supply device, which may cause damage or malfunction to the toner supply device.

[0076] In this regard, in the toner supply device 50 according to this embodiment, since the drive groove 47 has the relief portion 47c described above, when the toner container is lifted or dropped by the vibration member, the movement of the toner container 40 in the direction of extension of the drive groove 47 is not restricted, and thus it is possible to effectively prevent excessive load from being applied to the rotational drive system of the toner supply device.

[0077] Therefore, by configuring it in this way, a toner supply device can be made that achieves stable toner supply while improving durability.

[0078] Furthermore, if the amount of toner contained in the toner container 40 is less than a predetermined amount, toner adhesion to the inner wall of the toner container 40 becomes a problem. On the other hand, if the amount of toner contained in the toner container 40 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, toner rarely adheres to the inner wall of the toner container 40. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, by adjusting the biasing force of the vibration member 60, the toner container 40 is vibrated by the vibration member 60 only when the amount of toner contained in the toner container 40 is less than a predetermined amount.

[0079] In this way, by adjusting the biasing force of the vibration member 60, it becomes possible to perform vibration by the vibration member 60 only when vibration of the toner container 40 is necessary.

[0080] <Note> The characteristic configurations of the toner supply device and image forming apparatus disclosed in the above-described embodiment can be summarized as follows.

[0081] [Note 1] A toner container having a cylindrical outer shape, A drive coupling for rotating the toner container, The toner container is equipped with a vibration-enhancing member that applies vibration to the toner container, The toner container described above has a drive groove on the end face located in the direction of the extension of the axial line of the toner container, and a vibration recess on the outer circumferential surface. The above-mentioned drive coupling has a drive projection that rotates the toner container around the axis by rotating while engaged with the drive groove, The above-mentioned vibration-exciting member has a vibration-exciting projection that presses against the outer surface of the toner container, The vibration-generating projection has a shape that biases the toner container upward by engaging with the vibration-generating recess, and releases that bias by disengaging from the vibration-generating recess. A toner supply device in which, when the vibration-exciting projection is inserted into the vibration-exciting recess, a relief portion is provided in the drive groove so that the toner container can move in a direction consistent with the direction in which the toner container is biased by the vibration-exciting projection, while the drive groove remains engaged with the drive groove.

[0082] [Note 2] When the amount of toner contained in the toner container exceeds a predetermined amount, the weight of the toner container exceeds the biasing force of the vibration member, preventing the toner container from being lifted by the vibration member. The toner supply device according to Appendix 1, wherein when the amount of toner contained in the toner container is less than a predetermined amount, the weight of the toner container becomes less than the biasing force of the vibration member, causing the toner container to be lifted by the vibration member.

[0083] [Note 3] The toner supply device according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein, when viewed along the axial direction of the toner container, the vibration-generating projection is inserted into the vibration-generating recess, and the relief portion and the vibration-generating projection are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

[0084] [Note 4] The above-mentioned drive groove portion includes a pair of first drive groove portions and second drive groove portions, The first drive groove and the second drive groove are positioned at 180° rotationally symmetrical positions when viewed along the axial direction of the toner container. The above-mentioned drive projection includes a pair of first drive projections and second drive projections, The first drive projection and the second drive projection are positioned at 180° rotationally symmetrical positions when viewed along the axial direction of the toner container. The toner supply device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the drive coupling engages the first drive projection with the first drive groove and the second drive projection with the second drive groove to rotate the toner container.

[0085] [Note 5] The toner supply device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein the vibration-generating projection has a top portion that contacts the bottom of the vibration-generating recess when it enters the vibration-generating recess.

[0086] [Note 6] The vibration-generating projection has a first inclined surface located upstream of the top of the toner container in the rotational direction, The toner supply device described in Appendix 5, wherein the angle between the tangent to the outer surface of the toner container and the first inclined surface is acute.

[0087] [Note 7] The vibration-generating projection has a second inclined surface located downstream of the top of the toner container in the rotational direction of the toner container. The toner supply device according to Appendix 6, wherein the angle formed by the tangent to the outer surface of the toner container and the second inclined surface is greater than the angle formed by the tangent to the outer surface of the toner container and the first inclined surface.

[0088] [Note 8] An image forming apparatus equipped with a toner supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 7.

[0089] (Other forms, etc.) In the embodiments of the present invention described above, the example given was that the vibration member is positioned on the side of the toner container where a rotational drive system, such as a rotational holding part, is provided in the axial direction. However, the position of the vibration member in the above direction is not particularly limited to the above position.

[0090] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present invention described above, the example shown is one vibration-stimulating member that supports the toner container in the axial direction, but multiple vibration-stimulating members may be provided in the above direction.

[0091] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, an example was given in which the biasing force of the vibration member is adjusted so that vibration is applied to the toner container only when the amount of toner contained in the toner container is less than a predetermined amount. However, the biasing force of the vibration member may be adjusted so that vibration is always applied to the toner container by the vibration member, regardless of the amount of toner contained in the toner container.

[0092] Furthermore, the shape, configuration, size, number, material, etc., of each part shown in the embodiments of the present invention described above can be modified in various ways, as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0093] Furthermore, the characteristic configurations shown in the embodiments of the present invention described above can naturally be combined with each other without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0094] Thus, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1 Image forming apparatus, 2 Printer unit, 2a Sheet transport mechanism, 2b Image forming mechanism, 2c Door member, 3 Paper feed cassette, 4 Paper output tray, 5 Scanner unit, 6 Operation panel, 9 Sheet, 10 Paper feed tray, 11 Transport path, 12 Pickup roller, 13 Paper feed roller, 14 Timing roller, 15 Paper output roller, 20 Drive roller, 21 Driven roller, 22 Intermediate transfer belt, 23 Secondary transfer roller, 24C, 24K, 24M, 24Y Primary transfer roller, 28 Fixing unit, 30, 30C, 30K, 30M, 30Y Image forming unit, 31 Photoreceptor drum, 32 Charging unit, 33 Exposure unit, 34 Developing unit, 35 Cleaner, 40, 40C, 40K, 40M, 40Y Toner container, 40L Tangent, 41 Sub-hopper unit, 42, 42C, 42K, 42M, 42Y Sub-hopper, 43C, 43K, 43M, 43Y Joint, 44 Container body, 44a End face, 45 Cap part, 45a Knob, 46 Helical groove, 47 Drive groove, 47a First drive groove, 47b Second drive groove, 47c1, 47c2, 47c Relief part, 48 Vibration recess, 48a Rear end, 49 Axis, 50 Toner supply device, 51 Rotation holding part, 52 Drive source, 53 Rotation drive part, 54 Drive coupling, 54a Drive projection, 54a1 First drive projection, 54a2 Second drive projection, 55 Rotation shaft, 60 Vibration member, 61 Vibration projection, 66 Top, 67 1st slope, 68 2nd slope, 69 platform.

Claims

1. A toner container having a cylindrical outer shape, A drive coupling for rotating the toner container, The toner container is equipped with an excitation member that applies vibration to the toner container, The toner container has a drive groove on the end face located in the direction of extension of the axial line of the toner container, and a vibration recess on the outer circumferential surface. The drive coupling has a drive projection that rotates the toner container around the axis by rotating while engaged with the drive groove, The vibration-exciting member has a vibration-exciting projection that presses against the outer surface of the toner container, The vibration-generating projection has a shape that biases the toner container upward by engaging with the vibration-generating recess, and releases the bias by disengaging from the vibration-generating recess. A toner supply device in which, when the vibration-exciting projection is engaged with the vibration-exciting recess, a relief portion is provided in the drive groove so that the toner container can move in a direction consistent with the direction in which the toner container is biased by the vibration-exciting projection, while the drive groove remains engaged with the drive groove.

2. When the amount of toner contained in the toner container exceeds a predetermined amount, the weight of the toner container exceeds the biasing force of the vibration member, preventing the toner container from being lifted by the vibration member. The toner supply device according to claim 1, wherein when the amount of toner contained in the toner container is less than a predetermined amount, the weight of the toner container becomes less than the biasing force of the vibration member, causing the toner container to be lifted by the vibration member.

3. The toner supply device according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed along the axial direction of the toner container, the vibration-exciting projection is inserted into the vibration-exciting recess, and the relief portion and the drive projection are arranged side by side in the vertical direction.

4. The drive groove portion includes a pair of first drive groove portions and second drive groove portions, The first drive groove and the second drive groove are positioned at 180° rotationally symmetrical positions when viewed along the axial direction of the toner container. The drive projection includes a pair of first drive projections and second drive projections, The first drive projection and the second drive projection are positioned at 180° rotationally symmetrical positions when viewed along the axial direction of the toner container. The toner supply device according to claim 1, wherein the drive coupling engages the first drive projection with the first drive groove and the second drive projection with the second drive groove to rotate the toner container.

5. The toner supply device according to claim 1, wherein the vibration-generating projection has a top portion that contacts the bottom of the vibration-generating recess when it enters the vibration-generating recess.

6. The vibration-generating projection has a first inclined surface located upstream of the top of the toner container in the rotational direction, The toner supply device according to claim 5, wherein, when the top portion is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the toner container in a portion other than the vibration-exciting recess, the angle formed between the tangent line at the position where the top portion is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the toner container in a portion other than the vibration-exciting recess and the first inclined surface is acute.

7. The vibration-generating projection has a second inclined surface located downstream of the top of the toner container in the rotational direction of the toner container, The toner supply device according to claim 6, wherein, in a state in which the top portion is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the toner container other than the vibration-exciting recess, the angle formed between the tangent at the position in which the top portion is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the toner container other than the vibration-exciting recess and the second inclined surface is greater than the angle formed between the tangent at the position in which the top portion is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the toner container other than the vibration-exciting recess and the first inclined surface.

8. An image forming apparatus comprising a toner supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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