JP2003316137A - Developer supply container and image forming device - Google Patents

Developer supply container and image forming device

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Publication number
JP2003316137A
JP2003316137A JP2002122131A JP2002122131A JP2003316137A JP 2003316137 A JP2003316137 A JP 2003316137A JP 2002122131 A JP2002122131 A JP 2002122131A JP 2002122131 A JP2002122131 A JP 2002122131A JP 2003316137 A JP2003316137 A JP 2003316137A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
developer
container
developing device
supply container
opening
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
JP2002122131A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP3809392B2 (en
Inventor
Tetsuro Isomura
磯村　　哲朗
Yutaka Ban
伴　　豊
Kazuhiko Komata
一彦 小俣
Hironori Minagawa
皆川　　浩範
Yusuke Yamada
祐介 山田
Junko Yoshikawa
吉川　　潤子
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Canon Inc
Original Assignee
Canon Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Canon Inc filed Critical Canon Inc
Priority to JP2002122131A priority Critical patent/JP3809392B2/en
Priority to US10/420,735 priority patent/US6963713B2/en
Priority to EP03009234A priority patent/EP1357441B1/en
Priority to DE60312426T priority patent/DE60312426T2/en
Publication of JP2003316137A publication Critical patent/JP2003316137A/en
Priority to US10/929,385 priority patent/US7190925B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP3809392B2 publication Critical patent/JP3809392B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To form and produce a developer supply container by means of injection molding without increasing the cost of a material and decreasing the capacity of it, facilitates the selection of a resin which copes with nonflammablity, to loosen the developer even if the developer agglomerates and cakes within the main body of the container, and to smoothly discharge the developer from an opening. <P>SOLUTION: The developer supply container 1 is used for carrying/ discharging developer while rotating in one direction. The container 1 has the cylindrical container body 2 storing the developer inside and having an opening 2a for discharging the developer and flat-plate projections 2d projecting at intervals on the internal wall of the container body 2 and inclined so that the projections on the side of the opening 2a are behind the projections on the other side in the direction of the rotation. The developers are transported to the opening 2a in the axial direction while stirred by the rotating action of flat-plate projections 2d disposed at the intervals. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、電子写真複写機や
プリンタ等の画像形成装置に現像剤を補給するための現
像剤補給容器に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a developer supply container for supplying a developer to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a printer.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】従来、電子写真複写機やプリンタ等の画
像形成装置には現像剤として微粉末の現像剤が使用され
ている。そして、画像形成装置本体の現像剤が消費され
た場合には、現像剤補給容器を用いて画像形成装置へ現
像剤を補給することが行われる。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a fine powder developer has been used as a developer in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a printer. Then, when the developer in the image forming apparatus main body is consumed, the developer is supplied to the image forming apparatus using the developer supply container.

【０００３】現像剤は極めて微細な粉末であるため、現
像剤補給作業時に現像剤が飛散してオペレーターが周囲
を汚すという問題があった。このため、現像剤補給容器
を画像形成装置本体に据え置いて、小さな開口部から少
量ずつ現像剤を排出する方法が提案、実用されている。
このような方式にあっては、現像剤は重力等の作用で自
然に排出させるのは困難であり、何らかの現像剤撹拌搬
送手段が必要となる。Since the developer is an extremely fine powder, there is a problem that the developer scatters during the developer replenishing work and the operator stains the surroundings. For this reason, a method has been proposed and put into practical use in which the developer supply container is set on the main body of the image forming apparatus and the developer is discharged little by little through a small opening.
In such a system, it is difficult for the developer to be naturally discharged by the action of gravity or the like, and some kind of developer stirring and conveying means is required.

【０００４】ここにおいて、従来は現像剤補給容器内部
に撹拌搬送部材を備えた現像剤補給容器が広く知られて
いたが、部品点数の増加、及び内部に収納されている現
像剤の状態により、撹拌部材の撹拌トルクが予想以上に
大きくなることがある。そのため、最近では現像剤補給
容器内に現像剤搬送突起を一体的に設け、現像剤補給容
器自身を回転、または現像剤補給容器を回転型現像装置
に装着し、前記回転型現像装置の回転により現像剤を排
出させる構成の現像剤補給容器が主流となっている。Here, conventionally, a developer replenishing container provided with an agitating / conveying member inside the developer replenishing container has been widely known, but due to an increase in the number of parts and the state of the developer housed therein, The stirring torque of the stirring member may become larger than expected. Therefore, recently, a developer carrying protrusion is integrally provided in the developer replenishing container, and the developer replenishing container itself is rotated, or the developer replenishing container is attached to the rotary developing device, and the rotary developing device is rotated. A developer replenishing container configured to discharge the developer is mainly used.

【０００５】例えば、特開平７−４４０００号公報や特
開平１０−２６０５７４号公報に開示されている現像剤
補給容器は、円筒形のボトル状の内面に螺旋状の突起を
設け、一端側端面の中心付近に小さな現像剤排出口を、
現像剤排出口を設けた側の容器端面に迫り出し部をそれ
ぞれ設けている。そして現像剤補給容器を自転させるこ
とで現像剤は内部に設けられた螺旋状の突起によって排
出口側に搬送され、開口部近傍の迫り出し形状により容
器中心付近の排出口へ持ち上げられて容器外へ排出され
る。For example, the developer replenishing container disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-44000 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-260574 has a cylindrical bottle-shaped inner surface provided with a spiral projection, and one end surface of the developer supply container. A small developer outlet near the center,
Protruding parts are provided on the end faces of the containers on the side where the developer discharge ports are provided. Then, by rotating the developer supply container, the developer is conveyed to the discharge port by the spiral protrusion provided inside, and is lifted to the discharge port near the center of the container due to the protruding shape near the opening and outside the container. Is discharged to.

【０００６】また、特開平６−３３７５８６号公報や特
開２０００−２１４６６９号公報に開示されている現像
剤補給容器は、同じく円筒形のボトル状の内面に螺旋状
の突起を設け、その周面に小さな排出口を設けている。
そして現像剤補給容器を自転させることで現像剤は内部
に設けられた螺旋状の突起によって排出口側に搬送さ
れ、周面に設けられた排出口から容器外へ排出される。Further, the developer replenishing container disclosed in JP-A-6-337586 and JP-A-2000-214669 has a cylindrical bottle-like inner surface provided with a spiral protrusion, and a peripheral surface thereof. There is a small outlet in the.
By rotating the developer supply container, the developer is conveyed to the discharge port side by the spiral protrusion provided inside, and is discharged to the outside of the container from the discharge port provided on the peripheral surface.

【０００７】また、特公平８−１５３１号公報に開示さ
れている現像剤補給容器においては、全体形状は円筒形
のボトル状で、その内面に不連続な螺旋状のリブ、螺旋
状に配設したピン状又は板状の突起を設けた構成を示し
ている。Further, in the developer replenishing container disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-1531, the entire shape is a cylindrical bottle shape, and discontinuous spiral ribs and spiral arrangement are provided on the inner surface thereof. It shows a configuration in which a pin-shaped or plate-shaped protrusion is provided.

【０００８】また、特開平１０−２５４２２９号公報に
開示されている現像剤補給容器は、筒形のボトル状の内
面に螺旋状の突起を設け、その容器の一端側に現像剤を
排出させるためのスクリューと現像剤排出口を設けてい
る。そして現像剤補給容器は回転型現像装置に自転不可
に装着され、回転型現像装置が回転することで現像剤補
給容器は公転し、内部に設けた螺旋状の突起によって現
像剤はスクリュー側に搬送され、最終的にはスクリュー
により排出口へと搬送され容器外へ排出される。Further, the developer supply container disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-254229 has a cylindrical bottle-shaped inner surface provided with a spiral projection so that the developer can be discharged to one end side of the container. It has a screw and a developer outlet. The developer supply container is non-rotatably attached to the rotary developing device, and the rotation of the rotary developing device causes the developer supply container to revolve around, and the spiral protrusion provided inside conveys the developer to the screw side. Then, it is finally conveyed to the discharge port by the screw and discharged to the outside of the container.

【０００９】また、特開平８−４４１８３号公報に開示
されている現像剤補給容器は、容器内に現像剤を現像剤
排出口へとガイドする突起を回転方向に平行に複数設
け、その容器の周面に現像剤排出口を設けている。そし
て現像剤補給容器は回転型現像装置に自転不可に装着さ
れ、回転型現像装置が回転することで現像剤補給容器は
公転し、内部に設けた突起によって現像剤は排出口へと
搬送され容器外へ排出される。Further, the developer supply container disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-44183 is provided with a plurality of projections for guiding the developer to the developer discharge port in parallel with the rotation direction, and A developer discharge port is provided on the peripheral surface. The developer replenishing container is non-rotatably attached to the rotary developing device, the developer replenishing container revolves when the rotary developing device rotates, and the protrusions provided inside convey the developer to the discharge port. It is discharged to the outside.

【００１０】[0010]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、前記従
来例においては次のような問題点があった。However, the above-mentioned conventional example has the following problems.

【００１１】特開平７−４４０００号公報、特開平１０
−２６０５７４号公報、特開平６−３３７５８６号公
報、特開２０００−２１４６６９号公報、特開平１０−
２５４２２９号公報に開示されている、内部に螺旋状の
突起を有する現像剤補給容器の場合、容器本体内に撹拌
部材をもっていないため、仮に現像剤が物流による振動
や高温高湿度下に長期間放置され容器内で凝集してしま
ったとき、凝集状態を崩されることなく、塊状のまま排
出口へと搬送されるため、凝集した現像剤により排出口
が閉塞され排出性能が低下してしまう。特に排出口が容
器の周面に設けられている容器において顕著である。Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Nos. 7-44000 and 10
-260574, JP-A-6-337586, JP-A-2000-214669, JP-A-10-
In the case of the developer replenishing container having a spiral projection inside, which is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 254229, since the container body does not have an agitating member, the developer is left for a long period of time under vibration due to physical distribution or high temperature and high humidity When they are aggregated in the container, they are conveyed to the discharge port as a lump without breaking the aggregation state, and therefore the discharge port is blocked by the aggregated developer and the discharge performance deteriorates. This is particularly noticeable in a container in which the outlet is provided on the peripheral surface of the container.

【００１２】また、これら内部に螺旋状の突起を有する
現像剤補給容器の場合、射出成形にて成形を行おうとす
ると、螺旋状突起に所謂アンダーカットとなる部分（ア
ンダーカットとは成形品を金型から取り出すとき支障と
なる金型又は成形品の凹凸部をいう）ができ、その部分
に無駄な樹脂を入れなくてはならず、材料費が上がって
しまうと共に容器内の容積も減少してしまう。Further, in the case of a developer supply container having a spiral projection inside thereof, when a molding is performed by injection molding, a so-called undercut portion is formed on the spiral projection (undercut means a molded product (It refers to the irregularities of the mold or molded product that hinders removal from the mold.) Waste resin must be put in that part, increasing the material cost and reducing the volume inside the container. I will end up.

【００１３】また、ブロー成形又はストレッチブロー成
形にて成形を行おうとすると、樹脂材料もそれに対応し
た材料、例えばＰＥＴ（ポリエチレンテレフタレー
ト）、ＰＶＣ（ポリ塩化ビニル）、ＨＤＰＥ（高密度ポ
リエチレン）、ＬＤＰＥ（低密度ポリエチレン）、ＰＰ
（ポロプロピレン）に限定される。特に難燃化に対応し
た樹脂の選択が難しく、ＨＤＰＥ、ＬＤＰＥ、ＰＰの難
燃材は市販されておらず、ＰＶＣの難燃材は有るが、環
境への負荷から使用できない。また、ＰＥＴの難燃材は
有るが、成形方法がインジェクションブローに限定され
る。インジェクションブロー成形用の型代は高価であ
り、現像剤補給容器のようにそれほど数量が多くない場
合、コストが高くなってしまう。When blow molding or stretch blow molding is carried out, the resin material is also a material corresponding thereto, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), HDPE (high density polyethylene), LDPE ( Low density polyethylene), PP
Limited to (polypropylene). In particular, it is difficult to select a resin that is flame-retardant, and HDPE, LDPE, and PP flame-retardant materials are not commercially available, and PVC flame-retardant materials are available, but they cannot be used because of environmental load. Although there are PET flame-retardant materials, the molding method is limited to injection blow. The mold cost for injection blow molding is expensive, and if the quantity is not so large as in the developer supply container, the cost will be high.

【００１４】特公平８−１５３１号公報に開示されてい
る構成においては、螺旋状の突起の一部を切り欠いてい
るため、現像剤搬送中にその切り欠き部分から現像剤が
すり抜け、すり抜けた現像剤は螺旋状の突起により搬送
されない。その結果現像剤搬送性が低下する。In the structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-1531, since a part of the spiral projection is cut out, the developer slips through the cutout portion during the transport of the developer. The developer is not conveyed by the spiral protrusion. As a result, the developer transportability deteriorates.

【００１５】特開平１０−２５４２２９号公報に開示さ
れている現像剤補給容器は、一端側に現像剤を排出させ
るためのスクリューを別途設けているため、部品点数が
多く、コストが高い。The developer supply container disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-254229 has a large number of parts and a high cost because a screw for discharging the developer is separately provided at one end side.

【００１６】特開平８−４４１８３号公報に開示されて
いる現像剤補給容器は、回転軸線方向に長い現像剤補給
容器に対応しづらい。対応しようとすると突起の傾斜角
度が鈍化してしまい現像剤搬送力が低下してしまう。The developer replenishing container disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-44183 is difficult to correspond to the developer replenishing container long in the direction of the rotation axis. If an attempt is made to cope with this, the inclination angle of the protrusion will be blunted and the developer transporting force will be reduced.

【００１７】[0017]

【課題を解決するための手段】上記課題を解決するため
の本発明の代表的な構成である第１の構成は、一方向に
回転することで現像剤を搬送・排出する現像剤補給容器
であって、内部に現像剤を収納し、前記現像剤を排出す
るための開口部を有する筒状の容器本体と、前記容器本
体内壁に分割して突設され、回転方向に対して前記開口
部側が遅れるように傾斜した複数の平板状突起と、を有
し、前記回転による前記分割配置された複数の平板状突
起の作用によって現像剤を撹拌しつつ回転軸線方向開口
部側へ搬送することを特徴とする。A first constitution which is a typical constitution of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a developer replenishing container which conveys and discharges the developer by rotating in one direction. There is a cylindrical container main body having an opening for accommodating the developer therein and discharging the developer, and the container main body inner wall is divided and provided in a projecting manner, and the opening is formed in the rotational direction. A plurality of flat plate-shaped projections inclined so that the side is delayed, and the developer is conveyed to the opening side in the rotation axis direction while stirring the developer by the action of the plurality of flat plate-shaped projections arranged by the rotation. Characterize.

【００１８】上記第１の構成によれば、材料費の上昇、
及び容積を減少させることなく現像剤補給容器を射出成
形にて成形・製造できる。そのため、難燃化に対応した
樹脂の選択が容易となる。According to the first structure, the material cost is increased,
Also, the developer supply container can be molded and manufactured by injection molding without reducing the volume. Therefore, it becomes easy to select a resin that is flame retardant.

【００１９】また、現像剤が容器内において、物流によ
る振動を受けたり、過酷条件下に放置保管されたりして
容器本体内で現像剤が凝集し、固まった場合でも、前記
突起−突起間の段差によりほぐされて、スムーズに開口
部から現像剤を排出できる。In addition, even when the developer is agglomerated and solidified in the container body due to the vibration due to the physical distribution in the container or the storage and storage under severe conditions, the space between the protrusions is increased. It is loosened by the step and the developer can be smoothly discharged from the opening.

【００２０】本発明に係る第２の構成は、上記第１の構
成において、前記複数の突起による現像剤搬送領域は、
隣接した前記突起による現像剤搬送領域と、回転軸線方
向に対して重なっていることを特徴とする。A second structure according to the present invention is the same as the first structure, wherein the developer carrying region by the plurality of protrusions is
It is characterized in that the developer transport area by the adjacent projections overlaps with each other in the rotation axis direction.

【００２１】上記第２の構成によれば、前記突起−突起
間の段差からの現像剤のすり抜けを防止でき、現像剤搬
送・排出速度を向上させることができる。According to the second structure, the developer can be prevented from slipping through the step between the protrusions, and the developer transporting / discharging speed can be improved.

【００２２】本発明に係る第３の構成は、上記第１又は
２の構成において、前記現像剤補給容器内に設けられた
前記複数の突起は、周方向に離間した上下２つの群に分
かれて設けられていることを特徴とする。According to a third structure of the present invention, in the first or second structure, the plurality of protrusions provided in the developer supply container are divided into two groups, an upper and a lower part which are circumferentially separated from each other. It is characterized by being provided.

【００２３】上記第３の構成によれば、前記突起−突起
間の離間部分により効果的に現像剤をほぐすことがで
き、スムーズに開口部から現像剤を排出できる。According to the third structure, the developer can be effectively loosened by the space between the protrusions, and the developer can be smoothly discharged from the opening.

【００２４】また、前記容器本体を上下二つ割りにした
ものを成形し、両者を接着することで製造できるため、
前記容器本体を最小分割数にて成形−製造でき、その結
果、安価に製造できる。Further, since the container body is divided into upper and lower halves, and the two are adhered to each other, it can be manufactured.
The container body can be molded and manufactured with the minimum number of divisions, and as a result, can be manufactured at low cost.

【００２５】本発明に係る第４の構成は、上記第１〜３
の何れか１つの構成において、前記開口部は前記容器本
体の周面に設けてあることを特徴とする。A fourth structure according to the present invention is the above first to third
In any one of the above configurations, the opening is provided on the peripheral surface of the container body.

【００２６】上記第４の構成によれば、容器端面に開口
部を設けた現像剤補給容器に比して排出後に現像剤補給
容器内に残留する現像剤残量を少なくすることができ
る。According to the fourth structure, the residual amount of the developer remaining in the developer replenishing container after discharging can be reduced as compared with the developer replenishing container having the opening on the end face of the container.

【００２７】本発明に係る第５の構成は、上記１〜４の
何れか１つの構成において、前記開口部に最も近い前記
突起は、一旦は前記現像剤を回転軸線方向開口部側に最
も近づけながら、再度、開口部から周面方向へ離すよう
に、前記開口部をまたぐように設けたことを特徴とす
る。According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the above-mentioned configurations 1 to 4, the protrusion closest to the opening temporarily brings the developer closest to the opening side in the rotation axis direction. However, it is characterized in that it is provided so as to straddle the opening again so as to be separated from the opening in the circumferential direction again.

【００２８】上記第５の構成によれば、前記突起により
搬送された現像剤の全てを直接開口部へ搬送しないの
で、搬送した現像剤による開口部の閉塞が防止できる。
また、開口部から一旦離された現像剤は更に撹拌され、
よりスムーズに開口部から排出できる。According to the fifth structure, since not all of the developer carried by the protrusion is carried directly to the opening, it is possible to prevent the opening from being blocked by the carried developer.
Further, the developer once separated from the opening is further stirred,
It can be discharged more smoothly from the opening.

【００２９】本発明に係る第６の構成は、上記第１〜５
の何れか１つの構成において、前記現像剤補給容器は回
転型現像装置に自転不可に装着され、前記回転型現像装
置の回転により公転運動をすることを特徴とする。A sixth structure according to the present invention is the above first to fifth
In any one of the above configurations, the developer supply container is non-rotatably attached to the rotary developing device, and revolves by the rotation of the rotary developing device.

【００３０】上記第６の構成によれば、回転型現像装置
の回転を利用し、現像剤補給容器を公転運動させるた
め、容器に回転駆動を受ける構成が不要となり、現像剤
補給容器のコストダウン及び装置本体側のコストダウン
が行える。According to the sixth structure, the rotation of the rotary developing device is utilized to revolve the developer supply container, so that the structure for receiving the rotational drive of the container is unnecessary, and the cost of the developer supply container is reduced. Also, the cost of the device body can be reduced.

【００３１】本発明に係る第７の構成は、上記第６の構
成において、前記容器本体の短手方向の断面形状は非円
形であることを特徴とする。A seventh structure according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the sixth structure, the cross-sectional shape of the container body in the lateral direction is non-circular.

【００３２】上記第７の構成によれば、回転型現像装置
内の限られたスペースを有効に利用することができ、そ
の結果、同一形状の回転型現像装置内のスペースにおい
て、現像剤補給容器の現像剤充填量を増やすことができ
る。According to the seventh structure, the limited space in the rotary developing device can be effectively utilized, and as a result, in the space in the rotary developing device having the same shape, the developer replenishing container. The developer filling amount can be increased.

【００３３】本発明に係る第８の構成は、上記第６又は
７の構成において、前記回転型現像装置は複数の現像器
を内装し、これら現像器に対応してそれぞれ現像剤を補
給する複数の現像剤補給容器を内装し、前記回転型現像
装置は前記複数の現像器の数に対応した複数の所定角度
位置で停止するように制御され、少なくとも一つの停止
位置において現像器が現像を行い、前記現像器が現像を
行う停止位置にある現像器に対応する現像剤補給容器
は、前記開口部が略重力方向を向いていて現像剤が自然
落下して排出されることを特徴とする。According to an eighth structure of the present invention, in the sixth or seventh structure, the rotary developing device has a plurality of developing units provided therein, and a plurality of developing units are respectively provided to supply the developer. Of the developer supply container, the rotary developing device is controlled so as to stop at a plurality of predetermined angular positions corresponding to the number of the plurality of developing devices, and the developing device performs development at at least one stop position. The developer supply container corresponding to the developing device in the stop position where the developing device performs the developing is characterized in that the opening is oriented substantially in the direction of gravity and the developer is naturally dropped and discharged.

【００３４】上記第８の構成によれば、現像剤が消費さ
れる現像位置にある現像器に対して効果的に現像剤を補
給することができる。According to the eighth structure, the developer can be effectively replenished to the developing device at the developing position where the developer is consumed.

【００３５】本発明に係る第９の構成は、上記第１〜８
の何れか１つの構成において、前記突起の傾斜角度は回
転軸線方向に対する角度で２０°〜７０°の範囲である
ことを特徴とする。The ninth construction according to the present invention is the above-mentioned first to eighth construction.
In any one of the above configurations, the inclination angle of the protrusion is in the range of 20 ° to 70 ° with respect to the rotation axis direction.

【００３６】上記第９の構成によれば、良好な現像剤搬
送力を得ることができる。According to the ninth structure, a good developer conveying force can be obtained.

【００３７】本発明に係る第１１の構成は、現像剤を収
容する容器本体と、前記容器本体内の現像剤を排出する
ための開口と、前記容器本体内壁に設けられ前記容器本
体の回転に伴って現像剤を前記開口側へ搬送する搬送部
と、を有する現像剤補給容器において、前記搬送部は、
第１の方向へ搬送する第１の搬送領域と、前記第１の方
向と異なる第２の方向へ搬送する第２の搬送領域と、を
備えることを特徴とする。An eleventh structure according to the present invention is a container body for accommodating a developer, an opening for discharging the developer in the container body, and an inner wall of the container body for rotating the container body. In a developer replenishing container having a transport unit that transports the developer to the opening side together, the transport unit is
It is characterized in that it is provided with a first transport region for transporting in a first direction and a second transport region for transporting in a second direction different from the first direction.

【００３８】上記第１１の構成によれば、前記突起の搬
送方向が複数あることで、前記現像剤が受ける搬送力は
前記容器本体１回転当りで変化する。そのため、現像剤
の粉体層は変化し、流動化しやすくなり、現像剤の排出
性を向上できる。According to the eleventh structure, since the protrusions have a plurality of conveying directions, the conveying force received by the developer changes per one rotation of the container body. Therefore, the powder layer of the developer changes, and it becomes easy to fluidize, and the developer discharging property can be improved.

【００３９】本発明に係る第１２の構成は、上記第１１
の構成において、前記第１の搬送領域及び第２の搬送領
域によって現像剤は圧縮、膨張するように搬送されるこ
とを特徴とする。A twelfth structure according to the present invention is the eleventh structure described above.
In the above configuration, the developer is conveyed so as to be compressed and expanded by the first conveyance region and the second conveyance region.

【００４０】上記第１２の構成によれば、前記現像剤の
粉体層は圧縮−膨張を繰り返すことで、空気を含んで流
動化し、現像剤の排出性が向上する。According to the twelfth structure, the powder layer of the developer is repeatedly compressed and expanded to be fluidized by containing air, and the developer discharging property is improved.

【００４１】[0041]

【発明の実施の形態】以下、図面を参照して、本発明の
好適な実施の形態を例示的に詳しく説明する。ただし、
以下の実施形態に記載されている構成部品の寸法、材
質、形状、それらの相対配置などは、本発明が適用され
る装置の構成や各種条件により適宜変更されるべきもの
であり、特に特定的な記載がない限りは、本発明の範囲
をそれらのみに限定する趣旨のものではない。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be illustratively described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However,
The dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the component parts described in the following embodiments should be appropriately changed depending on the configuration and various conditions of the device to which the present invention is applied, and are particularly specific. Unless otherwise stated, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited thereto.

【００４２】〔第１実施形態〕以下、本発明の第１実施
形態について図面を用いて説明する。最初に、本発明の
第１実施形態に係る現像剤補給容器が装着される電子写
真画像形成装置の一例である電子写真複写機の構成につ
いて図１に基づいて説明する。[First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of an electrophotographic copying machine, which is an example of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the developer supply container according to the first embodiment of the present invention is mounted, will be described with reference to FIG.

【００４３】（電子写真画像形成装置）図１は本実施形
態に係る現像剤補給容器を装着した画像形成装置の断面
図である。潜像形成部の構成を説明すると、まず感光体
ドラム１９は転写ドラム１５に外周面を当接させ、図中
矢印Ｂ方向に回転自在に配設されている。前記感光体ド
ラム１９の回転方向上流側から下流側に向かって除電用
帯電器２０、クリーニング手段２１及び一次帯電器２３
が順次配設され、更に感光体ドラム１９の外周面上に静
電潜像を形成するためのレーザービームスキャナのごと
き像露光手段２４及びミラー等の像露光反射手段２５が
配設されている。(Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus) FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an image forming apparatus equipped with a developer supply container according to this embodiment. The structure of the latent image forming section will be described. First, the photoconductor drum 19 is arranged rotatably in the direction of arrow B in the figure, with the outer peripheral surface abutting on the transfer drum 15. A charge removing charger 20, a cleaning unit 21, and a primary charger 23 from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 19.
Are sequentially arranged, and further an image exposure means 24 such as a laser beam scanner for forming an electrostatic latent image on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 19 and an image exposure reflection means 25 such as a mirror.

【００４４】これら、感光体ドラム１９を中心とした潜
像形成部に近接して、現像手段として回転式現像装置３
０が配設されている。この回転型現像装置３０の構成は
次の通りである。前記感光体ドラム１９の外周面と対向
する位置に、一方向に回転自在な筐体としての回転体２
６が配設され、前記回転体２６中には４種類の現像装置
が周方向の４位置に搭載され、前記感光体ドラム１９の
外周面上に形成された静電潜像を可視化・現像するよう
になっている。上記４種類の現像装置は、それぞれイエ
ロー現像装置７Ｙ、マゼンダ現像装置７Ｍ、シアン現像
装置７Ｃ及びブラック現像装置７Ｂｋ、となっている。A rotary developing device 3 as developing means is provided in the vicinity of the latent image forming portion centered on the photosensitive drum 19.
0 is set. The configuration of the rotary developing device 30 is as follows. A rotating body 2 as a housing that is rotatable in one direction at a position facing the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 19.
6 are provided, four types of developing devices are mounted in the rotating body 26 at four positions in the circumferential direction, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 19 is visualized and developed. It is like this. The four types of developing devices are a yellow developing device 7Y, a magenta developing device 7M, a cyan developing device 7C and a black developing device 7Bk, respectively.

【００４５】これら４種の現像装置は前記回転体の回転
によって順次、感光体ドラム１９に当接する位置（図中
の７Ｙの位置）に来て、各色の現像・可視化を行うよう
になっている。そして、４種類の現像装置はそれぞれ同
じ構成になっていて、現像剤補給容器１、現像剤補給容
器１から排出される現像剤を受け入れる現像剤受け入れ
部８から現像剤を供給され、感光体ドラム１９上の静電
潜像を現像する現像器９からなっている。These four types of developing devices sequentially come into contact with the photosensitive drum 19 (position 7Y in the figure) by the rotation of the rotating body, and develop and visualize each color. . The four types of developing devices have the same configuration, and the developer is supplied from the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving portion 8 that receives the developer discharged from the developer supply container 1, and the photosensitive drum It comprises a developing device 9 for developing the electrostatic latent image on 19.

【００４６】現像剤受け入れ部８は回転体２６に装着さ
れた現像剤補給容器１が回転体２６の回転による公転運
動により現像剤補給容器１から排出された現像剤を受け
入れて貯蔵するとともに、現像器９側からの要求に応じ
て現像剤を定量的に現像器９に供給するようになってい
る。現像器９内には進行方向が互いに逆向きの２つの現
像剤搬送部材９ａがあって、現像剤とキャリアを循環し
ながら均一に混合するようになっている。現像器９には
マグネットを内蔵した現像スリーブ９ｂが回転可能に軸
支されていて、キャリアを磁力にて吸着して磁気ブラシ
を形成し、キャリアに付着した現像剤を感光体ドラム１
９に供給するようになっている。The developer receiving portion 8 receives and stores the developer discharged from the developer replenishing container 1 due to the revolution movement of the developer replenishing container 1 mounted on the rotating body 26 due to the rotation of the rotating body 26. The developer is quantitatively supplied to the developing device 9 in response to a request from the developing device 9. In the developing device 9, there are two developer conveying members 9a whose traveling directions are opposite to each other, and the developer and the carrier are circulated and uniformly mixed. A developing sleeve 9b having a built-in magnet is rotatably supported by the developing device 9, and the carrier is attracted by a magnetic force to form a magnetic brush.
It is designed to supply to 9.

【００４７】（現像剤補給容器）図２において、１は中
空で筒形状をなす現像剤補給容器である。本実施形態に
係る現像剤補給容器１は、容器本体２、シャッター３、
パッキン材４、ノブ５から構成される。(Developer Replenishing Container) In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 is a hollow, cylindrical developer replenishing container. The developer supply container 1 according to the present embodiment includes a container body 2, a shutter 3,
It is composed of packing material 4 and knob 5.

【００４８】（容器本体）容器本体２の構成を図３を用
いて説明する。図３（Ａ）は容器本体２の正面図、
（Ｂ）は正面断面図、（Ｃ）は斜視図、（Ｄ）は斜視内
部透明図である。(Container Main Body) The structure of the container main body 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A is a front view of the container body 2,
(B) is a front sectional view, (C) is a perspective view, and (D) is a perspective internal transparent view.

【００４９】容器本体２には、現像剤排出開口２ａ、シ
ャッターガイド２ｂ、ノブガイド２ｃ、および搬送突起
２ｄが設けてある。The container body 2 is provided with a developer discharge opening 2a, a shutter guide 2b, a knob guide 2c, and a conveyance protrusion 2d.

【００５０】容器本体２の形状は短手方向の断面形状が
非円形であり、具体的には本実施形態では内径３６ｍｍ
の半円に台形が結合したような形状をしており、その長
手方向の長さは約３５０ｍｍである。また、現像剤排出
開口２ａ側の半円部は内径２５ｍｍに小径化している。The container body 2 has a non-circular cross-sectional shape in the lateral direction. Specifically, in this embodiment, the inner diameter is 36 mm.
Has a shape in which a trapezoid is connected to the semicircle of, and its length in the longitudinal direction is about 350 mm. Further, the semicircular portion on the side of the developer discharge opening 2a has an inner diameter of 25 mm.

【００５１】このように容器本体２の短手方向の断面形
状を非円形とすることにより、該容器１を装脱着する回
転型現像装置内の限られたスペースを有効に利用するこ
とができ、その結果、同一形状の回転型現像装置内のス
ペースにおいて、現像剤補給容器の現像剤充填量を増や
すことができる。By thus making the cross-sectional shape of the container body 2 in the lateral direction non-circular, it is possible to effectively use the limited space in the rotary developing device for loading and unloading the container 1, As a result, the amount of developer filled in the developer supply container can be increased in the space inside the rotary developing device having the same shape.

【００５２】本実施形態においては、容器本体２は容器
長手方向に上下に分割した二部材を成形し、それぞれを
超音波にて溶着して製造した。上部材を２−１とし、下
部材を２−２とする（図４及び図５参照）。In the present embodiment, the container body 2 is manufactured by molding two members vertically divided in the container longitudinal direction and welding them by ultrasonic waves. The upper member is 2-1 and the lower member is 2-2 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

【００５３】（排出開口）開口部としての排出開口２ａ
は１０ｍｍ×１５ｍｍの長方形であり、容器周面の、容
器端面から４０ｍｍの位置に設けてある。容器本体２に
収納された現像剤は排出開口２ａから装置本体の現像器
へ排出される。(Discharge opening) Discharge opening 2a as an opening
Is a rectangle of 10 mm × 15 mm, and is provided at a position 40 mm from the end face of the container on the peripheral surface of the container. The developer stored in the container body 2 is discharged to the developing unit of the apparatus main body from the discharge opening 2a.

【００５４】排出開口２ａを容器本体２の周面に設ける
ことにより、容器端面に開口部を設けた現像剤補給容器
に比して排出後に現像剤補給容器内に残留する現像剤残
量を少なくすることができる。By providing the discharge opening 2a on the peripheral surface of the container body 2, the residual amount of the developer remaining in the developer supply container after discharging is smaller than that of the developer supply container having an opening at the end face of the container. can do.

【００５５】また、排出開口２ａを前記容器本体２の長
手方向の全長よりも短くすることにより、現像剤付着に
よる汚れを低減できる。Further, by making the discharge opening 2a shorter than the entire length of the container main body 2 in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to reduce the stain caused by the adhered developer.

【００５６】（シャッターガイド）シャッターガイド２
ｂは容器本体２の現像剤排出開口２ａの近傍に設けら
れ、周方向に平行な二つのカギ状リブである。このシャ
ッターガイド２ｂに係合し、シャッター３は周方向に往
復自在に取り付けられる。(Shutter Guide) Shutter Guide 2
Reference numeral b denotes two key-like ribs provided in the vicinity of the developer discharge opening 2a of the container body 2 and parallel to the circumferential direction. The shutter 3 is attached to the shutter guide 2b and is reciprocally mounted in the circumferential direction.

【００５７】（ノブガイド）ノブガイド２ｃは円形状の
突起であり、容器本体２の端部に設けられている。ノブ
ガイド２ｃの円形状の突起と、ノブ５に設けられた爪部
（不図示）と係合し、容器本体２に取り付けられる。(Knob Guide) The knob guide 2c is a circular protrusion and is provided at the end of the container body 2. It is attached to the container body 2 by engaging a circular protrusion of the knob guide 2c and a claw portion (not shown) provided on the knob 5.

【００５８】（搬送突起）容器本体２の内部には、収納
された現像剤を排出開口２ａへ搬送する搬送突起２ｄ
が、容器内壁に分割して突出して設けられている。搬送
突起２ｄは容器本体２の周方向に離間した上下２つの群
に分かれて設けられている。本実施形態では、突起高さ
は５ｍｍであり、厚みは１ｍｍである。なお、排出開口
側の容器小径部の搬送突起の高さは２．５ｍｍであり、
それぞれ容器上部材２−１に６個、容器下部材２−２に
７個設けられている（図４及び図５参照）。(Conveyance Protrusion) Inside the container body 2, a conveyance protrusion 2d for conveying the stored developer to the discharge opening 2a.
Is provided so as to be divided into the inner wall of the container and project. The transport protrusions 2d are provided separately in two groups, an upper and a lower group, which are separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the container body 2. In this embodiment, the protrusion height is 5 mm and the thickness is 1 mm. The height of the transport protrusion on the small diameter portion of the container on the discharge opening side is 2.5 mm.
The container upper member 2-1 is provided with 6 pieces, and the container lower member 2-2 is provided with 7 pieces (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

【００５９】このように前記搬送突起２ｄを、周方向に
離間した上下２つの群に分かれて設けることにより、前
記突起−突起間の離間部分により効果的に現像剤をほぐ
すことができ、スムーズに排出開口２ａから現像剤を排
出できる。By thus providing the transport projections 2d separately in the upper and lower groups separated from each other in the circumferential direction, the developer can be effectively loosened by the spaced portions between the projections and smoothly. The developer can be discharged from the discharge opening 2a.

【００６０】また、前記容器本体２を上下二つ割りにし
たものを成形し、両者を接着することで製造できるた
め、前記容器本体２を最小分割数にて成形−製造でき、
その結果、安価に製造できる。Further, since the container body 2 can be manufactured by molding the container body 2 divided into upper and lower parts and adhering the two, the container body 2 can be molded and manufactured with the minimum number of divisions.
As a result, it can be manufactured at low cost.

【００６１】（容器上部材及び容器下部材）図４に容器
上部材２−１及び容器下部材２−２の成形時の金型離型
方向から見た図を示す。なお、現像剤補給容器の回転方
向は図４の矢印方向である。(Container Upper Member and Container Lower Member) FIG. 4 shows a view of the container upper member 2-1 and the container lower member 2-2 as seen from the mold releasing direction at the time of molding. The rotation direction of the developer supply container is the direction of the arrow in FIG.

【００６２】容器上部材及び容器下部材に設けられたそ
れぞれの搬送突起２ｄは回転方向に対して排出開口部側
が遅れるように傾斜して設けている。この傾斜形状を図
４の容器下部材２−２を用いて詳細に説明する。The respective transport protrusions 2d provided on the container upper member and the container lower member are provided so as to be inclined so that the discharge opening side is delayed with respect to the rotation direction. This inclined shape will be described in detail using the container lower member 2-2 shown in FIG.

【００６３】図４の容器下部材２−２において排出開口
２ａを境として右側に設けた突起は、突起の左側が排出
開口部側であるため、左側が回転方向に対して遅れる形
状となる。回転方向は下方向であるため、つまり排出開
口２ａを境として右側に設けた突起は左上に傾斜した突
起となる。同様に排出開口２ａを境に左側に設けた突起
は右側が排出開口側であるため、右上に傾斜した突起と
なる。The protrusion provided on the right side of the discharge opening 2a in the container lower member 2-2 of FIG. 4 has a shape in which the left side is delayed with respect to the rotation direction because the left side of the protrusion is the discharge opening side. Since the rotation direction is downward, that is, the protrusion provided on the right side of the discharge opening 2a is a protrusion inclined to the upper left. Similarly, the protrusion provided on the left side of the discharge opening 2a is a protrusion inclined to the upper right because the right side is the discharge opening side.

【００６４】また、容器上部材及び容器下部材に設けら
れたそれぞれの搬送突起２ｄは平板形状である。平板形
状とは、上部材２−１及び２−２の成形時の金型離型方
向から見て、直線で表すことができる形状である。螺旋
状の突起を有する容器の場合は図１０に示したように必
ず曲面となってしまう。Further, the respective transport projections 2d provided on the container upper member and the container lower member have a flat plate shape. The flat plate shape is a shape that can be represented by a straight line when viewed from the mold releasing direction at the time of molding the upper members 2-1 and 2-2. In the case of a container having a spiral projection, it always has a curved surface as shown in FIG.

【００６５】また、容器上部材２−１に配設された搬送
突起２ｄと容器下部材２−２に配設された搬送突起２ｄ
の位置関係は図４に示した位置関係になっており、上部
材２−１に配設された搬送突起２ｄの間に、下部材２−
２の搬送突起２ｄが配設されるようになっている。ま
た、隣接した突起が回転軸線方向に対して重なり合った
部分を有する構成となっている。すなわち、それぞれの
突起端部が互いにオーバーラップしており、このオーバ
ーラップ量は軸線方向に投影した長さで約５ｍｍである
（図中のＸ寸法）。そのため、上部材２−１の搬送突起
２ｄにより搬送された現像剤は、確実に下部材２−２の
搬送突起２ｄに運ばれ、また、下部材２−２の搬送突起
２ｄに運ばれた現像剤は上部材２−１の搬送突起２ｄに
運ばれるといったように、交互に繰り返されながら、現
像剤は排出開口２ａに搬送される。すなわち、前記突起
−突起間の段差からの現像剤のすり抜けを防止でき、現
像剤搬送・排出速度を向上させることができる。Further, the transport projection 2d provided on the container upper member 2-1 and the transport projection 2d provided on the container lower member 2-2.
4 has a positional relationship shown in FIG. 4, and the lower member 2- is provided between the transport protrusions 2d arranged on the upper member 2-1.
Two transport protrusions 2d are arranged. In addition, the adjacent protrusions have a portion that overlaps with the rotation axis direction. That is, the respective projection ends overlap each other, and the amount of this overlap is about 5 mm in the length projected in the axial direction (X dimension in the drawing). Therefore, the developer carried by the carrying projection 2d of the upper member 2-1 is reliably carried to the carrying projection 2d of the lower member 2-2, and the developer carried to the carrying projection 2d of the lower member 2-2. The developer is conveyed to the discharge opening 2a while being alternately repeated such that the developer is conveyed to the conveyance protrusion 2d of the upper member 2-1. That is, the developer can be prevented from slipping through the step between the protrusions, and the developer transport / discharge speed can be improved.

【００６６】搬送突起２ｄの回転軸線方向に対する傾斜
角度とは、図４中のＹであり、２０°〜７０°の範囲が
好ましく、より好ましくは４０°〜５０°の範囲であ
る。本実施形態においては搬送突起２ｄの回転軸線方向
に対する傾斜角度Ｙは、４５°である。The inclination angle of the transport protrusion 2d with respect to the direction of the rotation axis is Y in FIG. 4, which is preferably in the range of 20 ° to 70 °, more preferably in the range of 40 ° to 50 °. In the present embodiment, the inclination angle Y of the transport protrusion 2d with respect to the rotation axis direction is 45 °.

【００６７】なお、前記搬送突起２ｄの傾斜角度Ｙが２
０°以下であると、現像剤が突起上を滑り落ちずらくな
ってしまうため、現像剤搬送力が低下してしまい、また
７０°以上であると、突起の数が多くなってしまい、容
器内容積が減少してしまう。The inclination angle Y of the transport projection 2d is 2
When the angle is 0 ° or less, the developer is less likely to slide down on the protrusions, so that the developer conveying force is reduced, and when the angle is 70 ° or more, the number of protrusions increases, and the container The internal volume will decrease.

【００６８】従って、前記搬送突起２ｄの傾斜角度Ｙを
上記範囲にすることにより、良好な現像剤搬送力を得る
ことができる。Therefore, by setting the inclination angle Y of the carrying protrusion 2d within the above range, a good developer carrying force can be obtained.

【００６９】排出開口２ａに最も近い搬送突起２ｄ−１
と排出開口２ａの位置関係は図５に示したように、搬送
突起２ｄ−１が開口部２ａをまたがるように設けてあ
る。そのため、搬送突起２ｄ−１により排出開口２ａ近
傍に搬送された現像剤は更に回転され排出される。搬送
された現像剤は排出開口２ａから排出されずに更に回転
・撹拌されるため、よりスムーズに開口２ａから現像剤
が排出される。The transport protrusion 2d-1 closest to the discharge opening 2a
As for the positional relationship between the discharge opening 2a and the discharge opening 2a, the transport projection 2d-1 is provided so as to straddle the opening 2a. Therefore, the developer transported by the transport protrusion 2d-1 to the vicinity of the discharge opening 2a is further rotated and discharged. The transported developer is not discharged from the discharge opening 2a but further rotated and stirred, so that the developer is discharged from the opening 2a more smoothly.

【００７０】（容器本体の製造方法）現像剤補給容器は
二つの部材、或いはそれ以上の部材に分割したものを射
出成型・押し出し成形・ブロー成形等で成形し、それら
を溶着・接着することで製造することができる。本実施
形態においては図５に示した容器上部材２−１と容器下
部材２−２を射出成形にて成形し、それらを超音波溶着
機にて溶着することで製造した。容器上部材２−１と容
器下部材２−２の成形時の金型離型方向を矢印で示す。(Manufacturing Method of Container Main Body) A developer supply container is formed by injection molding, extrusion molding, blow molding or the like by dividing two members or divided into more than two members, and welding and adhering them. It can be manufactured. In this embodiment, the container upper member 2-1 and the container lower member 2-2 shown in FIG. 5 are molded by injection molding, and they are welded by an ultrasonic welding machine. The direction of mold release during molding of the container upper member 2-1 and the container lower member 2-2 is indicated by an arrow.

【００７１】このように製造することで、現像剤補給容
器に無駄な樹脂を入れることなく、現像剤補給容器を製
造できる。なお、本実施形態においては、材質は耐衝撃
性ポリスチレンを用いたが、他の材料であっても良い。By manufacturing in this manner, the developer supply container can be manufactured without putting waste resin in the developer supply container. In this embodiment, impact-resistant polystyrene is used as the material, but other materials may be used.

【００７２】（シャッター）図２に示すように、シャッ
ター３は容器本体２の外周面に沿った円弧状をなし、両
端縁には断面コの字型のガイド部を有する。そして容器
本体２の排出開口２ａの近傍に設けられ周方向に平行な
二つのシャッターガイド２ｂと係合して、容器本体２の
周方向に往復自在に取り付けられる。(Shutter) As shown in FIG. 2, the shutter 3 has an arcuate shape along the outer peripheral surface of the container body 2, and has guide portions having a U-shaped cross section at both end edges. Then, the container body 2 is attached in the vicinity of the discharge opening 2a and engages with two shutter guides 2b which are parallel to the circumferential direction and is reciprocally attached in the circumferential direction of the container body 2.

【００７３】シャッター３と容器本体２の間にはパッキ
ン材４が設置されていて、シャッター３でパッキン材４
を圧縮することで排出開口２ａを密閉する。A packing material 4 is installed between the shutter 3 and the container body 2, and the packing material 4 is used by the shutter 3.
The discharge opening 2a is sealed by compressing.

【００７４】（シャッターの製造方法）シャッター３は
プラスチックを射出成形で製造する方法が好ましいが、
他の材料及び製造方法であっても良い。シャッターには
ある程度以上の剛性を有する材料が好適であり、本実施
形態においては高摺動性ＡＢＳを用い、射出成形にて製
造した。(Manufacturing Method of Shutter) The shutter 3 is preferably manufactured by injection molding of plastic.
Other materials and manufacturing methods may be used. A material having a certain degree of rigidity is suitable for the shutter, and in the present embodiment, it is manufactured by injection molding using highly slidable ABS.

【００７５】（パッキン材）図２に示すように、パッキ
ン材４は容器本体２の排出開口２ａを囲むように配設さ
れ、容器本体２とシャッター３に圧縮されることで、排
出開口２ａを密閉するもので、従来公知の種々の発泡体
や弾性体を適宜使用できる。本実施形態では発泡ポリウ
レタンを用いた。(Packing Material) As shown in FIG. 2, the packing material 4 is disposed so as to surround the discharge opening 2a of the container body 2, and is compressed by the container body 2 and the shutter 3 to open the discharge opening 2a. It is hermetically sealed, and various conventionally known foams and elastic bodies can be appropriately used. In this embodiment, foamed polyurethane is used.

【００７６】（ノブ）図２に示すように、ノブ５は把手
部と二重円筒部から成り、外側の円筒部外周面にはギア
を、内側の円筒部内周面には容器本体２の側端部に設け
られたの円形状突起と係合するための爪が設けられてい
る。この爪を用い、容器本体２の手前側端部に周方向に
往復自在に取り付けられる。なお、本実施形態において
は、ノブ５も耐衝撃性ポリスチレンを射出成形にて製造
した。(Knob) As shown in FIG. 2, the knob 5 is composed of a handle portion and a double cylinder portion, a gear is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion, and a container body 2 side is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion. Claws are provided for engaging circular protrusions on the ends. Using this claw, it is reciprocally attached to the front end of the container body 2 in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the knob 5 is also made of impact-resistant polystyrene by injection molding.

【００７７】（画像形成装置への装着）次に現像剤補給
容器１が画像形成装置に装着され、使用されている状況
を説明する。(Mounting to Image Forming Apparatus) Next, a situation where the developer supply container 1 is mounted to the image forming apparatus and is used will be described.

【００７８】装着動作を図６を用いて説明する。まず始
めに、ノブ５（現像剤排出開口側）を手前にして現像剤
補給容器１を画像形成装置本体の回転型現像装置へ挿入
する。そして、現像剤補給容器１の装着と共に、ノブギ
ア５ａと現像器側ギア１０、現像器側ギア１０とシャッ
ターギア３ａが噛み合い、且つシャッター３は現像器側
シャッター１１（図６には不図示）にはめこまれる構成
になっている。The mounting operation will be described with reference to FIG. First, the developer supply container 1 is inserted into the rotary developing device of the image forming apparatus main body with the knob 5 (developer discharge opening side) facing forward. When the developer supply container 1 is attached, the knob gear 5a and the developing device side gear 10, the developing device side gear 10 and the shutter gear 3a mesh with each other, and the shutter 3 becomes a developing device side shutter 11 (not shown in FIG. 6). It is designed to be embedded.

【００７９】次にシャッター３の開封動作を図７を用い
て説明する。容器本体の手前側端部に設けられたノブ５
の把手を持って矢印方向に所定角度回転させると、ノブ
５に設けられたギア５ａにより、現像器側ギア１０を介
しシャッター３のギア３ａへ回転力が伝わり、シャッタ
ー３が回転する。シャッター３とともに現像器側シャッ
ターも回転し、現像器シャッター側に設けた穴（不図
示）と現像剤補給容器１側の現像剤排出開口２ａがつな
がり、開口部が開封される。Next, the opening operation of the shutter 3 will be described with reference to FIG. Knob 5 provided at the front end of the container body
When the handle is rotated by a predetermined angle in the direction of the arrow, the gear 5a provided on the knob 5 transmits a rotational force to the gear 3a of the shutter 3 through the gear 10 on the developing device side, and the shutter 3 rotates. The shutter on the developing device side also rotates together with the shutter 3, and a hole (not shown) provided on the shutter side of the developing device and the developer discharge opening 2a on the developer supply container 1 side are connected to each other to open the opening.

【００８０】画像形成装置への装着位置、方法は上記に
限らず、画像形成装置本体の構成に応じて適宜選択する
ことが可能である。The mounting position on the image forming apparatus and the method are not limited to the above, and can be appropriately selected according to the configuration of the image forming apparatus main body.

【００８１】前記現像剤補給容器１は、回転型現像装置
に自転不可に装着され、回転型現像装置の回転を利用し
て公転運動するので、容器に回転駆動を受ける構成が不
要となり、現像剤補給容器のコストダウン及び装置本体
側のコストダウンが行える。The developer supply container 1 is non-rotatably mounted on the rotary developing device and revolves by utilizing the rotation of the rotary developing device, so that the container is not required to be rotationally driven. The cost of the supply container and the cost of the main body of the apparatus can be reduced.

【００８２】（動作状況）本実施形態に示す現像剤補給
容器１を回転型現像装置３０内で動作させたときの状況
について図８を用いて説明する。(Operational Condition) A condition when the developer supply container 1 shown in this embodiment is operated in the rotary developing device 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

【００８３】容器本体２内には所定量の現像剤を充填
し、前記の手順で回転型現像装置に装着・開封する。The container main body 2 is filled with a predetermined amount of developer, and is attached to the rotary developing device and unsealed in the procedure described above.

【００８４】画像形成の過程で現像器９内の現像剤は除
々に消費されていくが、現像器９内の現像剤量又は現像
剤とキャリアの比率を検知する手段からの信号で、現像
剤受け入れ部８内の現像剤搬送部材８ａが所定時間回転
して現像剤を現像器９へ送り込むようになっていて、現
像器９内の現像剤量又は現像剤とキャリアの比率は略一
定に保たれる。The developer in the developing unit 9 is gradually consumed in the process of image formation, but the developer from the means for detecting the amount of the developer in the developing unit 9 or the ratio of the developer to the carrier is detected. The developer conveying member 8a in the receiving portion 8 is rotated for a predetermined time to send the developer to the developing device 9, and the amount of the developer in the developing device 9 or the ratio of the developer and the carrier is kept substantially constant. Be drunk

【００８５】図９を参照して回転型現像装置３０の構成
と動作を説明する。図９に示した回転型現像装置は略円
筒形状であり、その内部は４つに区画され、それぞれＢ
ｋ、Ｙ、Ｍ、Ｃの４色の現像器９と、それぞれに対応し
た現像剤補給容器１とを収容している。The structure and operation of the rotary developing device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The rotary developing device shown in FIG. 9 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the inside thereof is divided into four sections, each of which is B
It accommodates developing units 9 of four colors k, Y, M, and C, and a developer supply container 1 corresponding to each of them.

【００８６】この回転型現像装置は図面上、反時計回り
に９０度ずつ回転し、感光体ドラムに対向する現像器９
を交換するようになっている。本実施形態では７ａの位
置で感光体ドラムと対向するが、この位置を現像ステー
ションと呼ぶ。現像器９の現像剤搬送部材９ａや現像ス
リーブ９ｂ、及び現像剤受け入れ部８の現像剤搬送部材
８ａは、現像ステーション７ａの位置にあるときのみ、
画像形成装置本体と駆動伝達されて回転するようになっ
ている。そして現像ステーション７ａ以外の位置７ｂ、
７ｃ、７ｄにある現像器９及び現像剤受け入れ部８は作
動しない。In the drawing, this rotary developing device rotates counterclockwise by 90 degrees at a time, and the developing device 9 faces the photosensitive drum.
Are to be replaced. In this embodiment, the position 7a faces the photosensitive drum, but this position is called a developing station. The developer carrying member 9a and the developing sleeve 9b of the developing device 9 and the developer carrying member 8a of the developer receiving portion 8 are provided only when the developing station 7a is located.
Drive is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body to rotate. And a position 7b other than the developing station 7a,
The developing device 9 and the developer receiving portion 8 located at 7c and 7d do not operate.

【００８７】現像剤収納容器の着脱は、これら４つの位
置のうちのいずれかで行ってもよいが、現像ステーショ
ン７ａ以外の位置が好ましく、特に現像剤排出開口１ａ
が上向きとなる７ｃの位置で行うのが最も好ましい。本
実施形態では７ｃの位置で着脱を行った。The developer accommodating container may be attached / detached at any of these four positions, but it is preferably at a position other than the developing station 7a, particularly the developer discharge opening 1a.
It is most preferable to carry out at the position of 7c in which is directed upward. In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment was performed at the position 7c.

【００８８】現像ステーション７ａにおける現像器内の
現像剤の状況においては図８を用いて説明する。The situation of the developer in the developing unit at the developing station 7a will be described with reference to FIG.

【００８９】現像ステーション７ａでは、現像器９及び
現像剤受け入れ部８が作動することで、現像剤受け入れ
部８内の現像剤は減少するが、特に現像剤搬送部材８ａ
の搬送方向上流側、即ち現像剤補給容器１の排出開口２
ａとの接続部付近において減少する。At the developing station 7a, the developing device 9 and the developer receiving portion 8 are actuated, so that the developer in the developer receiving portion 8 is reduced.
Upstream in the transport direction of the developer, that is, the discharge opening 2 of the developer supply container 1
It decreases near the connection with a.

【００９０】現像剤補給容器１は受け入れ部８の真上に
位置するように構成してある。このため、現像剤受け入
れ部８内の現像剤が減少すれば、現像剤補給容器１の端
部に存在する現像剤が直ちに自重で落下して排出開口２
ａを通って現像剤受け入れ部８へと補給される。The developer replenishing container 1 is constructed so as to be located right above the receiving portion 8. Therefore, when the amount of the developer in the developer receiving portion 8 decreases, the developer existing at the end of the developer supply container 1 immediately falls by its own weight and the discharge opening 2
It is supplied to the developer receiving portion 8 through a.

【００９１】このように、現像器が現像を行う停止位置
７ａにある現像器に対応する現像剤補給容器１は、前記
排出開口２ａが略重力方向を向いていて現像剤が自然落
下して排出されるので、現像剤が消費される現像位置に
ある現像器に対して効果的に現像剤を補給することがで
きる。As described above, in the developer supply container 1 corresponding to the developing device at the stop position 7a where the developing device develops, the discharge opening 2a is oriented substantially in the direction of gravity and the developer is naturally dropped and discharged. Therefore, the developer can be effectively replenished to the developing device at the developing position where the developer is consumed.

【００９２】もし、端部に充分な量の現像剤がない場合
には、回転型現像装置が一回転する間に搬送突起２ｄの
作用により、容器本体２内の現像剤が端部に搬送される
ため、再び現像ステーション７ａに戻ってくる間に現像
剤受け入れ部８へ現像剤は補給される。If there is not a sufficient amount of the developer at the end, the developer in the container body 2 is carried to the end by the action of the carrying projection 2d while the rotary developing device makes one rotation. Therefore, the developer is supplied to the developer receiving portion 8 while returning to the developing station 7a again.

【００９３】現像ステーション７ａにおける現像剤補給
容器１の開口部の位置はいずれの位置でも良いが、斜め
上が好ましく、現像剤受け入れ部８の真上に位置するの
が最も好ましい。現像ステーション７ａにおいて現像剤
が現像剤補給容器１から現像剤受け入れ部８へと自重落
下できない配置であっても、回転型現像装置が一回転す
る間には必ず現像剤補給容器１が現像剤受け入れ部８の
上にくる配置になることがあり、現像剤は補給できる。The position of the opening of the developer supply container 1 in the developing station 7a may be any position, but it is preferably diagonally above and most preferably right above the developer receiving portion 8. Even in the developing station 7a where the developer cannot drop from the developer replenishing container 1 to the developer receiving portion 8 by its own weight, the developer replenishing container 1 always receives the developer during one rotation of the rotary developing device. The developer may be replenished so that it may be placed above the portion 8.

【００９４】なお、本回転式現像装置はＡ４で２枚また
はＡ３で１枚の画像形成がなされると９０度ずつ回転し
て現像器を回転して現像器を交換する。その交換のため
の移動時間は約０．３秒、画像形成のための停止時間は
約１．２秒、移動時の周速は約０．７ｍ／秒、回転型現
像装置の直径は１９０ｍｍである。In this rotary developing device, when two sheets of A4 or one sheet of A3 are formed, the developing device is rotated by 90 degrees and the developing device is replaced. The moving time for the exchange is about 0.3 seconds, the stop time for image formation is about 1.2 seconds, the peripheral speed during moving is about 0.7 m / second, and the diameter of the rotary developing device is 190 mm. is there.

【００９５】回転型現像装置の直径とは、現像剤補給容
器１を装着した状態の回転型現像装置における最大径を
いう。また、回転型現像装置の回転中心から、現像剤補
給容器１を装着した状態の最大半径（長さ）を現像剤補
給容器の公転半径とし、その箇所での速度を周速とす
る。The diameter of the rotary developing device means the maximum diameter in the rotary developing device with the developer supply container 1 mounted. Further, the maximum radius (length) with the developer supply container 1 mounted from the rotation center of the rotary developing device is the revolution radius of the developer supply container, and the speed at that location is the peripheral speed.

【００９６】本実施形態に示した回転型現像装置は、４
つに等しく区画され、それぞれＢｋ、Ｙ、Ｍ、Ｃの４色
の現像器９と、それぞれに対応した現像剤補給容器１を
収容する構成であるが、例えば使用頻度の高いブラック
現像剤をより多く補給すべくブラック用の現像剤補給容
器１Ｂｋの内容積を、他の３色用現像剤容器よりも大き
くするなど、各色用の現像装置１０によって、回転型現
像装置内の占有部分の大きさを変えて不等分割してもよ
く、この構成によっても本発明の効果を同様に得ること
ができる。The rotary developing device shown in this embodiment has four
It is configured to store four color developing devices 9 of Bk, Y, M, and C, and a developer supply container 1 corresponding to each of them, for example, for a black developer that is frequently used. In order to replenish a large amount, the inner volume of the black developer replenishing container 1Bk is made larger than the other three-color developer containers, and the size of the occupied portion in the rotary developing device is increased by the developing device 10 for each color. May be changed to perform unequal division, and the effect of the present invention can be similarly obtained by this configuration.

【００９７】更に本実施形態で示した現像剤とは、一成
分現像剤、二成分トナー、二成分キャリア、二成分トナ
ーと二成分キャリアの混合物のいずれでも良い。Further, the developer described in this embodiment may be any of a one-component developer, a two-component toner, a two-component carrier and a mixture of a two-component toner and a two-component carrier.

【００９８】（実験）本実験により、螺旋状突起と本実
施形態の搬送突起との現像剤排出性の比較を行う。第１
実施形態に示したような容器のような断面形状が異形状
の現像剤容器では螺旋突起が設けられないため、容器内
径φ４０（約４３０ｃｃ）、長さ３５０ｍｍの円筒容器
を用意し実験を行った。(Experiment) In this experiment, the developer discharge properties of the spiral protrusion and the transport protrusion of this embodiment are compared. First
Since a spiral protrusion is not provided in a developer container having a different cross-sectional shape like the container shown in the embodiment, a cylindrical container having a container inner diameter of φ40 (about 430 cc) and a length of 350 mm was prepared and an experiment was conducted. .

【００９９】本実験で使用した、内部に螺旋状突起を設
けた容器を図１０に示す。なお、図１０（Ａ）は正面
図、（Ｂ）は側面図、（Ｃ）はＡ−Ａ断面図である。FIG. 10 shows the container used in this experiment and provided with a spiral projection inside. 10A is a front view, FIG. 10B is a side view, and FIG. 10C is a sectional view taken along line AA.

【０１００】また、内部に本実施形態の搬送突起を設け
た容器を図１１に示す。なお、図１１（Ａ）は正面図、
（Ｂ）は側面図、（Ｃ）はＡ−Ａ断面図である。FIG. 11 shows a container in which the carrying protrusion of this embodiment is provided. Note that FIG. 11A is a front view,
(B) is a side view and (C) is an AA cross-sectional view.

【０１０１】図１０に示す現像剤補給容器の螺旋突起形
状は高さ５ｍｍでピッチは７１ｍｍ、螺旋の巻き数は５
である。The developer supply container shown in FIG. 10 has a spiral projection shape of 5 mm in height, 71 mm in pitch, and 5 spirals.
Is.

【０１０２】一方、図１１に示す現像剤補給容器の搬送
突起は高さ５ｍｍで容器上部材に５個の搬送突起、容器
下部材に５個の搬送部材を設けてある。また上部材の突
起と、下部材の突起のオーバーラップ量は５ｍｍであ
る。On the other hand, the conveyance protrusion of the developer supply container shown in FIG. 11 has a height of 5 mm, and five conveyance protrusions are provided on the container upper member and five conveyance members on the container lower member. The amount of overlap between the protrusion of the upper member and the protrusion of the lower member is 5 mm.

【０１０３】これらの現像剤補給容器にそれぞれ１８０
ｇの現像剤を充填し、簡易回転式現像剤排出治具（回転
式現像装置の現像器を取り除き、容器の排出開口から排
出される現像剤量を直接測定できる治具）を用い、現像
剤の排出テストを実施した。なお、簡易回転式現像剤排
出治具の設定は回転角度各９０°×４（９０°→９０°
→９０°→９０°）、移動時間は約０．３秒、画像形成
のための停止時間は約１．２秒、移動時の周速は約０．
７ｍ／秒、直径は１９０ｍｍである。Each of these developer supply containers is filled with 180
g of developer and use a simple rotary developer discharging jig (a jig that can directly measure the amount of developer discharged from the discharge opening of the container by removing the developing device of the rotary developing device). The discharge test was conducted. The setting of the simple rotary developer discharging jig is 90 ° × 4 (90 ° → 90 °) for each rotation angle.
→ 90 ° → 90 °), the moving time is about 0.3 seconds, the stop time for image formation is about 1.2 seconds, and the peripheral speed during the moving is about 0.
It is 7 m / sec and the diameter is 190 mm.

【０１０４】（結果）現像剤排出終了後（０．１ｇの現
像剤も排出されなくなった時点で排出をストップ）に容
器内に残留する現像剤残量は、螺旋状突起を設けた現像
剤補給容器の構成では０．９ｇであったのに対し、本実
施形態の搬送突起を設けた容器の構成では１．１ｇであ
り、ほとんど差は無かったが、その排出終了までに必要
とする回転型現像装置の総回転数は螺旋状突起の容器が
約１１０回転であったのに対し、本実施形態の搬送突起
を設けた容器の場合は約６０回転であった。(Result) After the completion of the developer discharge (the discharge is stopped when 0.1 g of the developer is no longer discharged), the residual amount of the developer remaining in the container is determined by the replenishment of the developer provided with the spiral protrusion. The container configuration was 0.9 g, whereas the configuration of the container provided with the transporting protrusion of the present embodiment was 1.1 g, which was almost the same, but the rotation type required by the end of the discharge. The total number of rotations of the developing device was about 110 rotations in the case of the container having the spiral protrusions, whereas it was about 60 rotations in the case of the container provided with the conveyance protrusions of the present embodiment.

【０１０５】この実験の結果のグラフを図１４に示す。
実線が螺旋状突起を設けた現像剤補給容器の累積排出率
であり、点線が本実施形態の搬送突起を備えた現像剤補
給容器の累積排出率である。A graph of the results of this experiment is shown in FIG.
The solid line shows the cumulative discharge rate of the developer supply container provided with the spiral projection, and the dotted line shows the cumulative discharge rate of the developer supply container with the transport projection of the present embodiment.

【０１０６】（考察）上記結果において、螺旋状突起を
設けた容器に比べ、本実施形態の搬送突起を設けた容器
の方が現像剤排出速度は速かった。(Discussion) In the above results, the developer discharging speed was higher in the container provided with the transporting protrusion of the present embodiment than in the container provided with the spiral protrusion.

【０１０７】突起形状から上記結果の理由を説明する。
図１２に螺旋状突起を設けた容器の展開図、図１３に本
実施形態の搬送突起を備えた容器の展開図を示す。The reason for the above result will be explained based on the shape of the protrusion.
FIG. 12 shows a development view of the container provided with the spiral projection, and FIG. 13 shows a development view of the container provided with the transport projection of the present embodiment.

【０１０８】螺旋状突起を設けた容器は図１２に示した
ように、螺旋状突起による搬送方向は一方向であり、内
部に収納された現像剤は一回転当たり常に一定の搬送力
を得る形状となっている。そのため、現像剤の粉体層は
そのまま形状を維持しながら一定の速度で搬送される。
その結果、排出開口部において現像剤が閉塞気味とな
り、現像剤排出速度が低下してしまう。As shown in FIG. 12, the container provided with the spiral protrusion has a single conveying direction by the spiral protrusion, and the developer housed inside has a shape in which a constant conveying force is always obtained per one rotation. Has become. Therefore, the powder layer of the developer is conveyed at a constant speed while maintaining its shape.
As a result, the developer tends to be clogged at the discharge opening, and the developer discharge speed decreases.

【０１０９】それに対し、本実施形態の搬送突起は、図
１３に示したように曲がった突起が重なりあった形状を
している。即ち、この搬送突起による現像剤の搬送方向
は複数存在し、そのため現像剤補給容器の公転に伴って
内部に収納された現像剤が上記搬送突起から受ける搬送
力は搬送突起内で変化する。その結果、この搬送突起に
よって搬送・ガイドされる間に現像剤の粉体層は圧縮
（緩斜面）−膨張（急斜面）−圧縮（緩斜面）を繰り返
し、空気を含んで流動化しやすくなる。このような現象
が同様な他の搬送突起でも行われるので、現像剤が開口
へ排出されるまでに現像剤を更に流動化させることがで
きる。On the other hand, the transport protrusion of this embodiment has a shape in which curved protrusions overlap each other as shown in FIG. That is, there are a plurality of directions in which the developer is transported by the transport projections, and therefore, the transport force received by the developer contained therein from the transport projections changes within the transport projections as the developer supply container revolves. As a result, the powder layer of the developer is repeatedly compressed (slow slope) -expanded (steep slope) -compressed (slow slope) while being transported and guided by the transport protrusions, and easily becomes fluidized by containing air. Since such a phenomenon also occurs in other similar transport protrusions, it is possible to further fluidize the developer before the developer is discharged to the opening.

【０１１０】そして更に突起−突起間の段差により、現
像剤は空気を巻き込んで流動化し、その結果、排出開口
部で閉塞せずに現像剤がスムーズに排出されるため、現
像剤排出速度が上昇した。Further, due to the step difference between the protrusions, the developer is engulfed with air to be fluidized, and as a result, the developer is smoothly discharged without being blocked by the discharge opening, so that the developer discharge speed is increased. did.

【０１１１】図１４から、螺旋状突起を有する現像剤補
給容器は定量的に排出されているのが分かり、本実施形
態の搬送突起を有する現像剤補給容器はロータリー１回
転あたりの現像剤の排出量が多いことが分かる。このこ
とから、上記に示した本実施形態の搬送突起の形状によ
る効果と、突起−突起間の段差による撹拌効果が確認さ
れたものと考えている。It can be seen from FIG. 14 that the developer supply container having the spiral projection is quantitatively discharged, and the developer supply container having the transport projection of the present embodiment discharges the developer per rotary revolution. You can see that the amount is large. From this, it is considered that the effect due to the shape of the transport protrusion of the present embodiment described above and the stirring effect due to the step between the protrusions are confirmed.

【０１１２】上述したように、本実施形態によれば、前
記回転による前記分割配置された複数の搬送突起２ｄの
作用によって現像剤を撹拌しつつ回転軸線方向開口側へ
搬送されるので、現像剤が容器内において、物流による
振動を受けたり、過酷条件下に放置保管されたりして容
器本体内で現像剤が凝集し、固まった場合でも、スムー
ズに開口から現像剤を排出できる。As described above, according to the present embodiment, the developer is conveyed to the opening side in the rotation axis direction while being agitated by the action of the plurality of dividedly arranged conveyance protrusions 2d. Even when the developer is agglomerated and hardened in the container body due to vibration caused by physical distribution in the container or being stored under severe conditions, the developer can be smoothly discharged from the opening.

【０１１３】また、材料費の上昇、及び容器本体の内容
積を減少させることなく現像剤補給容器を射出成形にて
成形・製造できる。そのため難燃化に対応した樹脂の選
択が容易なる。Further, the developer supply container can be molded and manufactured by injection molding without increasing the material cost and reducing the internal volume of the container body. Therefore, it becomes easy to select a resin that is flame retardant.

【０１１４】〔第２実施形態〕次に本発明の第２実施形
態に係る現像剤補給容器について図１５、図１６、図１
７を用いて説明する。なお、現像剤補給容器が装着され
る電子写真画像形成装置の一例である電子写真複写機の
概略構成は、図１に基づいて前述した第１実施形態とほ
ぼ同様であるため、同一機能を有する部材には同一符号
を付し、以下異なる部分について説明する。[Second Embodiment] Next, a developer supply container according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 15, 16 and 1.
This will be described using 7. The schematic configuration of an electrophotographic copying machine, which is an example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a developer supply container is mounted, is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 1, and thus has the same function. The same reference numerals are given to the members, and different parts will be described below.

【０１１５】本発明の第２実施形態は図１５に示した内
部が３つに区画された回転型現像装置に対応した現像剤
補給容器である。The second embodiment of the present invention is a developer supply container corresponding to the rotary type developing device shown in FIG.

【０１１６】図１６は本発明の第２実施形態における現
像剤補給容器の斜視図を示しており、図１７（Ａ）は本
発明の第２実施形態における現像剤容器の正面図であ
り、（Ｂ）はＡ−Ａの断面図、（Ｃ）は斜視図、（Ｄ）
は斜視透明図である。FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a developer supply container according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17A is a front view of the developer supply container according to the second embodiment of the present invention. (B) is a cross-sectional view of AA, (C) is a perspective view, (D).
Is a perspective transparent view.

【０１１７】図１６及び図１７を用いて現像剤補給容器
の説明をする。第２実施形態に示した現像剤補給容器も
第１実施形態と同様に現像剤補給容器１は容器本体２、
シャッター３、パッキン部材４、ノブ５から成る。但
し、容器本体２の断面形状は三角形のような形状をして
いる。The developer supply container will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. In the developer supply container shown in the second embodiment, the developer supply container 1 has the container body 2 as in the first embodiment.
It comprises a shutter 3, a packing member 4, and a knob 5. However, the cross-sectional shape of the container body 2 has a triangular shape.

【０１１８】（排出開口）排出開口２ａは１０ｍｍ×１
５ｍｍの長方形であり、容器端面から約２４ｍｍの位置
に設けてある。容器本体２に収納された現像剤は現像剤
排出開口２ａから装置本体の現像器へ排出される。(Discharge opening) The discharge opening 2a is 10 mm × 1.
It is a rectangle of 5 mm and is provided at a position of about 24 mm from the end face of the container. The developer stored in the container body 2 is discharged to the developing unit of the apparatus main body from the developer discharge opening 2a.

【０１１９】（シャッターガイド）シャッターガイド２
ｂは容器本体２の現像剤排出開口２ａの近傍に設けら
れ、周方向に平行な二つのカギ状リブである。このシャ
ッターガイド２ｂに係合し、シャッター３は平面方向に
往復自在に取り付けられる。(Shutter Guide) Shutter Guide 2
Reference numeral b denotes two key-like ribs provided in the vicinity of the developer discharge opening 2a of the container body 2 and parallel to the circumferential direction. The shutter 3 is engaged with the shutter guide 2b and is reciprocally mounted in the plane direction.

【０１２０】（ノブガイド）ノブガイド２ｃは円筒状の
突起であり、容器本体２の端部に設けられている。ノブ
ガイド２ｃの円形状の突起と、ノブ５に設けられた爪部
（不図示）と係合し、容器本体２に取り付けられる。(Knob Guide) The knob guide 2c is a cylindrical protrusion and is provided at the end of the container body 2. It is attached to the container body 2 by engaging a circular protrusion of the knob guide 2c and a claw portion (not shown) provided on the knob 5.

【０１２１】（搬送突起）容器本体２の内部には、収納
された現像剤を排出開口２ａへ搬送する搬送突起２ｄ
が、容器内壁から突出して設けられている。突起高さは
５ｍｍであり、厚みは上部が１ｍｍ、下部が１．５ｍｍ
の台形形状である。(Conveyance Protrusion) Inside the container body 2, a conveyance protrusion 2d for conveying the stored developer to the discharge opening 2a.
Is provided so as to project from the inner wall of the container. The protrusion height is 5 mm, and the thickness is 1 mm at the top and 1.5 mm at the bottom.
It has a trapezoidal shape.

【０１２２】なお、シャッター３、パッキン部材４、ノ
ブ５の構成は前述した第１実施形態とほぼ同じであるの
で、ここでは説明を省略する。The shutter 3, packing member 4, and knob 5 are substantially the same in construction as in the first embodiment described above, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

【０１２３】図１７を用いて第２実施形態に示した現像
剤補給容器の内部構成について説明する。この現像剤補
給容器には上部（容器上部材）に６個の搬送突起２ｄ
が、下部（容器下部材）に８個の搬送突起２ｄが設けら
れており、上部の突起と下部の突起のオーバーラップ量
（図中Ｘ）は２０ｍｍである。また、搬送突起２ｄの傾
斜角度（図１８のＹ）は第１実施形態と同様４５°であ
る。The internal structure of the developer supply container shown in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This developer supply container has six transport protrusions 2d on the upper part (container upper member).
However, eight transport protrusions 2d are provided on the lower portion (container lower member), and the overlap amount (X in the figure) of the upper protrusion and the lower protrusion is 20 mm. The inclination angle of the transport protrusion 2d (Y in FIG. 18) is 45 ° as in the first embodiment.

【０１２４】図１８に現像剤補給容器の上部材２−１及
び２−２の成形時の金型離型方向から見た図を示す。FIG. 18 shows a view of the upper members 2-1 and 2-2 of the developer supply container as seen from the mold releasing direction at the time of molding.

【０１２５】容器上部材及び容器下部材に設けられたそ
れぞれの現像剤搬送突起２ｄは平板形状である。平板形
状とは、上部材２−１及び２−２の成形時の金型離型方
向から見て、直線で表せることができる形状である。な
お、容器下部材２−２に設けた搬送突起２ｄの根元（容
器内壁側）は補強のため太くしてある。The developer carrying protrusions 2d provided on the container upper member and the container lower member are flat plates. The flat plate shape is a shape that can be represented by a straight line when viewed from the mold releasing direction during molding of the upper members 2-1 and 2-2. The base (container inner wall side) of the transport protrusion 2d provided on the container lower member 2-2 is thickened for reinforcement.

【０１２６】（容器本体の製造方法）現像剤補給容器は
二つの部材、或いはそれ以上の部材に分割したものを射
出成型・押し出し成形・ブロー成形等で成形し、それら
を溶着・接着することで製造することができる。本実施
形態においては図１８に示した容器上部材２−１と容器
下部材２−２を射出成形にて成形し、それらを超音波溶
着機にて溶着することで製造した。(Manufacturing Method of Container Main Body) The developer supply container is formed by injection molding, extrusion molding, blow molding, etc., which is divided into two members or more, and is welded and adhered. It can be manufactured. In the present embodiment, the container upper member 2-1 and the container lower member 2-2 shown in FIG. 18 are molded by injection molding, and they are welded by an ultrasonic welding machine.

【０１２７】このように製造することで、現像剤補給容
器に無駄な樹脂を入れることなく、現像剤補給容器を製
造できる。なお、本実施形態においては、材質は耐衝撃
性ポリスチレンを用いたが、他の材料であっても良い。By manufacturing in this way, the developer supply container can be manufactured without putting waste resin in the developer supply container. In this embodiment, impact-resistant polystyrene is used as the material, but other materials may be used.

【０１２８】現像剤補給容器１が画像形成装置に装着さ
れ、使用されている状況及び回転型現像装置３０内で動
作させたときの状況は、前述した第１実施形態とほぼ同
じなので省略する。The state in which the developer supply container 1 is attached to the image forming apparatus and used and the state in which it is operated in the rotary type developing device 30 are substantially the same as those in the above-described first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

【０１２９】図１５を参照して回転型現像装置３０の構
成と動作を説明する。図１５に示した回転型現像装置は
内部が３つに区画され、それぞれＹ、Ｍ、Ｃの３色の現
像器９と現像剤補給容器１とを収容している。この場
合、Ｂｋの現像器（不図示）・及び現像剤補給容器（不
図示）は回転型現像装置の外に別に設けられている。The structure and operation of the rotary developing device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The inside of the rotary developing device shown in FIG. 15 is divided into three parts, and each contains a developing device 9 for three colors of Y, M, and C and a developer supply container 1. In this case, the Bk developing device (not shown) and the developer supply container (not shown) are separately provided outside the rotary developing device.

【０１３０】この回転型現像装置においては反時計回り
に１２０度ずつ回転し、感光体ドラムに対向する現像器
９を交換するようになっている。図１５に示した回転型
現像装置においても第１実施形態と同様に７ａの位置で
感光体ドラムと対向するが、この位置を現像ステーショ
ンと呼ぶ。現像器９の現像剤搬送部材９ａや現像スリー
ブ９ｂ、及び現像剤受け入れ部８の現像剤搬送部材８ａ
は、現像ステーション７ａの位置にあるときのみ、画像
形成装置本体と駆動伝達されて回転するようになってい
る。そして現像ステーション７ａ以外の位置７ｂ、７ｃ
にある現像器９及び現像剤受け入れ部８は作動しない。In this rotary developing device, the developing device 9 facing the photosensitive drum is replaced by rotating counterclockwise by 120 degrees each. In the rotary developing device shown in FIG. 15 as well as in the first embodiment, the position 7a faces the photosensitive drum, but this position is called the developing station. The developer transport member 9a and the developing sleeve 9b of the developing device 9, and the developer transport member 8a of the developer receiving portion 8
Is rotated by being drive-transmitted with the main body of the image forming apparatus only when it is located at the developing station 7a. And positions 7b and 7c other than the developing station 7a
The developing device 9 and the developer receiving portion 8 located at are not operated.

【０１３１】現像剤補給容器の着脱は、これら３つの位
置のうちのいずれかで行ってもよいが、現像ステーショ
ン７ａ以外の位置が好ましい。本実施形態では７ｂの位
置で着脱を行った。The developer replenishing container may be attached or detached at any of these three positions, but it is preferably at a position other than the developing station 7a. In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment was performed at the position 7b.

【０１３２】なお、本回転式現像装置はＡ４で２枚また
はＡ３で１枚の画像形成がなされると１２０度ずつ回転
して現像器を回転して現像器を交換する。その交換のた
めの移動時間は約０．３秒、画像形成のための停止時間
は約１．５秒、移動時の周速は約０．８ｍ／秒、回転型
現像装置の直径は１４０ｍｍである。In the present rotary developing device, when two sheets of A4 or one sheet of A3 are formed, the developing device is rotated by 120 degrees and the developing device is replaced. The moving time for the exchange is about 0.3 seconds, the stop time for forming the image is about 1.5 seconds, the peripheral speed during moving is about 0.8 m / sec, and the diameter of the rotary developing device is 140 mm. is there.

【０１３３】以上本実施形態によれば、第１実施形態に
て説明した緒効果を得ることができるのに加えて、更に
以下に示す効果がある。As described above, according to this embodiment, in addition to the advantages described in the first embodiment, the following advantages can be obtained.

【０１３４】まず、使用頻度の高いブラック（Ｂｋ）現
像剤を随時補給可能にするべく、Ｂｋ現像剤用補給容器
をロータリー（回転体２６）外に別に設け、且つ現像剤
補給のための駆動を回転型現像装置とは別に設ける構成
が可能となる。それによって、回転型現像装置を回転さ
せることなく、ブラック単色の印刷に追随するための現
像剤の補給が行える。また、現像剤充填量に関して増量
対応が容易に行える。First, in order to replenish the frequently used black (Bk) developer at any time, a Bk developer replenishing container is separately provided outside the rotary (rotating member 26), and a drive for replenishing the developer is performed. It is possible to provide it separately from the rotary developing device. As a result, the developer can be replenished to follow the black monochrome printing without rotating the rotary developing device. Further, it is possible to easily cope with the increase in the developer filling amount.

【０１３５】〔他の実施形態〕前述した実施形態では、
回転型現像装置が４つ或いは３つの現像器を有する場合
を例示しているが、この使用個数は限定されるものでは
なく、必要に応じて適宜設定すれば良い。[Other Embodiments] In the above-described embodiment,
The case where the rotary developing device has four or three developing devices is shown as an example, but the number used is not limited and may be appropriately set as necessary.

【０１３６】また前述した実施形態では、画像形成装置
として複写機を例示したが、本発明はこれに限定される
ものではなく、例えばプリンタ、ファクシミリ装置等の
他の画像形成装置や、転写媒体担持体としての転写ドラ
ムではなく転写搬送ベルトを使用し、該転写搬送ベルト
に担持された用紙等の転写媒体に各色のトナー像を順次
重ねて転写する画像形成装置、或いは、中間転写体に各
色のトナー像を順次重ねて転写し、該転写トナー像を転
写媒体に一括して転写する画像形成装置であっても良
く、該画像形成装置に本発明を適用することにより同様
の効果を得ることができる。In the above-described embodiment, the copying machine is exemplified as the image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other image forming apparatuses such as a printer and a facsimile machine, and a transfer medium carrier. An image forming apparatus that uses a transfer conveyance belt as a body instead of a transfer conveyance belt, and sequentially superimposes toner images of respective colors on a transfer medium such as a sheet carried on the transfer conveyance belt, or an intermediate transfer member. The image forming apparatus may be one in which toner images are sequentially superposed and transferred, and the transferred toner images are collectively transferred to a transfer medium. By applying the present invention to the image forming apparatus, the same effect can be obtained. it can.

【０１３７】[0137]

【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明によれば、
材料費の上昇、及び容積を減少させることなく現像剤補
給容器を射出成形にて成形・製造できる。そのため、難
燃化に対応した樹脂の選択が容易となる。As described above, according to the present invention,
The developer supply container can be molded and manufactured by injection molding without increasing the material cost and reducing the volume. Therefore, it becomes easy to select a resin that is flame retardant.

【０１３８】また、現像剤が容器内において、物流によ
る振動を受けたり、過酷条件下に放置保管されたりして
容器本体内で現像剤が凝集し、固まった場合でも、前記
突起−突起間の段差によりほぐされて、スムーズに開口
部から現像剤を排出できる。Further, even when the developer is agglomerated and solidified in the container body due to the vibration caused by the physical distribution in the container or the storage and storage under severe conditions, the space between the protrusions is increased. It is loosened by the step and the developer can be smoothly discharged from the opening.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】現像剤補給容器を装着した回転型現像装置を備
えた画像形成装置の断面図FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus including a rotary developing device equipped with a developer supply container.

【図２】第１実施形態に係る現像剤補給容器の斜視図FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a developer supply container according to the first embodiment.

【図３】（Ａ）容器本体の正面図、（Ｂ）容器本体の正
面断面図、（Ｃ）容器本体の斜視図、（Ｄ）容器本体の
斜視内部透明図3A is a front view of a container body, FIG. 3B is a front sectional view of the container body, FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the container body, and FIG.

【図４】第１実施形態に係る現像剤補給容器の金型離型
方向から見た容器上部材と容器下部材の図FIG. 4 is a view of a container upper member and a container lower member viewed from a mold releasing direction of the developer supply container according to the first embodiment.

【図５】第１実施形態に係る現像剤補給容器の容器本体
の容器上部材と容器下部材の構成を示した図FIG. 5 is a view showing a configuration of a container upper member and a container lower member of the container body of the developer supply container according to the first embodiment.

【図６】現像剤容器の装着動作を示した図FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a mounting operation of a developer container.

【図７】現像剤容器の排出開口を開ける動作を示した図FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an operation of opening a discharge opening of a developer container.

【図８】現像器の横断面図FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view of the developing device.

【図９】内部を４つに区画した回転型現像装置の正面図FIG. 9 is a front view of a rotary developing device in which the inside is divided into four parts.

【図１０】（Ａ）φ４０円筒内部に螺旋突起を設けた容
器の正面図、（Ｂ）φ４０円筒内部に螺旋突起を設けた
容器の側面図、（Ｃ）φ４０円筒内部に螺旋突起を設け
た容器の断面図10A is a front view of a container having a spiral projection inside a φ40 cylinder, FIG. 10B is a side view of a container having a spiral projection inside the φ40 cylinder, and FIG. 10C is a side view of a container having a spiral projection inside the φ40 cylinder. Cross section of container

【図１１】（Ａ）φ４０円筒内部に本実施形態の搬送突
起を設けた容器の正面図、（Ｂ）φ４０円筒内部に本実
施形態の搬送突起を設けた容器の側面図、（Ｃ）φ４０
円筒内部に本実施形態の搬送突起を設けた容器の断面図11A is a front view of a container in which a conveyance protrusion of the present embodiment is provided inside a φ40 cylinder, FIG. 11B is a side view of a container in which the conveyance protrusion of the present embodiment is provided inside a φ40 cylinder, and FIG.
Sectional drawing of the container which provided the conveyance protrusion of this embodiment inside a cylinder.

【図１２】φ４０円筒内部に螺旋状突起を設けた容器の
展開図FIG. 12 is a development view of a container provided with a spiral protrusion inside a φ40 cylinder.

【図１３】φ４０円筒内部に本実施形態の搬送突起を設
けた容器の展開図FIG. 13 is a development view of a container in which a conveyance protrusion of this embodiment is provided inside a φ40 cylinder.

【図１４】螺旋突起を設けた容器と本実施形態の搬送突
起を設けた容器の現像剤排出曲線を示した図FIG. 14 is a diagram showing developer discharge curves of a container provided with a spiral protrusion and a container provided with a conveyance protrusion of the present embodiment.

【図１５】内部を３つに区画した回転型現像装置の正面
図FIG. 15 is a front view of a rotary developing device in which the inside is divided into three parts.

【図１６】第２実施形態に係る現像剤容器の斜視図FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a developer container according to the second embodiment.

【図１７】（Ａ）第２実施形態に係る容器本体の正面
図、（Ｂ）容器本体の断面図、（Ｃ）容器本体の斜視
図、（Ｄ）容器本体の斜視内部透明図17A is a front view of the container body according to the second embodiment, FIG. 17B is a sectional view of the container body, FIG. 17C is a perspective view of the container body, and FIG.

【図１８】金型離型方向から見た容器上部材と容器下部
材の図FIG. 18 is a view of the container upper member and the container lower member viewed from the mold releasing direction.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１ …現像剤補給容器 ２ …容器本体 ２−１ …容器上部材 ２−２ …容器下部材 ２ａ …現像剤排出開口 ２ｂ …シャッターガイド ２ｃ …ノブガイド ２ｄ …搬送突起 ３ …シャッター ３ａ …シャッターギア ４ …パッキン材 ５ …ノブ ５ａ …ノブギア ７Ｂｋ …ブラック現像装置 ７Ｃ …シアン現像装置 ７Ｍ …マゼンダ現像装置 ７Ｙ …イエロー現像装置 ７ａ，７ｂ，７ｃ，７ｄ …現像ステーション（位置） ８ …現像剤受け入れ部 ８ａ …現像剤搬送部材 ９ …現像器 ９ａ …現像剤搬送部材 ９ｂ …現像スリーブ １０ …現像器側ギア １１ …現像器側シャッター １５ …転写ドラム １９ …感光体ドラム ２０ …除電用帯電器 ２１ …クリーニング手段 ２３ …一次帯電器 ２４ …像露光手段 ２５ …像露光反射手段 ２６ …回転体 ３０ …回転式現像装置 1 ... Developer supply container 2… Container body 2-1 ... Container top member 2-2 ... Container lower member 2a ... Developer discharge opening 2b ... Shutter guide 2c ... Knob guide 2d: Transport protrusion 3 ... Shutter 3a ... Shutter gear 4 ... Packing material 5 ... Knob 5a ... Knob gear 7Bk ... Black developing device 7C ... Cyan developing device 7M ... Magenta developing device 7Y ... Yellow developing device 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d ... Developing station (position) 8 ... Developer receiving section 8a ... Developer transport member 9 ... Developer 9a ... Developer transport member 9b ... Development sleeve 10 ... Gear on the developing device side 11 ... Shutter on developing device side 15 ... Transfer drum 19 ... Photosensitive drum 20 ... Charger for static elimination 21 ... Cleaning means 23 ... Primary charger 24 ... Image exposure means 25 ... Image exposure reflection means 26 ... Rotating body 30 ... Rotary developing device

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 小俣 一彦 東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号 キヤ ノン株式会社内 (72)発明者 皆川 浩範 東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号 キヤ ノン株式会社内 (72)発明者 山田 祐介 東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号 キヤ ノン株式会社内 (72)発明者 吉川 潤子 東京都大田区下丸子３丁目30番２号 キヤ ノン株式会社内 Ｆターム(参考） 2H077 AA03 AA05 AA34 AB02 AB06 AB12 AB13 AB14 AC02 AD06 BA01 BA08 EA01 GA04 GA12 2H300 EA06 EA08 EA17 EB02 EB12 EJ09 EJ15 EJ45 EJ51 EJ59 GG36    ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Kazuhiko Omata             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation (72) Inventor Hironori Minagawa             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation (72) Inventor Yusuke Yamada             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation (72) Inventor Junko Yoshikawa             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation F-term (reference) 2H077 AA03 AA05 AA34 AB02 AB06                       AB12 AB13 AB14 AC02 AD06                       BA01 BA08 EA01 GA04 GA12                 2H300 EA06 EA08 EA17 EB02 EB12                       EJ09 EJ15 EJ45 EJ51 EJ59                       GG36

Claims (12)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 一方向に回転することで現像剤を搬送・
排出する現像剤補給容器であって、 内部に現像剤を収納し、前記現像剤を排出するための開
口部を有する筒状の容器本体と、 前記容器本体内壁に分割して突設され、回転方向に対し
て前記開口部側が遅れるように傾斜した複数の平板状突
起と、を有し、 前記回転による前記分割配置された複数の平板状突起の
作用によって現像剤を撹拌しつつ回転軸線方向開口部側
へ搬送することを特徴とする現像剤補給容器。1. The developer is conveyed by rotating in one direction.
A developer replenishing container for discharging, which is a cylindrical container main body having an opening for discharging the developer therein, and a container provided with an inner wall for projecting and rotating. A plurality of flat plate-shaped projections that are inclined so that the opening side is delayed with respect to the direction, and the developer is agitated by the action of the plurality of flat plate-shaped projections that are divided by the rotation, and the opening is formed in the rotation axis direction. A developer replenishing container, which is characterized in that it is conveyed to the other side. 【請求項２】 前記複数の突起による現像剤搬送領域
は、隣接した前記突起による現像剤搬送領域と回転軸線
方向に対して重なっていることを特徴とする請求項１に
記載の現像剤補給容器。2. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the developer transport area formed by the plurality of protrusions overlaps the developer transport area formed by the adjacent protrusions in the rotation axis direction. . 【請求項３】 前記現像剤補給容器内に設けられた前記
複数の突起は、周方向に離間した上下２つの群に分かれ
て設けられていることを特徴とする請求項１又は２に記
載の現像剤補給容器。3. The developer according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusions provided in the developer replenishing container are provided in two groups, which are vertically separated from each other. Developer supply container. 【請求項４】 前記開口部は前記容器本体の周面に設け
てあることを特徴とする請求項１〜３の何れか１つに記
載の現像剤補給容器。4. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the opening is provided on the peripheral surface of the container body. 【請求項５】 前記開口部に最も近い前記突起は、一旦
は前記現像剤を回転軸線方向開口部側に最も近づけなが
ら、再度、開口部から周面方向へ離すように、前記開口
部をまたぐように設けたことを特徴とする請求項１〜４
の何れか１つに記載の現像剤補給容器。5. The protrusion closest to the opening straddles the opening so that the developer is once closest to the opening in the rotation axis direction and is again separated from the opening in the circumferential direction. It provided like this, The Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned.
The developer supply container according to any one of 1. 【請求項６】 前記現像剤補給容器は回転型現像装置に
自転不可に装着され、前記回転型現像装置の回転により
公転運動をすることを特徴とする請求項１〜５の何れか
１つに記載の現像剤補給容器。6. The developer supply container is non-rotatably attached to a rotary developing device, and revolves by the rotation of the rotary developing device. The developer supply container described. 【請求項７】 前記容器本体の短手方向の断面形状は非
円形であることを特徴とする請求項６に記載の現像剤補
給容器。7. The developer supply container according to claim 6, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the container body in the lateral direction is non-circular. 【請求項８】 前記回転型現像装置は複数の現像器を内
装し、これら現像器に対応してそれぞれ現像剤を補給す
る複数の現像剤補給容器を内装し、 前記回転型現像装置は前記複数の現像器の数に対応した
複数の所定角度位置で停止するように制御され、少なく
とも一つの停止位置において現像器が現像を行い、前記
現像器が現像を行う停止位置にある現像器に対応する現
像剤補給容器は、前記開口部が略重力方向を向いていて
現像剤が自然落下して排出されることを特徴とする請求
項６又は７に記載の現像剤補給容器。8. The rotary developing device is internally provided with a plurality of developing devices, and a plurality of developer replenishing containers are respectively provided corresponding to the developing devices, and the rotary developing device is provided with the plurality of developer supplying containers. Is controlled so as to stop at a plurality of predetermined angular positions corresponding to the number of developing devices, and the developing device develops at at least one stopping position, and the developing device corresponds to the developing device in the stopping position where development is performed. The developer supply container according to claim 6, wherein the developer supply container has the opening directed substantially in the direction of gravity so that the developer is naturally dropped and discharged. 【請求項９】 前記突起の傾斜角度は回転軸線方向に対
する角度で２０°〜７０°の範囲であることを特徴とす
る請求項１〜８の何れか１つに記載の現像剤補給容器。9. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein an inclination angle of the protrusion is in a range of 20 ° to 70 ° with respect to a rotation axis direction. 【請求項１０】 現像剤を補給するための現像剤補給容
器を自転不可に着脱可能な回転型現像装置を有する画像
形成装置において、 前記現像剤補給容器として、請求項１〜９の何れか１つ
に記載の現像剤補給容器が着脱可能であることを特徴と
する画像形成装置。10. An image forming apparatus having a rotary developing device in which a developer replenishing container for replenishing the developer is non-rotatably attachable / detachable, wherein the developer replenishing container is any one of claims 1-9. An image forming apparatus, wherein the developer replenishing container described in (3) is removable. 【請求項１１】 現像剤を収容する容器本体と、前記容
器本体内の現像剤を排出するための開口と、前記容器本
体内壁に設けられ前記容器本体の回転に伴って現像剤を
前記開口側へ搬送する搬送部と、を有する現像剤補給容
器において、 前記搬送部は、第１の方向へ搬送する第１の搬送領域
と、前記第１の方向と異なる第２の方向へ搬送する第２
の搬送領域と、を備えることを特徴とする現像剤補給容
器。11. A container main body for accommodating a developer, an opening for discharging the developer in the container main body, an inner wall of the container main body provided with the developer along with the rotation of the container main body on the opening side. A developer replenishing container having a carrying section for carrying to a first carrying area for carrying in a first direction, and a second carrying area for carrying in a second direction different from the first direction.
And a transport area for the developer supply container. 【請求項１２】 前記第１の搬送領域及び第２の搬送領
域によって現像剤は圧縮、膨張するように搬送されるこ
とを特徴とする請求項１１の現像剤補給容器。12. The developer supply container according to claim 11, wherein the developer is transported so as to be compressed and expanded by the first transport region and the second transport region.
JP2002122131A 2002-04-24 2002-04-24 Developer supply container and image forming apparatus Expired - Fee Related JP3809392B2 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2002122131A JP3809392B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2002-04-24 Developer supply container and image forming apparatus
US10/420,735 US6963713B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2003-04-23 Developer supply container with a plurality of feeding projections
EP03009234A EP1357441B1 (en) 2002-04-24 2003-04-23 Developer supply container
DE60312426T DE60312426T2 (en) 2002-04-24 2003-04-23 Developer supply container
US10/929,385 US7190925B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2004-08-31 Developer supply container

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2002122131A JP3809392B2 (en) 2002-04-24 2002-04-24 Developer supply container and image forming apparatus

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Publication Number Publication Date
JP2003316137A true JP2003316137A (en) 2003-11-06
JP3809392B2 JP3809392B2 (en) 2006-08-16

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Country Link
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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7548714B2 (en) 2003-07-11 2009-06-16 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Developer container and image forming apparatus
US7747198B2 (en) 2006-02-20 2010-06-29 Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc. Toner cartridge, process cartridge, image cartridge, and image forming apparatus to which those cartridges are attachable
JP2015225141A (en) * 2014-05-27 2015-12-14 シャープ株式会社 Toner cartridge and image forming apparatus
JP2016206681A (en) * 2016-08-09 2016-12-08 シャープ株式会社 Toner cartridge and image forming apparatus

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7548714B2 (en) 2003-07-11 2009-06-16 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Developer container and image forming apparatus
US7747198B2 (en) 2006-02-20 2010-06-29 Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc. Toner cartridge, process cartridge, image cartridge, and image forming apparatus to which those cartridges are attachable
JP2015225141A (en) * 2014-05-27 2015-12-14 シャープ株式会社 Toner cartridge and image forming apparatus
US20170082948A1 (en) * 2014-05-27 2017-03-23 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Toner cartridge and image forming apparatus
JP2016206681A (en) * 2016-08-09 2016-12-08 シャープ株式会社 Toner cartridge and image forming apparatus

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