JP2020071405A - Developer container and image forming apparatus - Google Patents
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- JP2020071405A JP2020071405A JP2018205981A JP2018205981A JP2020071405A JP 2020071405 A JP2020071405 A JP 2020071405A JP 2018205981 A JP2018205981 A JP 2018205981A JP 2018205981 A JP2018205981 A JP 2018205981A JP 2020071405 A JP2020071405 A JP 2020071405A
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- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 230000032258 transport Effects 0.000 claims description 120
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 23
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 14
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 4
- 210000000078 claw Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003028 elevating effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007723 transport mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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Abstract
Description
本発明は、搬送可能に現像剤を収容する現像剤収容器及びその現像剤収容器を備える画像形成装置に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a developer accommodating container for accommodating a developer in a transportable manner and an image forming apparatus including the developer accommodating container.
トナーなどの現像剤を用いて画像を形成し、印刷を行うプリンタ等の画像形成装置においては、現像剤を収容する現像剤収容器を備える。そして、現像剤収容器には収容した現像剤を現像剤排出口へと搬送させる現像剤搬送部材が具備されている。一般に、この現像剤搬送部材は、円柱状の搬送軸部の外周に螺旋状に巻かれた螺旋羽根部を回転させて現像剤を搬送させる構成となっている（例えば、特開２００９−１２８７５４号公報（特許文献１）参照）。 An image forming apparatus such as a printer that forms an image using a developer such as toner and performs printing includes a developer container that contains the developer. The developer container is provided with a developer transport member that transports the stored developer to the developer discharge port. In general, this developer transport member is configured to transport a developer by rotating a spiral blade portion spirally wound around the outer periphery of a cylindrical transport shaft portion (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-128754). Publication (see Patent Document 1)).
図１１は、比較例の現像剤収容器の説明図である。また、図１２は、図１１の破線Ｚで囲んだ部分の要部を拡大した説明図である。なお、図１１は、搬送軸部１７１の回転中心位置に沿って上下方向に切断した縦断面図を示す。
図１１に示すように、比較例の現像剤収容器１５０の現像剤搬送部材１７０は、搬送軸部１７１の外周に巻かれた螺旋羽根部１７２を備える。そして、搬送軸部１７１を駆動力伝達部材１８０によって回転させて枠体１６０内に収容された現像剤を、現像剤搬送下流側方向としての矢印Ｄに示す方向に設けた現像剤排出口１６４へと搬送させる。一方、現像剤搬送上流側は、図１２に示すように、現像剤搬送部材１７０の搬送軸部１７１を軸受部１６１に回転自在に支持させる構成となっている。
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a developer container of a comparative example. Further, FIG. 12 is an explanatory view in which a main part of a portion surrounded by a broken line Z in FIG. 11 is enlarged. Note that FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the rotation center position of the transport shaft portion 171 in the vertical direction.
As shown in FIG. 11, the developer carrying member 170 of the developer container 150 of the comparative example includes a spiral blade 172 wound around the outer circumference of the carrying shaft 171. Then, the transport shaft 171 is rotated by the driving force transmission member 180, and the developer accommodated in the frame 160 is supplied to the developer discharge port 164 provided in the direction indicated by the arrow D as the developer transport downstream side direction. And carry. On the other hand, on the upstream side of the developer transport, as shown in FIG. 12, the transport shaft portion 171 of the developer transport member 170 is rotatably supported by the bearing portion 161.
しかしながら、上記比較例の現像剤収容器１５０では、図１２に示すように、螺旋羽根部１７２を軸受部１６１と干渉しない位置までとする必要があり、螺旋羽根部１７２による現像剤搬送力が発生しない領域が領域Ｗｂとなり、現像剤搬送力が発生しない領域が広い。それ故、現像剤収容器１５０内に残留する現像剤が多くなるという問題があった。
本発明は、このような問題を解決することを課題とし、現像剤搬送力が発生しない領域を狭くし現像剤収容器１５０内に残留する現像剤を少なくする現像剤収容器及び画像形成装置を提供することを目的とするものである。
However, in the developer container 150 of the comparative example, as shown in FIG. 12, it is necessary to set the spiral blade portion 172 to a position where the spiral blade portion 172 does not interfere with the bearing portion 161, so that the developer conveying force by the spiral blade portion 172 is generated. The non-execution area is the area Wb, and the area where the developer transport force is not generated is wide. Therefore, there is a problem that a large amount of the developer remains in the developer container 150.
An object of the present invention is to solve such a problem, and to provide a developer container and an image forming apparatus that narrow a region where a developer transport force is not generated and reduce the developer remaining in the developer container 150. It is intended to be provided.
上記課題を解決するために本発明に関する現像剤収容器は、現像剤を収容する枠体と、駆動源からの駆動力を伝達する駆動力伝達部材と、前記枠体の内部の前記現像剤を所定の方向へ搬送する現像剤搬送部材とを備え、前記現像剤搬送部材は、前記駆動力伝達部材から伝達される駆動力により回転する搬送軸部と、前記搬送軸部と共に回転し現像剤搬送力を発生させる搬送力発生部材と、前記搬送軸部の一端に前記搬送軸部と共に回転する円盤状端部とを具備することを特徴とする。 In order to solve the above problems, a developer container according to the present invention includes a frame that stores a developer, a driving force transmission member that transmits a driving force from a driving source, and the developer inside the frame. A developer transport member for transporting the developer in a predetermined direction, the developer transport member rotating by a driving force transmitted from the driving force transmitting member, and a developer transport member rotating together with the transport shaft portion. It is characterized by comprising a conveying force generating member for generating a force and a disc-shaped end portion that rotates together with the conveying shaft portion at one end of the conveying shaft portion.
本発明によれば、現像剤搬送部材は、前記駆動力伝達部材から伝達される駆動力により回転する搬送軸部と、前記搬送軸部と共に回転し現像剤搬送力を発生させる搬送力発生部材と、前記搬送軸部の一端に前記搬送軸部と共に回転する円盤状端部とを具備することとしたので、搬送力発生部材による搬送力が発生しない領域を狭くし現像剤収容器内に残留する現像剤を少なくすることができる。 According to the present invention, the developer transport member includes a transport shaft portion that is rotated by the drive force transmitted from the drive force transmission member, and a transport force generation member that rotates together with the transport shaft portion to generate the developer transport force. Since the one end of the carrying shaft portion is provided with the disk-shaped end portion that rotates together with the carrying shaft portion, the area where the carrying force is not generated by the carrying force generating member is narrowed and remains in the developer container. The developer can be reduced.
（第１の実施の形態）
以下に本発明を実施するための最良の形態である第１の実施の形態について、現像剤収容器及びそれを備える画像形成装置の構成を説明する。各図面に共通な要素には同一の符号を付す。なお、以下の説明では現像剤としてトナーを一例として説明するがその他の現像剤であってもよい。
(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a configuration of a developer accommodating container and an image forming apparatus including the developer accommodating container according to a first embodiment, which is the best mode for carrying out the present invention, will be described. Elements common to the drawings are given the same reference numerals. In the following description, toner is used as an example of the developer, but other developers may be used.
最初に、第１の実施の形態の現像剤収容器を備える画像形成装置の構成を説明する。図１は、第１の実施の形態に関する現像剤収容器を備える画像形成装置の説明図である。画像形成装置１は、現像剤によって画像を形成し、用紙Ｐに印刷を行うものである。以下、紙面右側を「装置正面側」といい、紙面左側を「装置背面側」という。なお、後述する現像剤収容器５０おいては、紙面右側を「現像剤搬送上流側」といい、紙面左側を「現像剤搬送下流側」という。 First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus including the developer container according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus including a developer container according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image with a developer and prints on the paper P. Hereinafter, the right side of the paper is referred to as the “front side of the device” and the left side of the paper is referred to as the “back side of the device”. In the developer container 50, which will be described later, the right side of the paper surface is referred to as "developer transport upstream side", and the left side of the paper surface is referred to as "developer transport downstream side".
図１に示すように、第１の実施の形態に関する画像形成装置１は、下部に用紙カセット１０を備え、用紙Ｐの搬送下流側（以下、「用紙搬送下流側」という）に画像形成ユニット２０及び定着ユニット３０を備える。また、画像形成装置１は、画像形成ユニット２０の上部に現像剤収容器５０を装着でき、引出して取外すことができる構成となっている。
用紙カセット１０は、用紙Ｐの先端側を押し上げてピックアップローラ１２に押圧する昇降板１１を備える。昇降板１１は、用紙カセット１０が画像形成装置１に装着されたときに上昇し、取り外されたときに下降する。用紙カセット１０の用紙搬送下流側には用紙Ｐを搬送する搬送ローラ対１３が配設される。
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a sheet cassette 10 in the lower portion, and the image forming unit 20 is provided on the downstream side of the conveyance of the paper P (hereinafter, referred to as “paper conveyance downstream side”). And a fixing unit 30. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured such that the developer container 50 can be mounted on the image forming unit 20 and can be pulled out and removed.
The paper cassette 10 includes an elevating plate 11 that pushes up the front end side of the paper P and presses it against the pickup roller 12. The elevating plate 11 moves up when the paper cassette 10 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1, and moves down when the paper cassette 10 is removed. A transport roller pair 13 that transports the paper P is disposed on the downstream side of the paper transport of the paper cassette 10.
更に用紙搬送下流側には、画像形成ユニット２０が配設される。画像形成ユニット２０は、複数色、例えば、ブラック（ｋ）、イエロー（ｙ）、マゼンダ（ｍ）及びシアン（ｃ）の現像剤としてのトナーによるトナー画像を形成させる。これらの画像形成ユニット２０が、矢印Ｂに示す用紙搬送方向に沿って順に配設される。なお、図１においては、便宜上、一色の画像形成ユニット２０のみを表示している。同様に現像剤収容器５０についても当該色に対応する現像剤収容器５０のみを表示している。 Further, the image forming unit 20 is arranged on the downstream side of the sheet conveyance. The image forming unit 20 forms a toner image with toner as a developer of a plurality of colors, for example, black (k), yellow (y), magenta (m), and cyan (c). These image forming units 20 are sequentially arranged along the sheet conveying direction indicated by arrow B. In FIG. 1, for the sake of convenience, only one color image forming unit 20 is displayed. Similarly, regarding the developer container 50, only the developer container 50 corresponding to the color is displayed.
画像形成ユニット２０はその上部に、トナー及び該トナーによる現像を行うための現像ローラ２１等が配設される。また、現像ローラ２１の近傍には、画像形成ユニット２０内におけるトナーの残量を検出するトナー残量検出部材２７が配設される。トナー残量検出部材２７は、撹拌部材等で構成される。この撹拌部材を回転させ、回転軌跡の最上端からは重力でトナーの表面まで落下させて、その時間を計測してトナー残量が検出される。
画像形成ユニット２０の下部には、静電潜像が形成され、現像ローラ２１によりトナー画像をドラム表面に形成する感光体ドラム２２等が配設される。感光体ドラム２２近傍には、画像形成に使用されないで感光体ドラム２２上に残留したトナーを廃トナーとして掻き落として除去するクリーニングブレード２６が配設される。
The image forming unit 20 is provided with a toner, a developing roller 21 for developing with the toner, and the like on the upper portion thereof. A toner remaining amount detecting member 27 that detects the remaining amount of toner in the image forming unit 20 is arranged near the developing roller 21. The toner remaining amount detecting member 27 is composed of a stirring member or the like. The stirring member is rotated, and is dropped from the uppermost end of the rotation locus to the surface of the toner by gravity, and the time is measured to detect the toner remaining amount.
An electrostatic latent image is formed below the image forming unit 20, and a photoconductor drum 22 for forming a toner image on the drum surface by the developing roller 21 is arranged. A cleaning blade 26 is disposed near the photoconductor drum 22 to scrape off the toner that has not been used for image formation and remains on the photoconductor drum 22 as waste toner.
画像形成ユニット２０の下側には転写ローラ２３が配設される。転写ローラ２３は、画像形成ユニット２０によって形成されたトナー画像を用紙Ｐに転写させる。用紙Ｐは、ベルト駆動ローラ２５によって駆動される転写ベルト２４上を矢印Ｂに示す方向に搬送される。画像形成ユニット２０の用紙搬送下流側には、用紙Ｐに転写されたトナー画像を定着させる定着ユニット３０が配設される。定着ユニット３０は、加圧ローラ３０ａ及び加熱ローラ３０ｂからなり、転写ローラ２３によってトナー像が転写された用紙Ｐを、加圧ローラ３０ａによって押圧し加熱ローラ３０ｂによって加熱してトナー像を定着させる。
定着ユニット３０の用紙搬送下流側には、排出ローラ対３１、３２が配設され、更に、用紙搬送下流側に排出スタッカ３３が配設される。
A transfer roller 23 is arranged below the image forming unit 20. The transfer roller 23 transfers the toner image formed by the image forming unit 20 onto the paper P. The sheet P is conveyed on the transfer belt 24 driven by the belt driving roller 25 in the direction indicated by the arrow B. A fixing unit 30 that fixes the toner image transferred to the sheet P is disposed on the downstream side of the image forming unit 20 in the sheet conveyance. The fixing unit 30 includes a pressure roller 30a and a heating roller 30b, and presses the paper P on which the toner image is transferred by the transfer roller 23 by the pressure roller 30a and heats it by the heating roller 30b to fix the toner image.
A pair of discharge rollers 31 and 32 is arranged downstream of the fixing unit 30 in the sheet conveyance, and a discharge stacker 33 is arranged further downstream in the sheet conveyance.
次に、第１の実施の形態に関する現像剤収容器５０の構成を説明する。図２は、第１の実施の形態に関する現像剤収容器の説明図である。なお、図２は、搬送軸部７１の回転中心位置に沿って上下方向に切断した縦断面図を示す。現像剤収容器５０は、現像剤としてのトナーを搬送可能に収容するものである。図２に示すように、現像剤収容器５０は、枠体６０、現像剤搬送部材７０及び駆動力伝達部材８０を備える。 Next, the configuration of the developer container 50 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the developer container according to the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view cut in the up-down direction along the rotation center position of the transport shaft 71. The developer container 50 stores the toner as a developer so that the toner can be conveyed. As shown in FIG. 2, the developer container 50 includes a frame 60, a developer transport member 70, and a driving force transmission member 80.
枠体６０には、軸受部６１、軸受穴６２、持ち手６３、現像剤排出口６４、遮蔽部材６５及び弾性部材６６を備える。枠体６０は、底部６７、後部６８及び上部６９から構成される。枠体６０には、後部６８の内面６８ａ（図６参照）において、現像剤搬送部材７０を回転自在に支持する軸受部６１が形成されている。更に、枠体６０には、現像剤搬送下流側（装置背面側）において、駆動力伝達部材８０を回転自在に支持する軸受穴６２が形成されている。
軸受部６１は、枠体６０の後部６８の内面６８ａにおいて、即ち搬送軸部７１の一端としての現像剤搬送上流端部の枠体６０の内面６８ａにおいて、現像剤搬送部材７０を回転自在に支持するものである。なお、軸受部６１は、図７を用いて後述するガイド部６１ａ及び端部支持部６１ｂを有する。
The frame body 60 includes a bearing portion 61, a bearing hole 62, a handle 63, a developer discharge port 64, a shielding member 65, and an elastic member 66. The frame body 60 includes a bottom portion 67, a rear portion 68, and an upper portion 69. On the frame 60, a bearing portion 61 that rotatably supports the developer transport member 70 is formed on the inner surface 68a (see FIG. 6) of the rear portion 68. Further, a bearing hole 62 for rotatably supporting the driving force transmission member 80 is formed in the frame body 60 on the downstream side of the developer transport (the rear side of the apparatus).
The bearing portion 61 rotatably supports the developer carrying member 70 on the inner surface 68a of the rear portion 68 of the frame body 60, that is, on the inner surface 68a of the frame body 60 at the developer carrying upstream end as one end of the carrying shaft portion 71. To do. The bearing portion 61 has a guide portion 61a and an end portion support portion 61b, which will be described later with reference to FIG.
現像剤排出口６４は、トナーを現像剤収容器５０の外部へ排出するためのものであり、現像剤搬送下流側（装置背面側）において、枠体６０の底部６７に開閉可能に設けられる。そして、現像剤排出口６４を開閉可能とするために、遮蔽部材６５及び弾性部材６６を備える。遮蔽部材６５は、現像剤搬送上流側方向としての矢印Ｆに示す方向及びその逆方向にスライドする。弾性部材６６は、遮蔽部材６５の閉位置において枠体６０と遮蔽部材６５との隙間を埋める。遮蔽部材６５は、図示しない着脱機構により現像剤収容器５０を装着するときに矢印Ｆに示す方向にスライドすることにより開位置となり、現像剤収容器５０を引出して取外すときに矢印Ｆに示す方向とは逆方向にスライドすることにより閉位置となる。 The developer discharge port 64 is for discharging the toner to the outside of the developer container 50, and is provided on the bottom portion 67 of the frame body 60 so as to be openable and closable on the developer transport downstream side (the device rear side). Further, a shielding member 65 and an elastic member 66 are provided so that the developer discharge port 64 can be opened and closed. The shielding member 65 slides in the direction indicated by the arrow F as the developer transport upstream direction and in the opposite direction. The elastic member 66 fills the gap between the frame body 60 and the shielding member 65 at the closed position of the shielding member 65. The shielding member 65 is brought to the open position by sliding in the direction indicated by the arrow F when the developer container 50 is attached by the attachment / detachment mechanism (not shown), and in the direction indicated by the arrow F when the developer container 50 is pulled out and removed. It slides in the opposite direction to the closed position.
現像剤収容器５０は、画像形成装置１に装着された状態では、図２に示すように現像剤搬送上流側（装置正面側）が現像剤搬送下流側（装置背面側）より低くなるように水平面から傾くように取り付けられる。ただし、現像剤収容器５０は、略水平に取付ける構成であってもよい。また、現像剤収容器５０は、枠体６０の後部６８に、画像形成装置１への装着及び引出しのときにユーザが持つための持ち手６３を有する。
現像剤搬送部材７０は、現像剤収容器５０内のトナーを現像剤搬送下流側方向としての矢印Ｄに示す方向に設けた現像剤排出口６４へと搬送させるものであり、図５を用いて後述する搬送軸部７１、螺旋羽根部７２、係合部７３及び円盤状端部７４を備える。
駆動力伝達部材８０は、画像形成装置１の駆動源９０から現像剤搬送部材７０へ駆動力を伝達するものである。このために、駆動力伝達部材８０は、駆動軸部８１、駆動入力部８２及び駆動出力部８３を備える。
In the state where the developer container 50 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 1, the developer transport upstream side (front side of the apparatus) is lower than the developer transport downstream side (back side of the apparatus) as shown in FIG. It is attached so that it is inclined from the horizontal plane. However, the developer container 50 may be configured to be mounted substantially horizontally. Further, the developer container 50 has a handle 63 on the rear portion 68 of the frame 60 for the user to hold when mounting and drawing the image forming apparatus 1.
The developer transporting member 70 transports the toner in the developer container 50 to the developer discharge port 64 provided in the direction indicated by the arrow D as the developer transporting downstream direction, and using FIG. A transport shaft portion 71, a spiral blade portion 72, an engaging portion 73, and a disc-shaped end portion 74, which will be described later, are provided.
The driving force transmission member 80 transmits the driving force from the driving source 90 of the image forming apparatus 1 to the developer transport member 70. To this end, the driving force transmission member 80 includes a driving shaft portion 81, a driving input portion 82, and a driving output portion 83.
図３は、第１の実施の形態に関する駆動力伝達部材の説明図である。なお、図３は、駆動力伝達部材８０と、これに係合される画像形成装置１の駆動源９０及び現像剤搬送部材７０の分解斜視図を示す。図３に示すように、駆動力伝達部材８０は、駆動軸部８１、駆動入力部８２及び駆動出力部８３が一体化されて構成される。
駆動軸部８１は、駆動入力部８２及び駆動出力部８３の間に設けられ、駆動入力部８２が受けた駆動源９０からの駆動力を駆動出力部８３へ伝達するものである。駆動軸部８１は、図３においては図示を省略している枠体６０に形成される軸受穴６２（図２参照）に回転自在に支持される。即ち、駆動軸部８１は、枠体６０に回転自在に支持されるものである。
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the driving force transmission member according to the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the driving force transmission member 80, the driving source 90 of the image forming apparatus 1 and the developer conveying member 70 which are engaged with the driving force transmission member 80. As shown in FIG. 3, the driving force transmission member 80 is configured by integrating a driving shaft portion 81, a driving input portion 82, and a driving output portion 83.
The drive shaft portion 81 is provided between the drive input portion 82 and the drive output portion 83, and transmits the drive force from the drive source 90 received by the drive input portion 82 to the drive output portion 83. The drive shaft portion 81 is rotatably supported in a bearing hole 62 (see FIG. 2) formed in the frame body 60 (not shown in FIG. 3). That is, the drive shaft portion 81 is rotatably supported by the frame body 60.
駆動入力部８２は、装置背面側において画像形成装置１の駆動源９０のシャフト９０ａが挿入孔８２ａに挿入されて係合し、画像形成装置１の駆動力を受ける。駆動源９０のシャフト９０ａと挿入孔８２ａは、現像剤収容器５０を画像形成装置１に装着するときに係合する。即ち、駆動入力部８２は、駆動源９０からの駆動力を受けるものである。
駆動出力部８３は略円柱状であり、装置正面側において現像剤搬送部材７０の係合部７３の係合孔７３ａに係合される。駆動出力部８３は、装置正面側、即ち現像剤搬送部材７０側がＤカットされＤカット部８３ａが形成されている。
The drive input unit 82 receives the driving force of the image forming apparatus 1 when the shaft 90a of the drive source 90 of the image forming apparatus 1 is inserted into and engaged with the insertion hole 82a on the back side of the apparatus. The shaft 90a of the drive source 90 and the insertion hole 82a are engaged when the developer container 50 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1. That is, the drive input section 82 receives the drive force from the drive source 90.
The drive output portion 83 has a substantially columnar shape and is engaged with the engagement hole 73a of the engagement portion 73 of the developer transport member 70 on the front side of the apparatus. The drive output section 83 is D-cut on the front side of the apparatus, that is, on the side of the developer transport member 70 to form a D-cut section 83a.
係合部７３は、係合孔７３ａの奥でＤカット部８３ａに当接する当接面７３ｂが形成され、こうして駆動出力部８３は係合部７３と当接して係合される。更に、駆動出力部８３のＤカット部８３ａにはロック爪８３ｂが設けられ、係合部７３の当接面７３ｂには切欠部７３ｃが設けられ、ロック爪８３ｂがこれに嵌ることによって係合がロックされる。即ち、駆動出力部８３は、駆動入力部８２により受けた駆動力を現像剤搬送部材７０に伝達するものである。 The engagement portion 73 is formed with an abutment surface 73b that abuts the D cut portion 83a at the back of the engagement hole 73a, and thus the drive output portion 83 abuts and engages with the engagement portion 73. Further, the D-cut portion 83a of the drive output portion 83 is provided with a lock claw 83b, and the contact surface 73b of the engagement portion 73 is provided with a cutout portion 73c. Locked. That is, the drive output section 83 transmits the drive force received by the drive input section 82 to the developer transport member 70.
上記駆動軸部８１、駆動入力部８２及び駆動出力部８３を備える駆動力伝達部材８０は、樹脂等により一体成型により生成するとよい。
このような構成とすることにより、画像形成装置１の駆動源９０からの駆動力が、駆動入力部８２に入力され、駆動出力部８３に係合する係合部７３により現像剤搬送部材７０に伝達される。
The drive force transmission member 80 including the drive shaft portion 81, the drive input portion 82, and the drive output portion 83 may be integrally formed of resin or the like.
With such a configuration, the driving force from the driving source 90 of the image forming apparatus 1 is input to the driving input unit 82 and is applied to the developer conveying member 70 by the engaging unit 73 that engages the driving output unit 83. Transmitted.
図４は、第１の実施の形態に関する駆動力伝達部材の外観図である。なお、図４（ａ）は、Ｄカット部８３ａを上にし、駆動入力部８２側から見た外観斜視図を示し、図４（ｂ）は、Ｄカット部８３ａを上にし、駆動出力部８３側から見た外観斜視図を示す。
図４（ａ）に示すように、駆動入力部８２は、駆動源９０からの駆動力を確実に受けることができるように挿入孔８２ａを円形鋸歯状としている。挿入孔８２ａは、駆動源９０のシャフト９０ａと係合し駆動力を確実に受ける形状であれば、Ｄカット形状であってもよいし、正多角形であってもよい。
FIG. 4 is an external view of the driving force transmission member according to the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 4A is an external perspective view seen from the drive input section 82 side with the D cut section 83a on the upper side, and FIG. 4B shows the drive output section 83 with the D cut section 83a on the upper side. The external perspective view seen from the side is shown.
As shown in FIG. 4A, in the drive input section 82, the insertion hole 82a has a circular sawtooth shape so that the drive force from the drive source 90 can be reliably received. The insertion hole 82a may have a D-cut shape or a regular polygonal shape as long as it has a shape that engages with the shaft 90a of the drive source 90 and reliably receives a driving force.
また、図４（ｂ）に示すように、駆動出力部８３側のＤカット部８３ａには、現像剤搬送部材７０の係合部７３に係合させる際に、現像剤搬送部材７０の切欠部７３ｃに嵌るロック爪８３ｂが設けられている。ロック爪８３ｂは、Ｄカット部８３ａの装置正面側を支点として上下に変位可能とし、装置正面側から装置背面側に進むにつれて上昇して傾斜する傾斜面を備える。
即ち、駆動力伝達部材８０は、枠体６０に回転自在に支持される駆動軸部８１と、駆動源９０からの前記駆動力を受ける駆動入力部８２と、駆動入力部８２により受けた駆動力を現像剤搬送部材７０に伝達する駆動出力部８３とを一体に備えるものである。
Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, the D-cut portion 83 a on the drive output portion 83 side is provided with a cutout portion of the developer transport member 70 when the engagement portion 73 of the developer transport member 70 is engaged. A lock claw 83b that fits into 73c is provided. The lock claw 83b is vertically displaceable about the front side of the device of the D-cut portion 83a as a fulcrum, and is provided with an inclined surface that rises and inclines as it goes from the front side of the device to the back side of the device.
That is, the driving force transmission member 80 includes a driving shaft portion 81 rotatably supported by the frame body 60, a driving input portion 82 for receiving the driving force from the driving source 90, and a driving force received by the driving input portion 82. Is integrally provided with a drive output portion 83 for transmitting the toner to the developer conveying member 70.
次に、現像剤搬送部材７０の構成を詳細に説明する。図５は、第１の実施の形態に関する現像剤搬送部材の説明図である。なお、図５は、現像剤搬送部材７０を装置正面側左上から見た外観斜視図を示す。現像剤搬送部材７０は、現像剤収容器５０内のトナーを図２に示す現像剤排出口６４へと搬送させるものである。 Next, the configuration of the developer transport member 70 will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the developer carrying member according to the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the developer transport member 70 as viewed from the upper left of the front side of the apparatus. The developer carrying member 70 carries the toner in the developer container 50 to the developer discharge port 64 shown in FIG.
図５に示すように、現像剤搬送部材７０は、搬送軸部７１、搬送力発生部材としての螺旋羽根部７２、係合部７３及び円盤状端部７４を備える。具体的には、現像剤搬送部材７０は、搬送軸部７１の外周面に螺旋状に形成された螺旋羽根部７２を備え、搬送軸部７１の現像剤搬送下流側（装置背面側）端部には駆動力を受ける係合部７３が形成されている。更に、搬送軸部７１の現像剤搬送上流側（装置正面側）端部には、螺旋羽根部７２の外径Ｄｗと略等しい外径Ｄｔの円盤状端部７４が形成されている。 As shown in FIG. 5, the developer transport member 70 includes a transport shaft portion 71, a spiral blade portion 72 as a transport force generating member, an engaging portion 73, and a disc-shaped end portion 74. Specifically, the developer transport member 70 includes a spiral blade portion 72 formed in a spiral shape on the outer peripheral surface of the transport shaft portion 71, and the developer transport downstream side (apparatus rear surface side) end portion of the transport shaft portion 71. An engaging portion 73 that receives a driving force is formed on the. Further, a disc-shaped end portion 74 having an outer diameter Dt substantially equal to the outer diameter Dw of the spiral blade 72 is formed at the developer transport upstream side (front side of the apparatus) of the transport shaft 71.
螺旋羽根部７２は、駆動力伝達部材８０から伝達される駆動力により搬送軸部７１を回転軸として共に回転し、現像剤搬送力としてのトナー搬送力を発生させるものである。このために、螺旋羽根部７２は、現像剤搬送部材７０が搬送軸部７１を回転軸として、装置正面側から見たときの左回転としての矢印Ｋに示す方向に回転すると、トナーを現像剤搬送下流側方向としての矢印Ｄに示す方向へと搬送するトナー搬送力を発生させる形状としている。即ち、装置正面側から見たとき、螺旋羽根部７２は、装置背面側へ進むにつれて、搬送軸部７１上を右回転に螺旋状に形成されている。 The spiral blade portion 72 rotates together with the transport shaft portion 71 as a rotation axis by the driving force transmitted from the driving force transmission member 80, and generates a toner transporting force as a developer transporting force. Therefore, when the developer conveying member 70 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow K as a left rotation when viewed from the front side of the device, the developer conveying member 70 rotates the spiral blade portion 72 to transfer the toner to the developer. The shape is such that a toner conveying force for conveying in a direction indicated by an arrow D as a conveying downstream side direction is generated. That is, when viewed from the front side of the apparatus, the spiral blade section 72 is formed in a spiral shape so as to rotate clockwise on the transport shaft section 71 as it advances toward the back side of the apparatus.
また、螺旋羽根部７２は、後述する図７に示すように、現像剤搬送上流側（装置正面側）端部の接合部７４ａにおいて円盤状端部７４に接合される。円盤状端部７４及び接合部７４ａ近傍の螺旋羽根部７２は、軸受部６１に回転自在に支持される。係合部７３は、前述のように図３及び図４に示す駆動力伝達部材８０の駆動出力部８３と係合し、画像形成装置１の駆動源９０からの駆動力を受けて現像剤搬送部材７０を回転させる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 7 described later, the spiral blade portion 72 is joined to the disc-shaped end portion 74 at the joint portion 74a at the end portion on the developer transport upstream side (front side of the apparatus). The disk-shaped end portion 74 and the spiral blade portion 72 near the joint portion 74 a are rotatably supported by the bearing portion 61. The engaging portion 73 engages with the drive output portion 83 of the drive force transmitting member 80 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 as described above, receives the drive force from the drive source 90 of the image forming apparatus 1, and conveys the developer. The member 70 is rotated.
円盤状端部７４は、螺旋羽根部７２の外径Ｄｗと略等しい外径Ｄｔの円盤状の端部であり、搬送軸部７１の一端としての現像剤搬送上流端部に設けられ、円盤状端部７４の面は搬送軸部７１に対し直角に設けられる。円盤状端部７４は、図７に示す軸受部６１により回転自在に支持される。
搬送軸部７１、螺旋羽根部７２、係合部７３及び円盤状端部７４を備える現像剤搬送部材７０は、樹脂等により一体成型により生成するとよい。更に、現像剤搬送部材７０と図４に示す駆動力伝達部材８０を一体化し、係合部７３を駆動力伝達部材８０の一部として構成するようにしてもよい。
The disc-shaped end portion 74 is a disc-shaped end portion having an outer diameter Dt substantially equal to the outer diameter Dw of the spiral blade portion 72, is provided at the developer transport upstream end portion as one end of the transport shaft portion 71, and is disc-shaped. The surface of the end portion 74 is provided at a right angle to the transport shaft portion 71. The disk-shaped end portion 74 is rotatably supported by the bearing portion 61 shown in FIG. 7.
The developer carrying member 70 including the carrying shaft portion 71, the spiral blade portion 72, the engaging portion 73, and the disk-shaped end portion 74 may be integrally formed of resin or the like. Further, the developer conveying member 70 and the driving force transmitting member 80 shown in FIG. 4 may be integrated, and the engaging portion 73 may be configured as a part of the driving force transmitting member 80.
即ち、現像剤搬送部材７０は、搬送軸部７１と、駆動力伝達部材８０から伝達される駆動力により搬送軸部７１を回転軸として共に回転しトナー搬送力を発生させる螺旋羽根部７２と、搬送軸部７１の一端としての現像剤搬送上流端部に設けられ、螺旋羽根部７２の外径Ｄｗと略等しい外径Ｄｔの円盤状端部７４を具備するものである。 That is, the developer conveying member 70 includes a conveying shaft portion 71, a spiral blade portion 72 that rotates together with the conveying shaft portion 71 as a rotation axis by the driving force transmitted from the driving force transmitting member 80, and generates a toner conveying force. A disc-shaped end portion 74 having an outer diameter Dt substantially equal to the outer diameter Dw of the spiral blade portion 72 is provided at the developer transport upstream end portion as one end of the transport shaft portion 71.
次に、現像剤搬送部材７０の円盤状端部７４を回転自在に支持する軸受部６１とその周辺の構成を詳細に説明する。図６は、第１の実施の形態に関する円盤状端部とその周辺の説明図である。なお、図６は、図２の破線Ｚで囲んだ部分拡大図であり、便宜上、要部以外は図示を省略している。軸受部６１は、後部６８の内面６８ａ、即ち、現像剤搬送上流端部近傍の枠体６０の内面６８ａに、現像剤搬送部材７０の円盤状端部７４を回転自在に支持するものである。 Next, the configuration of the bearing portion 61 that rotatably supports the disc-shaped end portion 74 of the developer transport member 70 and the periphery thereof will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the disk-shaped end portion and its periphery according to the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view surrounded by a broken line Z in FIG. 2, and for convenience sake, illustration is omitted except for essential parts. The bearing portion 61 rotatably supports the disc-shaped end portion 74 of the developer conveying member 70 on the inner surface 68a of the rear portion 68, that is, the inner surface 68a of the frame 60 near the developer conveying upstream end portion.
図６に示すように、第１の実施の形態の枠体６０は、搬送軸部７１の現像剤搬送上流側（装置正面側）端部近傍に、現像剤搬送部材７０の軸受けとなる軸受部６１を備える。
軸受部６１は、後述する図７に示すように円盤状端部７４を枠体６０の後部６８に取付けるときにガイドとなるガイド部６１ａと、円盤状端部７４等を回転自在に支持する端部支持部６１ｂを備える。このような構成とすることより、軸受部６１は、円盤状端部７４を回転自在に支持する。
As shown in FIG. 6, the frame body 60 of the first embodiment has a bearing portion that serves as a bearing for the developer transport member 70 near the developer transport upstream side (apparatus front side) end of the transport shaft portion 71. 61 is provided.
The bearing portion 61 includes a guide portion 61a that serves as a guide when the disc-shaped end portion 74 is attached to the rear portion 68 of the frame body 60, and an end that rotatably supports the disc-shaped end portion 74, as shown in FIG. The unit support portion 61b is provided. With such a configuration, the bearing portion 61 rotatably supports the disk-shaped end portion 74.
更に、軸受部６１及びその周辺の構成を詳細に説明する。図７は、第１の実施の形態に関する軸受部とその周辺の説明図である。なお、図７は、現像剤搬送部材７０の現像剤搬送上流側（装置正面側）の一部と軸受部６１の分解斜視図を示す。図７に示すように、軸受部６１は、円盤状端部７４を矢印Ｈに示す方向に相対的に移動させて枠体６０に取付けるときのガイドとして機能する複数のガイド部６１ａ（６１ａ１〜６１ａ３）と、円盤状端部７４を回転自在に支持する端部支持部６１ｂとを備える。ガイド部６１ａは円盤状端部７４の上方に位置し、端部支持部６１ｂは円盤状端部７４の下方に位置し、これらによって円盤状端部７４の周囲を囲むように配置し、円盤状端部７４をガイドするとともに回転自在に支持する。 Further, the configuration of the bearing 61 and its surroundings will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the bearing portion and its periphery according to the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the developer transport member 70 on the upstream side of the developer transport (front side of the apparatus) and the bearing 61. As shown in FIG. 7, the bearing portion 61 includes a plurality of guide portions 61a (61a1 to 61a3) that function as guides when the disc-shaped end portion 74 is relatively moved in the direction indicated by the arrow H and attached to the frame body 60. ) And an end portion support portion 61b that rotatably supports the disk-shaped end portion 74. The guide portion 61a is located above the disc-shaped end portion 74, and the end portion support portion 61b is located below the disc-shaped end portion 74, and the guide portion 61a is arranged so as to surround the disc-shaped end portion 74. The end 74 is guided and rotatably supported.
ガイド部６１ａは、枠体６０の後部６８の内面６８ａから直角に突出るように半円状に配置されて形成され、円盤状端部７４を軸受部６１に取付ける方向（矢印Ｈに示す方向）に進むにつれて案内する傾斜面を備える。このガイド部６１ａの傾斜面は、円盤状端部７４の中心に向かって傾斜し、円盤状端部７４を枠体６０の後部６８に取付けるときに、円盤状端部７４の上部をこの傾斜面に当接させてガイドする。
端部支持部６１ｂは、枠体６０の後部６８の内面６８ａから直角に突出るように形成された半円状の壁からなり、円盤状端部７４を半円状の壁に沿って回転自在に支持する。このとき、接合部７４ａとその近傍の螺旋羽根部７２も回転自在に支持される。
The guide portion 61a is formed in a semicircular shape so as to project at a right angle from the inner surface 68a of the rear portion 68 of the frame body 60, and the direction in which the disc-shaped end portion 74 is attached to the bearing portion 61 (the direction indicated by the arrow H). It has an inclined surface that guides as you go to. The inclined surface of the guide portion 61a is inclined toward the center of the disc-shaped end portion 74, and when the disc-shaped end portion 74 is attached to the rear portion 68 of the frame body 60, the upper portion of the disc-shaped end portion 74 is set to the inclined surface. And guide it.
The end portion support portion 61b is formed of a semicircular wall formed so as to project at a right angle from the inner surface 68a of the rear portion 68 of the frame body 60, and the disc-shaped end portion 74 is freely rotatable along the semicircular wall. To support. At this time, the joint portion 74a and the spiral blade portion 72 in the vicinity thereof are also rotatably supported.
以上の構成により、第１の実施の形態に関する画像形成装置１及び現像剤収容器５０は以下のように動作する。最初に、図１及び図２を用いて、用紙カセット１０から繰り出された用紙Ｐに印刷を行う第１の実施の形態に関する画像形成装置１の動作を説明する。
先ず、図示しないパーソナルコンピュータ等の上位装置からユーザによって選出された画像データがＵＳＢケーブル等を経由して画像形成装置１に送信される。
画像データが送信されてくると、画像形成装置１は、画像形成装置１の図示しない制御部によって以下のように各部の動作を開始させる。画像形成装置１は、矢印Ａに示す方向にピックアップローラ１２により用紙カセット１０の用紙Ｐを繰り出し、搬送ローラ対１３により画像形成ユニット２０へと搬送する。
With the above configuration, the image forming apparatus 1 and the developer container 50 according to the first embodiment operate as follows. First, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment for printing on the paper P fed from the paper cassette 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
First, image data selected by a user from a host device (not shown) such as a personal computer is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 via a USB cable or the like.
When the image data is transmitted, the image forming apparatus 1 causes the control unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1 to start the operation of each unit as follows. In the image forming apparatus 1, the pickup roller 12 feeds the paper P in the paper cassette 10 in the direction indicated by the arrow A, and the paper P is conveyed to the image forming unit 20 by the conveying roller pair 13.
用紙Ｐを画像形成ユニット２０まで矢印Ｂに示す方向に搬送すると、画像形成ユニット２０によって、感光体ドラム２２上に静電潜像を形成する。そして、感光体ドラム２２上に形成された静電潜像を現像ローラ２１により現像しトナー画像を形成する。更に、転写ローラ２３によって、転写ベルト２４により搬送されてきた用紙Ｐ上にトナー画像を転写させる。
このとき、転写されないで感光体ドラム２２上に残留したトナーをクリーニングブレード２６によって廃トナーとして除去し、図示しない廃トナー搬送機構により現像剤収容器５０に搬送して収容する。
When the sheet P is conveyed to the image forming unit 20 in the direction indicated by the arrow B, the image forming unit 20 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 22. Then, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 22 is developed by the developing roller 21 to form a toner image. Further, the transfer roller 23 transfers the toner image onto the sheet P conveyed by the transfer belt 24.
At this time, the toner that has not been transferred and remains on the photosensitive drum 22 is removed as waste toner by the cleaning blade 26, and is transported to the developer container 50 by a waste toner transport mechanism (not shown) to be stored therein.
次に、トナー画像が転写された用紙Ｐを定着ユニット３０に搬送し、転写されたトナー画像を用紙Ｐに定着する。この定着は、所定の温度に加熱された加圧ローラ３０ａと加熱ローラ３０ｂ間に用紙Ｐを挟持し搬送することにより行う。そして、排出ローラ対３１、３２によってトナー画像が定着された用紙Ｐを更に搬送し、矢印Ｃに示す方向に排出スタッカ３３へと排出する。
上記印刷動作を繰り返し、トナー残量検出部材２７によって、画像形成ユニット２０内のトナー量が少なくなったことが検出されると、図３に示す画像形成装置１の駆動源９０を動作させ、現像剤収容器５０の駆動力伝達部材８０に駆動力を入力する。
Next, the paper P on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 30, and the transferred toner image is fixed on the paper P. This fixing is performed by sandwiching and conveying the sheet P between the pressure roller 30a and the heating roller 30b heated to a predetermined temperature. Then, the paper P on which the toner image is fixed by the pair of discharge rollers 31 and 32 is further conveyed and discharged to the discharge stacker 33 in the direction indicated by the arrow C.
When the remaining toner amount detecting member 27 detects that the amount of toner in the image forming unit 20 has decreased, the printing operation is repeated, and the drive source 90 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. The driving force is input to the driving force transmission member 80 of the agent container 50.
この駆動力伝達部材８０に入力された駆動力によって、現像剤搬送部材７０の搬送軸部７１を回転軸として現像剤搬送部材７０を回転させ、現像剤収容器５０内のトナーを現像剤排出口６４の位置まで搬送し、画像形成ユニット２０に供給する。
その後、トナー残量検出部材２７によって画像形成ユニット２０内のトナーが所定の量になったことが検出されると、画像形成装置１の駆動源９０を停止し、現像剤搬送部材７０の回転を停止する。すると、現像剤排出口６４へのトナー搬送が停止し、画像形成ユニット２０へのトナー供給が停止する。
By the driving force input to the driving force transmission member 80, the developer transport member 70 is rotated about the transport shaft 71 of the developer transport member 70 as a rotation axis, and the toner in the developer container 50 is discharged to the developer discharge port. The image forming unit 20 is conveyed to the position 64 and supplied to the image forming unit 20.
After that, when the toner remaining amount detecting member 27 detects that the amount of toner in the image forming unit 20 reaches a predetermined amount, the drive source 90 of the image forming apparatus 1 is stopped and the developer conveying member 70 is rotated. Stop. Then, the toner conveyance to the developer discharge port 64 is stopped and the toner supply to the image forming unit 20 is stopped.
次に、第１の実施の形態に関する現像剤収容器５０の動作について詳細に説明する。
先ず、ユーザによって、現像剤収容器５０が画像形成装置１に装着される（図１）。この装着では持ち手６３が持たれ、画像形成装置１の装置背面側に押されながら装着される。このとき、図示しない着脱機構により遮蔽部材６５が矢印Ｆに示す方向にスライドして現像剤排出口６４が開口する（図２）。その後、印刷動作が開始され、用紙Ｐへの印刷が行われる。
Next, the operation of the developer container 50 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.
First, the user mounts the developer container 50 on the image forming apparatus 1 (FIG. 1). In this mounting, the handle 63 is held and mounted while being pushed toward the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1. At this time, the shielding member 65 slides in the direction shown by the arrow F by the attachment / detachment mechanism (not shown) to open the developer discharge port 64 (FIG. 2). After that, the printing operation is started, and the printing on the paper P is performed.
この印刷動作において、トナー残量検出部材２７によって画像形成ユニット２０内のトナーが少なくなったことが検出されると、図示しない画像形成装置１の制御部は、画像形成装置１の駆動源９０を動作させる（図３）。この駆動源９０の動作により現像剤収容器５０の駆動力伝達部材８０に駆動力が入力され、駆動力伝達部材８０が駆動軸部８１を回転軸として回転する。 In the printing operation, when the toner remaining amount detecting member 27 detects that the toner in the image forming unit 20 is low, the control unit of the image forming apparatus 1 (not shown) controls the drive source 90 of the image forming apparatus 1. Operate (Fig. 3). By the operation of the driving source 90, the driving force is input to the driving force transmitting member 80 of the developer container 50, and the driving force transmitting member 80 rotates with the driving shaft portion 81 as the rotation axis.
すると、駆動力伝達部材８０の駆動出力部８３に係合された係合部７３が回転し、現像剤搬送部材７０は搬送軸部７１を回転軸として矢印Ｋに示す方向に回転する（図５）。この回転により、螺旋羽根部７２によるトナー搬送力が発生し、現像剤収容器５０内のトナーが現像剤排出口６４へ向かって搬送される。現像剤排出口６４へ向かって搬送されてきたトナーは、開口した現像剤排出口６４から、図１に示す矢印Ｅに示す方向に落下し、画像形成ユニット２０に供給される。 Then, the engaging portion 73 engaged with the drive output portion 83 of the driving force transmitting member 80 rotates, and the developer transport member 70 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow K with the transport shaft portion 71 as the rotation axis (FIG. 5). ). By this rotation, a toner carrying force is generated by the spiral blade portion 72, and the toner in the developer container 50 is carried toward the developer discharge port 64. The toner conveyed toward the developer discharge port 64 drops from the opened developer discharge port 64 in the direction indicated by the arrow E in FIG. 1, and is supplied to the image forming unit 20.
このとき、図６に示すように、螺旋羽根部７２が搬送軸部７１の現像剤搬送上流側（装置正面側）端部において円盤状端部７４に接合された構成となっているので、破線Ｙで囲った部分においてもトナー搬送力が発生する。それ故、トナー搬送力が発生しない領域は枠体６０の後部６８の内面６８ａから円盤状端部７４の現像剤搬送下流側（装置背面側）の面までとしての領域Ｗａとなる。それ故、図１２に示す比較例と比較して、トナー搬送力が発生しない領域を狭くすることができ、現像剤収容器５０内に残留する現像剤を少なくすることができる。 At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the spiral blade portion 72 is joined to the disk-shaped end portion 74 at the developer transport upstream side (apparatus front side) end of the transport shaft portion 71. The toner carrying force is also generated in the portion surrounded by Y. Therefore, the area where the toner carrying force is not generated is an area Wa from the inner surface 68a of the rear portion 68 of the frame body 60 to the surface of the disk-shaped end portion 74 on the downstream side of the developer carrying (back side of the apparatus). Therefore, as compared with the comparative example shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to narrow the area in which the toner carrying force is not generated, and it is possible to reduce the developer remaining in the developer container 50.
以上のように、第１の実施の形態に関する現像剤収容器５０及び画像形成装置１によれば、枠体６０内にトナーを収容し現像剤搬送部材７０によってトナーを搬送する現像剤収容器５０において、現像剤搬送部材７０は、搬送軸部７１と、搬送軸部７１と共に回転しトナー搬送力を発生させる螺旋羽根部７２と、搬送軸部７１の一端としての現像剤搬送上流端部に螺旋羽根部７２の外径Ｄｗと略等しい外径Ｄｔの円盤状端部７４とを備える。更に、前記枠体６０は、後部６８の内面６８ａ、即ち搬送軸部７１の一端としての現像剤搬送上流端部近傍の枠体６０の内面６８ａに円盤状端部７４を回転自在に支持する軸受部６１を備える。これにより、トナーを搬送する搬送力が発生しない領域を狭くすることができ、現像剤収容器５０内に残留するトナーを少なくすることができる。 As described above, according to the developer container 50 and the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the developer container 50 that stores the toner in the frame 60 and conveys the toner by the developer conveying member 70. In the developer carrying member 70, the carrying shaft portion 71, the spiral blade portion 72 that rotates together with the carrying shaft portion 71 to generate the toner carrying force, and the developer carrying upstream end portion as one end of the carrying shaft portion 71 are spirally wound. The disk-shaped end portion 74 has an outer diameter Dt that is substantially equal to the outer diameter Dw of the blade portion 72. Further, the frame body 60 has a bearing for rotatably supporting the disc-shaped end portion 74 on the inner surface 68a of the rear portion 68, that is, the inner surface 68a of the frame body 60 near the developer transport upstream end portion as one end of the transport shaft portion 71. The unit 61 is provided. As a result, it is possible to narrow the area where the carrying force for carrying the toner is not generated, and it is possible to reduce the amount of toner remaining in the developer container 50.
（第２の実施の形態）
次に、第２の実施の形態の現像剤収容器５０及びそれを備える画像形成装置１の構成を説明する。第２の実施の形態の現像剤収容器５０では、現像剤搬送部材７０における搬送軸部７１の現像剤搬送上流端部に備える円盤状端部の構成が第１の実施の形態の構成と異なる。その他の構成は、第１の実施の形態に関する現像剤収容器５０及び画像形成装置１の構成と同様であるので簡略化のために同様の構成についてはその詳細な説明を省略する。
(Second embodiment)
Next, the configurations of the developer container 50 according to the second embodiment and the image forming apparatus 1 including the same will be described. In the developer container 50 of the second embodiment, the configuration of the disc-shaped end portion provided at the developer transport upstream end of the transport shaft portion 71 of the developer transport member 70 is different from that of the first embodiment. .. Since other configurations are similar to those of the developer container 50 and the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, detailed description of the similar configurations will be omitted for simplification.
以下、第２の実施の形態に関する現像剤搬送部材７０の構成を説明する。図８は、第２の実施の形態に関する現像剤搬送部材の説明図である。なお、図８は、図５と同様に現像剤搬送部材７０を装置正面側左上から見た外観斜視図を示す。
図８に示すように、第２の実施の形態に関する現像剤搬送部材７０では、第１の実施の形態に関する円盤状端部７４に替えて、一端の側としての現像剤搬送上流側（装置正面側）の面に放射状の溝部７６を設けた溝付き円盤状端部７５を備える。即ち、第２の実施の形態に関する現像剤収容器５０においては、現像剤搬送部材７０の一端の側としての現像剤搬送上流側（装置正面側）端部に円盤状端部としての溝付き円盤状端部７５を備える。この溝付き円盤状端部７５は、搬送軸部７１及び螺旋羽根部７２とともに、装置正面側から見たときの左回転としての矢印Ｋに示す方向に回転する。搬送軸部７１、螺旋羽根部７２及び係合部７３は、第１の実施の形態に関する現像剤収容器５０の現像剤搬送部材７０の構成と同様である。
Hereinafter, the configuration of the developer transport member 70 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the developer carrying member according to the second embodiment. Note that FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of the developer transport member 70 as seen from the upper left side on the front side of the apparatus, as in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, in the developer transporting member 70 according to the second embodiment, instead of the disc-shaped end portion 74 according to the first embodiment, the developer transporting upstream side (front side of the apparatus as one end side) The grooved disk-shaped end portion 75 having the radial groove portion 76 on the (side) surface is provided. That is, in the developer accommodating container 50 according to the second embodiment, a grooved disc as a disc-shaped end portion is provided at the developer conveying upstream side (apparatus front side) end portion as one end side of the developer conveying member 70. The end portion 75. The grooved disk-shaped end portion 75 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow K as left rotation when viewed from the front side of the device, together with the transport shaft portion 71 and the spiral blade portion 72. The transport shaft portion 71, the spiral blade portion 72, and the engaging portion 73 have the same configuration as the developer transport member 70 of the developer container 50 according to the first embodiment.
第２の実施の形態に関する現像剤搬送部材７０の要部構成を更に詳細に説明する。図９は、第２の実施の形態に関する溝付き円盤状端部とその周辺の説明図である。なお、図９は、図６と同様に図２の破線Ｚで囲んだ部分拡大図を示し、便宜上、要部以外は図示を省略している。 The main part configuration of the developer carrying member 70 according to the second embodiment will be described in more detail. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a disk-shaped end portion with a groove and its periphery according to the second embodiment. Note that FIG. 9 shows a partially enlarged view surrounded by a broken line Z in FIG. 2 as in FIG. 6, and for convenience sake, illustration is omitted except for the main part.
図９に示すように、溝付き円盤状端部７５は、螺旋羽根部７２の外径Ｄｗと略等しい外径Ｄｔの円盤状の端部であり、搬送軸部７１の一端としての現像剤搬送上流端部に設ける。溝付き円盤状端部７５は、図７に示す軸受部６１により回転自在に支持される。このように溝付き円盤状端部７５が端部支持部６１ｂに回転自在に支持された状態においては、溝部７６を設けた面、即ち溝付き円盤状端部７５の一端の側としての現像剤搬送上流側（装置正面側）の面は、枠体６０の後部６８の内面６８ａと所定の間隙をもって対向する。 As shown in FIG. 9, the grooved disc-shaped end portion 75 is a disc-shaped end portion having an outer diameter Dt substantially equal to the outer diameter Dw of the spiral blade portion 72, and serves as one end of the conveying shaft portion 71 to convey the developer. Provided at the upstream end. The grooved disk-shaped end portion 75 is rotatably supported by the bearing portion 61 shown in FIG. 7. In this manner, in the state in which the grooved disc-shaped end portion 75 is rotatably supported by the end portion support portion 61b, the developer provided on the surface provided with the groove portion 76, that is, the one end side of the grooved disc-shaped end portion 75. A surface on the upstream side of the conveyance (front side of the apparatus) faces the inner surface 68a of the rear portion 68 of the frame body 60 with a predetermined gap.
図１０は、第２の実施の形態に関する溝付き円盤状端部の溝部の説明図である。なお、図１０（ａ）は、溝付き円盤状端部７５を現像剤搬送上流側（装置正面側）から見た正面図を示し、図１０（ｂ）は、溝付き円盤状端部７５周辺を拡大した外観斜視図を示す。
図１０（ａ）に示すように、溝付き円盤状端部７５の放射状の溝部７６は、溝付き円盤状端部７５の回転中心位置から外径側（回転半径方向外側）まで延在し、外径側に進むにつれて溝付き円盤状端部７５の回転方向上流側へ向かって曲がる曲線形状で構成される。このような形状とすることにより、矢印Ｋに示す方向に溝付き円盤状端部７５を回転させたときに、それぞれの溝部７６内に入り込んだトナーは、外径側方向としての矢印Ｇに示す方向に搬送される。
FIG. 10: is explanatory drawing of the groove part of the disk-shaped end part with a groove | channel regarding 2nd Embodiment. Note that FIG. 10A is a front view of the grooved disk-shaped end portion 75 as viewed from the developer transport upstream side (the apparatus front side), and FIG. 10B is a periphery of the grooved disk-shaped end portion 75. The enlarged external perspective view of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10A, the radial groove portion 76 of the grooved disk-shaped end portion 75 extends from the rotation center position of the grooved disk-shaped end portion 75 to the outer diameter side (outer side in the radial direction of rotation), It is formed in a curved shape that curves toward the upstream side in the rotation direction of the grooved disk-shaped end portion 75 as it goes to the outer diameter side. With such a shape, when the grooved disk-shaped end portion 75 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow K, the toner that has entered the respective groove portions 76 is indicated by the arrow G as the outer diameter side direction. Is conveyed in the direction.
更に、図１０（ｂ）に示すように、溝部７６は、矢印Ｊに示す方向、即ち、外径側から螺旋羽根部７２のある現像剤搬送下流側（装置背面側）の方向にトナーを搬送させるために、現像剤搬送上流側（装置正面側）の面から延在させて外径側にも形成させるとよい。
なお、溝部７６は、トナーを溝部７６内に掻き入れ、外径側へと搬送できれば、その他の形状としてもよい。また、溝部７６は、１〜３箇所設けるようにしてもよいし、５箇所以上設けるようにしてもよい。
Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, the groove portion 76 conveys the toner in the direction indicated by the arrow J, that is, in the direction from the outer diameter side to the developer conveying downstream side (the device rear side) where the spiral blade portion 72 exists. To this end, the developer may be extended from the upstream side (front side of the apparatus) to be formed on the outer diameter side.
The groove 76 may have any other shape as long as the toner can be scraped into the groove 76 and conveyed to the outer diameter side. Further, the groove portions 76 may be provided at one to three places, or may be provided at five or more places.
次に、第２の実施の形態に関する画像形成装置１及び現像剤収容器５０の動作を説明する。第２の実施の形態では、現像剤搬送部材７０の溝付き円盤状端部７５によるトナー搬送の動作が第１の実施の形態と異なる。その他の動作は、第１の実施の形態に関する画像形成装置１及び現像剤収容器５０の動作と同様である。具体的には、第２の実施の形態に関する画像形成装置１は第１の実施の形態に関する画像形成装置１と同様に動作する。また、第２の実施の形態に関する現像剤収容器５０の動作は、溝付き円盤状端部７５によるトナー搬送の動作以外は、第１の実施の形態に関する現像剤収容器５０の動作と同様である。 Next, operations of the image forming apparatus 1 and the developer container 50 according to the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the toner transport operation by the grooved disk-shaped end portion 75 of the developer transport member 70. Other operations are the same as the operations of the image forming apparatus 1 and the developer container 50 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment operates similarly to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The operation of the developer container 50 according to the second embodiment is the same as the operation of the developer container 50 according to the first embodiment, except for the toner transport operation by the grooved disk-shaped end portion 75. is there.
以下、第２の実施の形態に関する現像剤搬送部材７０によるトナー搬送の動作について説明する。先ず、画像形成ユニット２０内のトナーが少なくなると、画像形成装置１の駆動源９０が駆動され、その駆動力が駆動力伝達部材８０を介して係合部７３に伝達される。
すると、現像剤搬送部材７０は図８に示す矢印Ｋの方向に回転し、現像剤搬送部材７０の搬送軸部７１を回転軸として螺旋羽根部７２及び溝付き円盤状端部７５が矢印Ｋに示す方向に回転する。
溝付き円盤状端部７５が矢印Ｋに示す方向に回転すると、図９に示す溝付き円盤状端部７５と枠体６０の後部６８の内面６８ａとの間にあるトナーが溝付き円盤状端部７５の溝部７６によって掻き取られる。その後、溝部７６の中に入り込んだトナーは溝部７６に沿って矢印Ｇに示す方向に搬送される。
Hereinafter, the operation of toner transport by the developer transport member 70 according to the second embodiment will be described. First, when the amount of toner in the image forming unit 20 becomes low, the drive source 90 of the image forming apparatus 1 is driven, and the driving force thereof is transmitted to the engaging portion 73 via the driving force transmission member 80.
Then, the developer transport member 70 rotates in the direction of arrow K shown in FIG. 8, and the spiral blade portion 72 and the grooved disk-shaped end portion 75 move in the direction of arrow K with the transport shaft portion 71 of the developer transport member 70 as a rotation axis. Rotate in the direction shown.
When the grooved disk-shaped end portion 75 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow K, the toner between the grooved disk-shaped end portion 75 and the inner surface 68a of the rear portion 68 of the frame body 60 shown in FIG. It is scraped off by the groove portion 76 of the portion 75. After that, the toner having entered the groove portion 76 is conveyed along the groove portion 76 in the direction indicated by the arrow G.
溝付き円盤状端部７５の外径側まで搬送されてきたトナーは、更に後から搬送されてきたトナーに押され、現像剤搬送下流側の方向としての矢印Ｊに示す方向に螺旋羽根部７２のある現像剤搬送下流側（装置背面側）へと搬送される。
螺旋羽根部７２が回転している位置に搬送されてきたトナーは、螺旋羽根部７２により現像剤排出口６４へと搬送され、画像形成ユニット２０に供給される。
このように、第２の実施の形態に関する現像剤収容器５０では、溝付き円盤状端部７５と枠体６０の後部６８の内面６８ａとの間にあるトナーについても溝部７６によって掻き取り、現像剤排出口６４へと搬送することができる。それ故、更に現像剤収容器５０内に残留する現像剤を少なくすることができる。
The toner that has been conveyed to the outer diameter side of the grooved disk-shaped end portion 75 is further pushed by the toner that has been conveyed later, and in the direction indicated by arrow J, which is the downstream direction of the developer conveyance, the spiral blade portion 72. The developer is conveyed to the downstream side (the rear side of the apparatus).
The toner conveyed to the position where the spiral blade portion 72 is rotated is conveyed to the developer discharge port 64 by the spiral blade portion 72 and is supplied to the image forming unit 20.
As described above, in the developer container 50 according to the second embodiment, the toner between the grooved disk-shaped end portion 75 and the inner surface 68a of the rear portion 68 of the frame body 60 is also scraped off by the groove portion 76 and developed. It can be conveyed to the agent discharge port 64. Therefore, the amount of developer remaining in the developer container 50 can be further reduced.
以上のように、第２の実施の形態に関する現像剤収容器５０及び画像形成装置１によれば、現像剤搬送部材７０の搬送軸部７１の一端としての現像剤搬送上流端部に設けた円盤状端部を、現像剤搬送上流側（装置正面側）の面に回転中心位置から外径側まで延在し外径側に進むにつれて回転方向上流側へ向かって曲がる曲線形状の溝部７６を備えた溝付き円盤状端部７５とした。これにより、溝付き円盤状端部７５と枠体６０の後部６８の内面６８ａ間にあるトナーについても現像剤排出口６４へと搬送でき、更に現像剤収容器５０内に残留する現像剤を少なくすることができる。 As described above, according to the developer container 50 and the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the disk provided at the developer transport upstream end portion as one end of the transport shaft portion 71 of the developer transport member 70. The curved end portion is provided on the surface on the upstream side of the developer transport (front side of the apparatus), which extends from the rotation center position to the outer diameter side and bends toward the outer diameter side toward the upstream side in the rotation direction. The grooved disc-shaped end portion 75 is used. As a result, the toner between the grooved disk-shaped end portion 75 and the inner surface 68a of the rear portion 68 of the frame 60 can be conveyed to the developer discharge port 64, and the developer remaining in the developer container 50 can be reduced. can do.
（変形例１）
本発明は、以上の実施の形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の趣旨に基づいて変形させることが可能であり、それらを本発明の範囲から排除するものでもない。例えば、以上の実施の形態の説明では、画像形成装置１としてプリンタを例として説明したが、複写機、ファクシミリ及び複合機であってもよい。
(Modification 1)
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but can be modified in accordance with the spirit of the present invention, and they are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above description of the embodiments, a printer has been described as an example of the image forming apparatus 1, but it may be a copying machine, a facsimile machine, or a multifunction machine.
（変形例２）
また、以上の実施の形態の説明では、画像形成装置１の内部に備える現像剤収容器５０を例として説明したが、画像形成装置１の外部に現像剤収容器５０を設ける形態の現像剤収容器５０にも本発明を適用することができる。また、以上の実施の形態の説明では、駆動源９０を現像剤収容器５０の外部から供給する例として説明したが、現像剤収容器５０内部に駆動源９０を設ける構成としてもよい。
(Modification 2)
Further, in the above description of the embodiment, the developer accommodating container 50 provided inside the image forming apparatus 1 has been described as an example, but the developer accommodating container 50 is provided outside the image forming apparatus 1. The present invention can be applied to the container 50. In the above description of the embodiment, the drive source 90 is supplied from the outside of the developer container 50, but the drive source 90 may be provided inside the developer container 50.
（変形例３）
また、以上の実施の形態の説明では、現像剤搬送部材７０を螺旋羽根部７２で構成するように説明したが、線材をスパイラル状に巻いた搬送スパイラルなどで現像剤搬送部材７０を構成する現像剤収容器にも本発明を適用することができる。
(Modification 3)
Further, in the above description of the embodiment, the developer transporting member 70 is described as being configured by the spiral blade portion 72, but the developer transporting member 70 is configured by a transport spiral in which a wire is spirally wound. The present invention can also be applied to the agent container.
（変形例４）
また、以上の実施の形態の説明では、現像剤収容器５０内のトナーを搬送する例を説明したが、感光体ドラム２２上に残留したトナーを廃トナーとして現像剤収容器５０に搬送して収容する廃トナー搬送機構などにも本発明を適用することができる。
(Modification 4)
Further, in the above description of the embodiment, the example in which the toner in the developer container 50 is conveyed has been described. However, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 22 is conveyed to the developer container 50 as waste toner. The present invention can also be applied to a waste toner transport mechanism that stores the waste toner.
（変形例５）
更に、以上の実施の形態の説明では、円盤状端部７４又は７５を搬送軸部７１の一端としての現像剤搬送上流端部に設けることを説明したが、円盤状端部７４又は７５を現像剤搬送下流端部に設けるようにしてもよい。
(Modification 5)
Further, in the above description of the embodiment, it is described that the disc-shaped end portion 74 or 75 is provided at the developer transport upstream end portion as one end of the transport shaft portion 71, but the disc-shaped end portion 74 or 75 is developed. It may be provided at the downstream end of the agent transport.
１ 画像形成装置
５０ 現像剤収容器
６０ 枠体
６１ 軸受部
７０ 現像剤搬送部材
７１ 搬送軸部
７２ 螺旋羽根部
７４ 円盤状端部
７４ａ 接合部
７５ 溝付き円盤状端部
７６ 溝部
８０ 駆動力伝達部材
1 Image Forming Device 50 Developer Container 60 Frame 61 Bearing Part 70 Developer Conveying Member 71 Conveying Shaft Part 72 Spiral Blade 74 Disc End 74a Joining Part 75 Grooved Disc End 76 Groove 80 Driving Force Transmission Member
Claims (13)
駆動源からの駆動力を伝達する駆動力伝達部材と、
前記枠体の内部の前記現像剤を所定の方向へ搬送する現像剤搬送部材とを備え、
前記現像剤搬送部材は、
前記駆動力伝達部材から伝達される前記駆動力により回転する搬送軸部と、前記搬送軸部と共に回転し現像剤搬送力を発生させる搬送力発生部材と、前記搬送軸部の一端に前記搬送軸部と共に回転する円盤状端部とを具備することを特徴とする現像剤収容器。 A frame containing the developer,
A driving force transmitting member that transmits the driving force from the driving source,
A developer transport member that transports the developer in the frame in a predetermined direction,
The developer transport member is
A transport shaft portion that rotates by the drive force transmitted from the drive force transmission member, a transport force generation member that rotates together with the transport shaft portion to generate a developer transport force, and the transport shaft at one end of the transport shaft portion. And a disk-shaped end portion that rotates together with the developer container.
前記枠体に回転自在に支持される駆動軸部と、
前記駆動源からの前記駆動力を受ける駆動入力部と、
前記駆動入力部により受けた前記駆動力を前記現像剤搬送部材に伝達する駆動出力部とを一体に備えることを特徴とする請求項２記載の現像剤収容器。 The driving force transmission member,
A drive shaft portion rotatably supported on the frame,
A drive input unit that receives the drive force from the drive source,
The developer container according to claim 2, further comprising a drive output unit that integrally transmits the drive force received by the drive input unit to the developer transport member.
前記現像剤搬送下流端部における、前記枠体の底部に前記現像剤を外部へ排出するための現像剤排出口６４を開閉可能に設けることを特徴とする請求項９記載の現像剤収容器。 The other end is a downstream end of the developer transport,
10. The developer container according to claim 9, wherein a developer discharge port 64 for discharging the developer to the outside is provided at the bottom of the frame body at the downstream end of the developer transport so as to be opened and closed.
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