JP4310242B2 - Developer supply container - Google Patents

Developer supply container Download PDF

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JP4310242B2
JP4310242B2 JP2004182587A JP2004182587A JP4310242B2 JP 4310242 B2 JP4310242 B2 JP 4310242B2 JP 2004182587 A JP2004182587 A JP 2004182587A JP 2004182587 A JP2004182587 A JP 2004182587A JP 4310242 B2 JP4310242 B2 JP 4310242B2
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developer
drive transmission
container
sealing member
container body
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JP2006003807A (en
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文朗 田澤
吉川　　潤子
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Canon Inc
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Description

本発明は、電子写真方式や静電記録方式を用いて画像を形成する画像形成装置に着脱自在に設けられた現像剤補給容器に関する。   The present invention relates to a developer supply container that is detachably provided in an image forming apparatus that forms an image using an electrophotographic system or an electrostatic recording system.

ここで、画像形成装置の例としては、例えば電子写真複写機、電子写真プリンタ（レーザービームプリンタ、ＬＥＤプリンタなど）、ファクシミリ装置及びワードプロセッサーなどが含まれる。   Here, examples of the image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (laser beam printer, LED printer, etc.), a facsimile machine, a word processor, and the like.

従来、電子写真複写機やプリンタ等の電子写真画像形成装置には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、現像剤供給容器（現像剤補給容器）を用いて画像形成装置本体ヘ現像剤を補給することが行われている。   Conventionally, a fine powder developer is used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a printer. When the developer in the main body of the image forming apparatus is consumed, the developer is supplied to the main body of the image forming apparatus using a developer supply container (developer supply container).

ここで、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は、現像剤が飛散しないよう現像剤供給容器を画像形成装置本体の内部に据え置いて、小さな開口部から少量ずつ現像剤を排出する方式が知られている。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れるのは困難であり、何らかの現像剤搬送／排出手段が必要となる。   Here, since the developer is an extremely fine powder, during the developer replenishment operation, the developer supply container is placed inside the image forming apparatus main body so that the developer does not scatter, and the developer is little by little from the small opening. A method of discharging is known. 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 transport / discharge means is required.

このような、現像剤搬送／排出手段を有する現像剤補給容器としては、現像剤収納部内で回転することで現像剤を撹拌する撹拌部材によって現像剤を解し、更に、現像剤搬送部材が回転することで、前記解された現像剤を前記容器収納部に設けられた現像剤排出開口部の方向へ搬送／排出する構成のもので、前記撹拌部材、及び、前記現像剤搬送部材を回転させるための駆動力をそれぞれの部材が画像形成装置本体の２箇所からそれぞれ受ける構成のもの（例えば特許文献１参照）や、前記現像剤搬送部材と前記撹拌部材との間がギアにより前記現像剤補給容器本体内にて駆動伝達可能に連結され、前記現像剤搬送部に画像形成装置本体から回転駆動力を付与することで、前記現像剤搬送部材を回転させ、更に前記ギアを介して撹拌部材を回転させる構成のもの（例えば特許文献２参照）が開示されている。
特開平１１−１０２１０９号公報（図１５など） 特開昭６１−９９１７６号公報（図２２、２３など） As such a developer supply container having a developer transport / discharge means, the developer is unwound by a stirring member that stirs the developer by rotating in the developer container, and the developer transport member rotates. Thus, the agitated member and the developer transport member are rotated, with the structure in which the disassembled developer is transported / discharged in the direction of the developer discharge opening provided in the container storage unit. In which each member receives a driving force for receiving the power from two locations of the image forming apparatus main body (see, for example, Patent Document 1), or between the developer conveying member and the stirring member by a gear. It is connected in the container main body so as to be able to transmit drive, and by applying a rotational driving force from the main body of the image forming apparatus to the developer conveying portion, the developer conveying member is rotated, and the stirring member is further connected via the gear. Times Configuration ones (for example, see Patent Document 2) discloses to.
JP-A-11-102109 (FIG. 15 etc.) JP-A-61-99176 (FIGS. 22, 23, etc.)

しかしながら、上記の現像剤補給容器においては、下記のような問題点があった。   However, the above-described developer supply container has the following problems.

例えば特許文献１に開示の現像剤補給容器においては、前記現像剤搬送部材の非駆動側軸端部や、前記現像剤撹拌部材の駆動側、非駆動側の軸端部などに軸シール構成が必要になるため、部品点数が増え、組み立て工数も増えることから、コストアップの要因となっていた。   For example, in the developer supply container disclosed in Patent Document 1, shaft seal configurations are provided at the non-driving side shaft end portion of the developer conveying member, the driving side and non-driving side shaft end portions of the developer stirring member, and the like. Since this is necessary, the number of parts increases and the number of assembly steps also increases, which has been a factor in increasing costs.

また、特許文献２に開示の現像剤補給容器においても、前記現像剤搬送部材の軸支部についてはやはり軸シール機構が必要な構成となっており、上記と同様コストの点で問題点があった。   Further, the developer supply container disclosed in Patent Document 2 also has a configuration that requires a shaft seal mechanism for the shaft support portion of the developer transport member, and there is a problem in terms of cost as described above. .

そこで、本発明の目的は、従来例において達成されている基本性能を損ねることなく、部品点数を減じ、更に組み立て易い構成とすることで製造コストの安い現像剤補給容器を提供することにある。   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a developer replenishing container having a low manufacturing cost by reducing the number of parts and making it easier to assemble without impairing the basic performance achieved in the prior art.

本出願に係る第１の発明は、画像形成装置に着脱自在に設けられた現像剤補給容器において、
現像剤を収容する容器本体と、
前記容器本体の長手方向一端側に設けられた現像剤排出口と、
前記容器本体に対し相対的にスライド移動することで開封自在に設けられ前記現像剤排出口を封止する封止部材と、
前記容器本体内の現像剤を撹拌する撹拌部材と、
前記封止部材と同軸的に且つ一体的に回転自在に設けられ前記封止部材が受けた回転駆動力を前記容器本体内にて前記撹拌部材へ伝達する駆動伝達部材であって、前記容器本体によって軸支されることなく前記容器本体内面と摺擦自在に設けられた駆動伝達部材と、
前記駆動伝達部材のスライド移動を規制する規制部と、を有し、
前記駆動伝達部材は前記封止部材に対しスライド自在に設けられ前記容器本体内の現像剤を前記現像剤排出口に向けて搬送する搬送部を有し、前記封止部材が前記現像剤排出口を開封した位置にあるとき前記搬送部は前記封止部材と係合していることを特徴とするものである。
第２の発明は、画像形成装置に着脱自在に設けられた現像剤補給容器において、
現像剤を収容する容器本体と、
前記容器本体の長手方向一端側に設けられた現像剤排出口と、
前記容器本体に対し相対的にスライド移動することで開封自在に設けられ前記現像剤排出口を封止する封止部材と、
前記容器本体内の現像剤を撹拌する撹拌部材と、
前記封止部材と同軸的に且つ一体的に回転自在に設けられ前記封止部材が受けた回転駆動力を前記容器本体内にて前記撹拌部材へ伝達する駆動伝達部材であって、前記容器本体によって軸支されることなく前記容器本体内面と摺擦自在に設けられた駆動伝達部材と、
前記駆動伝達部材のスライド移動を規制する規制部と、を有し、
前記封止部材は前記駆動伝達部材に対しスライド自在に設けられ前記容器本体内の現像剤を前記現像剤排出口に向けて搬送する搬送部を有し、前記封止部材が前記現像剤排出口を開封した位置にあるとき前記搬送部は前記駆動伝達部材と係合していることを特徴とするものである。
第３の発明は、画像形成装置に着脱自在に設けられた現像剤補給容器において、
現像剤を収容する容器本体と、
前記容器本体の長手方向一端側に設けられた現像剤排出口と、
前記容器本体に対し相対的にスライド移動することで開封自在に設けられ前記現像剤排出口を封止する封止部材と、
前記容器本体内の現像剤を撹拌する撹拌部材と、
前記封止部材と同軸的に且つ一体的に回転自在に設けられ前記封止部材が受けた回転駆動力を前記容器本体内にて前記撹拌部材へ伝達する駆動伝達部材であって、前記容器本体によって軸支されることなく前記容器本体内面と摺擦自在に設けられた駆動伝達部材と、
前記駆動伝達部材のスライド移動を規制する規制部と、を有し、
前記駆動伝達部材及び前記封止部材は互いにスライド自在に設けられ前記容器本体内の現像剤を前記現像剤排出口に向けて搬送する搬送部をそれぞれ有し、前記封止部材が前記現像剤排出口を開封した位置にあるときそれぞれの搬送部は互いに係合していることを特徴とするものである。 According to a first aspect of the present application, there is provided a developer supply container detachably provided in the image forming apparatus.
A container body for containing a developer;
A developer outlet provided on one end in the longitudinal direction of the container body;
A sealing member that is slidably moved relative to the container body so as to be freely opened and seals the developer discharge port;
A stirring member for stirring the developer in the container body;
A drive transmission member that is coaxially and integrally rotatable with the sealing member, and that transmits a rotational driving force received by the sealing member to the stirring member in the container body, the container body A drive transmission member provided slidably on the inner surface of the container main body without being pivotally supported by,
A regulating portion that regulates sliding movement of the drive transmission member ,
The drive transmission member is provided so as to be slidable with respect to the sealing member, and has a transport unit that transports the developer in the container body toward the developer discharge port, and the sealing member is the developer discharge port. The conveying section is engaged with the sealing member when the container is opened .
A second invention is a developer replenishment container detachably provided in the image forming apparatus,
A container body for containing a developer;
A developer outlet provided on one end in the longitudinal direction of the container body;
A sealing member that is slidably moved relative to the container body so as to be freely opened and seals the developer discharge port;
A stirring member for stirring the developer in the container body;
A drive transmission member that is coaxially and integrally rotatable with the sealing member, and that transmits a rotational driving force received by the sealing member to the stirring member in the container body, the container body A drive transmission member provided slidably on the inner surface of the container main body without being pivotally supported by,
A regulating portion that regulates sliding movement of the drive transmission member,
The sealing member is provided slidably with respect to the drive transmission member, and has a transport unit that transports the developer in the container body toward the developer discharge port, and the sealing member is the developer discharge port. The conveying portion is engaged with the drive transmission member when the is opened.
A third invention is a developer supply container detachably provided in the image forming apparatus,
A container body for containing a developer;
A developer outlet provided on one end in the longitudinal direction of the container body;
A sealing member that is slidably moved relative to the container body so as to be freely opened and seals the developer discharge port;
A stirring member for stirring the developer in the container body;
A drive transmission member that is rotatably provided coaxially and integrally with the sealing member, and that transmits a rotational driving force received by the sealing member to the stirring member in the container body, the container body A drive transmission member provided slidably on the inner surface of the container body without being pivotally supported by
A regulating portion that regulates sliding movement of the drive transmission member,
The drive transmission member and the sealing member are provided slidably with respect to each other, and each has a transport portion that transports the developer in the container body toward the developer discharge port, and the sealing member discharges the developer. When the outlet is in the unsealed position, the respective conveying portions are engaged with each other.

本発明によれば、駆動伝達部材の軸シール機構をなくすことで部品点数の低減、及び組み立て工数の低減が実現でき、大幅なコストダウンが可能となった。そして、駆動伝達部材が容器本体内での移動を規制されていることから、駆動伝達部材が移動する構成にて生じるデッドスペース部への現像剤の残留を防止することができるので、容器内への残現像剤量を減じることができ、更に比較例にて後述するような、現像剤排出口を再封するために封止部材をスライド移動させた際の残留現像剤の挟み込みによる封止不良を起こす恐れのない、信頼性の高い現像剤補給容器を提供することが可能となった。   According to the present invention, by eliminating the shaft seal mechanism of the drive transmission member, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and the number of assembly steps, and it is possible to greatly reduce the cost. Since the drive transmission member is restricted from moving in the container body, it is possible to prevent the developer from remaining in the dead space caused by the configuration in which the drive transmission member moves. The residual developer amount can be reduced, and as described later in the comparative example, the sealing failure due to the sandwiching of the residual developer when the sealing member is slid to re-seal the developer discharge port It has become possible to provide a highly reliable developer replenishment container that does not cause any problems.

また、本発明によれば、駆動伝達部材と搬送部を一体に設け、且つ封止部材とスライド自在に係合するよう構成することで、シール性を必要とする封止部材には比較的剛性の低い材質を用い、搬送部材には比較的剛性の高い材質を用いるなど、各部の要求される機能に最適な材質を適宜選択することも可能となるため、高いシール性を発揮し、かつ駆動を確実に伝達することが出来る信頼性の高い現像剤補給容器を低コストにて提供することが可能となった。   In addition, according to the present invention, the drive transmission member and the conveying portion are provided integrally, and are configured to be slidably engaged with the sealing member, so that the sealing member requiring sealing performance is relatively rigid. It is possible to select the most suitable material for the required function of each part, such as using a low-quality material and a relatively high-stiffness material for the conveying member, so that high sealing performance and driving are achieved. It is possible to provide a highly reliable developer supply container capable of reliably transmitting the toner at low cost.

また、本発明によれば、封止部材と搬送部を一体に設け、且つ駆動伝達部材とスライド自在に係合するよう構成することで、封止部材を現像剤排出口を開封するために移動した際に、封止部材が有する搬送部も連動して動くため、現像剤排出口付近に現像剤がパッキングしたような場合でも崩すことが可能となり、排出不良等のない信頼性の高い現像剤補給容器を提供することが可能となった。   Further, according to the present invention, the sealing member and the transport unit are integrally provided, and are configured to slidably engage with the drive transmission member, so that the sealing member is moved to open the developer discharge port. Since the transport part of the sealing member moves in conjunction with it, the developer can be broken even when the developer is packed near the developer discharge port, and the developer is highly reliable without any defective discharge. It became possible to provide a supply container.

また、封止部材及び搬送部材と駆動伝達部材間でスライド機構を設けたことにより、例えばシール性を必要とする封止部材には比較的剛性の低い材質を用い、駆動伝達を行う駆動伝達部材には比較的剛性の高い材質を用いるなど、各部の要求される機能に最適な材質を適宜選択することも可能となるため、駆動を確実に伝達することが出来る信頼性の高い現像剤補給容器を低コストにて提供することが可能となった。   In addition, by providing a slide mechanism between the sealing member and the conveying member and the drive transmission member, for example, a drive transmission member that performs drive transmission using a relatively low-rigidity material for the sealing member that requires sealing performance. It is also possible to select the most suitable material for the required function of each part, such as using a material with relatively high rigidity, so a highly reliable developer supply container that can reliably transmit the drive. Can be provided at low cost.

また、本発明によれば、封止部材と駆動伝達部材それぞれに搬送部を一体に設け、且つ封止部材と駆動伝達部材とをスライド自在に係合するよう構成することで、スライド移動する搬送部材の長さが短くなるため、封止部材及び搬送部材を移動する際のパッキングしたトナーによる抵抗を小さくすることが出来ることから、本体の構造を簡単にすることが出来たり、ユーザーの操作性を損ねることなく上述したような信頼性の高い現像剤補給容器を提供することが出来る。   Further, according to the present invention, a conveying unit that slides is provided by providing a conveying unit integrally with each of the sealing member and the drive transmission member and slidably engaging the sealing member and the drive transmission member. Since the length of the member is shortened, the resistance of the packed toner when moving the sealing member and the conveying member can be reduced, so that the structure of the main body can be simplified and the operability of the user It is possible to provide a developer supply container with high reliability as described above without impairing the above.

以下、本発明を実施するための最良の形態について図面を用いて詳細に説明する。   The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

まず最初に本発明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, the configuration of an electrophotographic copying machine as an example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which a developer supply container according to the present invention is mounted will be described with reference to FIG.

（画像形成装置）
同図において、１００は電子写真複写機本体（以下装置本体という）である。また、１０１は原稿であり、原稿台ガラス１０２の上に置かれる。そして、画像情報に応じた光像が光学部１０３の複数のミラーＭとレンズＬｎにより、電子写真感光体ドラム１０４上に結像する。１０５〜１０８はカセットである。これらカセット１０５〜１０８に積載された記録媒体（以下、「用紙」という。）Ｐのうち、操作部１００ａから使用者が入力した情報もしくは原稿１０１の紙サイズから最適な用紙をカセット１０５〜１０８の用紙サイズ情報から選択する。ここで、記録媒体としては、用紙に限定されずに、例えばＯＨＰシート等適宜選択できる。 (Image forming device)
In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes an electrophotographic copying machine main body (hereinafter referred to as an apparatus main body). A document 101 is placed on the document glass 102. Then, a light image corresponding to the image information is formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum 104 by a plurality of mirrors M and lenses Ln of the optical unit 103. 105 to 108 are cassettes. Among the recording media (hereinafter referred to as “paper”) P loaded in the cassettes 105 to 108, the optimum paper is selected from the information input by the user from the operation unit 100a or the paper size of the original 101 in the cassettes 105 to 108. Select from paper size information. Here, the recording medium is not limited to paper, and may be selected as appropriate, such as an OHP sheet.

そして、給紙、分離装置１０５Ａ〜１０８Ａにより搬送された１枚の用紙Ｐを、搬送部１０９を経由してレジストローラ１１０まで搬送し、ドラム１０４の回転と、光学部１０３のスキャンのタイミングを同期させて搬送する。なお、１１１，１１２は転写放電器、分離放電器である。ここで、転写放電器１１１によって、ドラム１０４上に形成された現像剤像を用紙Ｐに転写する。そして、分離放電器１１２によって、現像剤像の転写された用紙Ｐをドラム１０４から分離する。   Then, one sheet P conveyed by the sheet feeding / separation devices 105A to 108A is conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the conveying unit 109, and the rotation of the drum 104 and the scanning timing of the optical unit 103 are synchronized. Then transport. Reference numerals 111 and 112 denote a transfer discharger and a separation discharger. Here, the developer image formed on the drum 104 is transferred onto the paper P by the transfer discharger 111. Then, the sheet P on which the developer image is transferred is separated from the drum 104 by the separation discharger 112.

この後、搬送部１１３により搬送された用紙Ｐは、定着部１１４において熱と圧により用紙上の現像剤像を定着させた後、片面コピーの場合には、排紙反転部１１５を通過し、排紙ローラ１１６により排紙トレイ１１７へ排出される。また、両面コピーの場合には、排紙反転部１１５のフラッパ１１８の制御により、再給紙搬送路１１９，１２０を経由してレジストローラ１１０まで搬送された後、片面コピーの場合と同様の経路をたどって排紙トレイ１１７へ排出される。   Thereafter, the paper P transported by the transport unit 113 fixes the developer image on the paper by heat and pressure in the fixing unit 114, and then passes through the paper discharge reversing unit 115 in the case of single-sided copying. The paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray 117 by a paper discharge roller 116. In the case of double-sided copying, the same path as in the case of single-sided copying after being transported to the registration roller 110 via the paper refeeding transport paths 119 and 120 under the control of the flapper 118 of the paper discharge reversing unit 115. Are discharged to the paper discharge tray 117.

また、多重コピーの場合には、用紙Ｐは排紙反転部１１５を通り、一度排紙ローラ１１６により一部が装置外へ排出される。そして、この後、用紙Ｐの終端がフラッパ１１８を通過し、排紙ローラ１１６にまだ挟持されているタイミングでフラッパ１１８を制御すると共に排紙ローラ１１６を逆回転させることにより、再度装置内へ搬送される。さらにこの後、再給紙搬送部１１９，１２０を経由してレジストローラ１１０まで搬送された後、片面コピーの場合と同様の経路をたどって排紙トレイ１１７へ排出される。   In the case of multiple copying, the paper P passes through the paper discharge reversing unit 115 and is once discharged out of the apparatus by the paper discharge roller 116. After that, the end of the paper P passes through the flapper 118, and the flapper 118 is controlled at the timing when it is still nipped by the paper discharge roller 116. Is done. Thereafter, the sheet is conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the re-feed conveyance units 119 and 120, and then discharged to the sheet discharge tray 117 along the same path as in the case of single-sided copying.

ところで、上記構成の装置本体１００において、ドラム１０４の回りには現像部２０１、クリーナ部２０２、一次帯電器２０３等が配置されている。ここで、現像部２０１は、原稿１０１の情報を光学部１０３によりドラム１０４に形成された静電潜像を現像剤を用いて現像するものである。そして、この現像部２０１へ現像剤を補給するための現像剤補給容器１が装置本体１００に使用者によって着脱可能に設けられている。ここで、現像部２０１は、現像剤ホッパー２０１ａと現像器２０１ｂとを有している。現像剤ホッパー２０１ａは、現像剤補給容器１から補給された現像剤を撹拌するための撹拌部材２０１ｇを有している。そして、この撹拌部材２０１ｇにより撹拌された現像剤は、マグネットローラ２０１ｄにより現像器２０１ｂに送られる。現像器２０１ｂは、現像ローラ２０１ｆと、送り部材２０１ｅを有している。そして、マグネットローラ２０１ｄにより現像剤ホッパー２０１ａから送られた現像剤は、送り部材２０１ｅにより現像ローラ２０１ｆに送られて、この現像ローラ２０１ｆにより感光体ドラム１０４に供給される。   Meanwhile, in the apparatus main body 100 having the above-described configuration, a developing unit 201, a cleaner unit 202, a primary charger 203, and the like are disposed around the drum 104. Here, the developing unit 201 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the drum 104 by the optical unit 103 with the information of the document 101 using a developer. A developer supply container 1 for supplying developer to the developing unit 201 is detachably provided on the apparatus main body 100 by a user. Here, the developing unit 201 includes a developer hopper 201a and a developing device 201b. The developer hopper 201a includes a stirring member 201g for stirring the developer replenished from the developer replenishing container 1. The developer stirred by the stirring member 201g is sent to the developing device 201b by the magnet roller 201d. The developing device 201b includes a developing roller 201f and a feeding member 201e. Then, the developer sent from the developer hopper 201a by the magnet roller 201d is sent to the developing roller 201f by the feeding member 201e, and is supplied to the photosensitive drum 104 by the developing roller 201f.

なお、本実施例では、現像剤として１成分磁性トナーを用いているが、これに限らない。例えば、非磁性トナーと磁性キャリアから構成された、所謂、２成分現像剤であっても良い。即ち、以下にて説明する現像剤補給容器から補給する現像剤としては、トナーのみ、トナー及びキャリア、キャリアのみの場合が含まれる。   In this embodiment, one-component magnetic toner is used as the developer, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a so-called two-component developer composed of a nonmagnetic toner and a magnetic carrier may be used. That is, the developer replenished from the developer replenishment container described below includes the case of toner only, toner and carrier, and carrier alone.

クリーナー部２０２は、感光体ドラム１０４に残留している現像剤を除去するためのものである。また、一次帯電器２０３は、感光体ドラム１０４を帯電するためのものである。   The cleaner unit 202 is for removing the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 104. The primary charger 203 is for charging the photosensitive drum 104.

（現像剤補給容器交換のための構成）
図２に示す外装カバーの一部である現像剤補給容器交換用カバー１５（以下交換用カバーという）を図３に示すように使用者が開けると、容器受け台５０が、駆動系（不図示）によって、所定の位置まで引き出される。そして、この容器受け台５０上に現像剤補給容器１が実質的に回転不可に設置される。使用者が容器１を装置本体１００から取り出す際には、引き出された容器受け台５０に載っている現像剤補給容器１を取り出す。ここで、カバー１５は現像剤補給容器１を着脱（交換）するための専用カバーであって、容器１を着脱するためだけに開閉される。尚、装置本体１００のメインテナンスは、前面カバー１００ｃを開閉することによって行なわれる。 (Configuration for developer supply container replacement)
When the user opens the developer supply container replacement cover 15 (hereinafter referred to as a replacement cover), which is a part of the exterior cover shown in FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 3, the container cradle 50 is connected to a drive system (not shown). ) Is pulled out to a predetermined position. The developer supply container 1 is installed on the container cradle 50 in a substantially non-rotatable manner. When the user takes out the container 1 from the apparatus main body 100, the developer supply container 1 placed on the drawn-out container receiving base 50 is taken out. Here, the cover 15 is a dedicated cover for attaching / detaching (replacing) the developer supply container 1 and is opened / closed only for attaching / detaching the container 1. Note that maintenance of the apparatus main body 100 is performed by opening and closing the front cover 100c.

なお、容器受け台５０を介することなく、現像剤補給容器１を直接装置本体１００に設置し、又、装置本体１００から取り外してもよい。   Note that the developer supply container 1 may be directly installed in the apparatus main body 100 without using the container cradle 50 and may be detached from the apparatus main body 100.

次に現像剤補給容器について以下に詳述する。   Next, the developer supply container will be described in detail below.

図４は、本発明に係る第１の実施の形態に係る現像剤補給容器１の斜視図である。   FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the developer supply container 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

また、図５の（Ａ）は本実施の形態に係る現像剤補給容器１の正面図、（Ｂ）はその断面図、（Ｃ）は左側面図、（Ｄ）は、右側面図、（Ｅ）は側面断面図、（Ｆ）は、平面図である。図６（Ａ）は現像剤補給開口１ｂが封止された状態の正面断面図、（Ｂ）は、現像剤補給開口１ｂが開封された状態の正面断面図、（Ｃ）は後述する現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段２（現像剤補給開口が開封された状態）の断面図である。また、図７の（Ａ）は現像剤補給容器本体１の断面図、（Ｂ）は右側面図である。   5A is a front view of the developer supply container 1 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 5B is a sectional view thereof, FIG. 5C is a left side view, and FIG. 5D is a right side view. E) is a side sectional view, and (F) is a plan view. 6A is a front sectional view of the state where the developer supply opening 1b is sealed, FIG. 6B is a front sectional view of the state where the developer supply opening 1b is opened, and FIG. 6C is a developer described later. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of conveyance / drive transmission means 2 (a state where a developer supply opening is opened). 7A is a cross-sectional view of the developer supply container main body 1, and FIG. 7B is a right side view.

図４〜図７において、１は容器本体であり、その一端側の側壁の下部には現像剤収納部に収納された現像剤を装置本体に供給するための筒状の現像剤補給開口部１ａが突設されており、更にその現像剤補給開口部１ａの一端部には現像剤補給口１ｂが設けられている。また、２は容器本体１に収納されている現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段であって、現像剤を現像剤補給開口部１ａの方向へ搬送するための搬送部７と、現像剤補給口１ｂを封止するための封止部８と、後述する手段により装置本体から受けた駆動力を、後述する撹拌部材３に伝達するための駆動伝達部９を有している。また、３は容器本体１内の現像剤を撹拌するための撹拌部材であり、３ａは駆動伝達部９に係合し画像形成装置からの回転駆動力を現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段２を介して受けるための駆動受け部となっている。   4 to 7, reference numeral 1 denotes a container main body, and a cylindrical developer supply opening 1a for supplying the developer stored in the developer storage section to the apparatus main body at the lower portion of the side wall on one end side thereof. And a developer replenishing port 1b at one end of the developer replenishing opening 1a. Reference numeral 2 denotes a developer conveyance / drive transmission means accommodated in the container main body 1, and includes a conveyance unit 7 for conveying the developer in the direction of the developer supply opening 1a and a developer supply port 1b. It has the sealing part 8 for sealing, and the drive transmission part 9 for transmitting the driving force received from the apparatus main body by the means mentioned later to the stirring member 3 mentioned later. Reference numeral 3 denotes an agitation member for agitating the developer in the container main body 1, and 3 a is engaged with the drive transmission unit 9 to transmit the rotational driving force from the image forming apparatus via the developer conveyance / drive transmission means 2. It is a drive receiving part for receiving.

（現像剤補給容器本体）
現像剤補給容器本体１について説明する。 (Developer supply container body)
The developer supply container main body 1 will be described.

現像剤補給容器本体１は、下部にいくほど幅の狭くなる湾曲部１ｃと、その湾曲部の下部に設けられた、ほぼ一定の幅を有する平面部１ｄとその平面部の下部に設けられた、円弧形状部１ｅとを有している。因みに、本明細書において、下部とは、現像剤補給容器１を装置本体１００に装着した際に下方に位置する部分、底面とは底になる面、上面とは上側の面、下面とは下側の面、側面とは横側の面である。   The developer supply container main body 1 is provided with a curved portion 1c that becomes narrower toward the lower portion, a flat portion 1d having a substantially constant width provided at a lower portion of the curved portion, and a lower portion of the flat portion. And an arc-shaped portion 1e. By the way, in this specification, the lower part is a part located below when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100, the bottom is the bottom surface, the top is the top surface, and the bottom is the bottom. A side surface and a side surface are lateral surfaces.

即ち、容器本体１は、撹拌部材３が設けられた攪拌室と、この攪拌室の下方に位置し、断面が攪拌室よりも小さい、現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段２や駆動伝達部９が設けられた搬送室とから構成されている。そして、搬送室の長手方向一端側は攪拌室よりも長手方向に突出した突出部が形成されており、この突出部の一端に現像剤補給口１ｂが設けられている。   That is, the container body 1 is provided with a stirring chamber provided with the stirring member 3 and a developer transport / drive transmission means 2 and a drive transmission unit 9 which are located below the stirring chamber and have a smaller cross section than the stirring chamber. And a transfer chamber. A projecting portion projecting in the longitudinal direction from the stirring chamber is formed on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the transfer chamber, and a developer supply port 1b is provided at one end of the projecting portion.

このように容器本体を構成することにより、現像剤補給口１ｂからの現像剤排出量をほぼ一定にすることができる。   By configuring the container body in this way, the amount of developer discharged from the developer supply port 1b can be made substantially constant.

そして、この円弧形状部１ｅの現像剤補給口１ｂと対向する側の底面には図７に示すように、駆動伝達部９が現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段２の回転軸線方向の現像剤補給開口側に移動するのを規制するように、リブ状の規制部１ｆが設けられている。従って、駆動伝達部材９は後述するように現像剤補給容器１によって軸支されることなく、平面部１ｄと円弧形状部１ｅ、及び規制部１ｆにより支持、及び移動規制された状態で配置されることとなる。ここで規制部１ｆの形状は、駆動伝達部９の回転軸線方向への移動を規制することが可能となる形状であれば良く、例えば円弧形状部１ｅの内壁面から容器内側に突出するボス状やポッチ状の突起などでも構わない。   Then, on the bottom surface of the arcuate portion 1e facing the developer replenishing port 1b, as shown in FIG. 7, the drive transmission portion 9 has a developer replenishment opening in the rotation axis direction of the developer transport / drive transmission means 2. A rib-shaped restricting portion 1f is provided so as to restrict the movement to the side. Accordingly, the drive transmission member 9 is not supported by the developer supply container 1 as described later, but is supported and moved by the flat surface portion 1d, the arc-shaped portion 1e, and the restriction portion 1f. It will be. Here, the shape of the restricting portion 1f may be any shape that can restrict the movement of the drive transmitting portion 9 in the rotation axis direction. For example, the restricting portion 1f has a boss shape protruding from the inner wall surface of the arc-shaped portion 1e to the inside of the container. Or a pot-like protrusion may be used.

また、本実施の形態では駆動伝達部９を容器本体の円弧形状部１ｅの現像剤補給開口１ｂと対向する側の最奥部、駆動伝達部の前記現像剤補給開口側に設けた例を示したが、例えば図２３に示すように駆動伝達部９と前記最奥部の壁面１ｑとの間に、駆動伝達部９と撹拌部材３の駆動受け部３ａとの係合が外れてしまう程度の隙間があるような場合には、後述する封止部８を封止する際に該駆動伝達部９が、前記最奥部の壁面１ｑ側に移動するのを防ぐための補助規制部１ｐを設けても構わない。   Further, in the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the drive transmission portion 9 is provided on the innermost portion of the arcuate portion 1e of the container main body on the side facing the developer supply opening 1b and on the developer supply opening side of the drive transmission portion. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 23, the engagement between the drive transmission portion 9 and the drive receiving portion 3a of the stirring member 3 is disengaged between the drive transmission portion 9 and the innermost wall surface 1q. When there is a gap, an auxiliary restricting portion 1p is provided to prevent the drive transmission portion 9 from moving toward the innermost wall surface 1q when sealing the sealing portion 8 described later. It doesn't matter.

また、底面１ｍの外側には現像剤補給容器１が装置本体１００に装着された際に、装置本体１００に設けられた凹部（現像剤補給口開閉手段）に嵌り込んで係合する係合部１ｇが設けられている。   Further, when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100, the engaging portion that fits and engages with a recess (developer supply port opening / closing means) provided in the apparatus main body 100 outside the bottom surface 1 m. 1 g is provided.

後述するように、装置本体に封止部材の係止部が係止された状態のとき、係合部１ｇは容器本体１を封止部材から離れる方向に後退させて現像剤補給口１ｂを開封するための力を装置本体１００に設けられた現像剤補給口開閉手段から受ける構成となっている。   As will be described later, when the locking portion of the sealing member is locked to the apparatus main body, the engaging portion 1g retracts the container main body 1 in a direction away from the sealing member to open the developer supply port 1b. For this purpose, a force is applied from a developer replenishing port opening / closing means provided in the apparatus main body 100.

また、現像剤補給容器を交換するもしくは一旦取り出すときは、装置本体に封止部材の係止部が係止された状態となっており、係合部１ｇが容器本体１を封止部材に近付く方向に前進させて現像剤補給口１ｂを再封止するための力を現像剤補給口開閉手段から受ける構成となっている。   Further, when the developer supply container is replaced or removed, the locking portion of the sealing member is locked to the apparatus main body, and the engaging portion 1g brings the container main body 1 close to the sealing member. The developer supply opening / closing means receives a force for re-sealing the developer supply opening 1b by moving forward in the direction.

このように、本例の現像剤補給容器によれば、現像剤補給口を装置本体によって自動的に開閉することができる。また、本例では、上述した開閉カバーの開閉に連動して、上記現像剤補給口の開閉が行われるように構成されている。   Thus, according to the developer supply container of this example, the developer supply port can be automatically opened and closed by the apparatus main body. In this example, the developer supply opening is opened and closed in conjunction with the opening and closing of the opening and closing cover.

なお、本実施例では、この係合部１ｇは下面１ｍから外側へ突出した形状を有している。   In this embodiment, the engaging portion 1g has a shape protruding outward from the lower surface 1m.

上面１ｈには装置本体１００への現像剤補給容器１を装着する、又は装置本体１００から取り出す際に使用者が把持する把手１ｉが設けられている。   The upper surface 1 h is provided with a handle 1 i that is held by a user when the developer supply container 1 is attached to or removed from the apparatus main body 100.

また、現像剤補給容器１の撹拌部材３の回転軸線方向に垂直な壁面には、撹拌部材３を回転自在に軸支するための軸受け１ｊ、１ｋが設けられている。   Further, bearings 1j and 1k for rotatably supporting the stirring member 3 are provided on a wall surface perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 3 of the developer supply container 1.

ここで、現像剤補給開口部１ａは、容器本体１の長手方向において、把手１ｉの設けられている側面とは反対側の側面に設けられている。したがって、使用者が現像剤補給容器１を装置本体１００に装着する際に、不用意に現像剤補給開口部１ａに触れるのを防止することができる。また、現像剤補給開口部１ａは、側面の下方に設けられている。したがって、容器本体１に収納されている現像剤が少なくなっても効率よく現像剤を排出することができる。   Here, the developer supply opening 1 a is provided on the side surface opposite to the side surface on which the handle 1 i is provided in the longitudinal direction of the container body 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from inadvertently touching the developer supply opening 1 a when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100. The developer supply opening 1a is provided below the side surface. Therefore, the developer can be efficiently discharged even when the developer stored in the container body 1 is reduced.

なお、容器本体１はプラスチック等の樹脂を射出成形、ブロー成形、あるいは、インジェクションブロー成形等の方法で製造するのが好ましいが、他の材料及び製造方法であっても良い。また容器本体１は、便宜２部分あるいはそれ以上の部分に分割し、それらを溶着、接着等の手段で一体化する方法で製造するとよい。   The container body 1 is preferably manufactured from a resin such as plastic by a method such as injection molding, blow molding, or injection blow molding. However, other materials and manufacturing methods may be used. The container body 1 may be manufactured by a method in which the container body 1 is divided into two or more parts for convenience and integrated by means such as welding and adhesion.

尚、本実施例では、ハイインパクトポリスチレンを射出成形した上フレームと下フレームの２つのフレームを振動溶着して製造した。   In this example, two frames, an upper frame and a lower frame formed by injection molding high impact polystyrene, were manufactured by vibration welding.

（現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段）
次に、本実施例における容器本体１内に内装される現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段２の構成について詳述する。 (Developer transport / drive transmission means)
Next, the configuration of the developer transport / drive transmission means 2 built in the container body 1 in this embodiment will be described in detail.

現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段２は、前述したように現像剤排出開口１ｂを開封可能に封止するシール部８ａを有する封止部８と、封止部８と同軸的に設けられ封止部８と一体で回転することで現像剤を現像剤排出開口方向へ搬送するための搬送部７と、封止部８及び搬送部７と一体的に回転することで撹拌部３に画像形成装置本体１００からの回転駆動を中継伝達する駆動伝達部９を有しており、更に現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段２の現像剤排出開口１ｂから突出した部分には、画像形成装置本体１００からの回転駆動力を受けるための駆動力受部を有している。   As described above, the developer conveyance / drive transmission means 2 includes the sealing portion 8 having the seal portion 8a for sealing the developer discharge opening 1b so that the developer discharge opening 1b can be opened, and the sealing portion 8 provided coaxially with the sealing portion 8. The image forming apparatus main body is moved to the agitation unit 3 by rotating integrally with the sealing unit 8 and the conveying unit 7. A drive transmission unit 9 that relays and transmits the rotational drive from 100 is provided, and the portion that protrudes from the developer discharge opening 1b of the developer transport / drive transmission means 2 is a rotational drive from the image forming apparatus main body 100. A driving force receiving portion for receiving force is provided.

このような現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段においては、封止部８と搬送部７と、更には駆動伝達部９を一体的に形成することが部品点数を減じることができるため、コスト的にはもっとも有効であるが、比較例の項にて後述するように、封止部８、搬送部７、駆動伝達部９を一体で射出成形してしまうと開閉上の不具合が生じる可能性があることから、少なくとも駆動伝達部９の移動を規制するのが好ましい。   In such a developer conveyance / drive transmission means, since the sealing part 8, the conveyance part 7, and further the drive transmission part 9 can be integrally formed, the number of parts can be reduced. Although it is most effective, as will be described later in the section of the comparative example, if the sealing portion 8, the transport portion 7, and the drive transmission portion 9 are integrally injection-molded, there may be a problem in opening and closing. Therefore, it is preferable to restrict at least the movement of the drive transmission unit 9.

そこで、このような条件を満足するべく、本実施例においては、駆動伝達部９と搬送部７を一体的に設け（射出成形し）、封止部８をこれとは別体として設け、封止部８と搬送部７との間でスライド自在に係合するよう構成したので、その実施の形態について詳述する。   Therefore, in order to satisfy these conditions, in this embodiment, the drive transmission unit 9 and the conveyance unit 7 are provided integrally (injection molding), and the sealing unit 8 is provided as a separate body and sealed. Since it comprised so that slidable engagement between the stop part 8 and the conveyance part 7 was carried out, the embodiment is explained in full detail.

（封止部材）
封止部材８について図８を用いて説明する。なお、図８において、（Ａ）は封止部材８の正面図、（Ｂ）は（Ａ）のＡ矢示図、（Ｃ）は（Ａ）のＢ矢示図、（Ｄ）は正面断面図である。 (Sealing member)
The sealing member 8 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, (A) is a front view of the sealing member 8, (B) is an arrow A view of (A), (C) is an arrow B view of (A), and (D) is a front sectional view. FIG.

図８の（Ａ）〜（Ｄ）において、８ａは、封止部材８の現像剤補給容器１に対向する側に設けられ、現像剤補給容器１の現像剤補給口１ｂを開封可能に封止するシール部である。このシール部８ａの外径は現像剤補給口１ｂの内径よりも適当量大きく設定されている。そして、このシール部８ａのシール嵌合部8a１を現像剤補給口１ｂから現像剤補給開口部１ａに圧入嵌合することにより、封止部８は現像剤補給口１ｂを密封する。   8A to 8D, 8a is provided on the side of the sealing member 8 facing the developer supply container 1, and seals the developer supply port 1b of the developer supply container 1 so that it can be opened. It is a seal part to do. The outer diameter of the seal portion 8a is set to be an appropriate amount larger than the inner diameter of the developer supply port 1b. Then, the sealing portion 8 seals the developer supply port 1b by press-fitting the seal fitting portion 8a1 of the seal portion 8a from the developer supply port 1b to the developer supply opening 1a.

また、８ｂは、現像剤補給容器１が装置本体１００に装着された際に装置本体に設けられたカップリング部材と係合し、このカップリング部材から搬送部７や撹拌部３を回転させるための駆動力を受けるための駆動力受け部（駆動部）となるカップリング係合部である。カップリング係合部８ｂは、封止部材８が容器本体１に取り付けられた際にシール部８ａから現像剤容器本体１とは反対方向へ搬送部７の回転軸線と略同軸線上に延在形成された突出部８ｃを備えている。また、このカップリング係合部８ｂは、突出部８ｃの周面に設けられ、装置本体に設けられたカップリング部材と係合する駆動力受け部としての細長形状の突起（リブ）８ｄとを備えている。なお、本実施の形態において、この突起（リブ）８ｄは周方向に略等間隔で２箇所設けている。   Further, 8b is engaged with a coupling member provided in the apparatus main body when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100, and rotates the transport unit 7 and the agitating unit 3 from the coupling member. It is a coupling engaging part used as the driving force receiving part (driving part) for receiving this driving force. When the sealing member 8 is attached to the container main body 1, the coupling engaging portion 8 b extends from the seal portion 8 a in the direction opposite to the developer container main body 1 and extends substantially on the same axis as the rotation axis of the transport unit 7. The protruding portion 8c is provided. The coupling engaging portion 8b is provided on the peripheral surface of the protruding portion 8c, and has an elongated protrusion (rib) 8d as a driving force receiving portion that engages with a coupling member provided on the apparatus main body. I have. In the present embodiment, two protrusions (ribs) 8d are provided at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

具体的には、封止部材８の長手方向を中心として約１８０°間隔で２個設けられている。   Specifically, two pieces are provided at intervals of about 180 ° with the longitudinal direction of the sealing member 8 as the center.

また、リブ８ｄは、封止部材の外周面から０．５ｍｍ〜３ｍｍ、好ましくは、約１．８ｍｍ突出している。   Further, the rib 8d protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the sealing member by 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably about 1.8 mm.

また、突出部８ｃの外径は、１０ｍｍ〜１４ｍｍ、好ましくは、約１２ｍｍである。   Moreover, the outer diameter of the protrusion part 8c is 10 mm-14 mm, Preferably, it is about 12 mm.

また、図８において、８ｅはカップリング係合部８ｂの先端に形成され、画像形成装置本体１００に設けられた係止部材に係止される係止突起である。この係止突起８ｅに画像形成装置本体１００の係止部材を係止することにより封止部材８を固定することが出来る。なお、８ｆは、画像形成装置本体１００に設けられた係止部材が嵌まり込む係止溝である。この係止溝８ｆの幅は、１．５〜５ｍｍ、好ましくは約３ｍｍである。また、係止溝の深さは、０．５ｍｍ〜５ｍｍ、好ましくは約２．５ｍｍである。   In FIG. 8, 8e is a locking projection formed at the tip of the coupling engaging portion 8b and locked to a locking member provided in the image forming apparatus main body 100. The sealing member 8 can be fixed by locking the locking member of the image forming apparatus main body 100 to the locking protrusion 8e. Reference numeral 8f denotes a locking groove into which a locking member provided in the image forming apparatus main body 100 is fitted. The width of the locking groove 8f is 1.5 to 5 mm, preferably about 3 mm. Further, the depth of the locking groove is 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably about 2.5 mm.

装置本体１００の係止部材が係止溝８ｆに嵌り込んで封止部材８を係止固定された状態にて、装置本体１００が容器本体を封止部材から後退もしくは封止部材に向けて前進させることにより現像剤補給口１ｂを開封もしくは再封することができる。   In a state where the locking member of the apparatus main body 100 is fitted in the locking groove 8f and the sealing member 8 is locked and fixed, the apparatus main body 100 moves backward from the sealing member or toward the sealing member. By doing so, the developer supply port 1b can be opened or resealed.

また、この封止部材８には、後述する搬送部７からの延在部７ｃと係合して画像形成装置本体１００から受けた駆動力を搬送部７に伝達するための駆動力伝達部としての係合穴８ｇを有しており、搬送部７に設けられた延在部７ｃと遊嵌することで、現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段２の回転軸線方向にはスライド移動可能に、且つ回転方向には互いに係止され回転駆動を伝達可能としている。なお、このスライド部分の構成については、後述のスライド部の構成説明の項にて詳述していく。   Further, the sealing member 8 is used as a driving force transmission unit for transmitting a driving force received from the image forming apparatus main body 100 to the conveying unit 7 by engaging with an extending portion 7c from the conveying unit 7 described later. 8g, and can be slidably moved in the direction of the rotation axis of the developer transport / drive transmission means 2 by rotating freely with an extending portion 7c provided in the transport section 7. The directions are locked to each other so that the rotational drive can be transmitted. The configuration of the slide portion will be described in detail in the section of the configuration description of the slide portion described later.

以上にて説明したように、本実施の形態においては、封止部材８は、４つの機能を備えている。即ち、１．現像剤補給開口部１ｂを封止する機能、２．画像形成装置本体１００から回転駆動力を受ける機能、３．画像形成装置本体１００から受けた回転駆動力を搬送部７に伝達する機能、４．現像剤補給開口部１ｂを開閉するために画像形成装置本体１００に設けられた係止部材と係合されて封止部材自らを位置固定するための機能、を有している。   As described above, in the present embodiment, the sealing member 8 has four functions. That is: 1. function of sealing the developer supply opening 1b; 2. a function of receiving a rotational driving force from the image forming apparatus main body 100; 3. a function of transmitting the rotational driving force received from the image forming apparatus main body 100 to the transport unit 7; In order to open and close the developer supply opening 1b, it has a function of engaging with a locking member provided in the image forming apparatus main body 100 to fix the position of the sealing member itself.

但し、前述した封止部材８の構成は、部品点数や組み立て易さを考慮した際の好ましい実施形態を述べたものであり、本発明の主旨により上記に限られるものではなく、例えばシール部８ａとカップリング係合部８ｂや係止部８ｅを別体で形成しその後接着等により組み付けたり、また図２１に示すように、カップリング係合部８ｂに設けられた突起（リブ）８ｄがシール部８ａとは接続しておらず、隙間８ｈを有するように構成しても何ら問題はなく、本発明の本質から外れるものではない。   However, the configuration of the sealing member 8 described above describes a preferred embodiment in consideration of the number of parts and ease of assembly, and is not limited to the above in accordance with the gist of the present invention. For example, the seal portion 8a The coupling engaging portion 8b and the locking portion 8e are formed separately and then assembled by bonding or the like, and as shown in FIG. 21, the projection (rib) 8d provided on the coupling engaging portion 8b is sealed. There is no problem even if it is configured not to be connected to the portion 8a and to have the gap 8h, and does not depart from the essence of the present invention.

（搬送部材）
搬送部材７の構成について、図６を用いて説明する。 (Conveying member)
The configuration of the conveying member 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

搬送部材７は、図６に示すように軸部７ａと、この軸部７ａに設けられ、軸部７ａの回転により粉体現像剤を所定の方向へ搬送する螺旋形状の剛性搬送羽根７ｂとを備えている。そして、搬送部材７は、軸部７ａの軸線が略円形の現像剤排出開口１ｂの中心と略一致した状態で容器本体１に配置されている。   As shown in FIG. 6, the conveying member 7 includes a shaft portion 7a and a helical rigid conveying blade 7b that is provided on the shaft portion 7a and conveys the powder developer in a predetermined direction by the rotation of the shaft portion 7a. I have. The conveying member 7 is disposed in the container body 1 in a state where the axis of the shaft portion 7a is substantially coincident with the center of the substantially circular developer discharge opening 1b.

また、搬送部材７の封止部８側の端部には、前述したように延在部７ｃが設けられており、封止部材８の係合穴８ｇと回転方向には係止された状態を維持するよう遊嵌することで、封止部材８と一体的に回転することが可能となり、結果として画像形成装置本体１００からの回転駆動力により、現像剤補給容器１内の現像剤を現像剤排出開口部１ｂ方向へ搬送する構成となっている。   Further, as described above, the extending portion 7c is provided at the end of the conveying member 7 on the sealing portion 8 side, and is locked in the rotation direction with the engaging hole 8g of the sealing member 8. As a result, the developer in the developer supply container 1 is developed by the rotational driving force from the image forming apparatus main body 100. It becomes the structure conveyed in the agent discharge | emission opening part 1b direction.

尚、搬送部材７は、本実施の形態で説明した所謂スクリュータイプに限定されるものではなくて、例えば軸部７ａに可撓性の羽根を取りつけたもの等であってもよい。また、軸部と羽根は一体に射出成形して得られたものであっても、あるいは、別々に射出成形により得られたものを接着等により組立てたものでもよい。なお、本実施の形態では、軸部７ａと羽根７ｂはプラスチック製であって、一体で射出成形されたものを用いている。   The transport member 7 is not limited to the so-called screw type described in the present embodiment, and may be, for example, a member in which a flexible blade is attached to the shaft portion 7a. Further, the shaft portion and the blade may be obtained by injection molding integrally, or may be obtained by separately assembling those obtained by injection molding. In the present embodiment, the shaft portion 7a and the blade 7b are made of plastic and are integrally molded by injection molding.

（駆動伝達部）
駆動伝達部材としての駆動伝達部９の構成について、図６、図９を用いて説明する。ここで図９は、駆動伝達部９と撹拌部材３の駆動受け部材３ａとの係合状態を示す斜視図である。 (Drive transmission part)
The structure of the drive transmission part 9 as a drive transmission member is demonstrated using FIG. 6, FIG. Here, FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an engaged state between the drive transmission unit 9 and the drive receiving member 3 a of the stirring member 3.

駆動伝達部９は、容器本体１の長手方向において現像剤補給口１ｂとは反対側の端面近傍であって、現像剤補給容器１によって軸支されることなく設けられている。例えば、図６に示すように、駆動伝達部９は封止部材と実質的に同軸的に設けられ、封止部材と一体で回転自在に設けられている。また、駆動伝達部９は円弧形状部１ｅ内面（容器本体の底面）に前述した平面部１ｄと円弧形状部１ｅに摺動自在に設けられている。   The drive transmission unit 9 is provided in the vicinity of the end surface on the side opposite to the developer supply port 1 b in the longitudinal direction of the container main body 1 and is not supported by the developer supply container 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the drive transmission part 9 is provided substantially coaxially with the sealing member, and is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the sealing member. Further, the drive transmission portion 9 is provided on the inner surface of the arc-shaped portion 1e (the bottom surface of the container main body) so as to be slidable on the flat-surface portion 1d and the arc-shaped portion 1e.

更に、駆動伝達部９は撹拌部材３の駆動受け部材３ａと係合することにより、封止部材８が装置本体１００より受けた回転駆動力を撹拌部材３に伝達すように構成されている。   Furthermore, the drive transmission unit 9 is configured to transmit the rotational driving force received by the sealing member 8 from the apparatus main body 100 to the stirring member 3 by engaging with the drive receiving member 3 a of the stirring member 3.

また、駆動伝達部９は現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段２の回転軸線方向に移動するのを規制するリブ状の規制部１ｆによってスライド移動が規制されており、封止部材８が現像剤排出開口部１ｂを開封した開位置もしくは閉めた閉位置のどちらに位置しているかに関わらず、撹拌部材３の駆動受け部材３ａと係合した状態を維持するよう構成されている。   Further, the sliding movement of the drive transmission unit 9 is regulated by a rib-shaped regulation unit 1f that regulates the movement of the developer conveyance / drive transmission means 2 in the rotation axis direction, and the sealing member 8 is opened by the developer discharge opening. Regardless of whether the portion 1b is opened or closed, the stirring member 3 is configured to maintain the engaged state with the drive receiving member 3a.

なお、本実施の形態においては、図９に示すように駆動伝達部９と撹拌部材３の駆動受け部材３ａをギア形状としているが、この構成に限定されるものではない。例えば、例えば図１０の（Ａ）に示すように、駆動伝達部９及び撹拌部材３の駆動受け部材３ａをローラー状とし、両ローラーを圧接することによりその摩擦力にて駆動を伝達する構成にしても構わないし、また、図１０の（Ｂ）に示すように、駆動伝達部９及び撹拌部材３の駆動受け部材３ａをプーリとし、これらをベルト状部材６で駆動連結し駆動伝達する構成などでも構わない。   In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the drive transmission member 9 and the drive receiving member 3a of the stirring member 3 are gear-shaped, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, for example, the drive transmission member 9 and the drive receiving member 3a of the stirring member 3 are formed in a roller shape, and the drive is transmitted by the frictional force by pressing both rollers. Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, the drive transmission member 9 and the drive receiving member 3a of the stirring member 3 are pulleys, and these are driven and connected by the belt-like member 6 to transmit the drive. It doesn't matter.

いずれにしても、本実施の形態においては、駆動伝達部９は搬送部材７と一体的に射出成形にて得られたものを用いており、前述したように封止部材８が画像形成装置本体１００から受けた回転駆動力を搬送部材７が受けることで、駆動伝達部９も一体的に回転し、後述する撹拌部３への回転駆動力の伝達を可能としている。   In any case, in the present embodiment, the drive transmission unit 9 is obtained by injection molding integrally with the conveying member 7, and the sealing member 8 is the main body of the image forming apparatus as described above. When the conveyance member 7 receives the rotational driving force received from 100, the drive transmission unit 9 also rotates integrally, and the rotational driving force can be transmitted to the stirring unit 3 described later.

以上、現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段２を構成する、搬送部材７、封止部材８、駆動伝達部９について説明をしてきたが、本実施の形態においては、前述している通り、封止部材８が現像剤補給口１ｂを開閉するために容器本体に対し相対的にスライド移動しても、駆動伝達部９が容器本体に対して相対的に実質的に不動となるように構成している。   The transport member 7, the sealing member 8, and the drive transmission unit 9 constituting the developer transport / drive transmission unit 2 have been described above. In the present embodiment, as described above, the sealing member Even when the slider 8 moves relative to the container body to open and close the developer replenishing port 1b, the drive transmission portion 9 is configured to be substantially stationary relative to the container body. .

（容器本体に対し封止部材がスライドするスライド部の構成）
以下、スライド部の構成について、図６を用いて説明する。 (Structure of the slide part where the sealing member slides relative to the container body)
Hereinafter, the configuration of the slide portion will be described with reference to FIG.

まず、搬送部材７は、現像剤補給開口部１ａの筒部の内部に延在する延在部７ｃを有している。本実施の形態においては、この延在部７ｃは、さらに現像剤補給開口部１ｂの外方へ突出している。またもう一方端は駆動伝達部９と一体的に形成されている。   First, the conveying member 7 has an extending portion 7c that extends inside the cylindrical portion of the developer supply opening 1a. In the present embodiment, the extending portion 7c further protrudes outward from the developer supply opening 1b. The other end is formed integrally with the drive transmission unit 9.

更に搬送部７および駆動伝達部９とは別部材にて形成される封止部８には、搬送部７の一端部である延在部７ｃと係合して装置本体１００から受けた駆動力を搬送部７に伝達するための駆動力伝達部として係合孔８ｇを有している。この係合孔８ｇは、封止部８及びカップリング係合部８ｂの形成部分にわたって形成された開口（空洞部）によって構成されている。ここで、この延在部分７ｃの一端部（駆動力受け部）、及び係合穴８ｇは、装置本体１００から封止部８を介して回転駆動力を受けることができるような形状を成しており、本実施の形態においては四角形状となっているが、駆動伝達が可能であれば形状に制約はなく、多角形状、Ｄカット形状、Ｈカット形状などいかなる形状でも構わない。更に係合孔８ｇは、現像剤補給開口部１ｂから突出している搬送部７の軸端部である延在部７ｃよりも僅かに大きく形成されており、これにより延在部７ｃは係合孔８ｇに遊嵌される。   Further, the sealing portion 8 formed as a member different from the conveyance portion 7 and the drive transmission portion 9 is engaged with the extending portion 7 c that is one end portion of the conveyance portion 7 and receives the driving force received from the apparatus main body 100. Is provided with an engaging hole 8g as a driving force transmitting portion for transmitting the pressure to the conveying portion 7. The engagement hole 8g is configured by an opening (cavity portion) formed over the formation portion of the sealing portion 8 and the coupling engagement portion 8b. Here, one end portion (driving force receiving portion) of the extending portion 7 c and the engagement hole 8 g have a shape that can receive a rotational driving force from the apparatus main body 100 through the sealing portion 8. In this embodiment, the shape is a quadrangle, but the shape is not limited as long as drive transmission is possible, and any shape such as a polygonal shape, a D-cut shape, or an H-cut shape may be used. Furthermore, the engaging hole 8g is formed slightly larger than the extending portion 7c that is the shaft end portion of the conveying portion 7 protruding from the developer supply opening portion 1b, whereby the extending portion 7c is formed in the engaging hole. It is loosely fitted to 8g.

そして、このように延在部７ｃが係合孔８ｇに遊嵌されることにより、搬送部７と封止部８とは、搬送部７の回転方向にはお互いに係止される。一方、軸線方向へはお互いに移動自在となるよう構成されている。これにより、現像剤供給容器装着時、封止部８と容器本体１との離間が可能となり、現像剤補給口１ｂの開封（開口）が可能となる。   Then, the extending portion 7c is loosely fitted in the engaging hole 8g as described above, whereby the transport portion 7 and the sealing portion 8 are locked to each other in the rotation direction of the transport portion 7. On the other hand, it is configured to be movable in the axial direction. Thus, when the developer supply container is mounted, the sealing portion 8 and the container body 1 can be separated from each other, and the developer supply port 1b can be opened (opened).

ところで、この係合孔８ｇと延在部７ｃとの係合長さは、封止部８と容器本体１とが離間する際、外れることのない長さを有している。これにより封止部８が容器本体１と離間しても、搬送部７は封止部８（カップリング係合部８ｂ）を介して画像形成装置本体１００からの駆動力を受けることができる。そして更に一体的に形成されている駆動伝達部９を中継して、後述する撹拌部材３に駆動を伝達することで、現像剤補給容器本体１内に収納された現像剤の撹拌を行うことが可能となる。   By the way, the engagement length between the engagement hole 8g and the extending portion 7c has a length that does not come off when the sealing portion 8 and the container body 1 are separated from each other. Thereby, even if the sealing part 8 is separated from the container main body 1, the transport part 7 can receive the driving force from the image forming apparatus main body 100 via the sealing part 8 (coupling engaging part 8 b). Further, the developer housed in the developer supply container main body 1 can be stirred by relaying the drive transmission portion 9 formed integrally and transmitting the drive to the stirring member 3 described later. It becomes possible.

また、本実施の形態においては、封止部８に係合穴８ｇを、現像剤搬送部７に延在部分７ｃを設けた例を示したが、回転駆動の伝達が可能で、且つ封止部８が開閉するためのスライド移動が可能となるような構成であれば、例えば、上記構成とは逆に、封止部８から現像剤搬送部７方向に延在する延在部を設け、搬送部７に、延在部と遊嵌する係合穴を設ける、といった構成（不図示）にしても何ら構わない。   In the present embodiment, an example in which the engagement hole 8g is provided in the sealing portion 8 and the extending portion 7c is provided in the developer conveying portion 7 has been described. However, rotation drive can be transmitted and the sealing portion 8 is sealed. If the configuration is such that the sliding movement for opening and closing the portion 8 is possible, for example, an extending portion extending from the sealing portion 8 in the direction of the developer conveying portion 7 is provided, contrary to the above configuration, There is no limitation on the configuration (not shown) in which an engagement hole that is loosely fitted to the extending portion is provided in the transport portion 7.

以上にて説明したように現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段２の封止部８と搬送部７との間にスライド移動可能な部位を設け、更に駆動伝達部９を容器本体１により軸支しない構成で且つ、容器本体１に駆動伝達部９の回転軸線方向への移動を規制する規制部１ｆを設けることにより、１．封止部材８の開閉時に搬送部材７および駆動伝達部９がスライド移動せず、図２０のＣ部に示したような、駆動伝達部９の移動後のスペースへの現像剤溜まりを防止でき、現像剤溜まりによる封止部材８の閉止不良を防ぐことが可能となった。また、２．駆動伝達部９の軸シール構成が不要となることから、部品点数削減、及び組み立て工数減により、現像剤補給容器の性能／信頼性を損なうことなく大幅なコストダウンが可能となった。   As described above, a portion that can slide is provided between the sealing portion 8 and the conveyance portion 7 of the developer conveyance / drive transmission means 2, and the drive transmission portion 9 is not pivotally supported by the container body 1. In addition, by providing the container body 1 with a restricting portion 1f that restricts the movement of the drive transmission portion 9 in the rotation axis direction, When the sealing member 8 is opened and closed, the conveyance member 7 and the drive transmission unit 9 do not slide, and the developer accumulation in the space after the drive transmission unit 9 is moved as shown in part C of FIG. 20 can be prevented. It became possible to prevent the closing failure of the sealing member 8 due to the developer pool. In addition, 2. Since the shaft seal configuration of the drive transmission unit 9 is not required, the number of parts and the number of assembling steps can be reduced, and the cost can be significantly reduced without impairing the performance / reliability of the developer supply container.

（封止部材の現像剤進入防止部）
ここで、搬送部材７と封止部材８の遊嵌（スライド）部である係合穴部８ｇに、万が一現像剤が進入してしまうと、封止部材８を再封止するためにスライド移動した際に、内部の現像剤が詰まってしまい、封止できなくなる可能性があることから、より信頼性を高めるべく、スライド部にシール部材４を設けても良い。図１１において、（Ａ）はシール部材４を有する封止部８の側面図、（Ｂ）は正面図、（Ｃ）は側断面図である。 (Developer entry prevention part of the sealing member)
Here, if the developer enters the engaging hole 8g which is a loose fitting (sliding) portion of the conveying member 7 and the sealing member 8, it slides to reseal the sealing member 8. In this case, the internal developer may be clogged and may not be sealed. Therefore, the seal member 4 may be provided on the slide portion in order to further improve the reliability. 11A is a side view of the sealing portion 8 having the seal member 4, FIG. 11B is a front view, and FIG. 11C is a side sectional view.

ここで、４は現像剤進入防止部としての円盤状のシール部材であり、搬送部材７の延在部７ｃの形状に対応した角穴状の孔４ａを有する。本実施例では、孔４ａの断面形状は軸端部７ｃと同様に正方形とした。シール部材４は、封止部材８の容器本体と対向する側に設けられ、搬送部材７の軸端部７ｃが孔４ａを貫通して前記封止部８に設けられた孔８ｇに遊嵌されるように構成されている。   Here, reference numeral 4 denotes a disk-shaped seal member as a developer intrusion preventing portion, and has a square hole-shaped hole 4 a corresponding to the shape of the extending portion 7 c of the conveying member 7. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the hole 4a is a square like the shaft end portion 7c. The sealing member 4 is provided on the side of the sealing member 8 facing the container body, and the shaft end portion 7c of the conveying member 7 passes through the hole 4a and is loosely fitted into the hole 8g provided in the sealing portion 8. It is comprised so that.

図１２に本実施例に適用したシール部材４の正面図を示す。４ｂは両面テープであり、シール部材４の封止部材８と対向する側に設けられている。両面テープ４ｂは孔４ｃを有し、軸端部７ｃが孔８ｇに遊嵌される際に孔４ａと同様に孔４ｃも貫通するように構成されている。また両面テープ４ｂが軸端部７ｃに接しないように、孔４ａの断面形状は孔４ｃよりも小さく構成されている。   FIG. 12 shows a front view of the seal member 4 applied to this embodiment. 4b is a double-sided tape, and is provided on the side of the seal member 4 facing the sealing member 8. The double-sided tape 4b has a hole 4c, and when the shaft end portion 7c is loosely fitted into the hole 8g, the hole 4c is also penetrated in the same manner as the hole 4a. Further, the cross-sectional shape of the hole 4a is smaller than that of the hole 4c so that the double-sided tape 4b does not contact the shaft end 7c.

本実施例では、両面テープにより封止部材８とシール部材４を固定したが、他の固定方法として２色成形やインサート成形により封止部と一体化する方法をとっても構わない。   In this embodiment, the sealing member 8 and the sealing member 4 are fixed by the double-sided tape. However, as another fixing method, a method of integrating with the sealing portion by two-color molding or insert molding may be used.

図１３に本実施例に適用した搬送部材７と封止部材８の側断面拡大図を示す。孔４ａの径（Ｗ２）は軸端部７ｃの軸径（Ｗ１＝６ｍｍ）よりも小さく構成されており、具体的にはＷ１とＷ２との差（ｄ）が、０．５ｍｍ〜２ｍｍであることが好ましい。なお本実施例では、Ｗ２＝５ｍｍ、ｄ＝Ｗ１−Ｗ２＝１ｍｍとした。シール部材４の厚さは、シール性や組立性を考慮すると０．５ｍｍ〜５ｍｍであることが好ましい。更に、より好ましくは１ｍｍ〜３ｍｍのものを用いる方が良い。なお本実施例では、シール部材４の厚さは約２ｍｍとした。シール部材４の材質は、同じくシール性や組立性を考慮すると柔らかい弾性体であることが好ましく、本実施例では、硬度２０〜７０°、圧縮永久歪み４％以下、摩擦係数μ＝０．８以下、セルサイズ６０〜３００μｍ、比重０．２〜０．５である低発泡ポリウレタンを使用した。 FIG. 13 shows an enlarged side sectional view of the conveying member 7 and the sealing member 8 applied to this embodiment. The diameter (W 2 ) of the hole 4a is configured to be smaller than the shaft diameter (W 1 = 6 mm) of the shaft end portion 7c. Specifically, the difference (d) between W 1 and W 2 is 0.5 mm. It is preferably ~ 2 mm. In this embodiment, W 2 = 5 mm and d = W 1 −W2 = 1 mm. The thickness of the sealing member 4 is preferably 0.5 mm to 5 mm in consideration of sealing properties and assembling properties. Furthermore, it is more preferable to use the one of 1 mm to 3 mm. In this embodiment, the thickness of the seal member 4 is about 2 mm. The material of the seal member 4 is preferably a soft elastic body in consideration of the sealability and assemblability. In this embodiment, the hardness is 20 to 70 °, the compression set is 4% or less, and the friction coefficient μ = 0.8. Hereinafter, a low foam polyurethane having a cell size of 60 to 300 μm and a specific gravity of 0.2 to 0.5 was used.

（攪拌部材）
撹拌部材３について説明する。 (Stirring member)
The stirring member 3 will be described.

図１４（Ａ）は、撹拌部材３の正面図、（Ｂ）は、左側面図、（Ｃ）は、上面図である。図１４に示すように、撹拌部材３は、軸部３ｂと、剛体翼部３ｃと、可撓性翼部３ｄと、撹拌駆動受部３ａを有している。また図１５には可撓性翼部３ｄの取り付け部の側面拡大図を示した。   14A is a front view of the stirring member 3, FIG. 14B is a left side view, and FIG. 14C is a top view. As shown in FIG. 14, the stirring member 3 includes a shaft portion 3b, a rigid wing portion 3c, a flexible wing portion 3d, and a stirring drive receiving portion 3a. FIG. 15 is an enlarged side view of the attachment portion of the flexible wing portion 3d.

本実施の形態においては、軸部３ｂ、剛体翼部３ｃ、及び撹拌駆動受部３ａは比較的剛性の高いプラスチックを射出成形し、一体的に製造した。また、可撓性翼部３ｄは剛性の低い材質、例えばプラスチックフィルムまたはシート、あるいはエラストマーのシートなどから成る。本実施例においては、ポリエステルシートを使用した。なお、軸部３ｂ、剛体翼部３ｃ、及び撹拌駆動受部３ａは一体に形成する必要性はなく、それぞれ別個の部材を従来公知の方法にて組み立てても構わないし、材質も使用する現像剤補給容器の充填量などに応じて該部材にかかる力を考慮して、金属などの他の材料にて形成しても構わない。   In the present embodiment, the shaft portion 3b, the rigid wing portion 3c, and the stirring drive receiving portion 3a are integrally manufactured by injection-molding relatively high-stiffness plastic. The flexible wing 3d is made of a material having low rigidity, such as a plastic film or sheet, or an elastomer sheet. In this example, a polyester sheet was used. The shaft portion 3b, the rigid wing portion 3c, and the agitation drive receiving portion 3a do not need to be integrally formed, and separate members may be assembled by a conventionally known method, or a developer that uses materials. In consideration of the force applied to the member according to the filling amount of the replenishing container, etc., it may be formed of other materials such as metal.

次に可撓性翼部３ｄの取り付け部について説明する。該剛体翼部３ｃは全長にわたって回転接線方向に対して略平行な板状となっており、翼部の回転方向下流側が現像剤補給容器内壁面側に折曲している。但し、図１５に示す折曲部３ｅの長さｒは、２ｍｍ〜８ｍｍ程度、折曲角度θについては３０度〜５０度程度が好ましい。さらに好ましくは折曲部３ｅの長さｒは３ｍｍ〜５ｍｍ程度、折曲角度θは４５度程度が好ましい。   Next, the attachment part of the flexible wing | blade part 3d is demonstrated. The rigid wing portion 3c has a plate shape substantially parallel to the rotational tangential direction over the entire length, and the downstream side of the wing portion in the rotational direction is bent toward the inner surface of the developer supply container. However, the length r of the bent portion 3e shown in FIG. 15 is preferably about 2 mm to 8 mm, and the bent angle θ is preferably about 30 to 50 degrees. More preferably, the length r of the bent portion 3e is about 3 mm to 5 mm, and the bent angle θ is about 45 degrees.

なお本実施例においては折曲部３ｅの長さを約５ｍｍ、折曲角度を約４５度とした。また回転軸中心から該剛体翼部の先端までの距離は容器本体の大きさにより適宜決めれば良いが、容器本体内半径の７０〜９５％程度が好ましい。本実施例においては、容器本体内径が約４４．５ｍｍであることから約３９．４ｍｍ（８９％）とした。   In this embodiment, the length of the bent portion 3e is about 5 mm and the bent angle is about 45 degrees. The distance from the center of the rotation axis to the tip of the rigid wing may be appropriately determined depending on the size of the container body, but is preferably about 70 to 95% of the radius within the container body. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the container body is about 44.5 mm, so that it is about 39.4 mm (89%).

可撓性翼部３ｄは剛性の低い材質、例えばプラスチックフィルムまたは、シート、あるいはエラストマーのシートなどから成り、厚さは約５０μｍ〜５００μｍ程度が好ましく、特に好ましくは１００μｍ〜３００μｍが好適である。本実施例においては、厚さ約１００μｍのポリエステルシートを使用した。   The flexible wing portion 3d is made of a material having low rigidity, such as a plastic film or sheet, or an elastomer sheet, and the thickness is preferably about 50 μm to 500 μm, particularly preferably 100 μm to 300 μm. In this example, a polyester sheet having a thickness of about 100 μm was used.

また、可撓性翼部３ｄは剛体翼部３ｃの折曲部３ｅ全長に渡って、先端が容器本体内壁面に接触するように貼付されている。そして剛体翼部３ｃとともに容器内壁面の現像剤を掻き落としながら回転する。ここで可撓性翼部３ｄの回転半径方向の長さは、剛体翼部３ｃの先端から容器内壁面までの距離よりも０．５ｍｍ〜１０ｍｍ程度長くなるように構成すると前述の効果をより高めることができることから本実施例においては、約６ｍｍ長くした。   Further, the flexible wing portion 3d is stuck so that the tip thereof contacts the inner wall surface of the container body over the entire length of the bent portion 3e of the rigid wing portion 3c. Then, it rotates while scraping off the developer on the inner wall surface of the container together with the rigid wing 3c. Here, if the length of the flexible wing portion 3d in the rotational radius direction is configured to be approximately 0.5 mm to 10 mm longer than the distance from the tip of the rigid wing portion 3c to the inner wall surface of the container, the above-described effect is further enhanced. Therefore, in this example, the length was increased by about 6 mm.

また本実施例では剛体翼部３ｃと可撓性翼部３ｄとの接着には、両面テープ（ＤＩＣ＃８８００ＣＨ、不図示）を用い、剛体翼部３ｃの折曲部３ｅに貼付した。他にもリベット止めやカシメなどの従来公知の手段で取り付けても良いし、剛体翼部３ｃと一体的に成形してもかまわない。   In the present embodiment, a double-sided tape (DIC # 8800CH, not shown) was used for bonding the rigid wing 3c and the flexible wing 3d, and affixed to the bent portion 3e of the rigid wing 3c. In addition, it may be attached by a conventionally known means such as riveting or caulking, or may be formed integrally with the rigid wing portion 3c.

また、本実施の形態においては図１４に示すように剛体翼部３ｃを略中央部で軸線方向に対して１８０度の位相差を持たせるよう分割し、千鳥状に形成しているが、分割数は容器本体の形状及び長さによって適宜決めれば良く、３分割、４分割またはそれ以上でも構わない。また、剛体翼部３ｃ長手方向全長に渡って連続的に位相を変化させてスパイラル状に形成しても良い。また、撹拌部３の回転時のトルク負荷を極力低減するために、剛体翼部３ｃの回転方向への投影面積を減らし、現像剤の抵抗を低減するよう構成することも有効であり、本実施の形態においては剛体翼部折曲部３ｅの長さを約３ｍｍとした。   Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the rigid wing 3c is divided so as to have a phase difference of 180 degrees with respect to the axial direction at the substantially central portion, and is formed in a staggered shape. The number may be appropriately determined according to the shape and length of the container body, and may be divided into three, four, or more. Moreover, you may form in a spiral form by changing a phase continuously over the full length direction of the rigid wing | blade part 3c. In order to reduce the torque load during the rotation of the stirring unit 3 as much as possible, it is also effective to reduce the projected area in the rotation direction of the rigid wing 3c and reduce the resistance of the developer. In this embodiment, the length of the rigid wing bent portion 3e is about 3 mm.

以上にて説明したように撹拌部材３は、現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段２の封止部材８が受けた画像形成装置本体１００からの回転駆動力を、搬送部材７、及び、駆動伝達部９を介して、撹拌部材３の撹拌駆動受部３ａにて受けることで回転し、現像剤補給容器１内の現像剤を攪拌してほぐし、搬送部材７が設けられた容器本体の下方に常に現像剤が供給されるよう構成されている。   As described above, the agitation member 3 uses the rotation driving force from the image forming apparatus main body 100 received by the sealing member 8 of the developer conveyance / drive transmission unit 2 as the conveyance member 7 and the drive transmission unit 9. , The developer in the developer replenishing container 1 is agitated and loosened by being received by the agitation drive receiving portion 3a of the agitating member 3, and is always developed below the container body provided with the conveying member 7. It is comprised so that an agent may be supplied.

なお、本実施の形態においては、図６に示すように、撹拌部３はその両端部を現像剤補給容器本体１にて軸支されるよう組み込まれているが、このような構成に限定されることはなく、例えば図１６（撹拌部３の他の実施形態を示す正面断面図）や図１７（同じく他の実施形態を示す斜視図）に示すように、撹拌部材３の撹拌駆動受部３ａと、撹拌駆動受部３ａと対向する側に略同一形状のリング状部材３ｆを設けることで、撹拌部材３を現像剤補給容器本体内壁にて支持するよう配置し、駆動伝達部９の項にて説明したように、軸シール機構を用いない構成にしても構わない。この際、現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段２の駆動伝達部９と撹拌部材３の撹拌駆動受部３ａ間にて駆動伝達を行う際に、ギアの反力により両ギアの軸間距離が離れる方向に力が働くが、駆動伝達部９は現像剤補給容器の底面部１ｅに、撹拌駆動受部３ａは現像剤補給容器１の天面１ｈにて移動を制限されているために、軸間が離れてしまい駆動が伝達できないなどの不具合を生じることはない。   In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the stirring unit 3 is incorporated so that both ends thereof are pivotally supported by the developer supply container main body 1. However, the configuration is limited to such a configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 16 (front sectional view showing another embodiment of the stirring unit 3) and FIG. 17 (perspective view showing the other embodiment), the stirring drive receiving portion of the stirring member 3 is used. 3a and a ring-shaped member 3f having substantially the same shape on the side facing the agitation drive receiving portion 3a, the agitation member 3 is arranged to be supported by the inner wall of the developer supply container main body. As described in, the configuration may be such that the shaft seal mechanism is not used. At this time, when drive transmission is performed between the drive transmission unit 9 of the developer conveyance / drive transmission unit 2 and the agitation drive receiving unit 3a of the agitation member 3, the distance between the axes of both gears is separated by the reaction force of the gears. However, since the drive transmission portion 9 is restricted to move on the bottom surface portion 1e of the developer replenishing container and the stirring drive receiving portion 3a is restricted on the top surface 1h of the developer replenishing container 1, the distance between the shafts is reduced. There will be no problems such as separation and inability to transmit drive.

（現像剤補給容器の組立方法）
現像剤補給容器１の組立方法について説明する。 (Assembly method of developer supply container)
A method for assembling the developer supply container 1 will be described.

現像剤補給容器１の組立方法は、まず一体的に形成されている搬送部材７及び駆動伝達部９を容器本体１の下フレームの下部に、駆動伝達部９が規制部１ｆにて現像剤補給開口１ｂ方向への移動が規制されるように配置する。その後、現像剤補給口１ｂを封止部８で封止するべく、搬送部材７の延在部７ｃを封止部８に設けられた嵌合穴８ｇに挿入しながら装着する。次に撹拌部材３を撹拌駆動受部３ａと駆動伝達部９が駆動伝達が可能となるよう係合させながら上方向から挿入する。そして容器本体にオイルシール（不図示）を挿入させた後、撹拌部材３の両側に軸受け部材を挿入し固定する。ここで、前述したように撹拌部材の構成を、容器本体内壁により支持されるような構成にすることにより、前述したオイルシール等の軸シール部材や、軸受け部材等の部品を無くし、更にオイルシール組み込み等の工程を無くすことが可能となり、コストダウンに大きく寄与することが出来る。   The developer replenishing container 1 is assembled by first supplying the integrally formed conveying member 7 and the drive transmission part 9 to the lower part of the lower frame of the container main body 1, and the drive transmission part 9 supplying the developer by the regulating part 1f. It arrange | positions so that the movement to the opening 1b direction may be controlled. Thereafter, in order to seal the developer supply port 1 b with the sealing portion 8, the extended portion 7 c of the transport member 7 is mounted while being inserted into the fitting hole 8 g provided in the sealing portion 8. Next, the agitation member 3 is inserted from above while engaging the agitation drive receiving portion 3a and the drive transmission portion 9 so that the drive transmission is possible. Then, after inserting an oil seal (not shown) into the container body, bearing members are inserted and fixed on both sides of the stirring member 3. Here, as described above, the configuration of the stirring member is supported by the inner wall of the container body, thereby eliminating the above-described components such as the shaft seal member such as the oil seal and the bearing member, and further the oil seal. It is possible to eliminate steps such as incorporation, which can greatly contribute to cost reduction.

そしてその後、上フレームと下フレームとを振動溶着する。   Thereafter, the upper frame and the lower frame are vibration welded.

次いで、容器本体１の内部に所定量の現像剤を現像剤補給容器本体の充填口１ｎを通じて充填し、封止キャップにより充填口１ｎを封止して完成する。このように現像剤補給容器１の組立ては極めて簡便であり、組立工数も非常に少なくて済む。   Next, a predetermined amount of developer is filled into the container body 1 through the filling port 1n of the developer supply container body, and the filling port 1n is sealed with a sealing cap to complete. As described above, the assembly of the developer supply container 1 is very simple and the number of assembling steps is very small.

なお、現像剤の充填は現像剤補給口１ｂより行なっても良い。   The developer may be filled from the developer supply port 1b.

以上にて説明したように現像剤補給容器を構成することで、部品点数の低減、及び組み立て工数の低減が実現でき、大幅なコストダウンが可能となった。   By configuring the developer supply container as described above, the number of parts and the number of assembly steps can be reduced, and the cost can be greatly reduced.

また、駆動伝達部９が現像剤補給容器１内での移動を規制されていることから、駆動伝達部９が移動した際のデッドスペース部（図２０のＣ部）への現像剤の残留を防ぎ、更に、排出開口部１ｂを再封止するために封止部材８を容器本体に対し相対スライド移動させた際の残留現像剤の挟み込みによる封止不良を起こす恐れのない、信頼性の高い現像剤補給容器を提供することが可能となった。   Further, since the drive transmission unit 9 is restricted from moving in the developer supply container 1, the developer remaining in the dead space (C portion in FIG. 20) when the drive transmission unit 9 moves. In addition, the sealing member 8 is relatively slid relative to the container body in order to reseal the discharge opening 1b, and there is no possibility of causing a sealing failure due to pinching of residual developer. It has become possible to provide a developer supply container.

また、封止部材と搬送部材間でスライド機構を設けたことにより、例えばシール性を必要とする封止部材には比較的剛性の低い材質を用い、搬送部材には比較的剛性の高い材質を用いるなど、各部の要求される機能に最適な材質を適宜選択することも可能となるため、高いシール性を発揮し、かつ駆動を確実に伝達することが出来る信頼性の高い現像剤補給容器を低コストにて提供することが可能となった。   In addition, by providing a slide mechanism between the sealing member and the conveying member, for example, a sealing member that requires a sealing property is made of a material having a relatively low rigidity, and a conveying member is made of a material having a relatively high rigidity. It is also possible to select the most suitable material for the required function of each part, such as use, so a highly reliable developer supply container that exhibits high sealing performance and can reliably transmit drive It became possible to provide at low cost.

次に本発明に係る実施例２について、図１８を用いて説明する。但し、実施例１と同じ構成の箇所については説明を省略する。   Next, Embodiment 2 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. However, the description of the same configuration as the first embodiment is omitted.

ここで、図１８は、現像剤補給容器１の（Ａ）封止部材８で閉じた状態、（Ｂ）封止部材８を開封した状態、（Ｃ）封止部材８を開封した状態の現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段２、それぞれの断面図である。   Here, FIG. 18 shows a state in which the developer supply container 1 is closed with the sealing member 8, (B) the sealing member 8 is opened, and (C) the sealing member 8 is opened. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the agent transport / drive transmission means 2.

実施例１にて、容器本体に対し封止部材が相対スライドするための構成は、封止部材８が一体に設けられた搬送部材７及び駆動伝達部９に対しスライド自在に遊嵌する構成とすることで達成していたが、本例では、搬送部材７と封止部材８を一体とし、この搬送部材７及び封止部材８が別個に形成された駆動伝達部９に対し相対的にスライド自在となるようスライド部を設けた。   In the first embodiment, the configuration for the sealing member to slide relative to the container main body is a configuration in which the sealing member 8 is slidably fitted to the transport member 7 and the drive transmission unit 9 provided integrally. In this example, the conveying member 7 and the sealing member 8 are integrated, and the conveying member 7 and the sealing member 8 slide relative to the drive transmission unit 9 formed separately. A slide part was provided so as to be free.

詳述すると、駆動伝達部９は、搬送部材７方向に延在する延在部９ａを有している。更に一体的に形成された搬送部材７及び封止部材８には、駆動伝達部９の一端部である延在部９ａとスライド自在に係合して装置本体１００から受けた駆動力を駆動伝達部９に伝達するための駆動力伝達部としての係合孔７ｄを有している。この係合孔７ｄは、回転駆動力を駆動伝達部９へ伝達することが可能となるよう、延在部９ａの形状に対応した形状を有する。そして、延在部９ａよりも僅かに大きく形成されており、これにより延在部９ａは係合孔７ｄにスライド自在に遊嵌される。   More specifically, the drive transmission unit 9 has an extending part 9 a extending in the direction of the conveying member 7. Further, the conveying member 7 and the sealing member 8 that are integrally formed slidably engage with an extending portion 9a that is one end portion of the drive transmitting portion 9 to slidably engage with the driving force received from the apparatus main body 100. It has an engagement hole 7d as a driving force transmission part for transmitting to the part 9. The engaging hole 7d has a shape corresponding to the shape of the extending portion 9a so that the rotational driving force can be transmitted to the drive transmitting portion 9. And it is formed slightly larger than the extension part 9a, and, thereby, the extension part 9a is loosely slidably fitted in the engagement hole 7d.

そして、このように延在部９ａが係合孔７ｄに遊嵌されることにより、一体的に形成された封止部材８及び搬送部材７と、別個に形成された駆動伝達部９とは、搬送部材７の回転方向には互いに係止される。一方、軸線方向へは互いにスライド移動自在に構成されるようになっている。これにより、封止部材８と容器本体１との相対的な離間動作（開封動作）が可能となり、現像剤補給口１ｂの開封（開口）が可能となる。   Then, the extending portion 9a is loosely fitted in the engaging hole 7d in this way, so that the integrally formed sealing member 8 and transport member 7 and the separately formed drive transmission portion 9 are: The conveying members 7 are locked in the rotation direction. On the other hand, they are configured to be slidable relative to each other in the axial direction. Thereby, the relative separation operation (opening operation) between the sealing member 8 and the container main body 1 becomes possible, and the developer supply port 1b can be opened (opened).

ところで、この係合孔７ｄと延在部９ａとの係合長さは、封止部材８と容器本体１とが離間して封止部材が開位置に位置するときでも外れることのない長さを有している。これにより封止部材８が容器本体１と離間しても、駆動伝達部９は封止部材８（カップリング係合部８ｂ）及び搬送部材７を介して駆動力を受けることができる。そして更に撹拌部材３に駆動を伝達することで、現像剤補給容器本体１内に収納された現像剤の撹拌を行うことが可能となる。   By the way, the engagement length between the engagement hole 7d and the extending portion 9a is a length that does not come off even when the sealing member 8 and the container body 1 are separated and the sealing member is located at the open position. have. Thereby, even if the sealing member 8 is separated from the container main body 1, the drive transmission unit 9 can receive a driving force through the sealing member 8 (coupling engaging portion 8 b) and the conveying member 7. Further, by transmitting the drive to the agitating member 3, it becomes possible to agitate the developer stored in the developer supply container main body 1.

この延在部分９ａの断面形状は、回転駆動力の受け渡しができるような形状を成しており、本実施の形態においては四角形状としているが、駆動伝達が可能であれば形状に制約はなく、多角形状、Ｄカット形状、Ｈカット形状などいかなる形状でも構わない。   The cross-sectional shape of the extending portion 9a is a shape that allows a rotational driving force to be transferred. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape is a quadrangular shape, but there is no restriction on the shape as long as drive transmission is possible. Any shape such as a polygonal shape, a D-cut shape, or an H-cut shape may be used.

また、スライド部を構成する係合穴７ｄ内に現像剤が進入してしまうと、封止部材８を封止するためにスライド移動した際に、内部に入り込んだ現像剤を挟み込んでしまい、封止できない可能性があることから、より信頼性を高めるべく、実施例１にて説明したように、スライド部（係合穴７ｄの周囲に）にシール部材を設けても良い。   In addition, if the developer enters the engagement hole 7d constituting the slide portion, the developer that has entered the inside of the seal member 8 when it is slid to seal the sealing member 8 is sealed. Since there is a possibility that it cannot be stopped, as described in the first embodiment, a seal member may be provided on the slide portion (around the engagement hole 7d) in order to improve reliability.

また、本実施の形態においては、搬送部材７に係合穴７ｄを、駆動伝達部９に延在部９ａを設けた例を示したが、回転駆動の伝達が可能で、且つ封止部材８が開閉するためのスライド移動が可能となるような構成であれば、例えば、図２２に示すように上記構成とは逆に、搬送部材７から駆動伝達部９方向に延在する延在部を設け、駆動伝達部９に延在部と遊嵌する係合穴を設ける、といった構成にしても何ら構わない。また、このような構成にした場合、図２２に示すように駆動伝達部９に設けられた係合穴を貫通穴としておくことで、この係合穴内に現像剤が浸入してしまっても、封止部材８及び搬送部材７をスライドさせて現像剤排出口を再封止する際に、この係合穴内の現像剤を押し出すことが可能となり、前述したようなスライド部へのシール部材の追加をしなくても、背景の技術の項にて述べたような現像剤の挟み込みによる再封止不良を防止することができることから、よりコストダウン効果を望める構成とすることができる。   In the present embodiment, an example in which the conveying member 7 is provided with the engagement hole 7d and the drive transmitting portion 9 is provided with the extending portion 9a is shown. However, the rotational driving can be transmitted and the sealing member 8 is provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, an extension portion extending from the conveyance member 7 toward the drive transmission portion 9 is provided, as shown in FIG. 22. There is no problem even if the drive transmission portion 9 is provided with an engagement hole that loosely fits the extension portion. Further, in the case of such a configuration, even if the developer enters the engagement hole by setting the engagement hole provided in the drive transmission portion 9 as a through hole as shown in FIG. When the sealing member 8 and the conveying member 7 are slid to reseal the developer discharge port, the developer in the engagement hole can be pushed out, and the sealing member is added to the slide portion as described above. Even if it is not necessary, since it is possible to prevent the re-sealing failure due to the sandwiched developer as described in the background section, it is possible to achieve a configuration in which a further cost reduction effect can be expected.

以上にて説明したように現像剤補給容器を構成しても、部品点数の低減、及び組み立て工数の低減が実現でき、大幅なコストダウンが可能となった。   As described above, even if the developer supply container is configured, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and the number of assembling steps, and the cost can be greatly reduced.

また、駆動伝達部９が現像剤補給容器１内でのスライド移動を規制されていることから、駆動伝達部９が移動した際のデッドスペース部への現像剤の残留を防ぎ、更に、排出開口部を閉止するために封止部、及び駆動伝達部９スライド移動させた際の残留現像剤の挟み込みによる封止不良を起こす恐れのない、信頼性の高い現像剤補給容器を本実施の形態においても提供することが可能となった。   In addition, since the drive transmission unit 9 is restricted from sliding in the developer supply container 1, the developer is prevented from remaining in the dead space when the drive transmission unit 9 is moved. In this embodiment, there is provided a highly reliable developer supply container that does not cause a sealing failure due to pinching of the residual developer when the sealing portion and the drive transmission portion 9 are slid to move the sealing portion. It became possible to provide.

また、前記封止部材を前記現像剤補給開口を開封するために移動した際に、前記封止部材が有する前記搬送部も連動して動くため、前記現像剤補給開口部付近に現像剤がパッキングしたような場合でも崩すことが可能となり、排出不良等のない信頼性の高い現像剤補給容器を提供することが可能となった。   Further, when the sealing member is moved to open the developer replenishing opening, the transport portion of the sealing member also moves in conjunction with the developer, so that the developer is packed near the developer replenishing opening. Even in such a case, it is possible to break down, and it is possible to provide a highly reliable developer supply container that does not have defective discharge.

また、封止部材及び搬送部材と駆動伝達部材間でスライド機構を設けたことにより、例えばシール性を必要とする封止部材には比較的剛性の低い材質を用い、駆動伝達を行う駆動伝達部材には比較的剛性の高い材質を用いるなど、各部の要求される機能に最適な材質を適宜選択することも可能となるため、駆動を確実に伝達することが出来る信頼性の高い現像剤補給容器を低コストにて提供することが可能となった。   In addition, by providing a slide mechanism between the sealing member and the conveying member and the drive transmission member, for example, a drive transmission member that performs drive transmission using a relatively low-rigidity material for the sealing member that requires sealing performance. It is also possible to select the most suitable material for the required function of each part, such as using a material with relatively high rigidity, so a highly reliable developer supply container that can reliably transmit the drive. Can be provided at low cost.

次に本発明に実施例３について図１９を用いて説明する。但し、実施例１、２と同じ構成の箇所については説明を省略する。   Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. However, the description of the same configuration as in the first and second embodiments is omitted.

図１９は、現像剤補給容器１の（Ａ）封止部材８にて閉じた状態、（Ｂ）封止部材８を開放した状態、（Ｃ）封止部材８を開放した状態の現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段２、それぞれの断面図である。   FIGS. 19A and 19B show the developer supply container 1 in a state where it is closed with (A) the sealing member 8, (B) when the sealing member 8 is opened, and (C) when the sealing member 8 is opened. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of each of the drive transmission means 2.

本実施の形態においては、搬送部材７を途中にて分割し、それぞれ封止部材８、駆動伝達部９に一体的に設け、スライド移動を可能とする構成を搬送部材７の分割した部分に設けた例を示す。   In the present embodiment, the conveying member 7 is divided in the middle, and is provided integrally with the sealing member 8 and the drive transmission unit 9, respectively, and a configuration that enables sliding movement is provided in the divided portion of the conveying member 7. An example is shown.

搬送部材７は、前述のとおりその途中にて分断された構成とされており、一方は封止部材８と一体的に、他方は駆動伝達部９と一体的に形成されている。   As described above, the conveying member 7 is divided in the middle thereof, and one is formed integrally with the sealing member 8 and the other is formed integrally with the drive transmission unit 9.

ここで、搬送部材７の分断位置について、本実施の形態においては前記搬送部７の回転軸線方向略中央部とした例を示したが、搬送部材の分断位置については特に限定されるものではなく、例えばスクリュー１ピッチ分を駆動伝達部９と一体的に設け、残りの部分を封止部材８に一体的に設けるよう構成したり、逆に、スクリュー１ピッチ分を封止部材８側に一体的に形成し、残りを駆動伝達部９に一体的に形成する、といった構成しても何ら問題はなく、適宜分断位置を設定しても構わない。   Here, although the example in which the dividing position of the conveying member 7 is the substantially central portion in the rotation axis direction of the conveying unit 7 is shown in the present embodiment, the dividing position of the conveying member is not particularly limited. For example, one screw pitch is provided integrally with the drive transmission unit 9 and the remaining part is provided integrally with the sealing member 8, or conversely, one screw pitch is integrated with the sealing member 8 side. However, there is no problem even if the rest is formed integrally with the drive transmission unit 9, and the dividing position may be set as appropriate.

封止部材８と一体的に設けられた搬送部分（封止部側）７ｅの、駆動伝達部９側の端部には、駆動伝達部９方向に延在する延在部７ｆが形成されている。更に、駆動伝達部９と一体的に形成された搬送部分（駆動伝達部側）７ｇには、延在部７ｆと係合して装置本体１００から受けた駆動力を駆動伝達部９に伝達するための駆動力伝達部としての係合孔７ｈを有している。   An extension part 7f extending in the direction of the drive transmission part 9 is formed at the end of the conveyance part (sealing part side) 7e provided integrally with the sealing member 8 on the drive transmission part 9 side. Yes. Furthermore, a driving force received from the apparatus main body 100 is transmitted to the drive transmitting portion 9 by engaging with the extending portion 7 f to a transfer portion (drive transmitting portion side) 7 g formed integrally with the drive transmitting portion 9. An engaging hole 7h is provided as a driving force transmitting portion for this purpose.

この係合孔７ｈは、封止部材が受けた回転駆動力を駆動伝達部９へ伝達することが可能となるよう、延在部７ｆの形状に対応した形状を有する。   The engaging hole 7h has a shape corresponding to the shape of the extending portion 7f so that the rotational driving force received by the sealing member can be transmitted to the drive transmitting portion 9.

そして、延在部７ｆよりも僅かに大きく形成されており、これにより延在部７ｆは係合孔７ｈに遊嵌される。   And it is formed slightly larger than the extension part 7f, and thereby the extension part 7f is loosely fitted in the engagement hole 7h.

そして、このように延在部７ｆが係合孔７ｈに遊嵌されることにより、一体的に形成された封止部材８及び搬送部分（封止部側）７ｅと、一体的に形成された駆動伝達部９及び搬送部分（駆動伝達部側）７ｇとは回転方向にはお互いに係止される。一方、軸線方向へはお互いにスライド移動自在に構成されるようになっている。   Then, the extending portion 7f is loosely fitted in the engaging hole 7h as described above, so that it is integrally formed with the integrally formed sealing member 8 and the conveying portion (sealing portion side) 7e. The drive transmission unit 9 and the conveyance portion (drive transmission unit side) 7g are locked to each other in the rotational direction. On the other hand, it is configured to be slidable in the axial direction.

これにより、封止部材８が容器本体１から離間することが可能となり、現像剤補給口１ｂの開封（開口）が可能となる。   As a result, the sealing member 8 can be separated from the container main body 1, and the developer supply port 1b can be opened (opened).

ところで、この係合孔７ｈと延在部７ｆとの係合長さは、封止部８と容器本体１とが離間する際、外れることのない長さを有している。これにより封止部材８が容器本体１と離間しても、駆動伝達部９は封止部材８（カップリング係合部８ｂ）を介して駆動力を受けることができる。そして更に撹拌部材３に駆動を伝達することで、現像剤補給容器本体１内に収納された現像剤の撹拌を行うことが可能となる。   By the way, the engagement length between the engagement hole 7h and the extending portion 7f has a length that does not come off when the sealing portion 8 and the container body 1 are separated from each other. Thereby, even if the sealing member 8 is separated from the container body 1, the drive transmission portion 9 can receive a driving force via the sealing member 8 (coupling engaging portion 8 b). Further, by transmitting the drive to the agitating member 3, it becomes possible to agitate the developer stored in the developer supply container main body 1.

この延在部分７ｆの断面形状は、回転駆動力の受け渡しができるような形状を成しており、本実施の形態においては四角形状としているが、駆動伝達が可能であれば形状に制約はなく、多角形状、Ｄカット形状、Ｈカット形状などいかなる形状でも構わない。   The cross-sectional shape of the extending portion 7f is a shape that can deliver the rotational driving force. In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape is a quadrangular shape, but there is no restriction on the shape as long as drive transmission is possible. Any shape such as a polygonal shape, a D-cut shape, or an H-cut shape may be used.

また、本実施の形態においては、搬送部分（封止部側）７ｅに延在部7ｆを、搬送部分（駆動伝達部９側）７ｇに係合穴7ｈを設けた例を示したが、回転駆動の伝達が可能で、且つ封止部材８が開閉するための容器本体に対する相対スライド移動が可能となるような構成であれば、上記構成とは逆の構成としても良い。即ち、搬送部分（封止部側）７ｅに係合穴を設け、搬送部分（駆動伝達部９側）７ｇに、延在部を設ける、といった構成にしても何ら構わない。   In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the extending portion 7f is provided in the conveying portion (sealing portion side) 7e and the engaging hole 7h is provided in the conveying portion (drive transmission portion 9 side) 7g. A configuration opposite to the above configuration may be used as long as it can transmit driving and can be relatively slid relative to the container body for opening and closing the sealing member 8. In other words, any configuration may be adopted in which an engagement hole is provided in the transport portion (sealing portion side) 7e and an extending portion is provided in the transport portion (drive transmission portion 9 side) 7g.

また、スライド部を構成する係合穴７ｈ内に万が一現像剤が進入してしまうと、封止部材８を再封止するためにスライド移動した際に、内部に進入した現像剤を噛み込んでしまい、封止できない可能性があることから、より信頼性を高めるべく、実施例１にて説明したように、スライド部を構成する係合穴7ｈの周囲にシール部材を設けても良い。   In addition, if the developer enters the engagement hole 7h constituting the slide portion, the developer that has entered the inside is bitten when the developer slides to reseal the sealing member 8. Since sealing may not be possible, a seal member may be provided around the engagement hole 7h constituting the slide portion as described in the first embodiment in order to further improve the reliability.

以上にて説明したように現像剤補給容器を構成しても、部品点数の低減、及び組み立て工数の低減が実現でき、大幅なコストダウンが可能となった。   As described above, even if the developer supply container is configured, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and the number of assembling steps, and the cost can be greatly reduced.

また、駆動伝達部９が現像剤補給容器１内での移動を規制されていることから、駆動伝達部９が移動した際のデッドスペース部への現像剤の残留を防ぎ、更に、排出開口部を閉止するために封止部、及び駆動伝達部９をスライド移動させた際の残留現像剤の挟み込みによる封止不良を起こす恐れのない、信頼性の高い現像剤補給容器を本実施の形態においても提供することが可能となった。   Further, since the drive transmission unit 9 is restricted from moving in the developer supply container 1, it is possible to prevent the developer from remaining in the dead space when the drive transmission unit 9 is moved. In this embodiment, there is provided a highly reliable developer supply container that does not cause a sealing failure due to sandwiching of the residual developer when the sealing portion and the drive transmission portion 9 are slid to move the sealing member. It became possible to provide.

また、前記封止部材を前記現像剤補給開口を開封するために移動した際に、前記封止部材が有する前記搬送部も連動して動くため、前記現像剤補給開口部付近に現像剤がパッキングしたような場合でも崩すことが可能となり、排出不良等のない信頼性の高い現像剤補給容器を提供することが可能となった。   Further, when the sealing member is moved to open the developer replenishing opening, the transport portion of the sealing member also moves in conjunction with the developer, so that the developer is packed near the developer replenishing opening. Even in such a case, it is possible to break down, and it is possible to provide a highly reliable developer supply container that does not have defective discharge.

また、スライド部を搬送部材の途中に設けたことで、第２の実施例に示した場合に比して、スライド移動する搬送部材の長さが短くなるため、封止部材及び搬送部材を移動する際のパッキングしたトナーによる抵抗を小さくすることが出来ることから、本体の構造を簡単に低コストにすることが出来たり、ユーザーの操作性を損ねることなく、上述したような信頼性の高い現像剤補給容器を提供することが出来る。   Further, since the slide portion is provided in the middle of the conveying member, the length of the conveying member that slides is shorter than in the case of the second embodiment, so the sealing member and the conveying member are moved. Since the resistance caused by the packed toner can be reduced, the structure of the main body can be easily reduced in cost, and the above highly reliable development can be performed without impairing the operability for the user. An agent supply container can be provided.

[比較例]
次に、比較例について、以下に図面を用いて簡単に説明する。 [Comparative example]
Next, a comparative example will be briefly described below with reference to the drawings.

なお、図２０は、本検討にて用いた現像剤補給容器の（Ａ）封止部材閉じ状態、（Ｂ）封止部材開状態における断面図である。   FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the developer supply container used in this study in the (A) sealing member closed state and (B) the sealing member open state.

本比較例にて説明する現像剤補給容器は、特許文献１に開示されている封止部材を介して現像剤搬送部材に回転駆動力を伝達する構成の現像剤補給容器をベースに、更に特許文献２に開示されているように前記現像剤搬送部材から駆動伝達ギア部を介して撹拌部材に駆動力を現像剤収納容器内にて伝達するよう構成されており、キャップ部（１）、スクリュー部（２）、及び、撹拌部（３）に駆動を伝達するための駆動伝達ギア部（４）を一体的に形成した現像剤搬送／駆動伝達部材を有するものである。従って、本現像剤補給容器を画像形成装置本体に装着し、現像剤排出開口を開封するためにキャップ部（１）をスライドすると、一体となって構成されているスクリュー部（２）、及び駆動伝達ギア部（４）もスライド移動することとなる。また、前記駆動伝達ギア部（４）は上記課題を改善するため、軸シール機構を廃止しており、容器本体によって軸支はされておらず、容器内壁面と前記駆動伝達ギア部（４）が摺擦（接触）することにより支持されるよう構成／配置した。   The developer supply container described in this comparative example is further based on the developer supply container configured to transmit the rotational driving force to the developer conveying member via the sealing member disclosed in Patent Document 1. As disclosed in Document 2, the developer conveying member is configured to transmit a driving force from the developer conveying member to the agitating member via the drive transmission gear portion in the developer accommodating container, and the cap portion (1), the screw It has a developer conveyance / drive transmission member integrally formed with a drive transmission gear part (4) for transmitting drive to the part (2) and the agitation part (3). Therefore, when the developer supply container is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body and the cap portion (1) is slid to open the developer discharge opening, the screw portion (2) configured integrally and the drive are driven. The transmission gear portion (4) also slides. Further, the drive transmission gear portion (4) eliminates the shaft seal mechanism in order to improve the above-mentioned problem, and is not supported by the container body, and the inner wall surface of the container and the drive transmission gear portion (4). Is configured / arranged to be supported by rubbing (contacting).

このような現像剤補給容器に現像剤を所定量充填し、キャップ開閉の動作確認を行ったところ、前記キャップ部（１）とともに前記駆動伝達ギア部（４）がスライド移動した後の空きスペース（図２０（Ｂ）のＣ部）に現像剤が溜まってしまい、再度前記キャップを閉止しようと元の位置にスライド移動しようとしても、前記のＣ部に溜まった現像剤を挟み込んでしまい、前記キャップ部を戻すことが出来ない、という不具合が発生する可能性があることが判明した。また、この現象は内部に残っている現像剤が多い場合は勿論、少なくなってきた場合でも、前記箇所は撹拌／搬送のデッドスペースとなっているために現像剤が溜まったままとなってしまい、排出することの出来ない残留現像剤となってしまうとともに、内部の現像剤が少なくなった状態においても前述したように、キャップ閉止不良が発生する可能性があることが判明した。   When a predetermined amount of developer is filled in such a developer supply container and the operation of opening and closing the cap is confirmed, an empty space after the drive transmission gear portion (4) slides together with the cap portion (1) ( Developer (C) in FIG. 20 (B) accumulates, and even if the cap is slid to the original position again to close the cap, the developer accumulated in the C portion is caught, and the cap It has been found that there may be a problem that the part cannot be returned. In addition, even if the amount of the developer remaining in the interior is large, this phenomenon is that the developer remains accumulated because the portion is a dead space for stirring / conveying. As described above, it has been found that there is a possibility that a cap closing failure may occur even in a state where the residual developer that cannot be discharged becomes small and the amount of the internal developer is reduced.

以上から、上記検討にて用いた現像剤補給容器のような場合には、軸シール部が不要となることから、現像剤補給容器のコストダウンは可能となるものの、キャップの開閉ができなくなる恐れがあるという基本性能に関わる問題が生じる可能性があるため、有効な方法ではなかった。   From the above, in the case of the developer replenishing container used in the above study, the shaft seal portion is unnecessary, so the cost of the developer replenishing container can be reduced, but the cap cannot be opened and closed. Because there is a possibility that a problem related to basic performance may occur, it was not an effective method.

本発明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を示す図である。1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electrophotographic copying machine as an example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which a developer supply container according to the present invention is attached. 上記電子写真複写機の斜視図。The perspective view of the said electrophotographic copying machine. 上記電子写真複写機の現像剤供給容器交換用カバーを開いて現像剤補給容器を電子写真複写機に装着する様子を示す図。FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a developer supply container replacement cover of the electrophotographic copying machine is opened and a developer supply container is attached to the electrophotographic copying machine. 本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る現像剤補給容器の、（Ａ）は、封止部の設けられている側から見た斜視図、（Ｂ）は把手の設けられている側から見た斜視図。(A) of the developer supply container according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a perspective view as viewed from the side where the sealing portion is provided, and (B) is as viewed from the side where the handle is provided. Perspective view. 本発明第１の実施の形態に係る現像剤補給容器の、（Ａ）正面図、（Ｂ）断面図、（Ｃ）左側面図、（Ｄ）右側面図、（Ｅ）側面断面図、（Ｆ）平面図。(A) front view, (B) cross-sectional view, (C) left side view, (D) right side view, (E) side cross-sectional view of the developer supply container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. F) Plan view. 本発明第１の実施の形態に係る現像剤補給容器の、（Ａ）封止部が閉じた状態、（Ｂ）封止部を開封した状態、（Ｃ）現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段、をそれぞれ示す断面図。In the developer supply container according to the first embodiment of the present invention, (A) a state where the sealing portion is closed, (B) a state where the sealing portion is opened, and (C) a developer conveyance / drive transmission means. FIG. 現像剤収納容器部品の、（Ａ）正面断面図、（Ｂ）右側面図。(A) Front sectional view, (B) Right side view of developer storage container parts. 封止部の、（Ａ）は正面図、（Ｂ）はＡ矢示図、（Ｃ）はＢ矢示図（Ｄ）は正面断面図。(A) of a sealing part is a front view, (B) is an A arrow figure, (C) is a B arrow figure (D) front sectional drawing. 駆動伝達部と撹拌部の駆動伝達部との係合状態を示す部分斜視図。The partial perspective view which shows the engagement state of a drive transmission part and the drive transmission part of a stirring part. 駆動伝達部と撹拌部の駆動伝達部との係合状態を示す部分斜視図であり、（Ａ）はローラー圧接駆動方式、（Ｂ）はベルト駆動方式を示す。It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows the engagement state of a drive transmission part and the drive transmission part of a stirring part, (A) shows a roller press-contact drive system, (B) shows a belt drive system. シール部材を有する封止部の、（Ａ）は側面図、（Ｂ）は正面図、（Ｃ）は正面断面図。(A) is a side view of the sealing part which has a sealing member, (B) is a front view, (C) is front sectional drawing. シール部材の、（Ａ）は容器本体側正面図、（Ｂ）は封止部材側正面図。(A) is a container main body side front view, (B) is a sealing member side front view of a sealing member. 搬送部と封止部の側面拡大断面図。The side surface expanded sectional view of a conveyance part and a sealing part. 撹拌部の、（Ａ）は正面図、（Ｂ）は右側面図、（Ｃ）は上面図。(A) is a front view, (B) is a right side view, and (C) is a top view of the stirring section. 剛性翼部の側面拡大図。The side enlarged view of a rigid wing | blade part. 本発明第１の実施の形態に係る現像剤補給容器の、撹拌部の軸受け構成を無くした場合の構成を示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the structure at the time of eliminating the bearing structure of the stirring part of the developer supply container which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明第１の実施の形態に係る現像剤補給容器の、撹拌部の軸受け構成を無くした場合の構成を示す断面斜視図。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the configuration of the developer supply container according to the first embodiment of the present invention when the bearing configuration of the stirring unit is eliminated. 本発明第２の実施の形態に係る現像剤補給容器の、（Ａ）封止部が閉じた状態、（Ｂ）封止部を開封した状態、（Ｃ）現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段、をそれぞれ示す断面図。In the developer supply container according to the second embodiment of the present invention, (A) a state where the sealing portion is closed, (B) a state where the sealing portion is opened, and (C) a developer conveyance / drive transmission means. FIG. 本発明第３の実施の形態に係る現像剤補給容器の、（Ａ）封止部が閉じた状態、（Ｂ）封止部を開封した状態、（Ｃ）現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段、をそれぞれ示す断面図。In the developer supply container according to the third embodiment of the present invention, (A) the sealed portion is closed, (B) the sealed portion is opened, and (C) the developer transport / drive transmission means. FIG. 比較例にて用いた現像剤補給容器の、（Ａ）封止部が閉じた状態、（Ｂ）封止部を開封した状態、をそれぞれ示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows (A) the state which the sealing part closed, and (B) the state which opened the sealing part of the developer supply container used in the comparative example, respectively. 封止部の他の実施形態を示す正面図。The front view which shows other embodiment of a sealing part. 本発明第２の実施の形態に係る現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段の（Ａ）封止部が閉じた状態、（Ｂ）封止部が開封された状態、を示す断面図。Sectional drawing which shows the state which (A) the sealing part of the developer conveyance / drive transmission means concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention closed, and the state where (B) the sealing part was opened. 本発明第１の実施の形態に係る現像剤補給容器の、（Ａ）封止部が閉じた状態の断面図、（Ｂ）駆動伝達部及び規制部を示す拡大断面図。4A is a cross-sectional view of the developer supply container according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a state in which a sealing portion is closed, and FIG.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ 現像剤補給容器
１ａ 現像剤補給開口部
１ｂ 現像剤補給開口
１ｃ 湾曲部
１ｄ 平面部
１ｅ 円弧形状部
１ｆ 規制部
１ｇ 係合部
１ｈ 天面部
１ｉ 把手
１ｊ、１ｋ 軸受け部
１ｍ 底面
１ｎ 現像剤充填口
１ｐ 補助規制部
１ｑ 壁面
２ 現像剤搬送／駆動伝達手段
３ 撹拌部材
３ａ駆動伝達部
３ｂ 軸部
３ｃ 剛体翼部
３ｄ 可撓性翼部
３ｅ 可撓性翼部取り付け部
３ｆ リング状部
４ シール部材
４ａ 貫通穴
４ｂ 両面テープ
４ｃ 両面テープ穴部
６ ベルト
７ 搬送部
７ａ 軸部
７ｂ 羽部
７ｃ 延在部
７ｄ 係合穴
７ｅ （封止部材と一体的に設けられた）搬送部
７ｆ 延在部
７ｇ （伝達部材と一体的に設けられた）搬送部
７ｈ 係合穴
８ 封止部材
８ａシール部
８ｂ カップリング係合部
８ｃ 突出部
８ｄ スプライン突起
８ｅ 係止突起
８ｆ 係止溝
８ｇ 係合穴
８ｈ 隙間
９ 駆動伝達部材
９ａ 延在部
１００ 電子写真画像形成装置本体 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Developer supply container 1a Developer supply opening part 1b Developer supply opening 1c Curved part 1d Plane part 1e Arc-shaped part 1f Restriction part 1g Engagement part 1h Top surface part 1i Handle 1j, 1k Bearing part 1m Bottom face 1n Developer filling port 1p Auxiliary restriction part 1q Wall surface 2 Developer transport / drive transmission means 3 Stirring member 3a Drive transmission part 3b Shaft part 3c Rigid wing part 3d Flexible wing part 3e Flexible wing part attachment part 3f Ring-shaped part 4 Seal member 4a Through hole 4b Double-sided tape 4c Double-sided tape hole 6 Belt 7 Conveying part 7a Shaft part 7b Wing 7c Extension part 7d Engagement hole 7e Conveying part 7f Extension part 7g (provided integrally with the sealing member) Conveying portion 7h engaging hole 8 sealing member 8a sealing portion 8b coupling engaging portion 8c protruding portion 8d spline protrusion 8e locking protrusion 8f Locking groove 8g Engagement hole 8h Clearance 9 Drive transmission member 9a Extension part 100 Electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body

Claims (3)

画像形成装置に着脱自在に設けられた現像剤補給容器において、
現像剤を収容する容器本体と、
前記容器本体の長手方向一端側に設けられた現像剤排出口と、
前記容器本体に対し相対的にスライド移動することで開封自在に設けられ前記現像剤排出口を封止する封止部材と、
前記容器本体内の現像剤を撹拌する撹拌部材と、
前記封止部材と同軸的に且つ一体的に回転自在に設けられ前記封止部材が受けた回転駆動力を前記容器本体内にて前記撹拌部材へ伝達する駆動伝達部材であって、前記容器本体によって軸支されることなく前記容器本体内面と摺擦自在に設けられた駆動伝達部材と、
前記駆動伝達部材のスライド移動を規制する規制部と、を有し、
前記駆動伝達部材は前記封止部材に対しスライド自在に設けられ前記容器本体内の現像剤を前記現像剤排出口に向けて搬送する搬送部を有し、前記封止部材が前記現像剤排出口を開封した位置にあるとき前記搬送部は前記封止部材と係合していることを特徴とする現像剤補給容器。 In the developer supply container detachably provided in the image forming apparatus,
A container body for containing a developer;
A developer outlet provided on one end in the longitudinal direction of the container body;
A sealing member that is slidably moved relative to the container body so as to be freely opened and seals the developer discharge port;
A stirring member for stirring the developer in the container body;
A drive transmission member that is coaxially and integrally rotatable with the sealing member, and that transmits a rotational driving force received by the sealing member to the stirring member in the container body, the container body A drive transmission member provided slidably on the inner surface of the container main body without being pivotally supported by,
A regulating portion that regulates sliding movement of the drive transmission member ,
The drive transmission member is provided so as to be slidable with respect to the sealing member, and has a transport unit that transports the developer in the container body toward the developer discharge port, and the sealing member is the developer discharge port. The developer replenishing container, wherein the conveying portion is engaged with the sealing member when the container is opened . 画像形成装置に着脱自在に設けられた現像剤補給容器において、
現像剤を収容する容器本体と、
前記容器本体の長手方向一端側に設けられた現像剤排出口と、
前記容器本体に対し相対的にスライド移動することで開封自在に設けられ前記現像剤排出口を封止する封止部材と、
前記容器本体内の現像剤を撹拌する撹拌部材と、
前記封止部材と同軸的に且つ一体的に回転自在に設けられ前記封止部材が受けた回転駆動力を前記容器本体内にて前記撹拌部材へ伝達する駆動伝達部材であって、前記容器本体によって軸支されることなく前記容器本体内面と摺擦自在に設けられた駆動伝達部材と、
前記駆動伝達部材のスライド移動を規制する規制部と、を有し、
前記封止部材は前記駆動伝達部材に対しスライド自在に設けられ前記容器本体内の現像剤を前記現像剤排出口に向けて搬送する搬送部を有し、前記封止部材が前記現像剤排出口を開封した位置にあるとき前記搬送部は前記駆動伝達部材と係合していることを特徴とする現像剤補給容器。 In the developer supply container detachably provided in the image forming apparatus,
A container body for containing a developer;
A developer outlet provided on one end in the longitudinal direction of the container body;
A sealing member that is slidably moved relative to the container body so as to be freely opened and seals the developer discharge port;
A stirring member for stirring the developer in the container body;
A drive transmission member that is coaxially and integrally rotatable with the sealing member, and that transmits a rotational driving force received by the sealing member to the stirring member in the container body, the container body A drive transmission member provided slidably on the inner surface of the container main body without being pivotally supported by,
A regulating portion that regulates sliding movement of the drive transmission member,
The sealing member is provided so as to be slidable with respect to the drive transmission member, and has a transport unit that transports the developer in the container body toward the developer discharge port, and the sealing member is the developer discharge port. The developer supply container, wherein the conveying portion is engaged with the drive transmission member when the container is in an opened position . 画像形成装置に着脱自在に設けられた現像剤補給容器において、
現像剤を収容する容器本体と、
前記容器本体の長手方向一端側に設けられた現像剤排出口と、
前記容器本体に対し相対的にスライド移動することで開封自在に設けられ前記現像剤排出口を封止する封止部材と、
前記容器本体内の現像剤を撹拌する撹拌部材と、
前記封止部材と同軸的に且つ一体的に回転自在に設けられ前記封止部材が受けた回転駆動力を前記容器本体内にて前記撹拌部材へ伝達する駆動伝達部材であって、前記容器本体によって軸支されることなく前記容器本体内面と摺擦自在に設けられた駆動伝達部材と、
前記駆動伝達部材のスライド移動を規制する規制部と、を有し、
前記駆動伝達部材及び前記封止部材は互いにスライド自在に設けられ前記容器本体内の現像剤を前記現像剤排出口に向けて搬送する搬送部をそれぞれ有し、前記封止部材が前記現像剤排出口を開封した位置にあるときそれぞれの搬送部は互いに係合していることを特徴とする現像剤補給容器。 In the developer supply container detachably provided in the image forming apparatus,
A container body for containing a developer;
A developer outlet provided on one end in the longitudinal direction of the container body;
A sealing member that is slidably moved relative to the container body so as to be freely opened and seals the developer discharge port;
A stirring member for stirring the developer in the container body;
A drive transmission member that is coaxially and integrally rotatable with the sealing member, and that transmits a rotational driving force received by the sealing member to the stirring member in the container body, the container body A drive transmission member provided slidably on the inner surface of the container main body without being pivotally supported by,
A regulating portion that regulates sliding movement of the drive transmission member,
The drive transmission member and the sealing member are provided slidably with respect to each other, and each has a transport section that transports the developer in the container body toward the developer discharge port, and the sealing member discharges the developer. A developer replenishing container, wherein each of the conveying portions is engaged with each other when the outlet is in the opened position .
JP2004182587A 2004-06-21 2004-06-21 Developer supply container Expired - Fee Related JP4310242B2 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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JP4310242B2 true JP4310242B2 (en) 2009-08-05

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US8050599B2 (en) 2007-09-04 2011-11-01 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Toner cartridge and image forming apparatus having toner cartridge
JP4543077B2 (en) * 2007-12-21 2010-09-15 シャープ株式会社 Toner cartridge and image forming apparatus
JP5595976B2 (en) * 2011-05-27 2014-09-24 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 Toner container and image forming apparatus
JP5596092B2 (en) * 2012-08-29 2014-09-24 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 Toner container and image forming apparatus
JP5850994B2 (en) * 2014-08-01 2016-02-03 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 Toner container and image forming apparatus
JP5853064B2 (en) * 2014-08-04 2016-02-09 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 Toner container and image forming apparatus
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