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JP2020194078A - Developer receiving device - Google Patents

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JP2020194078A
JP2020194078A JP2019099393A JP2019099393A JP2020194078A JP 2020194078 A JP2020194078 A JP 2020194078A JP 2019099393 A JP2019099393 A JP 2019099393A JP 2019099393 A JP2019099393 A JP 2019099393A JP 2020194078 A JP2020194078 A JP 2020194078A
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developer
replenishment container
container
developer replenishment
receiving
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敬介 磯部
Keisuke Isobe
敬介 磯部
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Canon Inc
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Canon Inc
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Abstract

【課題】現像剤補給容器1の挿入時の操作力を軽減すると共に、現像剤補給容器1の挿入時に現像剤補給容器1と現像剤受入れ部11とが干渉することを抑制できる構成を提供する。【解決手段】引き込み部材12は、現像剤補給容器1の挿入時に、現像剤補給容器1の一部と係合して第1位置から第2位置に移動することで、現像剤補給容器1を装着位置に引き込む。トグルバネ13は、現像剤補給容器1の挿入時に引き込み部材12を第2位置に向けて付勢し、現像剤補給容器1の抜き出し時に引き込み部材12を第2位置とは反対側の第3位置に向けて付勢する。そして、引き込み部材12は、第3位置にある状態で退避位置にある現像剤受入れ部11と係合し、現像剤受入れ部11を退避位置に位置決めする位置決め係合部12dを有する。【選択図】図8PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a configuration capable of reducing an operating force when inserting a developer replenishment container 1 and suppressing interference between a developer replenishment container 1 and a developer receiving unit 11 when the developer replenishment container 1 is inserted. .. When a developer replenishment container 1 is inserted, a retracting member 12 engages with a part of the developer replenishment container 1 and moves from a first position to a second position to move the developer replenishment container 1. Pull it into the mounting position. The toggle spring 13 urges the pull-in member 12 toward the second position when the developer replenishment container 1 is inserted, and moves the pull-in member 12 to the third position opposite to the second position when the developer replenishment container 1 is pulled out. Encourage towards. Then, the retracting member 12 has a positioning engaging portion 12d that engages with the developing agent receiving portion 11 in the retracted position in the state of being in the third position and positions the developing agent receiving portion 11 in the retracted position. [Selection diagram] FIG. 8

Description

本発明は、現像剤を補給するための現像剤補給容器が挿抜可能な現像剤受入れ装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a developer receiving device in which a developer replenishment container for replenishing a developer can be inserted and removed.

従来、複写機などの電子写真方式の画像形成装置には微粉末のトナーなどの現像剤が使用されている。このような画像形成装置においては、画像形成によって消費されてしまう現像剤を、現像剤補給容器から補う構成となっている。 Conventionally, a developing agent such as fine powder toner has been used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copier. In such an image forming apparatus, the developing agent consumed by image forming is supplemented from the developing agent replenishment container.

例えば、現像剤補給容器が画像形成装置内に設けられた現像剤受入れ装置に挿抜可能であって、現像剤補給容器の挿入動作に伴って、現像剤受入れ装置の現像剤受入れ部を現像剤補給容器の排出口に向けて変位させる構成が提案されている(特許文献1)。特許文献1に記載の構成の場合、現像剤受入れ部は、付勢部材によって現像剤補給容器に接続される接続位置から退避する方向に付勢されている。これにより、現像剤補給容器が挿入されていない状態で、現像剤受入れ部が接続位置から退避した位置に位置決めされている。 For example, the developer replenishment container can be inserted into and removed from the developer receiving device provided in the image forming apparatus, and the developing agent receiving portion of the developing agent receiving device is replenished with the developing agent as the developing agent replenishing container is inserted. A configuration has been proposed in which the container is displaced toward the discharge port (Patent Document 1). In the case of the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the developer receiving portion is urged in the direction of retracting from the connection position connected to the developer replenishment container by the urging member. As a result, the developer receiving portion is positioned at a position retracted from the connection position in a state where the developer replenishment container is not inserted.

特開2013−015826号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-015826

特許文献1に記載の構成の場合、現像剤受入れ部が付勢部材によって接続位置から退避する方向に付勢されているため、現像剤補給容器の挿入時に現像剤受入れ部がこの付勢部材の付勢力に抗して現像剤受入れ部が移動することになる。このため、ユーザなどの作業者による現像剤補給容器の挿入時の操作力が大きくなってしまう。 In the case of the configuration described in Patent Document 1, since the developer receiving portion is urged by the urging member in the direction of retracting from the connection position, the developing agent receiving portion of the urging member is used when the developer replenishment container is inserted. The developer receiving part moves against the urging force. For this reason, the operating force when the developer supply container is inserted by a worker such as a user becomes large.

一方、単に付勢部材をなくしてしまうと、現像剤受入れ部が接続位置から退避した位置に位置決めされなくなり、次に、現像剤補給容器を挿入する際に、現像剤補給容器と現像剤受入れ部が干渉する虞がある。 On the other hand, if the urging member is simply removed, the developer receiving portion will not be positioned at a position retracted from the connection position, and then when the developer replenishing container is inserted, the developing agent replenishing container and the developing agent receiving portion will be inserted. May interfere.

本発明は、現像剤補給容器の挿入時の操作力を軽減すると共に、現像剤補給容器の挿入時に現像剤補給容器と現像剤受入れ部とが干渉することを抑制できる構成を提供することを目的とする。 An object of the present invention is to provide a configuration capable of reducing the operating force when inserting the developer replenishment container and suppressing interference between the developer replenishment container and the developer receiving portion when the developer replenishment container is inserted. And.

本発明の現像剤受入れ装置は、現像剤を補給するための現像剤補給容器が挿抜可能な現像剤受入れ装置であって、前記現像剤補給容器が装着位置に位置する場合に前記現像剤補給容器に設けられた排出口と接続されて、前記排出口から排出された現像剤を受け入れる受入れ口を有し、且つ、前記受入れ口が前記排出口と接続する接続位置と、前記受入れ口が前記排出口から退避した退避位置との間で、前記現像剤補給容器の挿抜動作に伴って前記現像剤補給容器の挿入方向と交差する方向に移動可能な現像剤受入れ部と、前記現像剤補給容器の挿入時に、前記現像剤補給容器の一部と係合して第1位置から第2位置に移動することで、前記現像剤補給容器を前記装着位置に引き込む引き込み部材と、前記現像剤補給容器の挿入時に前記引き込み部材が前記第1位置を超えて前記第2位置に移動する際に、前記引き込み部材を前記第2位置に向けて付勢し、前記現像剤補給容器の抜き出し時に前記引き込み部材が前記第1位置を超えて、前記第2位置とは反対側の第3位置に移動する際に、前記引き込み部材を前記第3位置に向けて付勢する付勢手段と、を備え、前記引き込み部材は、前記第3位置にある状態で前記退避位置にある前記現像剤受入れ部と係合し、前記現像剤受入れ部を前記退避位置に位置決めする位置決め係合部を有することを特徴とする。 The developer receiving device of the present invention is a developing agent receiving device capable of inserting and removing a developing agent replenishing container for replenishing the developing agent, and when the developing agent replenishing container is located at a mounting position, the developing agent replenishing container is used. It has a receiving port which is connected to the discharging port provided in the above and receives the developing agent discharged from the discharging port, and the connection position where the receiving port is connected to the discharging port and the receiving port is the discharging port. A developer receiving portion that can move in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the developing agent replenishing container with the insertion / removal operation of the developing agent replenishing container and the developing agent replenishing container with the retracting position retracted from the outlet. At the time of insertion, the retracting member that pulls the developer supply container into the mounting position by engaging with a part of the developer supply container and moving from the first position to the second position, and the developer supply container. When the retracting member moves beyond the first position to the second position at the time of insertion, the retracting member is urged toward the second position, and when the developer replenishment container is pulled out, the retracting member moves. The retracting member is provided with an urging means for urging the retracting member toward the third position when moving to a third position opposite to the second position beyond the first position. The member is characterized by having a positioning engaging portion that engages with the developing agent receiving portion at the retracting position in the third position and positions the developing agent receiving portion at the retracting position.

本発明によれば、現像剤補給容器の挿入時の操作力を軽減すると共に、現像剤補給容器の挿入時に現像剤補給容器と現像剤受入れ部とが干渉することを抑制できる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the operating force when inserting the developer replenishment container and suppress the interference between the developer replenishment container and the developer receiving portion when the developer replenishment container is inserted.

実施形態に係る画像形成装置の概略構成図。The schematic block diagram of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. 実施形態に係る画像形成装置の斜視図。The perspective view of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. 実施形態に係る、(a)現像剤受入れ装置の斜視図、(b)現像剤受入れ部の斜視図。A perspective view of (a) a developer receiving device and (b) a perspective view of a developer receiving unit according to an embodiment. 実施形態に係る現像剤受入れ装置の現像剤受入れ部付近の側面図。The side view near the developer receiving part of the developer receiving apparatus which concerns on embodiment. 実施形態に係る現像剤補給容器の、(a)一部を切断して示す側面図、(b)フランジ部周辺の一部を切断して示す側面図。(A) A side view showing a part of the developer supply container according to the embodiment cut out, and (b) a side view showing a part around the flange portion cut off. 実施形態に係る現像剤補給容器の部分断面斜視図。FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the developer supply container according to the embodiment. 実施形態に係る、(a)現像剤補給容器の装着前の現像剤受入れ装置の側面図、(b)現像剤補給容器の装着後の現像剤受入れ装置の側面図。A side view of the developer receiving device before mounting the developer replenishing container and (b) a side view of the developing agent receiving device after mounting the developer replenishing container according to the embodiment. 実施形態に係る現像剤補給容器の先端部が引き込み部材に当接を開始した時における、現像剤受入れ装置の現像剤受入れ部付近の側面図。FIG. 5 is a side view of the vicinity of the developer receiving portion of the developing agent receiving device when the tip end portion of the developing agent replenishing container according to the embodiment starts to come into contact with the drawing member. 実施形態に係る案内係合部がカムトラックに係合を開始した時における、現像剤受入れ装置の現像剤受入れ部付近の側面図。FIG. 5 is a side view of the vicinity of the developer receiving portion of the developing agent receiving device when the guide engaging portion according to the embodiment starts engaging with the cam track. 実施形態に係る引き込み部材が現像剤補給容器の引き込みを開始した時における、現像剤受入れ装置の現像剤受入れ部付近の側面図。FIG. 5 is a side view of the vicinity of the developing agent receiving portion of the developing agent receiving device when the drawing member according to the embodiment starts drawing in the developing agent supply container. 実施形態に係る現像剤補給容器が装着位置まで引き込まれた時における、(a)現像剤受入れ装置の現像剤受入れ部付近の側面図、(b)現像剤受入れ装置の現像剤受入れ部付近の断面図。When the developer replenishment container according to the embodiment is pulled into the mounting position, (a) a side view of the vicinity of the developer receiving portion of the developing agent receiving device, and (b) a cross section of the vicinity of the developing agent receiving portion of the developing agent receiving device. Figure. 実施形態に係る現像剤補給容器を抜き出した後における、引き込み部材と現像剤受入れ部との関係を示す側面図。FIG. 5 is a side view showing the relationship between the drawing member and the developing agent receiving portion after the developing agent replenishing container according to the embodiment is taken out. 比較例に係る現像剤補給容器の装着前における、現像剤受入れ装置の現像剤受入れ部付近の側面図。A side view of the vicinity of the developer receiving portion of the developing agent receiving device before mounting the developing agent replenishing container according to the comparative example.

実施形態について、図1ないし図13を用いて説明する。まず、本実施形態の画像形成装置の概略構成について、図1及び図2を用いて説明する。 The embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. First, the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[画像形成装置]
図1において、画像形成装置100は、装置本体100aの上部に原稿読取装置103を有する。原稿101は、原稿台ガラス102の上に置かれる。そして、原稿101の画像情報に応じた光像を原稿読取装置103の複数のミラーMとレンズLnにより、像担持体としての円筒状の感光体である感光ドラム104上に結像させることにより静電潜像を形成する。この静電潜像は乾式の現像器(1成分現像器)201により現像剤(乾式粉体)としてのトナー(1成分磁性トナー)を用いて可視化される。なお、本実施形態では、現像剤補給容器1(トナーカートリッジとも呼ぶ)から補給すべき現像剤として1成分磁性トナーを用いた例について説明するが、このような例だけではなく、後述するような構成としても構わない。
[Image forming device]
In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 has a document reading apparatus 103 above the apparatus main body 100a. The document 101 is placed on the platen glass 102. Then, an optical image corresponding to the image information of the document 101 is formed statically by forming an image on the photosensitive drum 104, which is a cylindrical photosensitive member as an image carrier, by a plurality of mirrors M and lenses Ln of the document reading device 103. Form an electro-latent image. This electrostatic latent image is visualized by a dry developer (one-component developer) 201 using toner (one-component magnetic toner) as a developer (dry powder). In this embodiment, an example in which a one-component magnetic toner is used as the developer to be replenished from the developer replenishment container 1 (also referred to as a toner cartridge) will be described, but not only such an example but also as described later. It may be configured.

具体的には、1成分非磁性トナーを用いて現像を行う1成分現像器を用いる場合、現像剤として1成分非磁性トナーを補給することになる。また、磁性キャリアと非磁性トナーを混合した2成分現像剤を用いて現像を行う2成分現像器を用いる場合、現像剤として非磁性トナーを補給することになる。なお、この場合、現像剤として非磁性トナーとともに磁性キャリアも併せて補給する構成としても構わない。 Specifically, when a one-component developer that develops using a one-component non-magnetic toner is used, the one-component non-magnetic toner is replenished as a developer. Further, when a two-component developer that develops using a two-component developer in which a magnetic carrier and a non-magnetic toner are mixed is used, the non-magnetic toner is replenished as the developer. In this case, the developer may be configured to supply a magnetic carrier together with a non-magnetic toner.

図1に示す現像器201は、上述したように、原稿101の画像情報に基づいて感光ドラム104上に形成された静電潜像を、現像剤としてトナーを用いて現像するものである。また、現像器201には、現像剤補給システム200が接続されており、現像剤補給システム200は、現像剤補給容器1と、現像剤補給容器1が着脱可能な現像剤受入れ装置8とを有する。現像剤補給システム200については後述する。 As described above, the developing device 201 shown in FIG. 1 develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 based on the image information of the original document 101 by using toner as a developing agent. Further, a developer replenishment system 200 is connected to the developer 201, and the developer replenishment system 200 includes a developer replenishment container 1 and a developer receiving device 8 to which the developer replenishment container 1 can be attached and detached. .. The developer replenishment system 200 will be described later.

現像器201は、現像剤ホッパ部201aの他に、現像ローラ201fが設けられている。この現像剤ホッパ部201aには、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201cが設けられている。そして、この撹拌部材201cにより撹拌された現像剤は、搬送部材201dにより搬送部材201e側へと送られる。そして、搬送部材201e、201bにより順に搬送されてきた現像剤は、現像ローラ201fに担持され、最終的に感光ドラム104と対向する現像部へと供給される。本実施形態では、1成分現像剤を用いているため、現像剤補給容器1から現像剤としてのトナーを、現像器201へ補給する構成としている。但し、2成分現像剤を用いる場合、現像剤補給容器から現像剤としてのトナー及びキャリアを補給する構成としても構わない。 The developer 201 is provided with a developing roller 201f in addition to the developer hopper section 201a. The developer hopper section 201a is provided with a stirring member 201c for stirring the developer supplied from the developer supply container 1. Then, the developer stirred by the stirring member 201c is sent to the transport member 201e side by the transport member 201d. Then, the developer which has been sequentially conveyed by the conveying members 201e and 201b is supported on the developing roller 201f and finally supplied to the developing unit facing the photosensitive drum 104. Since the one-component developer is used in the present embodiment, the developer 201 is configured to supply toner as a developer from the developer supply container 1. However, when a two-component developer is used, the toner and the carrier as the developer may be replenished from the developer replenishment container.

カセット105〜108は、それぞれシートなどの記録材Sを収容する。画像形成時には、これらカセット105〜108のうち、画像形成装置の操作部100dから操作者(ユーザやサービスマン)が入力した情報もしくは原稿101のサイズを基に最適な記録材Sを収容したカセットが選択される。ここで記録材Sとしては用紙に限定されずに、例えばOHPシート等適宜使用、選択できる。そして、給送分離装置105A〜108Aにより搬送された1枚の記録材Sを、搬送部109を経由してレジストレーションローラ110まで搬送し、感光ドラム104の回転と、原稿読取装置103のスキャンのタイミングを同期させて搬送する。 Each of the cassettes 105 to 108 accommodates a recording material S such as a sheet. At the time of image formation, among these cassettes 105 to 108, the cassette containing the optimum recording material S based on the information input by the operator (user or serviceman) from the operation unit 100d of the image forming apparatus or the size of the document 101 is used. Be selected. Here, the recording material S is not limited to paper, and for example, an OHP sheet or the like can be appropriately used and selected. Then, one recording material S conveyed by the feeding / separating devices 105A to 108A is conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the conveying unit 109, and the photosensitive drum 104 is rotated and the document reading device 103 is scanned. Transport at the same timing.

レジストレーションローラ110の記録材搬送方向下流側で、感光ドラム104と対向する位置には、転写帯電器111及び分離帯電器112が設けられている。レジストレーションローラ110により搬送された記録材Sは、転写帯電器111によって、感光ドラム104上に形成された現像剤による画像(トナー画像)が転写される。そして、トナー画像が転写された記録材Sは、分離帯電器112によって感光ドラム104から分離される。この後、搬送部113により搬送された記録材Sは、定着部114において熱と圧力が加えられ、記録材上にトナー像が定着される。その後、トナー像を定着した記録材Sは、片面コピーの場合には、排出反転部115を通過し、排出ローラ116により排出トレイ117へ排出される。 A transfer charger 111 and a separate charger 112 are provided at positions facing the photosensitive drum 104 on the downstream side of the registration roller 110 in the recording material transport direction. An image (toner image) of the developer formed on the photosensitive drum 104 is transferred to the recording material S conveyed by the registration roller 110 by the transfer charger 111. Then, the recording material S to which the toner image is transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 104 by the separation charger 112. After that, heat and pressure are applied to the recording material S conveyed by the conveying unit 113 at the fixing unit 114, and the toner image is fixed on the recording material. After that, in the case of single-sided copying, the recording material S on which the toner image is fixed passes through the discharge inversion unit 115 and is discharged to the discharge tray 117 by the discharge roller 116.

他方、両面コピーの場合には、記録材Sは、排出反転部115を通り、一度、排出ローラ116により一部が装置外へ排出される。そして、この後、記録材Sの終端が切換部材118を通過し、排出ローラ116にまだ挟持されているタイミングで切換部材118の位置を切り換えると共に排出ローラ116を逆回転させることにより、記録材Sは、再度、装置内へ搬送される。さらに、この後、記録材Sは、再給送搬送部119、120を経由してレジストレーションローラ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出トレイ117へ排出される。 On the other hand, in the case of double-sided copying, a part of the recording material S passes through the discharge inversion unit 115 and is once discharged to the outside of the apparatus by the discharge roller 116. After that, the end of the recording material S passes through the switching member 118, and the position of the switching member 118 is switched at the timing when the recording material S is still sandwiched by the discharge roller 116, and the discharge roller 116 is rotated in the reverse direction. Is transported into the device again. Further, after that, the recording material S is conveyed to the registration roller 110 via the refeeding and conveying units 119 and 120, and then is discharged to the discharge tray 117 by following the same route as in the case of single-sided copying. ..

上記構成の画像形成装置100において、感光ドラム104の周りには現像器201、クリーナ部202、一次帯電器203等の画像形成プロセス機器が設置されている。なお、現像器201は、原稿読取装置103により読み取った原稿101の画像情報などに基づき感光ドラム104に形成された静電潜像に現像剤を付着させることにより、静電潜像を現像するものである。また、一次帯電器203は、感光ドラム104上に所望の静電潜像を形成するために感光ドラム表面を一様に帯電するためのものである。また、クリーナ部202は感光ドラム104に残留している現像剤を除去するためのものである。 In the image forming apparatus 100 having the above configuration, image forming process equipment such as a developing device 201, a cleaner portion 202, and a primary charging device 203 is installed around the photosensitive drum 104. The developer 201 develops the electrostatic latent image by adhering a developer to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 based on the image information of the original 101 read by the document reading device 103. Is. Further, the primary charger 203 is for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum in order to form a desired electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 104. Further, the cleaner portion 202 is for removing the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 104.

図2に示すように、画像形成装置100の装置本体100aの外装カバーの一部である交換用カバー40を操作者が開けると、後述する現像剤受入れ装置8の一部が現れる。そして、この現像剤受入れ装置8に現像剤補給容器1を挿入することで、現像剤補給容器1は、現像剤受入れ装置8へ現像剤を補給可能な状態に装着される。他方、操作者が現像剤補給容器1を交換する際は、装着動作とは逆の動作を行って現像剤受入れ装置8から現像剤補給容器1を離脱した後に、新たな現像剤補給容器1を装着する。なお、交換用カバー40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、現像剤補給容器1を着脱するためだけに開閉される。他方、画像形成装置100のメンテナンスは、前面カバー100cを開閉することにより行われる。ここで、交換用カバー40と前面カバー100cは一体であってもよく、その場合、現像剤補給容器1の交換や、画像形成装置100のメンテナンスは一体化されたカバー(不図示)を開閉することにより行われる。 As shown in FIG. 2, when the operator opens the replacement cover 40, which is a part of the exterior cover of the apparatus main body 100a of the image forming apparatus 100, a part of the developer receiving apparatus 8 described later appears. Then, by inserting the developer replenishment container 1 into the developer receiving device 8, the developer replenishing container 1 is mounted in a state in which the developing agent can be replenished to the developing agent receiving device 8. On the other hand, when the operator replaces the developer replenishment container 1, the developer replenishment container 1 is replaced with a new developer replenisher container 1 after the developer replenishment container 1 is removed from the developer receiving device 8 by performing the operation opposite to the mounting operation. Installing. The replacement cover 40 is a dedicated cover for attaching / detaching (replacement) the developer replenishment container 1, and is opened / closed only for attaching / detaching the developer replenishment container 1. On the other hand, maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100 is performed by opening and closing the front cover 100c. Here, the replacement cover 40 and the front cover 100c may be integrated. In that case, the integrated cover (not shown) is opened and closed for replacement of the developer replenishment container 1 and maintenance of the image forming apparatus 100. It is done by.

[現像剤受入れ装置]
次に、現像剤補給システム200を構成する現像剤受入れ装置8について、図3(a)乃至図4を用いて説明する。現像剤受入れ装置8には、図3(a)に示すように、現像剤補給容器1が挿抜可能に装着される装着部(装着スペース)8fが設けられている。装着部8fには、現像剤補給容器1を着脱方向に案内するための挿入ガイド8eが設けられている。本実施形態の場合、挿入ガイド8eにより現像剤補給容器1の装着方向(挿入方向)が矢印A方向となるように、現像剤補給容器1の離脱方向(抜き出し方向)が矢印A方向と逆方向(矢印B方向)となるように構成されている。
[Developer receiving device]
Next, the developer receiving device 8 constituting the developer replenishment system 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 4A. As shown in FIG. 3A, the developing agent receiving device 8 is provided with a mounting portion (mounting space) 8f to which the developing agent replenishment container 1 is removably mounted. The mounting portion 8f is provided with an insertion guide 8e for guiding the developer supply container 1 in the attachment / detachment direction. In the case of the present embodiment, the detaching direction (extraction direction) of the developer replenishing container 1 is opposite to the arrow A direction so that the mounting direction (insertion direction) of the developer replenishing container 1 is the arrow A direction by the insertion guide 8e. It is configured to be (arrow B direction).

現像剤受入れ装置8は、現像剤補給容器1を駆動する駆動機構として機能する駆動ギア9を有している。この駆動ギア9は、駆動モータ500から駆動ギア列(不図示)を介して回転駆動力が伝達され、装着部8fに装着された状態にある現像剤補給容器1に対し回転駆動力を付与する機能を有している。駆動モータ500は、制御装置600によりその動作を制御される構成となっている。 The developer receiving device 8 has a drive gear 9 that functions as a drive mechanism for driving the developer supply container 1. The drive gear 9 transmits the rotational drive force from the drive motor 500 via the drive gear train (not shown), and applies the rotational drive force to the developer replenishment container 1 mounted on the mounting portion 8f. It has a function. The drive motor 500 has a configuration in which its operation is controlled by the control device 600.

制御装置600は、駆動モータ500の制御の他、画像形成装置100全体の制御を行う。このような制御装置600は、CPU(Central Processing Unit)、ROM(Read Only Memory)、RAM(Random Access Memory)を有している。CPUは、ROMに格納された制御手順に対応するプログラムを読み出しながら各部の制御を行う。また、RAMには、作業用データや入力データが格納されており、CPUは、前述のプログラム等に基づいてRAMに収納されたデータを参照して制御を行う。 The control device 600 controls not only the drive motor 500 but also the entire image forming device 100. Such a control device 600 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU controls each part while reading a program corresponding to the control procedure stored in the ROM. In addition, work data and input data are stored in the RAM, and the CPU controls by referring to the data stored in the RAM based on the above-mentioned program or the like.

現像剤受入れ装置8の装着部8fには、現像剤補給容器1から排出された現像剤を受入れるための現像剤受入れ部11が設けられている。現像剤受入れ部11は、現像剤補給容器1の装着時に現像剤補給容器1に保持されるシャッタ10の排出口10a(図6参照)と接続され、排出口10aから排出される現像剤を受け入れる受入れ口11aを有する。現像剤受入れ部11は、受入れ口11aがシャッタ10の排出口10aに対して遠近動する方向に、本実施形態では現像剤補給容器1の挿入方向に交差する方向に移動可能に取り付けられている。具体的には、現像剤受入れ部11は、現像剤受入れ装置8に対して鉛直方向に変位可能に設けられている。 The mounting portion 8f of the developer receiving device 8 is provided with a developer receiving portion 11 for receiving the developer discharged from the developer replenishment container 1. The developer receiving unit 11 is connected to the discharge port 10a (see FIG. 6) of the shutter 10 held in the developer supply container 1 when the developer supply container 1 is attached, and receives the developer discharged from the discharge port 10a. It has a receiving port 11a. The developer receiving unit 11 is movably attached in a direction in which the receiving port 11a moves in perspective with respect to the discharging port 10a of the shutter 10, and in the present embodiment, in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the developing agent replenishment container 1. .. Specifically, the developer receiving unit 11 is provided so as to be displaceable in the vertical direction with respect to the developer receiving device 8.

また、図3(b)に示すように、現像剤受入れ部11は、受入れ口11aを挟んで矢印CC方向両側に側壁11dをそれぞれ有する。側壁11dの互いに対向する側(中央側)の側面には、矢印CC方向に向け突出した案内係合部11bが設けられている。また、側壁11dは、一部を現像剤補給容器1の挿入方向下流側に突出させ、挿入方向と略平行な上面を干渉部11cとしている。 Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the developer receiving portion 11 has side walls 11d on both sides in the direction of arrow CC with the receiving port 11a interposed therebetween. A guide engaging portion 11b projecting in the direction of the arrow CC is provided on the side surface of the side wall 11d on the opposite side (center side). A part of the side wall 11d is projected to the downstream side in the insertion direction of the developer replenishment container 1, and the upper surface substantially parallel to the insertion direction is the interference portion 11c.

本実施形態の場合、現像剤受入れ部11の案内係合部11bは、後述する、現像剤補給容器1に設けられた案内部としてのカムトラック4b(図5(b)など参照)と係合可能である。そして、現像剤補給容器1の挿入動作時に、案内係合部11bがカムトラック4bにガイドされることで、現像剤受入れ部11が現像剤補給容器1へ向けて鉛直方向上方へ持ち上げられる。そして、現像剤補給容器1と現像剤受入れ部11が接続される構成になっている。現像剤補給容器1内の現像剤は、受入れ口11aから鉛直方向下側へ落下し、現像剤受入れ部11及び現像器接続パイプ15を通り現像器201へ供給される。 In the case of the present embodiment, the guide engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 engages with the cam track 4b (see FIG. 5B and the like) as the guide portion provided in the developer supply container 1, which will be described later. It is possible. Then, during the insertion operation of the developer replenishment container 1, the guide engaging portion 11b is guided by the cam track 4b, so that the developer receiving portion 11 is lifted upward in the vertical direction toward the developer replenishment container 1. The developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving unit 11 are connected to each other. The developer in the developer replenishment container 1 falls vertically downward from the receiving port 11a and is supplied to the developing device 201 through the developing agent receiving section 11 and the developing device connecting pipe 15.

また、現像剤受入れ装置8は、図4に示すように、現像剤補給容器1を装着位置まで引き込むために、引き込み部材12を有している。引き込み部材12は、現像剤補給容器1が未装着状態では付勢手段としてのトグルバネ13によって回動軸12aを中心に図4の時計回り方向である矢印D方向へ付勢されている。一方、引き込み部材12は、現像剤補給容器1がある所定の位置まで挿入されると、現像剤補給容器1に接触して回動軸12aを中心に反時計回り方向である矢印E方向へ回転し始める。そして、トグルバネ13の付勢方向が反転する位置で矢印D方向から矢印E方向へ変化する。その後、矢印E方向へ付勢された引き込み部材12は、現像剤補給容器1の一部と係合し、回転することで現像剤補給容器1を装着位置まで引き込む。 Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the developer receiving device 8 has a drawing member 12 for pulling the developing agent replenishment container 1 to the mounting position. When the developer replenishment container 1 is not attached, the pull-in member 12 is urged by a toggle spring 13 as an urging means in the clockwise direction of FIG. 4 in the direction of arrow D about the rotation shaft 12a. On the other hand, when the developer replenishment container 1 is inserted to a predetermined position, the retracting member 12 comes into contact with the developer replenishment container 1 and rotates in the counterclockwise direction of arrow E about the rotation shaft 12a. Begin to. Then, the toggle spring 13 changes from the arrow D direction to the arrow E direction at a position where the urging direction is reversed. After that, the pull-in member 12 urged in the direction of arrow E engages with a part of the developer replenishment container 1 and rotates to pull the developer replenishment container 1 to the mounting position.

具体的には、引き込み部材12は、現像剤受入れ装置8の現像剤補給容器1の挿入方向下流端部近傍に、回動軸12aにより回動自在に支持されている。また、引き込み部材12は、当接部12b、引き込み係合部12c、位置決め係合部12dを有する。当接部12bは、現像剤補給容器1の挿入方向先端部である押し込み面7aと当接可能である。引き込み係合部12cは、現像剤補給容器1の一部から突出するように設けられた突起4f(図8など参照)の挿入方向上流側と係合可能である。位置決め係合部12dは、現像剤受入れ部11が後述する退避位置にある場合に、現像剤受入れ部11の干渉部11cと係合可能である。 Specifically, the pull-in member 12 is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft 12a near the downstream end of the developer supply container 1 of the developer receiving device 8 in the insertion direction. Further, the retracting member 12 has a contact portion 12b, a retracting engaging portion 12c, and a positioning engaging portion 12d. The contact portion 12b can come into contact with the push-in surface 7a, which is the tip end portion of the developer supply container 1 in the insertion direction. The retractable engaging portion 12c can be engaged with the upstream side in the insertion direction of the protrusion 4f (see FIG. 8 and the like) provided so as to protrude from a part of the developer supply container 1. The positioning engaging portion 12d can engage with the interfering portion 11c of the developing agent receiving portion 11 when the developing agent receiving portion 11 is in the retracted position described later.

また、引き込み部材12は、付勢手段としてのトグルバネ13によりその回転位置によって付勢方向が変わるように付勢されている。トグルバネ13は、例えば、圧縮バネであり、引き込み部材12の一部と現像剤受入れ装置8の一部との間に掛け渡されている。そして、上述のように、引き込み部材12を矢印D方向又は矢印E方向に回転する方向に付勢している。引き込み部材12の詳しい構成及び動作については、後述する。 Further, the pull-in member 12 is urged by a toggle spring 13 as an urging means so that the urging direction changes depending on the rotation position thereof. The toggle spring 13 is, for example, a compression spring, and is hung between a part of the pull-in member 12 and a part of the developer receiving device 8. Then, as described above, the retracting member 12 is urged in the direction of rotation in the direction of arrow D or the direction of arrow E. The detailed configuration and operation of the retracting member 12 will be described later.

[現像剤補給容器]
次に、現像剤補給システム200を構成する現像剤補給容器1について、図5(a)乃至図6を用いて説明する。現像剤補給容器1は、駆動ギア9(図3(a))から回転駆動力が入力される駆動受け部(ギア)2dを有し、駆動ギア9により回転駆動されることで現像器201(図1)に現像剤を補給する構成を有する。このような現像剤補給容器1は、中空円筒状に形成され内部に現像剤を収容する現像剤収容部2を備えている。さらに、現像剤補給容器1は、現像剤収容部2の長手方向(現像剤搬送方向)一端側(挿入方向先端側)にフランジ部4を有している。
[Developer supply container]
Next, the developer replenishment container 1 constituting the developer replenishment system 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 6. The developer replenishment container 1 has a drive receiving portion (gear) 2d into which a rotational driving force is input from the driving gear 9 (FIG. 3A), and is rotationally driven by the driving gear 9 to cause the developer 201 ( FIG. 1) has a configuration for replenishing the developer. Such a developer supply container 1 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and includes a developer accommodating portion 2 for accommodating the developer inside. Further, the developer replenishment container 1 has a flange portion 4 on one end side (tip side in the insertion direction) of the developer accommodating portion 2 in the longitudinal direction (developer transport direction).

フランジ部4は、容器排出口4aを有し、現像剤収容部2と相対回転可能に取り付けられる。そして、現像剤補給容器1が現像剤受入れ装置8に装着されると、フランジ部4は装着部8f(図3(a)参照)に対し回転が不可となるように保持される。また、フランジ部4には、図5(b)及び図6に示すように、ポンプ部5、不図示の往復部材、シャッタ10、カバー7が組み付けられている。 The flange portion 4 has a container discharge port 4a and is rotatably attached to the developer accommodating portion 2. Then, when the developer supply container 1 is mounted on the developer receiving device 8, the flange portion 4 is held so as not to rotate with respect to the mounting portion 8f (see FIG. 3A). Further, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 6, the flange portion 4 is assembled with a pump portion 5, a reciprocating member (not shown), a shutter 10, and a cover 7.

具体的には、フランジ部4の一端側にはポンプ部5がネジ接合されている。ポンプ部5は、その容積が可変な容積可変型ポンプであり、不図示の往復部材により容積を可変させることで、現像剤補給容器1内の圧力を変化させ、その圧力を利用して現像剤の排出を行う。往復部材は、現像剤補給容器1が回転することでポンプ部5の容積を変化させるように往復動する。カバー7は、現像剤補給容器1の外観の見た目向上と、往復部材やポンプ部5の保護を目的として、フランジ部4、ポンプ部5、往復部材の全体を覆うように設けられている。 Specifically, the pump portion 5 is screwed to one end side of the flange portion 4. The pump unit 5 is a volume-variable pump having a variable volume. By varying the volume with a reciprocating member (not shown), the pressure inside the developer supply container 1 is changed, and the pressure is used to change the pressure of the developer. Discharge. The reciprocating member reciprocates so as to change the volume of the pump portion 5 by rotating the developer supply container 1. The cover 7 is provided so as to cover the entire flange portion 4, the pump portion 5, and the reciprocating member for the purpose of improving the appearance of the developer replenishment container 1 and protecting the reciprocating member and the pump portion 5.

シャッタ10は、フランジ部4のシャッタ挿入部4e上を摺動するようにして、現像剤補給容器1の一部に対して移動可能に設けられている。シャッタ10は、開口である排出口10aを有し、現像剤補給容器1の挿抜動作に伴い、現像剤補給容器1の容器排出口4aを開閉する。即ち、現像剤補給容器1の挿入動作に伴ってシャッタ10が現像剤補給容器1に対して移動することで、現像剤受入れ部11の受入れ口11a(図3(a)、(b))とシャッタ10の排出口10aが連通し、更に容器排出口4aが連通する。これにより、現像剤補給容器1内部の現像剤を受入れ口11aへ排出可能となる。一方、現像剤補給容器1の抜き出し動作に伴ってシャッタ10が現像剤補給容器1に対して移動し、シャッタ10が容器排出口4aを覆う。 The shutter 10 is provided so as to be slidable on the shutter insertion portion 4e of the flange portion 4 so as to be movable with respect to a part of the developer replenishment container 1. The shutter 10 has a discharge port 10a which is an opening, and opens and closes the container discharge port 4a of the developer replenishment container 1 as the developer replenishment container 1 is inserted and removed. That is, as the shutter 10 moves with respect to the developer replenishment container 1 in accordance with the insertion operation of the developer replenishment container 1, the receiving ports 11a (FIGS. 3A and 3B) of the developer receiving unit 11 The discharge port 10a of the shutter 10 communicates with the container discharge port 4a. As a result, the developer inside the developer supply container 1 can be discharged to the receiving port 11a. On the other hand, the shutter 10 moves with respect to the developer replenishment container 1 with the extraction operation of the developer replenishment container 1, and the shutter 10 covers the container discharge port 4a.

現像剤収容部2を構成する円筒部2kの内面には、収容された現像剤を自らの回転に伴い、容器排出口4aに向けて搬送する搬送部として機能する螺旋状に突出した搬送突起2cが設けられている。この搬送突起2cにより、現像剤収容部2が回転した際に、現像剤収容部2に収容された現像剤を矢印A方向に搬送する。 On the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 2k constituting the developer accommodating portion 2, a spirally projecting conveying projection 2c that functions as a conveying portion that conveys the contained developer toward the container discharge port 4a as it rotates. Is provided. When the developer accommodating portion 2 is rotated by the transport projection 2c, the developer contained in the developer accommodating portion 2 is conveyed in the direction of arrow A.

フランジ部4内には、円筒部2kから螺旋状の搬送突起2cにより搬送されてきた現像剤を、容器排出口4aへと搬送するための板状の搬送部材6が設けられている。この搬送部材6は、現像剤収容部2の一部の領域を略2分割するように設けられており、円筒部2kと共に一体的に回転する構成となっている。そして、この搬送部材6にはその両面に円筒部2kの回転軸線方向に対し、容器排出口4a側に傾斜した傾斜リブ6aが複数設けられている。 Inside the flange portion 4, a plate-shaped transport member 6 is provided for transporting the developer transported from the cylindrical portion 2k by the spiral transport protrusion 2c to the container discharge port 4a. The transport member 6 is provided so as to substantially divide a part of the area of the developer accommodating portion 2 into two, and is configured to rotate integrally with the cylindrical portion 2k. The transport member 6 is provided with a plurality of inclined ribs 6a inclined toward the container discharge port 4a in the direction of the rotation axis of the cylindrical portion 2k on both sides thereof.

上記の構成により、搬送突起2cにより搬送されてきた現像剤は、円筒部2kの回転に連動して板状の搬送部材6により鉛直方向下方から上方へと掻き上げられる。その後、円筒部2kの回転が進むに連れて、重力によって搬送部材6の表面上を滑り落ち、やがて傾斜リブ6aによって容器排出口4a側へと受け渡される。本構成においては、この傾斜リブ6aは、円筒部2kが半周する毎に現像剤が容器排出口4aへと送り込まれるように、搬送部材6の両面に設けられている。このように、現像剤収容部2に収容された現像剤は、矢印A方向に搬送されて容器排出口4aへ移動し、シャッタ10の排出口10aを通過して外部へ排出される。 With the above configuration, the developer conveyed by the conveying projection 2c is scraped up from the lower side to the upper side in the vertical direction by the plate-shaped conveying member 6 in conjunction with the rotation of the cylindrical portion 2k. After that, as the rotation of the cylindrical portion 2k progresses, it slides down on the surface of the transport member 6 due to gravity, and is eventually delivered to the container discharge port 4a side by the inclined rib 6a. In this configuration, the inclined ribs 6a are provided on both sides of the transport member 6 so that the developer is sent to the container discharge port 4a every time the cylindrical portion 2k makes a half turn. In this way, the developer contained in the developer accommodating unit 2 is conveyed in the direction of arrow A, moves to the container discharge port 4a, passes through the discharge port 10a of the shutter 10, and is discharged to the outside.

また、フランジ部4は、図5(b)に示すように、現像剤受入れ部11の案内係合部11b(図3(b)参照)と係合可能な案内部としてのカムトラック4bを有している。カムトラック4bは、現像剤補給容器1から現像剤受入れ部11への現像剤補給が可能な互いが接続した状態となるように、現像剤補給容器1の挿入動作に伴って案内係合部11bを案内することで、現像剤受入れ部11を現像剤補給容器1に向けて変位させる。また、カムトラック4bは、現像剤補給容器1の取り出し動作に伴って案内係合部11bを案内することで、現像剤補給容器1と現像剤受入れ部11との接続状態が断たれるように、現像剤受入れ部11が現像剤補給容器1から離間する方向へ変位させる。 Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the flange portion 4 has a cam track 4b as a guide portion that can be engaged with the guide engaging portion 11b (see FIG. 3B) of the developer receiving portion 11. doing. The cam track 4b is connected to each other so that the developer can be replenished from the developer replenishment container 1 to the developer receiving unit 11, and the guide engaging portion 11b accompanies the insertion operation of the developer replenishment container 1. The developer receiving unit 11 is displaced toward the developer replenishment container 1 by guiding the developer. Further, the cam track 4b guides the guide engaging portion 11b with the taking-out operation of the developer supply container 1 so that the connection state between the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving portion 11 is cut off. , The developer receiving unit 11 is displaced in a direction away from the developer supply container 1.

このようなカムトラック4bは、上レーン4cと下レーン4dとから構成される。上レーン4c及び下レーン4dは、現像剤受入れ部11の案内係合部11bが進入可能なように互いに間隔をあけて配置される。また、上レーン4c及び下レーン4dは、それぞれ、傾斜部4c1、4d1と、平行部4c2、4d2とから構成される。傾斜部4c1、4d1は、現像剤補給容器1の挿入方向下流から上流(図5(b)の左から右)に向かう程、上方に傾斜している。平行部4c2、4d2は、傾斜部4c1、4d1よりも更に上流に配置され、挿入方向と略平行に形成されている。 Such a cam track 4b is composed of an upper lane 4c and a lower lane 4d. The upper lane 4c and the lower lane 4d are arranged at intervals from each other so that the guide engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 can enter. Further, the upper lane 4c and the lower lane 4d are composed of inclined portions 4c1 and 4d1, and parallel portions 4c2 and 4d2, respectively. The inclined portions 4c1 and 4d1 are inclined upward from the downstream to the upstream (from left to right in FIG. 5B) in the insertion direction of the developer supply container 1. The parallel portions 4c2 and 4d2 are arranged further upstream than the inclined portions 4c1 and 4d1 and are formed substantially parallel to the insertion direction.

現像剤補給容器1の挿入時には、案内係合部11bが下レーン4dと係合することで、傾斜部4d1に案内されて現像剤受入れ部11が上方に変位する。そして、案内係合部11bが平行部4d2に達すると、現像剤受入れ部11は、受入れ口11aが現像剤補給容器1の排出口10aと接続する接続位置に位置する。一方、現像剤補給容器1の抜き出し時には、案内係合部11bが上レーン4cと係合することで、傾斜部4c1に案内されて現像剤受入れ部11が下方に変位する。そして、案内係合部11bが傾斜部4c1から抜け出た状態では、現像剤受入れ部11は、受入れ口11aが現像剤補給容器1の排出口10aから退避した退避位置に位置する。なお、現像剤受入れ部11は、現像剤受入れ装置8の一部との係合により、退避位置において更に下方に変位することを規制されている。 When the developer supply container 1 is inserted, the guide engaging portion 11b engages with the lower lane 4d, so that the developer receiving portion 11 is displaced upward by being guided by the inclined portion 4d1. Then, when the guide engaging portion 11b reaches the parallel portion 4d2, the developer receiving portion 11 is located at a connection position where the receiving port 11a is connected to the discharging port 10a of the developer replenishment container 1. On the other hand, when the developer supply container 1 is pulled out, the guide engaging portion 11b engages with the upper lane 4c, so that the developer receiving portion 11 is displaced downward by being guided by the inclined portion 4c1. Then, in a state where the guide engaging portion 11b has come out of the inclined portion 4c1, the developer receiving portion 11 is located at a retracted position where the receiving port 11a is retracted from the discharge port 10a of the developer supply container 1. The developer receiving unit 11 is restricted from being displaced further downward at the retracted position due to engagement with a part of the developer receiving device 8.

[現像剤補給容器の挿抜]
現像剤受入れ装置8に対する現像剤補給容器1の挿抜動作について、図7(a)、(b)を用いて説明する。現像剤補給容器1を装着する際には、図7(a)に示すように、現像剤補給容器1を現像剤受入れ装置8上にセットし、矢印A方向に挿入する。そうして、現像剤補給容器1を最後まで押し込むと、図7(b)に示すように、現像剤補給容器1の先端部が現像剤受入れ装置8に突き当たり、現像剤補給容器1が装着位置まで達する。
[Insert / removal of developer supply container]
The operation of inserting and removing the developer supply container 1 with respect to the developer receiving device 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b). When mounting the developer replenishment container 1, as shown in FIG. 7A, the developer replenishment container 1 is set on the developer receiving device 8 and inserted in the direction of arrow A. Then, when the developer replenishment container 1 is pushed all the way in, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the tip of the developer replenishment container 1 abuts against the developer receiving device 8, and the developer replenishment container 1 is in the mounting position. Reach up to.

現像剤補給容器1が装着位置に達すると、現像剤収容部2の駆動受け部2dが駆動モータ500と接続された駆動ギア9と噛み合い、現像剤補給容器1に駆動が伝達される。また、フランジ部4は、現像剤補給容器1が現像剤受入れ装置8に装着されると、実質不動となるように構成されている。一方、現像剤収容部2は現像剤受入れ装置8により回転方向への規制は受けることなく、現像剤補給工程において回転する構成となっている。 When the developer replenishment container 1 reaches the mounting position, the drive receiving unit 2d of the developer accommodating unit 2 meshes with the drive gear 9 connected to the drive motor 500, and the drive is transmitted to the developer replenishment container 1. Further, the flange portion 4 is configured to be substantially immobile when the developer replenishment container 1 is attached to the developer receiving device 8. On the other hand, the developer accommodating unit 2 is configured to rotate in the developer replenishment step without being restricted in the rotation direction by the developer receiving device 8.

次に、現像剤補給容器1の挿抜時の現像剤補給容器1、現像剤受入れ部11及び引き込み部材12の挙動について、図8ないし図13を用いて説明する。なお、図8ないし図13において、説明の簡易化のため、現像剤受入れ装置8のうち、現像剤受入れ部11、現像器接続パイプ15及び引き込み部材12以外の構成については、図示を省略している。また、現像剤受入れ部11についても、案内係合部11bとその他の部分は繋がっており一体に動くが、側面から案内係合部11bの動きをみるために、案内係合部11bとその他の部分の連結部分の構成に関する図示を省略している。 Next, the behaviors of the developer replenishment container 1, the developer receiving portion 11, and the pull-in member 12 when the developer replenishment container 1 is inserted and removed will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13. Note that, in FIGS. 8 to 13, for the sake of simplification of the description, the configurations of the developer receiving device 8 other than the developer receiving unit 11, the developer connecting pipe 15, and the drawing member 12 are not shown. There is. Further, regarding the developer receiving portion 11, the guide engaging portion 11b and other parts are connected and move integrally, but in order to see the movement of the guide engaging portion 11b from the side surface, the guide engaging portion 11b and other parts are used. The illustration regarding the configuration of the connecting portion of the portion is omitted.

[現像剤補給容器の挿入時]
引き込み部材12などは、現像剤補給容器1を現像剤受入れ装置8に挿入し始めてから、現像剤補給容器1の挿入方向先端部であるカバー7の押し込み面7aと引き込み部材12の当接部12bが接触するまでは状態変化しない。このため、説明は、押し込み面7aと当接部12bが接触した状態から始める。
[When inserting the developer supply container]
After the developer replenishment container 1 starts to be inserted into the developer receiving device 8, the retracting member 12 and the like come into contact with the pushing surface 7a of the cover 7, which is the tip of the developing agent replenishing container 1 in the insertion direction, and the retracting member 12 b. Does not change state until it touches. Therefore, the description starts from the state where the pushing surface 7a and the contact portion 12b are in contact with each other.

図8に示すように、現像剤補給容器1が挿入ガイド8e(図3(a))にガイドされ矢印A方向に挿入されると、押し込み面7aと当接部12bが接触し始める。また、この状態では、トグルバネ13が回動軸12aに対して図の右側に位置するため、引き込み部材12は回動軸12aを中心にして、トグルバネ13によって矢印D方向に回転する方向へと付勢されている。 As shown in FIG. 8, when the developer replenishment container 1 is guided by the insertion guide 8e (FIG. 3A) and inserted in the direction of arrow A, the pushing surface 7a and the contact portion 12b start to come into contact with each other. Further, in this state, since the toggle spring 13 is located on the right side of the drawing with respect to the rotation shaft 12a, the retracting member 12 is attached in the direction of rotation by the toggle spring 13 in the direction of arrow D with the rotation shaft 12a as the center. It is being pushed.

この状態から更に現像剤補給容器1を矢印A方向へ挿入しようとすると、引き込み部材12が矢印D方向に付勢されている付勢力に逆らって挿入することとなる。また、現像剤受入れ部11の案内係合部11bは、カムトラック4bの入口で上レーン4cと下レーン4dの間に位置している状態なっている。 If the developer supply container 1 is further inserted in the direction of arrow A from this state, the retracting member 12 is inserted against the urging force urged in the direction of arrow D. Further, the guide engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 is located between the upper lane 4c and the lower lane 4d at the entrance of the cam track 4b.

次に、図9に示すように、図8の状態から更に現像剤補給容器1を挿入すると、カムトラック4bの下レーン4dに案内係合部11bが接触する。この状態で更に現像剤補給容器1を挿入すると案内係合部11bはカムトラック4bの下レーン4dに沿って徐々に持ち上げられ、それに伴い現像剤受入れ部11全体が鉛直方向上側に持ち上げられる。即ち、現像剤補給容器1の挿入時には、引き込み部材12が回転を開始してから現像剤受入れ部11が上側に変位を始める。この時点では、引き込み部材12はトグルバネ13によって矢印D方向に付勢されており、現像剤補給容器1は、図8の時と同様に、トグルバネ13の付勢力に逆らって挿入されている。 Next, as shown in FIG. 9, when the developer supply container 1 is further inserted from the state of FIG. 8, the guide engaging portion 11b comes into contact with the lower lane 4d of the cam track 4b. When the developer supply container 1 is further inserted in this state, the guide engaging portion 11b is gradually lifted along the lower lane 4d of the cam track 4b, and the entire developer receiving portion 11 is lifted upward in the vertical direction accordingly. That is, when the developer supply container 1 is inserted, the developer receiving portion 11 starts to be displaced upward after the drawing member 12 starts rotating. At this point, the pull-in member 12 is urged by the toggle spring 13 in the direction of arrow D, and the developer supply container 1 is inserted against the urging force of the toggle spring 13 as in FIG.

次に、図10に示すように、図9の状態から更に現像剤補給容器1を挿入すると、トグルバネ13の付勢方向が、引き込み部材12を回動軸12aを中心に矢印E方向へと付勢する方向に変わる。即ち、トグルバネ13が図8、9の状態に対して回動軸12aを跨いで反対側に位置することで、引き込み部材12に作用する付勢力が変化する。言い換えれば、トグルバネ13の位置が死点(バネを掛け渡した部分同士を結ぶ直線上に回動軸12aが乗る点)を超えると、トグルバネ13によって引き込み部材12を回転させようとする力の方向が切り替わる。トグルバネ13が死点にあるときの引き込み部材12の位置を第1位置とする。 Next, as shown in FIG. 10, when the developer replenishment container 1 is further inserted from the state of FIG. 9, the urging direction of the toggle spring 13 is the pulling member 12 in the direction of arrow E about the rotation shaft 12a. It changes in the direction of momentum. That is, when the toggle spring 13 is located on the opposite side of the rotation shaft 12a with respect to the state shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the urging force acting on the pull-in member 12 changes. In other words, when the position of the toggle spring 13 exceeds the dead center (the point where the rotation shaft 12a rides on the straight line connecting the portions where the springs are hung), the direction of the force that tries to rotate the pull-in member 12 by the toggle spring 13. Is switched. The position of the pull-in member 12 when the toggle spring 13 is at the dead center is set as the first position.

すると、押し込み面7aに押されて変位していた当接部12bが押し込み面7aから離間し、引き込み部材12の引き込み係合部12cと現像剤補給容器1のフランジ部4に配置された突起4fの挿入方向上流側が係合し始める。この際には、トグルバネ13の矢印E方向への付勢力が、引き込み係合部12cから突起4fへ伝わり、現像剤補給容器1全体を矢印A方向へと引っ張り込むように力がかかる。また、この際にも、案内係合部11bはカムトラック4bの下レーン4dに沿って鉛直方向上側へ変位し続け、現像剤受入れ部11を鉛直方向上側へと持ち上げている。 Then, the contact portion 12b that has been pushed and displaced by the push-in surface 7a is separated from the push-in surface 7a, and the protrusion 4f arranged on the pull-in engaging portion 12c of the pull-in member 12 and the flange portion 4 of the developer supply container 1. The upstream side in the insertion direction of is started to engage. At this time, the urging force of the toggle spring 13 in the arrow E direction is transmitted from the pull-in engaging portion 12c to the protrusion 4f, and a force is applied so as to pull the entire developer supply container 1 in the arrow A direction. Further, also at this time, the guide engaging portion 11b continues to be displaced upward in the vertical direction along the lower lane 4d of the cam track 4b, and the developer receiving portion 11 is lifted upward in the vertical direction.

更に、図11(a)に示すように、図10の状態から引き込み部材12によって矢印A方向に引き込まれた現像剤補給容器1は、装着位置まで変位したところで装着を完了する。この状態における引き込み部材12の位置を第2位置とする。なお、矢印E方向に付勢方向が変化した後は、トグルバネ13による矢印E方向への付勢力が引き込み部材12に働いているため、現像剤補給容器1は装着位置方向に付勢力を受けている。また、前述したように、現像剤補給容器1は装着位置で現像剤受入れ装置8に突き当たる。この構成により、現像剤補給容器1は、現像剤受入れ装置8に突き当たった状態で矢印A方向に付勢されているため、取り出し方向(矢印B方向)にずれにくくなっている。 Further, as shown in FIG. 11A, the developer replenishment container 1 pulled in the direction of arrow A by the pull-in member 12 from the state of FIG. 10 completes mounting when it is displaced to the mounting position. The position of the pull-in member 12 in this state is set as the second position. After the urging direction changes in the arrow E direction, the urging force in the arrow E direction by the toggle spring 13 acts on the pulling member 12, so that the developer supply container 1 receives the urging force in the mounting position direction. There is. Further, as described above, the developer replenishment container 1 abuts on the developer receiving device 8 at the mounting position. With this configuration, since the developer replenishment container 1 is urged in the direction of arrow A while abutting against the developer receiving device 8, it is difficult to shift in the take-out direction (direction of arrow B).

また、現像剤補給容器1が装着位置に達した際には、案内係合部11bはカムトラック4bの下レーン4dの傾斜部4d1を上昇し終わり、平行部4d2に達する。その際には、図11(b)に示すように、鉛直方向上側に変位した現像剤受入れ部11の受入れ口11aが、現像剤補給容器1のシャッタ10の排出口10aと接続され、現像剤補給容器1と現像剤受入れ部11が連通することになる。即ち、図11(b)の現像剤受入れ部11の位置が接続位置である。 Further, when the developer supply container 1 reaches the mounting position, the guide engaging portion 11b finishes ascending the inclined portion 4d1 of the lower lane 4d of the cam track 4b and reaches the parallel portion 4d2. At that time, as shown in FIG. 11B, the receiving port 11a of the developing agent receiving unit 11 displaced upward in the vertical direction is connected to the discharging port 10a of the shutter 10 of the developing agent supply container 1, and the developing agent is used. The replenishment container 1 and the developer receiving unit 11 communicate with each other. That is, the position of the developer receiving portion 11 in FIG. 11B is the connection position.

[現像剤補給容器の抜き出し時]
一方、現像剤補給容器1を装着位置から抜き出す工程は、上記した順番と逆工程を辿れば良い。具体的には、図11(a)に示す位置から現像剤補給容器1を矢印B方向に抜き出す。すると、突起4fと引き込み係合部12cとの係合により、引き込み部材12がトグルバネ13の矢印E方向の付勢力に抗して矢印D方向に回転し始める。したがって、この状態では、現像剤補給容器1の抜き出しは、トグルバネ13の付勢力に逆らって行われる。
[When pulling out the developer supply container]
On the other hand, the step of removing the developer supply container 1 from the mounting position may follow the reverse step of the above-mentioned order. Specifically, the developer supply container 1 is pulled out from the position shown in FIG. 11A in the direction of arrow B. Then, due to the engagement between the protrusion 4f and the pull-in engaging portion 12c, the pull-in member 12 starts to rotate in the arrow D direction against the urging force of the toggle spring 13 in the arrow E direction. Therefore, in this state, the developer supply container 1 is pulled out against the urging force of the toggle spring 13.

図10に示すように、図11(a)の状態から更に現像剤補給容器1を矢印B方向に抜き出すと、現像剤受入れ部11の案内係合部11bがカムトラック4bの上レーン4cと係合し、現像剤受入れ部11が下方に変位し始める。そして、現像剤受入れ部11の受入れ口11aと現像剤補給容器1の排出口10aとの接続が解除される。 As shown in FIG. 10, when the developer supply container 1 is further pulled out in the direction of arrow B from the state of FIG. 11A, the guide engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 engages with the upper lane 4c of the cam track 4b. Then, the developer receiving portion 11 begins to be displaced downward. Then, the connection between the receiving port 11a of the developing agent receiving unit 11 and the discharging port 10a of the developing agent replenishing container 1 is released.

図9に示すように、図10の状態から更に現像剤補給容器1を矢印B方向に抜き出すと、トグルバネ13の付勢方向が、引き込み部材12を回動軸12aを中心に矢印D方向へと付勢する方向に変わる。即ち、トグルバネ13の位置が死点(バネを掛け渡した部分同士を結ぶ直線上に回動軸12aが乗る点)を超えて、トグルバネ13によって引き込み部材12を回転させようとする力の方向が切り替わる。この際、引き込み係合部12cが突起4fから離れるが、当接部12bが現像剤補給容器1の押し込み面7aと当接する。すると、トグルバネ13により矢印D方向に回転する方向に付勢された引き込み部材12が現像剤補給容器1を抜き出し方向に押すことになる。 As shown in FIG. 9, when the developer replenishment container 1 is further pulled out in the direction of arrow B from the state of FIG. 10, the urging direction of the toggle spring 13 moves the retracting member 12 in the direction of arrow D about the rotation shaft 12a. It changes in the direction of urging. That is, the direction of the force that the toggle spring 13 tries to rotate the pull-in member 12 exceeds the dead center (the point where the rotation shaft 12a rides on the straight line connecting the portions where the springs are hung). Switch. At this time, the pull-in engaging portion 12c is separated from the protrusion 4f, but the contact portion 12b comes into contact with the pushing surface 7a of the developer supply container 1. Then, the retracting member 12 urged by the toggle spring 13 in the direction of rotation in the direction of arrow D pushes the developer supply container 1 in the extraction direction.

そして、図8に示すように、図9の状態から更に現像剤補給容器1が矢印B方向に抜き出されることで、現像剤受入れ部11が退避位置まで移動する。この際、引き込み部材12の位置決め係合部12dが現像剤受入れ部11の干渉部11cと係合する。この状態における引き込み部材12の位置を第3位置とする。 Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the developer replenishment container 1 is further pulled out from the state of FIG. 9 in the direction of arrow B, so that the developer receiving unit 11 moves to the retracted position. At this time, the positioning engaging portion 12d of the pull-in member 12 engages with the interfering portion 11c of the developing agent receiving portion 11. The position of the pull-in member 12 in this state is set as the third position.

本実施形態では、引き込み部材12は、現像剤補給容器1の抜き出し時に、現像剤受入れ部11が退避位置に移動してから第3位置に移動するようになっている。即ち、引き込み部材12は、トグルバネ13により矢印D方向に付勢された状態では、当接部12bが現像剤補給容器1の押し込み面7aに当接して回転が規制された状態となっている。一方、現像剤受入れ部11は、案内係合部11bがカムトラック4bに案内されることで下方に変位している。本実施形態では、案内係合部11bがカムトラック4bの最下端まで移動し、現像剤受入れ部11が退避位置に移動した後に、現像剤補給容器1の抜き出しにより引き込み部材12の当接部12bが押し込み面7aから離れるようにしている。当接部12bが押し込み面7aから離れると、引き込み部材12はトグルバネ13の付勢力により第3位置に回転し、引き込み部材12の位置決め係合部12d退避位置にいる現像剤受入れ部11の干渉部11cと係合する。 In the present embodiment, when the developer supply container 1 is pulled out, the retractable member 12 moves to the third position after the developer receiving unit 11 moves to the retracted position. That is, in the state where the retracting member 12 is urged in the direction of the arrow D by the toggle spring 13, the contact portion 12b is in contact with the pushing surface 7a of the developer replenishment container 1 and the rotation is restricted. On the other hand, the developer receiving portion 11 is displaced downward by the guide engaging portion 11b being guided by the cam track 4b. In the present embodiment, after the guide engaging portion 11b moves to the lowermost end of the cam track 4b and the developer receiving portion 11 moves to the retracted position, the abutting portion 12b of the pull-in member 12 is pulled out by pulling out the developer supply container 1. Is separated from the pushing surface 7a. When the abutting portion 12b separates from the pushing surface 7a, the pulling member 12 rotates to the third position due to the urging force of the toggle spring 13, and the interfering portion of the developing agent receiving portion 11 at the positioning engaging portion 12d retracted position of the pulling member 12. Engage with 11c.

以上を整理すると、引き込み部材12は、現像剤補給容器1の挿入時に、現像剤補給容器の突起4fと係合して第1位置(トグルバネ13が死点を通る位置)から第2位置に移動することで、現像剤補給容器1を装着位置に引き込む。この際、トグルバネ13の付勢力により現像剤補給容器1が引き込まれる。即ち、現像剤補給容器1の挿入時に引き込み部材12が第1位置を超えて第2位置に移動する際に、トグルバネ13が引き込み部材12を第2位置に向けて矢印E方向に付勢する。 Summarizing the above, when the developer supply container 1 is inserted, the retracting member 12 engages with the protrusion 4f of the developer supply container and moves from the first position (the position where the toggle spring 13 passes through the dead center) to the second position. By doing so, the developer supply container 1 is pulled into the mounting position. At this time, the developer supply container 1 is pulled in by the urging force of the toggle spring 13. That is, when the retractable member 12 moves beyond the first position to the second position when the developer supply container 1 is inserted, the toggle spring 13 urges the retractable member 12 toward the second position in the direction of arrow E.

一方、引き込み部材12は、現像剤補給容器1の抜き出し時に、突起4fと係合することで第3位置まで移動する。そして、引き込み部材12が第1位置を超えて、第2位置とは反対側の第3位置に移動する際に、トグルバネ13が引き込み部材12を第3位置に向けて矢印D方向に付勢する。そして、第3位置において、引き込み部材12の位置決め係合部12dが現像剤受入れ部11の干渉部11cと係合する。 On the other hand, the pull-in member 12 moves to the third position by engaging with the protrusion 4f when the developer supply container 1 is pulled out. Then, when the pull-in member 12 exceeds the first position and moves to the third position opposite to the second position, the toggle spring 13 urges the pull-in member 12 toward the third position in the arrow D direction. .. Then, at the third position, the positioning engaging portion 12d of the retracting member 12 engages with the interfering portion 11c of the developing agent receiving portion 11.

このような一連の挿入、抜き出しフローにおいて、現像剤補給容器1の挿入時には、引き込み部材12が回転を開始してから現像剤受入れ部11が上側に変位を始める。したがって、現像剤補給容器1の挿入時に現像剤受入れ部11が上昇する際に、引き込み部材12が現像剤受入れ部11と干渉することを防止できる。一方、現像剤補給容器1の抜き出し時には、現像剤受入れ部11が下端(退避位置)に下がりきってから引き込み部材12が第3位置に位置するように回転する。したがって、現像剤補給容器1の抜き出し時に現像剤受入れ部11が下降する際にも、引き込み部材12が現像剤受入れ部11と干渉することを防止できる。このため、上述の現像剤補給容器1の挿入及び抜き出し動作をより確実に行うことができる。 In such a series of insertion / extraction flow, when the developer supply container 1 is inserted, the developer receiving portion 11 starts to be displaced upward after the drawing member 12 starts rotating. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the retracting member 12 from interfering with the developer receiving portion 11 when the developer receiving portion 11 rises when the developer replenishing container 1 is inserted. On the other hand, when the developer supply container 1 is taken out, the developing agent receiving portion 11 is lowered to the lower end (retracted position) and then the retracting member 12 is rotated so as to be located at the third position. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the drawing member 12 from interfering with the developing agent receiving portion 11 even when the developing agent receiving portion 11 is lowered when the developing agent replenishing container 1 is taken out. Therefore, the above-mentioned insertion and extraction operations of the developer supply container 1 can be performed more reliably.

[現像剤受入れ部の位置決め]
上述のように現像剤補給容器1を抜き出すと、引き込み部材12が第3位置に回転して、図12に示すように、引き込み部材12の位置決め係合部12dが現像剤受入れ部11の干渉部11cと係合する。引き込み部材12は、トグルバネ13により矢印D方向に付勢されているため、現像剤受入れ部11を下方に抑え付けるように位置決め係合部12dが干渉部11cと係合することになる。この結果、現像剤受入れ部11が不用意に上方に移動することなく、退避位置に位置決めされる。
[Positioning of developer receiving part]
When the developer supply container 1 is pulled out as described above, the pull-in member 12 rotates to the third position, and as shown in FIG. 12, the positioning engagement portion 12d of the pull-in member 12 becomes an interference portion of the developer receiving portion 11. Engage with 11c. Since the pull-in member 12 is urged in the direction of arrow D by the toggle spring 13, the positioning engaging portion 12d engages with the interfering portion 11c so as to hold down the developer receiving portion 11. As a result, the developer receiving portion 11 is positioned at the retracted position without inadvertently moving upward.

現像剤補給容器1が退避位置に位置決めされている状態では、案内係合部11bがカムトラック4bの入口で上レーン4cと下レーン4dの間に位置する。そして、現像剤補給容器1が取り出されている状態で現像剤受入れ部11が退避位置に位置決めされていることで、次の現像剤補給容器1の挿入時には、カムトラック4bの入口で上レーン4cと下レーン4dの間に案内係合部11bが位置した状態となる。このため、次の現像剤補給容器1の挿入動作においても、上述した挿入フローを円滑に辿ることができる。 In the state where the developer supply container 1 is positioned at the retracted position, the guide engaging portion 11b is located between the upper lane 4c and the lower lane 4d at the entrance of the cam track 4b. Since the developer receiving unit 11 is positioned at the retracted position while the developer replenishment container 1 is taken out, the upper lane 4c is located at the entrance of the cam track 4b when the developer replenishment container 1 is inserted next time. The guide engaging portion 11b is located between the lower lane 4d and the lower lane 4d. Therefore, the above-mentioned insertion flow can be smoothly followed even in the next insertion operation of the developer supply container 1.

また、上述のように、現像剤補給容器1が取り出されている状態で現像剤受入れ部11が退避位置に位置決めされているため、画像形成装置に衝撃や振動が加わっても現像剤受入れ部11が不用意に退避位置から上方に変位することを抑制できる。このため、次の現像剤補給容器1の挿入時に、現像剤受入れ部11が退避位置よりも上側に変位して、挿入される現像剤補給容器1と干渉することを抑制できる。 Further, as described above, since the developer receiving unit 11 is positioned at the retracted position in the state where the developing agent replenishing container 1 is taken out, the developing agent receiving unit 11 is positioned even if an impact or vibration is applied to the image forming apparatus. Can be prevented from being inadvertently displaced upward from the retracted position. Therefore, when the developer supply container 1 is inserted next time, it is possible to prevent the developer receiving unit 11 from being displaced above the retracted position and interfering with the insert developer supply container 1.

これらの点について、図13の比較例を用いて説明する。図13は、引きこみ部材12Aとして位置決め係合部12dがない構成を用いた場合の、現像剤補給容器1の挿入前における状態を示す図である。 These points will be described with reference to the comparative example of FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state before insertion of the developer replenishment container 1 when a configuration without a positioning engaging portion 12d is used as the retracting member 12A.

引き込み部材12Aは、位置決め係合部12dがないため、第3位置に位置していても現像剤受入れ部11と係合しない。このため、現像剤受入れ部11が上下方向に移動可能な状態となり、振動や衝撃が加わった際には現像剤受入れ部11が退避位置より上側の位置に移動してしまう虞がある。 Since the retracting member 12A does not have the positioning engaging portion 12d, it does not engage with the developing agent receiving portion 11 even if it is located at the third position. Therefore, the developer receiving unit 11 becomes movable in the vertical direction, and when vibration or impact is applied, the developing agent receiving unit 11 may move to a position higher than the retracted position.

また、この状態で現像剤補給容器1が矢印A方向に挿入されると、案内係合部11bがカムトラック4bの入口で上レーン4cと下レーン4dの間に位置することができず、カムトラック4bの上レーン4cの上に位置してしまう虞もある。そして、現像剤補給容器1の挿入に伴い、案内係合部11bが上レーン4cの上面側などにぶつかって破損する可能性がある。また、現像剤補給容器1と現像剤受入れ部11とが干渉して、現像剤受入れ部11変形してしまう可能性もある。そして、現像剤補給容器1と現像剤受入れ部11が正しく接続できず、外部に現像剤が漏れてしまう虞がある。 Further, if the developer supply container 1 is inserted in the direction of arrow A in this state, the guide engaging portion 11b cannot be located between the upper lane 4c and the lower lane 4d at the entrance of the cam track 4b, and the cam It may be located above the upper lane 4c of the track 4b. Then, as the developer replenishment container 1 is inserted, the guide engaging portion 11b may hit the upper surface side of the upper lane 4c or the like and be damaged. Further, there is a possibility that the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving unit 11 interfere with each other and the developing agent receiving unit 11 is deformed. Then, the developer supply container 1 and the developer receiving unit 11 cannot be connected correctly, and there is a risk that the developer leaks to the outside.

一方、前述した特許文献1に記載の構成のように、現像剤受入れ部11を付勢部材により退避位置に付勢することで、現像剤受入れ部11の位置決めを行うと、付勢部材を設ける分、コストが高くなる。また、現像剤受入れ部11を付勢部材により下側に付勢する構成の場合、現像剤補給容器1の挿入動作に伴って現像剤受入れ部11を上昇させる際に、この付勢部材の付勢力に抗して挿入動作を行うことになる。即ち、現像剤受入れ部11の案内係合部11bがカムトラック4bの下レーン4dの傾斜部4d1(図5(b))と係合した状態で、現像剤受入れ部11が下方に付勢された状態となる。すると、案内係合部11bと下レーン4dの傾斜部4d1との係合により、現像剤補給容器1には挿入方向とは逆方向に付勢力が作用する。このため、ユーザなどが現像剤補給容器1を挿入する際に、この逆方向の付勢力を抵抗として感じてしまう懸念があり、ユーザビリティの点で不利である。 On the other hand, as in the configuration described in Patent Document 1 described above, when the developer receiving portion 11 is positioned at the retracted position by the urging member, the urging member is provided. The cost will increase accordingly. Further, in the case of the configuration in which the developer receiving portion 11 is urged downward by the urging member, the urging member is attached when the developer receiving portion 11 is raised in accordance with the insertion operation of the developer replenishment container 1. The insertion operation will be performed against the forces. That is, the developer receiving portion 11 is urged downward in a state where the guide engaging portion 11b of the developer receiving portion 11 is engaged with the inclined portion 4d1 (FIG. 5 (b)) of the lower lane 4d of the cam track 4b. It becomes a state. Then, due to the engagement between the guide engaging portion 11b and the inclined portion 4d1 of the lower lane 4d, an urging force acts on the developer supply container 1 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. Therefore, when the user or the like inserts the developer replenishment container 1, there is a concern that the urging force in the opposite direction may be felt as resistance, which is disadvantageous in terms of usability.

そこで本実施形態では、現像剤受入れ部11を下方に付勢する付勢部材を設けずに、トグルバネ13により矢印D方向に付勢された引き込み部材12の位置決め係合部12dを干渉部11cに係合させることで、現像剤受入れ部11の位置決めを図っている。このため、現像剤補給容器1の挿入時の操作力を軽減してユーザビリティの向上を図れる共に、現像剤補給容器1の挿入時に現像剤補給容器1と現像剤受入れ部11とが干渉することを抑制できる。 Therefore, in the present embodiment, the positioning engaging portion 12d of the pull-in member 12 urged in the arrow D direction by the toggle spring 13 is used as the interference portion 11c without providing the urging member for urging the developer receiving portion 11 downward. By engaging, the developer receiving portion 11 is positioned. Therefore, the operating force at the time of inserting the developer replenishment container 1 can be reduced to improve usability, and the developer replenishment container 1 and the developer receiving unit 11 interfere with each other when the developer replenishment container 1 is inserted. Can be suppressed.

[他の実施形態]
上述の説明では、現像剤受入れ部11の受入れ口11aが連通する排出口をシャッタ10の開口である排出口10aとしたが、シャッタを設けずに、現像剤補給容器1の容器排出口に現像剤受入れ部の受入れ口を直接当接させて連通させるようにしても良い。この場合、容器排出口が受入れ口と連通する排出口に相当する。
[Other Embodiments]
In the above description, the discharge port through which the receiving port 11a of the developer receiving unit 11 communicates is the discharge port 10a which is the opening of the shutter 10, but the developing is performed at the container discharge port of the developer replenishment container 1 without providing the shutter. The receiving port of the agent receiving portion may be brought into direct contact with each other to communicate with each other. In this case, the container discharge port corresponds to the discharge port that communicates with the receiving port.

1・・・現像剤補給容器/4b・・・カムトラック(案内部)/4f・・・突起/7a・・・押し込み面(現像剤補給容器の挿入方向先端部)/8・・・現像剤受入れ装置/10a・・・排出口/11・・・現像剤受入れ部/11a・・・受入れ口/11b・・・案内係合部/11c・・・干渉部/12・・・引き込み部材/12b・・・当接部/12c・・・引き込み係合部/12d・・・位置決め係合部/13・・・トグルバネ(付勢手段) 1 ... Developer replenishment container / 4b ... Cam track (guide) / 4f ... Protrusion / 7a ... Push-in surface (tip in insertion direction of developer replenishment container) / 8 ... Developer Receiving device / 10a ... Discharge port / 11 ... Developer receiving part / 11a ... Receiving port / 11b ... Guide engaging part / 11c ... Interference part / 12 ... Retracting member / 12b ... Contact part / 12c ... Pull-in engagement part / 12d ... Positioning engagement part / 13 ... Toggle spring (biasing means)

Claims (5)

現像剤を補給するための現像剤補給容器が挿抜可能な現像剤受入れ装置であって、
前記現像剤補給容器が装着位置に位置する場合に前記現像剤補給容器に設けられた排出口と接続されて、前記排出口から排出された現像剤を受け入れる受入れ口を有し、且つ、前記受入れ口が前記排出口と接続する接続位置と、前記受入れ口が前記排出口から退避した退避位置との間で、前記現像剤補給容器の挿抜動作に伴って前記現像剤補給容器の挿入方向と交差する方向に移動可能な現像剤受入れ部と、
前記現像剤補給容器の挿入時に、前記現像剤補給容器の一部と係合して第1位置から第2位置に移動することで、前記現像剤補給容器を前記装着位置に引き込む引き込み部材と、
前記現像剤補給容器の挿入時に前記引き込み部材が前記第1位置を超えて前記第2位置に移動する際に、前記引き込み部材を前記第2位置に向けて付勢し、前記現像剤補給容器の抜き出し時に前記引き込み部材が前記第1位置を超えて、前記第2位置とは反対側の第3位置に移動する際に、前記引き込み部材を前記第3位置に向けて付勢する付勢手段と、を備え、
前記引き込み部材は、前記第3位置にある状態で前記退避位置にある前記現像剤受入れ部と係合し、前記現像剤受入れ部を前記退避位置に位置決めする位置決め係合部を有する、
ことを特徴とする現像剤受入れ装置。
A developer receiving device that can insert and remove the developer replenishment container for replenishing the developer.
When the developer replenishment container is located at the mounting position, it is connected to a discharge port provided in the developer replenishment container and has a receiving port for receiving the developing agent discharged from the discharging port, and the receiving port is received. Between the connection position where the port is connected to the discharge port and the retracted position where the receiving port is retracted from the discharge port, it intersects with the insertion direction of the developer replenishment container as the developer replenishment container is inserted and removed. A developer receiving part that can move in the direction of
When the developer replenishment container is inserted, the retracting member that pulls the developer replenishment container into the mounting position by engaging with a part of the developer replenishment container and moving from the first position to the second position.
When the retractable member moves beyond the first position to the second position when the developer replenishment container is inserted, the retractable member is urged toward the second position to urge the developer replenisher container. With the urging means for urging the retracting member toward the third position when the retracting member exceeds the first position and moves to a third position opposite to the second position at the time of extraction. With,
The retracting member has a positioning engaging portion that engages with the developing agent receiving portion in the retracting position in the state of being in the third position and positions the developing agent receiving portion in the retracted position.
A developer receiving device characterized in that.
前記引き込み部材は、前記現像剤補給容器の抜き出し時に、前記現像剤受入れ部が前記退避位置に移動してから前記第3位置に移動する、
ことを特徴とする、請求項1に記載の現像剤受入れ装置。
When the developer replenishment container is pulled out, the retractable member moves to the third position after the developer receiving portion moves to the retracted position.
The developer receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the developer receiving device is characterized in that.
前記引き込み部材は、回転することで前記現像剤補給容器を引き込む、
ことを特徴とする、請求項1又は2に記載の現像剤受入れ装置。
The retracting member draws in the developer replenishment container by rotating.
The developer receiving device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the developer receiving device is characterized in that.
前記引き込み部材は、
前記現像剤補給容器の前記挿入方向先端部と当接可能な当接部と、
前記現像剤補給容器の一部から突出するように設けられた突起の前記挿入方向上流側と係合可能な引き込み係合部と、を有し、
前記現像剤補給容器の挿入時に前記挿入方向先端部が前記当接部に当接した状態で前記現像剤補給容器が更に挿入されることで、前記第1位置を超えて前記付勢手段が前記引き込み部材を前記第2位置に向けて付勢する位置まで移動し、
前記付勢手段が前記引き込み部材を前記第2位置に向けて付勢している状態で前記引き込み係合部が前記突起と係合することで前記現像剤補給容器を前記装着位置に引き込み、
前記現像剤補給容器の抜き出し時に前記引き込み係合部が前記突起と係合することで前記第1位置を超えて前記付勢手段が前記引き込み部材を前記第3位置に向けて付勢する位置まで移動する、
ことを特徴とする、請求項1ないし3の何れか1項に記載の現像剤受入れ装置。
The pull-in member is
A contact portion capable of contacting the tip end portion of the developer supply container in the insertion direction,
It has a retractable engaging portion that can engage with the upstream side in the insertion direction of a protrusion provided so as to protrude from a part of the developer supply container.
When the developer replenishment container is further inserted with the tip end portion in the insertion direction in contact with the abutting portion when the developer replenishment container is inserted, the urging means is moved beyond the first position. Move the pull-in member to the position where it is urged toward the second position,
The developer replenishment container is pulled into the mounting position by engaging the pull-in engaging portion with the protrusion while the urging means is urging the pull-in member toward the second position.
When the developer replenishment container is pulled out, the retractable engaging portion engages with the protrusion to a position where the urging means urges the retracting member toward the third position beyond the first position. Moving,
The developer receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the developer receiving device is characterized by the above.
前記現像剤受入れ部は、前記現像剤補給容器の挿抜時に、前記現像剤補給容器に設けられた案内部と係合することで、前記接続位置と前記退避位置とに案内される案内係合部を有する、
ことを特徴とする、請求項1ないし4の何れか1項に記載の現像剤受入れ装置。
The developer receiving portion is guided to the connection position and the retracted position by engaging with the guide portion provided in the developer replenishment container when the developer replenishment container is inserted and removed. Have,
The developer receiving apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the developer receiving device is characterized by the above.
JP2019099393A 2019-05-28 2019-05-28 Developer receiving device Pending JP2020194078A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2019099393A JP2020194078A (en) 2019-05-28 2019-05-28 Developer receiving device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
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Family

ID=73546483

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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Country Link
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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113156784A (en) * 2021-04-12 2021-07-23 珠海天威飞马打印耗材有限公司 Carbon powder cylinder
CN113238467A (en) * 2021-04-02 2021-08-10 珠海天威飞马打印耗材有限公司 Carbon powder cylinder
JP2023062746A (en) * 2021-10-22 2023-05-09 キヤノン株式会社 image forming device
CN117192922A (en) * 2023-09-06 2023-12-08 广州众诺微电子有限公司 Developer container and image forming device

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113238467A (en) * 2021-04-02 2021-08-10 珠海天威飞马打印耗材有限公司 Carbon powder cylinder
CN113156784A (en) * 2021-04-12 2021-07-23 珠海天威飞马打印耗材有限公司 Carbon powder cylinder
JP2023062746A (en) * 2021-10-22 2023-05-09 キヤノン株式会社 image forming device
JP7799425B2 (en) 2021-10-22 2026-01-15 キヤノン株式会社 Image forming device
CN117192922A (en) * 2023-09-06 2023-12-08 广州众诺微电子有限公司 Developer container and image forming device

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