JP2003035990A - Toner replenishing container - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a sealing member which hermetically seals the discharge port of a toner container to freely open/close maintain stable attaching strength even with the lapse of time and under any environment and keep hermetically sealing property and to prevent soiling around the toner discharge port caused by the adhesion of toner. SOLUTION: In this toner replenishing container freely attached to/detached from an electrophotographic image forming device, an aperture part for discharging the toner is double cylinders 1a and 1b, and the sealing member 2 sealing the aperture part is press-fit and engaged with the inner surface of the inside cylinder and seals the outside cylinder, and further a locking part 2b provided on the member 2 is engaged with the part to be locked 1g of the outside cylinder 1b so that the member 2 is locked in a pulling-out direction.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toner supply container for supplying toner to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a printer. More specifically, the present invention relates to a toner supply container in which the sealing performance of a sealing member that seals a toner discharge port is improved.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, fine powder toner has been used as a developer in image forming apparatuses such as electrophotographic copying machines and printers. Then, when the developer of the image forming apparatus main body is consumed, toner is supplied to the image forming apparatus using a toner supply container.

Since the toner is an extremely fine powder, there has been a problem that the toner is scattered during the toner replenishing work to stain the operator and the surroundings. Therefore, a method has been proposed and put into practical use in which the toner supply container is set inside the main body of the image forming apparatus and the toner is discharged little by little through a small opening.

In such a system, a method has been proposed in which a cap is press-fitted into the opening for discharging the toner to seal the toner. When the toner supply container is attached to the image forming apparatus, the cap is opened, the cap is closed when almost all the toner is discharged and the toner supply container is taken out, and the toner supply container removed from the image forming apparatus is resealed. Therefore, even if a small amount of toner remains inside the toner supply container, it is prevented that the toner scatters and stains the surroundings.

The toner replenishing container disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-20705 has a cylindrical bottle-like shape as a whole, and a spiral protrusion is provided on the inner surface of the toner replenishing container, and a small toner discharge container is provided near the center on one end side. There is an exit. The toner conveyed to the end portion on the toner discharge port side by the spiral protrusion is guided to the discharge port by the protruding portion provided at the end portion of the container body. The toner discharge port is sealed by press fitting a stopper, and the image forming apparatus main body is provided with means for removing or resealing the stopper.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-254230 discloses a structure in which a toner discharge port neck portion of a container body is sealed by being sandwiched between an inner wall and an outer wall of a cap.

In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-90987, a toner filling port is sealed by fitting a cap member, and when a pressure difference between the inside and the outside occurs, the cap member is deformed to form a minute gap through which air can flow. A configuration is disclosed.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-73000 discloses a structure in which a sealing member is press-fitted into a toner discharge port to seal it, and the sealing member also transmits a rotational driving force to a toner conveying member. .

[0009]

However, the above-mentioned conventional example has the following problems.

The caps disclosed in these conventional examples,
The stopper and the sealing member are press-fitted into the toner discharge opening portion to seal them. Therefore, these caps, stoppers, and sealing members are materials having flexibility or elasticity, and in general, olefin plastics and olefin elastomers are often used. On the other hand, the toner supply container body having the toner discharge opening is made of hard plastic such as polystyrene, polypropylene and ABS.

In such a structure, the stress for compressing the sealing member and the stress for expanding the toner discharging port continue to act on the sealing member. The inner surface of the outlet is closely attached and sealed.

Both the flexible and elastic sealing member side and the relatively rigid container body side are subjected to long-term physical distribution and storage under stress, during which the sealing member is compressed. In addition, the toner discharge port undergoes creep deformation to some extent in the direction of expansion, and the initial stress cannot be maintained, and therefore the sealing performance deteriorates.

The amount of creep deformation varies depending on the length of the standing period and the environment during that period, but when exposed to a severe high temperature and high humidity environment (about 40 ° C./90% RH) for a long period of time, the above-mentioned stress becomes large. There were times when it fell to. In such a situation, if a drop impact is applied to the toner replenishing container, the sealing member may come out of the toner discharge port and the toner may leak out in rare cases.

In the structure of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-90987, the cap is relatively unlikely to come off due to creep deformation, but the engaging portion between the cap and the toner supply container is provided over the entire circumference, which is great for removal. Power is needed. If the cap of the toner filling port is not supposed to be removed, there is no problem, but in the case of the toner discharging port, it is desired that the cap is detachable and the force required for it is small. Also, from the viewpoint of the sealing performance, it is actually very difficult to deform the cap member by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the toner supply container to allow only the air to flow in and out, and avoid leaking some toner by all means. I can't.

Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve the stain around the toner outlet.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication Nos. 7-20705 and 10
In both Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 254230 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-73000, toner is discharged from the opened toner discharge port, and after use, the discharge port is resealed with a sealing member. At this time, the toner inevitably scatters and adheres around the toner discharge port, and even if the sealing member is resealed, the toner adhering portion tends to be exposed.

Particularly, in the cap disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-254230, two or more cutouts are provided on the outer wall, and even if the cap is resealed, a small amount of toner spills out from the cutout. There is a risk that it will stain the surroundings.

[0018]

Means for Solving the Problems and Actions The present invention is as follows if the claims are numbered according to the claims.

A first aspect of the present invention is a toner replenishing container which is attachable to and detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and which has a container main body having an opening for accommodating toner therein and discharging the toner. A sealing member that opens and closes the opening so that the opening has a hollow cylindrical shape that projects from at least a wall surface of a portion of the container body where the opening is provided. A hollow tubular portion is provided outside the ring-shaped opening, and the sealing member is press-fitted inside the opening to seal it and also to seal the outer tubular portion. And the locking member of the sealing member and the locked portion of the container body are engaged with each other outside the opening when the sealing member is in the sealing position. Is to be locked in the pulling-out direction.

In the above structure, the stability of the mounting strength of the sealing member with respect to time and environmental changes is increased with a simple structure, and toner adhesion stains around the toner discharge port can be prevented.

In a second aspect of the present invention, the opening has a cylindrical shape protruding from the container body, and the outer cylindrical portion is provided concentrically with the cylindrical opening, It is characterized in that it has a cylindrical shape having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the portion.

In the above structure, by making the opening circular, it is possible to easily open and close the sealing member regardless of the phase relationship between the sealing member and the container body, and to ensure a more secure sealing by the sealing member, By making the tubular portion concentric with the opening, the outer tubular portion can be reliably sealed regardless of the phase relationship between the sealing member and the container body. A third invention according to the present application is characterized in that the outer tubular portion projects from the container body by substantially the same height as the tubular opening.

In the above structure, it becomes easy to simultaneously seal both the outer cylindrical portion and the cylindrical opening with the sealing member.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the outer cylindrical portion is lower than the cylindrical opening and protrudes from the container body.

In the above structure, it is possible to reduce toner adhesion to the outer cylindrical portion and reduce toner stain after resealing with the sealing member.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the toner contained in the container is conveyed and discharged by rotating the container body.

In the above structure, the toner can be conveyed and discharged with a small number of parts and a simple structure without providing a movable stirring member or a bearing member.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the container body has a hollow cylindrical shape.

In the above structure, the attachment / detachment to / from the image forming apparatus main body becomes easy.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the container body has a hollow cylindrical shape.

In the above structure, the container body can be easily rotated, and the limited space can be effectively utilized to secure the maximum amount of toner storage space.

An eighth invention according to the present application is characterized in that the opening is provided on the surface of the container body on the one end side in the rotation axis direction and on the rotation axis.

In the above arrangement, even if the sealing member is opened and the container body is rotated, the center of the sealing member and the center of the opening are always aligned with each other, so that the sealing member can be smoothly and reliably resealed. be able to.

In a ninth invention according to the present application, the sealing member has a portion for receiving a rotational force from the image forming apparatus and a portion for transmitting the rotational force to the container body, It is characterized in that the container body is rotated by force.

In the above structure, the sealing member also serves as a member for transmitting the rotational force, so that the rotational force can be transmitted without providing a rotary bearing member or the like.

In a tenth aspect of the present invention, a shaft having a non-circular cross section is provided so as to penetrate through the opening, and the sealing member and the container body are arranged in the rotational axis direction via the shaft. It is characterized in that they are movably locked to each other so as not to rotate relative to each other in the rotation direction, and that the rotational force is transmitted from the sealing member to the container body via the shaft.

In the above structure, since the sealing member and the container body are always kept in a constant phase relationship, the sealing member can be smoothly and reliably resealed.

An eleventh invention according to the present application is characterized in that the locked portion provided on the container body is provided on a cylindrical outer surface of the cylindrical opening.

In the above structure, the locked portion can be freely designed, and the engagement relationship can be easily optimized.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the locked portion provided on the container body is provided on the outer tubular portion.

In the above structure, since the engaging portion between the sealing member and the container body is independent of the toner discharge opening, even if the toner discharge opening is deformed due to time or environment, this deformation is affected. It is possible to reliably maintain the engagement relationship.

In a thirteenth aspect of the present application, the locking portion of the sealing member and the locked portion of the container body for locking the sealing member in the pull-out direction are dispersed in the circumferential direction. The feature is that two or more sets are provided.

In the above construction, the engagement relationship can be made more reliable so that the sealing member will not easily be pulled out even if a drop impact or the like is applied.

In a fourteenth aspect of the present application, the plurality of sets of locking portions of the sealing member and the plurality of sets of locked portions of the container body are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction. It is characterized by being

In the above structure, a moment is unlikely to act on the sealing member even if a force for removing the sealing member is applied, and the sealing member does not tilt with respect to the axial center, so that more reliable sealing can be achieved. .

A fifteenth invention of the present application is characterized in that the locking relationship between the locking portion of the sealing member and the locked portion of the container body is snap fit fitting.

In the above construction, the sealing member can be easily attached to and detached from the opening, and no stress is exerted on the locking portion while the sealing member is fitted in the opening, so that it is stable against changes with time and the environment. The engaged relationship can be maintained.

The sixteenth invention of the present application is that the locking relationship between the locking portion of the sealing member and the locked portion of the container body is such that the sealing member sandwiches the cylindrical opening. It is characterized by being.

In the above structure, since no stress acts on the toner discharge opening in the direction of expanding it, creep deformation of the toner discharge opening can be prevented and stable sealing performance can be obtained.

The seventeenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the rotational force is transmitted from the sealing member to the container body outside the opening.

In the above structure, it is not necessary to pass a shaft or the like through the toner discharge opening, so that the toner can be discharged efficiently and the toner discharge opening can be set small. The eighteenth invention of the present application is characterized in that the rotational force is transmitted to the locking portion of the sealing member and the locked portion of the container body.

In the above structure, since the locking portion of the sealing member also serves as the transmission portion of the rotational force to the container body, the structure is simplified and the locking portion of the sealing member and the cover of the container body are covered. The phase relationship with the locking portion can be more precisely maintained constant.

In a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the locking portion provided on the sealing member is concentric with the outside of the cylindrical opening when the sealing member is at the sealing position. It is characterized in that it is housed in a provided cylindrical portion.

In the above structure, even if toner adheres to the locking portion of the sealing member, it is stored in the cylindrical portion, so that toner scattering and dirt after resealing can be prevented.

The twentieth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that at least a part of the material of the sealing member is formed by injection molding an olefin resin or an olefin elastomer.

In the above-mentioned structure, the proper elasticity provides a reliable sealing property, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0057]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS << Embodiment 1 >> Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1
1 is a perspective view showing a toner supply container according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a sealing member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a closed state of the sealing member, 4 is a sectional view in the middle of opening, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the toner supply container is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG.
FIG. 9 is a view showing an operation state after the toner supply container is attached to the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a sectional view in the middle of mounting, FIG. 7 is a sectional view when the mounting is completed, and FIG. 8 shows a sealing member. FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a state in which the toner is replenished and toner is replenished, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a method for removing the toner replenishing container.

1, 3 to 9, reference numeral 1 denotes a toner replenishing container including a container body 1A and a sealing member 2. In FIG. 5 to FIG. 10, 3 indicates an image forming apparatus main body.

(Toner Container Main Body) In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1A denotes a toner container main body (hereinafter also referred to as a container main body) having a substantially hollow cylindrical shape, and an opening for discharging a hollow cylindrical toner is formed on an end face on one end side in the axial direction. A portion 1a and a cylindrical portion 1b as a hollow cylindrical portion concentric with the opening 1a are provided outside the opening 1a. The cylindrical portion 1b has a locking hole 1g.

The container body 1A has a shaft portion 1h at the center of rotation. One end of the opening portion 1a and the cylindrical portion 1b is integrated with the end surface of the container body 1A, and the other end is on one plane in the axial direction of the container body 1A. Therefore, the opening 1a of the container body 1A
The height of the cylindrical portion 1b protruding from the end surface of the container body 1A is substantially the same. At the center of the opening 1a, that is, on the axis of the rotation center of the container body 1A, the shaft portion 1a is provided in the container body 1A and the body.

The container body 1A is made of plastic by injection molding.
It is preferable to manufacture by a method such as blow molding or injection blow molding, but other materials and manufacturing methods may be used.

The container body 1A has a hollow cylindrical shape and stores toner therein. A spiral projection 1c is formed on the inner wall of the container body 1A.
Is provided. By rotating the container body 1A, the toner is conveyed toward the opening 1a by the spiral protrusion 1c and is discharged from the opening 1a. That is, the opening 1a is a toner discharge opening.

The (sealing member) 2 is a sealing member for opening and closing the opening 1a.

The sealing member 2 has a cap shape and has a sealing portion 2a, a locking portion 2b, a hole 2c, a flange portion 2d, a driving force receiving portion 2e, and an axial locking surface 2f. (See Figure 1 and Figure 2).

Here, the sealing portion 2a has a cylindrical shape, and the collar portion 2
It continues to the end face of d. The locking portion 2b extends in the axial direction from the flange portion 2d and has a reverse claw 2b1 at the tip. The hole 2c is shown in FIG.
It is a square hole which is located at the center of the sealing portion 2a and which is stopped in the axial direction as shown in FIG. The flange portion 2d is a circle having an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 1b. The driving force receiving portion 2e is a cylinder having a large number of axial teeth such as internal teeth or splines and knurls on its inner circumference. The axial locking portion 2f is a side surface of a circumferential groove provided on the outer circumference of the cylinder of the driving force receiving portion 2e.

The outer diameter of the sealing portion 2a is set to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the opening portion 1a, and the collar portion 2d is pressed into the opening portion 1a until it stops. At the same time, a locking portion 2b provided to extend on the side of the sealing member 2 facing the container body 1A.
, Engages with a locking hole 1g provided in the peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 1b of the container body 1A in a non-pullable direction. Two locking portions 2b and two locking holes 1g are provided facing each other,
It may be one or three or more. However, one is less effective in locking the sealing member 2 irremovably, and the larger the number is, the more the toner is prevented from being discharged. Therefore, two are most preferable. When a plurality of locking parts 2b are installed, it is most preferable to install them at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical part 1b. This is because when a force is applied in the removing direction, a moment acts on the sealing member 2 and causes the sealing member 2 to tilt. There is no risk of leakage.

The sealing member 2 is preferably made of plastic by injection molding, but other materials and manufacturing methods may be used. The material of the sealing member 2 is preferably a material having high elasticity such as polyethylene or polypropylene, and low density polyethylene is most preferable. In this embodiment, low density polyethylene is used. That is, at least part of the sealing member 2, for example, the sealing portion 2a fitted in the opening 1a is formed by injection molding an olefin resin or an olefin elastomer.

The toner container body 1A may be formed by a method of dividing it into two or more parts and integrating them by means such as welding or adhesion.

(Opening and Closing of Sealing Member) The situation when the sealing member 2 is opened and closed will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a state in which the sealing member 2 is closed, and the sealing portion 2a is press-fitted to the inner surface of the opening 1a to maintain the airtightness, and at the same time, the snap fitting of the sealing member 2 is performed. The shaped locking portion 2b engages with the locking hole 1g of the cylindrical portion 1b to prevent the withdrawal. The sealing surface 2h of the flange portion 2d on the side facing the container body 1A is in close contact with the end surface of the opening 1a and the end surface of the cylindrical portion 1b, respectively.

Next, FIG. 4 shows a state in which the sealing member 2 is pulled out, the locking portion 2b is released from the engagement with the locking hole 1g, and the sealing member 2 is pulled out from the opening 1a. ing. Then, the toner is discharged from between the two locking portions 2b. Here, the toner is conveyed and discharged by the action of the spiral protrusion 1c, but the toner is discharged once while the container body 1A makes one rotation. Therefore, depending on the setting method of the spiral protrusion 1c (the timing at which the toner is discharged can be changed by adjusting the phase of the protrusion 1c in the container body), the toner is discharged from between the two locking portions 2b. It is easy to discharge the toner, and by doing so, it is possible to avoid the adhesion of the toner to the locking portion 2b.

When the empty toner replenishing container 1 after the completion of toner discharge is taken out from the image forming apparatus main body 3,
The sealing member 2 is again press-fitted into the opening 1a to return to the state of FIG. The sealing member 2 and the container body 1A have a shaft portion 1h.
Since it is locked in the rotational direction via the, the phase relationship between the sealing member 2 and the container main body 1A is kept constant even while the sealing member 2 is opened to discharge the toner. For this reason,
Only by bringing the sealing member 2 and the container body 1A closer to each other, the two sets of the locking portion 2b and the locking hole 1g can be reliably engaged again.

When the sealing member 2 returns to the sealing position, the sealing portion 2
a and the inner surface of the opening 1a are in close contact with each other, the container body 1A
A small amount of toner remaining inside does not leak out. Further, the sealing surface 2h of the flange portion 2d on the side facing the container body 1A comes into close contact with the end surface of the opening portion 1a and the end surface of the cylindrical portion 1b again, so that the space between the outside of the opening portion 1a and the cylindrical portion 1b. Even if a small amount of toner has entered, it will not leak out.

Since the sealing member 2 is made of an elastic material such as low density polyethylene, sufficient elasticity can be obtained by its own elasticity, but the surface of the flange portion 2d facing the container body 1A. By arranging a softer elastic member such as foam or rubber in the above, even higher sealing performance can be obtained, and dirt due to toner scattering can be effectively prevented.

(Mounting to Image Forming Apparatus) A method of mounting such a toner supply container 1 to the main body of the image forming apparatus will be described. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 3 denotes a main body of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a laser printer, a facsimile, and the copying machine is illustrated here. Reference numeral 3a indicates a document table, and 3b indicates an operation panel.

FIG. 5A shows a method of mounting the toner supply container along the axial direction from the front to the back of the image forming apparatus main body 3, which is the simplest method.

Similarly, FIG. 5B shows a method of mounting the toner supply container along the axial direction from the right side surface of the image forming apparatus main body 3, and the toner supply container is placed sideways on the front surface of the image forming apparatus main body 3. Get burned.

Similarly, in FIG. 5C, the toner replenishing container is once mounted vertically, and then the toner replenishing container is rotated in a horizontal plane with the side closer to the image forming apparatus main body 3 as a fulcrum to form an image. It is placed horizontally on the front of the device. At this time, the sealing member 2 that seals the opening 1a can be opened and closed in conjunction with the rotation operation.

Further, in FIG. 5 (d), the toner supply container is obliquely attached to the right side surface of the image forming apparatus main body 3, and then the inner side is used as a fulcrum to rotate in the horizontal plane as well. Mount vertically on the right side. In this case as well, the sealing member 2 that seals the opening 1a can be opened and closed in conjunction with the rotation operation.

The mounting position on the image forming apparatus and the method are not limited to the above, and can be appropriately selected according to the configuration of the image forming apparatus main body 3.

(Operation After Mounting on Image Forming Apparatus) FIG.
The operating condition after the toner supply container 1 is attached to the image forming apparatus main body 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9.

FIG. 6 shows the toner supply container 1 in which the image forming apparatus 3 is installed.
The situation in which the toner is being inserted into the receiving portion 3c of the toner supply container 1 is shown.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the mounting of the toner supply container 1 is completed, and the container body 1A is rotatably supported by the bottle receiving roller 3d arranged to support the container body 1A in a square shape. It The outer side of the cylindrical portion 1b is lightly press-fitted into the bearing-equipped seal member 3e mounted on the apparatus main body 3, and the outer side of the collar portion 2d is also lightly press-fitted into the bearing-equipped seal member 3e to maintain a hermetic seal. Therefore, the toner does not enter the bottle receiving section 3c. Further, the driving force receiving portion 2e of the sealing member 2 is coupled to the driving means 3g by inserting the container body 1A. Here, the driving force receiving portion 2e and the driving means 3g have, for example, a structure such as a gear coupling having meshing teeth, and can reliably transmit the rotational force. Then, the cap locking member 3f moves from both the front side and the back side of the paper surface and enters the groove of the sealing member 2 having the axial locking portion 2f. At this time, the cap sealing member 3f and the axial locking portion 2f are in contact with each other.
This prevents the sealing member 2 from moving leftward in the axial direction.

Here, the cap locking member 3f has a bifurcated end, and when the cap is advanced, the bifurcated part fits in the groove having the axial locking portion 2f.

FIG. 8 shows a situation in which the sealing member 2 is opened and toner is replenished.

By opening and closing the front door of the apparatus main body 3 or operating a lever, the axial locking portion 2f of the sealing member 2 is locked by the cap locking member 3f, and the container main body 1A is moved in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. The sealing member 2 is moved and opened. At this time, since the sealing member 2 is made of an elastic material such as low density polyethylene, the locking portion 2b of the sealing member 2 is released from the engagement with the locking hole 1g by the moving force of the container body 1A. Then, the sealing member 2 is pulled out from the opening 1a and opened.

As shown in FIG. 8, the shaft portion 1h of the container body 1A
Therefore, the movement of the container main body 1A stops at the position where the hole 2c of the sealing member 2 does not fall off. Meanwhile, the axial locking portion 2f of the sealing member 2 and the cap locking member 3f of the image forming apparatus main body 3
Are in contact. Then, the rotational driving force is transmitted from the driving means 3g on the image forming apparatus main body side to the driving force receiving portion 2e of the sealing member 2. The hole 2c of the sealing member 2 is provided integrally with the container main body 1A and has a substantially square cross section and is provided with a shaft 1h.
And is locked so as to be movable in the axial direction a and to rotate integrally in the rotation direction.
Rotational force is transmitted to the container body 1A via h, and the container body 1A and the sealing member 2 rotate integrally, so that the toner is discharged from the opening 1a and supplied to the hopper portion 3h. The toner supplied to the hopper 3h is supplied to the developing unit of the image forming apparatus main body 3. Container body 1 over time
Due to the spiral protrusion 1c provided inside A, most of the toner in the container main body 1A is discharged from the opening 1a to the hopper 3
After being discharged to h, the container body 1A is finally in an empty state.

The shaft portion 1h is integrally provided so as to extend from the sealing member 2 to the container body 1A side, and a hole portion is provided at a corresponding position of the container body 1A so that the shaft portion 1h engages there. May be.

When the empty toner supply container 1 is taken out, the reverse operation is performed. That is, by operating the front door or the lever of the apparatus body 3, the container body 1A advances, the sealing member 2 is press-fitted into the opening 1a again, and the opening 1a is sealed. At this time, the container body 1
The locking portion 2b of the sealing member 2 is locked in the locking hole 1g of A. Next, when the cap locking member 3f releases the clamping member 2 from the sealing member 2 and moves away from the sealing member 2, the separating member 3i approaches the sealing member 2 in the radial direction of the sealing member 2 and separates. The inclined portion 3i1 of the member 3i is the corner portion 2 of the locking member 2.
By contacting g, the driving force receiving member 2e of the sealing member 2 and the driving means 3g are disengaged. Next, the empty toner supply container 1 is taken out from the receiving portion 3c.

(Evaluation) The toner replenishing container 1 described above was filled with 2000 g of toner, and an environmental long-term storage test was conducted.
As a comparative example, the toner supply container shown in FIG. 16 was also filled with 2000 g of toner and simultaneously tested. Here, the toner replenishing container of the comparative example is exactly the same as the toner replenishing container 1 of the first embodiment except that the configurations of the sealing member and the opening are different.

After being left in an environment of 40 ° C./90% RH for 10 days, neither toner leakage nor removal of the sealing member 2 was observed in the toner supply containers of the embodiment and the comparative example. When the strength of pulling out the sealing member 2 from the opening 1a was measured, both of them were about 80 N before being left unattended, but there was no change of about 80 N in the embodiment, but the toner replenishing container of the comparative example is about 40 N. Was falling to.

Further, the toner replenishing container left for 10 days in an environment of 40 ° C./90% RH was packed in a predetermined manner, and 60c
The toner was dropped from the height of m on the iron plate in the order of 1 corner, 3 edges and 6 surfaces in total, but no abnormality was found in the toner supply containers of the embodiment and the comparative example.

Next, a similar toner replenishing container is placed at 40 ° C./90.
When left in an environment of% RH for 30 days,
In the toner replenishing container of the comparative example, the toner leak is also caused by the sealing member 2.
No withdrawal was observed. When the strength of pulling out the sealing member 2 from the opening 1a was measured, there was no change in the toner replenishing container 1 of the embodiment from about 80 N before and after leaving it. 10N
It had fallen to. 30 in an environment of 40 ° C / 90% RH
Toner replenishment container that has been left for a day is packed 60
When the toner replenishing container 1 of the embodiment was found to have no abnormality when dropped from the height of cm on the iron plate in the order of 1 side, 3 ridges and 6 faces, the toner replenishing container of the comparative example had a sealing member. Two
It was recognized that the toner had come out about 1 to 2 mm, and accordingly, an extremely small amount of toner leaked out.

This situation is caused by the sealing portion 2a.
By being press-fitted into the opening 1a, compressive stress continues to act on the sealing member side, and tensile stress in the direction of expanding the opening 1a continues to act on the opening 1a, leaving it under high temperature and high humidity conditions. It is considered that creep deformation was caused by this. That is, the outer diameter of the sealing portion 2a of the sealing member 2 is slightly reduced, and the inner diameter of the opening portion 1a is slightly expanded, so that the fitting force is weakened. On the other hand, the toner supply container 1 according to the embodiment
In the above, although similar creep deformation occurs in the press-fitting fitting portion of the sealing portion 2a and the opening portion 1a, the snap-fit-like locking portion 2b is stressed in a state of being engaged with the locking hole 1g. Since it does not work and creep deformation does not occur, a stable pull-out strength can be maintained even if it is left under high temperature and high humidity.

The toner supply container left in the environment of 40 ° C./90% RH for 30 days was attached to the image forming apparatus main body 3, and the toner supply container was rotated at 40 rpm. At this time, the starting torque was about 0.2 Nm in both the toner replenishing containers of the embodiment and the comparative example. When the rotation was further continued, the toner was gradually discharged, and the final toner remaining amount in the container body was about 10 g in both the embodiment and the toner supply container of the comparative example.

When the toner supply container in which the toner supply is completed and the sealing member 2 is returned to the sealing position is taken out and shaken lightly, both the toner supply containers of the embodiment and the comparative example remain in the container body. The toner did not leak out. However, with respect to toner stains around the opening 1a and the cylindrical portion 1b, almost no toner stains were found in the toner replenishing container 1 of the embodiment, whereas in the toner replenishing container of the comparative example, the end portion of the opening 1a was formed. There was a small amount of toner adhesion on the lower side.

In the toner replenishing container of the comparative example, such a difference is caused only by sealing the end face of the opening 1a through which the toner is directly discharged, and avoiding toner adhesion on the end face of the opening 1a. On the other hand, in the toner replenishing container 1 of the embodiment, the cylindrical portion 1b is provided outside the opening 1a, and the end surface of the cylindrical portion 1b does not come into direct contact with the toner even during the toner discharge. This is because the end surface is soiled similarly to the toner supply container of the comparative example, but the cylindrical portion 1b is hardly soiled, and the end surface of the cylindrical portion 1b is sealed by the sealing member 2.

<< Other Embodiments Against Embodiment 1 >>
In the first embodiment, the opening portion 1a and the cylindrical portion 1b have substantially the same height, but in this embodiment, the opening portion 1a can be pushed out more like the sealing member 2 shown in FIG. For example, it is possible to reliably prevent the toner from adhering to the cylindrical portion 1b.
In this case, the flange portion 2d of the sealing member 2 also needs to be provided with steps such as the sealing surfaces 2h and 2i.

In the first embodiment, the rotational force is transmitted from the sealing member 2 to the container body 1A and the container body 1A is rotated to discharge the toner, but the present invention is not limited to this. . The container body 1A is attached to the apparatus body so as not to rotate, the shaft portion 1h is made rotatable, and the rotating conveying member such as a stirring member or a screw is connected to the shaft portion 1h that engages with the sealing member 2. May be driven. Alternatively, the sealing member 2 has only a sealing function, and the rotational force is separately applied directly to the container body 1A. For example, the container body 1
A coupling member or the like penetrating through A may be provided and driven.

In these modifications, there is no guarantee that the phase relationship between the sealing member 2 and the container body 1A will be kept constant, so it is desirable to provide a means for achieving this. For example, by using a stepping motor, the container body 1A
It is conceivable that the position where the sealing member 2 is stopped is always constant. Alternatively, even if the phase relationship between the sealing member 2 and the container body 1A is not particularly specified and the locking portion 2b and the locking hole 1g are not engaged after the sealing member 2 is resealed. Since the sealing portion 2a is press-fitted into the opening portion 1a, it is sufficiently practical as the sealing property of the almost empty toner supply container.

In the first embodiment, the sealing member 2 is provided with the snap-fit engagement portion 2b and the cylindrical portion 1b is provided with the engagement hole 1g to engage with each other, but the sealing member 2 is not pulled out. Other configurations may be used as long as they can be locked as described above.
The locking hole 1g may or may not be penetrated, but when it is penetrated, it is preferable to seal it by sticking an adhesive tape or the like from the viewpoint of preventing toner stain.
The cylindrical portion 1b side may be a protrusion and the sealing member 2 side may be a recess or a hole for engagement. A hole or a protrusion may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical projection of the opening 1a as a locked portion of the locking portion 2b of the sealing member 2, and the tip of the sealing member 2 may be engaged with this.

As the mechanism for opening and closing the sealing member 2, various conventionally known means can be applied, and a shape corresponding thereto may be appropriately added to the sealing member 2.

In the first embodiment, the sealing member 2 is integrally molded of low density polyethylene, but the vicinity of the sealing portion 2a is made of an elastomer having a rubber hardness of about 20 to 70 degrees, for example.
If the other portion is made of ABS and both are molded in two colors, it is possible to achieve more reliable hermeticity and prevention of pulling out by the locking portion 2b. It is preferable to dispose the elastomer also on the sealing surface 2h of the flange portion 2d on the side facing the container body 1A, since the sealing performance after resealing can be further enhanced.

<< Second Embodiment >> A second embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. 11 is a perspective view showing a toner supply container according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG.
2 is a perspective view showing a sealing member according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state in which an engaging portion is released.
11, 12, and 13, 1A is a toner container body, 2 is a sealing member, and 3 is an image forming apparatus body.

(Transmission of Driving Force) In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a rib 1i is provided between the opening 1a of the container body 1A and the cylindrical portion 1b, and the sealing member 2 is engaged with the rib 1i. The rotational force is transmitted by engaging with the portion 2b. With this configuration, the first embodiment
As described above, it is not necessary to penetrate the shaft portion 1h into the opening portion 1a, so that the discharge efficiency of the opening portion 1a can be improved. That is, in order to obtain the same toner discharge amount, it is possible to set the opening portion 1a smaller than that in the first embodiment, the size of the apparatus can be reduced, and the toner stain around the opening portion 1a can be further reduced. it can. Further, compared with the transmission by the shaft portion 1h, since the engaging portion is separated from the rotation axis, higher torque can be transmitted.

(Baffle and Toner Transport / Discharge) Inside the container body 1A, there is provided a baffle 1d extending along substantially the entire length along the axis of rotation of the container body 1A. The baffle 1d is provided with a plurality of inclined surfaces 1e inclined with respect to the rotation axis of the container body 1A along the rotation axis over substantially the entire length of the container body 1A. One end of the inclined surface 1e closest to the opening 1a has the opening 1a.
Connected to. The inclination angle θ of the inclined surface 1e is determined by the container body 1
It is preferable to set the angle to be equal to or larger than the dynamic angle of repose of the toner filled in A. In this embodiment, it is set to 70 degrees. Note that the dynamic angle of repose is, when the powder is put in a cylindrical container and is rotated at a constant speed around the cylinder axis with the cylinder axis being horizontal, with respect to the horizontal plane of the inclined powder surface formed in the cylinder container. It is the angle to make and the angle of repose in the dynamic equilibrium state.

There is no problem if the width of the inclined surface 1e is larger than the width of the opening 1a. On the contrary, if the width is smaller than the width of the opening 1a, the toner carrying efficiency is lowered, but if the width is not less than half the width of the opening 1a, sufficient practical carrying property can be obtained. In the present embodiment, the width is set to be substantially equal to the width of the opening 1a.

The baffle 1d is provided with a connecting surface 1f extending from one end in the width direction of the inclined surface 1e and reaching the inner surface of the container body. The connection surface 1f is provided along substantially the entire length of the container body 1A along the rotation axis direction of the container body 1A. The connection surface 1f is appropriately provided with a hole 1j so that it does not hinder the movement of the toner in the container body 1A.

The toner on the connection surface 1f is lifted up by the rotation of the container body 1A, and when the container body 1A further rotates, it slides down on the connection surface 1f and is supplied to the inclined surface 1e. It moves toward the opening 1a. In this way, the slopes 1e to 1
The toner is transferred to and conveyed to e, and is finally discharged from the opening 1a to the outside of the container by the inclined surface 1e connected to the opening 1a. As described above, the toner is gradually conveyed in the direction of the opening 1a while being circulated in the direction of the inner surface of the container body → the connecting surface 1f → the inclined surface 1e → the inner surface of the container body, and is discharged from the opening portion 1a to the outside of the container body. Is subjected to sufficient mixing and agitation by passing through the above circulation process, and is in a state in which uniform tribo is imparted, which is favorable for developing characteristics, and is discharged from the container body 1A and supplied to the developing device of the image forming apparatus. .

(Release of Locking Portion) A method of releasing the locking portion will be described with reference to FIG.

The reverse claw 2b1 of the snap-fit-like locking portion 2b of the sealing member 2 has a locking hole 1 provided in the cylindrical portion 1b.
It is engaged with g from the inside. Here, when the locking hole 1g is a through hole and the toner supply container 1 is attached to the receiving portion 3c of the image forming apparatus main body 3, the locking member 1g is released from the outside as shown by arrows c to b in the locking hole 1g. 3j is inserted, the reverse claw 2b1 of the locking portion 2b is removed from the locking hole 1g, and the engagement is released. With this configuration, the locking portion 2b and the locking hole 1
Although the amount of engagement with g is increased to realize firm engagement, when it is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 3, it can be opened with a small operation force. Here, the upper locking portion 2b in FIG. 13 shows a state in which the release member 3j is inserted in the b direction to release the locking, and the lower locking portion 2b moves the release member 3j in the C direction. It shows the state. Actually, the upper locking portion 2b and the lower locking portion 2c move at the same time, but here, in order to show the process of unlocking, such a diagram is presented.

Even if the locking hole 1g becomes a through hole, the cylindrical portion 1
Since the amount of toner that enters between b and the opening 1a is extremely small, practically, toner hardly leaks from the locking hole 1g. However, more preferably, it is desirable that a flexible film be attached from the outside of the locking hole 1g so that the locking portion 2b is released through the flexible film while elastically deforming the flexible film.

(Evaluation) The toner replenishing container 1 described above was filled with 2000 g of toner, and an environmental long-term storage test was conducted.

After being left in an environment of 40 ° C./90% RH for 30 days, neither toner leakage from the toner supply container 1 nor removal of the sealing member 2 was observed. Open the sealing member 2 with the opening 1a
The strength of pulling out from the
What was N did not change after leaving it to be about 200N.

The toner replenishing container 1 left in an environment of 40 ° C./90% RH for 30 days was packed in a predetermined manner, and dropped from a height of 60 cm on a steel plate in order of 1 side 3 sides 6 sides in total 10 times. However, no abnormalities such as withdrawal of the sealing member 2 and toner leakage were observed.

The toner supply container 1 left in the environment of 40 ° C./90% RH for 30 days was attached to the image forming apparatus, and the container body 1A was rotated at 40 revolutions / minute. The starting torque at this time was about 0.2 Nm. When the rotation was further continued, the toner was gradually discharged, and the final remaining toner amount in the container body was about 10 g.

When the toner supply container 1 in which the toner discharge is completed and the sealing member 2 is returned to the sealing position is taken out and shaken lightly, the toner remaining in the container body does not leak out. Regarding the toner stain around the opening 1a and the cylindrical portion 1b, the diameter of both the opening 1a and the cylindrical portion 1b is smaller than that of the first embodiment, so the toner stain is further improved.

Here, the setting of the inner diameter of the opening 1a will be described. The inner diameter of the opening 1a must be set so that the toner discharge amount required by the image forming apparatus main body 3 can be secured. In the image forming apparatus main body 3 according to the second embodiment, 10
A toner discharge amount of 0 g / min is required. In order to ensure this, in the configuration of the first embodiment, the inner diameter of the opening 1a is 30 mm, and the shaft portion 1h is a square bar having a square cross section of 6 mm on a side. Had to do. On the other hand, in the configuration of the second embodiment, by setting the inner diameter of the opening 1a to 24 mm, the same toner discharge amount can be achieved. This is because there is nothing that hinders toner discharge inside the opening 1a.
Since the toner is not blocked at this portion, the toner discharge amount can be secured even with a smaller opening area.

<< Third Embodiment >> A third embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. 14 is a sectional view showing the vicinity of the opening of the toner supply container according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a side view showing a sealing member according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 14 and 15, 1A indicates a container body and 2 indicates a sealing member, respectively.

In the third embodiment, the sealing member 2 sandwiches the cylindrical portion of the opening 1a. By providing a plurality of notches 2k in the circumferential direction on the sealing member 2, the operation of the locking portion 2b is made smooth, and the opening 1a is sandwiched between the sealing portion 2a and the locking portion 2b. It was configured to be sealed.

In such a structure, the opening 1a is sandwiched between the sealing portion 2a and the locking portion 2b of the sealing member 2 from the inner and outer diameter sides, and stress is applied from both sides. Therefore, the opening 1a is formed. Is prevented from being expanded and deformed. Most of the toner attached to the outer surface of the opening 1a is the locking portion 2b.
Since the toner is squeezed and squeezed inward, the level of toner stain and leakage after resealing can be further improved.

The results of the creep test when left in a harsh environment, the test assuming drop during distribution, and the toner discharge test in the third embodiment were as good as those in the first and second embodiments.

[0123]

As described above, the present invention has the following effects. (1) The attachment strength of the sealing member does not decrease even after the aging test, and the environmental stability increases. (2) It is possible to prevent the toner from adhering to the periphery of the toner discharge port and becoming dirty. (3) Even if the sealing member is resealed after the toner supply container is empty, the toner does not spill. (4) Since there is no bearing seal mechanism, the rotational drive torque is small, and toner does not leak from the bearing seal mechanism.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toner supply container according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sealing member according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view of an opening showing a sealed state of the toner supply container according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the opening of the toner supply container according to the first embodiment, which is in the middle of opening.

5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are perspective views showing a state in which the toner supply container is mounted on the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the toner replenishing container being attached to the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner supply container is completely attached to the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner supply container is opened to supply toner.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for removing an empty toner supply container.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a sealing member of a modified example of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the toner supply container according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a sealing member and a periphery of an opening of a container body according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a method for releasing the engagement portion.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the opening of the toner supply container according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the sealing member according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of a conventional toner supply container.

[Explanation of symbols]

a ... Axial direction b, c ... Unlocking direction .theta .... Inclination angle 1 ... Toner supply container 1A ... Toner-container body 1a ... Opening portion 1b ... Cylindrical portion 1c ... Projection 1d ... Baffle 1e ... Inclination surface 1f ... Connection surface 1g ... Locking hole 1h ... Shaft part 1i ... Rib 1j ...
Hole 2 ... Sealing member 2a ... Sealing portion 2b ... Locking portion 2b1 ...
Reverse claw 2c ... Hole portion 2d ... Collar portion 2e ... Rotational drive receiving portion 2f ... Axial locking portion 2g ... Corner portions 2h, 2i ... Sealing surface 2k ... Notch portion 3 ... Image forming apparatus main body 3a ... Original plate 3b ... Operation panel 3c ... Receiving part 3d ... Bottle receiving roller 3e ... Sealing member with bearing 3f ... Cap locking member 3
g ... Drive transmission means 3h ... Hopper part 3i ... Separation member 3i1 ... Inclined part 3j ... Release member

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Yusuke Yamada             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation (72) Inventor Fumio Tazawa             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation (72) Inventor Hironori Minagawa             3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo             Non non corporation F-term (reference) 2H077 AA03 AA05 AA33

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A toner supply container which is detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein a container main body having an opening for storing toner therein and discharging the toner, and the opening being openable and closable. And a sealing member for sealing, wherein the opening has a hollow cylindrical shape protruding from at least a wall surface of a portion of the container body where the opening is provided, and the opening is hollow outside the cylindrical opening. The sealing member is press-fitted inside the opening to seal the same, and also seals the outer cylindrical portion. Is in the sealing position, the locking portion of the sealing member and the locked portion of the container body are engaged with each other outside the opening to lock the sealing member in the pull-out direction. A toner supply container characterized by the above. 2. The opening has a cylindrical shape protruding from the container body, the outer cylindrical portion is provided concentrically with the cylindrical opening, and has an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the opening. The toner supply container according to claim 1, wherein the toner supply container has a cylindrical shape. 3. The toner supply container according to claim 1, wherein the outer cylindrical portion projects from the container main body by a height substantially the same as the cylindrical opening. 4. The toner supply container according to claim 1, wherein the outer cylindrical portion is lower than the cylindrical opening and protrudes from the container body. 5. The toner replenishment according to claim 1, wherein the toner contained in the container is conveyed and discharged by rotating the container body. container. 6. The toner supply container according to claim 1, wherein the container body has a hollow cylindrical shape. 7. The toner supply container according to claim 1, wherein the container body has a hollow cylindrical shape. 8. The method according to claim 5, wherein the opening is provided on a surface of the container body on one end side in the rotation axis direction and on the rotation axis. Toner supply container. 9. The sealing member has a portion that receives a rotational force from the image forming apparatus and a portion that transmits the rotational force to the container body, and the container body is rotated by the rotational force. 9. The toner replenishing container according to claim 5, further comprising: 10. A shaft having a non-circular cross section is provided so as to pass through the inside of the opening, and the sealing member and the container main body are movable through the shaft in a rotation axis direction and in a rotation direction. The toner replenishing container according to claim 9, wherein the toner replenishing container is locked so as not to rotate relative to each other, and the rotational force is transmitted from the sealing member to the container body via the shaft. 11. The locked portion provided on the container body is provided on an outer surface of a cylinder of the cylindrical opening, according to any one of claims 1 to 10. Toner supply container. 12. The toner replenishment according to claim 1, wherein the locked portion provided on the container body is provided on the outer cylindrical portion. container. 13. The locking member of the sealing member and the locked member of the container main body for locking the sealing member in the pull-out direction are circumferentially dispersed to provide two or more sets. 13. The toner supply container according to claim 1, wherein the toner supply container is a toner supply container. 14. The plurality of sets of locking portions of the sealing member and the plurality of sets of locked portions of the container body are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction. 13. The toner supply container according to item 13. 15. The snap relationship according to claim 1, wherein the locking relationship between the locking portion of the sealing member and the locked portion of the container body is snap fit fitting. Toner supply container. 16. The locking relationship between the locking portion of the sealing member and the locked portion of the container body is a fitting in which the sealing member sandwiches the cylindrical opening. 1 to 15
The toner supply container according to any one of 1. 17. The structure according to claim 9, wherein the rotational force is transmitted from the sealing member to the container body outside the opening. Toner supply container. 18. The toner replenishing container according to claim 17, wherein a rotational force is transmitted between the locking portion of the sealing member and the locked portion of the container body. 19. The locking portion provided on the sealing member,
19. When the sealing member is in the sealing position, the sealing member is housed in a cylindrical portion that is concentrically provided outside the cylindrical opening portion. Toner supply container. 20. The toner supply container according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the material of the sealing member is formed by injection molding an olefin resin or an olefin elastomer. .