JPH0943982A - Developing device and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developing device capable of lightly, simply attaching/ detaching a toner cartridge in replacing, and surely preventing the leak of toner. SOLUTION: A supporting member 8 for supporting a second seal member 7 is arranged so as to be capable of swinging against a developing container 3, and a toner cartridge 1 is inserted in the state that the second seal member 7 does not press a shutter 2. The shutter 2 is rotated with a projection 1a formed in the toner cartridge 1 to switch the position of an opening 10, and the supporting member 8 is pushed in with the projection of the shutter 2 at the final moment of rotation to press the second seal member 7 against the shutter 2.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for reducing the load of inserting and rotating a toner cartridge in a developing device in which a cylindrical toner cartridge is replaceably arranged.

The present invention also relates to a technique for preventing toner packing in a developing device in which a cylindrical toner cartridge is replaceably arranged.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a developing device for replenishing toner by exchanging a cylindrical type toner cartridge,
A shutter that moves in conjunction with the rotation operation of the toner cartridge is provided between the developing container and the toner cartridge. Normally, the toner is sealed between the shutter and the developing container and between the shutter and the toner cartridge. The seal member is provided. Then, when the cartridge is replaced, the user or the service person performs a rotating operation for switching the opening position and an inserting / removing operation for replacing the toner cartridge with a new toner cartridge.

Further, in recent years, an image forming apparatus equipped with such a type of developing device has been required to be lighter and more compact, and the developing device is used when carrying or storing the main body of the image forming device. The number of cases in which the main body of the image forming apparatus is placed vertically while being mounted is increasing. Further, in an image forming apparatus having a configuration in which the upper frame and the lower frame of the main body can be divided into a clamshell type, work is performed with the upper frame open during jam processing and maintenance, but the developing chamber of the developing device is provided on the upper frame side. Depending on the product layout such as the arrangement, the opening of the toner cartridge is configured to face the substantially vertical lower surface during the work.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, when the cartridge is replaced, the sliding load of the toner cartridge is increased by the seal member when the toner cartridge is inserted and removed, and the operation feeling may be deteriorated. Also,
When replacing the cartridge, the rotational torque of the toner cartridge is increased by the seal member during the rotation operation for switching the opening position of the toner cartridge, which may deteriorate the operation feeling. Further, when the cartridge is replaced, it is sometimes difficult for the main body drive motor to perform the rotating operation for switching the opening position of the toner cartridge because the rotational torque is large for the above reason. Further, in the image forming apparatus in which the upper frame and the lower frame of the main body can be divided into a clamshell type, when the rotation torque becomes large due to the above reason when the cartridge is replaced, the toner cartridge is rotated in association with the opening / closing operation. Things could be difficult.

Further, in the conventional example in which the opening of the toner cartridge faces the substantially vertical lower surface, when the main body is erected, the opening of the toner cartridge is positioned in the direction of the substantially vertical lower surface, so that the developing chamber is placed in the developing chamber. The toner in the toner cartridge is full, and the toner is solidified by its own weight,
In some cases, the fluidity may be deteriorated, so that packing may occur during the next copying operation, and a good image may not be obtained. Further, when the main body is erected, since the opening portion of the cartridge is positioned in the substantially vertical lower surface direction, the developing chamber is filled with the toner in the round cylinder, and the toner may easily leak from the gap of the developing sleeve. In addition, when the main body is carried in an upright position, the opening of the toner cartridge is located in a substantially vertical lower surface direction, so that the developing chamber is filled with the toner in the round cylinder. May be solidified and the fluidity may be deteriorated. Therefore, packing may occur during the next copying operation, and a good image may not be obtained. Further, in an image forming apparatus having a configuration in which the upper frame and the lower frame of the main body can be divided into a clamshell type, and the developing chamber is arranged on the upper frame side, when the upper frame is opened for work during jam processing or maintenance, the toner is Since the opening of the cartridge is located almost vertically to the bottom surface, the developing chamber is filled with toner in the round cylinder, and toner leakage or toner may solidify, resulting in poor fluidity.Therefore, even if the upper frame is closed. In the next copying operation, packing sometimes occurred and a good image could not be obtained.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when the toner cartridge is replaced by the user or service person, it can be easily removed and attached / detached by a light operation regardless of the individual difference of the user, and the toner leakage can be surely prevented. An object is to provide a developing device and an image forming apparatus.

Further, when the cartridge is replaced, the user or the service person does not directly perform the rotating operation for switching the cartridge opening to the developing chamber side, and it is interlocked with the operation of closing the upper frame of the image forming apparatus, or An object of the present invention is to provide a developing device and an image forming apparatus that can be driven by a main body drive motor.

Further, according to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus in which toner is replenished by replacing a toner cartridge, toner leakage or packing in the developing chamber can be prevented and a good image can always be obtained regardless of the body posture of the apparatus. The purpose is to provide a device.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the object is to provide a cartridge accommodating chamber for rotatably holding a toner cartridge, and a developing chamber in which a developer carrier is disposed. A developing container having: a shutter for partitioning the storage chamber from the developing chamber; a first seal member for sealing between the shutter and the toner cartridge in the vicinity of an opening of the toner cartridge for sending toner to the developing chamber; Second to seal between shutter and developer container
And a holding member for holding the second sealing member, the swinging member is provided so as to be swingable with respect to the developing container, and the opening is moved to a position facing the developing chamber or a retracted position. This is achieved by providing a pressurizing member that abuts or separates from the holding member and presses or separates the second seal member from the shutter in association with the rotational movement of the toner cartridge. .

Further, according to the second invention of the present application,
The above object is achieved by providing the image forming apparatus with the developing device of the first aspect of the invention, and rotating the toner cartridge by the drive source to switch the position of the opening.

Further, according to the third invention of the present application, the above-mentioned object is provided with an upper frame and a lower frame, which are divided into clamshell types and can be opened and closed, in an image forming apparatus, and the developing device according to the first invention. This is accomplished by attaching the developing container of No. 1 to either the upper frame or the lower frame, and rotating the toner cartridge in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the upper frame to switch the opening position.

According to the fourth invention of the present application,
The purpose is to provide a developing container having a cartridge accommodating chamber that rotatably holds a toner cartridge, a developing chamber in which a developer carrier is disposed, a shutter that separates the accommodating chamber and the developing chamber, and the developing chamber. A first seal member that seals between the shutter and the toner cartridge, a second seal member that seals between the shutter and the developing container, and a rotation inside the toner cartridge near the opening of the toner cartridge that sends out toner. In an image forming apparatus in which a developing device including a stirring member that is freely arranged is disposed and a driving source of the stirring member is provided, a holding member that holds the second seal member is provided with respect to the developing container. It is provided so as to be swingable and presses or separates the second seal member from the shutter by abutting or separating from the holding member. Comprising a member, it is achieved by for moving the pressure member to the contact position or the separated position with the retaining member in conjunction with the driving or stopping of the agitation member according to the drive source.

Further, according to a fifth invention of the present application, the above-mentioned object is a developing container having a cartridge accommodating chamber for rotatably holding a toner cartridge and a developing chamber in which a developer carrier is disposed. A shutter for partitioning the storage chamber from the developing chamber; a first seal member for sealing between the shutter and the toner cartridge in the vicinity of the opening of the toner cartridge for sending toner to the developing chamber; A developing device having a second seal member that seals the space is provided in an image forming apparatus that is disposed so as to come into contact with and separate from an image carrier, and the holding member that holds the second seal member is used as the developing member. A pressure unit that is swingably provided with respect to the container and that presses or separates the second seal member from the shutter by contacting or separating from the holding member. The equipped, it is achieved by for moving the pressure member to the contact position or the separated position with the retaining member in conjunction with the abutment Further separation operation for the image bearing member of the developing device.

According to the sixth invention of the present application,
The purpose is to provide a developing container having a cartridge accommodating chamber that rotatably holds a toner cartridge, a developing chamber in which a developer carrier is disposed, a shutter that separates the accommodating chamber and the developing chamber, and the developing chamber. A developing device including a first sealing member that seals between the shutter and the toner cartridge and a second sealing member that seals between the shutter and the developing container in the vicinity of the opening of the toner cartridge that sends out toner, In a clamshell type image forming apparatus attached to either one of an openable and closable upper frame and a lower frame, a holding member for holding the second seal member is swingable with respect to the developing container. A pressing member that presses or separates the second seal member from the shutter by contacting or separating from the holding member. It is achieved by for moving the contact position or the separated position of the holding member member in conjunction with the closing or opening operation of the upper frame.

Further, according to a seventh invention of the present application, in the sixth invention, the opening position is switched by rotating the toner cartridge in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the upper frame. To be achieved.

According to the eighth invention of the present application,
The above object is achieved in any one of the fourth invention to the sixth invention by rotating the toner cartridge by a drive source to switch the position of the opening.

Further, according to the ninth invention of the present application, the object is a developing chamber having a storage chamber for holding a toner cartridge, a developing chamber in which a developer carrier is disposed, and the storage chamber. A shutter for partitioning the developing chamber, a first sealing member for sealing between the shutter and the toner cartridge in the vicinity of the opening of the toner cartridge for sending toner to the developing chamber, and a first sealing member for sealing between the shutter and the developing container. This is achieved by disposing a second shutter, which is swingable by its own weight, at a position where the opening is opened and a position where the opening is closed, in a developing device having two sealing members.

According to a tenth invention of the present application, the above object is achieved in the ninth invention, in which the second shutter is swingably arranged in the toner cartridge. .

Further, according to an eleventh invention of the present application, in the ninth invention, the above-mentioned object is such that the second shutter is swingably arranged in a shutter that separates a developing chamber from a storage chamber. It is achieved by being installed.

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention as described above, when the toner cartridge is rotated so as to move the opening of the toner cartridge to the position facing the developing chamber, the pressing member is released. Since the second seal member is brought into contact with the holding member for holding the second seal member and presses the second seal member against the shutter, the toner cartridge and the developing container are reliably sealed. On the other hand, when the toner cartridge is replaced, when the toner cartridge is rotated so as to move the opening of the toner cartridge to the retracted position from the developing chamber, the pressing member holds the second seal member. Since the holding member is in a swingable state, the sliding load at that time is extremely small even when the rotating operation or the inserting / removing operation is performed to switch the opening position.

According to the second invention of the present application,
By providing the developing device of the first aspect of the invention in the image forming apparatus, the sliding load at the time of the rotating operation for switching the opening position of the toner cartridge is reduced, so that the toner can be easily supplied to the drive source of the image forming apparatus main body. By rotating the cartridge to switch the opening position, the workability of the operator at the time of cartridge replacement is improved and toner leakage is surely prevented.

Further, according to the third invention of the present application, the image forming apparatus is provided with an upper frame and a lower frame which are clamshell type and can be opened and closed, and the developing container of the developing device of the first invention. Is attached to either the upper frame or the lower frame, the sliding load is small during the rotating operation for switching the opening position of the toner cartridge. Therefore, the toner cartridge can be easily linked with the opening / closing operation of the upper frame. Is rotated to switch the position of the opening to improve the workability of the operator when the cartridge is replaced and surely prevent toner leakage.

According to the fourth invention of the present application,
When the agitating member in the toner cartridge is driven by the drive source, the toner in the toner cartridge is repelled from the opening to the developing chamber. The pressure member is driven by the second seal member in conjunction with the driving of the agitating member. The second seal member is pressed against the shutter by moving it to the contact position with the holding member that holds the toner, so that the toner cartridge and the developing container are reliably sealed. On the other hand, when the toner cartridge is replaced, the driving of the stirring member is stopped, the holding member holding the second seal member and the pressing member are separated from each other, and the holding member is in a swingable state. Even when a rotation operation or an insertion / removal operation is performed to switch the position of the parts, the sliding load at that time becomes extremely small.

Further, according to the fifth invention of the present application, when the developer carrying member of the developing device is brought into contact with the image carrying member, the developing state becomes possible, and when the developing operation is started, the toner cartridge is held. Of the toner is repelled from the opening to the developing chamber, but the contact position of the pressure member with the holding member holding the second seal member is interlocked with the contact operation of the developing device with the image carrier. And the second seal member is pressed against the shutter, the seal between the toner cartridge and the developing container is surely performed. On the other hand, when the toner cartridge is replaced, the developing device is separated from the image carrier, so that the holding member holding the second seal member and the pressing member are separated, and the holding member is in a swingable state. Even if a rotation operation or an insertion / removal operation is performed to switch the opening position, the sliding load at that time is extremely small and the image carrier is damaged because the developer carrier and the image carrier are separated from each other. Do not let

According to the sixth invention of the present application,
When the upper frame of the image forming apparatus is closed, development is possible, and when the developing operation is started, the toner in the toner cartridge is repelled from the opening to the developing chamber. In conjunction with this, the pressure member is moved to the contact position with the holding member holding the second seal member,
Since the seal member of No. 2 is pressed against the shutter, the toner cartridge and the developing container are reliably sealed.
On the other hand, when the upper frame of the image forming apparatus is opened, the toner cartridge can be replaced, but the holding member for holding the second seal member and the pressing member are separated from each other, and the holding member is swingable. Therefore, even if a rotating operation or an inserting / removing operation is performed to switch the opening position, the sliding load at that time is extremely small, and the developer carrier and the image carrier are separated from each other. Does not damage the carrier.

Further, according to the seventh invention of the present application, in the sixth invention, the toner cartridge is rotated in conjunction with the closing operation of the upper frame to move the opening to a position facing the developing chamber. Then, the toner cartridge is rotated in conjunction with the opening operation of the upper frame to move the opening to the retreat position with respect to the developing chamber, so that the toner cartridge is easily rotated with the opening / closing operation of the upper frame with a small sliding load. Is performed and workability is improved.

According to the eighth invention of the present application,
In any one of the fourth invention to the sixth invention, since the toner cartridge is rotated by the drive source to switch the opening position, the toner cartridge is easily rotated with the opening / closing operation of the upper frame by a small sliding load. Is performed and workability is improved.

Further, according to the ninth invention of the present application, in a state where the developing device is incorporated in the image forming device, the image forming device itself is placed vertically or the upper frame on which the developing device is arranged is installed. When opened, the opening of the toner cartridge faces vertically downward, but the second shutter moves to a position that closes the opening due to its own weight, so the amount of toner discharged from the opening To limit. On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus itself is placed in a normal horizontal position or the upper frame is closed, the second shutter moves to the position where the opening is opened due to its own weight, so that the developing operation is not hindered. .

According to the tenth invention of the present application, in the ninth invention, since the second shutter is swingably arranged in the toner cartridge,
Even after pulling out the toner cartridge from the developing device, toner leakage from the toner cartridge is reliably prevented.

Further, according to the eleventh invention of the present application, in the ninth invention, the second shutter is swingably disposed in the shutter that separates the developing chamber from the accommodating chamber of the developing container. Therefore, the structure of the toner cartridge is simplified.

[0032]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First Embodiment) First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a main part of a developing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which an upper end of an opening is sealed when a main body is operated. In FIG. 1, 1 is a toner cartridge, 2 is a shutter that rotates in conjunction with the toner cartridge 1, 3 is a developing container that holds the toner cartridge 1, 4 is a developing sleeve that is a developer carrier, and 5 is photosensitive that is an image carrier. A drum, 6 is a first seal member that seals between the toner cartridge 1 and the shutter 2, 7 is a second seal member that seals between the shutter 2 and the developing container 3,
8 is a holding member which is a feature of the present invention, 9 is a blade, 10
Is the opening of the toner cartridge 1 and the shutter 2, 11
Is a toner, 12 is a stirring blade for sending the toner in the toner cartridge 1 to the developing chamber side, and 13 is a stirring rod for stirring the toner in the developing chamber.

Thus, in the above structure, when a new toner cartridge 1 is inserted, the toner cartridge 1 and the opening portion 10 of the shutter 2 are kept in contact with the toner cartridge 1.
It is located on a vertical line that passes through the center of and is facing almost vertically to the upper surface. Toner cartridge 1 normally used
Is rotated about 45 ° to 90 ° in the direction of the arrow to direct the opening 10 to the stirring chamber on the left side of the developing container 3. When the copying operation is performed in this state, first, the toner 11 in the toner cartridge 1 is splashed into the developing chamber by the stirring blade 12. At that time, toner 11 enters between the toner cartridge 1 and the shutter 2 and between the developing container 3 and the shutter 2 on the upper end side of the opening 10, and toner leakage occurs. In order to prevent this, seal members 6 and 7 made of an elastic member such as maltoprene are provided between them.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, a holding member for holding the second seal member 7 in order to minimize the load at the time of insertion / removal of these seal members and the rotational operation when the toner cartridge is replaced. 8 is provided so as to be swingable with respect to the developing container 3, and the toner cartridge 1 is inserted in a free state in which the second seal member 7 does not press the shutter 2. Next, the shutter 1 is rotated by the projection 1a provided on the toner cartridge 1 to switch the position of the opening 10, but at the last moment of rotation, as shown in FIG. 2, the projection of the shutter 2 which also functions as a pressing member. The holding member 8 is pushed in by the section to press the second sealing member 7 against the shutter 2. In this embodiment, the convex portion of the shutter 2 is used to push in the holding member 8. However, for example, a protrusion provided on the toner cartridge 1 or the like, which is rigidly rotatable with respect to the round cylinder, may be used. .

Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the toner cartridge is replaced, the rotating operation for switching the opening position and the inserting / removing operation can be performed with an extremely small sliding load, and the last moment of rotating the toner cartridge. Thus, the sealing member can be pressed against the shutter, and a reliable sealing effect can be obtained with a simple and inexpensive structure.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the developing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, elements common to those shown in FIG.
A description thereof will be omitted.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the holding member for holding the second seal member 7 is held in order to minimize the load during the insertion / removal of the seal members 6 and 7 and the rotating operation when the toner cartridge is replaced. The member 14 is swingably provided with respect to the developing container 3, and the toner cartridge 1 is inserted in a free state in which the second seal member 7 does not press the shutter 2. Next, the projection 2a provided on the toner cartridge 1 rotates the shutter 2 to switch the position of the opening 10. After the rotation operation is completed, the holding member 14 is pushed by the lever 15 which is a pressure member arranged adjacent to the holding member 14, and the second seal member 7 is pressed against the shutter 2. As means for pushing the lever 15 in the direction of the arrow, a solenoid is used in conjunction with the toner stirring operation, a configuration in which it is interlocked with the pressure releasing operation between the developing sleeve 4 and the photosensitive drum 5,
Alternatively, in the image forming apparatus in which the upper frame and the lower frame of the main body can be divided into a clamshell type, the configuration may be such that they are interlocked with the opening / closing operation of the upper frame.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the toner cartridge is replaced, the rotating operation for switching the opening position and the inserting / removing operation can be performed with an extremely small sliding load, and particularly during the toner cartridge rotating operation. , It can be rotated with a uniform low torque from the beginning to the end of the rotation range. Further, in the configuration in which the pressure release operation between the developing sleeve 4 and the photosensitive drum 5 is interlocked, the developing sleeve and the photosensitive drum are separated from each other when the toner cartridge is replaced, so that there is no fear of damaging the photosensitive drum and a user-friendly image forming apparatus. Can be provided.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view of the main part of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and in FIG.
The same elements as those shown in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

In this embodiment, the upper frame 16 and the lower frame 19 of the main body are used.
Can be divided into clam shell types with the hinge 20 as a fulcrum, and the developing container 3 is detachably arranged on the upper frame 16 side. Further, the tongue portion 17 may be integrally formed with the lower frame 19 and may be, for example, a rib for increasing the strength of the frame body. In the third embodiment of the present invention, the developing device in which the rotation torque of the toner cartridge 1 is remarkably reduced as in the first and second embodiments of the present invention is used, and the upper frame 16 is inserted after the toner cartridge 1 is inserted. Block in the direction of the arrow. By this operation,
The tongue portion 17 pushes up the grip 18 provided on the rigid portion with respect to the toner cartridge 1 by a reaction force, and the opening portion 10 is switched to the stirring chamber side and is simultaneously locked.

Even when the image forming apparatus is not of the clamshell type, the rotational torque of the toner cartridge 1 is remarkably reduced by the first and second embodiments of the present invention, so that it becomes a main body drive source. The opening position can be easily switched with low torque by linking with the motor.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the rotation operation for switching the toner cartridge opening position can be linked with the opening / closing operation of the upper frame or can be performed by the main body drive motor. The user only needs to insert the toner cartridge, and it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that is user-friendly and can reliably prevent toner leakage.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a developing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 6 and 7 are views showing a state when a cartridge is replaced, and FIG.
Is a diagram showing an image forming apparatus provided with the developing device of the present embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the image forming apparatus of FIG. 8 in an open state.

In FIG. 5, 1 is a toner cartridge,
Reference numeral 2a is a first shutter which rotates in conjunction with the toner cartridge 1, 2b is a second shutter which is a feature of the present invention, 3 is a developing container for holding the toner cartridge 1, 4
Is a developing sleeve which is a developer carrier, 5 is a photosensitive drum which is an image carrier, 6 and 7 are seal members, 9 is a blade, 10
Is a toner cartridge and the opening of the shutter, 11 is toner, 12 is a stirring blade for sending the toner in the toner cartridge to the developing chamber side, 13 is a stirring rod for stirring the toner in the developing chamber, and 21 is the developing sleeve 4. It is a developing chamber for storing toner in order to supply the toner to the.

Thus, in the above structure, when a new toner cartridge 1 is inserted, the toner cartridge 1 and the opening 10 of the shutter 2 are positioned on a vertical line passing through the center of the toner cartridge 1 as shown in FIG. In addition, it faces the upper surface substantially vertically. Normally, when using
As shown in FIG. 6, the toner cartridge 1 is set at 45 ° to 90 °.
The opening 10 is turned toward the developing chamber 21 on the left side of the developing container 3 by rotating the opening 10 by about °. When a copying operation is performed in this state, first, the toner 11 in the toner cartridge 1 is splashed into the developing chamber 21 by the stirring blade 12. At that time, in order to prevent the toner 11 from entering the upper end side of the opening 10, seal members 6 and 7 made of an elastic member such as moltoprene are provided. Further, a blade 9 is provided in order to prevent toner leakage on the lower end side of the opening 10.

On the other hand, the toner 11 sent out from the toner cartridge 1 is accumulated in the developing chamber 21. Then, the stirring bar 13 improves the fluidity of the toner 11,
An arbitrary image is transferred from the developing sleeve 4 onto the photosensitive drum 5.

In the image forming apparatus having the above structure,
As shown in FIG. 8, when the main body is carried or stored vertically, and in the image forming apparatus in which the upper frame and the lower frame of the main body can be divided into a clamshell type as shown in FIG. In the state in which the upper frame is opened, the cartridge opening remains facing the substantially vertical lower surface side.

In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in order to prevent all the toner in the cartridge from dropping into the developing chamber in the main body posture, the second shutter 2b is provided in the toner cartridge 1 regardless of the main body posture. Is provided so as to be swingable so as to be positioned on the vertical lower surface so that the amount of toner in the developing chamber 21 can be limited.

In the present embodiment, the second shutter 2b is provided in the toner cartridge 1, but what if it is possible to partition the toner cartridge opening 10 and the developing chamber 21 by, for example, providing it in the developing container 3? It may have any configuration.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the toner storage chamber and the developing chamber in the cartridge are separated from each other according to the posture of the main body of the apparatus even when the toner cartridge opening is positioned in the substantially vertical lower surface direction. By providing the second shutter, the amount of toner in the developing chamber can be limited. As a result, there is no possibility that the developing chamber will be filled with the toner in the round cylinder, it is possible to prevent the toner from leaking from the gap of the developing sleeve, and prevent the toner from being solidified by the weight of the toner and causing the packing. .

Furthermore, it is possible to provide a user-friendly image forming apparatus without fear of toner spilling even if the opening of the toner cartridge after being pulled out is carried on the vertical lower surface side.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
An embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the main part of the developing device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and in FIG.
The same elements as those shown in are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below.

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, in the main body posture, all the toner in the cartridge 1 is stored in the developing chamber 2
In order to prevent the second shutter 20b from falling to 1, the second shutter 20b is swingably provided so as to be positioned on the vertical lower surface by gravity regardless of the posture of the main body, and the second shutter 20b is provided.
To be able to limit the amount of toner inside.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the toner storage chamber and the developing chamber in the cartridge are partitioned according to the posture of the main body of the apparatus even when the toner cartridge opening is positioned in the substantially vertical lower surface direction. By providing the second shutter, the amount of toner in the developing chamber can be limited. As a result, there is no possibility that the developing chamber will be filled with the toner in the round cylinder, it is possible to prevent the toner from leaking from the gap of the developing sleeve, and prevent the toner from being solidified by the weight of the toner and causing the packing. .

Furthermore, since the second shutter 20b can be provided on the main body side, it is possible to reduce the cost of a single toner cartridge that is recycled and used in large quantities.

[0057]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present application is described.
According to the invention, since the pressing member is brought into contact with and separated from the holding member and the second seal member is pressed against or separated from the shutter in association with the rotation operation of the toner cartridge, the opening position is changed when the toner cartridge is replaced. It is possible to perform the rotating operation and the inserting / removing operation for switching the toner cartridge with an extremely small sliding load, and the sealing member is pressed against the shutter at the last moment of rotating the toner cartridge, and a reliable sealing effect is obtained with a simple and inexpensive structure. be able to.

According to the second invention of the present application,
In the first aspect of the present invention, since the toner cartridge is rotated by the drive source to switch the opening position, the workability in replacing the toner cartridge can be improved, and a reliable sealing effect can be obtained.

Further, according to the third invention of the present application, in the first invention, the developing device is attached to either the upper frame or the lower frame which is divided into clamshell types and can be opened and closed. Since the opening position is switched by rotating the toner cartridge in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the upper frame, workability in toner cartridge replacement can be improved and a reliable sealing effect can be obtained.

According to the fourth invention of the present application,
Since the second seal member is pressed or separated from the shutter in conjunction with the operation of the stirring member, the rotation operation for switching the opening position and the insertion / removal operation can be performed with an extremely small sliding load when the toner cartridge is replaced. In particular, when the toner cartridge rotates, the toner can be rotated with a uniform low torque from the beginning to the end of the rotation range.

Further, according to the fifth invention of the present application, in association with the contact / separation operation of the developing device with respect to the image carrier,
Since the second seal member is pressed against or separated from the shutter, the developer carrying member and the image carrying member are separated from each other when the toner cartridge is replaced, so that there is no fear of damaging the image carrying member and a user-friendly image forming apparatus is provided. be able to.

According to the sixth invention of the present application,
Since the second seal member is pressed or separated from the shutter in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the upper frame, workability at the time of toner cartridge replacement can be improved, and a reliable sealing effect can be obtained with a simple and inexpensive structure. Obtainable.

Further, according to the seventh invention of the present application, in the sixth invention, the opening position is switched by rotating the toner cartridge in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the upper frame, so that the toner cartridge is replaced. It is possible to improve workability in and to obtain a reliable sealing effect.

According to the eighth invention of the present application,
In any one of the fourth to sixth inventions,
Since the toner cartridge is rotated by the drive source to switch the position of the opening, the workability in replacing the toner cartridge can be improved and a reliable sealing effect can be obtained.

Further, according to the ninth invention of the present application, since the second shutter which opens or closes the opening of the toner cartridge by its own weight is provided, the opening of the toner cartridge is positioned substantially in the vertical lower surface direction. Even in this state, the amount of toner in the developing chamber can be limited according to the posture of the main body of the apparatus. As a result, not only the toner leakage from the gap of the developer carrying member can be prevented, but also the toner does not solidify during the next copying operation, and the packing can be prevented, so that a good image can always be obtained. it can. Further, even if the opening portion of the toner cartridge after being pulled out is carried to the vertical lower surface side, there is no fear of toner spilling.

According to the tenth invention of the present application, in the ninth invention, since the second shutter is swingably arranged in the toner cartridge, the toner cartridge opening is substantially vertical. Even in the state of being located in the lower surface direction, the amount of toner in the developing chamber can be limited according to the posture of the main body of the apparatus. As a result, not only the toner leakage from the gap of the developer carrying member can be prevented, but also the toner does not solidify during the next copying operation, and the packing can be prevented, so that a good image can always be obtained. it can.

Further, according to the tenth invention of the present application, in the ninth invention, since the second shutter is arranged as a shutter for partitioning the developing chamber of the developing chamber, the second shutter is provided. Can be provided on the main body side, and the cost of a single toner cartridge that is recycled and used in large quantities can be reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a seal member is not pressed by a shutter in an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the seal member is pressed by the shutter in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an essential part of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state during operation of the main body according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a state when a cartridge is replaced according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a vertically installed state of a main body according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an upper frame of the clamshell type body according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is opened.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an essential part of an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Toner cartridge 2 Shutter (pressurizing member) 2a, 20a 1st shutter (shutter which divides a developing chamber and a storage chamber of a developing container) 2b, 20b 2nd shutter 3 Developing container 4 Developing sleeve (developer carrying member) 5 Photosensitive drum (image carrier) 6 First sealing member 7 Second sealing member 8, 14 Holding member 10 Opening 11 Toner 12 Stirring blade (stirring member) 15 Lever (pressurizing member) 16 Upper frame 19 Lower frame

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A developing container having a cartridge accommodating chamber for rotatably holding a toner cartridge and a developing chamber in which a developer carrier is disposed, a shutter for partitioning the accommodating chamber and the developing chamber, and the developing chamber. A first seal member for sealing between the shutter and the toner cartridge in the vicinity of the opening of the toner cartridge for sending the toner to
In a developing device including a shutter and a second sealing member that seals between the developing container, a holding member that holds the second sealing member is swingably provided with respect to the developing container, and the opening is formed. In conjunction with the rotational movement of the toner cartridge that moves the toner cartridge to the opposite position or the retreat position with respect to the developing chamber, the toner cartridge comes into contact with or separates from the holding member and presses or separates the second seal member from the shutter. A developing device comprising a pressure member. 2. An image forming apparatus comprising the developing device according to claim 1, wherein the toner cartridge is rotated by a drive source to switch the position of the opening. 3. A clamshell-type divided upper and lower frame that is openable and closable is provided, and the developing container of the developing device according to claim 1 is attached to either the upper frame or the lower frame. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the opening position is switched by rotating a toner cartridge in conjunction with an opening / closing operation of a frame. 4. A developing container having a cartridge accommodating chamber for rotatably holding a toner cartridge and a developing chamber in which a developer carrier is disposed, a shutter for partitioning the accommodating chamber and the developing chamber, and the developing chamber. A first seal member for sealing between the shutter and the toner cartridge in the vicinity of the opening of the toner cartridge for sending the toner to
An image is provided in which a developing device including a second seal member that seals between the shutter and the developing container and an agitating member that is rotatably provided in the toner cartridge is provided, and a drive source of the agitating member is provided. In the forming apparatus, a holding member that holds the second seal member is swingably provided with respect to the developing container, and the second seal member serves as the shutter by abutting or separating from the holding member. An image characterized by comprising a pressure member for pressing or separating, and moving the pressure member to a contact position or a separation position with the holding member in association with driving or stopping of the stirring member by the driving source. Forming equipment. 5. A developing container having a cartridge accommodating chamber for rotatably holding a toner cartridge, a developing chamber in which a developer carrier is disposed, a shutter for partitioning the accommodating chamber and the developing chamber, and the developing chamber. A first seal member for sealing between the shutter and the toner cartridge in the vicinity of the opening of the toner cartridge for sending the toner to
A developing device including a shutter and a second sealing member that seals between the developing container holds the second sealing member in an image forming apparatus that is disposed so as to come in contact with and separate from an image carrier. A holding member is provided so as to be swingable with respect to the developing container, and a pressurizing member is provided for pressing or separating the second seal member from the shutter by abutting or separating from the holding member. An image forming apparatus, wherein a member is moved to an abutting position or a separating position with respect to the holding member in association with a contacting or separating operation of the developing device with respect to an image carrier. 6. A developing container having a cartridge accommodating chamber for rotatably holding a toner cartridge and a developing chamber in which a developer carrier is disposed, a shutter for partitioning the accommodating chamber and the developing chamber, and the developing chamber. A first seal member for sealing between the shutter and the toner cartridge in the vicinity of the opening of the toner cartridge for sending the toner to
An image forming apparatus in which a developing device including the shutter and a second sealing member that seals between the developing container is attached to either one of an upper frame and a lower frame that are divided into clamshell types and can be opened and closed, A holding member for holding the second seal member is swingably provided with respect to the developing container, and the second seal member is pressed or separated from the shutter by abutting or separating from the holding member. An image forming apparatus comprising: a pressure member, wherein the pressure member is moved to a contact position or a separation position with the holding member in association with a closing operation or an opening operation of the upper frame. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the opening position is switched by rotating the toner cartridge in association with the opening / closing operation of the upper frame. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the toner cartridge is rotated by the drive source to switch the opening position. 9. An accommodation chamber for holding a toner cartridge,
And a developing container having a developing chamber in which a developer carrying member is arranged, a shutter for partitioning the accommodating chamber and the developing chamber, and the shutter and the toner cartridge near the opening of the toner cartridge for sending toner to the developing chamber. In a developing device including a first sealing member that seals the space and a second sealing member that seals the space between the shutter and the developing container, the developing device can freely swing between the opening position and the closing position by its own weight. And a second shutter provided therein. 10. The developing device according to claim 9, wherein the second shutter is provided in the toner cartridge so as to be swingable by its own weight. 11. The developing device according to claim 9, wherein the second shutter is arranged so as to be swingable by its own weight in the shutter that separates the developing chamber from the storage chamber of the developing container.