Patent ID: 12235598

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, Embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1

First, an overview of an image forming apparatus1according to an Embodiment 1 will be described usingFIG.2. The image forming apparatus1is a monochrome laser printer that forms an image on a recording material P based on an image information input from an external device. The recording material P includes various sheet materials of different materials such as a paper including a plain paper and a thick paper, a plastic film such as a sheet for an overhead projector, a special shaped sheet such as an envelope and an index paper, and cloth.

In the following descriptions and drawings, a vertical upward direction in a case in which the image forming apparatus1is installed on a horizontal plane is referred to as a “Z direction”. A rotational axis direction of a developing roller31which is provided in a developing device30of the image forming apparatus1is referred to as an “X direction”. In addition, a direction crossed with both the X direction and the Z directions is referred to as a “Y direction”. The X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction are preferably perpendicular to each other. In addition, as needed, a sign of + or − may be assigned with reference to a direction indicated by an arrow in the Figures. For example, in part (a) ofFIG.1, “+X side” represents the same side as a direction indicated by an arrow X (left side in the Figure), and “−X side” represents the opposite side of the direction indicated by the arrow X (right side in the Figure). In addition, devices and components that are detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus1are described with reference to their position and posture as they are mounted on the image forming apparatus1.

As shown inFIG.2, a printer main assembly2as the image forming apparatus main assembly (apparatus main assembly) is provided with an image forming portion10which forms a toner image on a recording material P, and a fixing portion70which fixes the toner image formed by the image forming portion10to the recording material P. In addition, the printer main assembly2is provided with a pickup roller65as a feeding means which feeds the recording material P to the image forming portion10and a discharging roller pair80as a discharge means which discharges the recording material P on which an image is formed to outside the printer main assembly2.

The image forming portion10is provided with a scanner unit11, a process unit20of an electrophotographic method and a transfer roller12as a transfer means which transfers an image (the toner image) formed on a photosensitive drum21of the process unit20to the recording material P. The process unit20is provided with the photosensitive drum21as an image bearing member and one or more of process means which act on the image bearing member. The process unit20of the present Embodiment is provided with the photosensitive drum21and a charging roller22, a pre-exposure device23, and a developing device30, all of which are disposed around the photosensitive drum21.

The photosensitive drum21is a photosensitive member formed in a cylindrical shape (drum-shaped). The photosensitive drum21of the present Embodiment is constituted by a photosensitive layer formed of a negatively charged organic photo conductor on a drum-shaped base member molded of aluminum. In addition, the photosensitive drum21is driven and rotated by a motor in a predetermined direction (clockwise direction inFIG.2) at a predetermined process speed.

The charging roller22as a charging means contacts the photosensitive drum21with a predetermined pressure contact force and forms a charging portion. In addition, a surface of the photosensitive drum21is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by applying a desired charging voltage by a charging high-voltage power source. In the present Embodiment, the photosensitive drum21is charged to negative polarity by the charging roller22. The pre-exposure apparatus23eliminates a surface potential of the photosensitive drum21before the surface of the photosensitive drum21enters the charging portion in order to generate a stable discharge in the charging portion.

The scanner unit11as an exposure means exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum21by irradiating the photosensitive drum21with a laser beam corresponding to image information input from an external device, using a polygon mirror. By this exposure, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum21. Incidentally, the scanner unit11is not limited to a laser scanner device, and, for example, an LED exposure device including an LED array in which a plurality of LEDs is arranged along a longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum21may be employed.

The developing device30as a developing means is provided with a developing roller31as a developer carrying member which carries developer, a developer container32as an accommodating portion (developer accommodating portion) which accommodates toner as developer, and a stirring member34that stirs and conveys the toner in the developer container32.

The developer container32serves as a frame member of the developing device30. An inside of the developer container32is a toner accommodating chamber36which serves as an accommodating space of the toner. The developing roller31is rotatably supported by the developer container32. In addition, the developing roller31is disposed in an opening portion of the developer container32so as to face the photosensitive drum21. The developing roller31rotates about a rotational axis which is substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the photosensitive drum21. Incidentally, a supply roller (application roller) that contacts the developing roller31may be disposed in the developer container32to increase a supplying capacity of the toner to the developing roller31.

The developing device30of the present Embodiment uses a contact developing method as a developing method. That is, a toner layer carried on the developing roller31is in contact with the photosensitive drum21in a developing portion (developing area) where the photosensitive drum21and the developing roller31face each other. A developing voltage is applied to the developing roller31by a developing high-voltage power source. Under application of the developing voltage, the toner carried on the developing roller31is transferred from the developing roller31to the surface of the photosensitive drum21in accordance with a potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum21, so that the electrostatic latent image is developed into the toner image. Incidentally, in the present Embodiment, a reverse development method is employed. That is, the surface of the photosensitive drum is charged in a charging step and then a charge amount is attenuated by an exposure in an exposure step, and the toner adheres to a surface region of the photosensitive drum21having the attenuated charge amount, so that the toner image is formed.

In addition, in the present Embodiment, toner having a particle diameter of 6 m and a normal charging polarity of negative polarity is used, for example. As an example, a polymerized toner produced by a polymerization method is employed as the toner. In addition, the toner does not contain a magnetic component, and is a so-called non-magnetic one-component developer in which the toner is supported on the developing roller31mainly by an intermolecular force or an electrostatic force (mirror image force). However, a one-component developer containing a magnetic component may be used. Furthermore, in addition to toner particles, the one-component developer may contain additives (for example, wax or silica fine particles) for adjusting a fluidity and a charging performance of the toner. Furthermore, as the developer, a two-component developer comprising a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier may be used. When a magnetic developer is used, for example, a cylindrical developing roller in which a magnet is arranged inside is used as the developer carrying member.

The stirring member34is provided with a shaft portion34aextending in the rotational axis direction (X direction) of the developing roller31and a stirring portion34bprotruding from the shaft portion34ain a direction crossed with the rotational axis direction. The stirring portion34bis constituted by an elastic sheet-like member having a length extending over approximately an entire length of the toner accommodating chamber36in the X direction, for example. The stirring member34stirs the toner in the developer container32with the stirring portion34bas the shaft portion34aof the stirring member34is rotated by a driving force supplied from a motor not shown, and supplies the toner to the developing roller31. In addition, the stirring member34is served to circulate the toner which is not used for developing and is scraped from the developing roller31in the developer container32, and level or uniform the toner in the developer container32.

Incidentally, the stirring portion34bmay be, for example, a plurality of projections (paddles) projecting from the shaft portion34aand disposed in the X direction with being spaced from each other. In addition, the stirring portion34bmay be, for example, screw-shaped or propeller-shaped. In addition, the stirring member34is not limited to a rotating type. For example, a stirring member including a swinging shape may be employed instead.

In addition, a developing blade35that restricts an amount of the toner to be carried on the developing roller31is disposed at the opening portion of the developer container32in which the developing roller31is disposed. The toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller31passes through a portion facing the developing blade35with the rotation of the developing roller31, so that the toner is uniformly formed into a thin layer and is charged to the negative polarity by triboelectric charging.

(Image Forming Operation)

Next, an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus1will be described. When a command for image formation is input to the image forming apparatus1, an image forming process by the image forming portion10is started based on the image information input from an external computer connected to the image forming apparatus1. The scanner unit11irradiates the photosensitive drum21with the laser beam based on the input image information. At this time, the photosensitive drum21is pre-charged by the charging roller22, and the electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum21by being irradiated with the laser beam. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller31, and the toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum21.

In parallel with the image forming process described above, the recording material P is fed out by the pickup roller65and is conveyed toward a transfer nip formed by the transfer roller12and the photosensitive drum21.

Transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller12from a transfer high-voltage power source, and the toner image borne on the photosensitive drum21is transferred to the recording material P. When the recording material P on which the toner image is transferred passes through the fixing portion70, the toner image is heated and pressed. By this, the toner particles are melted and then fixed, so that the toner image is fixed on the recording material P. The recording material P which has passed through the fixing portion70is discharged to an outside of the image forming apparatus1(outside the machine) by the discharging roller pair80as the discharging means, and is stacked on a discharge tray81as a stacking portion formed at an upper surface portion of the printer main assembly2.

The upper surface portion of the printer main assembly2is constituted by a top cover82. Incidentally, inFIG.2, the top cover82is shown in a state opening toward above. On an upper surface of the top cover82, the discharge tray81as a stacking surface is formed. The top cover82is supported in an openable and closable (rotatable) manner with respect to a frame member of the printer main assembly2.

The top cover82is movable between a closing position, in which an opening2ais blocked so that a replenishing container cannot be mounted to a toner receiving device106(FIG.3), which will be described below, and an opening position, in which the opening2ais exposed so that the replenishing container can be mounted to the toner receiving device106. The image forming apparatus1is capable of performing the image forming operation in a state in which the top cover82is positioned in the closing position. Incidentally, instead of a configuration in which an entire upper surface portion of the printer main assembly2is openable and closable, it may be configured so that the toner receiving device106is exposed by opening an opening/closing member83(part (a) and part (b) ofFIG.26) as a part of the top cover82.

In the present Embodiment, a toner replenishing method is employed as a replenishing method of the developer to the developing device30. The image forming apparatus1is provided with a remaining amount detecting mechanism such as a remaining amount detecting sensor which detects a remaining amount of the toner in the developer container32, and when the remaining amount of the toner becomes low, the image forming apparatus1informs a user by displaying information which suggests a toner replenishment on an operating portion (display panel), etc. of the image forming apparatus1and so forth. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus1may also suggest the user replenish the toner by changing a displaying state of a remaining amount displaying portion, etc., which is disposed at a position visible to the user. For example, it is possible to display information on the remaining amount of the toner to the user by providing a lamp (display portion) in the image forming apparatus1, which changes a lighting state in response to the remaining amount of the toner, and by changing the lighting state. The user can directly replenish the toner to the developing device30from outside the image forming apparatus1by opening the top cover82and mounting a toner pack, which will be described below, to a replenishment port of the toner receiving device106.

As the remaining amount detecting sensor, an optical sensor may be used, which comprises a sensor substrate that is provided with a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and a light guiding member which forms a light path from the light emitting portion through space in the developer container32to the light receiving portion. In this case, the remaining amount of the toner can be detected by utilizing a fact that when the stirring member34is rotated and a toner surface is leveled, a length of time in which the light path is blocked by the toner changes depending on the remaining amount of the toner. The remaining amount detecting sensor may be disposed so as to detect the toner at or near a longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber36, which will be described below, so that the remaining amount detecting sensor is less affected by unevenness of the toner in the developer container32. Incidentally, as a remaining amount detecting mechanism, it is not limited to the optical detecting mechanism using the optical sensor, but a detecting mechanism based on a detection of an electrostatic capacitance of the toner in the developer container32may be used. In addition, without disposing of various sensors, etc., a configuration that estimates or calculates the remaining amount of the toner based on the image data formed, e.g., the remaining amount detecting mechanism of the toner based on a pixel count, etc., may be used.

Since a work of cartridge replacement becomes unnecessary, the toner replenishing method improves usability compared to a method in which the process unit20(process cartridge) or the developing device30(toner cartridge) is replaced when the remaining amount of the toner becomes low. In addition, it is possible to reduce running costs compared to the cartridge method. Incidentally, the image forming apparatus1and the replenishing container such as the toner pack which is detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus1constitute an image forming system.

In the present Embodiment, by replenishing the toner from outside the image forming apparatus1in the toner replenishing method, it becomes possible to use the process unit20and the developing device30over a service life (lifetime) of the image forming apparatus1without replacing the process unit20and the developing device30.

(Toner Receiving Device)

A configuration of the toner receiving device106as a mounting portion (replenishing portion) to which the replenishing container is mounted will be described using part (a) and part (b) ofFIG.1,FIG.4, part (a) and part (b) ofFIG.5, andFIG.6. In the present Embodiment, the toner receiving device106is a unit that constitutes a replenishment port to which a toner pack100as an example of the replenishing container is mounted.

Part (a) ofFIG.1is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the toner receiving device106and toner accommodating chamber36are communicated. Part (b) ofFIG.1is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the toner flows in the toner accommodating chamber36from the toner pack100mounted to the toner receiving device106.FIG.4is an exploded view of the toner receiving device106. Part (a) ofFIG.5is a top view of the toner receiving device106when a device-side shutter109is in a closing state. Part (b) ofFIG.5is a top view of the toner receiving device106when the device-side shutter109is in an opening state.FIG.6is a cross-sectional view of the toner receiving device106cut with a plane indicated by a H-H line shown in part (a) ofFIG.5.

As shown inFIG.4, the toner receiving device106is provided with a first frame member107, an operating lever108, a cover member110, the device-side shutter109, and a second frame member117. The first frame member107, the cover member110, and the second frame member117are fixed members, positions of which are fixed. The operating lever108and the device-side shutter109are movable members which are movable (rotatable) with respect to the first frame member107, etc.

The cover member110and the second frame member117are fixed to the first frame member107. A discharging opening107bis disposed in the first frame member107as a connecting portion (communicating portion) to the developing device30. The discharging opening107bis an opening through which the toner discharged from the toner pack100which is mounted to the toner receiving device106passes. In addition, the first frame member107includes an inner circumferential cylindrical surface107cthat supports the device-side shutter109and a positioning portion107afor positioning the toner pack100.

As described below, in the developer container32(accommodating portion), a receiving opening321(part (a) ofFIG.1) as a connecting portion (communicating portion) with the toner receiving device106is disposed. The receiving opening321is communicated with the discharging opening107bof the toner receiving device106and constitutes a flow passage which connects the discharging opening107band the toner accommodating chamber36in the developer container32.

The operating lever108is an annular member which includes an operating portion108bfor the user to operate with a finger and a drive transmitting portion108awhich transmits force received by the operating portion108b.

The device-side shutter109is an example of a shutter member. The device-side shutter109includes a receiving opening109awhich communicates with a discharging opening102aof the toner pack100, which will be described below, a drive transmitted portion109e, which engages with the drive transmitting portion108aof the operating lever108, and an outer circumferential cylindrical surface109f. A device-side seal111is attached around the receiving opening109a.

The cover member110includes a shielding portion110awhich is projecting into space inside the device-side shutter109. The shielding portion110ais disposed at a position where it is possible to shield the receiving opening109ain response to a position of the device-side shutter109.

A mounting space106ais formed approximately as a bottomed cylindrical space by the first frame member107, the operating lever108, the device-side shutter109, and the cover member110.

The device-side shutter109is configured to rotate about a rotational axis B by the outer circumferential surface109fbeing slidably supported by the inner circumferential surface107cof the first frame member107. By an engagement of the drive transmitting portion108aand the drive transmitted portion109e, the device-side shutter109rotates integrally with the operating lever108. In addition, as shown inFIG.6, a movement of the device-side shutter109in a direction along an axis B is restricted by a restricting surface107dof the first frame member107and a restricting surface117dof the second frame member117.

The device-side shutter109is movable between a closing position (first position) shown in part (a) ofFIG.5and an opening position (second position) shown in part (b) ofFIG.5. When the device-side shutter109is positioned in the closing position, the receiving opening109ais shielded by the shielding portion110aof the cover member110and is separated from the discharging opening107b. In other words, the receiving opening109ais not communicated with an inner space of the developing device30.

When the device-side shutter109is positioned in the opening position, the receiving opening109ais away from the shielding portion110aof the cover member110and is faced to or aligned with the discharging opening107b. In other words, the receiving opening109ais in a state in which the receiving opening109ais communicating with the inner space of the developer container32through the discharging opening107band the receiving opening321of the developer container32. Therefore, when the device-side shutter109is positioned in the second position and the inner space of the toner pack100is communicated with the receiving opening109aof the device-side shutter109, the toner replenishment from the toner pack100to the developing device30becomes possible.

In other words, when the device-side shutter109is positioned in the opening position, the image forming apparatus1becomes in a state where the toner replenishment to the developer container32through the receiving opening109a(first receiving opening) of the device-side shutter109and the receiving opening321(second receiving opening) of the developer container32is possible. On the other hand, when the device-side shutter109is positioned in the closing position, the image forming apparatus1is in a state in which the toner replenishment to the developer container32is not possible.

(Toner Pack)

Next, a configuration of the toner pack100will be described usingFIG.7,FIG.8, and part (a) and part (b) ofFIG.9.FIG.7andFIG.8are exploded views of the toner pack100. Part (a) ofFIG.9is a perspective view of a nozzle102of the toner pack100in a state in which a pack-side shutter103is closed. Part (b) ofFIG.9is a perspective view of the nozzle102in a state in which the pack-side shutter103is opened.

As shown inFIG.7andFIG.8, the toner pack100is provided with a bag portion101(toner accommodating portion), which accommodates the toner, the nozzle102and the pack-side shutter103. The pack-side shutter103is rotatable about an axis A with respect to the nozzle102. With respect to an axial direction along with the axis A, the nozzle102is disposed at one end side of the axial direction of the bag portion101.

In the present Embodiment, the bag portion101is a thing in which a flexible polypropylene sheet is formed into a bag shape by pouch processing, etc. An opening edge of the bag portion101is shielded by the opening edge being bonded to a bonding portion102fof the nozzle102with a method such as welding.

The nozzle102includes a receiving opening102d(FIG.12) which is open toward an inner space of the bag portion101, a discharging opening102awhich is open toward an outside of the toner pack100, and a side surface (first outer surface)102cwhich extends along the direction of the axis A. The discharging opening102aof the present Embodiment is formed on the side surface102c. Incidentally, inFIG.7andFIG.8, an opening direction of the discharging opening102a(a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of the axis A) is indicated by an arrow W.

In addition, inside the nozzle102, a flow passage102b(FIG.12), which connects the receiving opening102dand the discharging opening102a, is formed. The flow passage102bpreferably includes an inclined surface which is inclined so as to guide the toner flowing in from the receiving opening102d, which is open upward, toward the discharging opening102a, which is opened on the side surface102cof the nozzle102. The inclined surface is a surface inclined toward a side of the discharging opening102a(left side inFIG.12) with respect to a direction perpendicular to a gravity direction G as it goes along the gravity direction G (one side of a direction along the axis A) in a cross-sectional plane which passes through the discharging opening102aand is parallel to the axis A.

The pack-side shutter103is supported by the nozzle102and is rotatable about the axis A. In the pack-side shutter103, a pack-side seal105which slides against the side surface102cof the nozzle102is attached. In addition, the pack-side shutter103includes a side surface (second outer surface)103dwhich covers the side surface102cof the nozzle102and an opening103awhich is formed by a part of the side surface103dbeing cut out.

In addition, the pack-side shutter103includes a drive transmitted portion103bwhich is formed by a part of the side surface103dbeing recessed. The drive transmitted portion103bis disposed so as to receive an operating force from the operating lever108of the toner receiving device106.

The pack-side shutter103is movable between a closing position (part (a) ofFIG.9), where the pack-side seal105blocks the discharging opening102aof the nozzle102, and an opening position (part (b) ofFIG.9), where the discharging opening102aof the nozzle102is exposed through the opening103a. As shown in part (a) ofFIG.9, when the pack-side shutter103in the closing position is rotated in a direction of an arrow K about the axis A, the pack-side shutter103becomes in the opening position shown in part (b) ofFIG.9. Conversely, as shown in part (b) ofFIG.9, when the pack-side shutter103is rotated from the opening position in a direction of an arrow L, the pack-side shutter103becomes in the closing position.

In addition, as shown inFIG.7, in the nozzle102, a recessed portion102e, which is formed by the side surface102cbeing recessed, is disposed. The recessed portion102eis a positioned portion which is configured so as to be positioned by engaging with the positioning portion107aof the toner receiving device106. When the pack-side shutter103is positioned in the closing position (part (a) ofFIG.9), the recessed portion102eof the nozzle102is exposed through the opening103a. When the pack-side shutter103is moved from the closing position to the opening position (part (b) ofFIG.9), the discharging opening102aof the nozzle102is exposed through the opening103aas described above.

(Mounting of the Toner Pack and a Lever Operation)

Next, insertion of the toner pack100to the toner receiving device106and an operation of the operating lever108will be described using part (a) and part (b) ofFIG.10, part (a) and part (b) ofFIG.11, andFIG.12. Part (a) and part (b) ofFIG.10are perspective views illustrating a state, where the toner pack100is mounted to the toner receiving device106, viewed from different angles. Part (a) ofFIG.11is a top view illustrating a state immediately after the toner pack100is mounted to the toner receiving device106. Part (b) ofFIG.11is a top view illustrating a state when the operating lever108is operated after the toner pack100is mounted to the toner receiving device106.FIG.12is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack100and the toner receiving device106cut with a plane indicated by a J-J line in part (b) ofFIG.11.

As shown in part (a) and part (b) ofFIG.10, in a state before the toner pack100is mounted to the mounting space106a, the device-side shutter109and the pack-side shutter103are both positioned in the closing position. The user grips the toner pack100and inserts the toner pack100to the mounting space106atoward a direction of an arrow N with the nozzle102and the pack-side shutter103being downside.

Upon inserting, when viewed in the direction of the arrow N, positions of the opening103aof the pack-side shutter103and the recessed portion102eof the nozzle102, and a position of the positioning portion107aof the first frame member107should be aligned. At the same time, when viewed in the direction of the arrow N, a position of the drive transmitted portion103bof the pack-side shutter103and a position of the drive transmitting portion108aof the operating lever108should be aligned.

As a result, when the toner pack100is inserted to the mounting space106a, the opening portion103aand the recessed portion102eare engaged with the positioning portion107a, and the drive transmitted portion103bis engaged with the drive transmitting portion108a. In other words, while the nozzle102is positioned (stopped from rotating) by the positioning portion107aof the first frame member107, the pack-side shutter103becomes in a state integrally rotatable with the operating lever108. In addition, a rotational axis (axis A) of the pack-side shutter103and a rotational axis (axis B) of the device-side shutter109are substantially aligned.

As shown in part (a) ofFIG.11, after inserting the toner pack100to the toner receiving device106, the user grips the operating portion108bof the operating lever108and rotates the operating lever108in a direction of an arrow D. The direction of the arrow D is a direction aligned with the direction of the arrow K in part (a) ofFIG.9. As the operating lever108rotates in the direction of the arrow D, the device-side shutter109moves from the closing position (part (a) ofFIG.5) to the opening position (part (b) ofFIG.5), and the pack-side shutter103also moves from the closing position (part (a) ofFIG.9) to the opening position (part (b) ofFIG.9). The discharging opening102aexposed through the opening103aof the pack-side shutter103faces the receiving opening109aof the device-side shutter109, which has moved to the opening position.

By this, as shown inFIG.12, the inner space of the toner pack100and the inner space of the developing device30come to be communicated. That is, from the bag portion101of the toner pack100, through the receiving opening102dof the nozzle102, the discharging opening102aof the nozzle102, the receiving opening109aof the device-side shutter109, and the discharging opening107bof the first frame member107, to the receiving opening321of the developer container32come to be communicated. By this, it becomes possible to replenish the toner from the toner pack100to the developing device30.

After operating the operating lever108, the user deforms the bag portion101by hand to reduce volume of the bag portion101. As shown in part (b) ofFIG.1andFIG.12, the toner inside the bag portion101is pushed out with air in the bag portion101and flows in the toner accommodating chamber36of the developing device30through the flow passage E.

When discharge of the toner from the toner pack100is finished, the user returns the operating lever108from a position shown in part (b) ofFIG.11to a position shown in part (a) ofFIG.11. By this, the device-side shutter109and the pack-side shutter103return to the closing positions, respectively, and it becomes possible to remove the toner pack100from the toner receiving device106.

Incidentally, the toner pack100is only one example of a replenishing container and, for example, a replenishing container provided with a cylindrical toner accommodating portion with rigidity may be used instead of the soft bag portion101with flexibility. In this case, for example, it may be configured that the user discharges the toner by operating a piston which slides against the toner accommodating portion. In addition, a configuration of the toner receiving device106may be changed to match a specific configuration of the replenishing container. For example, instead of the configuration in which the pack-side shutter103and the device-side shutter109are opened and closed by the operation of the operating lever108, each shutter may be opened and closed by the user rotating the replenishing container inserted to the toner receiving device106about the axis B.

(Configuration of the Flow Passage of the Toner)

Next, a configuration related to the flow passage of the toner, which is replenished from the toner pack100mounted to the image forming apparatus1(toner receiving device106), in particular, the receiving opening321provided in the developer container32will be described.

Part (a) and part (b) ofFIG.13are perspective views of the developing device30and the toner receiving device106.FIG.14is a top view of the developing device30and toner receiving device106according to the present Embodiment. Part (a) ofFIG.15is a side view of the developing device30and toner receiving device106viewed from a side of the toner receiving device106in the X direction (+X side). Part (b) ofFIG.15is a side view of the developing device30viewed from the side of the toner receiving device106in the X direction (+X side).FIG.16is a cross-sectional view of the developing device30cut at a position indicated by a U-U line inFIG.14.FIG.16shows a position of the receiving opening321etc., when viewed from inside the developer container32toward the side of the toner receiving device106in the X direction (+X side).FIG.17is an enlarged view which enlarges a part of the cross-sectional view of part (a) ofFIG.1. Incidentally, in each of the above Figures, the developing roller31and the operating lever108are omitted.

As shown in part (a) and part (b) ofFIG.13andFIG.14, the toner receiving device106of the present Embodiment is provided on one side of the X direction (+X side) with respect to the developer container32. In other words, the receiving device of the present Embodiment is provided on a first end side (+X side) of a rotational axis of the developing roller with respect to the accommodating portion of the developing device. Therefore, the toner received from the toner pack100by the toner receiving device106reaches the developer container32by flowing toward the other side of the X direction (−X side, the second end side which is opposite to the first end side of the rotational axis of the developing roller).

The developer container32(accommodating portion) includes a first side surface32a, which is a side surface of one side (a side of the toner receiving device106) in the X direction, a second side surface32b, which is a side surface of the other side in the X direction, and an upper surface portion and a lower surface portion connecting the first side surface32aand the second side surface32b. The toner accommodating chamber36is a space expanding between the first side surface32aand the second side surface32b. A longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber36refers to a central position between an end position of the toner accommodating chamber36on the side of the first side surface32aand an end position of the toner accommodating chamber36on the side of the second side surface32bwith respect to the X direction. The longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber36may be rephrased as a central position of the developing roller31(central position of the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller31which carries the toner in the X direction). In addition, the first end side in the X direction refers to a side where the toner receiving device106is provided (downside inFIG.14) with reference to the longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber, and the second end side in the X direction refers to the opposite side (upside inFIG.14).

An outer surface of the first side surface32afaces the toner receiving device106in the X direction. On the second side surface32b, which is an opposite side of the toner receiving device106, for example, a drive mechanism such as a gear325(part (a) ofFIG.13) which transmits drive from a drive source in the printer main assembly2to the stirring member34may be provided. The drive mechanism such as the gear325may be provided, for example, so as to overlap with the toner receiving device106when viewed in the X direction. Incidentally, “overlapping two elements (units or components) when viewed in the X direction” means that a projected region of one element at least partially overlaps with a projected region of the other element when each element is vertically projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the X direction.

As shown in part (a) ofFIG.15, the toner receiving device106(mounting portion) of the present Embodiment is provided so as to overlap with the developer container32(accommodating portion) when viewed in the X direction. By this arrangement, a space for disposing the toner receiving device106and the developing device30when viewed in the X direction is reduced, thereby contributing to downsizing of the image forming apparatus1.

As shown in part (b) ofFIG.15,FIG.16andFIG.17, in the first end side of the developer container32in the X direction (+X side), the receiving opening321for receiving the toner from the toner receiving device106in the accommodating portion is disposed. The receiving opening321in the present Embodiment is formed on the first side surface32a, which is the side surface of the first end side of the developer container32in the X direction. The receiving opening321is open to an outside of the developer container32toward the first end side in the X direction (+X side) and is open to the inner space of the developer container32toward the second end side in the X direction (−X side).

An opening area of the receiving opening321when viewed in the X direction (FIG.16) is wider than an opening area of the receiving opening321when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the X direction (FIG.17). The opening area of the receiving opening321when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the X direction may be zero. By this, it becomes possible to make the toner, which is replenished from the toner pack100and received in the developer container32by the receiving opening321, land at a position closer to the longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber36. Details will be described below.

Incidentally, the receiving opening321in the present Embodiment is formed on the first side surface32a, which extends approximately perpendicular to the X direction. Therefore, the opening area of the receiving opening321when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the X direction (FIG.17) is substantially zero. However, even if the opening area of the receiving opening321when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the X direction is not zero, the opening area of the receiving opening321when viewed in the X direction should be larger.

A position of the receiving opening321and its relationship with the toner receiving device106will be further described. As shown in part (a) ofFIG.15, when viewed in the X direction, the position of the receiving opening321overlaps with the toner receiving device106. In particular, the receiving opening321overlaps with the axis B of the device-side shutter109of the toner receiving device106described above.

As shown inFIG.16, in a state in which the device-side shutter109, which includes the receiving opening109a, is positioned in the opening state, the receiving opening109aof the device-side shutter109and the receiving opening321of the developer container32are aligned in the X direction. In addition, in the above state, when viewed in the X direction, an opening range of the receiving opening109aof the device-side shutter109and an opening range of the receiving opening321of the developer container32are overlapped. In other words, a flow passage penetrating in the X direction is formed from the receiving opening109a, which first receives the toner from the toner pack100, to the space in the developer container32. As shown inFIG.17, the flow passage is formed by the receiving opening109a(first receiving opening), the discharging opening107b, and the receiving opening321(second receiving opening) being aligned in this order from the first end side to the second end side in the X direction.

As shown in part (b) ofFIG.15andFIG.17, the receiving opening321is formed as a short cylindrical shape (rectangular cylindrical shape) extending in the X direction from an opening position outside the developer container32to an opening position inside the developer container32. The receiving opening109aof the toner receiving device106and the discharging opening107bare also openings of a shape (rectangular) corresponding to the receiving opening321, respectively, when viewed in the X direction. Therefore, the above flow passage penetrating in the X direction is a linear space penetrating from the mounting space106aof the toner receiving device106to the toner accommodating chamber36in the X direction. Incidentally, cross-sectional shapes of the receiving opening321, the receiving opening109aand the discharging opening107bare not limited to rectangular, but may be circular, oval or rectangular with rounded corners, for example.

In addition, as shown inFIG.16, when viewed in the X direction, the receiving opening321may be provided so that the receiving opening321of the developer container32is positioned above the shaft portion34aof the stirring member34. Specifically, when viewed in the X direction, the receiving opening321may be provided so that a lower end of the receiving opening321is positioned above a rotational axis C of the shaft portion34a, and the opening range of the receiving opening321in a horizontal direction (Y direction) overlaps with a width of the shaft portion34awith respect to the horizontal direction (Y direction).

(Moving Path of the Replenished Toner)

An action of the configuration of the flow passage of toner described above will be described. Arrows E in part (b) ofFIG.1andFIG.17represent representative moving paths of the toner flowing from the toner pack100inside the developer container32.

As described above, when the toner pack100is inserted to the toner receiving device106and the operating lever108is operated, it becomes a state where the toner may be replenished to the developer container32through the receiving opening109aof the device-side shutter109and the receiving opening321of the developer container32. In the above state, by the user deforming and reducing the volume of the bag portion101of the toner pack100, the toner in the bag portion101is discharged from the discharging opening102aof the nozzle102(an arrow E of part (b) ofFIG.1).

The discharged toner flows along the flow passage from the nozzle102to the receiving opening321of the developer container32by pressure generated when the user reduces the volume of the bag portion101, and the higher the pressure in the bag portion101is, the more vigorous the flow becomes. Specifically, the toner flows from the bag portion101in the inside of the developer container32along the flow passage constituted by the flow passage102band the discharging opening102ain the nozzle102, the receiving opening109aand the discharging opening107bof the toner receiving device106, and the receiving opening321of the developer container32.

As described above, the receiving opening321of the developer container32is configured so that the opening area of the receiving opening321when viewed in the X direction (FIG.16) is wider than the opening area of the receiving opening321when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the X direction (FIG.17). By this configuration, it becomes possible to make a movement direction of the toner, which flows in the developer container32through the receiving opening321provided at the first end side of the developer container32in the X direction, have a velocity component toward the longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber36with respect to the X direction. In other words, it becomes possible to make a velocity component of the toner which flows in the developer container32through the receiving opening321toward the second end side in the X direction (−X side) be larger than a velocity component toward a direction perpendicular to the X direction.

As shown inFIG.17, when the toner passes through the receiving opening321provided on the first end side of the developer container32in the X direction, the toner is moving in a direction E1toward the longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber36with respect to the X direction. Thereafter, due to deceleration by gravity and air resistance, the toner disperses in the X direction, falls and accumulates in the developer container32, as shown by an arrow E2, an arrow E3and an arrow E4. In other words, by configuring the receiving opening321of the developer container32to open toward the longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber36with respect to the X direction, it becomes possible to make a landing position of the toner, which flows in the developer container32through the receiving opening321, be closer to the longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber36.

(Operation After the Toner Replenishment)

A process by which the toner replenished in the developer container32is spread over an entire longitudinal direction of the toner accommodating chamber36by the stirring member34will be described using part (a), part (b) and part (c) ofFIG.18. Part (a) ofFIG.18is a schematic view illustrating a distribution of the toner in the toner accommodating chamber36immediately after a toner replenishment in a Comparative Example. Part (b) ofFIG.18is a schematic view illustrating a distribution of the toner in the toner accommodating chamber36immediately after a toner replenishment in the present Embodiment. Part (c) ofFIG.18is a schematic view illustrating a state after the distribution of the toner in the toner accommodating chamber36is leveled.

In the Comparative Example of part (a) ofFIG.18, the receiving opening321′ of the developer container32is provided in a top surface of the developer container32, and it is configured that a direction Er in which the toner flows in the toner accommodating chamber36becomes approximately perpendicular to the X direction. Therefore, in the Comparative Example, the toner immediately after a replenishment is deposited near the receiving opening321′, and a toner surface T near the receiving opening321′ becomes very high.

Thereafter, a peak of the toner surface T near the receiving opening321′ is gradually flattened since the toner is dispersed in the X direction due to a stirring action of the stirring member34. Incidentally, the stirring member34in the present Embodiment stirs the toner by the stirring portion34b(FIG.16) of a sheet-like member which extends long in the X direction, and does not actively move the toner in the X direction. However, when a concentrated portion of the toner is pressed by the stirring portion34b, the pressed toner spreads to a side where the toner is less with respect to the X direction, and the toner is gradually dispersed in the X direction with rotation of the stirring member34.

Such phenomenon is referred to as a “toner conveyance” in the present Embodiment, which includes a case in which the toner appears to be moving superficially from a higher portion to a lower portion of the toner surface T.

Here, in the Comparative Example, a distance in the X direction from the first end portion to the second end portion of the toner accommodating chamber36in the X direction is defined as d1. In the Comparative Example, the toner immediately after a replenishment is deposited near the receiving opening321′, which is positioned at the first end portion of the toner accommodating chamber36in the X direction. Therefore, to spread the toner to the second end side of the toner accommodating chamber36in the X direction, the toner is conveyed almost the distance d1.

In contrast, in the configuration of the present Embodiment shown in part (b) ofFIG.18, the direction E in which the toner flows in the toner accommodating chamber36is a direction toward the longitudinal center M of toner accommodating chamber36with respect to the X direction, therefore the toner is deposited at a position away from the receiving opening321to the second end side in the X direction (−X side). Although positions of the toner deposition are dispersed in the X direction, at least a part of the toner is positioned at a position x0which is closer to the longitudinal center M than the receiving opening321′ in the Comparative Example.

When a distance in the X direction from the end portion of the first end side of the toner accommodating chamber36in the X direction to the above position x0is defined as d2, then in the present Embodiment, in order to spread the toner to the second end side of the toner accommodating chamber36in the X direction, the toner in the position x0should be conveyed only a distance of (d1-d2). The distance (d1-d2) is shorter than the distance d1of the Comparative Example. In other words, in the present Embodiment, because the toner flies the distance d2(distance from the first side surface32ato the position x0), from the receiving opening321toward the longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber36before landing, a distance the stirring member34conveys the toner with respect to the X direction becomes shorter.

Therefore, in the present Embodiment, time until a height of the toner surface T becomes sufficiently leveled, as shown in part (c) ofFIG.18, becomes shorter than in the Comparative Example. In other words, it becomes possible to quickly spread the toner, which is replenished in the developer container32from the external device of the image forming apparatus1, throughout the developer container32.

In addition, in the present Embodiment, it is configured that by the stirring action of the stirring portion34b, which is made of the sheet-like member as described above, the toner surface T in the toner accommodating chamber36is gradually leveled. Therefore, the action of the stirring member34to move the toner in the toner accommodating chamber36with respect to the X direction is milder than, for example, in a case in which an agitating member which actively moves the toner with respect to the X direction by means of a screw shape is used. Therefore, in the configuration of the present Embodiment in which the stirring portion34bconstituted by the sheet-like member is used, it is particularly useful to quicken the leveling of the toner surface T by making the toner, which flows through the receiving opening321, land near the longitudinal central portion M of the toner accommodating chamber36.

Thus, in the present Embodiment, the toner receiving opening321for receiving the toner in the toner accommodating chamber36is provided with the first end side of the developer container32with respect to the X direction (+X side). In addition, the opening area of the receiving opening321when viewed in the X direction is wider than the opening area of the receiving opening321when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the X direction.

In other words, the accommodating portion of the developing device of the present Embodiment includes the receiving opening provided on the first end side of the accommodating portion with respect to the rotational axis direction of the developing roller. In addition, the opening area of the receiving opening when viewed in the rotational axial direction is wider than the opening area of the receiving opening when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the rotational axial direction. By this configuration, it becomes possible to provide a developing device and an image forming apparatus provided with the developing device capable of promptly spreading the replenished toner.

Incidentally, specific advantages of quickly spreading the replenished toner throughout the toner accommodating chamber36include, for example, the following (1) through (3).

(1) The image forming apparatus1is provided with the remaining amount detecting sensor which detects the remaining amount of the toner in the developer container32, and based on a detected result of the remaining amount detecting sensor, the image forming apparatus1performs a suspension or a resuming of the image forming operation or notification to the user via the operating portion. For example, in a case in which the remaining amount of the toner in the developer container32becomes below a predetermined threshold value, it may be configured that the image forming operation is disabled to be started, and in a case in which the remaining amount of the toner in the developer container32becomes equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value by the toner replenishment, the image forming operation is enabled to be started. In this case, if the replenished toner is spread quickly throughout the toner accommodating chamber36, it is possible to reduce a downtime until the image forming operation is enabled to be started.

(2) In addition, in a case in which the remaining amount of the toner in the developer container32is below a predetermined threshold value, it may be configured to display a message which requests the toner replenishment on the operating portion, and stop displaying the above message when the remaining amount of the toner becomes equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value. In this case, it is possible to improve usability since the refilled toner is spread quickly in the toner accommodating chamber36, which quicken a timing at which the remaining amount detecting sensor detects an increase of the remaining amount of the toner, and the user can confirm more quickly that the toner replenishment is normally performed.

(3) Furthermore, it is possible to configure that the image forming operation is started after the stirring member34is rotated for a predetermined period of time from the toner pack100being dismounted from the toner receiving device106. In this case, if the replenished toner is spread quickly in the toner accommodating chamber36, it becomes possible to reduce a possibility for an image defect (uneven density), caused by the toner surface T not being sufficiently leveled in the toner accommodating chamber36, to occur in the image forming operation immediately after the toner replenishment.

In addition, in the present Embodiment, as described above, the receiving opening321of the developer container32is provided above the shaft portion34aof the stirring member34. By this, it becomes possible to increase a moving distance from the toner flowing in the toner accommodating chamber36from the receiving opening321to the toner landing on the toner surface in the toner accommodating chamber36with respect to the X direction, and to make the toner to land closer to the longitudinal center M. In addition, since the toner lands near the shaft portion34a, it becomes possible for the toner immediately after the replenishment to be more securely subjected to the stirring action of the stirring member34.

By the way, in view of a configuration of the image forming apparatus, the toner receiving device106includes a receiving opening109a(first receiving opening) for receiving the toner from the toner pack100, and the developer container32includes the receiving opening321(second receiving opening) for receiving the toner into the developer container32. And in a state in which the toner can be replenished to the developer container32through the receiving opening109aand the receiving opening321(in a state in which the device-side shutter109is positioned at the opening position), the receiving opening109aand the receiving opening321are arranged as below. That is, the receiving opening109aof the toner receiving device106is positioned on the second end side (−X side) in the X direction with respect to the mounting space106ain which the toner pack100is accommodated in the toner receiving device106(part (b) ofFIG.1). The opening area of the receiving opening109awhen viewed in the X direction (approximately the same as the receiving opening321ofFIG.16) is wider than the opening area of the receiving opening109awhen viewed in the direction perpendicular to the X direction (part (b) ofFIG.1). And the receiving opening321of the developer container32is positioned closer to the longitudinal center M of the developer container32in the X direction than the receiving opening109aof the toner receiving device106.

In other words, the mounting portion includes the first receiving opening configured to receive the toner discharged from the replenishing container, and the accommodating portion includes a second receiving opening for receiving the toner flowing from the first receiving opening in the accommodating portion. In a state in which the toner is capable of being replenished to the accommodating portion through the first receiving opening and the second receiving opening, the first receiving opening is positioned on the second end side opposite to the first end side in the rotational axis direction of the developing roller with respect to the mounting space in which the replenishing container is mounted in the mounting portion. In addition, in the above state, the opening area of the first receiving opening when viewed in the rotational axial direction is wider than the opening area of the first receiving opening when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axial direction. Furthermore, in the above state, the second receiving opening is positioned on the second end side in the rotational axis direction than the first receiving opening and on the first end side in the rotational axis direction than the central position of the accommodating portion in the rotational axis direction.

Incidentally, “the first receiving opening is positioned on the second end side opposite to the first end side in the rotational axis direction of the developing roller with respect to the mounting space in which the replenishing container is mounted in the mounting portion” means that the first receiving opening is provided on a side of the accommodating portion of the developing device. In other words, in part (a) ofFIG.1, it is configured when the device-side shutter109is in the opening position, the receiving opening109aas the first receiving opening is positioned on the −X side, which is the same side as the developer container32with respect to the mounting space106ain which the toner pack100is mounted.

According to the above configuration, the movement direction of the toner when the toner receiving opening109aof the toner receiving device106receives the toner from the toner pack100becomes a direction facing toward a side of the longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber36(the second end side in the rotational axis direction) with respect to the X direction. And since the toner flows in the toner accommodating chamber36through the receiving opening321which is positioned on the second end side in the X direction than the receiving opening109a, it becomes possible to make the toner fall onto a position closer to the longitudinal center M in the toner accommodating chamber36.

Thus, according to present Embodiment, due to an action resulted from the receiving opening109a(first receiving opening) of the toner receiving device106(mounting portion) and the receiving opening321(second receiving opening) of the developer container32, it becomes possible to spread the replenished toner quickly in the toner accommodating chamber36.

In addition, in the present Embodiment, as described above, it is configured that in a state in which the device-side shutter109is positioned in the opening state, the opening range of the receiving opening109aof the device-side shutter109and the opening range of the receiving opening321of the developer container32are overlapped when viewed in the X direction. In other words, it is configured that the flow passage which penetrates in the X direction from the receiving opening109a, where the image forming apparatus1first receives the toner from the toner pack100, to the space in the developer container32is formed. According to the configuration, it becomes possible to let the toner, which is replenished from the toner pack100, flow more vigorously toward the longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber36than in a configuration in which the flow passage is bent.

Modification Example

In the Embodiment 1, the configuration in which the receiving opening321of the developer container32opens substantially in the X direction is exemplified, however, as shown inFIG.25, for example, a receiving opening321may be configured to open in a direction inclined with respect to the X direction. In this case as well, when viewed in the X direction, an opening area of the receiving opening321should be larger than an opening area of the receiving opening321when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the X direction. By this, it is possible to obtain the same advantages as in Embodiment 1 by making the toner which flows into the developer container32through the receiving opening321have a velocity component of the second end side in the X direction (−X side).

Embodiment 2

A developing device and an image forming apparatus according to an Embodiment 2 will be described. Hereinafter, elements with common reference numerals with the Embodiment 1 shall have substantially the same configurations and actions as those described in the Embodiment 1, unless otherwise specified, and different points from the Embodiment 1 will be described mainly.

FIG.19is a perspective view of a toner receiving device120according to the present Embodiment. Part (a) and part (b) ofFIG.20are perspective views of the toner receiving device120and a developing device130according to the present Embodiment.FIG.21is a top view of the toner receiving device120and the developing device130. Part (a) ofFIG.22is a side view of the toner receiving device120and the developing device30viewed from the first end side in the X direction (+X side). Part (b) ofFIG.22is a cross-sectional view of the developing device30cut at a position indicated by a V-V line inFIG.21.FIG.23is a cross-sectional view of the toner receiving device120and the developing device130cut with a X-Z plane.FIG.24is a cross-sectional view of the developing device130for describing an advantage of the present Embodiment. Incidentally, in each of the above Figures, the developing roller31and the operating lever108are omitted.

In the Embodiment 1, the configuration in which the toner receiving device106is adjacent to the developer container32in the X direction is described. In the present Embodiment, it is described that a configuration in which most of the toner receiving device120is positioned above the developer container32, as shown in part (a) and part (b) ofFIG.20.

As shown inFIG.19, the toner receiving device120includes a guide portion121ewhich guides the toner received through the receiving opening109a(first receiving opening, same as in the Embodiment 1) of the device-side shutter109. The guide portion121eis provided in the first frame121. The first frame121has a shape of the first frame member107(FIG.4) of the Embodiment 1 with an addition of the cylindrical guide portion121eextended from the discharging opening107bof the Embodiment 1. In addition, a discharging opening121bof the toner receiving device120of the present Embodiment is provided at a leading end of the guide portion121e. A configuration of the toner receiving device120other than the first frame121is the same as the configuration of the toner receiving device106of the Embodiment 1.

As shown in part (a) and part (b) ofFIG.20andFIG.21, the toner receiving device120is provided on the first end side of the developer container32in the X direction (+X side). In addition, as shown in part (a) ofFIG.22, the receiving opening109aof the toner receiving device120and an opening of the guide portion121eon a side of the receiving opening109aare positioned above an upper surface portion32cof the developer container32.

As shown in part (b) ofFIG.22andFIG.23, in the upper surface portion32cof the developer container32, a receiving opening322(second receiving opening) which receives the toner discharged from the discharging opening121bof the toner receiving device120in the toner accommodating chamber36is formed.

As shown inFIG.23, the guide portion121eextends from an outer circumferential portion of the first frame121to a second end side in the X direction and extends below toward the receiving opening322. That is, at least a portion of the guide portion121e(portion connected to the receiving opening322) is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane as it extends below toward the second end side in the X direction. In other words, the guide portion121eforms a flow passage which guides the toner flowing from the receiving opening109aof the toner receiving device120toward the longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber36.

The inner space of the toner pack100and the toner accommodating chamber36are connected by a flow passage E′ which includes the guide portion121e. The flow passage E′ includes the flow passage102band discharging opening102ainside the nozzle102of the toner pack100, the receiving opening109a, the guide portion121eand the discharge opening121bof the toner receiving device120, and the receiving opening322of the developer container32.

In the present Embodiment, the toner receiving device120includes the receiving opening109a(first receiving opening) for receiving the toner from the toner pack100, and the developer container32includes the receiving opening322for receiving the toner in the developer container32through the receiving opening109a. And in a state in which the toner can be replenished to the developer container32through the receiving opening109aand the receiving opening322(in a state in which the device-side shutter109is positioned in the opening position), the receiving opening109aand the receiving opening322are arranged as described below. That is, the receiving opening109aof the toner receiving device120is positioned at the second end side in the X direction (−X side) with respect to the mounting space106ain which the toner pack100is accommodated in the toner receiving device120(FIG.23). The opening area of the receiving opening109awhen viewed in the X direction (FIG.22) is wider than the opening area of the receiving opening109awhen viewed in the direction perpendicular to the X direction (FIG.23). And the receiving opening322of the developer container32is positioned closer to the longitudinal center M of the developer container32with respect to the X direction than the receiving opening109aof the toner receiving device120.

In other words, in the present Embodiment as well, the mounting portion includes the first receiving opening for receiving the toner discharged from the replenishing container, and the accommodating portion includes the second receiving opening for receiving the toner flowed from the first receiving opening in the accommodating portion. In a state in which the toner is capable of being replenished to the accommodating portion through the first receiving opening and the second receiving opening, the first receiving opening is positioned on the second end side opposite to the first end side in the rotational axis direction of the developing roller with respect to the mounting space in which the replenishing container is mounted in the mounting portion. In addition, in the above state, the opening area of the first receiving opening when viewed in the rotational axial direction is wider than the opening area of the first receiving opening when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axial direction. Furthermore, in the above state, the second receiving opening is positioned on the second end side in the rotational axis direction than the first receiving opening and on the first end side in the rotational axis direction than the central position of the accommodating portion in the rotational axis direction.

According to the present configuration, a movement direction of the toner when the receiving opening109aof the toner receiving device120receives the toner from the toner pack100becomes a direction facing toward a side of the longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber36with respect to the X direction (the second end side of the rotational axis direction). And since the toner flows in the toner accommodating chamber36through the receiving opening322of the developer container32, which is positioned on the second end side in the X direction than the receiving opening109a, it becomes possible to flow the toner so as to be closer to the longitudinal center M in the toner accommodating chamber36.

As shown inFIG.24, according to the present Embodiment, the toner flowing in the toner accommodating chamber36through the receiving opening109aand the receiving opening322is deposited at a position x1, which is closer to the longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber36than the receiving opening109a, which is positioned on the first end side in the X direction with respect to the developer container32. A distance from an end portion of the first end side to an end portion of the second end side of the toner accommodating chamber36with respect to the X direction shall be defined as d1′, and a distance from the end portion of the first end side of the toner accommodating chamber36to the above position x1with respect to the X direction shall be defined as d2′. In this case, to spread the toner immediately after replenishment, which is deposited near the position X1, to the second end side of the toner accommodating chamber36with respect to the X direction, the toner should be conveyed only by a distance of (d1′-d2′). In other words, for example, a conveyance direction to spread the toner to the end portion of the second end side of the toner accommodating chamber36becomes shorter than in the configuration in which the toner immediately after replenishment is deposited near the end portion of the first end side of the toner accommodating chamber36in the X direction.

Therefore, even by the present Embodiment, it is possible to spread the toner, which is replenished from outside the image forming apparatus1in the developer container32, quickly in the toner accommodating chamber36.

In addition, in the present Embodiment, it is configured that the guide portion121e, which connects the receiving opening109aof the toner receiving device120with the receiving opening322of the developer container32, to be inclined downwardly in the X direction as approaching the receiving opening322. By this, in the configuration in which the receiving opening109aof the toner receiving device120is positioned above the receiving opening322of the developer container32, it becomes possible to deliver the toner to a vicinity of the longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber36with respect to the X direction while moving the toner below toward the developer container32.

Modified Examples

In the Embodiment 2, the configuration in which the guide portion121ewhich connects the receiving opening109aof the toner receiving device120and the receiving opening322of the developer container32is provided as a part of the toner receiving device120is described. Instead, the guide portion121emay be configured as a portion of the developing device30. For example, the guide portion121emay be integrally molded of the same resin material as the developer container32. In this case, the opening of the leading end (opposite side of the connecting portion with the developer container32) of the guide portion121eserves as a receiving opening for receiving the toner in the developer container32. If the receiving opening is configured so that an opening area of the receiving opening when viewed in the X direction is wider than an opening area of the receiving opening when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the X direction, then the same advantages as the developing device of the Embodiment 1 can be obtained.

In addition, for example, instead of the configuration of the Embodiment 2, the toner receiving device120may be provided above the longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber36, and the toner may be replenished directly below. In this configuration as well, since the toner immediately after replenishment is deposited near the longitudinal center M of the toner accommodating chamber36, by the toner being conveyed by the stirring member34to the first end side and the second end side in the X direction, it is possible to spread the toner quickly.

Other Embodiments

In each of the Embodiments described above, it is possible to use the developer device for a lifetime of the image forming apparatus by replenishing the toner using the replenishing container from outside the image forming apparatus while the developer device is mounted on the printer main assembly2. However, even in these Embodiments, which employ the toner replenishing method, the developing device (or an entire process unit including the developing device) may be configured as a detachably mountable unit (cartridge) from the printer main assembly. In this case, it may be configured that the developer device is attached to and detached from the printer main assembly while the toner receiving device is fixed to the printer main assembly, or it may be configured that the developer device and the toner receiving device are attached to and detached from the printer main assembly as a single unit.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure includes at least the following structures.

(Structure 1)

A developing device for use with an image forming apparatus and to which a replenishing container for replenishing toner is detachably mountable, the developing device comprising:an accommodating portion configured to accommodate the toner;a developing roller configured to supply the toner in the accommodating portion to an image bearing member; anda stirring member configured to stir the toner in the accommodating portion, wherein the accommodating portion includes a receiving opening through which the toner replenished from the accommodating portion is received in the accommodating portion, the receiving opening being provide on a first end side of the accommodating portion with respect to a rotational axis direction of the developing roller, andwherein an opening area of the receiving opening in a case in which the developing device is viewed in the rotational axis direction is wider than the opening area of the receiving opening in a case viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis direction.
(Structure 2)

A developing device according to Structure 1, wherein the receiving opening is formed on a side surface of the first end side of the accommodating portion with respect to the rotational axis direction.

(Structure 3)

A developing device according to Structures 1 or 2, wherein the stirring member includes a shaft portion extending in the rotational axis direction, and a stirring portion projected from the shaft portion in a direction crossing to the rotational axis direction and configured to stir the toner in the accommodating portion with rotation of the shaft portion, andwherein the receiving opening is positioned above the shaft portion in a case viewed in the rotational axis direction.
(Structure 4)

A developing device according to Structure 3, wherein the stirring member includes an elastic sheet-like member extending in the rotational axis direction, andwherein a toner surface in the accommodating portion is leveled by the toner pressed by the sheet-like member flowing into a side where the toner is less with respect to the rotational axis direction with the rotation of the shaft portion.
(Structure 5)

A developing device according to any one of Structures 1 to 4, wherein the receiving opening is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the rotational axis direction from an opening position outside of the accommodating portion to an opening position inside of the accommodating portion.

(Structure 6)

An image forming apparatus comprising:an image bearing member;a developing device according to any one of Structures 1 to 5, the developing device developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the image bearing member to a toner image; anda mounting portion configured to mount the replenishing container.
(Structure 7)

An image forming apparatus according to Structure 6, wherein the mounting portion includes a first receiving opening configured to receive the toner discharged from the replenishing container, andwherein the receiving opening of the accommodating portion is configured to communicate with the first receiving opening and is a second receiving opening for receiving the toner flowed from the first receiving opening in the accommodating portion.
(Structure 8)

An image forming apparatus according to Structure 7, wherein the first receiving opening and the second receiving opening are arranged in the rotational axis direction in a state in which the toner is capable of being replenished to the accommodating portion through the first receiving opening and the second receiving opening, andwherein when viewed in the rotational axis direction, an opening range of the first receiving opening and an opening range of the second receiving opening are overlapped.
(Structure 9)

An image forming apparatus according to Structure 8, wherein the mounting portion further includes a fixed member in which a discharging opening for discharging the toner toward the developing device is formed and fixed to a frame member of the image forming apparatus, and a shutter member formed with the first receiving opening and movable between an opening position where the first receiving opening communicates with the discharging opening and a closing position where the first receiving opening does not communicate with the discharging opening, andwherein in a case in which the shutter member is positioned in the opening position, the image forming apparatus is in a state in which the toner is capable of being replenished through the first receiving opening and the second receiving opening.
(Structure 10)

An image forming apparatus according to any one of Structures 6 to 9, wherein when viewed in the rotational axis direction, the mounting portion and the accommodating portion are overlapped.

(Structure 11)

An image forming apparatus to which a replenishing container for replenishing toner is detachably mountable, the image forming apparatus comprising:a developing device including an accommodating portion configured to accommodate the toner, a developing roller configured to supply the toner in the accommodating portion to an image bearing member, and a stirring member configured to stir the toner in the accommodating portion; anda mounting portion provided on a first end side of the accommodating portion with respect to a rotational axis direction of the developing roller and configured to mount the replenishing container,wherein the mounting portion includes a first receiving opening for receiving the toner discharged from the replenishing container,wherein the accommodating portion includes a second receiving opening for receiving the toner flowed from the first receiving opening in the accommodating portion, andwherein in a state in which the toner is capable of being replenished to the accommodating portion through the first receiving opening and the second receiving opening,the first receiving opening is positioned on a second end side opposite to the first end side in the rotational axis direction with respect to a mounting space in which the replenishing container is mounted in the mounting portion,an opening area of the first receiving opening in a case viewed in the rotational axis direction is wider than an opening area of the first receiving opening in a case viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis direction, andthe second receiving opening is positioned on the second end side in the rotational axis direction than the first receiving opening and on the first end side in the rotational axis direction than a central position of the accommodating portion in the rotational axis direction.
(Structure 12)

An image forming apparatus according to Structure 11, wherein the second receiving opening is formed on a side surface of the first end side of the accommodating portion with respect to the rotational axis direction.

(Structure 13)

An image forming apparatus according to Structure 12, wherein in a state in which the toner is capable of being replenished to the accommodating portion through the first receiving opening and the second receiving opening, the first receiving opening and the second receiving opening are arranged in the rotational axis direction, and an opening range of the first receiving opening and an opening range of the second receiving opening are overlapped when viewed in the rotational axis direction.

(Structure 14)

An image forming apparatus according to Structure 11, wherein the first receiving opening is provided above the second receiving opening, andwherein the image forming apparatus further comprises a guide portion configured to form a flow passage between the first receiving opening and the second receiving opening, the guide portion being inclined downwardly as approaching the second receiving opening in the rotational axis direction.
(Structure 15)

An image forming apparatus according to any one of Structures 11 to 14, wherein the stirring member includes a shaft portion extending in the rotational axis direction, and a stirring portion projected from the shaft portion in a direction crossing to the rotational axis direction and configured to stir the toner in the accommodating portion with rotation of the shaft portion, andwherein the second receiving opening is positioned above the shaft portion when viewed in the rotational axis direction.
(Structure 16)

An image forming apparatus according to any one of Structures 11 to 15, wherein the mounting portion further includes a fixed member in which a discharging opening for discharging the toner toward the developing device is formed and fixed to a frame member of the image forming apparatus, and a shutter member formed with the first receiving opening and movable between an opening position where the first receiving opening communicates with the discharging opening and a closing position where the first receiving opening does not communicate with the discharging opening, andwherein in a case in which the shutter member is positioned in the opening position, the image forming apparatus is in a state in which the toner is capable of being replenished through the first receiving opening and the second receiving opening.

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-164341, filed on Oct. 12, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.