Toner supply kit

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to a toner replenishment kit for replenishing an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method or an electrostatic recording method, for example, an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a printer, or a fax machine.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, a fine powder developer has been used as a developer in an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a printer. Then, when the developer of the image forming apparatus main body is consumed, the developing agent is replenished to the image forming apparatus by using the developing agent replenishing container.

【0003】

Since the developer is an extremely fine powder, there is a problem that the developer scatters during the developer replenishment work and the operator pollutes the surroundings. For this reason, a method has been proposed and put into practical use in which the developer replenishment container is placed in the main body of the image forming apparatus and the developer is discharged little by little through a small opening. In such a method, it is difficult for the developer to be discharged naturally due to the action of gravity or the like, and some kind of developer stirring and transporting means is required.

【0004】

Here, conventionally, a developer replenishing container having a stirring and transporting member inside the developing agent replenishing container has been widely known, but due to an increase in the number of parts and the state of the developing agent stored inside, the stirring member may be used. The stirring torque may be larger than expected. Therefore, recently, a developer transport protrusion is integrally provided in the developer replenishment container, and the developer replenishment container itself is rotated, or the developer replenishment container is attached to the rotary developing apparatus, and the rotary developing apparatus is rotated. A developer replenishment container having a structure for discharging the developer is the mainstream.

【0005】

For example, the developer replenishment container disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a hollow and horizontally long shape, and by mounting the container on a rotary developing apparatus and rotating the container, the stored developer is conveyed in the longitudinal direction. , Is supplied to the developer.

【0006】

Further, for example, the developer replenishment container disclosed in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 is provided with a spiral protrusion on the inner surface of a cylindrical bottle shape, and further, a small developer discharge port is provided near the center of the end surface of the container. And, a protruding portion is provided on the end surface of the container on the side where the developer discharge port is provided. Then, by rotating the developer replenishment container, the developer is conveyed to the discharge port side by the spiral protrusion provided inside, and is lifted to the discharge port near the center of the container by the protruding shape near the opening, and is outside the container. Is discharged to.

【0007】

Further, in Patent Document 4, a spiral agitator is arranged inside a developer replenishment container mounted on a rotary developing apparatus, and the agitator is described separately from rotating the developer replenishing container with the rotary developing apparatus. Disclosed is that the developer is agitated and conveyed by rotating the processor and supplied to the developer.

【0008】

Further, the developer replenishment container disclosed in Patent Document 5 and Patent Document 6 is also provided with a spiral protrusion on the inner surface of a cylindrical bottle shape and a small discharge port on the peripheral surface thereof. Then, by rotating the developer replenishment container, the developer is conveyed to the discharge port side by the spiral protrusion provided inside, and is discharged to the outside of the container from the discharge port provided on the peripheral surface.

【0009】

Further, in the developer replenishment container disclosed in Patent Document 7, the overall shape is a cylindrical bottle shape, and continuous spiral ribs are provided on the inner surface thereof, and the spiral ribs are provided as the bottle rotates. Discloses that the toner is conveyed by. Further, as a modification, it is disclosed that a discontinuous spiral rib, a pin-shaped or plate-shaped protrusion arranged in a spiral shape is provided instead of the continuous spiral rib described above.

【0010】

Further, the developer replenishment container disclosed in Patent Document 8 is provided with a spiral protrusion on the inner surface of a tubular bottle shape, and a screw and a developer discharge port for discharging the developer on one end side of the container. Is provided. Then, the developer replenishment container is mounted on the rotary developing device so as not to rotate, and the developer replenishing container revolves when the rotary developing device rotates, and the developer is conveyed to the screw side by the spiral protrusion provided inside. Finally, it is transported to the discharge port by a screw and discharged to the outside of the container.

【0011】

Further, the developer replenishment container disclosed in Patent Document 9 is provided with a plurality of protrusions in the container for guiding the developer to the developer discharge port in parallel in the rotation direction, and the developer discharge port is provided on the peripheral surface of the container. Is provided. Then, the developer replenishment container is mounted on the rotary developing device so as not to rotate, and the developer replenishing container revolves when the rotary developing device rotates, and the developer is conveyed to the discharge port by the protrusion provided inside and the container. It is discharged to the outside.

【0012】

[Patent Document 1]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-284588 [Patent Document 2]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-44000 [Patent Document 3]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-260574 [Patent Document 4]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-218575 [Patent Document 5]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-337586 [Patent Document 6]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-214669 [Patent Document 7]

Gazette No. 8-1531 [Patent Document 8]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-254229 [Patent Document 9]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-44183 [Patent Document 10]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-352840 [Patent Document 11]

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-137351 [0013]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, the conventional example has the following problems.

【0014】

In the case of the developer replenishment container having a spiral protrusion inside, which is disclosed in Patent Document 2, Patent Document 4, Patent Document 5, Patent Document 6, Patent Document 8, and Patent Document 1, a stirring member is contained in the container body. If the developer is left for a long period of time under vibration due to physical distribution or high temperature and high humidity and aggregates in the container, the developer is transported to the discharge port in a lump form without breaking the aggregated state. , The agglomerated developer blocks the discharge port and reduces the discharge performance. This is particularly noticeable in a container in which the discharge port is provided on the peripheral surface of the container. That is, in these developer replenishment containers, the developer agitated by the revolving motion becomes fluid, and the developer is transported in the axial direction solely by the fluidity. This developer replenishment container does not have a mechanism for positively transporting the developer in the axial direction, and as a result, there is a problem that the amount of the developer remaining in the container increases.

【0015】

Further, the inner surface of the developer replenishment container has a simple shape, and is not an effective shape and structure for fluidizing the developer by revolution. Therefore, even if the developer replenishment container is mounted on the rotary developing apparatus as it is in a state where the developer is aggregated after distribution or storage, the developer may not be discharged for a while. In that case, even though the developer replenishment container was replaced, the warning that there was no developer was not canceled, and it was necessary to take measures such as taking the developer replenishment container out of the rotary developing device, shaking it well, and then reattaching it. become.

【0016】

Further, in the case of the developer replenishment container disclosed in Patent Document 4, since a spiral agitator is arranged separately from the revolving motion by the rotary developing device, the transportability in the axial direction is ensured. There is. However, there is a problem that an agitator and a sealing mechanism for bearings are required, the number of parts of the developer replenishment container is increased, and the manufacturing cost is high. In addition to rotating the rotary developing device on the main body side of the image forming apparatus, a motor, gear train, clutch, etc. for rotationally driving the agitator in the developer replenishment container are required, which also increases the manufacturing cost on the main body side. Become. Further, although the agitator rubs the inner wall of the container, there is a concern that the developer caught in the rubbed portion aggregates and melts to generate coarse particles having a diameter of about several tens of μm, which adversely affects the image.

【0017】

Further, in the case of a developer replenishment container having spiral protrusions inside these, a portion that becomes a so-called undercut in the spiral protrusion when molding is performed by injection molding (undercut is to take out a molded product from a mold). Sometimes it is an obstacle to the uneven part of the mold or molded product), and wasteful resin must be put in that part, which increases the material cost and reduces the volume inside the container.

【0018】

In addition, when molding is performed by blow molding or stretch blow molding, the resin material is also a corresponding material, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), HDPE (high density polyethylene), LDPE (low density polyethylene). ), PP (polypropylene). In particular, it is difficult to select a resin that can be made flame-retardant. HDPE, LDPE, and PP flame-retardant materials are not commercially available, and PVC flame-retardant materials are available, but it is not preferable to use them due to their environmental impact. In addition, although there is a flame-retardant material for PET, the molding method is limited to injection blow. The mold cost for injection blow molding is expensive, and if the production quantity is not so large as in the developer replenishment container, the cost becomes high.

【0019】

In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 7, since a part of the spiral protrusion is cut out to be discontinuous, the developer slips through the cutout portion during the transfer of the developer, and the slipped developer is adjacent to the developer. It is not transported due to the spiral protrusions. As a result, the developer transportability is lowered.

【0020】

The developer replenishment container disclosed in Patent Document 8 has a large number of parts and is expensive because a screw for discharging the developer is separately provided on one end side.

【0021】

The developer replenishment container disclosed in Patent Document 9 is difficult to handle a developer replenisher container that is long in the direction of the rotation axis. If you try to deal with it, the inclination angle of the protrusions will be blunted and the developer transporting force will decrease.

【0022】

Furthermore, when the developer is aggregated and solidified in the developer replenishment container body, such as when it is stored in a high temperature and high humidity condition for a long period of time due to vibration due to physical distribution, there is no chance to break the developer and the developer can be transported easily. Adversely affect. This tendency is particularly remarkable with a developing agent having strong adhesiveness and cohesiveness.

【0023】

Further, in this way, in the configuration of the container that does not have a stirring member and replenishes the end of the developer, it was considered that the physical property values such as the fluidity index and the degree of cohesion of the developer have a great influence on the developer transporting ability. ..

【0024】

Several inventions have been proposed that combine the above-mentioned container configuration with the physical characteristics of the developer. Patent Document 10 proposes a combination of the particle size distribution of the developer and the container as described above. Further, Patent Document 11 proposes a combination of the circularity of the developing agent and a rotary replenishing developing agent container having no agitator.

【0025】

However, as described above, a particular problem with such a configuration is that the developer aggregates and solidifies in the developer replenishment container body when it is stored in a high temperature and high humidity condition for a long period of time or due to vibration due to physical distribution. It is a developer-discharging property in a fresh state. That is, the physical properties of the developer to be noted are the physical characteristics of the developer in a state where the developer is compressed to some extent as described above, and the above-mentioned configuration is performed without considering the state of the developer under such an environment. It is not possible to expect sufficient discharge of the developer under the above-mentioned environment only by combining the container and the developer having the above-mentioned physical characteristics (average particle size and circularity).

【0026】

An object of the present invention is to provide a toner replenishment kit capable of exhibiting excellent toner transport and discharge performance from the initial stage of discharge.

【0027】

Another object of the present invention is to provide a toner replenishment kit capable of maintaining a stable toner discharge amount from the initial stage of toner discharge to the late stage of toner discharge.

【0028】

Another object of the present invention is to provide a toner replenishment kit capable of reducing the amount of toner remaining in the toner container.

【0029】

Another object of the present invention is to provide a toner replenishment kit capable of preventing the discharge port of the toner container from being blocked by the toner even in various environments.

【0030】

Another object of the present invention is to provide a toner replenishment kit capable of improving the agitation of toner.

【0031】

Another object of the present invention is to provide a toner replenishment kit capable of improving the agitation and transfer efficiency of toner.

【0032】

Another object of the present invention is to provide a toner replenishment kit capable of reducing manufacturing costs.

【0033】

[Means for solving problems]

The first configuration of the present invention for achieving the above object is a toner replenishment kit that is detachably set in an image forming apparatus and replenishes toner, and is provided in a toner container for accommodating toner and the toner container. It has a discharge port for discharging toner, and a plurality of transport protrusions projecting from the inner surface of the toner container and transporting toner in the toner container to the discharge port side as the toner container rotates. Vertical stress 128 [g / cm²] Is applied, the uniaxial decay stress of the toner is 2.0 to 8.0 [g / cm].²].

【0034】

According to the first configuration described above, excellent toner transfer and discharge performance can be exhibited from the initial stage of discharge.

【0035】

Further, a stable toner discharge amount can be maintained from the initial stage of toner discharge to the latter stage of toner discharge.

【0036】

Further, the amount of toner remaining in the toner container can be reduced.

【0037】

Further, it is possible to prevent the discharge port of the toner container from being blocked by the toner even in various environments.

【0038】

Further, the stirring property (fluidity) can be further improved in synergy with the physical characteristics of the toner (blocking prevention). Therefore, the time required for toner discharge can be shortened.

【0039】

The second configuration of the present invention has a normal stress of 128 [g / cm] in the first configuration.²] Is applied, the tensile breaking strength of the toner is 1.0 to 5.0 [g / cm].²].

【0040】

According to the second configuration, the amount of toner remaining in the toner container without being used until the end and the toner adhering to the inner wall of the container are further reduced, and the toner in the toner container can be almost completely discharged. ..

【0041】

The third configuration of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first or second configuration, each of the transport protrusions has a linear shape without twisting.

【0042】

According to the third configuration, the agitation (fluidity) of the toner can be further improved (blocking prevention).

【0043】

The fourth configuration of the present invention is characterized in that, in the third configuration, the adjacent transport protrusions have regions that overlap each other when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the rotation direction of the toner container.

【0044】

According to the fourth configuration, the toner agitation and transfer efficiency can be improved.

【0045】

The fifth configuration of the present invention is the third configuration, wherein the toner container is obtained by an injection molding method, and the first member and the second member provided with the transport protrusions are connected to each other. It is characterized by being.

【0046】

According to the fifth configuration, die cutting is possible at the time of injection molding.

【0047】

The sixth configuration of the present invention is the first member and the second member in order to reduce the diameter of the region where the discharge port of the toner container is provided in the longitudinal direction of the toner container in the fifth configuration. Of these, only the first member whose peripheral surface is provided with the discharge port is characterized in that the diameter is reduced.

【0048】

According to the sixth configuration, the toner can be conveyed satisfactorily even if the discharge efficiency of the discharge port is improved while maintaining the toner capacity.

【0049】

The seventh configuration of the present invention is characterized in that, in the third configuration, the inclination angle of the transport projection with respect to the direction orthogonal to the rotation direction of the toner container is 20 ° to 70 °.

【0050】

According to the seventh configuration, good toner transport capacity can be obtained.

【0051】

In the eighth configuration of the present invention, in the third configuration, the toner is projected on the inner surface of the toner container, and the toner conveyed by the conveying projection is provided on the peripheral surface of the toner container as the toner container rotates. It is characterized by having a detour transport unit that temporarily transports the toner in the vicinity of the discharge port and detours from the discharge port to the downstream side in the toner transport direction by the transport protrusion.

【0052】

The ninth configuration of the present invention is provided in the toner container in the eighth configuration, and as the rotating body rotates, the toner detoured by the detour transport unit is directed toward the discharge port again. It is characterized by having a return transport unit for transport.

【0053】

In the tenth configuration of the present invention, in the third configuration, each of the transport protrusions has a first guide region that guides the toner in the first direction as the toner container rotates, and the rotation of the toner container. It is characterized by having a second guide region for guiding the toner in a second direction different from the first direction.

【0054】

According to the tenth configuration, the agitation (fluidity) of the toner can be improved (blocking prevention). Therefore, the time required for toner discharge can be shortened.

【0055】

In the eleventh configuration of the present invention, in the third configuration, the toner container is set so as not to rotate on a rotating body provided in the image forming apparatus, and the toner transfer by the transfer protrusion is the rotation. It is characterized by being performed as the body rotates.

【0056】

According to the eleventh configuration, the configuration in which the toner container is rotationally driven becomes unnecessary, and the manufacturing cost of the toner container can be reduced.

【0057】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail exemplarily with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the following embodiments should be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions, and in particular. Unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to them.

【0058】

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the developer supply container according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows an example of a multicolor image forming apparatus (color copier) provided with a rotary developing apparatus.

【0059】

The apparatus main body 200 shown in FIG. 1 is a multicolor image forming apparatus having a rotary developer 201 which is the most characteristic rotary developing apparatus.

【0060】

The apparatus main body 200 includes a document mounting table 206, a light source 207a, a CCD unit 207b, a laser scanner unit 208, a feeding unit 209, an image forming unit 202, and the like. The feeding unit 209 has a cassette 210, 211 and a manual feed cassette 212 that accommodate the transfer material S and can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 200, and the transfer material S is supplied from the cassette 210, 211 and the manual feed cassette 212.

【0061】

The image forming unit 202 includes a black developer 203, a cylindrical photoconductor drum 213, a primary charger 214, and a plurality of developing devices integrated with a removable developer replenishment container (toner cartridge). Rotary developer 201 with built-in 215, post-charger 216 for adjusting image quality after development, endless annular transfer belt 217 for transferring multicolor images to transfer material after overlaying and image-forming four-color toner images , A drum cleaner 218 for cleaning the residual toner on the photoconductor drum, a secondary transfer roller 219 for transferring the toner image from the transfer belt to the transfer material, a belt cleaner 220 for cleaning the residual toner on the transfer belt, etc. are arranged. ing.

【0062】

A resist roller 221 is provided on the upstream side of the image forming unit 202 to improve the posture position accuracy of the transfer material and to deliver the transfer material in a timely manner according to the toner image on the transfer belt 217. On the downstream side of the image forming unit 202, a transfer transfer device 222 for transporting the transfer material S on which the toner image is transferred, a fixing device 204 for fixing the unfixed image on the transfer material S, and a transfer material S on which the image is fixed are placed. A discharge roller 205 or the like for discharging to the outside of the image forming apparatus is arranged.

【0063】

Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus will be described.

【0064】

When a feed signal is output from a control device (not shown) provided on the device main body 200 side, the transfer material S is supplied from the cassette 210, 211 or the manual feed cassette 212. On the other hand, the light reflected from the light source 207a applied to the document D placed on the document mounting table 206 is once read by the CCD unit 207b and then converted into an electric signal to be converted into the laser light from the laser scanner unit 208. It is replaced and irradiated onto the photoconductor drum 213. The photoconductor drum 213 is precharged by the primary charger 214, and an electrostatic latent image is formed by being irradiated with light, and then a plurality of developments arranged in the black developer 203 and the rotary developer 201 are performed. The vessel 215 forms a toner image of the selected color.

【0065】

The potential of the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum 213 is adjusted by the post-charger 216, and the toner image is eventually transferred onto the transfer belt 217 at the transfer position. In the color mode, the transferred toner image is further rotated by the transfer belt 217 so that the next toner image is formed and transferred. During this time, the rotary developer 201 rotates the next designated color developer in the direction of arrow a so as to face the photoconductor drum 213, and prepares to develop the next electrostatic latent image. In this way, in the full-color mode, electrostatic latent image formation, development, and transfer are repeated until a predetermined number of toner images have been transferred.

【0066】

By the way, the transfer material S fed from the feeding unit 209 is sent to the image forming unit 202 after the skew is corrected by the resist roller 221 and the timing is further adjusted. Then, the toner image is transferred by the secondary transfer roller 219, and the separated transfer material S is transferred to the fixing device 204 by the transfer transfer device 222, and unfixed transfer to the transfer material S by the heat and pressure of the fixing device 204. The image is permanently fixed. The transfer material S on which the image is fixed is discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body 200 by the discharge roller 205.

【0067】

In this way, the transfer material S fed from the feeding unit 209 is imaged and discharged.

【0068】

The developer 215 is configured to include a yellow (Y) developer 215a, a magenta (M) developer 215b, and a cyan (C) developer 215c, and develop in this order. Further, in the case of this embodiment, the rotation direction of the rotary developer 201 is a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the front of the apparatus main body 200, but this depends on the development conditions of the developer 215 and the photoconductor drum 213. It is clear that this is the direction to be determined and the direction of rotation is not limited.

【0069】

In addition, the removable developer replenishment container 1 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, is mounted on each developer 215a, 215b, 215c so as not to rotate, and is housed inside the rotary developer 201 together with the developer 215. During the image forming operation, the rotary developer 201 rotates with the rotation of the rotary developer 201, and when the remaining amount of toner in the developer replenishing container is exhausted, the rotary developer 201 can be easily replaced while the operation is stopped.

【0070】

Further, the rotary developer 201 is rotated so that the toner inside the developer replenishment container 1 is always conveyed to the discharge port side by the revolution rotation. As a result, the developer is replenished from the developer replenishment container 1 to the developer receiving portion (not shown) at any time. In the developer receiving section, the developer replenishment container 1 mounted on each developer of the rotary developer 201 receives and stores the developer discharged from the developer replenisher container 1 due to the revolving motion of the rotary developer 201. , The developer is quantitatively supplied to the developer in response to the request from the developer side. Inside each developer, there are two developer transport members 9a whose traveling directions are opposite to each other, so that the developer and the carrier are circulated and uniformly mixed. A developing sleeve 9b with a built-in magnet is rotatably supported in the developer so that the carrier is attracted by magnetic force to form a magnetic brush and the developer attached to the carrier is supplied to the photoconductor drum. It has become.

【0071】

(Developer Replenishment Container of Embodiment 1) In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a hollow and tubular developer replenisher container of Embodiment 1. The developer replenishment container 1 according to the present embodiment is composed of a container body 2, a shutter 3, a packing member 4, and a knob 5.

【0072】

(Container body) The configuration of the container body 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 3A is a front view of the container body 2, FIG. 3B is a front sectional view, FIG. 3C is a perspective view, and FIG. 3D is a transparent view inside the perspective view.

【0073】

The container body 2 is provided with a discharge opening 2a, a shutter guide 2b, a knob guide 2c, and a flat plate-shaped transport protrusion 2d.

【0074】

The cross-sectional shape of the container body 2 may be any shape as long as it effectively utilizes the limited space in the rotary developing apparatus and stores as much developer as possible. In the present embodiment, the shape of the container body 2 is a tubular shape having a deformed shape other than a circular cross-sectional shape in the lateral direction, and specifically, it has a shape like a substantially triangular prism as shown in the figure. Further, in the present embodiment, the developer replenishment container 1 mounted on the rotary developing apparatus has a tubular shape whose total length is substantially equal to the image region, and its length in the longitudinal direction is about 380 mm.

【0075】

By making the cross-sectional shape of the container body 2 in the lateral direction other than the circular shape in this way, it is possible to effectively utilize the limited space in the rotary developing apparatus for attaching and detaching the container 1. As a result, the developer filling amount of the developer replenishment container can be increased in the space in the rotary developing apparatus having the same shape.

【0076】

In the present embodiment, the container body 2 is manufactured by molding two members vertically divided in the longitudinal direction of the container and welding each of them by ultrasonic welding. The upper member is 2-1 and the lower member is 2-2 (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 5).

【0077】

(Conveyance protrusion) On the curved inner peripheral surface of the container body 2, a linear transport protrusion 2d for transporting the stored developer to the discharge opening 2a is provided so as to be divided into the inner wall of the container and protrude. .. That is, flat plate-shaped carrying protrusions 2d-1 and 2d-2 are provided on each of the upper member 2-1 and the lower member 2-2 constituting the container body 2. In the present embodiment, the protrusion height is 5 mm for both the transport protrusions 2d-1 and 2d-2.

【0078】

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the inclination angle Y of the transport projection 2d with respect to the rotation axis direction is preferably in the range of 20 ° to 70 °, more preferably in the range of 40 ° to 50 °. In the present embodiment, the inclination angle Y of the transport projection 2d with respect to the rotation axis direction is 45 °.

【0079】

If the inclination angle Y of the transport protrusion 2d is 20 ° or less, it becomes difficult for the developer to slide down on the protrusion, so that the developer transport force decreases, and if it is 70 ° or more. , The number of protrusions increases, and the internal volume of the container decreases.

【0080】

Therefore, by setting the inclination angle Y of the transport projection 2d to the above range, a good developer transport force can be obtained.

【0081】

The transport protrusions 2d-1 and 2d-2 provided on the container upper member 2-1 and the container lower member 2-2 have a flat plate shape. As shown in FIG. 4, this shape can be molded without undercut (represented by a straight line) when viewed from the mold release direction at the time of molding the upper member 2-1 and the lower member 2-2. The shape that can be formed). Therefore, even when the container is manufactured by injection molding by making the transport protrusion linear, it is easy to manufacture due to the mold structure, the volume that can accommodate the developer of the container is not reduced as much as possible, and the cost of the container is low. Become.

【0082】

Further, the positional relationship between the transport protrusion 2d-1 arranged on the container upper member 2-1 and the transport protrusion 2d-2 arranged on the container lower member 2-2 is the positional relationship shown in FIG. , The transport protrusions 2d-2 arranged on the container lower member 2-2 are arranged between the transport protrusions 2d-1 arranged on the container upper member 2-1 and each end. Part of the part is arranged so as to overlap, and this overlap amount (overlap amount) X is about 5 mm in the length projected in the axial direction. Therefore, the developer conveyed by the conveying projection 2d-1 of the upper member 2-1 is surely conveyed to the conveying projection 2d-2 of the lower member 2-2, and is also conveyed to the conveying projection 2d-2 of the lower member 2-2. The developer is transported to the discharge opening 2a while being alternately repeated, such as being transported to the transport projection 2d-1 of the upper member 2-1. Therefore, the developer is excellent in transport capacity. That is, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the transport performance of the developer due to the developer slipping through the gap between the protrusions. Further, there is also an effect that air is mixed with the developer at the overlapping portion (the portion where a part of the protruding end portion overlaps) to impart fluidity to the developer.

【0083】

That is, there are a plurality of transport directions of the developer by the transport protrusions, and therefore, the transport force received from the transport protrusions by the developer stored inside with the revolution of the developer replenishment container changes in the transport protrusions. As a result, the powder layer of the developer repeats compression (gentle slope) -expansion (steep slope) -compression (gentle slope) while being conveyed and guided by the transport protrusions, and easily fluidizes with air. Since such a phenomenon also occurs in other similar transport protrusions, the developer can be further fluidized by the time the developer is discharged into the opening.

【0084】

Further, due to the step between the protrusions, the developer is entrained with air and fluidized, and as a result, the developer is smoothly discharged without being blocked by the discharge opening, so that the developer discharge rate is increased [0085].

Further, among the transport protrusions 2d-2 of the lower member 2-2 provided with the discharge opening 2a, the positional relationship between the transport protrusion 2d-2 closest to the discharge opening 2a and the discharge opening 2a is as shown in FIG. The transport projection 2d-2 is provided so as to straddle the discharge opening 2a. Therefore, the developer conveyed in the vicinity of the discharge opening 2a by the transport projection 2d-2 is further rotated and discharged. The conveyed developer is not discharged from the discharge opening 2a, but is further rotated and agitated, sufficiently loosened, and always provided with fluidity, so that the discharge opening 2a is not blocked and the developer is smoother. The developer is discharged from the opening 2a. Further, even if it is discharged from the discharge opening 2a and replenished in the developing device, it is easily mixed with the developing agent in the developing device. In particular, in the case of a two-component developer, the charge is immediately and uniformly applied in the developing device.

【0086】

In this way, all of the developer transported by the transport protrusion is temporarily bypassed by the bypass protrusion (the transport protrusion 2d-2) without being directly transported to the opening, so that the opening is closed by the transported developer. Can be prevented. After that, the bypassed developer is further agitated before being guided in the discharge direction, so that the developer can be discharged from the opening more smoothly.

【0087】

(Manufacturing method of container body) A developer replenishment container is manufactured by dividing it into two or more members by injection molding, extrusion molding, blow molding, etc., and then welding and adhering them. Can be done. In this embodiment, the container upper member 2-1 and the container lower member 2-2 shown in FIG. 4 are molded by injection molding, and they are welded by an ultrasonic welding machine. In this embodiment, impact-resistant polystyrene is used as the material, but other materials may be used.

【0088】

In addition, when molding is performed by blow molding or stretch blow molding, the resin material is also a corresponding material, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), HDPE (high density polyethylene), LDPE (low density polyethylene). ), PP (polypropylene). In particular, it is difficult to select a resin that is compatible with flame retardancy, and flame retardant materials such as HDPE, LDPE, and PP are not commercially available, and PVC has flame retardancy, but it cannot be used due to its environmental impact. In addition, although there is a flame-retardant material for PET, the molding method is limited to injection blow. The mold cost for injection blow molding is expensive, and if the quantity is not so large as in the developer replenishment container, the cost becomes high and it is not suitable.

【0089】

As described above, by manufacturing the developer replenishment container (container upper member 2-1 and container lower member 2-2) by injection molding, the material of the container is not limited, and a resin corresponding to flame retardancy can be selected. It also makes it easier to respond to safety and the environment.

【0090】

(Shutter) As shown in FIG. 2, the shutter 3 has a flat plate shape along the outer peripheral surface of the container body 2, and has U-shaped guide portions at both ends. Then, it engages with two shutter guides 2b provided in the vicinity of the discharge opening 2a of the container body 2 and parallel to the circumferential direction, and is reciprocally attached in the circumferential direction of the container body 2.

【0091】

A packing material 4 is installed between the shutter 3 and the container body 2, and the discharge opening 2a is sealed by compressing the packing material 4 with the shutter 3.

【0092】

(Method of manufacturing a shutter) The shutter 3 is preferably a method of manufacturing plastic by injection molding, but other materials and manufacturing methods may be used. A material having a certain degree of rigidity or higher is suitable for the shutter, and in the present embodiment, highly slidable ABS is manufactured by injection molding.

【0093】

(Packing member) As shown in FIG. 2, the packing member 4 is arranged so as to surround the discharge opening 2a of the container body 2, and is compressed by the container body 2 and the shutter 3 to seal the discharge opening 2a. Therefore, various conventionally known foams and elastics can be appropriately used. In this embodiment, polyurethane foam is used.

【0094】

(Knob) As shown in Fig. 2, the knob 5 consists of a handle and a double cylinder, with a gear on the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder and a side end of the container body 2 on the inner peripheral surface of the inner cylinder. A claw for engaging with the provided circular protrusion is provided. Using this claw, it can be reciprocally attached to the front end of the container body 2 in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the knob 5 is also made of impact-resistant polystyrene by injection molding.

【0095】

(Embodiment 2) The form of the developer replenishment container 1 detachably attached to the rotary developing apparatus is not limited to the above-described embodiment (Embodiment 1), and the developer replenishment as in the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment. It may be container 1.

【0096】

The developer supply container 1 of the second embodiment will be described below.

【0097】

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 1 denotes a hollow and tubular developer supply container. The developer replenishment container 1 according to the present embodiment is composed of a container body 2, a shutter 3, a packing member 4, and a knob 5.

【0098】

(Container body) The configuration of the container body 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 7A is a front view of the container body 2, FIG. 7B is a front sectional view, FIG. 7C is a perspective view, and FIG. 7D is a transparent view inside the perspective view.

【0099】

The container body 2 is provided with a developer discharge opening 2a, a shutter guide 2b, a knob guide 2c, and a transport protrusion 2d.

【0100】

The shape of the container body 2 has a non-circular cross-sectional shape in the lateral direction. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the container body 2 has a shape in which a trapezoid is combined with a semicircle, and the length in the longitudinal direction thereof is about 350 mm. Is. In addition, the diameter of the semicircular portion on the developer discharge opening 2a side is reduced.

【0101】

Also in the second embodiment, the container body 2 is manufactured by molding two members vertically divided in the longitudinal direction of the container and welding each of them by ultrasonic waves. The upper member is 2-1 and the lower member is 2-2 (see Fig. 8 and Fig. 9).

【0102】

(Discharge opening) The discharge opening 2a as an opening is a rectangle of 10 mm × 15 mm and is provided on the peripheral surface of the container. The developer stored in the container body 2 is discharged from the discharge opening 2a to the developer of the apparatus body.

【0103】

By providing the discharge opening 2a on the peripheral surface of the container body 2, the remaining amount of the developer remaining in the developer replenishment container after discharge can be reduced as compared with the developer replenishment container having the opening on the end surface of the container. it can.

【0104】

Further, by making the discharge opening 2a shorter than the total length of the container body 2 in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to reduce the stain due to the adhesion of the developer.

【0105】

(Shutter guide) The shutter guide 2b is provided in the vicinity of the developer discharge opening 2a of the container body 2, and is two key-shaped ribs parallel to the circumferential direction. Engaging with this shutter guide 2b, the shutter 3 is reciprocally attached in the circumferential direction.

【0106】

(Knob guide) The knob guide 2c is a circular protrusion and is provided at the end of the container body 2. The circular protrusion of the knob guide 2c engages with the claw portion (not shown) provided on the knob 5, and is attached to the container body 2.

【0107】

(Conveyance protrusion) On the curved inner peripheral surface of the container body 2, a linear transport protrusion 2d for transporting the stored developer to the discharge opening 2a is provided so as to be divided into the inner wall of the container and protrude. .. The transport protrusion 2d is provided in two groups, upper and lower, separated from each other in the circumferential direction of the container body 2. In this embodiment, the protrusion height is 5 mm. The height of the transport protrusion on the small diameter portion of the container on the discharge opening side is 2.5 mm, and 6 are provided on the container upper member 2-1 and 7 on the container lower member 2-2, respectively (Fig. 8 and). See Figure 9).

【0108】

By dividing the transport protrusions 2d into two upper and lower groups separated in the circumferential direction and arranging them substantially facing each other in this way, the developer can be effectively loosened by the separated portion between the protrusions and the protrusions, and the developer can be smoothly loosened. The developer can be discharged from the discharge opening 2a.

【0109】

Further, since the container body 2 can be manufactured by molding the container body 2 in half and adhering the two, the container body 2 can be molded and manufactured with the minimum number of divisions, and as a result, the container body 2 can be manufactured at low cost.

【0110】

(Upper container member and lower container member) Fig. 8 shows a view of the upper container member 2-1 and the lower container member 2-2 as viewed from the mold release direction during molding. The direction of rotation of the developer replenishment container is the direction of the arrow in FIG.

【0111】

Each of the transport protrusions 2d provided on the container upper member and the container lower member is provided so as to be inclined so that the discharge opening side is delayed with respect to the rotation direction. This inclined shape will be described in detail using the container lower member 2-2 of FIG.

【0112】

In the container lower member 2-2 of FIG. 9, the protrusion provided on the right side of the discharge opening 2a as a boundary has a shape in which the left side is delayed with respect to the rotation direction because the left side of the protrusion is the discharge opening side. Since the direction of rotation is the direction of the arrow in the figure, that is, the protrusion provided on the right side of the discharge opening 2a is a protrusion inclined to the upper left. Similarly, the protrusion provided on the left side of the discharge opening 2a is the protrusion inclined to the upper right because the right side is the discharge opening side.

【0113】

Further, each of the transport protrusions 2d provided on the container upper member and the container lower member has a flat plate shape. The flat plate shape is a shape that can be represented by a straight line when viewed from the mold release direction at the time of molding the upper members 2-1 and 2-2.

【0114】

Further, the positional relationship between the transport protrusion 2d arranged on the container upper member 2-1 and the transport protrusion 2d arranged on the container lower member 2-2 is the positional relationship shown in FIG. 8, and the upper member 2 The transport protrusion 2d of the lower member 2-2 is arranged between the transport protrusions 2d arranged in -1. Further, the structure has a structure in which adjacent protrusions overlap with each other in the direction of the rotation axis. That is, the end portions of the protrusions overlap each other, and the amount of overlap is about 5 mm in the length projected in the axial direction (X dimension in the figure). Therefore, the developing agent conveyed by the conveying projection 2d of the upper member 2-1 is surely conveyed to the conveying projection 2d of the lower member 2-2, and is also carried to the conveying projection 2d of the lower member 2-2. The developer is transported to the discharge opening 2a while being alternately repeated such that the agent is transported to the transport projection 2d of the upper member 2-1. That is, it is possible to prevent the developer from slipping through the step between the protrusions, and it is possible to improve the developer transport / discharge speed.

【0115】

(Mounting on the image forming apparatus) Next, the situation in which the developer supply container 1 is attached to the image forming apparatus and used will be described.

【0116】

First, the developer replenishment container 1 is inserted into the rotary developing device of the image forming apparatus main body with the knob 5 (developer discharge opening side) facing the front.

【0117】

Next, when the handle of the knob 5 provided at the front end of the container body is held and rotated by a predetermined angle in the direction of the arrow, the gear provided on the knob 5 causes the gear of the shutter 3 to pass through the gear on the device body side. The rotational force is transmitted to, and the shutter 3 is opened.

【0118】

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

【0119】

Since the developer replenishment container 1 is mounted on the rotary developing device so as not to rotate and revolves by utilizing the rotation of the rotary developing device, it is not necessary to have a configuration in which the container is driven to rotate, and the developer replenishing container Cost reduction and cost reduction on the device body side can be performed.

【0120】

(Operating State) The situation when the developer replenishing container 1 shown in the present embodiment is operated in the rotary developing apparatus (rotary developing device) 201 will be described with reference to FIG.

【0121】

The configuration and operation of the rotary developing apparatus 201 will be described with reference to FIG. The inside of the rotary developing apparatus shown in FIG. 10 is divided into three parts, each of which houses a developer 215 of three colors Y, M, and C, and a substantially triangular developer supply container 1 corresponding to each. There is.

【0122】

In the drawing, this rotary developing device rotates 120 degrees counterclockwise to replace the developing device 215 facing the photoconductor drum. In the present embodiment, the position 7a faces the photoconductor drum, and this position is called a developing station. The developer transfer member 9a and the developing sleeve 9b of the developing device 215 are driven and transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body to rotate only when they are located at the position of the developing station 7a. And the developer 9 at positions 7b and 7c other than the developing station 7a does not work.

【0123】

The developer storage container may be attached / detached at any of these three positions, but it is preferably at a position other than the developing station 7a, and most preferably at the position 7c where the developer discharge opening 2a faces upward. preferable. In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment was performed at the position of 7c.

【0124】

When two images are formed by A4 or one image by A3, this rotary developing apparatus rotates by 120 degrees to rotate the developing device and replace the developing device. The moving time for the replacement is about 0.3 seconds, the stop time for image formation is about 1.2 seconds, the peripheral speed during moving is about 0.7 m / sec, and the diameter of the rotary developing device is φ145 mm.

【0125】

Here, the difference in the discharge property of the developer due to the shape of the developer supply container (container body) (the diameter of the vicinity of the discharge opening is reduced) is verified by an experiment.

【0126】

(Experiment) According to this experiment, the container body 2 is composed of a large diameter part 2L and a small diameter part 2S (see Fig. 7), and the connection part between the large diameter part 2L and the small diameter part 2S has a common inner surface with no height difference. By doing so, it is verified that the dischargeability of the developer from the discharge opening 2a of the small diameter portion 2S is improved.

【0127】

This experiment was carried out using three types of developer replenishment containers: no small diameter part (φ36), small diameter part inner diameter φ31, and small diameter part inner diameter φ25. A perspective view of the developer replenishment container used is shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 13 (A) shows the developing agent replenishment container 1 having no small diameter portion, (B) shows the small diameter portion inner diameter φ31, and (C) shows the small diameter portion inner diameter φ25.

【0128】

Each of these developer replenishment containers has a filling rate (filling amount per unit volume) of 0.43 g / cm.³Fill the developer with (A: 185g, B: 178g, C: 170g) so that it becomes constant, and remove the simple rotary developer discharge jig (remove the developer of the rotary developing device and use the discharge opening 2a of the container. An emission test was carried out using a jig (a jig that can directly measure the amount of the ejected developer). The setting of the simple rotary developer discharge jig is 90 ° x 4 for each rotation angle (90 ° 90 ° 90 ° 90 °), the movement time is about 0.3 seconds, and the stop time for image formation is about. It takes 1.2 seconds, the peripheral speed when moving is about 0.7 m / sec, and the diameter is 190 mm.

【0129】

(Result) There was almost no difference in the remaining amount of the developer remaining in the container after the discharge of the developer (the discharge was stopped when 0.1 g of the developer was no longer discharged) among the three types of containers. The total number of rotations of the rotary developing device required by the end of the discharge was about 120 rotations for the container without the small diameter portion shown in FIG. 13 (A), whereas it relates to the embodiment of the present invention. The container with a small diameter part (inner diameter φ31) shown in FIG. 13 (B) had about 110 rotations, and the container with a small diameter part (inner diameter φ25) shown in FIG. 13 (C) had about 70 rotations.

【0130】

The graph of the result of this experiment is shown in FIG. From the graph showing the results of the above experiment, the developer replenishment container without the small diameter part the developer replenishment container with the small diameter part (inner diameter φ31) the developer replenishment container with the small diameter part (inner diameter φ25) It can be seen that the dischargeability of is improved.

【0131】

(Discussion) The reason for the above result will be explained from the shape of the developer supply container. The ratio of the opening 2a to the developing agent storage part by making the part (first part) provided with the opening 2a smaller than the other parts (second part) in the developing agent replenishment container 1. Can be increased. Therefore, the discharge property of the developer is improved. FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of each developer replenishment container shown in FIG. 13 in the vicinity of the opening which is the discharge opening 2a. The developer stored by the revolution movement is carried to the end of the opening and discharged from the opening. If the velocity V at this time is divided into the component Vx in the circumferential direction and the component Vy in the falling direction, it is stored. The larger the ratio of the opening 2a to the portion, the larger the component Vy in the falling direction. Therefore, the larger the ratio of the opening 2a to the storage portion, the better the discharge property of the developer. Further, this is because the connecting portion from the large diameter portion 2L to the small diameter portion 2S of the developer replenishment container 1 has a common inner surface having no height difference, so that the large diameter portion 2L to the small diameter portion smoothly passes through the common inner surface. It is considered that the above result was obtained because the developer can be transported to the part 2S. Further, even if the developing agent is in the agglomerated state, the developing agent in the agglomerated state is broken by the step (height difference) between the small diameter portion 2S and the large diameter portion 2L of the developer replenishment container 1, and fluidity is imparted. Therefore, in addition to the above effects, the developer is smoothly discharged from the opening.

【0132】

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the coagulated developer is broken by the step between the large diameter portion 2L and the small diameter portion 2S of the developer replenishment container main body 2, fluidity is imparted, and the large diameter portion is further increased. The common inner surface with no height difference between the 2L and the small diameter portion 2S allows the developer to be smoothly transported from the large diameter portion 2L to the small diameter portion 2S through the common inner surface, and the peripheral surface of the circular portion of the small diameter portion 2S. The developer is smoothly discharged from the discharge opening 2a. Therefore, the discharge performance of the developer can be further improved without increasing the cost due to the increase in the number of parts, increasing the size of the apparatus, and complicating the configuration.

【0133】

Further, since the developer supply container 1 has a non-circular cross-sectional shape of the container body 2, the limited space in the rotary developing apparatus can be effectively used, and as a result, rotary development of the same shape can be performed. In the space inside the apparatus, the developer filling amount of the developer replenishment container can be increased.

【0134】

As described above, by reducing the diameter of the portion of the container body to which the discharge opening is directed, the ratio of closing the discharge opening to the inner peripheral surface of the container can be increased, so that the dischargeability of the developer can be improved.

【0135】

Further, the step between the small-diameter portion and the large-diameter portion of the developer replenishment container body breaks the agglomerated developer and imparts fluidity, and the inner surface of the container substantially facing the step portion is common with no height difference. Since it is a surface, the developer is smoothly conveyed toward the discharge opening through this common inner surface. Further, since the discharge port is provided on the peripheral surface of the small diameter portion, the developer that has been smoothly conveyed as described above is smoothly discharged from the discharge port.

【0136】

That is, the developer can be satisfactorily transported even if the discharge efficiency of the discharge port is improved while maintaining the developer storage capacity of the developer supply container.

【0137】

Therefore, the discharge performance of the developer can be further improved without increasing the cost due to the increase in the number of parts, increasing the size of the apparatus, and complicating the configuration.

【0138】

The form is not limited to the above, and at least only the peripheral surface portion of the container body provided with the opening may be smaller in diameter than the other portions.

【0139】

Next, a modified example of the developer supply container will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 (A) and 16 (B).

【0140】

The developer replenishment container according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which a plurality of baffle plates 12 as stirring protrusions parallel to the direction in which the developer is conveyed are provided inside the developer replenishment container having the configuration shown in the above embodiment. A perspective view of the configuration of the upper member 2-1 and the lower member 2-2 of the developer is shown in FIG. 16 (A). Since the configuration of other parts is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

【0141】

In this embodiment, four baffle plates 12 are provided in the middle of the transport protrusions 2d of the container upper member 2-1.

【0142】

(Interfering plate) The obstructing plate 12 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 16 (B). The shape of the baffle plate 12 is a dimension 20 mm, b dimension 10 mm (height), and c dimension 30 mm. The b-dimensional side of the baffle plate 12 is the knob side, and the diagonally inclined side is the side provided with the filling port for filling the developer.

【0143】

With this shape, when filling the developer from the filling port provided on the opposite side of the knob, the developer filling operation can be smoothly performed even if the baffle plate is provided without any obstacle.

【0144】

In this way, by providing a plurality of baffle plates 12 as stirring protrusions having a stirring effect of the developing agent between the conveying protrusions 2d, the fluidity of the developing agent can be further improved, and as a result, the discharge of the developing agent is stable. To become.

【0145】

Next, a modified example of the developer supply container will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

【0146】

The developer replenishment container according to the present embodiment is a developer replenishment container having a structure in which a baffle 13 as a stirring member is non-rotatably provided near the discharge port of the developer replenishment container having the configuration shown in the above embodiment. FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the configuration of the container upper member 2-1 and the container lower member 2-2. Since the configuration of other parts is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

【0147】

(Baffle) The baffle 13 as a stirring member includes a baffle itself as a lifting part that lifts the developer by the rotation of the developer replenishment container, a portion that guides the developer lifted by the baffle itself downward as the developer rotates. The inclined plate 13a as a guide portion that guides the developer lifted by the lifting portion downward toward the opening (opening 2a) side with rotation, and the developer lifted by the lifting portion with rotation. It is provided with a hole 13b as a drop portion for dropping downward without being conveyed to the opening (opening 2a) side.

【0148】

FIG. 18 shows a side view of the baffle 13. The baffle 13 includes an inclined plate 13a as the guide portion, a hole 13b as the falling portion, a fixing rib 13c, and a notch 13d. The baffle 13 revolves due to the revolving motion of the rotary developing device, and the developing agent stored in the developing agent replenishing container is lifted by the baffle itself. A part of the lifted developer falls down the baffle 13 as it is, a part falls from the hole 13b, and a part is conveyed toward the opening by the inclined plate 13a.

【0149】

The method of fixing the baffle 13 to the container (lower member 2-2) will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. The fixing rib 13c provided on the baffle 13 and the U-shaped rib 14a provided on the container lower member 2-2 are fixed. In addition, the mouth-shaped rib 14b of the container lower member 2-2 and the notch 13d corresponding to the mouth-shaped rib on the baffle 13 side are fixed, and the baffle is fixed to the container lower member 2-2. It is configured so that it cannot be reversed so that 13 can be installed securely and accurately.

【0150】

By providing the baffle 13 near the opening (opening 2a) in this way, the developer stored in the developer replenishment container can be stably opened even after high temperature, high humidity, and harsh physical distribution. It can be discharged from the part.

【0151】

(Physical Properties of Developer) However, in the configuration of the developer replenishment container 1 of the above-described first and second embodiments, since the container body does not have a stirring member or the like, vibration due to physical distribution or long-term high temperature and high humidity When the developer is agglomerated in the container body and a so-called toner bridge is generated, such as when the developer is left and stored in the container, there is no means to break the toner bridge, so that the discharge performance is particularly satisfactory at the initial stage of the developer discharge. There was a concern that it could not be obtained. In particular, this tendency was remarkable with a developing agent having strong adhesiveness and cohesiveness.

【0152】

Further, in the above-mentioned container configuration, the developer is conveyed by sliding on the flat plate-shaped inclined protrusions as the container rotates. Therefore, the developer having strong adhesiveness and cohesiveness as described above is effective. There is a tendency that the developer cannot be conveyed, and the function of the developer replenishment container configuration described above cannot be fully exhibited.

【0153】

Further, when the developer as described above is stored in the developer replenishment container, the developer aggregates or adheres at the discharge opening and closes at the discharge opening, which significantly impairs the discharge property, and finally the developer. Can no longer be replenished.

【0154】

Further, as described above, the positional relationship between the transport protrusion 2d-2 adjacent to the discharge opening 2a and the discharge opening 2a is such that the transport protrusion 2d-2 is connected to the downstream side in the rotational direction of the discharge opening 2a as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the developer aggregates and hardens in the container body, such as when it is stored under high temperature and high humidity for a long period of time due to vibration due to distribution, or when a so-called toner bridge occurs, the developer is used at the discharge opening. There is no space to move freely, and it is difficult for the developer at the discharge opening to be given movement (fluidity), so the discharge opening tends to be blocked, which significantly impedes the discharge, and finally the developer cannot be replenished. I will end up. This tendency was particularly remarkable with a developing agent having strong adhesiveness and cohesiveness.

【0155】

Therefore, first, the powder physical properties of the developer suitable for being stored in the developer replenishment container were examined. Generally, as an index showing the adhesiveness and cohesiveness of a developer, the "aggregation degree" determined by placing powder on a sieve, giving vibration, and measuring the ratio of powder remaining on the sieve is used. However, in this measuring method, since the developer is a physical property value in a state where fluidity is imparted by vibration, the developer transportability and discharge property of the developer replenishment container, particularly vibration due to distribution and high temperature for a long period of time are high. It was not possible to deal with the phenomenon of the developer being agglomerated in the container body and compacted, such as when the developer was left and stored under wet conditions.

【0156】

Therefore, as a result of diligent studies by the present inventor, it was noted that the shear characteristics and adhesion characteristics of the powder layer of the developer in a state of consolidation to some extent are greatly involved. Furthermore, by paying attention to the uniaxial decay stress and tensile breaking strength of the powder as index values indicating the shear characteristics and adhesion characteristics of the powder layer, by combining with a developer whose physical property values are within a certain range. It has been found that an extremely good developer replenishment kit can be provided, in which the above-mentioned problems do not occur at all and the effects of the above-mentioned developer replenishment container configuration are maximized and synergistically drawn out. Hereinafter, the physical characteristics of the developer according to the present invention will be described in detail.

【0157】

The method for measuring the uniaxial decay stress and tensile breaking strength of the developer will be described below. A powder bed tester (PTHN-13BA type: manufactured by Sankyo Dengyo) was used for the measurement. The measurement environment was a temperature of 23 ° C and a relative humidity of 50%.

【0158】

First, the vertical load (normal stress) on the developer is 128 [g / cm.²], The powder layer T2 (Fig. 11) is formed by placing it in a compressed state for 10 minutes, and the two types of powder layers described below are measured.

【0159】

In the present embodiment, the developer is only toner or a mixture of toner and carriers, and when the developer is only toner, the powder layer has the same meaning as the toner layer, and in the case of a mixture of toner and carriers. Indicates a mixed powder of toner and carrier.

【0160】

Regarding this vertical load, we examined a vertical load (normal stress) that can reproduce the bulk density of the developer when the developer in the container is distributed or when it is left for a long time and becomes compacted. As a result, 128 [g / cm²] Was empirically found to be good for the developer for 10 minutes.

【0161】

The time for placing the weight does not have to be 10 minutes, and the time during which stable values can be obtained without large fluctuations in the tensile breaking strength and shear strength measured multiple times when determining the adhesive strength and shear index (powder). It suffices as long as it is the time during which the compressed state of the body layer is saturated). That is, in the present embodiment, the tensile breaking strength and the shear strength are measured a plurality of times, and the respective average values are used to measure the tensile breaking strength σ._T, Shear strength τ is obtained.

【0162】

(How to determine the tensile breaking strength) Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the movable cell 41 is pulled at a low speed in the direction of the arrow, and the tensile force σ when the powder layer T2 breaks._TTo measure. This σ_TIs the value of the tensile breaking strength of the powder layer T2.

【0163】

(How to determine the shear strength) Next, as shown in Fig. 12, the notch is placed so that the powder layer T2 is sandwiched between the support base 42'(made of SUS) arranged with the notched side facing upward. The movable plate 42 (made of aluminum) is placed with the side provided with the above facing downward, and the movable plate 42 is moved horizontally while applying normal stress σ to the powder layer T2 from above to form the powder layer. Shear T2 and measure the shear strength τ. At this time, the powder layer T2 is substantially divided into two in the vertical direction. This shear strength τ is performed twice under different normal stresses, and τ_i(τ₁, Tau₂). The shear strength τ tends to increase once in the initial stage of horizontal movement of the movable plate and then settle to a certain value (steady state). In the present embodiment, the initial value at which the movable plate starts to move horizontally and the powder layer T2 begins to shift in the vertical direction is defined as the shear strength τ.

【0164】

(Calculation method of uniaxial decay stress of developer) This measured tensile strength σ_TAnd shear strength τ₁(Normal stress σ₁), And shear strength τ₂(Normal stress σ₂), Is introduced into the following equation (1) of Warren Spring, the shear index n and the adhesive strength τ₀Is calculated. Further, in the (σ, τ) coordinate system, the value of the intersection of the circle (Mohr's circle) that is in contact with the Warren Spring equation line calculated by the above method and has a center on the σ axis with the σ axis is the uniaxial decay stress. Is defined as.

【0165】

(τ_i/ τ₀)ⁿ= (σ_i+ σ_T) / Σ_T (i = 1, 2) ...... (1) [0166]

Further, in the present embodiment, as the notched movable plate 42 used for measuring the shear strength, a notch height: 1 mm and a notch pitch: 1.5 mm are used.

【0167】

In the present embodiment, the uniaxial decay stress of the developer measured by the method described above is 2.0 to 8.0 [g / cm.²] Is preferably satisfied.

【0168】

This is because the uniaxial decay stress of the developer is 2.0 [g / cm.²], The so-called flushing phenomenon, in which the developer is excessively discharged at the moment when the developer opens the discharge opening of the developer replenishment container, is likely to occur, and the vicinity of the joint between the discharge opening and the developer is likely to occur. The developer becomes very dirty. In particular, there is an adverse effect that the developer is flushed at once immediately after the seal of the discharge opening of the developer supply container is removed.

【0169】

At that time, more developer than necessary flows out to the developer receiving unit, and it becomes impossible to control the supply of the developer to the developer. Further, when the developer is filled in the container, the developer does not easily settle and the apparent bulk density is difficult to decrease, so that the filling is difficult and a problem in manufacturing is likely to occur.

【0170】

In addition, the uniaxial decay stress of the developer is 8.0 [g / cm].²] Above, the developer is likely to aggregate and is likely to be blocked at the discharge opening of the container, making it impossible to discharge. In addition, the amount of the developer adhering to the inner wall of the container and the transport protrusion increases, and as a result, the amount of the developer remaining unused until the end increases.

【0171】

For this reason, in this embodiment, the normal stress is 128 [g / cm.²] Is applied, the uniaxial decay stress is 2.0 to 8.0 [g / cm].²] Is stored in the developer replenishment container having the above-mentioned configuration, so that the developer aggregates in the developer replenishment container body when it is stored under high temperature and high humidity for a long period of time or vibration due to distribution. Even in a compacted state, the developer easily collapses, and there is no need to shake the developer replenishment container or perform the replenishment operation a predetermined number of times before replacing the developer replenishment container, and it is consistently stable from the beginning to the end. It is possible to maintain the amount of the developing agent discharged.

【0172】

Furthermore, there is very little developer that remains in the developer replenishment container without being used until the end, and the developer that adheres to the inner wall of the container, and it is possible to almost completely discharge the developer in the developer replenishment container. It becomes.

【0173】

Furthermore, the developer aggregates in the developer replenishment container body due to vibration due to physical distribution or when it is left in a high temperature and high humidity for a long period of time, and even in a compacted state, the developer collapses with a small external force, and it is an excellent developer. It is possible to maintain the transport capacity and maintain a stable discharge of the developer until the end.

【0174】

Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of blockage due to the developer at the opening of the developer supply container even under various environments.

【0175】

(Regarding the tensile breaking strength of the developer) In addition, the developer has a vertical load of 128 [g / cm].²] Is applied, the tensile breaking strength is 1.0 to 5.0 [g / cm].²] Is preferable.

【0176】

This is because the tensile breaking strength of the developer is 1.0 [g / cm.²], The developer is likely to be flushed from the discharge opening of the developer replenishment container, and the developer stains near the joint between the discharge opening and the developer become severe. In particular, there is an adverse effect that the developer is flushed at once immediately after the seal of the discharge opening of the developer supply container is removed. At that time, more developer than necessary flows out to the developer receiving unit, and it becomes impossible to control the supply of the developer to the developer.

【0177】

In addition, the tensile breaking strength of the developer is 5.0 [g / cm].²] As described above, in the container configuration of the present embodiment, the developer adhering to the inclined protrusions is slipped and transported, but the developer cannot effectively slide on the inclined protrusions, and the transportability is improved. Getting worse. In addition, the discharge rate becomes slow, and the amount of residual developer that is not used until the end and the amount of developer that adheres to the inner wall of the container and the inclined protrusions increases. Furthermore, when the developer aggregates in the container body and becomes compacted due to vibration due to physical distribution or when the container is stored in a high temperature and high humidity for a long period of time, the adhesive force between the particles of the developer is high and the container revolves. Even so, the developer does not collapse at all and the developer cannot be discharged.

【0178】

For this reason, in this embodiment, the normal stress is 128 [g / cm.²] Is applied, the tensile breaking strength is 1.0 to 5.0 [g / cm].²] Is stored in the developer replenishment container having the above-mentioned structure, in addition to the above-mentioned effects, the developer remaining in the developer replenishment container without being used until the end, and the inner wall of the container. The amount of the developer that adheres is reduced, and the developer in the developer supply container can be almost completely discharged.

【0179】

The method for setting the uniaxial decay stress and the tensile breaking strength of the powder layer of the developer to predetermined values is not limited, but for example, contact between the developer particles that hinders the attractive force between the developer particles. It is conceivable to reduce the area. For that purpose, a fluidity-imparting agent for the developer is added. Further, it is preferable to control by a method of controlling the shape of the developer.

【0180】

(Average particle size of fluidity-imparting agent) In the developer stored in the developer replenishment container of the present embodiment, the fluidity-imparting agent is a hydrophobicized silica fine powder in order to exhibit good discharge characteristics. It is preferable to externally add at least one kind of alumina fine powder or titanium oxide fine powder to the toner particles.

【0181】

By externally adding these fluidity-imparting agents, the cohesiveness and adhesiveness of the developer are suppressed. Furthermore, since these fluidity-imparting agents are hydrophobized, the influence of moisture can be excluded and aggregation can be prevented, especially even under high temperature and high humidity. In addition, stable chargeability can be maintained for a long period of time regardless of the environment.

【0182】

Further, the average particle size of the primary particles of the fluidity imparting agent is preferably 1 to 100 [nm], more preferably 4 to 80 [nm].

【0183】

This is because if the average particle size of the primary particles of the fluidity imparting agent is smaller than 1 [nm], it is easily embedded in the surface of the developer at the time of external addition, so that the adhesiveness and cohesiveness are deteriorated, and the transfer is also performed. Defects also occur.

【0184】

Further, even when the average particle size of the primary particles of the fluidity imparting agent is larger than 100 [nm], the cohesiveness of the developer deteriorates. Further, the charge becomes non-uniform and electrostatic aggregation occurs. In addition, adverse effects such as fog and scattering of the developing agent also occur.

【0185】

The average particle size of the primary particles of the fluidity imparting agent is measured by the following method. Observe the fluidity-imparting agent with a transmission electron microscope, measure the particle size of 100 particles of 1 [nm] or more in the field of view, and calculate the average.

【0186】

These fine powders are preferably externally added by 0.03 to 5 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the toner particles. When the toner particles are externally added in this range, the surface coverage is appropriate, and it is possible to prevent the toner particles from adhering to each other and agglomerating.

【0187】

(Circularity of developer) The developer stored in the developer replenishment container having the above-described configuration contains 80 particles with a developer circularity a of 0.900 or more represented by the following formula (1) based on the number of particles. %, More preferably 0.95 or more particles are present in 67% or more of the cumulative value based on the number of particles.

【0188】

This is because when the number of particles having a developer circularity of 0.900 or more is less than 80% based on the number of particles, the contact area between the toner particles becomes large and the frictional force between the toner particles becomes large. Since it does not have a stirring member like the structure of the developer replenishment container, when the developer aggregates during distribution, the aggregated state cannot be released by a simple external force, and it cannot even be discharged. In addition, the inclined transport protrusions are less likely to slip, and the toner transport capacity is deteriorated. In addition, the transfer efficiency also deteriorates.

【0189】

For this reason, in the present embodiment, the developer stored in the developer replenishment container having the above-described configuration has a circularity of a, a circumference of a circle having the same projected area as the particle image of L1, and a particle image. When the peripheral length is L, the cohesiveness and adhesiveness of the developer can be improved by using a toner containing 80% or more of particles with a circularity a of 0.900 or more, which can be expressed by a = L0 / L, as a cumulative value based on the number of particles. Further suppress. Therefore, even when the developer aggregates in the container body and becomes compacted when it is stored in a container body under high temperature and high humidity for a long period of time due to vibration due to physical distribution, it may collapse or affect the discharge property. It is possible to provide a good developer replenishment container.

【0190】

The average circularity of the developer in this embodiment is used as a simple method for quantitatively expressing the shape of particles. In this embodiment, the Toa Medical Electronic Flow Particle Image Analyzer FPIA-1000 is used. The circularity of the measured particles is calculated by the following formula (2), and the value obtained by dividing the total circularity of all the measured particles by the total number of particles is defined as the average circularity. In the equation, L0 indicates the peripheral length of a circle having the same projected area as the particle image, and L indicates the peripheral length of the particle image.

【0191】

Circularity a = L0 / L ...... (2) [0192]

The circularity in the present embodiment is an index of the degree of unevenness of the toner particles, and shows 1.00 when the toner is a perfect spherical surface, and the circularity becomes a smaller value as the surface shape becomes more complicated. Further, the standard deviation of the circularity distribution in the present embodiment is an index of variation, and the smaller the value, the sharper the distribution.

【0193】

The measuring device "FPIA-1000" used in the present embodiment calculates the circularity of each particle, and then calculates the average circularity and the standard deviation of the circularity based on the obtained circularity of the particles. A calculation method is used in which the circularity 0.4 to 1.0 is divided into 61 divided classes, and the average circularity and the circularity standard deviation are calculated using the center value and frequency of the division points. However, each value of the average circularity and the circularity standard deviation calculated by this calculation method, and each value of the average circularity and the circularity standard deviation calculated by the calculation formula directly using the circularity of each particle described above. The error of is very small and practically negligible. In the present embodiment, for the reason of handling data such as shortening of calculation time and simplification of calculation calculation formula, each of the above-mentioned particles It is also possible to use the concept of the calculation formula that directly uses the circularity of the above, and to use such a calculation method that is partially modified.

【0194】

As a specific measurement method, a surfactant, preferably alkylbenzenesulfonate, is added as a dispersant in 100 to 150 [ml] of water from which impurities have been removed in advance, preferably 0.1 to 0.5 [ml], and a measurement sample is further added to 0.1 to 0.5 to 0.5. Add about 0.5 [g]. The suspension in which the sample was dispersed was dispersed with an ultrasonic disperser for about 1 to 3 minutes, and the concentration of the dispersion was set to 12,000 to 20,000 [pieces / μl], and 0.60 [ Measure the circularity distribution of particles having a circle-equivalent diameter of μm or more and less than 159.21 [μm].

【0195】

The outline of the measurement is described in the catalog of FPIA-1000 published by Toa Medical Electronics Co., Ltd. (June 1995 edition), the operation manual of the measuring device, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-136439. Is.

【0196】

The sample dispersion is passed through a flat and flat transparent flow cell (thickness of about 200 [μm]) (spreading along the direction of flow). The strobe and the CCD camera are mounted so as to be located on opposite sides of the flow cell so as to form an optical path that intersects and passes through the thickness of the flow cell. While the sample dispersion is flowing, strobe light is applied at 1/30 second intervals to obtain an image of the particles flowing through the flow cell, so that each particle has a range parallel to the flow cell. Taken as a two-dimensional image. From the area of the two-dimensional image of each particle, the diameter of a circle having the same area is calculated as the equivalent circle diameter. The circularity of each particle is calculated from the projected area of the two-dimensional image of each particle and the peripheral length of the projected image using the above circularity calculation formula.

【0197】

The toner has a predetermined circularity, but is not particularly limited. For example, in the pulverized toner, a mixture containing at least a binder resin and a colorant is melt-kneaded, and the obtained kneaded product is cooled. After that, the cooled product is crushed, and the crushing device may be appropriately selected. The crusher includes, for example, a jet stream crusher using a jet stream, particularly a collision type crusher, or a mechanical crusher. Further, after that, the pulverized product may be modified in the shape of particles by a hybridizer.

【0198】

Further, in addition to the pulverization method, a polymerized toner production method in which toner particles are directly obtained by polymerizing a mixture having a polymerizable monomer, a colorant and a wax may be used.

【0199】

The developer in the present embodiment can be applied to either a magnetic toner in which a magnetic substance is embedded in the toner particles or a non-magnetic toner. It is also applicable to a mixture of toner and carrier.

【0200】

(Amount of wax added) In recent years, there has been an increasing need for high-speed and high-quality image-forming devices, and in order to improve the offset resistance and color mixing property of the developer during fixing, it is used as a developer. In many cases, a material with high releasability such as wax is added. Needless to say, the developer replenishment container in the present embodiment is sufficiently compatible with such an image forming apparatus compatible with high-speed machines, and the developer stored inside also has a uniaxial decay stress and a shear index in the present embodiment. As long as it is within the range of, there is no problem even if wax is added to the developer.

【0201】

When the developer is a toner in which wax is added, the amount of wax added is preferably 0.5 to 30 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the binder resin of the toner.

【0202】

This is because the addition of less than 0.5 parts by mass adversely affects the low temperature fixability, blocking resistance and offset resistance of the developer in both the pulverization method and the polymerization method.

【0203】

If it exceeds 30 parts by mass, the wax is dispersed in the binder resin and exists on the surface of the toner particles in the production by the pulverization method, so that the adhesiveness and cohesiveness of the developer deteriorate. In addition, a large amount of free wax is present, and the wax adheres to the inclined protrusions of the developer replenishment container and the inner wall of the container, which adversely affects the transportability of the developer. Further, the wax released on the developing sleeve is fused, and in the case of two-component development, the carrier is contaminated and adversely affects the charge.

【0204】

For this reason, in the present embodiment, the developer stored in the developer replenishment container is fixed by using a toner containing 0.5 to 30 parts by mass of wax with respect to 100 parts by mass of the binder resin of the toner. The offset resistance and color mixing property of the developer at the time are improved. Therefore, even when the developer aggregates in the container body and becomes compacted when it is stored in a container body under high temperature and high humidity for a long period of time due to vibration due to physical distribution, it may collapse or affect the discharge property. It is possible to provide a good developer replenishment container.

【0205】

(Carrier content) In the two-component developing method, a method of periodically or continuously supplying a new mixture of carriers and toner into the developing device is adopted as a method of suppressing charge deterioration of the developing agent. .. By using this developing method, it is possible to suppress the charge deterioration of the developer in the developing device, extend the replacement frequency, or eliminate the replacement as compared with the case where it is not used.

【0206】

In the image forming apparatus having such a configuration, naturally, the developer stored in the developer replenishment container is a mixture of toner and carriers, but the mixture of toner and carriers is developed in the developer replenishment container according to the present embodiment. There is no problem even if it is contained as an agent. When the developer is a mixture of toner and carriers as described above, the carrier content is preferably 40% by weight or less based on the total amount of the developer. This is because when the carriers are mixed in an amount of 40% by weight or more, the container configuration according to the present embodiment described above has a problem that the toner and the carriers are likely to be segregated in the container.

【0207】

Therefore, as described above, when the developer is a mixture of toner and carriers, the content of the carriers to be mixed is 40% by weight or less (less than 5 to 40% by weight) with respect to the total amount of the developer. By doing so, segregation of toner and carriers is less likely to occur in the container.

【0208】

(Example of a developer stored in a developer replenishment container) The developer stored in the developer replenishment container will be described below with more specific examples. The physical property values of each developer (toner) illustrated below are as shown in Table 1 below, and among them, toners A, B, and C are specific examples of the developer to which the present invention is applied. Hereinafter, they will be described in order.

【0209】

[table 1]<img file="JP2004004792A_D0001.tif" /> 【0210】

(Toner A) 950 parts by mass of ion-exchanged water and 0.1 [mol / l] -Na in a 4-port flask for 2 liters equipped with a high-speed stirrer TK-homo mixer.₃PO₄450 parts by mass of the aqueous solution was added to adjust the rotation speed to 12000 [rpm], and the mixture was heated to 65 [° C]. Here 1.0 [mol / l] -CaCl₂A minute water-soluble dispersant Ca is gradually added by adding 68 parts by mass of the aqueous solution.₃(PO₄)₂An aqueous medium having a pH of 9 containing the above was prepared.

【0211】

180 parts by mass of styrene 20 parts by mass of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate 12 parts by mass of colorant (copper phthalocyanine) 2 parts by mass of di-tert-butyl salicylate metal compound 15 parts by mass of polyester resin (acid value 5, peak molecular weight 7000) Ester wax (melting point 65 ° C) 20 parts by mass Divinylbenzene 0.8 parts by mass [0212]

After dispersing the above compound with an attritor for 3 hours, a dispersion to which 4 parts by mass of 2,2'-azobis (2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) as a polymerization initiator was added was put into a dispersion medium. Then, granulation was performed at a rotation speed of 12000 [rpm] for 12 minutes. After that, the stirring device was changed from a high-speed stirring device to a propeller stirring blade, suspension polymerization was continued for 5 hours at an internal temperature of 65 [° C] and a rotation speed of 50 [rpm], and then 2 parts by mass of potassium persulfate was added. , The surface of the polymerized particles was modified, the internal temperature was raised to 85 [° C], and the reaction was continued for 5 hours.

【0213】

After the suspension polymerization and surface treatment steps were completed, the slurry was cooled, dilute hydrochloric acid was added, and calcium phosphate was dissolved.

【0214】

After the toner particles were filtered off, they were further washed and dried to obtain cyan toner particles (toner particles 1).

【0215】

Furthermore, the binder resin of the obtained toner particles had a Tg of 60 [° C]. The average circularity of the obtained cyan toner particles was 0.985.

【0216】

Three kinds of external additives were externally added to 100 parts by mass of the obtained toner particles, and after the external addition, coarse powder was removed by a 330 mesh sieve to obtain a negatively charged cyan toner (toner A). The weight average particle size of toner 1 was 7.1 [μm].

【0217】

-First hydrophobic silica fine powder 0.3 parts by mass: BET specific surface area 170 [m²/ G], average particle size 12 [nm], 100 parts by mass of silica fine powder treated with 20 parts by mass of hexamethyldisilazane in the gas phase.

【0218】

-Second hydrophobic silica fine powder 0.7 parts by mass: BET specific surface area 70 [m²/ G], average particle size of 30 [nm], 100 parts by mass of silica fine powder, hydrophobized with 10 parts by mass of hexamethyldisilazane in the gas phase.

【0219】

Hydrophobic titanium oxide fine powder 0.4 parts by mass: BET specific surface area 100 [m²/ G], number average particle size 45 [nm], titanium oxide fine powder 100 parts by mass treated with 10 parts by mass of isobutyltrimethoxysilane in an aqueous medium.

【0220】

(Toner B) 100 parts by mass of polyester resin, 2 parts by mass of charge control agent, 5 parts by mass of wax, and 7 parts by mass of copper phthalosine were premixed with a powder mixer and heated and melt-kneaded with a twin-screw extruder. After cooling the melt-kneaded product, it was roughly pulverized to about 1 to 2 [nm] using a hammer mill, and then pulverized by an air jet pulverizer. Further, the obtained finely pulverized material was strictly removed at the same time with a multi-division classifier to obtain cyan toner particles. The obtained cyan toner particles had a volume average particle size of 7.6 [μm].

【0221】

To 100 parts by mass of these cyan toner particles, 1.0 part by mass of hydrophobized titanium oxide having an average particle size of 5 [nm] was externally added with a Henschel mixer to obtain cyan toner B.

【0222】

(Toner C) Premix 100 parts by mass of a hybrid resin component having a polyester unit and a vinyl polymer unit, 2 parts by mass of a charge control agent, 5 parts by mass of wax, and 7 parts by mass of copper phthalosine with a powder mixer. The mixture was heated with a twin-screw extruder and melt-kneaded. After cooling the melt-kneaded product, it was roughly pulverized to about 1 to 2 [nm] using a hammer mill, and then pulverized by a pulverizer using a mechanical pulverizer. Further, the obtained finely pulverized material was strictly removed at the same time with a multi-division classifier to obtain cyan toner particles. The obtained cyan toner particles had a volume average particle size of 7.2 [μm].

【0223】

To 100 parts by mass of these cyan toner particles, 1.0 part by mass of hydrophobized titanium oxide having an average particle size of 5 [nm] was externally added with a Henschel mixer to obtain cyan toner C.

【0224】

(Preparation of Toner D) 100 parts by mass of styrene-acrylic resin 90 parts by mass of magnetic material with an average particle size of 0.05 μm 10 parts by mass of wax was premixed with a powder mixer and heated by a twin-screw extruder to melt and knead. .. After cooling the melt-kneaded product, it was roughly pulverized to about 1 to 2 [nm] using a hammer mill, and then finely pulverized by a jet mill. Further, the obtained finely pulverized product was subjected to removal of fine powder and coarse powder by a multi-division classification device to obtain toner particles. The obtained magnetic toner particles had a volume average particle size of 9.8 [μm]. Next, the toner particles were externally added with a Henschel mixer to obtain toner D.

【0225】

(Delivery property of developer) Next, the discharge performance test of the toner when the toner specifically exemplified as described above is stored in each developer replenishment container having the configurations of the first and second embodiments and used. The result of the test will be described.

【0226】

[Example 1] In the developer replenishment container having the configuration of the first embodiment, 0.43 [g / cm] of toner A is added to the internal volume of the container.³], And perform a discharge performance test using a simple rotary toner discharge jig (a jig that removes the developer of the rotary developing device and directly measures the amount of toner discharged from the discharge opening of the container). It was. The rotation rotation setting of the simple rotary toner discharge jig is 120 ° × 3 (120 ° 120 ° 120 °), the stop time is 0.3 seconds each, and the peripheral speed during rotational movement is 0.7. [m / s]. From the initial stage of discharge, good developer discharge was exhibited, the developer was discharged almost to the end, the amount of the developer remaining was extremely small, and there was almost no developer adhering to the inner wall of the container.

【0227】

Further, in the developer supply container having the configuration of the first embodiment, the toner A is added to the internal volume of the container by 0.43 [g / cm].³], The developer replenishment container was placed sideways, tapping (operation of repeating free fall from a height of 20 mm) was performed 1000 times, and then the discharge performance test was performed in the same manner. Although the developer was blocking at the beginning in the container, the blocking was effectively broken as soon as the container was rotated, showing good discharge. In addition, the developer was hardly clogged at the opening. The developer was discharged almost to the end, the amount of the developer remaining was extremely small, and there was almost no developer adhering to the inner wall of the container.

【0228】

[Example 2] In the developer replenishment container of the first embodiment, 0.40 [g / cm] of toner B is added to the internal volume of the container.³], And a discharge performance test was conducted in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, good discharge performance was shown from the initial stage of discharge. In addition, the developer was hardly clogged at the opening. The developer was discharged almost to the end, the amount of the developer remaining was extremely small, and there was almost no developer adhering to the inner wall of the container.

【0229】

Further, in the developer replenishment container of the first embodiment, 0.40 [g / cm] of toner B is added to the internal volume of the container.³], The developer replenishment container was placed aside, tapping was performed 1000 times, and then the discharge performance test was performed in the same manner. Although the developer was blocking at the beginning in the container, the blocking was effectively broken as soon as the container was rotated, showing good discharge. In addition, the developer was hardly clogged at the opening. The developer was discharged almost to the end, the amount of the developer remaining was extremely small, and there was almost no developer adhering to the inner wall of the container.

【0230】

[Example 3] In the developer replenishment container of the first embodiment, 0.46 [g / cm] of toner C is added to the internal volume of the container.³], And a discharge performance test was conducted in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, good discharge performance was shown from the initial stage of discharge. In addition, the developer was hardly clogged at the opening. The developer was discharged almost to the end, the amount of the developer remaining was extremely small, and there was almost no developer adhering to the inner wall of the container.

【0231】

Further, in the developer replenishment container of the first embodiment, 0.46 [g / cm] of toner C is added to the internal volume of the container.³], The developer replenishment container was placed aside, tapping was performed 1000 times, and then the discharge performance test was performed in the same manner. Although the developer was blocking at the beginning in the container, the container was rotated, and soon the blocking was effectively broken, showing good discharge. In addition, the developer was hardly clogged at the opening. The developer was discharged almost to the end, the amount of the developer remaining was extremely small, and there was almost no developer adhering to the inner wall of the container.

【0232】

[Example 4] First, the developer replenishment container for storing the developer was the same as that in the first embodiment.

【0233】

(Adjustment of a mixture of carrier and toner) 80 parts by mass of toner A, 20 parts by mass of a magnetic material-dispersed resin carrier having an average particle size of 35 [μm] and a true specific gravity of 3.6 were sufficiently mixed in advance with a mixer. The tensile breaking strength of this developer is 2.5 [g / cm.²]Met.

【0234】

In the developer replenishment container of the first embodiment, 0.45 [g / cm] of the above-mentioned developer with respect to the internal volume of the container.³], And a discharge performance test of a developer (a developer in which a carrier was mixed with toner) was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, good developer discharge performance was shown from the initial stage of discharge. In addition, the developer was discharged almost to the end, the amount of the developer remaining was extremely small, and there was almost no developer adhering to the inner wall of the container.

【0235】

Further, when the mixing ratio of the toner and the carrier was sequentially measured with respect to the discharged developer, it was confirmed that the mixing ratio was almost constant and segregation of the carrier and the toner did not occur.

【0236】

Further, in the developer supply container of the first embodiment, the above-mentioned developer is added to the internal volume of the container by 0.43 [g / cm].³], The developer replenishment container was laid on its side with the opening facing down, tapping was performed 1000 times, and then the discharge performance test was performed in the same manner. Although the developer was blocking at the beginning in the container, the blocking was effectively broken as soon as the container was rotated, showing good discharge. In addition, the developer was hardly clogged at the opening. The developer was discharged almost to the end, the amount of the developer remaining was extremely small, and there was almost no developer adhering to the inner wall of the container.

【0237】

Further, when the mixing ratio of the toner and the carrier was sequentially measured with respect to the discharged developer, it was confirmed that the mixing ratio was almost constant and segregation of the carrier and the toner did not occur.

【0238】

[Example 5] In the developer replenishment container having the configuration of the second embodiment, 0.40 [g / cm] of toner A is added to the internal volume of the container.³], And perform a discharge performance test using a simple rotary toner discharge jig (a jig that removes the developer of the rotary developing device and directly measures the amount of toner discharged from the discharge opening of the container). It was. The rotation rotation of the simple rotary toner discharge jig is set to a rotation angle of 90 ° x 4 (90 ° 90 ° 90 ° 90 °), a stop time of 0.3 seconds each, and a rotation during rotational movement. The speed is 0.7 [m / s]. From the initial stage of discharge, good developer discharge was exhibited, the developer was discharged almost to the end, the amount of the developer remaining was extremely small, and there was almost no developer adhering to the inner wall of the container.

【0239】

Further, in the developer replenishment container having the configuration of the first embodiment, 0.40 [g / cm] of toner A is added to the internal volume of the container.³], The developer replenishment container was placed aside, tapping was performed 1000 times, and then the discharge performance test was performed in the same manner. Although the developer was blocking at the beginning in the container, the blocking was effectively broken as soon as the container was rotated, showing good discharge. In addition, the developer was hardly clogged at the opening. The developer was discharged almost to the end, the amount of the developer remaining was extremely small, and there was almost no developer adhering to the inner wall of the container.

【0240】

[Comparative Example] First, the developer replenishment container for storing the developer was the same as that in the first embodiment.

【0241】

In the developer replenishment container of the first embodiment, add toner D to 0.43 [g / cm] with respect to the internal volume of the container.³], And a toner discharge performance test was conducted in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, about 10% or more of the developer was not discharged to the end and remained. In addition, many developing agents adhered to the inner wall of the container and the transport protrusions.

【0242】

Further, in the developer supply container of the first embodiment, 0.43 [g / cm] of toner D is added to the internal volume of the container.³], The toner replenishment container was placed on its side, tapping was performed 1000 times, and then the discharge performance test was performed in the same manner. The container did not collapse unless it was rotated for 5 minutes or more. After that, although the discharge rate was very slow, it was discharged, but it was at a considerably poor level.

【0243】

[Other Embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, a case where the rotary developing apparatus has three developing devices is illustrated, but the number of the rotary developing apparatus used is not limited and may be appropriately set as necessary. good.

【0244】

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the copying machine is exemplified as the image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, other image forming apparatus such as a printer or a facsimile apparatus, or transfer as an intermediate transfer body is used. An image forming apparatus that uses a transfer drum instead of a belt, sequentially superimposes and transfers toner images of each color on the transfer drum, and collectively transfers the transferred toner images to a transfer medium, a transfer transfer belt, a transfer drum, or the like. An image forming apparatus may be used in which a toner image of each color is sequentially superimposed and transferred onto a transfer material supported on the transfer material carrier, and the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus. As a result, the same effect can be obtained.

【0245】

As described above, according to the above embodiment, there are the following effects.

【0246】

It is inexpensive, does not generate coarse particles at all, and has a highly reliable developer replenishment container configuration that can be used repeatedly, but the transportability of the developer does not deteriorate, and it is consistently stable from the initial stage of discharge to the latter half of discharge. The amount of developer discharged can be maintained.

【0247】

The amount of the developer remaining in the developer replenishment container without being used until the end and the developer adhering to the inner wall of the container are very small, and the developer in the developer replenishment container can be almost completely discharged.

【0248】

The developer aggregates in the developer replenishment container body when it is stored in a high temperature and high humidity for a long period of time due to vibration due to physical distribution, and even in a compacted state, the developer collapses with a small external force, and excellent transport of the developer. It is possible to maintain the discharge capacity and maintain a stable discharge amount of the developer until the end.

【0249】

Even in various environments, there is no blockage of the developer at the opening of the developer supply container.

【0250】

Further, by externally adding a fluidity imparting agent to the developer, the cohesiveness and adhesiveness of the developer are suppressed. Therefore, even when the developer aggregates in the container body and becomes compacted when it is stored in a container body under high temperature and high humidity for a long period of time due to vibration due to physical distribution, it may collapse or affect the discharge property. It is possible to provide a good developer replenishment container. Furthermore, since these fluidity-imparting agents are hydrophobized, the influence of moisture can be excluded and aggregation can be prevented, especially even under high temperature and high humidity. In addition, stable chargeability can be maintained for a long time regardless of the environment.

【0251】

When 0.5 to 30 parts by mass of wax is contained with respect to 100 parts by mass of the binder resin of the toner, the offset resistance and color mixing property of the developer at the time of fixing the toner image are improved. Therefore, even when the developer aggregates in the container body and is consolidated when it is stored in a container body under high temperature and high humidity for a long period of time due to vibration due to physical distribution, it does not affect the discharge property. It becomes possible to provide a developer supply container.

【0252】

When the circularity of the toner is a, the peripheral length of a circle having the same projected area as the toner particle image is L1, and the peripheral length of the toner particle image is L, the circularity a that can be expressed by a = L0 / L is 0.900 or more. By using a toner containing 80% or more of particles as a cumulative value based on the number of particles, the cohesiveness and adhesiveness of the developer are further suppressed. Therefore, even when the developer aggregates in the container body and becomes solid, such as when it is stored in a container under high temperature and high humidity for a long period of time due to vibration due to physical distribution, it may collapse or affect the discharge property. It is possible to provide a good developer replenishment container.

【0253】

When the developer is a mixture of toner and carriers, segregation of toner and carriers in the container can be achieved by setting the carrier to be mixed to the total amount of the developer to be 40% by weight or less (5 to less than 40% by weight). It is less likely to occur.

【0254】

Since the developer transport area due to the adjacent transport protrusions partially overlaps with respect to the rotation axis direction, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the developer transport performance due to the developer slipping through the gap between the protrusions.

【0255】

The opening is closed by the developer by providing a transport projection as a detour transport portion that transports the developer away from the opening in the peripheral direction while bringing the developer closest to the opening side in the direction of the rotation axis. Can be prevented. Further, since the developer once separated from the opening is further agitated as it rotates, it can be discharged from the opening more smoothly because the fluidity is always imparted. Further, even if it is discharged from the opening and replenished in the developer, it is easily mixed with the developer in the developer, so that even in the case of a two-component developer, for example, the charge is immediately and uniformly applied in the developer.

【0256】

By setting the inclination angle of the transport protrusion in the range of 20 ° to 70 ° with respect to the direction of the rotation axis, a good developer transport force can be obtained.

【0257】

The toner container is set on the rotating body so that it cannot rotate, and by using the revolution motion by the rotation of the rotating body, it is not necessary to have the container receive a rotational drive, which reduces the cost of the toner container and the cost of the device body. You can.

【0258】

By making the cross section of the container body non-circular, it is possible to increase the developer filling amount of the developer replenishment container while effectively utilizing the limited space in the rotating body.

【0259】

Since the container body is obtained by combining the members obtained by the injection molding method, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, the material of the container is not limited, and the resin corresponding to flame retardancy can be selected, which is safe. It becomes easier to respond to the environment.

【0260】

[Effect of the invention]

As described above, according to the present invention, excellent toner transfer and discharge performance can be exhibited from the initial stage of discharge.

【0261】

Further, a stable toner discharge amount can be maintained from the initial stage of toner discharge to the latter stage of toner discharge.

【0262】

Further, the amount of toner remaining in the toner container can be reduced.

【0263】

Further, it is possible to prevent the discharge port of the toner container from being blocked by the toner even in various environments.

【0264】

Further, the stirring property (fluidity) can be further improved in synergy with the physical characteristics of the toner (blocking prevention). Therefore, the time required for toner discharge can be shortened.

【0265】

Further, the amount of toner remaining in the toner container without being used until the end and the toner adhering to the inner wall of the container are further reduced, and the toner in the toner container can be almost completely discharged.

【0266】

Further, by making each transport protrusion a straight line without twisting, the agitation (fluidity) of the toner can be further improved (blocking prevention).

【0267】

Further, the adjacent transport protrusions have regions that overlap each other when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the rotation direction of the toner container, so that the toner agitation and transport efficiency can be improved.

【0268】

Further, since the toner container is obtained by an injection molding method and is configured by connecting the first member and the second member provided with the transport protrusions, respectively, it is possible to perform die cutting at the time of injection molding. Become.

【0269】

Further, in order to reduce the diameter of the region provided with the discharge port of the toner container in the longitudinal direction of the toner container, the first member and the second member of the first member and the second member having the discharge port provided on the peripheral surface. By reducing the diameter of only one member, toner can be conveyed satisfactorily even if the discharge efficiency of the discharge port is improved while maintaining the toner capacity.

【0270】

Further, when the inclination angle of the transport projection with respect to the direction orthogonal to the rotation direction of the toner container is 20 ° to 70 °, a good toner transport force can be obtained.

【0271】

In addition, it is possible to prevent the discharge port from being blocked by the conveyed toner by temporarily bypassing all the toner conveyed by the transfer protrusion without directly transporting the toner to the discharge port by the bypass protrusion. After that, the bypassed toner is further agitated before being guided in the discharge direction, so that the toner can be discharged from the discharge port more smoothly.

【0272】

Further, since there are a plurality of toner transport directions by the transport protrusions, the transport force of the toner contained therein received from the transport protrusions changes as the toner container revolves. As a result, the toner powder layer repeats compression (gentle slope) -expansion (steep slope) -compression (gentle slope) while being transported and guided by the transport protrusions, and easily fluidizes with air. Since such a phenomenon also occurs in other similar transport protrusions, the toner can be further fluidized by the time the toner is discharged to the discharge port. That is, the agitation (fluidity) of the toner can be improved (blocking prevention). Therefore, the time required for toner discharge can be shortened.

【0273】

Further, the toner container is configured to be non-rotatably set on a rotating body provided in the image forming apparatus, and the toner is transferred by the transport protrusions in association with the rotation of the rotating body, thereby forming the toner container. A configuration that receives a rotation drive becomes unnecessary, and the manufacturing cost of the toner container can be reduced.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus provided with a rotary developing device equipped with a developer replenishing container. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developer replenishing container according to the first embodiment. FIG. Front view, (B) front sectional view of the container body, (C) perspective view of the container body, (D) transparent view inside the perspective view of the container body [Fig. 4] Mold release of the developer supply container according to the first embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the container upper member and the container lower member viewed from the direction [FIG. 5] A diagram showing the configuration of the container upper member and the container lower member of the container body of the developer supply container according to the first embodiment [FIG. 6]. Perspective view of the developer supply container according to No. 2 [Fig. 7] (A) Front view of the container body, (B) Front cross-sectional view of the container body, (C) Perspective view of the container body, (D) Inside the perspective view of the container body Transparent view [Fig. 8] Explanatory view of a container upper member and a container lower member as viewed from a mold release direction of the developer replenishment container according to the second embodiment [Fig. 9] A container main body of the developer replenishment container according to the second embodiment. [Fig. 10] Front view of a rotary developing device in which the inside is divided into three [Fig. 11] Explanatory drawing of a method for measuring the adhesive strength and shear index of a developer. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of a method for measuring the adhesive strength and shear index of a developer. [Fig. 13] (A) Perspective view of a developer replenishment container without a small diameter portion (inner diameter φ36), (B) Small diameter portion (inner diameter φ34). Perspective view of the developer replenishment container with the presenter, (C) Perspective view of the developer supply container with the small diameter portion (inner diameter φ25) [Fig. 14]

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the cumulative toner discharge amount and the cumulative rotation speed of the rotary developing device in each developer replenishment container.

Explanatory drawing about the ratio between the discharge opening and the storage part [Fig. 16]

(A) A diagram showing the configuration of a container upper member and a container lower member of the container body of the developer replenishment container, and (B) a detailed view of the baffle plate [Fig. 17].

The figure which showed the structure of the container upper member and the container lower member of the container main body of a developer supply container [FIG. 18]

Detailed view of the baffle [Fig. 19]

Detailed view of the baffle fixing part of the developer replenishment container (container lower member) [Explanation of symbols]

D ... Manuscript S ... Transfer material 1 ... Developer supply container (toner container) 2 ... Container body 2-1 ... Upper member (second member) 2-2 ... Lower member (1st member) 2L ... Large diameter part 2S ... Small diameter part 2a ... Developer discharge opening (discharge port) 2b ... Shutter guide 2c ... Knob guide 2d ... Conveyance protrusion 2d-1 , 2d-2 ... Conveyance protrusion 3 ... Shutter 4 ... Packing material 5 ... Knob 7a, 7b, 7c ... Development station (position) 9a ... Developer transfer member 9b ... Develop sleeve 12 ... Interfering plate 13 ... Baffle 13a ... Inclined plate 13b ... Hole 13c ... Fixed rib 13d ... Notch 14a ... U-shaped rib 14b ... Mouth Character rib 41 ... Movable cell 42 ... Movable plate 42'... Support base 200 ... Device body 201 ... Rotary developer 202 ... Image forming unit 203 ... Black developer 204 ... Fixing device 205 ... Discharging roller 206 ... Document mounting table 207a ... Light source 207b ... CCD unit 208 ... Laser Scanner Unit 209 ... Feeder 210,211 ... Cassette 212 ... Manual Feed Cassette 213 ... Photoreceptor Drum 214 ... Primary Charger 215 ... Developer 215a ... Developer 215b ... Developer 215c ... Developer 216 ... Post Charger 217 ... Transfer Belt 218 ... Drum Cleaner 219 ... Secondary Transfer Roller 220 ... Belt Cleaner 221 ... Resist Roller 222 ... Transfer transfer device