Powder container and imaging equipment

Abstract

A powder container and an imaging device are disclosed. The powder container, which can be inserted into the imaging device, includes a plurality of transferred portions, each of which is configured to contact a first protrusion of the imaging device, the first protrusion being rotatable and protruding toward the upstream side in the insertion direction of the powder container, wherein the transferred portions stand outward from the outer circumference of the powder container, such that one of the transferred portions is connected to another adjacent transferred portion via a surface including an inclined surface. The imaging device includes an imaging unit that forms an image on an image carrier using powder for imaging; a powder conveying unit that conveys powder to the imaging unit; and the aforementioned powder container, which is removably held by the powder conveying unit.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an invention patent application with the invention name “Powder container and imaging device”, the application date of August 5, 2015, the application number of 201580042474.5, and the applicant being Ricoh Co., Ltd. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a powder container for storing powder such as toner, and an image forming apparatus for conveying the powder from the powder container to a conveyance destination. Background Art

[0003] In an imaging device using electrophotography, such as a copier, printer, or fax machine, a latent image formed on a photoconductor is developed into a visible image using toner in a developing device. The toner is consumed by developing the latent image, and the developing device needs to be replenished with toner. Therefore, a toner replenishing device, which serves as a powder supply device and is provided in the main body of the device, transports toner from a toner container, which serves as a powder container, to the developing device to replenish the toner. By replenishing the developing device with toner as described above, development can be performed continuously. The toner container is detachably attached to the toner replenishing device. When the stored toner is used up, the toner container is replaced with a toner container that contains new toner.

[0004] To reduce costs, toner replenishing devices and toner containers of imaging devices are commonly used across various models. Patent Document 1 describes a technique for providing a model-specific or color-specific identifier portion of a toner container, the identifier portion being formed into a different shape for each toner container type.

[0005] The toner container described in Patent Document 1 has a cylindrical shape. When the toner container is set in the main body of an imaging device, it receives rotational drive from the main body of the imaging device and rotates about the center line of the cylindrical shape, serving as the rotation axis, to discharge toner from a discharge port. A unique identifier-shaped portion is provided on one of the two bottom surfaces of the cylindrical shape, specifically on the end surface on the downstream side in the insertion direction for insertion into the main body of the imaging device (hereinafter referred to as the "front end surface"). Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] When an operator inserts the toner container into the main body of the image forming apparatus, the cylindrical toner container is in an arbitrary posture in the rotation direction.

[0008] The toner container described in Patent Document 1 includes a protrusion on the front end surface that serves as an identifier. The protrusion is arranged so that the radial distance from the center of the front end surface varies depending on the type of toner container. On a rotating member serving as a drive output unit for an imaging device, several recesses serving as the device's main body identifier are arranged on the same circumference, centered at a point facing the center of the front end surface when the toner container is set.

[0009] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, if the radial distance from the center of the toner container's protrusion matches the radial distance from the center of the recess in the imaging device's main body, the protrusion can interlock with either recess, regardless of the toner container's rotational position. In contrast, if the radial distance from the center of the toner container's protrusion does not match the radial distance from the center of the recess in the imaging device's main body, the protrusion cannot interlock with either recess. Consequently, the toner container cannot be inserted into the rear end of the imaging device's main body, and the operator may be aware of incorrect settings during setup.

[0010] In the toner container described in Patent Document 1, an identifier-shaped portion having protrusions at different positions on a straight line in the radial direction functions as an identifier for different types of toner containers. In the toner container, a certain number of identifier-shaped portions can be provided according to the number of protrusions that can be arranged at different distances from the center of the front end surface in the radial direction.

[0011] However, the toner container described in Patent Document 1 can only provide the same number of types of identifier-shaped portions as the number of protrusions that can be arranged at different distances from the center of the radial front end surface of the toner container. Therefore, the types of identifier-shaped portions are limited, and the types of toner containers that can be used in common with the identifier-shaped portions are also limited. Consequently, it is difficult to sufficiently reduce the costs of the toner replenishing device and the toner container.

[0012] The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and there is a need for a powder container capable of utilizing a positional difference in a direction other than a radial direction as a difference in an identifier shape portion, and an image forming apparatus including the powder container.

[0013] Technical solutions to technical problems

[0014] The powder container according to the present invention can be inserted into an imaging device and includes a main body interlocking portion that is rotatable and protrudes toward the upstream side in the insertion direction in which the inserted powder container is inserted. The imaging device includes an identifier protrusion that protrudes toward the upstream side in the insertion direction to identify the type of the powder container. The powder container includes a container interlocking portion configured to interlock with the main body interlocking portion; and an interlocked portion configured to interlock with the identifier protrusion. The interlocked portion is provided at the front end portion of the powder container in the insertion direction. The container interlocking portion stands upright outward from the outer circumference of the powder container. The container interlocking portion and the interlocked portion rotate integrally.

[0015] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a position difference in a direction different from the radial direction may be used as a difference in the shape portion of the identifier. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 When the outer hat is Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the downstream end portion of the toner container in the insertion direction according to the first embodiment when being detached in the state shown in FIG;

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a schematic configuration of a copy machine according to an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a schematic configuration of a developing device and a toner replenishing device according to the embodiment;

[0020] Figure 4 is an explanatory perspective view of the toner container of the first embodiment when viewed from the front side in the insertion direction;

[0021] Figure 5 is an explanatory perspective view of the toner container of the first embodiment when viewed from the rear side in the insertion direction;

[0022] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the toner container of the first embodiment;

[0023] Figure 7 A toner container of the first embodiment is shown: (a) is an explanatory perspective view of the toner container when viewed from the positive direction X side; and (b) is an explanatory perspective view of the toner container when rotated 180 degrees around the rotation axis from the state shown in (a);

[0024] Figure 8A toner container of the first embodiment is shown: (a) is a side view of the toner container when viewed from the positive Y side; and (b) is a side view of the toner container when viewed from the negative Y side;

[0025] Figure 9 A toner container of the first embodiment is shown: (a) is a plan view of the toner container when viewed from the positive Z side; and (b) is a bottom view of the toner container when viewed from the negative Z side;

[0026] Figure 10 Shown are a toner container of the first embodiment: (a) is a front view of the toner container when viewed from the positive X side; and (b) is a rear view of the toner container when viewed from the negative X side;

[0027] Figure 11 When the inner hat is Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of the toner container of the first embodiment near its downstream end in the insertion direction when detached in the illustrated state;

[0028] Figure 12 is when different from Figure 11 An enlarged perspective view of the toner container of the first embodiment near its downstream end in the insertion direction when viewed from an angle of ?;

[0029] Figure 13 shows a lateral cross section passing through the center line of the cylindrical shape of the toner container of the first embodiment;

[0030] Figure 14 is an enlarged side view of only the vicinity of the downstream end portion of the container body in the insertion direction when the cap is detached from the toner container of the first embodiment;

[0031] Figure 15 is an enlarged perspective view of only the vicinity of the downstream end portion of the toner container in the insertion direction of the first embodiment;

[0032] Figure 16 is an enlarged side view of the vicinity of the upstream end portion of the toner container of the first embodiment in the insertion direction;

[0033] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the cap of the first embodiment when viewed from the other end side (downstream side in the insertion direction);

[0034] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the cap of the first embodiment when viewed from one end side (upstream side in the insertion direction);

[0035] Figure 19 is a front view of the cap of the first embodiment when viewed from the other end side (downstream side in the insertion direction);

[0036] Figure 20 is a side view of the cap of the first embodiment;

[0037] Figure 21 Showing a wall surface of a driven portion: (a) is an explanatory side view of the wall surface; and (b) is an explanatory enlarged view of the wall surface;

[0038] Figure 22 Configuration examples in which the drive transmitted portion does not have a planer shape are shown: (a) is an example in which the downstream side of the driven portion in the insertion direction serves as the drive transmitted portion; (b) is an example in which the upstream side of the driven portion in the insertion direction serves as the drive transmitted portion; and (c) is an example in which a plurality of portions of the driven portion in the insertion direction serve as the drive transmitted portion;

[0039] Figure 23 is a perspective view of the discharge member of the first embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction;

[0040] Figure 24 is a perspective view of the discharge member of the first embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction;

[0041] Figure 25 is a front view of the discharge member of the first embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction;

[0042] Figure 26 is a side view of the discharge member of the first embodiment;

[0043] Figure 27 is a perspective view of the inner cap of the first embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction;

[0044] Figure 28 is a perspective view of the inner cap of the first embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction;

[0045] Figure 29 is a side view of the inner cap of the first embodiment;

[0046] Figure 30 is a perspective view of the outer cap of the first embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction;

[0047] Figure 31 is a perspective view of the outer cap of the first embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction;

[0048] Figure 32 is a side view of the outer cap of the first embodiment;

[0049] Figure 33is an enlarged perspective sectional view of the vicinity of the downstream end portion in the insertion direction of the toner container of the first embodiment in a state of being attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus;

[0050] Figure 34 An enlarged side cross section showing the vicinity of the downstream end portion of the toner container of the first embodiment in the insertion direction;

[0051] Figure 35 is a perspective view of the container holder of the first embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction;

[0052] Figure 36 is a perspective view of the container holder of the first embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction;

[0053] Figure 37 is a front view of the output drive unit of the first embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction;

[0054] Figure 38 is a perspective view of the output drive unit of the first embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction;

[0055] Figure 39 is a perspective view of the output drive unit of the first embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction;

[0056] Figure 40 is a side view of the output drive unit of the first embodiment;

[0057] Figure 41 Is when from Figure 40 A side view of the output drive unit of the first embodiment when viewed from the side opposite to the side in FIG.

[0058] Figure 42 is an enlarged perspective view of a first drive protrusion of the first embodiment;

[0059] Figure 43 is an enlarged perspective view of the second driving protrusion of the first embodiment;

[0060] Figure 44 is an explanatory perspective view of the toner container of the second embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction;

[0061] Figure 45 is an exploded perspective view of a toner container of a second embodiment;

[0062] Figure 46 When the outer hat is Figure 44 An enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the downstream end portion of the toner container of the second embodiment in the insertion direction when the toner container is detached from the state of FIG.

[0063] Figure 47is an enlarged side view of the vicinity of the downstream end portion in the insertion direction of the toner container of the second embodiment when the outer cap is detached;

[0064] Figure 48 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the downstream end portion in the insertion direction of the toner container of the second embodiment when viewed from an angle from which a discharge member can be inspected when detached from the inner cap;

[0065] Figure 49 is an enlarged side view of only the vicinity of the downstream end portion of the toner container in the insertion direction of the second embodiment;

[0066] Figure 50 is a perspective view of the cap of the second embodiment when viewed from the other end side (downstream side in the insertion direction);

[0067] Figure 51 is a perspective view of the cap of the second embodiment when viewed from one end side (upstream side in the insertion direction);

[0068] Figure 52 is a front view of the cap of the second embodiment when viewed from the other end side (downstream side in the insertion direction);

[0069] Figure 53 a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cap interlocking portion and a stopper interlocked with each other;

[0070] Figure 54 is a perspective view of the inner cap of the second embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction;

[0071] Figure 55 is a perspective view of the inner cap of the second embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction;

[0072] Figure 56 is a rear view of the inner cap of the second embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction;

[0073] Figure 57 is a side view of the inner cap of the second embodiment;

[0074] Figure 58 is a perspective view of the discharge member of the second embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction;

[0075] Figure 59 is a perspective view of the discharge member of the second embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction;

[0076] Figure 60 is a rear view of the discharge member of the second embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction;

[0077] Figure 61 is a side view of a discharge member of a second embodiment;

[0078] Figure 62 is a perspective view showing a state in which the discharge member and the inner cap of the second embodiment are being interlocked with each other when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction;

[0079] Figure 63 is a perspective view showing a state in which the discharge member and the inner cap of the second embodiment are being interlocked with each other when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction;

[0080] Figure 64 is a rear view showing a state in which the discharge member and the inner cap of the second embodiment are being interlocked with each other when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction;

[0081] Figure 65 is a perspective view of the output drive unit of the second embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction;

[0082] Figure 66 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the downstream end portion in the insertion direction and the output drive unit of the toner container of the second embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction;

[0083] Figure 67 is a rear view of the discharge member having a holder recess in the center of the support rod of the guide holder of the second embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction;

[0084] Figure 68 is a front view of the toner container of the first embodiment from which the inner cap is detached when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction;

[0085] Figure 69 is a perspective view of the cap of the toner container of the first modification when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction;

[0086] Figure 70 is a front view of the toner container of the first modification when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction;

[0087] Figure 71 The cap interlocking portion has a greater Figure 70 A front view of a first modified toner container of a wider width;

[0088] Figure 72 is a perspective view of a toner container of a second modification when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction;

[0089] Figure 73 is a perspective view of a cap of a toner container of a second modification when viewed from a downstream side in an inserting direction;

[0090] Figure 74is a side view of a second modified cap in a shape in which the outer diameter of a ring formed by the driven portion decreases in a linear manner;

[0091] Figure 75 is a side view of a second modified cap in a shape in which the diameter of the ring formed by the driven portion decreases in a curved manner;

[0092] Figure 76 Schematically illustrating an output drive unit: (a) is a front view of the output drive unit; and (b) is a side view of the output drive unit;

[0093] Figure 77 is a side view schematically showing the cap and the output drive unit when the output drive unit is in a normal position in which it is not tilted relative to the insertion direction;

[0094] Figure 78 Showing the cap and the output drive unit when the output drive unit is tilted relative to the insertion direction: (a) is a side view of the cap and the output drive unit away from each other; and (b) is a side view of the cap and the output drive unit close to each other;

[0095] Figure 79 is a perspective view of a third modified cap when viewed from the other end side;

[0096] Figure 80 is a front view of the cap of the third modification when viewed from the other end side;

[0097] Figure 81 is a side view of a third modified cap;

[0098] Figure 82 Illustrated are interlocking operations of the cap and the output drive unit of the third modification: (a) illustrates the interlocking operation when the position of the positioning recess and the position of the drive protrusion do not match each other in the circumferential direction; (b) illustrates the interlocking operation when the identifier shapes match each other; and (c) illustrates the interlocking operation when the identifier shapes do not match each other;

[0099] Figure 83 is a perspective view of a fourth modified cap when viewed from the other end side;

[0100] Figure 84 is a front view of the cap of the fourth modification when viewed from the other end side;

[0101] Figure 85 is a side view of a fourth modified cap;

[0102] Figure 86The interlocking operation of the cap and the output drive unit of the fourth modification is shown: (a) shows the interlocking operation when the position of the positioning recess and the position of the drive protrusion do not match each other in the circumferential direction; (b) shows the interlocking operation when the identifier shapes match each other; and (c) shows the interlocking operation when the identifier shapes do not match each other. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0103] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0104] Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a copy machine 500 as an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. The copy machine 500 includes a printer 600, a sheet feeding table 700 for mounting the printer 600, a scanner 300 fixed to the printer 600, and an automatic document feeder 400 fixed to the scanner 300.

[0105] The copier 500 of the embodiment is a so-called tandem type image forming apparatus and uses a two-component developing system using a two-component developer formed of a toner and a carrier as a developing system. The copier 500 receives image data which is image information read from the scanner 300 or print data from an external device such as a personal computer and forms an image on a sheet P which is a recording medium. In the printer 600, as in Figure 2 As shown in FIG, four photoconductor drums 1 (Y, M, C, Bk) are arranged side by side as latent image carriers for multiple colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (Bk). The photoconductor drums 1 (Y, M, C, Bk) are arranged side by side along the moving direction of the intermediate transfer belt 5 so as to contact the intermediate transfer belt 5. The intermediate transfer belt 5 is in the form of an endless belt and is supported by multiple rotatable rollers including a drive roller.

[0106] The charging devices 2 (Y, M, C, Bk), the developing devices 9 (Y, M, C, Bk), the photoconductor cleaning devices 4 (Y, M, C, Bk), and the neutralizing lamps 3 (Y, M, C, Bk) corresponding to the four colors are arranged in the order of processing around the corresponding photoconductor drums 1. The optical writing device 17 is provided above the photoconductor drums 1. The primary transfer rollers 6 (Y, M, C, Bk) serving as the primary conveying device are provided at positions facing the corresponding photoconductor drums 1 opposite to the intermediate transfer belt 5.

[0107] The intermediate transfer belt 5 is wound around three support rollers (11, 12, 13) and a tension roller 14, and is driven to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the drive roller 12, which is one of the support rollers, which is rotated by a drive source. A belt cleaning device 19 is provided at a position opposite to the intermediate transfer belt 5, facing the cleaning counter roller 13, which is one of the support rollers, and removes residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 5 after the secondary transfer. The secondary transfer counter roller 11, which is one of the support rollers, is arranged opposite to the secondary transfer roller 7 serving as the secondary transfer device, and forms a secondary transfer nip portion between itself and the secondary transfer roller 7 on the opposite side of the intermediate transfer belt 5.

[0108] A sheet conveying belt 15 extending around a support roller pair 16 is provided on the downstream side of the secondary transfer nip portion in the sheet conveying direction, and conveys the sheet P having the secondary transferred toner image to a fixing device 18. The fixing device 18 includes a fixing roller pair 8 configured with a heating roller and a pressure roller, and applies heat and pressure at the fixing nip portion to fix the unfixed toner image on the sheet P.

[0109] Next, a copying operation by the copying machine 500 in this embodiment will be described.

[0110] When the copy machine 500 according to this embodiment forms a full-color image, a document is first set on the document table 401 of the automatic document feeder 400. Alternatively, the automatic document feeder 400 is opened, the document is set on the contact glass 301 of the scanner 300, and the automatic document feeder 400 is closed to press the document.

[0111] Subsequently, when the user presses the start switch while a document is set in the automatic document feeder 400, the document is fed onto the contact glass 301. The scanner 300 is then activated, and the first scanning unit 302 and the second scanning unit 303 begin operating. Consequently, light emitted from the first scanning unit 302 is reflected from the document on the contact glass 301. This reflected light is further reflected from the mirror of the second scanning unit 303 and guided to the reading sensor 305 via the imaging lens 304. This allows the image information on the document to be read.

[0112] When the user presses the start switch, the motor is activated to rotate the drive roller 12, causing the intermediate transfer belt 5 to rotate. Simultaneously, the photoconductor drive device rotates the yellow photoconductor drum 1Y in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and the yellow charging device 2Y uniformly charges the photoconductor drum 1Y. Subsequently, the optical writing device 17 emits a yellow light beam Ly to form a yellow electrostatic latent image on the yellow photoconductor drum 1Y. The yellow developing device 9Y develops the yellow electrostatic latent image in a developer using a yellow toner. During development, a predetermined development bias is applied to the developing roller, and the yellow toner on the developing roller is electrostatically attracted to the portion of the yellow electrostatic latent image on the yellow photoconductor drum 1Y.

[0113] The yellow toner image formed by the development described above is transported to a primary transfer position where the photoconductor drum 1Y for yellow and the intermediate transfer belt 5 come into contact with each other as the photoconductor drum 1Y for yellow rotates. At this primary transfer position, the primary transfer roller 6Y for yellow applies a predetermined bias voltage to the rear side of the intermediate transfer belt 5. Due to the primary transfer electric field generated by the bias voltage application, the yellow toner image on the photoconductor drum 1Y for yellow is attracted toward the intermediate transfer belt 5 and is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 5. Similarly, the magenta toner image, the cyan toner image, and the black toner image are primarily transferred so as to be sequentially superimposed on the yellow toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 5.

[0114] When the user presses the start switch, the feed roller 702 corresponding to the sheet selected by the user rotates in the sheet feed stage 700, and a sheet P is fed from one of the sheet cassettes 701. The fed sheets P are separated one by one by the separation roller 703, and each sheet P enters the sheet feed path 704 and is conveyed to the sheet feed path 601 provided in the printer 600 by the conveying roller pair 705. The conveyed sheet P is temporarily stopped when it contacts the registration roller pair 602. If a sheet not set in any of the sheet cassettes 701 in the sheet feed stage 700 is to be used, the sheet P is set on the manual feed tray 605, fed by the manual feed roller 604, separated one by one by the manual separation roller 608, and conveyed through the manual feed path 603. Similar to the above, the sheet P is stopped when it contacts the registration roller pair 602.

[0115] The composite toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 5 by superimposing multiple colors is conveyed to a secondary transfer position facing the secondary transfer roller 7 as the intermediate transfer belt 5 rotates. The registration roller pair 602 begins rotating to convey the sheet P to the secondary transfer position in synchronization with the timing at which the composite toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 5, as described above, is conveyed to the secondary transfer position. At the secondary transfer position, the secondary transfer roller 7 applies a predetermined bias voltage to the rear side of the sheet P. The entire composite toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 5 is secondarily transferred to the sheet P by the secondary transfer electric field generated by the bias voltage application and by the contact pressure at the secondary transfer position. The sheet P with the secondary transferred composite toner image is conveyed to the fixing device 18 by the sheet conveying belt 15 and undergoes a fixing process by the fixing roller pair 8 provided in the fixing device 18. The sheet P that has undergone the fixing process is discharged by the discharge roller pair 606 and stacked on a discharge tray 607 provided outside the apparatus.

[0116] The belt cleaning device 19 removes untransferred toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 5 after the secondary transfer.

[0117] Next, a toner replenishing device 70 will be described, which is a powder conveying device using a powder conveying pump for conveying the toner in the toner container 100 to the developing device 9. The toner replenishing device 70 having the same configuration replenishes the developing devices 9 (Y, M, C, Bk) with toner of the corresponding colors; therefore, in the following description, the reference numerals Y, M, C, and Bk representing the colors will be omitted.

[0118] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the developing device 9 and the toner replenishing device 70 .

[0119] As in Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the toner replenishing device 70 includes a sub-tank 20 for temporarily storing a replenishing substance in the form of powder, for supplying toner to the developing device 9, and a toner pipe 54 as a supply path for connecting the sub-tank 20 and the developing device 9 to convey the replenishing substance. The replenishing substance supplied by the toner replenishing device 70 of this embodiment is a mixture of toner and carrier.

[0120] A diaphragm pump 30, which is a positive displacement powder delivery pump, is disposed in the upper portion of the sub-tank 20. A tube 53 is also provided, which connects the diaphragm pump 30 and the toner reservoir 60 and through which the toner, which is drawn in by air by the diaphragm pump 30, passes. Tube 53 is preferably made of a flexible rubber material with excellent toner resistance, such as polyurethane, nitrile, silicone rubber, or EPDM.

[0121] The toner storage 60 mainly includes a container 61 for temporarily storing and housing a replenishment, and includes a toner container 100 as a replenishment container, which is detachably attached to the printer 600 to supply the replenishment to the container 61 .

[0122] In the lower portion of the container 61, a tube connector 63 for connecting the toner 53 in an assembled manner is provided, and a communication opening 62 for connecting the tube connector 63 and the container 61 is also provided. On one side surface of the container 61, a supply port 64 is provided to receive the replenishment from the toner container 100.

[0123] The toner container 100 has a cylindrical cross-section for storing supplemental material and is driven by a drive source to rotate about the centerline of the cylindrical cross-section, which serves as the axis of rotation. The sidewall of one end of the toner container 100, perpendicular to the axis of rotation, is sealed, and a discharge port 114 is provided in the sidewall of the other end in a protruding manner. Within the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical cross-section, a spiral conveying groove 113 is provided to protrude inward and convey the stored supplemental material from the sealed sidewall to the sidewall with the discharge port 114 as the toner container 100 rotates. The supplemental material conveyed to the sidewall with the discharge port 114 is supplied to the container 61 from the supply port 64 provided in the container 61.

[0124] The replenishment supplied to the container 61 is sucked from the toner storage 60 (container 61), which is a supply source of the replenishment, through the tube 53 together with air by the diaphragm pump 30 and introduced into the operation chamber 38, which is an internal space. Subsequently, the replenishment is discharged to the sub-tank 20, which is a supply destination connected to the lower portion, so that the replenishment is transported from the toner storage 60 to the sub-tank 20. The replenishment transported to the sub-tank 20 is supplied to the developing device 9 by a transport device provided in the sub-tank 20.

[0125] The diaphragm pump 30 includes a diaphragm 31 as a variable member, a housing 32 , an inlet valve 36 , an outlet valve 35 , etc. The diaphragm is operated by rotational movement of an eccentric shaft 44 held by a holder 43 directly connected to a motor 41 of a drive unit 40 .

[0126] The developing device 9, which is the replenishment destination for toner supplied by the toner replenishing device 70 and utilizes a two-component development system, includes a toner developing roller 92 that supports and conveys a developer composed of toner and a carrier to a development area facing the photoconductor drum 1. The developer housing 91 of the developing device 9 stores the developer therein and includes a stirring / conveying unit equipped with a first stirring / conveying screw 93a, and a supply / collecting unit equipped with a second stirring / conveying screw 93b for supplying and collecting developer to and from the developing roller 92. The partition member separating the stirring / conveying unit and the supply / collecting unit has communication portions provided at both axial end portions of the two stirring / conveying screws 93a and 93b. The stored developer circulates between the stirring / conveying unit and the supply / collecting unit by being conveyed by the stirring / conveying screws 93a and 93b. The supply / collecting unit supplies the stored developer to the developing roller 92 and collects unused developer for development.

[0127] The developing roller 92 is a roller that holds the developer stirred in the supply / collection unit on its surface by magnetic force, supports and conveys the developer to a development area facing the photoconductor drum 1, and develops the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 1 to form a toner image. A doctor blade 95 that adjusts the thickness of the layer of developer carried from the supply / collection unit and conveyed to the development area by the developing roller 92 is provided on the upper end portion of an opening provided in the developer housing 91 to expose the developing roller 92 (on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the developing roller 92).

[0128] A sub-tank 20 for temporarily storing the replenisher is provided above the stirring / conveying unit provided with the first stirring / conveying screw 93a of the developing device 9. The replenisher discharged from the sub-tank 20 freely falls into the toner pipe 54 and is supplied to the stirring / conveying unit of the developing device 9. A toner concentration sensor is installed in the developing device 9. When the toner in the developing device 9 is consumed, the toner concentration sensor detects the decrease in toner concentration, and replenisher containing the same amount of toner as the consumed amount is supplied from the sub-tank 20 to maintain a constant toner concentration in the developing device 9.

[0129] The replenisher stored in the toner container 100 is a mixture of toner and carrier, as described above. When the replenisher is supplied to the developing device 9, additive particles added to the toner and carrier are also introduced into the developing device 9 along with the toner. The carrier is not consumed in the developing unit, and the amount of carrier continuously increases. However, if the amount of carrier reaches a certain level, the carrier overflows and is discharged from the discharge port.

[0130] The developer refers to a toner, a carrier, and other types of powders (additive particles, etc.) used for development. The developer may be a mixture of the above-mentioned powders.

[0131] The toner replenishing operation will be described below.

[0132] The sub-tank 20 includes, within the tank housing 21, an upstream delivery cabinet for receiving the supplement discharged from the diaphragm pump 30 along with air, and a downstream delivery cabinet connected to the toner pipe 54. An upstream delivery screw 22a, serving as a delivery device, is disposed in the upstream delivery cabinet. A downstream delivery screw 22b, serving as a delivery device, is disposed in the downstream delivery cabinet. Based on the toner concentration detected by the toner concentration sensor of the developing device 9, as each of the delivery screws 22a and 22b rotates, a certain amount of supplement is supplied from the downstream delivery cabinet to the developing device 9 through an opening connected to the toner discharge port 23.

[0133] A toner end sensor 25 is provided on the side wall of a hopper housing 21, in which an upstream delivery box is disposed within the sub-hopper 20, to detect the amount of supplementary material in the upstream delivery box. The toner end sensor 25 is a piezoelectric level sensor and detects the absence of supplementary material when the powder level of the supplementary material in the hopper decreases due to toner consumption. When the supplementary material in the sub-hopper 20 is consumed, the toner end sensor 25 detects the consumption, and the diaphragm pump 30 connected to the upper portion of the upstream delivery box is operated to transport and supply the supplementary material from the container 61 of the toner storage 60 to the sub-hopper 20. The toner container 100 is then rotated, and the supplementary material is again stored in the container 61.

[0134] First embodiment

[0135] A first mode of the toner container 100 to which the present invention is applied (hereinafter, referred to as “first embodiment”) will be described below.

[0136] Figure 4 1 is an explanatory perspective view of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment when viewed from the front side in the insertion direction (downstream side in the insertion direction). Figure 5 1 is an explanatory perspective view of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment when viewed from the rear side in the insertion direction (upstream side in the insertion direction). Figure 5 The direction of arrow α in FIG. 8 is the insertion direction of the toner container 100 .

[0137] The toner container 100 includes a container body 101 and a cap (cover) 102. The container body 101 stores toner therein. The container body 101 has a cylindrical shape. One end of the cylindrical shape serves as a bottom portion 112 and is sealed. At the other end of the cylindrical shape of the container body 101, an opening serving as a discharge port 114 for discharging the stored toner is provided, which will be described later.

[0138] The cap 102 covers the outer circumference of the front end portion of the other end side of the container body 101. When the toner container 100 is not in use, such as when the toner container 100 is being transported or stored, the outer cap 103 is attached to the toner container 100 and covers the discharge port 114 from which the toner in the container body 101 is discharged. The container body 101 is provided with a conveying groove 113, which serves as a conveying device for conveying the stored toner. The container body 101 is rotated in the direction β in the figure by a configuration to be described later, and the toner is conveyed from the bottom portion 112 side to the discharge port 114 side through the conveying groove 113. At this time, the cap 102 rotates around the container body 101.

[0139] like Figure 5 As shown by arrow α in FIG. 8 , the toner container 100 is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus with the cap 102 side at the front end portion.

[0140] Hereinafter, the cap 102 side (the other end side) of the toner container 100 is referred to as the downstream side in the insertion direction, and the bottom portion 112 side (one end side) opposite to the cap 102 side in the longitudinal direction is referred to as the upstream side in the insertion direction. By the rotation of the toner container 100, the toner in the container body 101 is conveyed from the upstream side to the downstream side in the insertion direction.

[0141] The upstream side in the toner conveying direction is the upstream side in the insertion direction, and the downstream side in the toner conveying direction is the downstream side in the insertion direction. The direction perpendicular to the center line of the cylindrical container body 101 is referred to as the radial direction. The direction toward the center line in the radial direction is referred to as the center direction, and the direction toward the outer periphery of the container body 101 is referred to as the outer periphery direction.

[0142] The container body 101 is provided with a gripping portion 104 at the upstream end in the insertion direction in which the toner container 100 is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus. The gripping portion 104 is a recess provided at the end portion of the container body 101. The gripping portion 104 is recessed in the central direction from the outer circumference of the container body 101. The gripping portion 104 has two recesses provided at opposite positions in the radial direction of the cylindrical container body 101.

[0143] A container body protrusion 105 that protrudes in the outer peripheral direction is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the container body 101. The container body protrusion 105 is a tapered protrusion in which a portion of the periphery of one end side of the container body 101 protrudes in the outer peripheral direction. The container body protrusion 105 includes a first inclined surface 105a that is inclined so that the amount of protrusion increases from the downstream side to the upstream side in the rotation direction of the container body 101, and a second inclined surface 105b that is inclined so that the amount of protrusion decreases from the downstream side to the upstream side in the rotation direction. Of the two inclined surfaces of the container body protrusion 105, the first inclined surface 105a located on the downstream side in the rotation direction has an inclination angle smaller than the inclination angle of the second inclined surface 105b.

[0144] The function of the container body protrusion 105 will be described below.

[0145] When the container body 101 rotates in the main body of the imaging device, the container body 101 rotates while its outer periphery slides against the set surface in the main body of the imaging device. In this case, when the container body protrusion 105 reaches the set surface, the container body 101 is lifted from the set surface by the container body protrusion 105. In this state, when the container body protrusion 105 separates from the set surface, the container body 101 moves downward rapidly. Through this movement, the colorant in the container body 101 is shaken, so that the aggregation of the colorant can be prevented. As described above, the inclination angle of the second inclined surface 105b, which is inclined so that the protrusion amount of the container body protrusion 105 decreases from the downstream side to the upstream side in the rotation direction of the container body 101, is steeper than the inclination angle of the first inclined surface 105a.

[0146] In the relationship between the above-mentioned inclination angles, the container body 101 gradually rises due to the contact between the first inclined surface 105a and the set surface, and when the second inclined surface 105b reaches the set surface, the container body 101 moves downward rapidly. Therefore, the container body 101 can be moved downward rapidly as it rotates.

[0147] Figure 6 1 is an exploded perspective view of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 6 As shown in FIG, a discharge member 107 , an inner cap (plug) 106 , and an outer cap 103 are attached to the container body 101 in addition to the cap 102 .

[0148] Figure 7 Shown when the outer cap 103 is in Figure 4 The toner container 100 of the first embodiment is detached in the state shown in FIG. Figure 7, the orientation of the colorant container 100 is represented by the XYZ axes so that the downstream side of the colorant container 100 in the insertion direction is the positive X side, the front side of the colorant container 100 in the direction perpendicular to the X axis in the paper of the figure is the positive Y side, and the upper side in the paper of the figure is the positive Z side.

[0149] exist Figure 7 , (a) is a perspective view of the colorant container 100 of the first embodiment when viewed from the positive X side; and (b) is a perspective view of the colorant container 100 of the first embodiment when rotated 180 degrees around the rotation axis from the state shown in (a).

[0150] Figure 8 A toner container 100 according to a first embodiment is shown. Figure 8 , (a) is a side view of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment when viewed from the positive Y side; and (b) is a side view of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment when viewed from the negative Y side.

[0151] Figure 9 A toner container 100 according to a first embodiment is shown. Figure 9 , (a) is a plan view of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment when viewed from the positive Z side; and (b) is a bottom view of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment when viewed from the negative Z side.

[0152] Figure 10 A toner container 100 according to a first embodiment is shown. Figure 10 , (a) is a front view of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment when viewed from the positive X side; and (b) is a rear view of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment when viewed from the negative X side.

[0153] Figure 1 When the outer cap 103 is Figure 4 FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the downstream end portion of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment in the insertion direction when detached in the state shown in FIG. Figure 11 When the inner cap 106 is Figure 1 The state shown is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the downstream end portion of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment in the insertion direction. Figure 12 is when different from Figure 11 FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the downstream end portion of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment in the insertion direction, as viewed from an angle of .

[0154] The container body 101 is provided with an opening portion 108 that protrudes toward the downstream side in the insertion direction. A front end portion of the opening portion 108 serves as a discharge port 114 for discharging the toner stored inside.

[0155] As in Figure 11 As shown in FIG, the opening portion 108 has a cylindrical shape, and the discharge member 107 is fitted to the inner side (inner wall surface) of the opening portion 108. Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the inner cap 106 covering the discharge port 114 is assembled to the opening portion 108 before use.

[0156] As in Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the outer cap 103 is a screw cap that is detachably attached to cover the discharge port 114. Figure 1 As shown in FIG, an outer cap stopper 109 protruding in a spiral manner along the outer circumference of the opening portion 108 is provided along the outer circumference so that the outer cap 103 functions as a screw cap. Spiral grooves cut into the inner circumferences of the outer cap 103 and the outer cap stopper 109 are fitted so that the outer cap 103 is attached to the opening portion 108.

[0157] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG, the cap 102 is provided with an opening in the center in the radial direction so that the opening portion 108 of the container body 101 is opened from the container body 101 as shown in FIG. Figure 1 , 6, 11 and 12 are protruding. The driven portion 110 is provided on the outer circumference of the cap 102. The identifier opening group 111, which serves as an identifier portion and is constructed as a combination of a plurality of identifier openings (openings or recesses), is provided on the end surface on the downstream side in the insertion direction. The identifier opening group 111 includes an outer identifier opening group 111a as an outer opening group and an inner identifier opening group 111b as an inner opening group. The identifier shows a configuration for identification to prevent the toner container 100 from being erroneously inserted, for example, based on a difference in the color of the stored toner, a difference in the characteristics of the stored toner, or a difference in the model of the main body of the imaging device.

[0158] Figure 13 A lateral cross section passing through the center line of the cylindrical shape of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment is shown. Figure 13 Arrows Y in Schematically illustrate the flow of toner stored in the container body 101 .

[0159] like Figure 13 As shown in FIG, the container side scooping portion 115 is provided near the opening portion 108 of the container body 101 so that the outer circumference extends inward in the radial direction. The container side scooping portion 115 lifts the toner conveyed to the container side scooping portion 115 from the lower side to the upper side as it rotates, and sends the lifted toner to the discharge member 107 to convey the toner to the discharge port 114.

[0160] Figure 14It is an enlarged side view of only the vicinity of the downstream end portion of the container body 101 in the insertion direction when the cap 102 is detached from the toner container 100 of the first embodiment. Figure 15 It is an enlarged perspective view of only the vicinity of the downstream end portion of the container body 101 in the insertion direction of the first embodiment.

[0161] The cylindrical opening base portion 120 is provided between the opening portion 108 of the container body 101 and the container side scooping portion 115. On the outer periphery of the opening base portion 120, a stopper protrusion 116, a circumference defining protrusion 118, an axial limiter protrusion 119, and a circumference limiter protrusion 117 are provided.

[0162] The stopper protrusion 116 includes an inclined surface that tilts upward from the downstream side to the upstream side in the insertion direction of the opening base portion 120, and a vertical surface that extends inward in the radial direction on the upstream side in the insertion direction. The circumferential limiting protrusion 118 is a protrusion extending in the insertion direction and has a constant height (protrusion amount). The axial limiter protrusion 119 has a surface that stands vertically on the downstream side in the insertion direction, a gap between the surface itself and the upstream end of the stopper protrusion 116 in the insertion direction (the gap is the space in which the stopper rib of the cap 102 is inserted), and a slope extending from the surface so that the protrusion amount decreases toward the upstream side in the insertion direction. The circumferential limiter protrusion 117 is a protrusion having a surface on the same surface as the vertically upright surface of the axial limiter protrusion 119, and protrudes (extends) outward in the radial direction so as to be higher than the axial limiter protrusion 119.

[0163] Figure 16 It is an enlarged side view of the vicinity of the upstream end portion of the container body 101 of the first embodiment in the insertion direction.

[0164] The clamping portion 104 is provided on one end side (upstream end surface in the insertion direction) of the container body 101. Figure 12 As shown in FIG, the bottom portion 112 serving as the end surface has an anchor shape so that the portion serving as the center line of the cylindrical shape is increased in height (protruding toward the upstream side in the insertion direction). Therefore, a slope is provided on the bottom portion 112 to prevent toner from gathering. In this configuration, even if the toner container 100 is placed upright with one end side facing downward, the toner container 100 cannot stand still and instead falls downward. Therefore, the toner container 100 can be prevented from standing upright with one end side facing downward. Thus, the toner in the container body 101 can be prevented from gathering and adhering to one end side due to the weight of the toner.

[0165] The cap 102 will be described below.

[0166] Figure 17 1 is a perspective view of the cap 102 of the first embodiment when viewed from the other end side (downstream side in the insertion direction). Figure 18 1 is a perspective view of the cap 102 of the first embodiment when viewed from one end side (upstream side in the insertion direction). Figure 19 1 is a front view of the cap 102 of the first embodiment when viewed from the other end side (downstream side in the insertion direction).

[0167] The cap 102 has a cylindrical shape and is provided with an opening in its center, through which the opening portion 108 of the container body protrudes. On the inner periphery of the opening of the cap 102, a stopper rib 121 is provided so as to protrude toward the center along the entire circumference. The upstream side of the stopper rib 121 in the insertion direction serves as an axial contact surface 122. A circumferential limiter contact protrusion 123, which protrudes toward the upstream side in the insertion direction, is provided on a portion of the axial contact surface 122 of the stopper rib 121.

[0168] A plurality of caulking protrusions 124 extending in the insertion direction are provided at predetermined intervals on the inner periphery of the cylindrical cap 102 .

[0169] Driven portions 110 each having a drive transmitted surface (drive transmitted portion) 125 are provided on the outer periphery of the cap 102 .

[0170] Figure 20 is a side view of the cap 102 of the first embodiment.

[0171] The drive transmitted surface 125 is a wall surface standing outward from the outer circumference of the cap 102 in the radial direction.

[0172] On the outer circumference of the cap 102, a wall surface including a first guide inclined surface 126 serving as a first container inclined surface, a second guide inclined surface 127 serving as a second container inclined surface, and a rear side inclined surface 128 is provided in an upright manner, in addition to the drive transmitted surface 125. The driven portion 110 is constructed as a set of the drive transmitted surface 125, the first guide inclined surface 126, the second guide inclined surface 127, and the rear side inclined surface 128. A plurality of driven portions 110 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction as a plurality of groups.

[0173] Next, one of the driven portions 110 will be described.

[0174] Figure 21 The wall surface of the driven portion 110 is shown. The downstream side of the toner container 100 in the insertion direction is Figure 21 is oriented upwards. Figure 21 , (a) is a schematic side view of the cap 102; and (b) is a schematic enlarged view of the region κ in (a).

[0175] like Figure 21 As shown in FIG, the drive transmission surface 125 is arranged parallel to the insertion direction. On the upstream side of the drive transmission surface 125 in the insertion direction, a rear side inclined surface 128 is provided. The rear side inclined surface 128 extends to the upstream side in the insertion direction so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle (λ1 = 30°) relative to the insertion direction so that the surface faces the downstream side in the insertion direction.

[0176] The first guide inclined surface 126 is continuously provided on the upstream side of the rear side inclined surface 128. The upstream end of the first guide inclined surface 126 in the insertion direction is located at the boundary with the rear side inclined surface 128. The first guide inclined surface 126 extends from the upstream end in the insertion direction to the downstream side in the insertion direction so that the surface is inclined at a predetermined angle (λ3 = 130°) relative to the insertion direction.

[0177] The second guide inclined surface 127 is provided continuously from the downstream end portion in the insertion direction of the drive transmitted surface 125. The second guide inclined surface 127 is inclined at a predetermined angle (λ2=30°) relative to the insertion direction so as to face the downstream side in the insertion direction and extends to the downstream side in the insertion direction.

[0178] The downstream end of the second guide inclined surface 127 in the insertion direction extends to the downstream end of the first guide inclined surface 126 in the insertion direction of the adjacent driven portion 110 ( Figure 20 (upper side in the middle).

[0179] The slope λ2 of the second guide inclined surface 127, which is an inclined surface in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the first guide inclined surface 126, has an acute angle, wherein the relationship λ2<λ3 is satisfied. This is to rotate the entire toner container 100, even if the cap 102 cannot rotate relative to the container body 101, when the driven protrusion 212 of the main body interlocking portion (to be described later) serving as the main body of the image forming apparatus contacts the second guide inclined surface 127 and a force acts on the Figure 21 On the right side of (b) Figure 4 direction β).

[0180] For example, as in Figure 17 and 20 As shown in FIG, the downstream end portion of the driven portion 110 in the insertion direction, which is a portion where the first guide inclined surface 126 and the second guide inclined surface 127 are connected (a boundary portion between the first guide inclined surface 126 and the second guide inclined surface 127), has a pointed shape.

[0181] As in Figure 17As shown in FIG, in cap 102, the downstream end of follower portion 110 in the insertion direction is positioned upstream in the insertion direction relative to cap front end portion 129 of the downstream end of cap 102 in the insertion direction. Therefore, the possibility of the tip shape of follower portion 110 in the insertion direction causing the downstream end to break the toner container bag containing toner container 100 can be reduced. Consequently, damage to the toner container bag can be prevented.

[0182] The upstream and downstream ends of the drive transmission surface 125 in the insertion direction are connected to the inclined surface (in the first embodiment, the rear inclined surface 128 and the second guide inclined surface 127). In the first embodiment, the portion receiving the drive (drive transmission portion) has a flat surface as in the drive transmission surface 125. However, the drive transmission portion is not limited to a continuous surface in the insertion direction as described above. For example, the component may partially have a depression in the circumferential direction or may have an irregular portion.

[0183] In this case, the most protruding portion of the driven portion 110 in the circumferential direction on the upstream side in the rotational direction serves as the drive transmitted portion (the portion that contacts the drive transmitting surface 214 of the drive protrusion 212 on the main body of the imaging device to be described later).

[0184] Figure 22 1 shows a configuration example of the driven portion 110 in which the drive transmitted portion does not have a planer shape. Figure 22 In the figures, (a) shows a construction example in which the downstream side of the driven part 110 in the insertion direction is used as the drive transmitted part 125a; (b) shows a construction example in which the upstream side of the driven part 110 in the insertion direction is used as the drive transmitted part 125a; and (c) shows a construction example in which multiple parts of the driven part 110 in the insertion direction are used as the drive transmitted part 125a.

[0185] Among the drive transmitted surfaces 125 of the first embodiment, inclined surfaces (128, 126, and 127) are provided from the upstream end of one of the drive transmitted surfaces 125 to the adjacent drive transmitted surface 125. More specifically, the upstream end of one of the drive transmitted surfaces 125 in the insertion direction and the downstream end of the adjacent drive transmitted surface 125 in the insertion direction are connected by the inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the rotation direction.

[0186] In the configuration including the rear-side inclined surface 128 , not only the guide function of the rear-side inclined surface 128 but also functions described below are provided.

[0187] Specifically, assuming that rearward inclined surface 128 is not provided, drive-transmitted surface 125 extends upstream in the insertion direction, parallel to the insertion direction, while first guide inclined surface 126 extends at the same inclination angle as in the first embodiment. In this case, the location where drive-transmitted surface 125 and first guide inclined surface 126 are connected (the rearmost portion of driven portion 110 on the upstream side in the insertion direction) is shifted to the upstream side of cap 102 in the insertion direction relative to the location in the first embodiment. In this configuration, the inner extension of cap 102, which provides driven portion 110, expands to the upstream side of cap 102 in the insertion direction, and the capacity of toner container 100 is reduced. In contrast, if rearward inclined surface 128 is provided, the rearmost portion of cap 102 on the upstream side in the insertion direction is closer to the leading end of cap 102 as in the first embodiment, compared to a configuration without rearward inclined surface 128. Therefore, the capacity of toner container 100 can be ensured.

[0188] In the configuration including the rear-side inclined surface 128 , not only the guide function of the second guide inclined surface 127 but also functions described below are provided.

[0189] Specifically, assuming that the second guide inclined surface 127 is not provided, the drive transmission surface 125 extends downstream in the insertion direction, parallel to the insertion direction, while the first guide inclined surface 126 extends at the same angle as in the first embodiment. In this case, the location where the first guide inclined surface 126 and the drive transmission surface 125 connect (the front end or top of the driven portion 110 on the downstream side in the insertion direction) is expanded to the downstream side in the insertion direction of the toner container 100 relative to the location in the first embodiment. In this configuration, the toner container bag can be ruptured, as described above. In contrast, if the second guide inclined surface 127 is provided as in the first embodiment, the position of the downstream end in the insertion direction can be shifted to the upstream side while maintaining the inclination angle of the first guide inclined surface 126. The driven portion 110 is composed of surfaces that are parallel to or inclined relative to the insertion direction. The driven portion 110 also does not have any surfaces that are perpendicular to the insertion direction and face downstream in the insertion direction.

[0190] Next, the discharge member 107 will be described.

[0191] Figure 23 1 is a perspective view of the discharge member 107 of the first embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 24 1 is a perspective view of the discharge member 107 of the first embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 25 1 is a front view of the discharge member 107 of the first embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 26 is a side view of the discharge member 107 of the first embodiment.

[0192] The discharge member 107 includes a cylindrical ring 130. A ring protrusion 136 that protrudes outward in a ring shape is provided on the downstream end portion in the insertion direction of the outer wall 132 of the ring 130. A reinforcement plate 134 extends from the inner wall 131 of the ring 130 to the center in the radial direction. The reinforcement plate 134 is a plate-shaped member. A plurality of reinforcement plates 134 (three in this embodiment) are provided at intervals of 120 degrees in the rotation direction, and each reinforcement plate 134 extends toward the center. A cylindrical reinforcement ring 133 is provided at the center of the cylindrical ring 130. The reinforcement plate 134 is connected to the outer circumference of the reinforcement ring 133. The reinforcement ring 133 is provided for reinforcement and acts as a supporter when force is applied to the reinforcement plate 134.

[0193] The scooping portion 135 extends from the corresponding reinforcing plate 134 to the upstream side in the insertion direction ( Figure 26 Each scooping portion 135 is a plate-shaped member having a base portion connected to the reinforcing plate 134, having an end portion serving as a free end portion, and being inclined so that the upstream end portion (free end portion) in the insertion direction faces the downstream side in the rotation direction of the container body 101 (in the Figure 25 oriented in the direction of arrow β).

[0194] Next, the inner cap 106 will be described.

[0195] Figure 27 1 is a perspective view of the inner cap 106 of the first embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 28 1 is a perspective view of the inner cap 106 of the first embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 29 106 is a side view of the inner cap 106 of the first embodiment. The inner cap 106 is a cap member that covers the discharge port 114.

[0196] The inner cap 106 includes a disc-shaped bottom plate 137, a circumferential wall 138 extending from the periphery of the bottom plate 137 to the downstream side in the insertion direction, and a protrusion 139 protruding from the center of the bottom plate 137 to the downstream side in the insertion direction. An opening serving as an inner cap outlet 141 is provided in the protrusion 139 in the center of the bottom plate 137.

[0197] On the outer periphery of the circumferential wall 138 of the inner cap, a plurality of ribs (in this embodiment, three ribs (annular protrusions)) serving as an inner cap seal 140 are arranged in an upright manner around the outer periphery in the circumferential direction. An inner cap stopper 142, which is an annular protrusion, is arranged in an upright manner so as to be arranged outward in the radial direction on the downstream side of the circumferential wall 138 in the insertion direction. When the inner cap 106 is assembled to the discharge port 114, the inner cap stopper 142 is caught at the end of the opening portion 108 to prevent further insertion. The inner cap seal 140 is provided to prevent toner from leaking from a gap between the outer periphery of the circumferential wall 138 of the inner cap 106 and the inner periphery of the opening portion 108, and the inner cap seal 140 prevents toner leakage. When the inner cap 106 is pushed inward, the inner cap seal 140 is pressed between the inner wall of the opening portion 108 and the circumferential wall 138 of the inner cap, so that the inner cap 106 and the opening portion 108 are tightly assembled.

[0198] The tab 139 is held by a mechanism in a container holder 200 included in the main body of the image forming apparatus (to be described later), and is used to pull out the inner cap 106 in conjunction with the operation of inserting and setting the toner container 100. As a mechanism for holding the tab 139 of the inner cap 106 and pulling it out, a mechanism using a collet chuck as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-112884 can be used; however, it is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the container opening motor 209 (to be described later) is activated to cause the collet chuck to hold the tab 139 and pull out the inner cap 106.

[0199] The inner cap outlet 141 is an opening that connects the inside and outside of the inner cap to the protrusion 139 from the bottom plate 137 of the inner cap, serves as a communication opening, and is provided so as to enable communication between the inside and outside of the toner container 100 when the inner cap 106 as a cap is attached to the toner container 100. However, in this state, the stored toner will leak through the inner cap outlet 141. Therefore, the inner cap outlet 141 in the protrusion 139 is filled with a filter member (cotton, foam resin, etc.) that transmits air without transmitting toner in order to capture the toner. By providing the inner cap outlet 141, it is possible to prevent the inner cap 106 from falling off due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the toner container 100.

[0200] Next, the outer cap 103 will be described.

[0201] Figure 30 1 is a perspective view of the outer cap 103 of the first embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 31 1 is a perspective view of the outer cap 103 of the first embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 32 1 is a side view of the outer cap 103 of the first embodiment.

[0202] The outer cap 103 is attached when the toner container 100 is transported or stored, and is detached by an operator before the toner container 100 is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0203] The outer cap 103 includes an outer cap holder 144 and an outer periphery 143, and has a cylindrical shape. The outer cap 103 is provided to prevent the inner cap 106 from being accidentally detached, and is attached to the toner container 100 as a screw cap when the outer cap stopper 109 and the outer cap screw 145 of the opening portion 108 of the container body 101 are interlocked with each other.

[0204] The inner protrusion 146 is provided on the inner side of the cap portion of the outer cap 103 so as to contact the front end portion of the opening portion 108 on the downstream side in the insertion direction when the outer cap 103 is attached to the toner container 100. The inner protrusion 146 of the outer cap extends in the circumferential direction. A portion of the inner protrusion 146 is notched and serves as an air hole 147 of the inner protrusion of the outer cap so that the entire inner circumference of the outer cap 103 does not completely contact the front end portion of the opening portion 108.

[0205] When outer cap 103 is attached to toner container 100 , air holes 147 of the inner protrusion of the outer cap enable communication between the inside and outside of toner container 100 for ventilation.

[0206] The outer cap curved portion 148 is provided on the downstream edge of the outer cap 103 in the insertion direction. The outer cap curved portion 148 has a slope to prevent toner from clumping. Therefore, the toner container 100 with the outer cap 103 facing downward is almost unable to remain stationary. This function makes it difficult to store the toner container 100 with the outer cap 103 facing downward in an upright position. Therefore, when the toner container 100 is placed upright with the outer cap 103 facing downward, toner can be prevented from accumulating and adhering to the discharge port 114 due to the weight of the toner.

[0207] Next, the discharge of the toner in the toner container 100 will be described.

[0208] Figure 33 1 is an enlarged perspective sectional view of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment near the downstream end portion in the insertion direction in a state of being attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. Figure 33 Arrows γ and δ in φ show the flow of toner.

[0209] When the toner container 100 rotates, the conveying groove 113 (conveying device) conveys the toner in the container body 101 to the downstream side in the insertion direction. The toner conveyed to the container side scooping portion 115 is lifted from the lower side to the upper side by the container side scooping portion 115. The toner lifted to a certain height flows downward from the container side scooping portion 115 with further rotation and is received by the scooping portion 135 of the discharge member 107. The scooping portion 135 of the discharge member 107 extends to the position where the container side scooping portion 115 is provided so as to enable the toner to be conveyed as described above.

[0210] The toner delivered to the scooping portions 135 of the discharge member 107 rises again as it rotates. At this time, each scooping portion 135 of the discharge member 107 is tilted so that the upstream end in the insertion direction is oriented toward the downstream side in the rotational direction of the container body 101. Therefore, the toner is conveyed toward the discharge port 114 as it rotates. The toner is finally discharged from the discharge port 114 after being conveyed as described above. Two container-side scooping portions 115 are provided, and three scooping portions 135 are provided on the discharge member 107. In other words, the number of scooping portions 135 on the discharge member 107 is greater than the number of container-side scooping portions 115. Therefore, the toner scooped up by the container-side scooping portions 115 can be efficiently discharged.

[0211] Next, interlocking of the container body 101 and the cap 102 in the toner container 100 will be described.

[0212] Figure 34 An enlarged side cross section near the downstream end portion in the insertion direction of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment is shown.

[0213] As above Figure 14 As described above, the stopper protrusion 116 is provided on the opening base portion 120 of the container body 101. Therefore, when the cap 102 is attached to the container body 101, the stopper rib 121 of the cap 102 is hooked on the stopper protrusion 116 to prevent the cap 102 from falling off.

[0214] Further, as mentioned above Figure 14 As described above, the axial limiter protrusion 119 is provided on the open base portion 120 of the container body 101. Therefore, when the cap 102 is attached to the container body 101, the axial contact surface 122 of the stopper rib 121 of the cap 102 contacts the axial limiter protrusion 119. This prevents the cap 102 from being further fitted toward the container body 101. Similarly, the axial contact surface 122 of the cap 102 contacts the Figure 14 The circumferential limiter protrusion 117 of the container body 101 is shown in FIG. 1 to limit the movement of the cap 102 .

[0215] like Figure 34 As shown in FIG, by fitting the stopper rib 121 of the cap 102 between the stopper protrusion 116 and the axial limiter protrusion 119, the forward and rearward movement of the cap 102 in the axial direction can be restricted.

[0216] The circumferential limiter protrusion 117 is provided so as to extend outward in the axial direction of the container body 101 relative to the axial limiter protrusion 119. The circumferential limiter contact protrusion 123 of the cap 102 is hooked on the circumferential limiter protrusion 117, so that the container body 101 rotates with the rotation of the cap 102. The cap 102 can rotate relative to the container body 101 within a predetermined angular range until the circumferential limiter contact protrusion 123 of the cap 102 is hooked.

[0217] Therefore, a pushing operation can be performed so that the driving protrusion 212 , which serves as a main body interlocking portion of the image forming apparatus to be described later, and the driven portion 110 are interlocked with each other so that drive can be transmitted.

[0218] Next, the container holder 200 of the toner replenishing device 70 of the main body of the image forming apparatus into which the toner container 100 of the first embodiment is inserted will be described.

[0219] Figure 35 1 is a perspective view of the container holder 200 of the first embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 36 1 is a perspective view of the container holder 200 of the first embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction.

[0220] The toner container 100 faces the rear of the main body of the image forming apparatus (toward the direction of the output drive unit 205 or Figure 35 The rear side of the insertion (direction of arrow α in FIG) is the downstream side in the insertion direction, and the opposite side is the upstream side in the insertion direction.

[0221] In the container holder 200, the toner container 100 is positioned on the container setting section 201 and is inserted in the insertion direction while being guided by the container support 207. When the opening portion 108 of the toner container 100 is inserted and set in the container inserter 204, the inner cap 106 opens. An output drive unit 205, which outputs drive from the main body side of the imaging device, is rotatably provided on the periphery of the container inserter 204. The output drive unit 205 is rotated by the container drive motor 208.

[0222] Output drive unit 205 and driven portion 110 of toner container 100 are interlocked with each other, so that the rotational drive of output drive unit 205 is transmitted to toner container 100 and toner container 100 rotates.

[0223] The container setting section 201 is provided with a container stopper 202 and a container detector 203, which are offset from the lower side to the upper side so as to protrude relative to the upper surface of the container setting section 201 before the colorant container 100 is attached and so as to retract downward due to the weight of the colorant container 100 when the colorant container 100 is placed thereon.

[0224] When the toner container 100 enters from the upstream side of the container setting section 201 in the insertion direction, the container stopper 202 and the container detector 203 are pressed and retracted by the cap 102 of the toner container 100. Subsequently, when the toner container 100 moves further inward and reaches the rear portion, the rear end portion of the cap 102 (the upstream end portion in the insertion direction) passes over the container stopper 202. Therefore, the container stopper 202 is not pressed by any component, and the container stopper 202 protrudes upward again due to the biasing force. In this state, the wall surface of the container stopper 202 on the downstream side in the insertion direction contacts the rear end portion of the cap 102 and hooks onto the rear end portion of the cap 102 to prevent the toner container 100 from falling.

[0225] When the toner container 100 reaches the rear portion, the cap 102 is positioned above the container detector 203, and the container detector 203 retracts downward due to the weight of the cap 102. In the state where the container detector 203 retracts downward, it is possible to detect whether the toner container 100 is set in the container holder 200.

[0226] If container release lever 210 is pressed to the downstream side in the inserting direction, container stopper 202 moves downward and toner container 100 can be pulled out.

[0227] Next, the output driving unit 205 will be described.

[0228] Figure 37 2 is a front view of the output drive unit 205 of the first embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 38 1 is a perspective view of the output drive unit 205 of the first embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 39 1 is a perspective view of the output drive unit 205 of the first embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 40 FIG. 2 is a side view of the output drive unit 205 of the first embodiment. Figure 41 Is when from Figure 40 1 is a side view of the output drive unit 205 of the first embodiment when viewed from the side opposite to the side.

[0229] The output drive unit 205 is a disc-shaped member and includes Figures 37 to 39The gear teeth 211 are shown on the entire circumference in the region ψ in FIG. The gear teeth 211 mesh with the drive transmission gear 206 of the container drive motor 208 and are driven to rotate by receiving the driving force as the container drive motor 208 rotates. A circular opening is provided at the center of the disk-shaped main body 205a of the output drive unit 205 and serves as a container insertion opening 213. The opening portion 108 of the toner container 100 is inserted into the container insertion opening 213.

[0230] The output drive unit 205 is provided with a drive protrusion 212 extending to the upstream side in the insertion direction relative to the main body 205a of the output drive unit. The drive protrusion 212 serves as a first drive protrusion 212a and a second drive protrusion 212b.

[0231] On the main body 205a of the output drive unit, an identifier protrusion group 215, each serving as a main body protrusion group or as a combination of multiple identifier protrusions, is provided as an output identifier portion on the inner side in the radial direction relative to the first drive protrusion 212a and the second drive protrusion 212b. The identifier protrusion group 215 includes an outer identifier protrusion group 215a serving as an outer protrusion group and an inner identifier protrusion group 215b serving as an inner protrusion group.

[0232] The identifier protrusion group 215 includes a plurality of protrusions that protrude to the upstream side in the insertion direction. Each protrusion is inclined so that the protrusion amount increases from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the output drive unit 205 to the downstream side to reach the top. A flat surface is provided on the downstream side of the top in the rotation direction. Specifically, the flat surface is a surface that extends vertically from the surface of the main body 205a of the output drive unit on the upstream side in the insertion direction. The identifier protrusion group 215 includes an outer identifier protrusion group 215a and an inner identifier protrusion group 215b, each of which is constructed as a combination of two protrusions, and a plurality of such combinations are provided in the circumferential direction (in the first embodiment, four combinations). As shown in Figure 37 As shown in FIG. 2 , for example, the first driving protrusion 212 a and the second driving protrusion 212 b are provided at intervals of 180 degrees so as to face each other.

[0233] Next, the first driving protrusion 212a will be described.

[0234] Figure 42 is an enlarged perspective view of the first driving protrusion 212a of the first embodiment.

[0235] The first drive protrusion 212a protrudes upstream in the insertion direction relative to the main body 205a of the output drive unit and includes a first guide surface 216, which serves as a first main body inclined surface and is inclined to reduce the amount of protrusion toward the upstream side in the rotational direction. A drive transmission surface 214, which serves as a wall surface extending along the insertion direction, is provided on a side surface on the downstream side in the rotational direction. The drive transmission surface 214 presses against the drive transmission surface 125 of the driven portion 110 and functions as a drive transmission unit.

[0236] A slope is provided on the side opposite to the first guide surface 216, which is opposite to the front end portion of the first driving protrusion 212a on the upstream side in the insertion direction, and serves as a second guide surface 217 as the inclined surface of the second body. The first guide surface 216 and the second guide surface 217 function as a guide portion to guide the driven portion 110 so that the drive transmitted surface 125 is positioned so as to contact the drive transmitting surface 214 when contacting the driven portion 110 of the cap 102.

[0237] The second guide surface 217 is inclined so that the protrusion amount is reduced to the downstream side in the rotation direction. The downstream end of the second guide surface 217 in the insertion direction continues to the upstream end of the drive transmission surface 214 in the insertion direction.

[0238] Next, the second driving protrusion 212b will be described.

[0239] Figure 43 is an enlarged perspective view of the second driving protrusion 212b of the first embodiment.

[0240] Similar to the first drive protrusion 212a, the second drive protrusion 212b protrudes toward the upstream side in the insertion direction relative to the main body 205a of the output drive unit and includes a first guide surface 216 that is inclined so as to reduce the amount of protrusion toward the upstream side in the rotational direction. A drive transmission surface 214, which is a wall surface extending in the insertion direction, is provided on the side surface on the downstream side in the rotational direction. The drive transmission surface 214 presses against the drive transmission surface 125 of the driven portion 110 and functions as a drive transmission unit.

[0241] The second driving protrusion 212b is formed in a shape such that the front end portion between the first guide surface 216 and the second guide surface 217 of the first driving protrusion 212a is cut, and the cut surface serves as a third guide surface 218 of the third main body inclined surface. The first guide surface 216, the second guide surface 217, and the third guide surface 218 serve as guides to guide the driven portion 110 so that the drive transmitted surface 125 is positioned so as to contact the drive transmitting surface 214 when contacting the driven portion 110 of the cap 102.

[0242] In the output drive unit 205, the second driving protrusion 212b is formed in such a shape that the front end portion of the first driving protrusion 212a is cut. Therefore, the protrusion amount of the first driving protrusion 212a is greater than the protrusion amount of the second driving protrusion 212b.

[0243] The first guide surface 216 and the third guide surface 218 of the second drive protrusion 212b can be described as extending to the upstream end of the first guide surface 216 in the insertion direction. The inclination angle of the third guide surface 218 relative to the straight line parallel to the insertion direction is greater than the inclination angle of the first guide surface 216.

[0244] The upstream end of the third guide surface 218 in the insertion direction serves as the top of the second drive protrusion 212b, and the second guide surface 217 of the second drive protrusion 212b is provided opposite to the top. Similar to the first drive protrusion 212a, the second guide surface 217 extends to the upstream end of the drive transmission surface 214 in the insertion direction.

[0245] As in Figure 42 and 43 As shown in FIG, each drive protrusion 212 is provided with a reinforcing rib 219 that stands radially inward on the upstream and downstream sides in the rotational direction. The reinforcing ribs 219 reinforce the drive protrusion 212. The reinforcing ribs 219 reduce the radial gap between the first drive protrusion 212a and the second drive protrusion 212b. This prevents the toner container 100 from swinging between the two drive protrusions 212 and prevents interlocking failure.

[0246] Next, the operation at the time of insertion of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0247] When the toner container 100 of the first embodiment is inserted into the main body of the imaging device while the positions of the drive transmission surface 125 of the driven portion 110 of the toner container 100 and the drive transmission surface 214 of the output drive unit 205 do not match each other, the following operation is performed. Specifically, in this case, the front end portion of the first drive protrusion 212a of the output drive unit 205 first contacts the first guide inclined surface 126 or the second guide inclined surface 127 of the driven portion 110 of the toner container 100. At this time, the rotational force is applied to the cap 102 through the slope of the guide portion of the first drive protrusion 212a (the first guide surface 216 or the second guide surface 217) and the slope of the guide inclined surface (the first guide inclined surface 126 or the second guide inclined surface 127).

[0248] As described above, the cap 102 is rotatable within a predetermined angular range relative to the container body 101. Therefore, when the container body 101 is pushed to the downstream side in the insertion direction, the cap 102 is inserted into the container body 101 while rotating.

[0249] When the container body 101 is inserted to the point where the second drive protrusion 212b contacts the driven portion 110, the second drive protrusion 212b begins to contact the driven portion 110, which is located opposite the driven portion 110 that contacts the first drive protrusion 212a on the opposite side of the center line. At this time, if the first drive protrusion 212a contacts the first guide inclined surface 126, which is the surface of the driven portion 110, then the second drive protrusion 212b also contacts the first guide inclined surface 126. If the first drive protrusion 212a contacts the second guide inclined surface 127, then the second drive protrusion 212b also contacts the second guide inclined surface 127. The cap 102 is inserted into the toner container 100 while being rotated by one of the first guide inclined surface 126 and the second guide inclined surface 127 and by both drive protrusions 212.

[0250] More specifically, as a mode of contact between the driven portion 110 and the drive protrusion 212, a first mode will be described, in which the position of the drive transmission surface 125 and the position of the drive transmission surface 214 in the circumferential direction match each other. In this case, the toner container 100 is inserted as is, and then fully inserted only if the identifiers match each other. If the positions of the identifiers do not match each other, the identifier protrusion group 215 does not insert into the identifier opening group 111, but instead contacts a surface of the cap 102 on the downstream side in the insertion direction where no opening is provided. Therefore, the toner container 100 is not fully inserted.

[0251] The second mode will be described, in which the second guide inclined surface 127 of the colorant container 100 first contacts the second guide surface 217 of the drive protrusion 212 (particularly, the first drive protrusion 212a). In this case, the second guide inclined surface 127 is pressed by the second guide surface 217, so that the cap 102 of the colorant container 100 is inserted when it rotates toward the downstream side in the rotation direction of the colorant container 100 (or the drive protrusion 212) (the direction of arrow β). In other words, insertion is performed when the guide inclined surface and the drive protrusion are in sliding contact. If the identifiers match each other, the identifier opening group 111 is guided to a position where the identifier protrusion group 215 can be inserted as the identifier protrusion group 215 rotates. As a result, the identifier protrusion group 215 interlocks with the identifier opening group 111, and the colorant container 100 is fully inserted. In contrast, if the identifiers do not match each other, the cap 102 rotates toward the downstream side in the rotation direction of the toner container 100 (the direction of arrow β), but during insertion, the identifier protrusion group 215 is not inserted into the identifier opening group 111. Therefore, the identifier protrusion group 215 contacts a surface in which no opening is provided on the cap 102 on the downstream side in the insertion direction.

[0252] A third mode will be described, in which the first guide inclined surface 126 of the toner container 100 first contacts the first guide surface 216 of the drive protrusion 212. In this case, the first guide inclined surface 126 is pressed by the first guide surface 216, allowing the cap 102 of the toner container 100 to be inserted while rotating toward the upstream side in the rotational direction of the toner container 100 (or the drive protrusion 212) (the direction opposite to the direction of arrow β). If the identifiers match, the identifier opening group 111 is guided to a position where the identifier protrusion group 215 can be inserted during the rotation. As a result, the identifier protrusion group 215 interlocks with the identifier opening group 111, and the toner container 100 is fully inserted. In contrast, if the identifiers do not match, the cap 102 rotates toward the upstream side in the rotational direction of the toner container 100 (the direction opposite to the direction of arrow β), but the identifier protrusion group 215 is not inserted into the identifier opening group 111 during insertion. Therefore, the identifier protrusion group 215 contacts a surface in which no opening is provided on the cap 102 on the downstream side in the insertion direction.

[0253] As an example in which the identifiers do not match each other as described above, a case will be described in which the positional relationship of the openings of the identifier opening group 111 and the positional relationship of the protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215 are different from each other. In this case, at least a portion of the identifier protrusion group 215 contacts the front end surface of the cap 102, regardless of whether the positional relationship of the identifier opening group 111 relative to the drive transmitted surface 125 and the positional relationship of the identifier protrusion group 215 relative to the drive transmitting surface 214 match each other.

[0254] As another example, if the positional relationship of the openings of the identifier opening group 111 and the positional relationship of the protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215 match each other (a positional relationship in which interlocking is possible), the following operation can be performed. Specifically, at a certain moment of insertion, the identifier protrusion group 215 on the main body side begins to enter the identifier opening group 111 on one side of the colorant container 100. However, the vertical surface (the surface parallel to the insertion direction) of each protrusion of the identifier protrusion group 215 on the main body side contacts the contact portion of the peripheral wall of each opening of the identifier opening group 111 on the upstream side in the rotation direction, and prevents further rotation of the cap 102. At this time, the contact portion of each opening of the identifier opening group 111 also acts as a rotation limiter for the cap 102. The cap 102 cannot be fully inserted unless the cap 102 is rotated by causing the driving protrusion to press any inclined surface. However, because the rotation of the cap 102 is restricted, the colorant container 100 cannot be fully inserted.

[0255] In the latter example as described above, when the difference between the positional relationship of the identifier opening group 111 relative to the drive transferred surface 125 and the positional relationship of the identifier protrusion group 215 of the drive transfer surface 214 is less than the width of the opening of the identifier opening group 111, the identifier protrusion group 215 enters the identifier opening group 111.

[0256] If the drive transmitting surfaces 214 of the first drive protrusion 212a and the second drive protrusion 212b come into contact with the drive transmitted surface 125 of the driven portion 110 of the cap 102, the cap 102 is prevented from rotating any further. Thereafter, if the container body 101 is further pushed to the downstream side in the insertion direction, the cap 102 is inserted in a straight manner without rotating.

[0257] Specifically, the position of the cap 102 in the circumferential direction is determined by the first drive protrusion 212a and the second drive protrusion 212b. In the state in which the position is determined, if the toner container 100 is further inserted, the identifier protrusion group 215 is inserted into the identifier opening group 111 provided on the surface of the cap 102 on the downstream side in the insertion direction (on the front surface side of the toner container 100).

[0258] If the positional relationship of the protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215 relative to the drive transmission surfaces 214 of the two drive protrusions 212 and the positional relationship of the openings of the identifier opening group 111 relative to the drive transmission surface 125 of the cap 102 match each other, the following operation is performed. Specifically, the protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215 are inserted into the corresponding openings of the identifier opening group 111. As a result, the toner container 100 is inserted into the normal setting position (the inner cap 106 is detachable).

[0259] In contrast, if the positional relationship of the protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215 relative to the drive transmission surface 214 and the positional relationship of the openings of the identifier opening group 111 relative to the drive transmission surface 125 do not match, the following operation is performed. Specifically, the protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215 are not inserted into the openings of the identifier opening group 111. The leading ends of the protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215 on the upstream side in the insertion direction contact the portion of the leading end surface of the cap 102 on the downstream side in the insertion direction where the identifier opening group 111 is not provided. As a result, the toner container 100 is not inserted any further.

[0260] In this state, the upstream end portion of the toner container 100 in the insertion direction protrudes from the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus (the upstream side in the insertion direction), so that the operator can recognize that the toner container 100 has not been inserted in a proper combination. Further, in this state, the inner cap 106 of the toner container 100 is not opened, so that different types of toner (for example, toners of different colors) can be prevented from being mixed in the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0261] Second embodiment

[0262] A second mode of the toner container 100 to which the present invention is applied (hereinafter, referred to as "second embodiment") will be described below. Differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same explanation will not be repeated as appropriate.

[0263] Figure 44 1 is an explanatory perspective view of the toner container 100 of the second embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 45 is an exploded perspective view of a toner container 100 according to the second embodiment.

[0264] As in Figure 45 As shown in FIG. 1 , the toner container 100 of the second embodiment includes an annular seal 149 on the inner cap 106 .

[0265] Figure 46 When the outer cap 103 is Figure 44FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the downstream end portion in the insertion direction of the toner container 100 of the second embodiment when detached in the state of FIG. 1 . Figure 47 1 is an enlarged side view of the vicinity of the downstream end portion of the toner container 100 of the second embodiment in the insertion direction when the outer cap is detached.

[0266] Figure 48 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the downstream end portion of the toner container 100 of the second embodiment in the insertion direction when viewed from an angle where the discharge member 107 can be inspected when the inner cap 106 is detached. Figure 49 It is an enlarged side view of only the vicinity of the downstream end portion of the container body 101 in the insertion direction of the second embodiment, with the downstream side in the insertion direction oriented upward.

[0267] Figure 50 1 is a perspective view of the cap 102 of the second embodiment when viewed from the other end side (downstream side in the insertion direction). Figure 51 1 is a perspective view of the cap 102 of the second embodiment when viewed from one end side (upstream side in the insertion direction). Figure 52 1 is a front view of the cap 102 of the second embodiment when viewed from the other end side (downstream side in the insertion direction).

[0268] The cap 102 of the second embodiment includes inner perimeter ribs 152 on the inner perimeter of the outer cylindrical shape to reinforce the outer cylindrical shape.

[0269] The cap 102 of the second embodiment includes a cap interlocking portion 151 that is a recess on the inner wall surface of the inner cylindrical shape. Figure 53 A cross-sectional view showing that the cap interlocking portion 151 of the cap 102 and the stopper protrusion 116 of the container body 101 are interlocked with each other. Figure 53 The arrow ε in shows the attachment direction in which the cap 102 is attached to the container body 101. Figure 53 , (a) shows a state before interlocking; (b) shows a state during interlocking; and (c) shows a state after interlocking.

[0270] When the cap 102 is attached to the container body 101, the stopper protrusion 116 of the container body 101 enters the cap interlocking portion 151, and the movement of the cap 102 in the circumferential direction relative to the container body 101 is restricted. Due to the restriction of movement in the circumferential direction, the cap 102 does not rotate relative to the container body 101, but always rotates around the container body 101 in an integrated manner.

[0271] In the toner container 100 of the second embodiment, the cap 102 includes a V-shaped protrusion 159, and the container body 101 includes a V-shaped recess 158. When the V-shaped protrusion 159 and the V-shaped recess 158 are interlocked with each other, the position of the cap 102 relative to the container body 101 in the rotational direction is fixed, so that the cap 102 and the container body 101 are caused to rotate in an integrated manner.

[0272] like Figure 53 As shown in (c), when the stopper protrusion 116 enters the cap interlocking portion 151, the edge of the cap interlocking portion 151 is hooked on the stopper protrusion 116 to prevent the cap 102 from falling. Further, the axial contact surface 122 of the cap 102 contacts the axial limiter protrusion 119 of the container body 101 to prevent the cap 102 from further entering the container body 101 side. Due to the interlocking of the stopper protrusion 116 and the contact with the axial limiter protrusion 119, the position of the cap 102 relative to the container body 101 in the insertion direction (thrust direction relative to the rotation direction) is fixed. If the position in the rotational direction and the thrust direction relative to the rotational direction is fixed, the positional relationship between the container body 101 and the cap 102 is fixed.

[0273] The driven portion 110 of the cap 102 of the second embodiment includes a drive transmission surface 125 extending in the insertion direction, and a guide inclined surface 150 as an inclined surface or guide portion extending in an inclined manner relative to the insertion direction from the upstream end of the drive transmission surface 125 to the downstream side in the insertion direction. The downstream end of the guide inclined surface 150 in the insertion direction is connected to the downstream end of the adjacent drive transmission surface 125 in the insertion direction.

[0274] The driven portion 110 of the cap 102 of the second embodiment has a different shape from that of the driven portion 110 of the first embodiment, but the drive transmission surface 125 has the same function of receiving the transmitted drive. The guide inclined surface 150 has the function of applying a rotational force to the cap 102, similar to the first guide inclined surface 126 and the second guide inclined surface 127 of the first embodiment. The driven portion 110 also has the function of determining the position of the identifier opening group 111 relative to the output drive unit 205 in the circumferential direction.

[0275] Figure 54 1 is a perspective view of the inner cap 106 of the second embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 55 1 is a perspective view of the inner cap 106 of the second embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 56 1 is a rear view of the inner cap 106 of the second embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 57106 is a side view of the inner cap 106 of the second embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, the inner cap 106 is a cap member that covers the discharge port 114.

[0276] The inner cap 106 of the second embodiment includes an inner cap guide portion 153 that protrudes from the center of the bottom plate 137 of the inner cap to the upstream side in the insertion direction (toward the interior of the container body 101). The inner cap guide portion 153 is a rod-shaped protrusion and has a shape so as to extend radially on three sides in the radial direction. The inner cap guide portion 153 is provided with an inner cap guide protrusion 154 that protrudes outward in the radial direction. The inner cap guide protrusion 154 is provided at least on the downstream side in the insertion direction relative to the center of the inner cap guide portion 153 in the insertion direction.

[0277] Figure 58 1 is a perspective view of the discharge member 107 of the second embodiment when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 59 1 is a perspective view of the discharge member 107 of the second embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 60 1 is a rear view of the discharge member 107 of the second embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 61 is a side view of the discharge member 107 of the second embodiment.

[0278] The guide holder 155 is provided at the center of the discharge member 107 of the second embodiment. The holder protrusion 156 is provided in the guide holder 155. A portion of the guide holder 155 in the circumferential direction is notched to provide a holder notch 157.

[0279] Figure 62 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the discharge member 107 and the inner cap 106 of the second embodiment are being interlocked with each other, as seen from the downstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 63 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the discharge member 107 and the inner cap 106 of the second embodiment are being interlocked with each other, as seen from the upstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 64 10 is a rear view showing a state in which the discharge member 107 and the inner cap 106 of the second embodiment are being interlocked with each other when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction.

[0280] As in Figure 62 and 63 , the inner cap guide portion 153 is inserted into the guide holder 155 of the discharge member 107. At this time, the recess 153a of the inner cap guide portion 153 is interlocked with the holder protrusion 156.

[0281] In the second embodiment, when the toner container 100 is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus, when the tab 139 of the inner cap 106 is pulled, and when the inner cap 106 is pulled out of the toner container 100, the inner cap guide portion 153 remains interlocked with the guide holder 155. In this state, when the toner container 100 is rotated, the rotation of the toner container 100 is transmitted to the inner cap guide portion 153 via the guide holder 155, and the inner cap 106 is rotated simultaneously.

[0282] When the inner cap guide protrusion 154 provided on the inner cap guide portion 153 passes through the guide holder 155 during attachment of the inner cap 106 to the toner container 100 , a click feeling is generated.

[0283] In the toner container 100 of the second embodiment, when the inner cap 106 covers the discharge port 114, the ring seal 149 is pressed, achieving a sealing function that prevents toner leakage. The amount of pressure on the ring seal 149 is determined by the position of the inner cap guide protrusion 154 passing through the guide retainer 155 when the inner cap guide portion 153 is inserted into the guide retainer 155. The ring seal 149 is made of an elastic material and is pressed and deformed when the inner cap 106 covers the discharge port 114, so that the force that opens the inner cap 106 acts due to its elasticity. At this time, the inner cap 106 does not open unless the inner cap guide protrusion 154 contacts the guide retainer 155 and the force that causes the inner cap guide protrusion 154 to pass through the guide retainer 155 acts. Therefore, the sealed state in which the ring seal 149 is pressed can be maintained.

[0284] Figure 65 2 is a perspective view of the output drive unit 205 of the second embodiment when viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 66 This is a perspective view of the toner container 100 of the second embodiment, viewed from the upstream side in the insertion direction, near the downstream end thereof and the output drive unit 205. The output drive unit 205 of the second embodiment includes two drive protrusions 212 having the same shape and extending upstream in the insertion direction relative to the main body 205a of the output drive unit. The container holder 200 is the same as that of the first embodiment, except for the shape of the output drive unit 205.

[0285] The drive protrusion 212 of the second embodiment protrudes toward the upstream side in the insertion direction relative to the main body 205a of the output drive unit, and includes an output guide surface 220 that is inclined so that the amount of protrusion decreases toward the upstream side in the rotational direction. A drive transmission surface 214, which is a wall surface extending in the insertion direction, is provided on the side surface of the drive protrusion 212 on the downstream side in the rotational direction. The drive transmission surface 214 presses against the drive transmission surface 125 of the driven portion 110 and functions as a drive transmission unit.

[0286] The output guide surface 220 functions as a guide portion that guides the driven portion 110 so that the drive transmitted surface 125 comes into contact with the drive transmitting surface 214 when coming into contact with the driven portion 110 of the cap 102 .

[0287] Next, the operation when the toner container 100 of the second embodiment is inserted will be described.

[0288] When the toner container 100 of the second embodiment is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus while the positions of the drive transmission surface 125 of the driven portion 110 and the drive transmission surface 214 of the output drive unit 205 do not match each other, the following operations are performed. Specifically, in this case, the front end portion of the drive protrusion 212 of the output drive unit 205 contacts the guide inclined surface 150 of the driven portion 110 of the toner container 100. At this time, the rotational force is applied to the cap 102 by the slope of the guide portion (output guide surface 220) of the drive protrusion 212 and the slope of the guide inclined surface 150.

[0289] As described above, in the toner container 100 of the second embodiment, the positional relationship between the container body 101 and the cap 102 is fixed. Therefore, when a force is applied to rotate the cap 102, the container body 101 rotates together with the cap 102. Specifically, the entire toner container 100 is inserted while being rotated.

[0290] If the drive transmitting surface 214 of the driving protrusion 212 contacts the drive transmitted surface 125 of the driven portion 110 of the cap 102, the toner container 100 is prevented from rotating any further. Thereafter, if the toner container 100 is further pushed to the downstream side in the insertion direction, the toner container 100 is inserted in a straight manner without rotating.

[0291] Specifically, the position of the toner container 100 in the circumferential direction is determined by the driving protrusion 212. In the state in which the position is determined, if the toner container 100 is further inserted, the identifier protrusion group 215 is inserted into the identifier opening group 111 provided on the surface of the cap 102 on the downstream side in the insertion direction (on the front surface side of the toner container 100).

[0292] If the positional relationship of the protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215 relative to the drive transmission surfaces 214 of the two drive protrusions 212 and the positional relationship of the openings of the identifier opening group 111 relative to the drive transmission surface 125 of the cap 102 match each other, the following operation can be performed. Specifically, the protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215 are inserted into the corresponding openings of the identifier opening group 111. As a result, the toner container 100 is inserted into the normal setting position (the inner cap 106 is detachable).

[0293] In contrast, if the positional relationship of the protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215 relative to the drive transmission surface 214 and the positional relationship of the openings of the identifier opening group 111 relative to the drive transmission surface 125 do not match, the following operation is performed. Specifically, the protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215 are not inserted into the openings of the identifier opening group 111. The leading ends of the protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215 on the upstream side in the insertion direction contact the portion of the front end surface of the cap 102 where the identifier opening group 111 is not provided, which is the surface on the downstream side in the insertion direction. As a result, the toner container 100 is not inserted any further.

[0294] In this state, the upstream end portion of the toner container 100 in the insertion direction protrudes from the front side of the main body of the image forming apparatus (the upstream side in the insertion direction), so that the operator can recognize that the toner container 100 has not been inserted in a proper combination. Further, in this state, the inner cap 106 of the toner container 100 is not opened, so that different types of toner (for example, toners of different colors) can be prevented from being mixed in the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0295] The toner container 100 of the second embodiment includes a discharge port 114, which serves as an opening provided in the container body 101 for discharging toner, and an inner cap 106, which serves as a cap capable of opening and closing the discharge port 114. The inner cap 106 is provided with an inner cap guide portion 153, which serves as a protrusion that protrudes toward the interior of the container body 101 in the insertion direction, which is the opening / closing direction of the inner cap 106. The container body 101 is provided with a discharge member 107, which includes a guide holder 155, which serves as a support member that surrounds and supports the circumference of the inner cap guide portion 153. The inner cap guide portion 153 is provided with an inner cap guide protrusion 154, which serves as a protrusion that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. The inner cap guide protrusion 154 is provided so as to contact the guide holder 155. When the inner cap 106 is opened or closed, the inner cap guide protrusion 154 passes through a holding position holding the inner cap guide portion 153 while contacting the guide retainer 155 .

[0296] As in Figure 55As shown in FIG, the rod-shaped inner cap guide portion 153 extends from the bottom surface of the bottom plate 137 of the inner cap 106 on the upstream side in the insertion direction to the inside of the container body 101. Figures 62 to 64 As shown in FIG. 1 , the inner cap guide portion 153 is supported so as to be surrounded by a guide holder 155 provided in the discharge member 107 fitted inside the opening portion 108 of the container body 101. The toner container 100 of the second embodiment includes an inner cap guide protrusion 154 on the outer circumference of the inner cap guide portion 153. Therefore, the inner cap guide protrusion 154 passes through the guide holder 155 when the inner cap 106 is opened or closed, and a click feeling is given when the inner cap guide protrusion 154 passes over the guide holder 155.

[0297] As described above, the inner cap guide protrusion 154 is provided at least on the downstream side in the insertion direction with respect to the center of the inner cap guide portion 153 in the insertion direction. Figure 57 , for example, in the second embodiment, the inner cap guide protrusion 154 is provided near the base of the inner cap guide portion 153. By providing the inner cap guide protrusion 154 near the base of the inner cap guide portion 153, the guide holder 155 is located on the side close to the discharge port 114, so that the scooping portion 135 of the discharge member 107 can be brought to the side close to the discharge port 114. Thus, the toner discharge characteristics can be improved.

[0298] After the inner cap guide portion 153, which serves as a guide, enters the guide holder 155, the inner cap guide protrusion 154 needs to pass over the guide holder 155. Therefore, if the inner cap guide protrusion 154 is provided on the side closer to the front end rather than the side closer to the base of the inner cap guide portion 153, and if a clicking sound is to be produced when the inner cap 106 is pulled and opened, the pulling distance of the inner cap 106 increases. In this case, the length of the inner cap guide portion 153 extending from the guide holder 155 increases, and the displacement (swing) amount of the inner cap 106 relative to the guide holder 155 increases. When a certain external force is applied and the inner cap 106 is greatly displaced and tilted relative to the colorant container 100, and if the inner cap 106 is pushed toward the colorant container 100 for closing, the longitudinal direction of the inner cap guide portion 153 and the pushing direction do not match each other. Therefore, when the toner container 100 is detached from the apparatus main body, the inner cap 106 is not normally closed even if the inner cap 106 is pushed into the toner container 100. In the second embodiment, by providing the inner cap guide protrusion 154 near the base of the inner cap guide portion 153, it is possible to prevent the inner cap 106 from being tilted greatly relative to the toner container 100, enabling prevention of a situation in which the inner cap 106 is not normally closed.

[0299] If the load applied to the interlocking portion between the guide holder 155 of the discharge member 107 and the inner cap guide portion 153 of the inner cap 106 increases, the toner accumulated on the interlocking portion is compressed and gathered. Figure 60 As shown in FIG, retainer recess 157 is provided on the support rod portion of guide retainer 155. Therefore, the diameter of the interlocking portion between guide retainer 155 and inner cap guide portion 153 can be increased, so that toner is less likely to accumulate and the load applied to the toner is reduced. Thus, a configuration in which aggregation is less likely to occur can be achieved.

[0300] If the guide holder 155 does not have a notch, it is difficult to deform the guide holder 155 when the inner cap guide protrusion 154 passes through. If the guide holder 155 is formed into a shape so that the gap for the inner cap guide portion 153 to pass through is increased and the guide holder 155 is not deformed when the inner cap guide protrusion 154 passes through, it is difficult to provide a click feeling. In contrast, if the gap for the inner cap guide portion 153 to pass through is reduced so as to provide a click feeling, then a click feeling can be provided. However, if it is difficult to deform the guide holder 155 when the inner cap guide protrusion 154 passes through, the force required for the inner cap guide protrusion 154 to pass through increases.

[0301] In contrast, if a notch is provided in the guide retainer 155, it becomes easier to deform the guide retainer 155 when the inner cap guide protrusion 154 passes through. Therefore, even if the force for moving the inner cap 106 is relatively small, the inner cap guide protrusion 154 can pass through the guide retainer 155 and give a click feeling.

[0302] The guide holder 155 of the discharge member 107 is provided with a holder protrusion 156 that serves as a rotation stopper for the inner cap 106. If the inner cap 106 is allowed to rotate relative to the guide holder 155, the inner cap guide portion 153 slides against the guide holder 155 and the toner located in the sliding portion may accumulate. Figure 64 , the retainer protrusion 156 is fitted in the gap between the three parts of the inner cap guide portion 153 extending radially in the radial direction, so that the inner cap 106 is prevented from rotating relative to the guide retainer 155. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent the inner cap guide portion 153 from sliding against the guide retainer 155, which can prevent toner from gathering.

[0303] As the position of the retainer recess 157, as in Figure 67, the retainer recess 157 may be provided at the center of the support rod of the guide retainer 155. However, in the configuration in which the retainer recess 157 is provided at the center of the support rod of the guide retainer 155, one of the three radially extending portions of the inner cap guide portion 153 of the inner cap 106 may enter the retainer recess 157 when the inner cap 106 is attached. Further, because the retainer recess 157 is located at the center of the support rod of the guide retainer 155, the retainer protrusion 156 serving as a rotation stopper is provided at only two locations, making it difficult to ensure a sufficient margin for idling of the inner cap 106.

[0304] In contrast, as in Figure 60 As shown in FIG, if the position of the retainer recess 157 is displaced from the center of the support rod, it becomes possible to adjust the insertion direction of the inner cap 106 at a specified position and increase the number of the rotation stoppers. Thus, it becomes possible to improve the margin for idling.

[0305] The toner container 100 of the first embodiment described above includes a container body 101 for storing toner, and an outer cap 103 serving as a cap member for covering a discharge port 114, which is an opening through which toner is discharged from the container body 101. At a position on the outer cap where the front end of an opening portion 108 serving as the discharge port 114 faces the cover portion of the outer cap 103 that covers the discharge port 114, an inner protrusion 146 is provided that protrudes from the cover portion of the outer cap 103 toward the front end of the opening portion 108. The outer cap 103 is also provided with an air hole 147, which is a depression having a height shorter than that of the inner protrusion 146 of the outer cap.

[0306] If there is no gap between the outer cap 103 and the front end of the opening 108, gas cannot be introduced into or discharged from the container body 101. If gas is not introduced into or discharged from the container body 101, a pressure difference occurs between the interior of the container body 101 and the atmosphere at a high altitude location where atmospheric pressure is low. The inner cap 106 does not fall out before the outer cap 103 is opened because it is held down by the outer cap 103. However, if the outer cap 103 is removed, the inner cap 106 will fall out and the toner will be dispersed due to the atmospheric pressure difference. Even in locations other than high altitude locations, if the temperature change from low to high temperatures is large, the gas inside the container body 101 will expand, so that when the outer cap 103 is removed, the inner cap 106 may fall out and the toner will be dispersed due to the internal pressure.

[0307] In the toner container 100 of the first embodiment, air holes 147 are provided to ensure an air passage between the outer cap 103 and the front end of the opening 108. The inner cap outlet 141 is provided in the inner cap 106. By providing an air passage between the outer cap 103 and the inner cap 106 in this manner, air is appropriately introduced and exhausted, and the atmospheric pressure difference between the inside and outside of the container body 101 is reduced. Consequently, the inner cap 106 is prevented from falling out, and toner dispersion caused by the internal pressure of the container body 101 is prevented.

[0308] The same configuration applies to the outer cap 103 and the inner cap 106 of the second embodiment.

[0309] The toner container 100 of the first embodiment includes a container body 101 for storing toner, and a cap 102 as a driven unit provided with a driven portion 110, which serves as a driving unit that receives a driving force output from the main body of the image forming apparatus to rotate the container body 101. The cap 102 is rotatable relative to the container body 101 about the rotation axis of the container body 101. A circumferential limiter protrusion 117, which serves as a rotation limiter for limiting the rotation of the cap 102 by a certain amount or more, is provided on the container body 101.

[0310] If the cap 102 is fixed to the container body 101, the operator must rotate the container body 101 for positioning so that the driven portion 110 of the cap 102 interlocks with the output drive unit 205, which serves as the main drive unit of the imaging device. In contrast, if the cap 102 is freely rotatable relative to the container body 101, it is difficult to transmit drive from the output drive unit 205 to the container body 101 via the cap 102. Therefore, in the toner container 100 of the first embodiment, a circumferential limiter protrusion 117 is provided as a limiter, allowing the cap 102 to rotate within a certain range while restricting rotation beyond this certain range. This ensures drive transmission and simplifies the operator's operation.

[0311] The toner container 100 of the first embodiment is provided with stopper protrusions 116 serving as members that prevent movement in a direction parallel to the insertion direction to prevent falling, and which are provided at four positions in the circumferential direction on the container body 101. Circumferential limiter protrusions 117 for rotation restriction are provided at two positions in the circumferential direction in order to separate the falling prevention function and the rotation prevention function.

[0312] In order to prevent erroneous setting by utilizing the function of the identifier opening group 111 of the cap 102, it is important to stabilize the posture of the cap 102 relative to the container body 101. Therefore, in order to restrict relative movement in the thrust direction (a direction parallel to the insertion direction), at least three restricting portions, more preferably, four or more restricting portions are required.

[0313] However, if the restricting member (protruding shape, etc.) in the thrust direction also has a rotation restricting function, the rotatable angle of the cap 102 is reduced. Specifically, if these restricting members are provided at four positions in the circumferential direction, the rotatable angle of the cap 102 is set to "90° - {(width of the restricting member of the cap 102) + (width of the restricting member of the container body 101)}".

[0314] When the toner container 100 is shipped, even if the position of the cap 102 relative to the container body 101 in the rotational direction is positioned close to the position on the evacuation side where the rotatable range is maximized when the toner container 100 is inserted, the position in the rotational direction may be displaced before setting. For example, the position of the cap 102 relative to the container body 101 in the rotational direction may be displaced due to swinging during transportation or contact with the cap 102 by an operator during setting of the toner container 100.

[0315] When the limiting member having the function of limiting rotation is set at four positions, even if the position of the cap 102 in the rotation direction is positioned close to the position on the evacuated side when shipping the colorant container 100, if the position is displaced before setting, the margin for the rotatable range at the time of setting is reduced.

[0316] In contrast, in the toner container 100 of the first embodiment, the falling prevention function and the rotation prevention function are separated.

[0317] By providing the stopper protrusions 116 with a drop prevention function at four positions in the circumferential direction, it is possible to ensure the stability of the posture of the cap 102 relative to the container body 101. The stopper protrusions 116 are configured to hook onto the annular stopper rib 121 provided on the periphery of the cap 102 and do not function as a restriction in the rotational direction.

[0318] By providing the circumferential limiter protrusion 117 with a rotation preventing function at two positions in the circumferential direction, the rotatable angle of the cap 102 is set to "180° - {(width of the rotation limiting member of the cap 102) + (width of the rotation limiting member of the container body 101)}". Therefore, the rotatable range of the cap 102 relative to the container body 101 is increased, and the margin for the rotatable range at the time of setting is increased.

[0319] In the toner container 100 of the first embodiment, the circumferential limiter contact protrusion 123 serves as the “rotation limiter member of the cap 102 ”, and the circumferential limiter protrusion 117 serves as the “rotation limiter member of the container body 101 ”.

[0320] The toner container 100 of the first embodiment is a toner container attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus including an output drive unit 205. The output drive unit 205 serves as a drive unit for transmitting drive to the toner container 100 and projects toward the toner container 100. The toner container 100 includes a container main body 101 for storing toner, and a driven portion 110 as a driven unit that receives drive from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0321] The driven portion 110 includes a drive-transmitted surface 125 as a drive-transmitted portion that protrudes in the radial direction of the toner container 100 and receives a driving force when in contact with the output drive unit 205. The driven portion 110 further includes a first guide inclined surface 126 as a first inclined surface that faces the drive-transmitted surface 125 and is inclined toward the output drive unit 205 relative to the protruding direction of the output drive unit 205. The driven portion 110 further includes a second guide inclined surface 127 as a second inclined surface that is inclined toward the first guide inclined surface relative to the protruding direction of the driven portion 110 on the front side of the driven portion 110 in the protruding direction relative to the drive-transmitted surface 125 (the downstream end in the insertion direction).

[0322] For example, as in Figure 20 As shown in FIG, the driven portion 110 of the cap 102 of the first embodiment includes a first guide inclined surface 126 having a relatively long slope and a second guide inclined surface 127 having a slope shorter than the first guide inclined surface 126, which is opposite to the downstream end in the insertion direction. The first guide inclined surface 126 and the second guide inclined surface 127 are inclined in opposite directions across the driven portion 110. Therefore, the rotation direction of the cap 102 changes depending on which of the guide inclined surfaces contacts the front end of the first drive protrusion 212a of the output drive unit 205 during insertion. Specifically, when the first guide inclined surface 126 contacts the front end of the first drive protrusion 212, if the colorant container 100 is further pushed, the cap 102 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the driving operation (the direction of arrow β in the figure). In contrast, when second guide inclined surface 127 contacts the front end portion of first driving protrusion 212a, and if toner container 100 is further pushed, cap 102 rotates in the same direction as the rotation direction of the driving operation (direction of arrow β in the figure).

[0323] If the slopes of the guide inclined surfaces (first guide inclined surface 126 and second guide inclined surface 127) that guide the position of the front end of the drive protrusion 212 relative to the driven portion 110 are made steeper relative to a plane perpendicular to the centerline, the rotational force acts more easily when the front end of the drive protrusion 212 contacts the front end. In other words, by making the guide inclined surfaces less acute with respect to the insertion direction, the amount of rotation relative to the amount of insertion is reduced. Therefore, the force required to rotationally insert the cap 102 can be reduced, and the operator can perform the operation more easily.

[0324] In the configuration in which the contact portion between the main body of the image forming apparatus and the toner container 100 is located on the rear side, that is, on the downstream side in the insertion direction, it is preferable that the driven portion 110, which is the shape of the engaging member, does not protrude from the outer shape of the container main body 101 in order to ensure the function of supporting the posture of the toner container 100. In the toner container 100 of the first embodiment, in order to ensure a large toner storage capacity of the container main body 101, the drive transmitted surface 125 of the driven portion 110 is formed in a shape that is cut in toward the center side in the radial direction relative to the front side surface (the outer periphery of the cap 102).

[0325] In order to smoothly rotate the cap 102 in the setting operation (in order to enable setting with a smaller operating force), it is preferable that the guide inclined surface is inclined at the smallest possible acute angle relative to the center line of the toner container 100 .

[0326] However, as in the toner container 100 of the second embodiment, if the single driven portion 110 has only a single guide inclined surface, the following problem may occur.

[0327] Specifically, if the number of equally spaced segments (the number of driven portions 110) in the angular direction of the cap 102 is reduced to ensure a sufficient margin for arranging the identifier opening group 111 on the front end surface of the cap 102 in the insertion direction, the length of the guide inclined surface in the insertion direction increases. Therefore, in order to arrange the drive transmission surface 125 of the driven portion 110, it becomes necessary to increase the length of the portion where the outer diameter of the front end of the toner container 100 is reduced. Consequently, the toner storage capacity decreases.

[0328] In contrast, if the number of equally spaced segments (the number of driven portions 110) in the angular direction of the lid 102 is increased to ensure toner storage capacity, the following problems arise. Specifically, it becomes difficult to provide the identifier opening group 111 as a single identifier recessed group formed from a plurality of openings, and it becomes difficult to ensure margin for the arrangement of the identifier portion having an identifier function on the toner container 100 side. If margin for the arrangement of the identifier portion is not ensured, a design that reduces the number of identifier types should be considered in order to ensure the function of preventing erroneous settings.

[0329] As a structure that satisfies three requirements to obtain an acute angle as the inclination angle of the guide inclined surface, in order to reduce the number of equal divisions in the angular direction and to ensure the colorant storage capacity of the container body 101, the colorant container 100 of the first embodiment includes a first guide inclined surface 126 and a second guide inclined surface 127 inclined in different directions.

[0330] The inclination angle of the first guide inclined surface 126 relative to the center line of the toner container 100 is greater than the inclination angle of the second guide inclined surface 127 .

[0331] Before setting the colorant container 100, the position of the cap 102 relative to the container body 101 in the rotation direction may be in an evacuated position where the cap 102 is fully rotated in the direction opposite to the rotation direction estimated at the time of setting, so as to ensure a reserve for rotation at the time of setting.

[0332] The rotation direction estimated at the time of setting is the direction of the rotational force acting on the cap 102 by pushing the toner container 100 in the insertion direction when the driving protrusion 212 contacts the first guide inclined surface 126. Specifically, Figure 4 In the case where the container body 101 is not moving, the estimated rotation direction at the time of setting is the same as Figure 4 Therefore, in the toner container 100 of the first embodiment, the evacuated position of the cap 102 is when the container body 101 is not moving. Figure 4 The position of the cap 102 is fully rotated in the direction of arrow β.

[0333] When the toner container 100 is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus while the cap 102 is located at the evacuated position, if the driving protrusion 212 contacts the first guide inclined surface 126, the cap 102 Figure 4 In contrast, when the driving protrusion 212 contacts the second guide inclined surface 127 while the cap 102 is in the evacuated position, the driving protrusion 212 rotates in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow β in FIG. Figure 4A rotational force acting in the direction of arrow β acts on cap 102. However, cap 102 has already fully rotated in the direction of arrow β relative to container body 101 and is restricted from rotating in this direction relative to container body 101. Therefore, cap 102 cannot rotate independently relative to container body 101. Consequently, when cap 102 is rotated to adjust the position of drive transmission surface 214 of the imaging device main body and the position of drive transmission surface 125 of toner container 100, container body 101 rotates together.

[0334] The second guide inclined surface 127 is set to a small angle relative to the center line. Therefore, the cap 102 and the container body 101 can be rotated integrally and guided by the second guide inclined surface 127 to be set at a predetermined position by the operating force of pushing the toner container 100.

[0335] The toner container 100 of the first embodiment includes a first guide inclined surface 126 having the largest guide inclined surface, and a second guide inclined surface 127 provided on the front end portion in the insertion direction of the driven portion 110. Therefore, the drive transmitting surface 214 of the output drive unit 205 can be easily guided to the drive transmitted surface 125 of the driven portion 110.

[0336] The imaging device body is provided with an output drive unit 205, which serves as a drive transmission unit for transmitting drive to the toner container 100 of the first embodiment. The output drive unit 205 includes two drive protrusions 212, which are two or more protrusions protruding toward the upstream side in the insertion direction. A first drive protrusion 212a, one of the two protrusions, has a greater protrusion amount than a second drive protrusion 212b, the other of the two protrusions. Specifically, the drive protrusions 212 of the output drive unit 205 are configured to have different protrusion amounts.

[0337] When the driven portion 110 (the bottle joint) and the driving protrusion 212 (the driving protrusion of the imaging device body) begin to contact each other during the insertion operation of the toner container 100, the contact position may coincidentally be located near the downstream end of the driven portion 110 in the insertion direction. In this case, particularly when two guide inclined surfaces inclined in different directions are provided across the downstream end of the driven portion 110 in the insertion direction, as in the toner container 100 of the first embodiment, and if two or more driving protrusions 212 begin to contact these guide inclined surfaces simultaneously, rotational forces acting in different directions may act. This is because if the centers on the toner container 100 side and the output drive unit 205 side do not completely coincide with each other, the two driving protrusions 212 may contact different types of guide inclined surfaces. Specifically, one of the two driving protrusions 212 may contact the first guide inclined surface 126, and the other may contact the second guide inclined surface 127.

[0338] After the inclined surfaces come into contact with the drive protrusion 212, when the toner container 100 is further inserted, the first guide inclined surface 126 and the second guide inclined surface 127 generate rotational forces in opposite directions. Therefore, if the insertion is further performed while the two drive protrusions 212 are in contact with the first guide inclined surface 126 and the second guide inclined surface 127, respectively, the rotational forces act in opposite directions, which causes a hooked state that leads to a setting failure.

[0339] As a construction for preventing the setting failure as described above, the main body of the imaging device, in which the colorant container 100 of the first embodiment is to be set, is constructed so that the first drive protrusion 212a, which is one of the two drive protrusions 212, first makes contact to determine the rotation direction of the cap 102.

[0340] After the cap 102 is rotated by a predetermined angle by being guided by the first driving protrusion 212a as one of the protrusions, the first driving protrusion 212a as the other of the protrusions also contacts the cap 102. At this time, the two driving protrusions 212 contact the same type of guide inclined surfaces of the two driven portions 110, and the two driven portions 110 contact the same type of guide surfaces (the first guide surface 216 or the second guide surface 217) of the two driving protrusions 212.

[0341] The main body of the imaging device used to set the toner container of the first embodiment is configured so that the cap 102 including the driven portion 110 is guided and rotated by contacting the first guide surface 216 or the second guide surface 217, which are inclined surfaces of the two driving protrusions 212, with the driven portion 110. Therefore, the first guide surface 216 and the second guide surface 217, which are inclined surfaces in both directions of the two driving protrusions 212, are arranged so as to be symmetrical at 180 degrees relative to the center point. The second driving protrusion 212b, which is a protrusion with a smaller protrusion amount, has a shape including a third guide surface 218 as a third inclined surface, which is a front cut shape having different angles than the slopes in the two directions (the first guide surface 216 and the second guide surface 217).

[0342] In the toner container 100 of the first embodiment, the first drive protrusion 212a, one of the two drive protrusions 212, first contacts the driven portion 110 and is guided by it. The first drive protrusion 212a, one of the two main body protrusions, protrudes relative to the other, the second drive protrusion 212b. Therefore, during the insertion operation of the toner container 100, the first drive protrusion 212a, which has a larger protrusion, contacts the driven portion 110 to guide the cap 102 and determine the rotational direction. Subsequently, the second drive protrusion 212b, which has a smaller protrusion, contacts the driven portion 110, sandwiching the cap 102 between the two drive protrusions 212. This configuration prevents unwanted force from being applied between the drive protrusion 212 and the driven portion 110.

[0343] The toner container 100 of the first and second embodiments includes a discharge port 114 as an opening provided in the container body 101, an inner cap 106 as a cap member capable of opening and closing the discharge port 114, and a discharge member 107 provided in the opening portion 108 of the discharge port 114. The inner cap 106 of the second embodiment is provided with an inner cap guide portion 153 as a protrusion protruding toward the inside of the container body 101. The discharge member 107 functions as a supporting member that surrounds and supports the circumference of the inner cap guide portion 153.

[0344] The discharge member 107 of the second embodiment includes a guide holder 155 as a supporter surrounding and supporting the circumference of the inner cap guide portion 153, and a reinforcing plate 134 extending from the guide holder 155 in the radial direction of the discharge port 114. The scooping portion 135 is provided as a plate-shaped member extending from the reinforcing plate 134 in a direction toward the inside of the container body 101 (upstream side in the insertion direction).

[0345] The discharge member 107 of the first embodiment includes a reinforcement ring 133 provided at the center, and a reinforcement plate 134 extending from the reinforcement ring 133 in the radial direction of the discharge port 114. A scooping portion 135 is provided as a plate-shaped member extending from the reinforcement plate 134 in a direction toward the interior of the container body 101 (upstream side in the insertion direction).

[0346] The scooping portion 135 provided in the discharge member 107 of the first and second embodiments scoops up the toner from the lower side to the upper side as the toner container 100 rotates.

[0347] In order to scoop up and convey the toner to the discharge port 114 of the toner container 100 , a scooping member needs to be provided on the discharge port 114 .

[0348] In order to provide the scooping member, in the toner container 100 of the second embodiment, a scooping portion 135 serving as a scooping member protrudes from a reinforcing plate 134, and the reinforcing plate extends to a guide holder 155 serving as a support for the inner cap guide portion 153 of the inner cap 106. In this configuration, it is possible to reinforce the guide holder 155, rigidly support the inner cap guide portion 153, and improve toner conveying characteristics.

[0349] In the toner container 100 of the first embodiment, the reinforcement ring 133 and the reinforcement plate 134 are provided near the discharge port 114. A scooping portion 135 serving as a scooping member protrudes from the reinforcement plate 134. In this configuration, the toner can be scooped up by the scooping portion 135 to the vicinity of the discharge port 114, which can improve the toner conveying characteristics.

[0350] The scooping portion 135 has a function of scooping up nearby toner as the toner container 100 rotates. In addition to this function, the scooping portion 135 has a function of receiving toner dropped from the container-side scooping portion 115, which is referred to as the "shoulder portion" of the container body, as the toner container 100 rotates, and conveying the toner to the discharge port 114. By increasing the number of scooping portions 135 relative to the number of "shoulder portions" of the container body 101, it becomes possible to improve the effect of receiving toner dropped from the "shoulder portion," regardless of the mounting angle of the plate-shaped scooping portion 135.

[0351] Figure 68 1 is a front view of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment from which the inner cap 106 is detached when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 64The portion of region κ indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 1 is a portion called the "shoulder portion" of the toner container 100. This "shoulder portion" has a function of raising the toner to the height of the discharge port 114 as the toner container 100 rotates. The plate-shaped scooping portion 135 has a function of receiving the toner dropped from the "shoulder portion" and guiding the toner r toward the discharge port 114.

[0352] First revision

[0353] A first modified example of the toner container 100 to which the present invention is applied (hereinafter, referred to as “first modification”) will be described below. Figure 69 1 is a perspective view of the cap 102 of the toner container 100 of the first modification when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction.

[0354] This configuration is the same as that of the second embodiment described above, except for the shape of the cap interlocking portion 151 and the presence or absence of the V-shaped protrusion 159 and the V-shaped recess 158 of the container body 101 .

[0355] The cap interlocking portion 151 of the second embodiment has a circumferential width substantially the same as that of the stopper protrusion 116. When the stopper protrusion 116 is interlocked with the cap interlocking portion 151, the position of the cap 102 relative to the container body 101 is fixed.

[0356] In contrast, the width of the cap interlocking portion 151 of the first modification in the circumferential direction ( Figure 69 The "W1" in FIG) is sufficiently wide relative to the width of the stopper protrusion 116 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the stopper protrusion 116 is interlocked with the cap interlocking portion 151, the stopper protrusion 116 can move inside the cap interlocking portion 151 in the circumferential direction relative to the cap interlocking portion 151. Therefore, even after the cap 102 is attached to the container body 101, the cap 102 can be moved within a certain range in the circumferential direction relative to the container body 101.

[0357] The toner container 100 in the main body of the image forming apparatus is designed to prevent erroneous setting. There is a known technique for providing an identifier shape to prevent a toner container 100 of a different type or color from being inserted into a certain type of container holder 200. The position of the cartridge needs to be controlled so that the main body identifier shape portion and the toner cartridge identifier shape portion can interlock with each other to enable the identifier function.

[0358] The toner container 100 of the second embodiment includes a container body 101 and a cap 102. The container body 101 includes a discharge port 114 for discharging toner and a gripping portion 104 to be gripped by an operator. The cap 102 has an identifier function, includes a plurality of follower portions 110 provided on an outer peripheral portion and forming a position adjustment ring to be interlocked with the main body of the image forming apparatus, and functions as a cartridge position control member.

[0359] When the toner container 100 of the second embodiment is inserted into the main body of an imaging device, a position adjustment function is implemented by the interlocking shape of the drive protrusions 212 provided on the output drive unit 205 of the imaging device main body and the guide inclined surface 150 of the driven portion 110 of the cap 102. This function causes the cap 102 to rotate, causing the identifier opening group 111 of the toner container 100 to move in the rotational direction relative to the identifier protrusion group 215 of the output drive unit 205. This movement allows the identifier opening group 111 of the toner container 100 to be adjusted to a predetermined positional relationship (a positional relationship in which the drive transmission surface 214 and the drive transmission surface 125 contact each other) even when the toner container 100 is inserted in any rotational orientation. Therefore, the circumferential shape functions as an identifier portion.

[0360] When the output drive unit 205, which forms an interlocking shape of the main body of the image forming apparatus, is driven to rotate, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the driven portion 110, which is an interlocking portion of the toner container 100, so that the toner container 100 rotates. By this rotational motion, the toner in the container body 101 is conveyed by the spiral conveying groove 113 provided in the container body 101 and discharged from the discharge port 114.

[0361] However, in the toner container 100 of the second embodiment, the positional relationship between the container body 101 and the cap 102 is fixed. Therefore, when the toner container 100 is set in the main body of the image forming apparatus, the entire toner container 100 rotates. Therefore, when the operator sets the toner container 100, the operator needs to push the toner container 100 in the insertion direction while rotating the toner container 100, which can reduce usability.

[0362] During setting, torque is applied to the driven portion 110 of the position adjustment ring. Consequently, the cap 102 is secured from falling off or spinning from the container body 101, and the relative circumferential positions of the interlocking portions of the container body 101 and the cap 102 are fixed. Consequently, during assembly, high precision is required to determine the position of the cap 102 relative to the container body 101, increasing assembly costs.

[0363] exist Figure 69 In the cap 102 of the first modification shown in FIG, the width of the groove-shaped cap interlocking portion 151 in the circumferential direction increases along the circumference, so that the stopper protrusion 116 of the container body 101 is allowed to move inside the cap interlocking portion 151. Therefore, the cap 102 rotates relative to the container body 101. When the toner container 100 is set in the main body of the image forming apparatus, the cap 102 with the identifier position adjuster moves independently of the container body 101, so that the operator does not need to rotate the toner container 100.

[0364] Further, in Figure 69 In the movable range of the stopper protrusion 116 shown by "W1" in FIG, the stopper protrusion 116 of the container body 101 can be interlocked with the cap interlocking portion 151. Therefore, the assembly accuracy of the components in the circumferential direction is not required, and the assembly can be simplified.

[0365] The toner container 100 of the first modification includes a container body 101 serving as a toner reservoir for storing toner, and a cap 102 serving as a cartridge position control member. The driven portion 110, which has an identifier function and is formed with a concave-convex shape having a sloped outer peripheral portion, is provided. The toner container 100 of the first modification has a function of adjusting the identifier protrusion group 215 and the identifier opening group 111 to a predetermined positional relationship by causing the driven portion 110 to actuate and rotate relative to the output drive unit 205, which serves as an interlocking portion of the main body, when set in the main body of the imaging device. The toner container 100 of the first modification also has a function of causing the driven portion 110, which serves as an interlocking portion between the toner container 100 and the output drive unit 205, to transmit a rotational drive force output from the main body of the imaging device, thereby rotating the toner container 100. The toner container 100 of the first modification also has a function of interlocking the cap 102 and the container body 101 with each other through concave and convex portions, such as the cap interlocking portion 151 and the stopper protrusion 116 , so that the cap 102 rotates relative to the container body 101 in a sliding manner.

[0366] In the toner container 100 of the first modification, a stopper protrusion 116 (a convex portion) provided on the container body 101 and a cap interlocking portion 151 (a wide groove) provided along the inner periphery of the cap 102 interlock with each other. The stopper protrusion 116 of the container body 101 slides within the cap interlocking portion 151 in the rotational direction. Therefore, when an operator sets the toner container 100 in the main body of the imaging device, the cap 102 can rotate independently, even when torque is applied to the toner container 100 by the output drive unit 205, which serves as the main body posture control component of the imaging device. Consequently, the operator can insert the toner container 100 into the main body of the imaging device without rotating the container body 101 that the operator is holding. Furthermore, the width within which the stopper protrusion 116 interlocks with the cap interlocking portion 151 is increased. Therefore, when the cap 102 is assembled to the container body 101, rotational assembly precision is no longer required, reducing assembly costs.

[0367] In the configuration of the first modification, compared with the configuration of the second embodiment, the operator can easily set toner container 100 in the main body of the image forming apparatus without rotating toner container 100 , and the required accuracy for assembling components can be reduced.

[0368] Figure 70 1 is a front view of the toner container 100 of the first modification when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 70 Arrow n in φ shows the rotation direction of cap 102 to be rotated by torque generated when driving protrusion 212 of output driving unit 205 contacts guide inclined surface 150 and pushes toner container 100 further in the insertion direction.

[0369] exist Figure 70 , the angular range of the cap interlocking portion 151 relative to the rotation stop edge 160 is represented by "θ1", and the angular range of the stopper protrusion 116 is represented by "θ2". Figure 70 As shown in FIG, θ1 is sufficiently large relative to θ2. In this manner, in the toner container 100 of the first modification, the concave shape of the interlocking portion (cap interlocking portion 151) between the container body 101 and the cap 102 has a certain width in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the cap 102 is assembled to the container body 101, positional accuracy in the circumferential direction is not required, and assembly can be simplified.

[0370] Figure 71 Each cap interlocking portion 151 has a greater width than the cap interlocking portion 151 when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 70 A front view of the toner container 100 of the first modification having a wider width. Figure 70In the configuration shown in FIG, the stopper protrusions 116 and the cap interlocking portions 151 are provided at four locations. Figure 71 In the configuration shown in FIG, the stopper protrusions 116 and the cap interlocking portions 151 are provided at three locations.

[0371] In the toner container 100 of the first modification, the rotation width of the cap 102 relative to the container body 101 is set to be larger than the angular range ( Figure 71 Assume that the maximum rotation angle of the cap 102 relative to the container body 101 is represented by "θ0", "θ0 = θ1 - θ2".

[0372] Therefore, in Figure 71 The angular range “θ3” and the angle “θ0” of one of the driven portions 110 are set so that “θ0>θ3”.

[0373] When the toner container 100 is set, the maximum rotation angle corresponds to the angular range "θ3" of one of the driven portions 110, where the maximum rotation angle is the angle available before the setting is completed by pushing the toner container 100 in the insertion direction after the driving protrusion 212 contacts the guide inclined surface 150. In the first modified toner container 100, the rotatable angle of the cap 102 when the cap 102 is rotated relative to the container body 101 is set to be larger than the rotatable angle of the cap 102 when the toner container 100 is inserted by the operator. Therefore, the operator can set the toner container 100 in the main body of the image forming apparatus without changing the orientation of the container body 101 having the gripping portion 104 to be held by the operator.

[0374] Second Amendment

[0375] Next, a second modified example of the toner container 100 to which the present invention is applied (hereinafter, referred to as “second modification”) will be described. Figure 72 1 is a perspective view of a toner container 100 of the second modification when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 73 1 is a perspective view of the cap 102 of the toner container 100 of the second modification when viewed from the downstream side in the insertion direction.

[0376] This configuration is the same as that of the second embodiment described above, except for the shape of the driven portion 110 of the cap 102 .

[0377] As in Figure 72 and 73As shown in FIG, the guide inclined surface 150 and the drive transmission surface 125 of the driven portion 110 decrease toward the downstream side in the insertion direction. Therefore, the terminal end 110a, which is the downstream end of the driven portion 110 in the insertion direction, is located on the center side in the radial direction, compared with the configuration of the second embodiment.

[0378] The toner container 100 includes a cap 102 having a driven portion 11 formed as an interlocking shape on its outer peripheral portion, and a container body 101. When the main body of an imaging device is inserted, an output drive unit 205 formed as an interlocking shape on the main body of the imaging device and a driven portion 110 formed as an interlocking shape on the toner container 100 interlock with each other. When the output drive unit 205 rotates, a rotational driving force is transmitted to the toner container 100, causing the toner container 100 to rotate at the same angular velocity as that of the output drive unit 205. The toner container 100 includes a discharge port 114 as an opening on one end thereof. When the toner container 100 rotates, the toner container 100 itself or a conveying member provided within the toner container 100 rotates to convey the toner to the discharge port 114, and the toner is discharged through the discharge port 114. In the toner container 100 of the second modification, the cap 102 having the driven portion 110 and the container body for storing toner is constructed as a separate component. The function of the cap 102 and the function of the container body 101 can be provided in a single component.

[0379] In the toner container 100 of the second embodiment described above, the diameter of the portion of the cap 102 having the largest diameter is identical to the diameter of the ring formed by the driven portion 110. Therefore, with this shape, the end 110a of the driven portion 110, which is an interlocking shape provided on the outer peripheral portion of the cap 102, may contact the ground when the toner container 100 is dropped. Therefore, the impact is directly applied to the end 110a of the driven portion, and the end 110a of the driven portion may break. To prevent the toner from deteriorating due to humidity, the toner container 100 is stored in a moisture-proof bag. However, because the end 110a of the driven portion has an acute angle, the load may be concentrated at a certain point of the moisture-proof bag, and the moisture-proof bag may break when dropped.

[0380] The toner container 100 of the second modification includes a follower portion 110 on the outer peripheral portion of the cap 102. The gradient is set so that the outer diameter of the ring formed by the follower portion 110 decreases toward the downstream side in the insertion direction so as to prevent the tip 110a of the follower portion 110 from contacting the ground when the toner container 100 is dropped.

[0381] In the second modified toner container 100 described above, by providing a gradient on the outer periphery of the driven portion 110 of the cap 102, the distal end 110a, which is the downstream end of the driven portion 110 in the insertion direction, can be prevented from contacting the ground when dropped. Furthermore, by partially contacting the distal end 110a of the driven portion, the contact area with the ground when dropped can be increased. Thus, the impact applied to the cap 102 can be distributed, preventing the cap 102 from rupturing. The force applied to the packaging material, such as the moisture-proof bag, is also distributed, preventing the packaging material from rupturing.

[0382] In the toner container 100 of the second modification, it is possible to prevent the cap 102 from being broken when dropped, and to prevent the packaging material such as a moisture-proof bag used for storage from being broken.

[0383] Figure 74 1 is a side view of a second modified cap 102 having a shape in which the outer diameter of a ring formed by the driven portion 110 decreases linearly from the upstream side to the downstream side in the insertion direction. Figure 75 is a side view of the second modified cap 102 in a shape in which the outer diameter of the ring formed by the driven portion 110 decreases in a curved manner from the upstream side to the downstream side in the insertion direction.

[0384] exist Figure 74 The angle θ4 in FIG4 is an angle formed by a reference plane and a straight line connecting the outer front portion 102a and the trailing end 110a of the outermost portion of the downstream end of the cap 102 in the insertion direction. The reference plane is a plane perpendicular to the centerline of the cylindrical cap 102.

[0385] Figure 74 An angle θ5 in φ is an angle formed by the reference plane and a straight line connecting the outer front portion 102 a and a maximum diameter portion 110 b having the largest diameter, which is a downstream end portion of the outer peripheral portion of the driven portion 110 in the insertion direction.

[0386] Figure 75 An angle θ6 in φ is an angle formed by the reference plane and a straight line connecting the outer front portion 102a, which is the outermost portion of the downstream end portion of the cap 102 in the insertion direction, and the distal end 110a of the driven portion. Figure 75 The angle θ7 in φ is an angle formed by the reference plane and a tangent line extending from the curved outer periphery of the driven portion 110 toward the outer front portion 102 a .

[0387] The cap 102 includes a follower portion 110 as an interlocking shape on the outer peripheral portion, and a terminal end 110a on the downstream end of the follower portion 110 in the insertion direction. The inclination is set so that the outer diameter of the ring formed by the follower portion 110 decreases toward the downstream side relative to the upstream side in the insertion direction. It is sufficient that the angle of the inclination is set so that when the cap 102 contacts a flat surface, the terminal end 110a of the follower portion does not contact the flat surface. Specifically, Figure 74 The angle θ4 and the angle θ5 in are set so that “θ4 ≥ θ5”, and Figure 75 The angle θ6 and the angle θ7 in θ are set so that “θ6 ≥ θ7”.

[0388] If the toner container 100 has the second modified configuration, the end 110a of the driven portion does not contact the moisture-proof bag when the toner container 100 is a type that uses a moisture-proof package when stored. Therefore, the moisture-proof bag can be prevented from being broken. The outer periphery of the driven portion 110 does not need to be as Figure 74 The linear manner shown in FIG is not tilted, but rather in a manner such as Figure 75 The bending manner shown is inclined.

[0389] In the first and second embodiments, as in Figure 20 and 47 As shown in FIG, the downstream end of the follower portion 110 in the insertion direction is positioned upstream relative to the cap front end portion 129, which is the downstream end of the cap 102 in the insertion direction and on which the identifier opening group 111 is provided. Therefore, the corner portion of the downstream end of the follower portion 110 in the insertion direction can be prevented from coming into contact with the container bag for storing the toner container 100. Consequently, the possibility of the container bag being ruptured can be reduced, and rupture of the container bag can be prevented.

[0390] In the image forming apparatus using the toner container 100 of this embodiment, the toner container 100 is rotated by the rotation of the drive protrusion 212. The drive protrusion 212 of the main body of the image forming apparatus serves as a drive transmission unit. Furthermore, the identifier opening group 111 and the identifier protrusion group 215 function as a unique identifier shape only when the drive protrusion 212 reaches a position where it functions as the drive transmission unit.

[0391] The driven portion 110 and the identifier opening group 111 are parts of the cap 102, and their positional relationship is fixed. Therefore, by determining the position of the driven portion 110 relative to the output drive unit 205, the position of the identifier opening group 111 relative to the identifier protrusion group 215 of the output drive unit 205 can be determined.

[0392] In this embodiment, the position where the drive transmission surface 214 of the driving protrusion 212 contacts the drive transmission surface 125 of the driven portion 110 is the position where the drive transmission surface 214 functions as a drive transmission unit. At this point, the drive transmission surface 125 of the driven portion 110 contacts the drive transmission surface 214 of the driving protrusion 212, and the position of the driven portion relative to the output drive unit 205 of the driving protrusion 212 in the rotational direction is determined. Therefore, the position of the identifier opening group 111 relative to the identifier protrusion group 215 can be determined, and the identifier protrusion group 215 and the identifier opening group 111 function as a unique identifier shape.

[0393] When the driving protrusion 212 is guided by the first guide inclined surface 126 or the guide inclined surface 150, the cap 102 rotates relative to the output drive unit 205 after the leading ends of the protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215 begin to enter the openings of the identifier opening group 111. Therefore, the relative positions of the identifier protrusion group 215 and the identifier opening group 111 in the rotational direction change between when the leading ends of the identifier protrusion group 215 begin to enter the identifier opening group 111 and when the leading ends of the identifier protrusion group 215 are completely inserted into the identifier opening group 111. Therefore, each protrusion of the identifier protrusion group 215 has a slope such that the amount of protrusion decreases toward the downstream side in the rotational direction, where the cap 102 rotates via the inclined surface. Furthermore, the length of the base portion of each protrusion of the identifier protrusion group 215 in the rotational direction and the length of each opening of the identifier opening group 111 in the rotational direction are substantially the same, if the identifier shapes match, wherein the protrusions and openings are configured to interlock with each other.

[0394] When the toner container 100 of this embodiment is inserted, the contact position of the drive protrusion 212 with the first guide inclined surface 126, the second guide inclined surface 127, or the guide inclined surface 150 is displaced by these slopes when determining the relative position in the rotational direction. When the drive protrusion 212 contacts the first guide inclined surface 126 or the guide inclined surface 150, the protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215 are inserted into the openings of the identifier opening group 111, and the relative position is determined by these slopes. Therefore, as described above, a slope is provided on each protrusion of the identifier protrusion group 215.

[0395] In this embodiment, when the guide inclined surface (126, 127 or 150) of the driven portion 110 determines the position of the identifier opening group 111 relative to the identifier protrusion group 215 in the rotational direction, the identifier opening group 111 approaches the identifier protrusion group 215. Therefore, even if the toner container 100 is in an arbitrary posture in the rotational direction, the position of the identifier opening group 111 in the rotational direction can be adjusted to a position where it can be determined whether the identifier opening group 111 and the identifier protrusion group 215 can be interlocked with each other.

[0396] In the toner container 100 of this embodiment, a unique identifier shape is provided by varying the circumferential shape of the identifier opening group 111 with reference to the driven portion 110, depending on the type of toner to be stored, etc. The position of the identifier opening group 111 relative to the output drive unit 205 of the imaging device's main body is determined by the driven portion 110. Therefore, differences in the circumferential shape can be used as the unique identifier shape. In the toner container 100 described in Patent Document 1, the function of the unique identifier shape is derived solely from the radial distance from the toner container's rotational axis. In contrast, in the toner container 100 of this embodiment, differences in position relative to a reference position used for positioning in the rotational direction can be used as the unique identifier shape. Therefore, a wide variety of unique identifier shapes can be provided. Consequently, a greater number of types of toner containers 100 can be shared, except for the shape of the identifier opening group 111, than in conventional technology.

[0397] In the toner container 100 of this embodiment, the cap 102 having the identifier opening group 111 is separate from the container body 101 that stores the toner. Therefore, by varying the shape of the identifier opening group 111 of the cap 102 according to the type of toner to be stored, the container body 101 can be shared regardless of the type of toner to be stored. Consequently, costs, such as manufacturing costs, can be reduced.

[0398] In the toner container 100 of this embodiment, the identifier opening group 111 and the driven portion 110 are provided on a single component, and the identifier opening group 111 and the driven portion 110 are rotated integrally. Therefore, the driven portion 110 can be used as a positioner for the identifier opening group 111 in the rotation direction.

[0399] Incidentally, the interlocking portion, such as the identifier opening group 111 as the identifier-shaped portion of the toner container 100, and the container interlocking portion, such as the driven portion 110, can be separated from the toner storage, such as the container body 101. The interlocking portion and the container interlocking portion can be provided on a portion of the toner storage.

[0400] Examples of differences in the positions of the identifier opening group 111 and the identifier protrusion group 215 relative to the driven portion 110 and the driving protrusion 212 in the rotational direction include the following: a combination of an inner peripheral shape and an outer peripheral shape, wherein the openings of the identifier opening group 111 and the protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215 are arranged at different angular positions in the rotational direction, at different intervals, or at different positions in the radial direction; and a positional deviation between the inner peripheral shape and the outer peripheral shape in the rotational direction. However, this variation is not limited to the above examples.

[0401] In Patent Document 1, a protrusion, serving as an identifier, is provided on the end surface of a toner container so that its radial distance from the rotation axis varies depending on the type. Furthermore, multiple recesses, each serving as an identifier interlocking portion of the imaging device's main body, are provided on the same circumference so that their radial distance from the rotation axis varies depending on the type. This configuration allows for determination of whether the identifier shapes are interlockable with each other even when the toner container is in any position within a 360-degree rotational range relative to the identifier interlocking portion of the imaging device's main body. However, in the imaging device's main body, multiple recesses of the same shape are provided on the same circumference with respect to a single protrusion of the toner container. Therefore, even if the protrusion's position in the rotational direction varies relative to a reference on the toner container side, identification is impossible. If interlocking is possible on one side, it is also possible on the other side. In other words, positional differences in the rotational direction are not exploited for the identifier shapes.

[0402] The toner container 100 of this embodiment includes multiple drive-transmitted surfaces 125 arranged circumferentially, where drive is input from the main body of the imaging device. A first guide inclined surface 126, a second guide inclined surface 127, and a guide inclined surface 150 serve as container guides that guide the drive protrusions 212 of the main body of the imaging device into the gaps between adjacent drive-transmitted surfaces 125. The container guides are inclined surfaces that slope circumferentially from the downstream side to the upstream side in the direction of insertion of the toner container 100. These surfaces are configured to contact the drive protrusions 212 of the main body of the imaging device and cause the driven portion 110, which is provided with the drive-transmitted surfaces 125, to rotate and move circumferentially. The inclined surfaces serving as the container guides are provided continuously from the downstream end of the drive-transmitted surface 125 in the insertion direction to the upstream end of the adjacent drive-transmitted surface 125 in the insertion direction.

[0403] When the toner container 100 of this embodiment is inserted, the relative positions of the identifier shape of the toner container 100 and the identifier shape of the main body of the image forming apparatus in the rotational direction are adjusted so that the drive transmission surface 214 of the driving protrusion 212 and the drive transmission surface 125 of the driven portion 110 are in contact with each other. If the relative position deviates from the position where the drive transmission surface 214 and the drive transmission surface 125 are in contact with each other, the driving protrusion 212 contacts the guide inclined surface of the driven portion 110 and the relative positional relationship is adjusted.

[0404] When the relative positional relationship in the rotational direction is adjusted, and if the toner container 100 is further inserted, it is determined whether the identifier shape of the toner container 100 (identifier opening group 111) and the identifier shape of the main body of the image forming apparatus (identifier protrusion group 215) can approach each other and interlock with each other. Therefore, it is possible to change the shape of the identifier shape in the rotational direction, use the shape difference in the rotational direction as the identifier shape, and provide a large number of types of identifier shapes.

[0405] In the toner container 100 of the first embodiment, regarding the driven portion 110, ten driven portions 110 having the same shape are arranged at intervals of 36 degrees on the outer periphery of the cap 102. Regarding the identifier opening group 111, Figure 15 In the example shown in FIG, four openings constitute a single recessed group serving as the identifier opening group 111, and ten identifier opening groups 111 are provided, each identifier opening group having the same opening combination. Meanwhile, the output drive unit 205 includes two drive protrusions 212 and four identifier protrusion groups 215. Figure 37 In the example shown in , each identifier protrusion group 215 includes four protrusions.

[0406] As described above, the number of each identifier opening group 111 having the same shape is the same as the number of driven portions 110 , and the identifier opening group 111 can realize the identifier function whenever any one of the ten driven portions 110 is interlocked with the driving protrusion 212 .

[0407] When the identifier shape of the toner container 100 of the first embodiment matches the identifier shape of the main body of the imaging device, four of the ten identifier opening groups 111 interlock with the identifier protrusion group 215. This interlocking function, which allows identification at least in a single position, serves as the identifier shape. However, if the identifier shape is only provided in a single position and the toner container 100 is tilted relative to, for example, the output drive unit 205, then when the identifier shapes do not match but the difference is small, the protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215 may enter the openings of the identifier opening group 111. In contrast, by interlocking at four positions, even when the toner container 100 is tilted and the identifier protrusion group 215 having different shapes is oriented at an angle such that it enters the identifier opening group 111 in a single position, the identifier protrusion group 215 is prevented from entering the identifier opening group 111 at other positions.

[0408] The identifier opening group 111 serving as the identifier interlocking portion of the toner container 100 includes a combination of openings corresponding to the combination of protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215 serving as the identifier interlocking portion of the main body of the image forming apparatus. Specifically, the identifier opening group 111 includes a plurality of openings corresponding to the number and positions of the protrusions of the identifier protrusion group 215. The number of the identifier opening groups 111 is the same as the number of the driven portions 110.

[0409] The driving protrusions 212 serving as the drive transmission unit of the output driving unit 205 are provided at two locations at intervals of 180 degrees in the circumferential direction. The identifier protrusion groups 215 serving as the identifier interlocking portion of the output driving unit 205 are provided at four locations in the circumferential direction.

[0410] Figure 76 The output drive unit 205 serving as a drive transmission unit of the main body of the imaging device is schematically shown. Figure 76 , (a) is a front view of the output drive unit 205; and (b) is a side view of the output drive unit 205.

[0411] like Figure 76 As shown in (a) of FIG. , the output drive unit 205 includes identifier protrusion groups 215 arranged at four positions at intervals of approximately 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.

[0412] exist Figure 76 In the output driving unit 205 shown in FIG, two identifier protrusion groups 215 (215(d) and 215(e)) among the four identifier protrusion groups 215 (215(c), 215(d), 215(e) and 215(f)) are horizontally arranged.

[0413] Figure 77 It schematically shows that Figure 76 100 and the output drive unit 205 are shown in a side view of the cap 102 of the toner container 100 and the output drive unit 205 when the output drive unit 205 is in its normal position with no tilt relative to the insertion direction of the toner container 100. Figure 77 As shown in FIG, when the output drive unit 205 is located in the normal position, all four identifier protrusion groups 215 function as identifier shapes.

[0414] Figure 78 A side view of the cap 102 and the output drive unit 205 is shown when the output drive unit 205 is tilted relative to the insertion direction of the toner container 100 while two (215(d) and 215(e)) of the four identifier protrusion groups 215 are horizontally aligned. Figure 78 , (a) shows a state in which the cap 102 and the output drive unit 205 are away from each other; and (b) shows a state in which the toner container 100 is inserted in the direction of the arrow in (a) and the cap 102 and the output drive unit 205 are close to each other. Figure 78 In the state shown in , the output drive unit 205 is tilted so that its upper portion is close to the upstream side of the toner container 100 in the insertion direction.

[0415] like Figure 78 As shown in FIG, when the output drive unit 205 is tilted, even when the cap 102 and the output drive unit 205 are as shown in FIG. Figure 78 When the two horizontally arranged identifier protrusion groups 215 (215(d) and 215(e)) are close to each other as shown in (b), they are also away from the identifier opening group 111. Therefore, the function of the two horizontally arranged identifier protrusion groups 215 (215(d) and 215(e)) as the identifier shape is reduced.

[0416] Of the other two identifier protrusion groups 215 (215(c) and 215(f)), the identifier protrusion group 215(f) on the lower side is located away from the identifier opening group 111, similar to the two horizontally arranged identifier protrusion groups 215. Therefore, the identifier protrusion group 215(f) on the lower side does not function as an identifier shape. However, the identifier protrusion group 215(c) on the upper side moves so as to approach the upstream side of the toner container 100 in the insertion direction, that is, to approach the identifier opening group 111, so that it can function as the identifier shape. As described above, by arranging the identifier protrusion groups 215 at four positions, a minimum identifier function can be ensured.

[0417] To address this, it is preferable to provide the identifier opening groups 111 at at least four locations on the cap 102 of the toner container 100 .

[0418] exist Figure 78 In the example shown in , a case where the output drive unit 205 (the main body drive unit of the image forming apparatus) is tilted is described. The same applies to when the toner container 100 is tilted.

[0419] The identifier opening group 111 serving as the identifier shape on the toner container 100 side is an identifier recess forming an identifier shape in which the positions of the openings in the circumferential direction are changed relative to the drive transmitted surface 125 serving as the drive transmitting unit on the toner container side.

[0420] In the toner container 100 of this embodiment, the diameter of the outer cap 103 is larger than the diameter of the container insertion opening 213, which is an opening of the main body of the image forming apparatus for inserting the opening portion 108 having the discharge port 114. Therefore, the possibility of erroneously attaching the toner container 100 when the outer cap 103 is closed can be reduced.

[0421] In the toner container 100 of the second embodiment, as the follower portion 110, six follower portions 110 having the same shape are arranged at intervals of 60 degrees on the outer periphery of the cap 102. As the identifier opening group 111, Figure 52 In the example shown in FIG, a group of four openings, one of which is longer in the rotation direction than the other three, is used as the identifier opening group 111, and six identifier opening groups 111 having the same shape are provided. Meanwhile, the output drive unit 205 includes two drive protrusions 212 and two identifier protrusion groups 215. Figure 65 In the example shown in FIG, each identifier protrusion group 215 includes three protrusions. Figure 52 The identifier opening group 111 of the cap 102 is shown in FIG. Figure 61 The identifier protrusion sets 215 of the output drive unit 205 shown in FIG. 2 have different identifier shapes so that they cannot interlock with each other.

[0422] In the configuration of the embodiment described above, the drive protrusion 212, serving as the interlocking portion on the output drive unit 205 side, interlocks with the driven portion 110 located radially outward relative to the downstream end surface of the toner container 100 in the insertion direction. By interlocking at a position radially away from the rotation axis, the load applied to the drive protrusion 212 and the driven portion 110 for transmitting the drive during rotational drive input can be reduced. Consequently, the required strength of the drive transmission unit including the drive protrusion 212 and the driven portion 110 can be reduced, and damage to the drive transmission unit can be prevented.

[0423] As described above, in the toner container 100 , the cap 102 including the driven portion 110 to which the rotational drive is input from the main body of the image forming apparatus is separated from the container body 101 storing the toner.

[0424] If driven portion 110 is provided on container body 101, the outer peripheral shape near the downstream end of container body 101 in the insertion direction needs to be modified to serve as driven portion 110. However, near the downstream end of container body 101 in the insertion direction, container-side scooping portion 115 needs to be provided to scoop toner from near the inner wall surface of a portion of the container with a large inner diameter to the height of discharge port 114. In order to provide a shape on the outer periphery of container body 101 that serves as driven portion 110 and a shape on the inner side that serves as container-side scooping portion 115, it is necessary to prioritize input of rotational drive. Consequently, the degree of freedom in the shape of container-side scooping portion 115 is reduced.

[0425] In this case, it is difficult to give the container-side scooping portion 115 a shape that allows the toner to be effectively scooped. Consequently, the toner conveyed downstream in the insertion direction as the container body 101 rotates may accumulate near the downstream end of the container body 101 in the insertion direction. If this toner accumulates, the toner may aggregate, and the aggregated toner may be supplied to the developing device 9.

[0426] In contrast, in the toner container 100 of this embodiment, the cap 102 having the driven portion 110 is separated from the container body 101. Therefore, it is possible to provide the cap 102 with a shape that requires input of a rotational drive, and to provide the container-side scooping portion 115 with a shape in which scooping capability is prioritized, as a shape near the downstream end portion of the container body 101 in the insertion direction. For example, as in Figure 34 As shown in FIG, a shape that is cut inward in the radial direction can be realized. Therefore, it is possible to receive the input of the rotational drive and effectively scoop up the toner through the container side scooping portion 115, which can improve the toner discharge characteristics and prevent the toner from accumulating in the container body 101.

[0427] In the embodiment described above, the two driven portions 110 and the two driving protrusions 212 interlock with each other and transmit the drive. By providing two or more portions for transmitting the drive, the driven portion 110 and the entire toner container 100 that rotates together with the driven portion 110 do not tilt relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus, so that the rotational drive can be smoothly transmitted.

[0428] In the embodiment described above, the identifier opening group 111, comprising a plurality of openings, serves as the interlocking portion, as the identifier shape portion on the toner container 100 side, and the identifier protrusion group 215, comprising a plurality of protrusions, serves as the main body identifier shape portion. Specifically, the interlocking recess for identification is provided on the toner container 100 side, the protrusion is provided on the main body side of the imaging device, and the identifier function is implemented based on whether the protrusion and recess interlock with each other. A combination of identifier shapes can be provided, with the protrusion provided on the toner container 100 side and the recess provided on the imaging device side. Furthermore, the protrusion can be provided on both sides, and the identifier function can be implemented based on whether the protrusion shapes overlap in the desired state.

[0429] In the embodiment described above, the identifier protrusion group 215, which is a combination of multiple identifier protrusions, serves as the identifier shape on the main body side of the imaging device. However, a single protrusion can implement the identifier function based on the difference in positional relationship with respect to the drive transmission surface 214. Furthermore, the identifier opening group 111, which is a combination of multiple identifier openings, serves as the identifier shape on the toner container 100. However, a single opening can enable the identifier function based on the difference in positional relationship with respect to the drive transmission surface 125.

[0430] In the embodiment described above, by arranging the outer identifier opening group 111a and the inner identifier opening group 111b at different positions in the radial direction, a greater number of combinations of identifier shapes can be achieved than in a configuration in which the identifier openings are arranged on the same circumference.

[0431] If the identifier protrusion is provided on the side of the toner container 100, the packaging bag of the toner container 100 may be broken or the protrusion may be damaged when the toner container 100 hits another object, and the identifier function may be impaired. In contrast, by providing the concave portion in the shape of the identifier on the side of the toner container 100, the above-mentioned disadvantages can be prevented.

[0432] The identifier function can be provided by interlocking the drive protrusion 212 and the driven portion 110. For example, the shapes of the drive protrusion 212 and the driven portion 110 differ between the first and second embodiments, and the drive protrusion 212 of one embodiment cannot interlock with the driven portion 110 of the other embodiment. Therefore, it is impossible to set the toner container 100 of the second embodiment in the main body of an imaging device using the toner container 100 of the first embodiment. This prevents incorrect setting.

[0433] Third Amendment

[0434] A third modified example of the toner container 100 to which the present invention is applied (hereinafter, referred to as “third modification”) will be described below. Figure 79 1 is a perspective view of the cap 102 of the toner container 100 of the third modification when viewed from the other end side (downstream side in the insertion direction). Figure 80 : is a front view of the cap 102 of the third modification when viewed from the other end side (downstream side in the insertion direction). Figure 81 is a side view of a cap 102 of a third modification.

[0435] As in Figures 79 to 81 As shown in FIG, the cap 102 is provided with positioning recesses 170 at two positions in the circumferential direction, and the cap 102 functions as a drive transmission holder to which drive is transmitted in the toner container 100 of the third modification. The positioning recesses 170 are configured so as to interlock with the drive protrusions 212 serving as the main body positioning protrusions.

[0436] Figure 82 FIG. 2 shows an interlocking operation of the cap 102 of the toner container 100 and the output drive unit 205 of the apparatus body of the third modification. Figure 82 In the figures, (a) shows a case where the position of the positioning recess 170 of the cap 102 and the position of the driving protrusion 212 of the output driving unit 205 match each other in the circumferential direction and the shapes of the identifiers match each other; and (c) shows a case where the positions of the positioning recess 170 and the driving protrusion 212 in the circumferential direction match each other but the shapes of the identifiers do not match each other.

[0437] exist Figures 79 to 81 In the embodiment, the identifier opening group 111 is used as the container identifier portion 161. However, in Figure 82 , for convenience of explanation of the schematic side view, a container identifier portion 161 formed of a combination of a concave portion and a convex portion is used as the container identifier portion 161.

[0438] If the positions of the positioning recess 170 and the driving protrusion 212 in the circumferential direction do not match each other when the toner container 100 is inserted, as shown in FIG. Figure 82 As shown in (a), the driven end surface 171 of the driven portion 110 of the cap 102 at the downstream end in the insertion direction contacts the front end of the driving protrusion 212. In this state, if the operator rotates the toner container 100 while pushing it in the insertion direction, the positions of the positioning recess 170 and the driving protrusion 212 in the circumferential direction are adjusted so as to match each other, and the driving protrusion 212 enters the positioning recess 170. At this time, if the identifier shapes match each other, as shown in FIG. Figure 82 As shown in (b) of FIG, the toner container 100 can be fully inserted. In contrast, if the identifier shapes do not match each other, as in Figure 82As shown in (c) in FIG. 1 , the toner container 100 cannot be completely inserted. Therefore, the operator can recognize that the toner container 100 is not inserted in a proper combination, and can prevent erroneous setting of different types or different colors.

[0439] Fourth Amendment

[0440] A fourth modified example of the toner container 100 to which the present invention is applied (hereinafter, referred to as “fourth modification”) will be described. Figure 83 1 is a perspective view of the cap 102 of the toner container 100 of the fourth modification when viewed from the other end side (downstream side in the insertion direction). Figure 84 1 is a front view of a cap 102 of a fourth modification when viewed from the other end side (downstream side in the insertion direction). Figure 85 is a side view of a cap 102 of a fourth modification.

[0441] As in Figures 83 to 85 As shown in FIG, the cap 102 is provided with positioning recesses 170 at two locations in the circumferential direction. The cap 102 functions as a drive transmission retainer to which drive is transmitted in the toner container 100 of the fourth modification, similar to the third modification. The positioning recesses 170 are configured to interlock with the drive protrusion 212 serving as the main body positioning protrusion. The positioning recesses 170 of the cap 102 of the fourth modification differ from those of the third modification in that a portion of the wall surface of each recess (different from the wall surface of the drive transmission surface 125) functions as a guide inclined surface 150 for position guidance. By providing the guide inclined surface 150, even if the positions of the positioning recesses 170 and the drive protrusion 212 in the circumferential direction do not completely match each other, if the output guide surface 220 of the drive protrusion 212 and the guide inclined surface 150 come into contact with each other, the cap 102 is guided so that the positions in the circumferential direction match each other.

[0442] Figure 86 FIG. 2 shows an interlocking operation of the cap 102 of the toner container 100 and the output drive unit 205 of the apparatus body of the fourth modification. Figure 86 In the figures, (a) shows a case where the position of the positioning recess 170 of the cap 102 and the position of the driving protrusion 212 of the output driving unit 205 do not match each other in the circumferential direction; (b) shows a case where the positions of the positioning recess 170 and the driving protrusion 212 in the circumferential direction match each other and the identifier shapes match each other; and (c) shows a case where the guide inclined surface 150 of the positioning recess 170 and the output guide surface 220 of the driving protrusion 212 are arranged so that they contact each other but the identifier shapes do not match each other.

[0443] exist Figures 83 to 85In the embodiment, the identifier opening group 111 is used as the container identifier portion 161. However, in Figure 86 , for convenience of explanation of the schematic side view, a container identifier portion 161 formed of a combination of a concave portion and a convex portion is used as the container identifier portion 161.

[0444] If the positions of the positioning recess 170 and the driving protrusion 212 in the circumferential direction do not match each other when the toner container 100 is inserted, as shown in FIG. Figure 86 As shown in (a) of FIG, the driven end surface 171, which is the downstream end of the driven portion 110 of the cap 102 in the insertion direction, contacts the front end of the driving protrusion 212. In this state, if the operator rotates the toner container 100 while pushing it in the insertion direction, the circumferential positions of the positioning recess 170 and the driving protrusion 212 are adjusted so that the output guide surface 220 of the driving protrusion 212 and the guide inclined surface 150 of the positioning recess 170 contact each other. In this state, if the operator pushes the toner container 100, the cap 102 rotates along the slope of the output guide surface 220, and the driving protrusion 212 enters the positioning recess 170.

[0445] At this point, if the identifier shapes match each other, such as Figure 86 As shown in (b) of FIG, the toner container 100 can be completely inserted. In contrast, if the identifier shapes do not match each other, as shown in FIG. Figure 86 As shown in (c) in FIG. 1 , the toner container 100 cannot be completely inserted. Therefore, the operator can recognize that the toner container 100 is not inserted in a proper combination, and can prevent erroneous setting of different types or different colors.

[0446] The positioning recess 170 of the third and fourth modifications is provided on a portion of the cap 102 in the circumferential direction so that the other portion functions as a driven end surface 171; however, it is not limited to a quadrilateral shape as in the third modification or a shape having a positioning guide as in the fourth modification. For example, the positioning recess 170 may be formed in a U-shape.

[0447] Even in the configurations described in the third and fourth modifications, in which the driven end surface 171 is provided at the downstream end of the driven portion 110 in the insertion direction and the force in the circumferential direction is not applied solely by pushing in the insertion direction, the positions of the identifier shapes of the toner container 100 and the device body can be adjusted. In these modified configurations, even when the operator inserts the toner container 100 in any circumferential orientation and the driven end surface 171 contacts the upstream end of the drive protrusion 212 in the insertion direction, the operator can rotate the toner container 100. This rotation allows the circumferential position of the toner container 100 relative to the device body to be adjusted so as to achieve a positional relationship in which the drive protrusion 212 and the positioning recess 170 can interlock with each other. Therefore, the difference in the circumferential position of the positioning recess 170 relative to the drive transmission surface 125 in the container identifier portion 161 can be utilized as an identification function.

[0448] In the third and fourth modifications, the driving protrusion 212 as the main body positioning protrusion and the positioning recess 170 as the drive-transmitted portion of the toner container 100 are simply interlocked with each other in an appropriate positional relationship, and the driven portion 110 receives a force from the driving protrusion 212 to enable driving. Further, the positional relationship between the driving protrusion 212 and the driven portion 110 in the circumferential direction is determined so that the functions of the main body identifier portion 295 and the container identifier portion 161 can be realized.

[0449] In the third and fourth modifications, the positioning recesses 170 are provided at two positions in the circumferential direction, each of which includes the drive-transmitted surface 125 to which the drive is input from the drive protrusion 212. The positioning recess 170 including the drive-transmitted surface 125 serving as the drive-transmitting unit may be provided at one position in the circumferential direction. In this case, it is sufficient to provide a recess that is sufficiently larger than the drive protrusion 212 at a position different from the positioning recess 170 in the circumferential direction so as to avoid the drive protrusion 212.

[0450] The foregoing description is provided as an example, and the present invention has specific effects on each of the following aspects.

[0451] (Aspect A)

[0452] A powder container, such as a toner container 100, can be attached to an imaging device, such as a copier 500. The imaging device includes a main body interlocking portion, such as a rotatable drive protrusion 212, which is rotatable and protrudes toward the upstream side of the attachment direction (insertion direction) of the attached powder container, and includes an identifier protrusion, such as an identifier protrusion group 215, which protrudes toward the upstream side of the attachment direction to identify the type of the powder container. The powder container includes a container interlocking portion, such as a driven portion 110, which is configured to interlock with the main body interlocking portion; and an interlocked portion, such as an identifier opening group 111, which is configured to interlock with the identifier protrusion. The interlocked portion is arranged in the front end portion of the powder container in the attachment direction (the end surface of the powder container in the insertion direction). The container interlocking portion stands upright outward from the outer circumference of the powder container. The container interlocking portion and the interlocked portion rotate integrally.

[0453] In this configuration, as described in the above embodiments, the container interlocking portion, which is interlocked with the main body interlocking portion and integrally rotatable with the interlocked portion, can determine the rotational position of the interlocked portion relative to the main body of the imaging device. This positioning positions the interlocked portion at different rotational positions relative to the container interlocking portion depending on the type of powder container to be identified, thereby providing an identifier function based on the difference in the rotational position of the interlocked portion relative to the container interlocking portion. Therefore, differences in position in directions other than radial directions can be used as differences in the identifier shape portion.

[0454] The main body of the imaging device is provided with an identifier protrusion, such as the identifier protrusion group 215. The identifier protrusion and the interlocked portion interlock when their shapes match. If the shapes of the interlocked portion and the identifier protrusion do not match, the interlocked portion and the identifier protrusion do not interlock with each other. Therefore, the front end surface of the powder container in the attachment direction, where the interlocked portion is provided, cannot reach the rear end in the attachment direction. Therefore, the insertion amount of the powder container is different from the insertion amount when the shapes of the identifier-shaped portions match. This can enable the operator to identify incorrect settings during setting.

[0455] As described above, in aspect A, the difference in position in a direction other than the radial direction can be used as the difference in the shape portion of the identifier.

[0456] (Aspect B)

[0457] In aspect A, the container interlocking portion, such as the driven portion 110, includes a guide portion, such as a first guide inclined surface 126, a second guide inclined surface 127, or a guide inclined surface 150, which guides the main body interlocking portion, such as the driving protrusion 212, to have a positional relationship between the main body interlocking portion and the container interlocking portion (the position is such that the drive transmitted surface 125 contacts the output guide surface 220) so as to interlock with the container interlocking portion.

[0458] Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, even when the relative position between the container interlocking portion and the main body interlocking portion in the rotational direction deviates from the appropriate interlocking position, they can be adjusted to a positional relationship in which interlocking is possible via the guide portion. Therefore, even if the powder container is inserted into the main body of the imaging device in an arbitrary rotational direction, the relative position between the container interlocking portion and the main body interlocking portion in the rotational direction is adjusted to the appropriate interlocking position. Therefore, the position of the interlocked portion to be positioned together with the container interlocking portion relative to the main body of the imaging device can be adjusted, thereby allowing the powder container to be inserted at any position in the rotational direction.

[0459] (Aspect C)

[0460] In aspect A or B, a plurality of container interlocking portions, such as follower portions 110, and a plurality of interlocked portions having the same shape, such as identifier opening groups 111, are provided, the number of interlocked portions being the same as the number of container interlocking portions.

[0461] Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, whichever of the plurality of container interlocking portions is interlocked with the main body interlocking portion of the image forming apparatus, such as the driving protrusion 212, can provide an identifier function of the interlocked portion.

[0462] (Aspect D)

[0463] In any of aspects A to C, the interlocked portions, such as the set of identifier openings, rotate when interlocked with the identifier protrusions, such as the set of identifier protrusions 215 .

[0464] Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, the powder container may have a configuration that rotates relative to the image forming apparatus and a configuration that is in the shape of an identifier.

[0465] (Aspect E)

[0466] In any of aspects A to D, a plurality of container interlocking portions, such as driven portions, are provided and interlocked with the body interlocking portion, such as the driving protrusion 212, at corresponding positions spaced 180 degrees apart in the rotational direction to receive rotational drive.

[0467] Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, the container interlocking portion rotates when there is no inclination relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus such as the copying machine 500, so that the rotational drive can be smoothly transmitted.

[0468] (Aspect F)

[0469] In any one of aspects A to E, multiple interlocked portions, including the outer identifier opening group 111a and the inner identifier opening group 111b, are arranged at corresponding positions with different distances in the radial direction from the rotation axis of the container interlocking portion, such as the driven portion, and the interlocked portion, such as the identifier opening group.

[0470] Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, the interlocked portions are arranged at different positions in the radial direction, so that interlocked portions of different variations corresponding to various types of identifier shapes can be provided.

[0471] (Aspect G)

[0472] In any of aspects D to F, a plurality of container interlocking portions, such as the driven portion 110, are provided, and one of the container interlocking portions is connected to another container interlocking portion by an inclined surface, such as the first guide inclined surface 126, the second guide inclined surface 127, or the guide inclined surface 150. The other container interlocking portion is adjacent to one of the container interlocking portions in the circumferential direction.

[0473] Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, the body interlocking portion, for example, the driving protrusion 212, can be guided to a position where the body interlocking portion and the container interlocking portion are interlocked.

[0474] (Aspect H)

[0475] In any of aspects A to G, the container interlocking portion, eg, the driven portion 110 , has an outer periphery inclined so that its thickness in the radial direction decreases toward the downstream side in the attachment direction, eg, the insertion direction.

[0476] Therefore, as described in the above second modification, the end of the container interlocking portion, such as the end 110a of the driven portion 110, is prevented from contacting the packaging material, such as the moisture-proof bag, so that the packaging material can be prevented from being broken.

[0477] (Aspect I)

[0478] In any one of aspects A to H, the downstream end of the container interlocking portion, such as the driven portion 110, in the attachment direction is located on the upstream side relative to the front end, such as the end surface, in which the interlocked portion, such as the identifier opening group 111, is provided.

[0479] Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, the possibility of the container bag for storing the powder container such as the toner container 100 being broken can be reduced, and damage to the container bag can be prevented.

[0480] (Aspect J)

[0481] In any one of aspects A to I, a discharge port for discharging powder stored in a powder container, such as discharge port 114, is arranged near the rotation axis of the container interlocking part, such as the driven part 110, and the interlocked part, such as the identifier opening group 111, and is located in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0482] Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, it is possible to provide a configuration in which powder is discharged from a powder container such as the toner container 100 by the rotation of the powder container.

[0483] (Aspect K)

[0484] In any of aspects A to J, the interlocked portions, such as identifier opening set 111 , are provided so as to surround a discharge port, such as discharge port 114 .

[0485] Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, interlocked portions having different shapes relative to the container interlocking portion such as the driven portion 110 in the rotational direction may be provided according to the type of powder container such as the toner container 100 to be identified.

[0486] (Aspect L)

[0487] In any of aspects A to K, the toner is stored as powder.

[0488] Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, the difference in position of the powder container, such as the toner container 100 storing toner, in a direction other than the radial direction can be used as the difference in the identifier shape portion.

[0489] (Aspect M)

[0490] An image forming apparatus, such as a copier 500, includes an image forming unit, such as a printer 600, which forms an image on an image carrier, such as a photoconductor drum 1, using powder for forming an image, such as toner; a powder conveying unit, such as a toner replenishing device 70, which conveys powder to the image forming unit; and a powder container removably held by the powder conveying unit. A powder container according to any of aspects A to L, such as the toner container 100, is used as the powder container.

[0491] Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, it is possible to determine incorrect settings when setting the powder container, and to provide multiple identifier-shaped portions. By providing multiple identifier-shaped portions, the components of the powder delivery unit and the powder container can be shared among multiple models, which can further reduce costs.

[0492] Reference Signs List

[0493] 1 Photoconductor drum

[0494] 1y Photoconductor drum for yellow

[0495] 2 Charging device

[0496] 2y for yellow charging device

[0497] 3 neutralizing lamp

[0498] 4 Photoconductor cleaning device

[0499] 6y Primary transfer roller for yellow

[0500] 5 Intermediate transfer belt

[0501] 6 Primary transfer roller

[0502] 7 Secondary transfer roller

[0503] 8 Fusing roller pair

[0504] 9 Development device

[0505] 9y Developer for yellow

[0506] 11 Secondary transfer counter roller

[0507] 12 drive roller

[0508] 13 Clean the relative roller

[0509] 14 Tension roller

[0510] 15 Sheet conveyor belt

[0511] 16 support roller pairs

[0512] 17 Optical writing device

[0513] 18 Fixing device

[0514] 19 Belt cleaning device

[0515] 20 sub-stockers

[0516] 21 Hopper housing

[0517] 22 conveying screw

[0518] 22a Upstream conveying screw

[0519] 22b Downstream conveying screw

[0520] 23 Toner discharge port

[0521] 25 Toner edge sensor

[0522] 30 Diaphragm Pump

[0523] 31 diaphragm

[0524] 32 shell

[0525] 35 outlet valve

[0526] 36 Inlet valve

[0527] 38 operating chamber

[0528] 40 drive units

[0529] 41 Motor

[0530] 43 Retainer

[0531] 44 eccentric shaft

[0532] 53 tubes

[0533] 54 Toner Pipe

[0534] 60 Toner Memory

[0535] 61 containers

[0536] 62 connecting opening

[0537] 63 pipe connector

[0538] 64 supply ports

[0539] 70 Toner Refill Unit

[0540] 91 Developer housing

[0541] 92 developing roller

[0542] 93 Mixing / conveying screw

[0543] 93a First stirring / conveying screw

[0544] 93b Second stirring / conveying screw

[0545] 95 scraper blade

[0546] 100 Toner Containers

[0547] 101 Container body

[0548] 102 Hat

[0549] 103 outer cap

[0550] 104 clamping part

[0551] 105 container body protrusion

[0552] 106 inner cap

[0553] 107 Discharge Component

[0554] 108 opening

[0555] 109 External cap stopper

[0556] 110 drive part, container interlocking part

[0557] 111 Identifier opening set, container opening set, interlocking portion, second container interlocking portion

[0558] 111a External identifier opening group, external opening group

[0559] 111b inner identifier opening group, inner opening group

[0560] 112 bottom part

[0561] 113 conveying groove

[0562] 114 discharge port

[0563] 115 Container side scooping part

[0564] 116 stopper protrusion

[0565] 117 Circumferential limiter protrusion

[0566] 118 circumferentially defined protrusion

[0567] 119 Axial limiter protrusion

[0568] 120 opening base portion

[0569] 121 stopper rib

[0570] 122 Axial contact surface

[0571] 123 Circumferential limiter contact protrusion

[0572] 124 Filling the protrusion

[0573] 125 Drive transmitted surface

[0574] 125a Drive transmitted part

[0575] 126 first guide inclined surface, first container inclined surface

[0576] 127 second guide inclined surface, second container inclined surface

[0577] 128 Rear inclined surface

[0578] 129 Cap front end

[0579] 130 rings

[0580] 131 Inner wall of the ring

[0581] 132 outer wall of the ring

[0582] 133 reinforcement ring

[0583] 134 reinforcement plate

[0584] 135 Shovel part

[0585] 136 Ring protrusion

[0586] 137 Bottom plate of inner cap

[0587] 138 Circumferential wall of inner cap

[0588] 139 tabs

[0589] 140 inner cap seal

[0590] 141 inner cap outlet

[0591] 142 inner cap stopper

[0592] 143 outer perimeter of outer cap

[0593] 144 outer cap holder

[0594] 145 external cap screw

[0595] 146 Inner protrusion of outer cap

[0596] 147 Air hole on inner protrusion of outer cap

[0597] 148 outer cap warping part

[0598] 149 Ring seal

[0599] 150 guide inclined surface, inclined surface, guide portion

[0600] 151 Cap interlocking part

[0601] 152 inner peripheral rib

[0602] 153 Inner cap guide part

[0603] 153a Depression

[0604] 154 inner cap guide protrusion

[0605] 155 Guide Retainer

[0606] 156 retainer protrusion

[0607] 157 Retainer notch

[0608] 158 V-shaped depression

[0609] 159 V-shaped protrusion

[0610] 160 Rotation Stop Edge

[0611] 161 Container identifier portion, container protrusion, second container interlock portion

[0612] 161a Outer container identifier portion, outer container protrusion

[0613] 161b Inner container identifier portion, inner container protrusion

[0614] 170 Positioning Depression

[0615] 171 driven end surface

[0616] 190 container positioning protrusion, first container interlocking portion

[0617] 191 Container positioning surface

[0618] 192 Container guide inclined surface, container inclined surface

[0619] 200 Container Holder

[0620] 201 Container Setting Section

[0621] 202 Container Stopper

[0622] 203 Container Detector

[0623] 204 Container Inserter

[0624] 205 output drive unit

[0625] 206 drive transmission gear

[0626] 207 Container Support

[0627] 208 Container drive motor

[0628] 209 Container opening motor

[0629] 210 Container release lever

[0630] 211 gear teeth

[0631] 212 Drive protrusion, body interlocking portion

[0632] 212a First driving protrusion

[0633] 212b Second driving protrusion

[0634] 213 Container Insertion Opening

[0635] 214 drive transmission surface

[0636] 215 Identifier protrusion group, body protrusion group, identifier protrusion group

[0637] 215a External identifier protrusion group, external protrusion group

[0638] 215b Inner identifier protrusion group, inner protrusion group

[0639] 216 first guide surface, first main body inclined surface

[0640] 217 second guide surface, second main body inclined surface

[0641] 218 third guide surface, third main body inclined surface

[0642] 219 reinforcement ribs

[0643] 220 output guide surface

[0644] 290 Body interlocking member

[0645] 291 Main body positioning protrusion, first main body interlocking portion

[0646] 292 Body positioning surface

[0647] 293 Main body guide surface

[0648] 295 Body identifier part, second body interlocking part

[0649] 295a External Subject Identifier Part

[0650] 295b Subject Identifier Part

[0651] 300 Scanner

[0652] 301 contact glass

[0653] 302 First Scanning Subject

[0654] 303 Second Scanning Subject

[0655] 304 Imaging Lens

[0656] 305 Read Sensor

[0657] 400 Automatic File Feeder

[0658] 401 Document Desk

[0659] 500 copier

[0660] 600 printer

[0661] 601 Sheet supply path in printer

[0662] 602 registration roller pair

[0663] 603 Manual Supply Path

[0664] 604 Manual Feed Roller

[0665] 605 Manual Feed Tray

[0666] 606 discharge roller pair

[0667] 607 Ejection Tray

[0668] 608 Separation Roller

[0669] 700 Sheet Feeding Table

[0670] 701 Sheet Box

[0671] 702 supply roller

[0672] 703 Separation Roller

[0673] 704 Sheet supply path

[0674] 705 conveyor roller pair

[0675] Ly for yellow beams

[0676] P sheet

[0677] Λ Central angle

[0678] List of citations

[0679] Patent Literature

[0680] Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 7-168430

Claims

1. A powder container insertable into an imaging device, the powder container comprising a container body and a cap, a plurality of follower portions provided on an outer periphery of the cap, the cap covering an outer circumference of one end portion of the container body, each of the plurality of follower portions comprising: a drive-transmitted surface extending in the insertion direction and configured to interlock with a first protrusion of the image forming apparatus, the first protrusion being rotatable and protruding toward an upstream side in the insertion direction in which the powder container is inserted, wherein the drive-transmitted surface stands outward from an outer circumference of the powder container; and an inclined surface extending in an inclined manner with respect to the insertion direction from an upstream end portion of the drive transmitted surface to a downstream side in the insertion direction, wherein the downstream end portion of the inclined surface in the insertion direction is connected to the downstream end portion of the adjacent drive transmitted surface in the insertion direction, The powder container further includes an identifier opening group, which is arranged at the front end portion of the powder container in the insertion direction, wherein the second protrusion of the imaging device is interlocked with the identifier opening group, and the second protrusion protrudes toward the upstream side in the insertion direction to identify the type of the powder container, and the drive is transmitted. The surface and the identifier opening group rotate integrally.

2. The powder container according to claim 1, wherein The drive-transmitted surface contacts two first protrusions of the image forming device at respective positions spaced 180 degrees apart in the rotational direction to receive the rotational drive.

3. The powder container according to claim 1, wherein A discharge port for discharging powder stored in the powder container is provided in the vicinity of a rotation axis driving the delivered surface and the identifier opening group in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis.

4. The powder container according to claim 1, wherein The powder container stores toner as powder.

5. An imaging device comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on an image carrier by using powder for image formation; a powder conveying unit that conveys powder to the imaging unit; and The powder container according to claim 1, wherein the powder container is removably held by the powder delivery unit.

Images