Movable shielding mechanism, toner container, toner cartridge, and image forming device

Abstract

The movable shade mechanism includes a movable shade, a movable shade support member, and an elastic member. The movable shade moves in one direction to close the opening. The movable shade support member supports the movable shade. The elastic member applies forces to the movable shade and the movable shade support member in opposite directions. The movable shade includes an abutment portion that hooks onto the movable shade support member, and the abutment portion is biased by the elastic member. At least one of the abutment portion and the movable shade support member has a hook reinforcement structure to strengthen the hooking of the movable shade onto the movable shade support member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a movable shutter mechanism, a toner container, a toner cartridge, and an image forming apparatus. Background Art

[0002] A technology is known for a toner container having a movable shutter that is pushed and opened by a toner supply portion of the device body when the toner container is inserted into the body and automatically closed by the elastic force of a spring when the toner container is pulled out (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-112120).

[0003] In a conventional movable shield mechanism, as a movable shield holding mechanism, two claws are used which are line-symmetrical with respect to the line of action of the elastic force of the spring, so that when the movable shield is opened or closed, the movable shield will not pop out due to the elastic force of the spring.

[0004] The claw opens and closes in a direction perpendicular to the elastic force of the spring and serves as a holding mechanism when the claw is open.

[0005] The elastic force of the spring presses the opened claw against the retaining portion assembly that fixes the movable shield in the same direction as the elastic force, thereby preventing the movable shield from popping out.

[0006] However, if the movable shutter deteriorates due to long-term use and an impact such as falling is applied to the movable shutter, the claws may close due to a combination of the impact and the elastic force of the spring. Therefore, there is a problem that the movable shutter may pop out.

[0007] Citation List

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-112120 Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a movable shielding mechanism that prevents an movable shielding assembly from falling off due to impact or the like.

[0012] Solutions to the Problem

[0013] To address the above-mentioned issues, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a movable shield mechanism including a movable shield, a movable shield support component, and an elastic component. The movable shield moves in one direction to close an opening. The movable shield support component supports the movable shield. The elastic component applies forces to the movable shield and the movable shield support component in opposite directions. The movable shield includes an abutment portion hooked on the movable shield support component, the abutment portion being urged by the elastic component. At least one of the abutment portion and the movable shield support component has a hook reinforcement structure to reinforce the hooking of the movable shield on the movable shield support component.

[0014] Effects of the present invention

[0015] According to the present disclosure, a movable shielding mechanism can be provided that prevents an movable shielding assembly from falling off due to impact or the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope thereof. Unless explicitly stated, the accompanying drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale. In addition, in all drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar parts.

[0017] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 Shown is the toner container set in Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the state of the toner supply device in the image forming apparatus shown.

[0019] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a state in which a toner container is set in a toner supply device.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of a toner container.

[0021] Figure 5 Shown is a cross-sectional view of a toner container and a toner supply device in which the toner container is installed.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a state in which the front end cover is removed from the toner container.

[0023] Figure 7 Shown is a perspective view of a state in which the nozzle receiving member is detached from the toner container main body.

[0024] Figure 8A and 8B This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the nozzle receiving member is removed from the toner container main body.

[0025] Figure 9 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the nozzle receiving member is mounted on the toner container body.

[0026] Figure 10 The shown is along Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of line EE.

[0027] Figure 11 Shown is a side view showing the configuration of a toner container.

[0028] Figure 12 Shown is a perspective view of the nozzle receiving member viewed from the front end side of the toner container.

[0029] Figure 13 Shown is a perspective view of the nozzle receiving member viewed from the rear end side of the toner container.

[0030] Figure 14 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of an example of a nozzle receiving component in the illustrated state.

[0031] Figure 15 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of another example of a nozzle receiving member in the illustrated state.

[0032] Figure 16 Shown is an exploded perspective view of an example of a nozzle receiving component.

[0033] Figure 17A and Figure 17B Shown is a schematic diagram of an example of an active shield pop-up for container degradation.

[0034] Figure 18A and 18B FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the movable shielding mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 19A and 19B FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the movable shielding mechanism according to the second embodiment.

[0036] Figures 20A to 20D FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the movable shielding mechanism according to the third embodiment.

[0037] Figure 21A and 21B FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the movable shielding mechanism according to the fourth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 22 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the movable shielding mechanism according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of the invention.As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0040] In describing the embodiments shown in the drawings, specific words are used for clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific words selected, and it should be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that have similar functions, operate in a similar manner, and achieve similar results.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings for describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, elements or components that are identical or similar in function or shape are given the same reference numerals as long as they can be distinguished, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0042] First, an image forming apparatus is described in which a toner container to which a movable shutter mechanism according to an embodiment is applied (hereinafter also referred to as “toner container according to an embodiment” as appropriate) is attachable and detachable.

[0043] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The figure shows an example of the structure of a copy machine 500 as an example of an image forming apparatus. The copy machine 500 includes a main body (hereinafter referred to as the "printer unit 100"), a sheet feeding table (hereinafter referred to as the "sheet feeding section 200"), and a scanner (hereinafter referred to as the "scanner unit 400") provided above the printer unit 100.

[0044] A toner container mounting portion 70 is provided above the printing unit 100. Four detachable (replaceable) toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K, serving as powder containers (also collectively referred to as "toner containers 32"), each containing yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners, are provided in the toner container mounting portion 70. An intermediate transfer unit 85 is provided below the toner container mounting portion 70.

[0045] The intermediate transfer unit 85 includes an intermediate transfer belt 48 (serving as an intermediate transfer member), four primary transfer rollers 49Y, 49M, 49C, and 49K, a secondary transfer backup roller 82, a plurality of tension rollers, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning member. The intermediate transfer belt 48 is stretched and supported by the plurality of rollers. When the secondary transfer backup roller 82 among the plurality of rollers rotates, the intermediate transfer belt 48 is stretched and supported by the plurality of rollers. Figure 1 Rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow.

[0046] In the printer unit 100, four imaging units 46Y, 46M, 46C, and 46K (also collectively referred to as "imaging units 46") are arranged in parallel to form yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images, respectively, facing the intermediate transfer belt 48. Four toner supply devices 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K (also collectively referred to as "toner supply devices 60") are provided below the corresponding four toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K, respectively. The toner supply devices 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K supply the toner (used as powder) contained in the corresponding toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K to the developing devices 50 (see FIG. 5 ) of the corresponding imaging units 46Y, 46M, 46C, and 46K, respectively. Figure 2 Developing device 50Y in).

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the printer unit 100 further includes an exposure device 47 as a latent image forming device below the four imaging units 46. The exposure device 47 illuminates and scans the surfaces of the photoreceptors 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K based on the image data read by the scanner unit 400, thereby forming latent images on the surfaces of the photoreceptors 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K. The image data may be read by the scanner unit 400 or input from an external device such as a personal computer connected to the copier 500.

[0048] Detailed description of the image forming process by, for example, the image forming units 46Y, 46M, 46C, and 46K, the photoreceptors 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K, the exposure device 47, and the developing device is omitted. For example, the same method as that in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-112120 can be applied. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The description of the imaging process is basically the same as that of FIG.

[0049] The sheet feeding section 200 conveys recording medium P from the sheet feeding tray 26 provided below the printer unit 100 via, for example, a feed roller 27 and a pair of registration rollers 28 to an image forming process. The recording medium P, onto which a multi-color toner image is transferred in the image forming process, is conveyed to the fixing device 86. The fixing device 86 fixes the multi-color toner image on the recording medium P. After passing through the fixing device 86, the recording medium P is ejected to the outside of the printer unit 100 by the pair of output rollers 29. The recording medium P is sequentially stacked on the stacking tray 30 as an output image. The above description is an overview of the printer unit 100 of the copier 500.

[0050] Next, the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K and the toner supply devices 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K are described in more detail. Figure 2Schematic diagram showing a state where the toner container 32Y is mounted on the toner supply device 60Y. Figure 3 Illustrated is a perspective view of a state in which four toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K are mounted in the toner container mounting portion 70 .

[0051] The toners of the respective colors contained in the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K mounted in the toner container mounting portion 70 of the printer unit 100 are supplied to the corresponding developing devices 50 of the imaging units 46Y, 46M, 46C, and 46K according to the amount of toner consumed in the developing devices 50. Toner concentration sensors 56Y, 56M, 56C, and 56K detect the toner concentrations in the developing devices 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K, respectively. Toner supply devices 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K supply the toners of the respective colors from the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K to the corresponding developing devices 50Y, 50M, 50C, and 50K, respectively. The four toner supply devices 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K have the same configuration, except for the colors of the toners used in the imaging process. The toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K have the same configuration except for the color of the toner used in the image forming process. Therefore, the toner supply device 60Y and toner container 32Y for yellow will be described below as representative. The description of the toner supply devices 60M, 60C, and 60K for the other three colors and the toner containers 32M, 32C, and 32K may be omitted.

[0052] The toner supply devices 60Y, 60M, 60C and 60K respectively include a toner container mounting portion 70, a delivery pipe port 611Y, 611M, 611C and 611K as a delivery pipe, a delivery screw 614Y, 614M, 614C and 614K as a delivery member, a toner downward delivery passage 64Y, 64M, 64C and 64K, and drive units 91Y, 91M, 91C and 91K to rotate the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C and 32K. For ease of explanation, with respect to the mounting direction of the toner supply device 60Y of the toner container 32Y, one end of the container body 33 on which the container opening 33a described later is provided is referred to as the "front end of the toner container". The opposite end of the container body 33 on which the handle 303 described later is provided is referred to as the "rear end of the toner container". Along with the toner container 32Y Figure 3 In conjunction with the insertion of the toner container mounting portion 70 of the printing unit 100 in the direction indicated by arrow Q, the delivery nozzle 611Y of the toner supply device 60Y is inserted into the toner container 32Y from the front end side. This action connects the interior of the toner container 32Y with the interior of the delivery nozzle 611Y.

[0053] The toner container 32Y is, for example, a substantially cylindrical toner bottle. The toner container 32Y includes a container front end cover 34Y non-rotatably held by the toner container mounting portion 70, and a container body 33Y (serving as a toner storage member) formed together with a container gear 301Y. The container body 33Y is rotatably held relative to the container front end cover 34Y.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the colorant container mounting portion 70 mainly includes a container cover receiving portion 73, a container receiving portion 72, and an insertion port portion 71. The container cover receiving portion 73 holds the container front end cover 34Y of the colorant container 32Y. The container receiving portion 72 holds the container body 33Y of the colorant container 32Y. The insertion port portion 71 and the container receiving portion 72 together determine the insertion port when the colorant container 32Y is installed. In addition, Figure 2 The illustrated socket 608Y is a part of the container cap receiving portion 73 of the toner container mount 70 .

[0055] Here, the longitudinal length of the container receiving portion 72 is almost equal to the longitudinal length of the container body 33Y. The container cover receiving portion 73 is provided at one end of the container receiving portion 72 where the front end of the toner container 32Y is provided in the longitudinal direction (installation direction) of the container receiving portion 72. The insertion opening 71 is provided at the other end of the container receiving portion 72 in the longitudinal direction of the container receiving portion 72. Figure 3 In the embodiment, a groove extending from the insertion opening 71 to the container cover receiving portion 73 is provided just below the four toner containers 32 , and the long side of the groove is aligned with the axial direction of the container body 33 .

[0056] Next, the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. As described above, the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K have substantially the same configuration, except for the different toner colors used. Therefore, the suffixes Y, M, C, and K indicating the toner colors will be omitted in the following description.

[0057] Figure 4 FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the toner container 32. Figure 4 As shown, an identification (ID) tag 700 (e.g., an ID chip) is provided on the container front end cover 34 to record data such as the usage conditions of the toner container 32. When the toner container 32 is mounted, the position of the container front end cover 34 on the toner supply device 60 is determined by the engagement of the sliding guide 361 with the sliding rail of the container receiving portion 72.

[0058] In a state where the container front end cover 34Y is mounted on the container cover receiving portion 73, a rotational driving force is input from the driving unit 91Y via the container driving gear to the container gear 301Y of the container body 33Y (see FIG. Figure 2 By this driving force, the container body 33Y moves Figure 2 The container body 33Y rotates in the direction of the arrow A shown (hereinafter referred to as "rotation direction A"). When the container body 33Y rotates, the spiral protrusion 302Y (serving as a rotation conveying portion) spirally formed on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 33Y also rotates. The toner contained in the container body 33Y is transferred along the longitudinal direction of the container body 33Y from the position located at the bottom of the container body 33Y. Figure 2 The toner is transported from one end on the left side (where the handle 303Y is provided) to the other end on the right side (where the container opening 33a is provided). Therefore, the toner is supplied from the container front end cover 34Y provided at the other end to the transport nozzle 611Y.

[0059] When the life of each toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K has expired, that is, when almost all the toner contained in the toner container 32 has been consumed, the toner container 32 is replaced with a new one. A handle 303Y is provided at one end of the toner container 32Y opposite to the container front end cover 34Y. When replacing the toner container 32Y, the user can grasp the handle 303Y to remove each toner container 32Y from the copier 500.

[0060] Figure 5 Shown is a cross-sectional view of the toner supply device 60 and the front end of the toner container 32 mounted to the toner supply device 60 . Figure 6 Shown is from Figure 4 The illustrated state is a perspective view of a state in which the container front end cover 34 is removed from the toner container 32 .

[0061] As described above, the colorant container 32 includes a container body 33 and a container front end cover 34. A nozzle receiving port 331 is provided in the central area of ​​the front end surface of the colorant container 32, which serves as a nozzle insertion port for receiving the insertion of the conveying nozzle 611 when the colorant container 32 is installed. The container movable shield 332, which serves as an opening and closing component, is set to close the nozzle receiving port 331 when the colorant container 32 is not installed. The colorant container 32 in the present disclosure is not limited to a configuration mainly including a container body 33 and a container front end cover 34. For example, when the container front end cover 34 does not include functions such as a sliding guide 361 and an ID tag 700, the colorant container 32 can be as follows. Figure 6 As shown, it is used as a toner container without the container front end cover 34. In addition, by providing the toner container with functions such as the slide guide 361 and the ID tag 700, a toner container without the container front end cover can be obtained.

[0062] Figure 7 Shown is from Figure 6 FIG8 is a perspective view of the toner container 32 in a state where the nozzle receiving member 330 as the tube insertion member is removed from the container body 33. FIG8 is a cross-sectional view of the toner container 32 in a state where the nozzle receiving member 330 is removed from the container body 33. Figure 9 8 will be mounted on the nozzle receiving member 330 of the container body 33 of the state of the toner container 32 (eg Figure 6 1 is a cross-sectional view of a toner container 32 with the container front end cover 34 removed.

[0063] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the container body 33 is roughly cylindrical in shape and can rotate around the central axis of the cylindrical shape (i.e., the rotation axis). Hereinafter, the direction parallel to the rotation axis will be referred to as the "axial direction". In addition, the long side direction of the colorant container 32 is its axial direction, and when the colorant container 32 is installed in the colorant supply device 60, the axial direction remains horizontal. The outer diameter of the portion of the container body 33 that is closer to the rear end of the container than the container gear 301 (in other words, the upstream side of the installation direction Q) (i.e., the large diameter portion) is larger than the front end of the container body 33, and a spiral rib 302 is provided on the inner surface of the large diameter portion. When the container body 33 is rotated along Figure 4 When rotating in the direction A shown, the spiral rib 302 applies a conveying force to the toner in the container body 33 in the direction from one end (the container rear end) to the other end (the container front end) in the axial direction. In other words, a spiral protrusion serving as a conveying portion is disposed within the container body.

[0064] The inner wall of the front end of the container body 33 includes a scooping portion 304. Figure 6 and 7 The toner conveyed to the front end of the toner container 32 by the spiral rib 302 is lifted (scooped) by the rotation in the direction A. Figure 9 As shown, the scooping portion 304 includes a convex portion 304h and a scooping wall surface 304f. The convex portion 304h is a portion (convex portion) that rises toward the center of rotation of the container body 33 while forming a spiral. The scooping wall surface 304f is the downstream wall surface of the wall surface that is continuous from the convex portion 304h to the inner wall surface of the outer peripheral surface of the container body 33, sandwiching the convex portion 304h, when viewed in the rotation direction of the toner container 32.

[0065] When the scooping wall 304f is at the bottom, the toner that enters the internal space opposite to the scooping portion 304 due to the conveying force of the spiral protrusion 302 is scooped upward by the scooping wall 304f according to the rotation of the container body 33. Therefore, the toner can be lifted to a position higher than the conveying pipe mouth 611 inserted into the container body 33. In other words, the toner is lifted from the bottom to the top. As the rotation continues, the toner scooped by the scooping wall 304f slides down from the scooping wall 304f due to gravity, or collapses and falls. Due to the presence of the conveying pipe mouth 611 (described later) serving as a conveying pipe on the main body, the toner moves toward the pipe mouth opening of the conveying pipe.

[0066] Figure 10 Shown is along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the EE line. Figure 10 As shown, due to the effect that the container body 33 is formed by blow molding, the convex portion 304h has a gentle mountain shape. Figure 5 In order to distinguish the scooping portion 304, the convex portion 304h is represented by a curve. The scooping wall 304f is Figure 5 The area represented by the grid in . Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 1 , this region is a pair of inclined surfaces connecting the protrusion 304h and the inner peripheral surface of the container body 33 with the rotation axis of the container body 33 as a point-symmetrical reference point. The protrusion 304h is continuously provided from the inner wall surface of the container where the protrusion starts to extend toward the inner wall surface on the opposite side facing the inner wall surface, extending in the direction of the opening. Figure 5 The location of the EE line cross section is shown, Figure 5 The cutting direction of the EE line cross section is substantially the same as the extending direction of the wall surface on the upstream side of the container rotation direction in the inner wall surface divided by the protrusion 304h. Figure 10 As shown, the wall has a large thickness. The protrusion 304h is also located at a position where the protrusion 304h appears to have a large thickness.

[0067] like Figure 11 As shown, since the toner needs to be transported toward the container opening 33a, the wall surface 304f is scooped from the convex portion 304h toward the container opening 33a to be away from the longitudinal axis ( Figure 11 The scooping wall 304f is tilted in a manner indicated by the dashed line (shown in the figure). With this configuration, when the scooping wall 304f scoops toner and rotates, it tilts toward the opening (in other words, it tilts downward from the horizontal direction toward the opening, more specifically, it tilts radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis). Therefore, the toner can be easily transported toward the container opening.

[0068] The container gear 301 is provided in the container body 33 at a position closer to the front end of the toner container 32 than the scooping portion 304. When the container front end cover 34 is mounted on the container body 33, in order to make a part of the container gear 301 ( Figure 4 A portion of the container front cover 34 is cut away to provide a gear exposure opening 34a. When the toner container 32 is mounted on the toner supply device 60, the container gear 301 exposed through the gear exposure opening 34a meshes with the container drive gear of the toner supply device 60.

[0069] The cylindrical container opening 33a is positioned closer to the front end of the toner container 32 than the container gear 301 in the container body 33. The receiving member fixing portion 337 of the nozzle receiving member 330 is pressed into the container opening 33a to secure the nozzle receiving member 330 to the container body 33. The method for securing the nozzle receiving member 330 is not limited to pressing in. Alternatively, the nozzle receiving member 330 may be adhesively bonded or screwed to the container body 33, for example. After toner is replenished into the container body 33 from the container opening 33a, the nozzle receiving member 330 is secured to the container opening 33a of the container body 33.

[0070] A cover hook 306 is provided at the end of the container opening 33a of the container body 33 near the container gear 301. Figure 6 shown) from the front side of the toner container 32 ( Figure 6 Install it to the lower left side of the Figure 6 The toner container 32 (container body 33) is shown in the illustrated state. The container body 33 axially extends through the container front cover 34. A cover hook 341, provided on the upper portion of the container front cover 34, engages with a cover claw 306. The cover claw 306 extends over the entire circumference of the container opening 33a. With the cover hook 341 engaged with the cover claw 306, the container body 33 is rotatable relative to the container front cover 34.

[0071] The container body 33 is manufactured by biaxial stretch blow molding. Typically, biaxial stretch blow molding involves two steps: preform molding and stretch blow molding. In the preform molding step, resin is injected into a preform molded into a test tube shape. In the injection molding step, the container opening 33a, the cover hook 306, and the container gear 301 are formed at the mouth of the test tube-shaped preform. After the preform molding step, the preform is cooled, removed from the mold, and heated (softened). The softened preform is then blow molded and stretched (stretch blow molding).

[0072] The portion of the container body 33 that is closer to the rear end of the colorant container 32 than the container gear 301 is formed in the stretch blow molding process. That is, the scooping portion 304, the portion formed with the spiral rib 302, and the handle 303 are formed by stretch blow molding. The shape of the front end of the container body 33, including the container gear 301 and portions located closer to the front end of the colorant container 32 than the container gear 301, such as the container opening 33a and the cover hook 306, remains unchanged from the preform produced by injection molding. Therefore, dimensional accuracy can be improved. On the other hand, the dimensional accuracy of the scooping portion 304, the portion including the spiral rib 302, and the handle 303 formed by stretch blow molding after injection molding can be lower than that of the preform.

[0073] Next, the nozzle receiving portion 330 fixed to the container body 33 will be described. Figure 12 Shown is a perspective view of the nozzle receiving member 330 viewed from the front side of the toner container 32 . Figure 13 Shown is a perspective view of the nozzle receiving part 330 viewed from the rear side of the toner container. Figure 14 It's from above Figure 9 A top cross-sectional view of the nozzle receiving member 330 in the illustrated state. Figure 15 yes Figure 9 The status shown ( Figure 9 A transverse cross-sectional view of the nozzle receiving component 330 (inner side). Figure 16 Shown is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle receiving component 330.

[0074] The nozzle receiving member 330 includes a container movable shield support member 340 (serving as a support member), a container movable shield 332, a container seal 333 (serving as a sealing member), a container movable shield spring 336 (serving as a biasing member), and a receiving member fixing portion 337. The container movable shield support member 340 includes a rear end support portion 335 (serving as a rear end portion), a pair of movable shield side support members 335a (serving as side portions), a movable shield support opening portion 335b, and a receiving member fixing portion 337 (serving as a side opening portion). The container movable shield spring 336 is, for example, a coil spring.

[0075] The movable shielding side support member 335a and the movable shielding support opening 335b of the container movable shielding support member 340a are arranged adjacent to each other in the rotation direction of the colorant container 32. The two movable shielding side support members 335a facing each other form a part of the cylindrical shape. The cylindrical shape is largely cut out in the part (two places) of the movable shielding support opening 335b. This shape can guide the container movable shield 332 in the cylindrical space S1 inside the cylindrical shape (see Figure 14), in other words, it moves toward an open position for opening the nozzle receiving opening 331 and a closed position for closing the nozzle receiving opening 331. That is, the container body has a protrusion shape that protrudes from a portion of the container opening in the container body toward the rear end of the toner container.

[0076] The nozzle receiving part 330 fixed on the container body 33 rotates together with the container body 33 as the container body 33 rotates. At this time, the movable shielding side support part 330a of the nozzle receiving part 335 rotates around the conveying nozzle 611 of the colorant supply device 60. The movable shielding side support part 335a and the movable shielding support opening part 335b alternately pass through the space directly above the nozzle hole 610 formed in the upper part of the conveying nozzle 611. If the colorant accumulates above the nozzle hole 610 instantaneously, the movable shielding side support part 335a will cross and destroy the accumulation of the colorant. This structure suppresses the aggregation of the colorant when the device is not in use, and suppresses the poor conveyance of the colorant when the device is restarted. On the other hand, when the movable shielding side support part 335a is located on the lateral side of the conveying nozzle 611 and the nozzle hole 610 faces the movable shielding support opening part 335b, as shown Figure 5 As shown by arrow β in FIG, the toner is supplied from the container body 33 to the delivery nozzle 611 through the movable shutter support opening 335 b.

[0077] The container movable shutter 332 includes a cylindrical end portion 332c (serving as a sealing portion), a sliding portion 332d, a guide rod 332e, and a pair of movable shutter retaining hooks 332a. The cylindrical end portion 332c is positioned at the front end of the toner container 32 to closely contact the cylindrical opening (the nozzle receiving opening 331) of the container seal 333. The sliding portion 332d is positioned closer to the rear end of the toner container 32 than the cylindrical end portion 332c and has a slightly larger diameter than the cylindrical end portion 332c. The sliding portion 332d is a cylindrical portion that slides on the inner circumferential surface of a pair of movable shutter side support members 335a. The guide rod 332e is a rod extending from the interior of the cylindrical end portion 332c toward the rear end of the toner container 32 and is inserted into the coil of the container movable shutter spring 336 to prevent the spring 336 from bending. The guide rod 332e includes a guide rod sliding portion 332g in an area near the rear end of the toner container 32. The guide rod sliding portion 332g is a pair of flat surfaces formed on either side of the cylindrical guide rod 332e, extending from the middle of the cylindrical guide rod 332e across the central axis of the guide rod 332e. The guide rod sliding portion 332g bifurcates near the rear end of the toner container 32 to form a pair of cantilever arms 332f. Each of a pair of movable shield retaining hooks 332a is provided at the end of the cantilever arm 332f opposite the root end of the guide rod 332e. The pair of movable shield retaining hooks 332a are a pair of claws that prevent the container movable shield 332 from sliding off the container movable shield support member 340.

[0078] like Figure 14 and 15 As shown, the front end of the container movable shielding spring 336 contacts the inner wall surface of the container movable shielding 332, and the rear end of the container movable shielding spring 336 contacts the wall surface of the rear end support portion 335. Since the container movable shielding spring 336 is in a compressed state, the container movable shielding 332 moves away from the rear end support portion 335 (in the direction of the container movable shielding 332). Figure 14 and 15 However, the movable shield holding hook 332a at the rear end of the container movable shield 332 is hooked on the outer wall of the rear end support portion 335. Figure 14 and Figure 15 Compared to the state shown, the container movable shutter 332 is prevented from moving away from the rear end support portion 335. Positioning is achieved by the hooking of the movable shutter retaining hook 332a on the movable shutter rear end support portion 335 and the application of the force of the container movable shutter spring 336. Specifically, the cylindrical end portion 332c and the container seal 333, which prevent toner leakage from the container movable shutter 332, are axially positioned relative to the container movable shutter support member 340. Consequently, the cylindrical end portion 332c and the container seal 333 are positioned in close contact with each other, thereby preventing toner leakage.

[0079] The receiving member fixing portion 337 has a tubular shape in which the diameters of the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface gradually decrease toward the rear end of the toner container 32. When viewed from the front end of the toner container 32 to the rear end of the toner container 32, the diameter decreases. Figure 15 As shown, the outer peripheral surface has two outer diameter portions (outer peripheral surfaces AA and BB, in order from the front end of the toner container). The inner peripheral surface has five inner diameter portions (inner peripheral surfaces CC, DD, EE, FF, and GG, in order from the front end of the toner container). The boundary between outer peripheral surface AA and outer peripheral surface BB is continuous via a tapered surface. The boundary between the fourth inner peripheral surface FF and the fifth inner peripheral surface GG on the inner peripheral surface is also continuous via a tapered surface. The inner peripheral surface FF and the tapered surface continuous with the inner peripheral surface FF correspond to the seal member entanglement prevention space 337b described later. The ridges of the inner peripheral surface FF and the tapered surface correspond to the sides of the pentagonal cross section described later.

[0080] like Figures 14 to 16 As shown, a pair of movable shutter side support members 335a, each having an axially cut cylindrical shape, are positioned opposite each other in an area closer to the rear end of the toner container 32 than the receiving member fixing portion 337. The ends of the two movable shutter side support members 335a on the rear side of the toner container 32 are connected to the rear end support portion 335, which has a cup shape and an elliptical hole at the bottom. With the two movable shutter side support members 335a facing each other, a cylindrical space S1 is defined by the cylindrical inner wall surfaces of the movable shutter side support members 335a and the virtual cylindrical surface extending from the inner wall surface. The receiving member fixing portion 337 includes a fifth inner circumferential surface GG, which extends from the front end of the cylindrical inner circumferential surface and has an inner diameter equal to the diameter of the cylindrical space S1. The sliding portion 332d of the container movable shutter 332 slides within the cylindrical space S1 and on the inner circumferential surface GG. The third inner circumferential surface EE of the receiving component fixing portion 337 is a virtual circumferential surface of the longitudinal top of the nozzle movable shielding rib 337a arranged at equal intervals of 45 degrees. Figure 14 、 Figure 15 The container seal 333 is a cylindrical (circular, cylindrical) container seal 333. The container seal 333 is fixed to the vertical surface connected from the third inner peripheral surface EE to the fifth inner peripheral surface FF by adhesive, double-sided tape, etc. The opposite side ( Figure 14 、 Figure 15 The exposed surface (on the right side in the figure) forms the inner bottom of the cylindrical opening of the cylindrical receiving component fixing portion 337 (container opening).

[0081] like Figure 14 and Figure 15As shown, a sealant entanglement prevention space 337b (sandwich prevention space) is formed corresponding to the inner circumferential surface FF of the receiving component fixing portion 337 and the conical surface continuous with the inner circumferential surface FF. The sealant entanglement prevention space 337b is an annular sealed space surrounded by three different components. That is, the inner circumferential surface of the receiving component fixing portion 337 (the fourth inner circumferential surface FF and the conical surface continuous with the fourth inner circumferential surface FF), the vertical surface of the close-fitting side of the container seal 333, and the annular space surrounded by the outer circumferential surface from the cylindrical end 332c of the container movable shield 332 to the sliding portion 332d. The cross section of the annular space ( Figure 14 、 Figure 15 The angle formed by the inner circumference of the receiving component fixing portion 337 and the end face of the container seal 333, and the angle formed by the outer circumference of the container movable shield 332 and the end face of the container seal 333, are both 90 degrees.

[0082] In the above configuration, if a stronger-than-expected external impact is applied, the movable shutter retaining hook 332a formed at the end of the movable container shutter 332, which is closer to the rear side of the toner container 32, may become unhooked and disengage from the outer wall surface of the movable shutter rear end support portion 335. This malfunction may occur, for example, if the movable container shutter 332 deteriorates. In this case, the movable container shutter 332 may be ejected from the nozzle receiving member 330.

[0083] Here, the pop-up of the container active shield 332 will be described. Figure 17A and Figure 17B The following is a schematic diagram of the container's degraded active occlusion pop-up. Figure 17A In the figure, the claw 1, two shafts 2, retaining member 3, and spring 4 are shown in association with the toner container 32 as follows. The claw 1 represents the movable shutter retaining hook 332a of the container movable shutter 332. The two shafts 2 represent the cantilever 332f. The retaining member 3 represents the movable shutter rear end support 335. The spring 4 represents the container movable shutter spring 336.

[0084] The cause of the pop-up of the degraded container movable shield 332 is that when the two claws 1 are slightly and simultaneously closed due to the impact, the elastic force of the spring 4 further applies force in the closing direction of the claws 1 . Figure 17A and 17B The enlarged view includes a portion surrounded by a circle, in which one claw 1 is hooked onto the holding part 3 as indicated by an arrow. Figure 17A The state shown is that the claw 1 hooks the holding member 3 . Figure 17B The spring 4 is deformed in the direction in which the two shafts 2 approach each other, and the amount by which the claw 1 hooks the holding member 3 is reduced. Figure 17B In this state, since the spring 4 applies force to the shaft 2 in the direction indicated by the arrow F0, the claw 1 is disengaged from the holding component 3.

[0085] Therefore, in order to prevent the claw 1 (movable shutter holding hook 332a) from not hooking onto the outer wall surface of the retaining member 3 (movable shutter rear end support portion 335) and detaching from the outer wall surface of the retaining member 3 even when a stronger-than-expected impact is applied from the outside, a movable shutter mechanism according to the following embodiments is provided. According to each of the following embodiments, the simultaneous closing of both claws 1 due to an impact or the reduction in the holding force when both claws 1 are slightly closed are prevented.

[0086] In each of the following embodiments, the movable shielding mechanism of one embodiment includes at least a movable shield, a movable shield supporting component and an elastic component. The movable shield moves and closes in one direction. Specifically, the movable shield is a component that moves in one direction to open and close the entrance (opening), moves in one direction to close, and moves in the other direction to open. One direction is the direction along the line of action of the elastic force of the elastic component (for example, spring 4) (along the above-mentioned axial direction). As the movable shield, it is preferable to use a material whose maintenance function does not decrease due to the deterioration of each component or the action of impact force.

[0087] The movable shade includes a support portion and a beam portion. The support portion, while being biased by an elastic member, hooks onto the movable shade support member. The support portion automatically closes the movable shade via the elastic member and serves as a retaining mechanism to secure the movable shade in the closed position. The beam portion is capable of moving the support portion in a direction intersecting one direction. The movable shade support member supports the movable shade. The elastic member biases the movable shade and the movable shade support member in opposite directions.

[0088] The movable shade mechanism according to the following embodiments is characterized in that, after the beam portion is elastically deformed by the force applied by the elastic member, the amount of engagement or contact area between the abutment portion and the movable shade support member is greater than before the elastic deformation. The amount of engagement refers to the distance from the edge of the support member to the farthest point of contact between the abutment portion and the support member. Figure 17A The distance L shown in the circle on the left side of is an example of the hooking amount. Figure 17A The movable shutter mechanism according to one embodiment uses these components as a claw (serving as a contact portion), two shafts (serving as beam portions), a retaining member (serving as part of the movable shutter support member), and a spring (serving as an elastic member).

[0089] When the movable shield mechanism according to one embodiment is applied to the above-described toner container 32, the movable shield mechanism includes, for example, a container movable shield 332 (serving as a movable shield), a movable shield retaining hook 332a (serving as a supporting portion), a cantilever 332f (serving as a beam portion), a movable shield rear end support portion 335 or a container movable shield support member 340 having the movable shield rear end support portion 335 (serving as a movable shield support member), and a container movable shield spring 336 (serving as an elastic member). Specifically, the movable shield mechanism according to one embodiment includes, for example, the container seal 333 in the above-described container movable shield 332. In the following embodiments, description thereof is omitted. Some features of each embodiment are described below.

[0090] First embodiment

[0091] The first embodiment is characterized in that the abutment portion has an elastic function and is elastically deformed in a direction away from the beam portion by a force applied in the direction of the elastic member. In this configuration, the amount of hooking of the abutment portion on the movable shade support member is greater after the elastic deformation than before the elastic deformation. The hooking amount can be the contact area of ​​the abutment portion with the movable shade support member, or the amount of overlap between the abutment portion and the movable shade support member (for example, the length from the edge of the opening through which the beam portion of the movable shade support member passes to the end of the abutment portion).

[0092] In the first embodiment, the beam portion elastically deforms to cause the abutment portion to move in a direction intersecting one direction. The beam portion can be elastically deformed, thereby causing the abutment portion to move, for example, in a direction orthogonal to one direction. In the movable shield, the abutment portion and the beam portion can be formed from a single, integrated component.

[0093] Figure 18A and 18B FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the movable shielding mechanism according to the first embodiment. The movable shielding mechanism comprises at least a claw 11 , a shaft 12 , a holding member 3 and a spring 4 . Figure 18A and Figure 18B and Figure 17A and Figure 17B Likewise, an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a circle is included, in which an arrow indicates that one claw 11 is hooked on the holding member 3 .

[0094] In the first embodiment, the claw 11 (serving as the abutment portion) is a structure having an elastic function. This structure increases the elastic force of the claw 11 and the shaft 12 on which the claw 11 is provided. Even if an impact is applied, the claw 11 is not easily closed. In addition, even if the shaft 12 is slightly closed, the elastic force of the spring 4 acts in the direction of opening the claw 11. Specifically, when a force is applied in the direction of closing the shaft 12 by the elastic force of the spring 4, the claw 11 is stretched due to the elastic function, so that Figure 18BThe force applied in the direction of the arrow F1 acts. As a result, even if an impact is applied, the movable shield is prevented from popping out.

[0095] As described above, the movable shield is composed of a single component in which the claw 11 (abutment portion) serving as a holding mechanism and two shafts 12 (beam portions) are integrated. The movable shield has multiple elastic functions as follows. The claw 11 is capable of elastic deformation in a direction intersecting with one direction (for example, directions orthogonal to each other). In addition, the claw 11 is a structure with an elastic function (tensile function). With this structure, when the movable shield is subjected to an impact force, a force acts due to the elastic force to return the movable shield to the closed position. Therefore, even if an impact is applied, the holding function will not be reduced.

[0096] Second embodiment

[0097] The second embodiment is characterized in that the abutment portion is formed at an acute angle in one direction. This configuration allows the abutment portion to engage the movable shield support member more effectively after elastic deformation than before. In the second embodiment, the beam portion has the same configuration as in the first embodiment. The abutment portion and beam portion can be formed from a single, integrated component.

[0098] Figure 19A and 19B FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the movable shielding mechanism according to the second embodiment. The movable shielding mechanism comprises at least a claw 21 , a shaft 22 , a holding member 3 and a spring 4 . Figure 19A and Figure 19B and Figure 17A and Figure 17B Likewise, an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a circle is included, in which an arrow indicates that one claw 21 is hooked on the holding member 3 .

[0099] In the second embodiment, the angle between the front ends of the two claws 21 is an acute angle. With this structure, when the shaft 22 provided with the claws 21 is slightly closed due to an impact, the claws 21 and the holding member 3 come into contact with each other at the surface. Therefore, even if the claws 21 are slightly closed, the elastic force of the spring 4 acts in the direction in which the claws 21 push the holding member 3. Specifically, the force applied to the Figure 19B The force in the direction of the middle arrow F2 acts, and as a result, the pop-up of the active shield is prevented.

[0100] As described above, the claw 21 (abutment portion) that serves as the retaining mechanism for the movable shutter, in the closed position, makes surface contact perpendicular to the line of action of the retaining member 3 and the spring 4 (elastic member) at a point or line. The shape of the claw 21 ensures that when an impact force is applied, it makes surface contact. When the impact force is applied to the claw 21, the area receiving the force increases, thereby preventing the retaining function from being compromised by the impact.

[0101] Third embodiment

[0102] The third embodiment is characterized in that the movable shade has a contact portion that hooks onto the movable shade support member when biased by an elastic member. The movable shade support member has an opening through which the movable shade passes, on a surface that contacts the contact portion. The opening is shaped so as not to contact the contact portion at a predetermined position. Figures 20A to 20D FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the movable shielding mechanism according to the third embodiment. The movable shielding mechanism comprises at least a claw 31, a beam 35, a retaining member 36 and a spring 4. In addition, the movable shielding mechanism may comprise a rotary adjuster 37. Figure 20A In FIG. 1 , an enlarged perspective view of the claw 31 , the holding member 36 , and the like surrounded by a rectangle is indicated by arrows. FIG. 20B to FIG. 20D It is from Figure 20A Schematic diagram of the end surface observed by arrow A1. Figure 20B FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the holding member 36 alone before the beam portion 35 is assembled. Figure 20C The diagram shows the holding member 36 assembled with the beam portion 35 to which the rib 35 c is not attached. Figure 20C The diagram shows a holding member 36 assembled with the beam portion 35 to which the rib 35 c is attached.

[0103] In the third embodiment, the movable shade has a structure in which the claw 31 functions as a retaining mechanism by rotating. The elastic force of the spring 4 presses the claw 31 against the retaining member 36, thereby securing the movable shade's position. By adding a rotary adjuster 37, the movable shade will not pop out unless it rotates after being moved to a position where the rotary adjuster is inoperative. This allows the movable shade to withstand impact forces that can cause strong loads in a short period of time.

[0104] The beam portion 35 is provided with a claw 31 serving as an abutment portion at the front end of the shaft 35a. The retaining member 36 has an opening 36b sized so that the claw 31, which is a movable shield, and a portion of the shaft 35a extend through a contact surface 36a abutting against the claw 31 from the front side of the toner container 32 toward the rear side of the toner container 32. The opening 36b is shaped so that when the claw 31 rotates from the front side of the toner container 32 toward the rear side of the toner container 32 after passing through the contact surface 36a, the claw 31 does not return to the front side of the toner container 32. 20A to 20DThe figure shows a state in which the claw 31 is hooked on the contact surface 36a. When the spring 4 applies force to the movable shield, the claw 31 is hooked on the contact surface 36a. In addition, in a portion of the shaft 35a that is further rearward than the opening (away from the front end where the abutment portion is located), a rib 35c is provided that passes through the opening in the above-mentioned hooked state. This is a limiting structure that limits the rotation of the shaft 35a from the state of being hooked by the shaft 35a when opening and closing the movable shield. Generally, when there is little possibility of applying force in the rotational direction, or when there are other suppressing structures, the rib 35c can also be omitted.

[0105] As described above, the claw 31 (abutment portion) serving as the retaining mechanism for the movable shield is configured to function in the direction of the elastic force of the elastic member and in the direction of rotation about the line of action. The retaining force will not be reduced unless multiple forces are applied in stages, so the retaining function will not be degraded by the impact force.

[0106] Fourth embodiment

[0107] The fourth embodiment is characterized in that the plurality of abutting portions are arranged at different positions in the one direction. In the fourth embodiment, the beam portion has the same structure as the first embodiment. The abutting portion and the beam portion may be formed by an integrated single component.

[0108] Figure 21A and 21B FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the movable shielding mechanism according to the fourth embodiment. The movable shielding mechanism comprises at least a claw 41 , a shaft 42 , a holding member 3 and a spring 4 . Figure 21A and Figure 21B and Figure 17A and Figure 17B Likewise, an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a circle is included, in which the hooking of the claw 41 on the holding member 3 is indicated by an arrow.

[0109] In the fourth embodiment, the shafts 42 of the two claws 41 have different lengths. Specifically, the different lengths of the shafts 42 of the two claws 41 cause the two claws 41 to be at different positions along the line of action of the elastic force (disposed at different positions in one direction). As a result, when an impact force is applied, the two claws 41 will not close at the same time, thereby preventing the movable shield from popping out. For example, in Figure 21A On the left side, the upper claw 41 contacts the holding part 3, and the lower claw 41 does not contact the holding part 3. When the shaft 42 is elastically deformed from this state, the shaft 42 is in Figure 21B At this time, the force in the direction indicated by the arrow F4 acts on the lower shaft 42 where the claw 41 is not in contact with the holding member 3. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the claw 41 from falling off from the holding member 3.

[0110] As described above, the claw 41 (abutment portion) that serves as the retaining mechanism for the movable shade is asymmetrical relative to the line of action of the spring 4 (elastic member). The claw 41 is shaped so as to support the impact force at a single point relative to the retaining member 3. This configuration disperses the impact force received by the movable shade in a direction different from the elastic force of the elastic member, preventing the retaining function from being compromised by the impact force.

[0111] Fifth embodiment

[0112] The fifth embodiment is characterized in that the supporting portion of the movable shade has a protrusion that protrudes toward the movable shade support member. The movable shade support member has a recessed portion that accommodates the protrusion (protrusion). In the fifth embodiment, the beam portion has the same structure as the first embodiment. The supporting portion, beam portion, and protrusion can be formed from a single, integrated component.

[0113] Figure 22 FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the movable shielding mechanism according to the fifth embodiment. The movable shielding mechanism includes at least a claw 51 , a shaft 52 , a holding member 53 , a spring 4 , and a protrusion 57 . Figure 22 Shown is an enlarged view including a portion surrounded by a circle, in which one claw 21 hooked on the holding member 3 is indicated by an arrow.

[0114] In the fifth embodiment, a protrusion 57 is provided at the front end of the claw 51. The retaining member 53 has a recessed portion that accommodates the protrusion 57. With this configuration, when an impact force is applied to close the claw 51, the protrusion 57 contacts the inner wall of the recessed portion. Consequently, the claw 51 does not close, preventing the movable shield from popping out.

[0115] Other implementations

[0116] The toner container 32 having the movable shutter mechanism according to any of the above embodiments is used as a toner cartridge filled with toner. The toner container 32 having the movable shutter mechanism according to any of the above embodiments can be detachably mounted to the above image forming apparatus.

[0117] The above embodiments are exemplary and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, in view of the above teachings, many additional modifications and variations may be made. For example, within the scope of the present disclosure, elements and / or features of different illustrative embodiments may be combined with each other and / or substituted for each other.

[0118] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-156110 filed in the Japan Patent Office on September 17, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0119] Reference Signs List

[0120] 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 claws (resting part)

[0121] 12, 22, 42, 52 axis (beam)

[0122] 3.36 holding component (movable shielding support component)

[0123] 4 Spring (elastic component)

[0124] 32 Toner Containers

[0125] 35 Liang

[0126] 35a, 35b shafts

[0127] 36a contact surface

[0128] 36b opening

[0129] 37 Rotary Regulator

[0130] 57 protrusion

[0131] 332 container active occlusion (active occlusion)

Claims

1. A movable shielding mechanism, comprising: a movable cover configured to move in one direction to close the opening; An movable shield supporting component supporting the movable shield; as well as an elastic member configured to urge the movable shield and the movable shield supporting member in opposite directions, The movable shield includes a supporting portion configured to be hooked on the movable shield supporting component, the supporting portion is urged by the elastic component, and wherein at least one of the abutting portion and the movable shielding support member has a hook reinforcement structure to reinforce the movable shielding hook on the movable shielding support member; The movable shield further includes a beam portion configured to be elastically deformable, so that the abutting portion deforms in a direction intersecting the one direction, and The plurality of abutting portions are arranged at different positions in the one direction.

2. The movable shielding mechanism according to claim 1, in, The hooking amount of the abutment on the movable shielding support component or the contact area between the abutment and the movable shielding support component after the beam portion is elastically deformed due to the applied force of the elastic component or the force having the same direction as the applied force is greater than the hooking amount of the abutment on the movable shielding support component or the contact area between the abutment and the movable shielding support component before the elastic deformation of the beam portion.

3. The movable shielding mechanism according to claim 1, in, The abutting portion has an elastic function and is configured to be deformed in a direction away from the beam portion by a force in a direction in which the elastic member urges the abutting portion.

4. The movable shielding mechanism according to claim 1, in, The abutting portion is formed at an acute angle with respect to the one direction.

5. The movable shielding mechanism according to claim 1, in, The abutting portion has a protrusion protruding toward the movable shielding support component, and Wherein, the movable shielding support component has a recessed portion for accommodating the protruding portion.

6. The movable shielding mechanism according to claim 1, in, The movable shield supporting member has a contact surface that contacts the abutting portion and an opening portion through which the movable shield passes in the contact surface, and The opening portion has a shape that does not contact the abutting portion at one position, and has a shape that contacts the abutting portion at another position different from the position.

7. A movable shielding mechanism, comprising: a movable cover configured to move in one direction to close the opening; An movable shield supporting component supporting the movable shield; as well as an elastic member configured to urge the movable shield and the movable shield supporting member in opposite directions, The movable shield includes a supporting portion configured to be hooked on the movable shield supporting component, the supporting portion is urged by the elastic component, and wherein at least one of the abutting portion and the movable shielding support member has a hook reinforcement structure to reinforce the movable shielding hook on the movable shielding support member; The movable shield further includes a beam portion configured to be elastically deformable, so that the abutting portion deforms in a direction intersecting the one direction, and The abutting portion has an elastic function and is configured to be deformed in a direction away from the beam portion by a force in a direction in which the elastic member applies a force.

8. The movable shielding mechanism according to claim 7, in, The hooking amount of the abutment on the movable shielding support component or the contact area between the abutment and the movable shielding support component after the beam portion is elastically deformed due to the applied force of the elastic component or the force having the same direction as the applied force is greater than the hooking amount of the abutment on the movable shielding support component or the contact area between the abutment and the movable shielding support component before the elastic deformation of the beam portion.

9. The movable shielding mechanism according to claim 7, in, The abutting portion is formed at an acute angle with respect to the one direction.

10. The movable shielding mechanism according to claim 7, in, The abutting portion has a protrusion protruding toward the movable shielding support component, and Wherein, the movable shielding support component has a recessed portion for accommodating the protruding portion.

11. The movable shielding mechanism according to claim 7, in, The movable shield supporting member has a contact surface that contacts the abutting portion and an opening portion through which the movable shield passes in the contact surface, and The opening portion has a shape that does not contact the abutting portion at one position, and has a shape that contacts the abutting portion at another position different from the position.

12. A movable shielding mechanism, comprising: a movable cover configured to move in one direction to close the opening; An movable shield supporting component supporting the movable shield; as well as an elastic member configured to urge the movable shield and the movable shield supporting member in opposite directions, The movable shield includes a supporting portion configured to be hooked on the movable shield supporting component, the supporting portion is urged by the elastic component, and wherein at least one of the abutting portion and the movable shielding support member has a hook reinforcement structure to reinforce the movable shielding hook on the movable shielding support member; The movable shield further comprises a beam portion configured to be elastically deformable, so that the abutting portion deforms in a direction intersecting the one direction. Wherein, the abutting portion has a protrusion protruding toward the movable shielding support component, and Wherein, the movable shielding support component has a recessed portion for accommodating the protruding portion.

13. The movable shielding mechanism according to claim 12, in, The hooking amount of the abutment on the movable shielding support component or the contact area between the abutment and the movable shielding support component after the beam portion is elastically deformed due to the applied force of the elastic component or the force having the same direction as the applied force is greater than the hooking amount of the abutment on the movable shielding support component or the contact area between the abutment and the movable shielding support component before the elastic deformation of the beam portion.

14. The movable shielding mechanism according to claim 12, in, The abutting portion is formed at an acute angle with respect to the one direction.

15. The movable shielding mechanism according to claim 12, in, The movable shield supporting member has a contact surface that contacts the abutting portion and an opening portion through which the movable shield passes in the contact surface, and The opening portion has a shape that does not contact the abutting portion at one position, and has a shape that contacts the abutting portion at another position different from the position. 16 . A toner container comprising the movable shutter mechanism according to claim 1 . 17 . A toner cartridge comprising the toner container according to claim 16 , wherein the toner container is filled with toner.

18. An image forming apparatus comprising the toner container according to claim 16, in, The toner container is detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus.

Images