Developer container and image forming apparatus

Abstract

This invention provides a developer container that can be detachably installed into a developer receiving portion located within an image forming apparatus. The developer receiving portion includes a receiving opening, a bonding portion, and an abutment portion. The developer container includes: a developer discharge portion having a discharge opening for discharging developer from the developer container body; a developer blocking portion having an orifice; and a lifting portion. When the developer container is installed into the image forming apparatus, since the bonding portion only rotates relative to the lifting portion during displacement, the bonding portion will not move a long distance relative to the lifting portion. This reduces frequent friction between the bonding portion and the lifting portion, which could lead to surface wear or even breakage. It also prevents the discharge opening and orifice of the developer container from failing to connect with the receiving opening of the developer receiving portion, thus preventing developer leakage and ultimately causing the image forming apparatus to malfunction during printing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printing consumables technology, and more particularly to a developer container and an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In an image forming apparatus, a developer with fine particles is typically used as the image medium on the recording material. Since the developer is usually stored in a corresponding developer container, it will be consumed during the continuous process of electronic imaging. Therefore, the user needs to replace the developer container or refill the developer to ensure the normal operation of the image forming apparatus.

[0003] The image forming apparatus has a developer receiving section inside, and the developer container can be detachably mounted on the developer receiving section. Each time the user installs or removes the developer container, the discharge opening on the developer container connects and disconnects from the receiving opening of the developer receiving section.

[0004] In existing technologies, such as Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a developer receiving device including a developer receiving section 11 in the prior art, wherein, Figure 1 Arrow A indicates the installation direction of the developer container, and arrow B indicates the disassembly direction of the developer container. Figure 1 The device includes a developer receiving device 8, which includes a mounting part 8f, first and second stop parts 8a / 8b and a developer receiving part 11.

[0005] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the developer receiving portion 11, which has a receiving opening 11a, a mating portion 11b, an abutment portion (not marked in the figure), and a sealing member 13.

[0006] like Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flange portion 3, which includes a joining portion 30, the joining portion 30 having a curved portion 3b and a parallel portion 3c.

[0007] like Figure 4-5 As shown, Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the developer receiving section 11 in state A as the developer container is inserted. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the developer receiving section 11 in state B as the developer container is inserted.

[0008] When the developer container is installed into the image forming apparatus containing the developer receiving portion 11, the hole 4j of the blocking portion 4 moves along direction A above the receiving opening 11a. The joining portion 30, composed of the curved portion 3b and the parallel portion 3c, also gradually moves into the interior of the image forming apparatus. The joining portion 11b is precisely engaged with the joining portion 30, so that the developer receiving portion 11 is lifted to the hole 4j. At the same time, the flange portion 3 also moves into the interior of the image forming apparatus relative to the blocking portion 4. By utilizing the action of the blocking portion 4 and the first and second stop portions 8a / 8b, the hole 4j on the baffle is kept on the same vertical line as the receiving opening 11a of the developer receiving portion 11. The developer container is pushed until the discharge opening 3a4 on the flange portion 3 is on the same vertical line as the hole 4j and the receiving opening 11a. At this time, the developer container can be connected to the developer receiving portion 11, and the developer in the developer container can flow into the developer receiving portion 11, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the image forming apparatus.

[0009] However, because the developer container needs to be frequently installed and disassembled, the joint portion 30, which consists of the joined part 11b, the curved part 3b, and the parallel part 3c, is frequently rubbed. In particular, the joined part 11b and the curved part 3b are very likely to experience surface wear or even breakage. This can lead to the developer container's discharge opening 3a4 and hole 4j being unable to communicate with the developer receiving opening 11a of the developer receiving part 11, resulting in developer leakage and causing the electrophotographic imaging device to malfunction in printing. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This invention provides a developer container and an image forming apparatus to solve the problem in related technologies where developer leakage occurs due to frequent installation and disassembly of the developer container, causing electrophotographic imaging devices to malfunction and fail to print properly.

[0011] The present invention provides a developer container that can be detachably installed into a developer receiving portion located within an image forming apparatus. The developer receiving portion includes a receiving opening for receiving developer, a coupled portion that is integrally displaceable with the developer receiving portion, and an abutment portion supporting the coupled portion. The developer container includes: a developer container body for containing developer and rotatable about a first rotation axis; a developer discharge portion having a discharge opening for discharging developer from the developer container body; a developer blocking portion having a hole communicating with the discharge opening and for opening and closing the discharge opening during installation and removal operations of the developer container; a displacement portion extending along a first direction of the developer discharge portion; a guiding portion extending along a second direction of the developer discharge portion; and a lifting portion cooperating with the developer receiving portion to move the lifting portion a predetermined distance along the first direction and to rotate the lifting portion about itself by a predetermined angle, thereby causing fluid communication between the receiving opening and the discharge opening.

[0012] The present invention also provides an image forming apparatus, comprising a developer receiving portion and a developer container as described above; the developer container is detachably mounted on the developer receiving portion.

[0013] After adopting the above technical solution, when the developer container is installed in the image forming apparatus, the lifting part can move relative to the entire developer container in coordination with the part to be joined, so as to connect the receiving opening and the discharge opening. Since the part to be joined is only rotating relative to the lifting part during the displacement process, the part to be joined will not move a long distance relative to the lifting part, so as to reduce the frequent friction between the part to be joined and the lifting part, which may lead to surface wear or even breakage of both. This prevents the discharge opening and hole of the developer container from failing to connect with the receiving opening of the developer receiving part, thus preventing developer leakage and ultimately causing the image forming apparatus to fail to print normally. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a developer receiving device that includes a developer receiving section in the prior art.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the developer receiving section;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the flange portion;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the developer receiving section in state A as the developer container is inserted;

[0018] Figure 5A cross-sectional view of the developer receiving section 11 in state B as the developer container is inserted;

[0019] Figure 6(a) is a schematic diagram of the developer container of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 6(b) is a schematic diagram of the two structures of the developer container of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 6(c) is a schematic diagram of the three structures of the developer container of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 7(a) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the developer container of the present invention in the first state, showing the cooperation between the lifting part and the developer receiving part;

[0023] Figure 7(b) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the developer container of the present invention in the second state, showing the cooperation between the lifting part and the developer receiving part;

[0024] Figure 7(c) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the developer container of the present invention in the third state, showing the cooperation between the lifting part and the developer receiving part;

[0025] Figure 8(a) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lifting portion of the developer container provided in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8(b) is a schematic diagram of the two structures of the lifting portion of the developer container provided in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8(c) is a schematic diagram of the three structures of the lifting portion of the developer container provided in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8(d) is a schematic diagram of the four structures of the lifting portion of the developer container provided in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9(a) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the developer container of the present invention in the first state, showing the cooperation of the discharge opening, the hole and the receiving opening;

[0030] Figure 9(b) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the developer container of the present invention in the second state, showing the cooperation of the discharge opening, the hole and the receiving opening;

[0031] Figure 9(c) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the developer container of the present invention in the third state, showing the cooperation of the discharge opening, the hole and the receiving opening;

[0032] Figure 10(a) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the developer container of the present invention in the first state, showing the movement and rotation of the combined part and the pushing part;

[0033] Figure 10(b) is a schematic diagram of the movement and rotation of the bonding part and the pushing part of the developer container in the second state of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10(c) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the developer container of the present invention in the third state, showing the movement and rotation of the combined part and the pushing part;

[0035] Figure 11(a) is a schematic diagram of the developer blocking portion of the developer container of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 11(b) is a schematic diagram of the two structures of the developer blocking portion of the developer container of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 12(a) is a schematic diagram of a structure in which the lifting part of the developer container is installed to the developer discharge part according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 12(b) is a schematic diagram of two structures provided in some embodiments of the present invention, in which the lifting part of the developer container is installed to the developer discharge part;

[0039] Figure 12(c) is a schematic diagram of the three structures of the developer container provided in some embodiments of the present invention, in which the lifting part is installed to the developer discharge part;

[0040] Figure 13(a) is a schematic diagram of a structure in which the lifting portion of the developer container is installed to the developer discharge portion according to some other embodiments of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 13(b) is a schematic diagram of two structures provided in some other embodiments of the present invention, in which the lifting part of the developer container is installed to the developer discharge part;

[0042] Figure 13(c) is a schematic diagram of the three structures of the developer container being installed from the developer discharge portion to the developer container according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lifting portion of the developer container provided in other embodiments of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 15(a) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lifting part and the developer receiving part in the first state of some other embodiments of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 15(b) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lifting portion and the developer receiving portion cooperating in the first state of some other embodiments of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 16(a) is a schematic diagram of a structure in which the lifting portion of the developer container is installed to the developer discharge portion according to some other embodiments of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 16(b) is a schematic diagram of two structures provided in other embodiments of the present invention, in which the lifting part of the developer container is installed to the developer discharge part;

[0048] Figure 16(c) is a schematic diagram of the three structures of the developer container being installed from the developer discharge portion to the developer container according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lifting portion of the developer container provided in other embodiments of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 18(a) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lifting part and the developer receiving part cooperating in the first state of some other embodiments of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 18(b) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lifting part and the developer receiving part in the third state of some other embodiments of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the developer blocking portion in some other embodiments of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 20(a) is a schematic diagram of the developer blocking portion and the developer discharge portion according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 20(b) is a schematic diagram of the two structures of the developer blocking part and the developer discharge part in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 21(a) is a structural schematic diagram of the lifting portion according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 21(b) is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lifting part and the guiding part cooperating in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting portion in some other embodiments of the present invention.

[0058] Figure label:

[0059] 10. Developer container;

[0060] 1. Developer container body; 11. Opening;

[0061] 2. Developer delivery section;

[0062] 3. Developer discharge section; 3a. Guiding section; 3b. Support section; 3c. Connecting section; 3d. Displacement section; 3e. Stop hole; 3f. Cavity; 3g. Discharge opening;

[0063] 31. Lifting part; 31a. Guide part; 31a1. Starting surface; 31a2. Guide surface; 31a3. Ending surface; 31a4. Restricting surface; 31a5. Contact surface; 31b. Wall; 31c. Joint part; 31c1. First joint surface; 31cc. Second joint surface; 31c2. Second sub-joint surface; 31c2a. Joint hole; 31c3. Second sub-joint surface; 31c4. Adjacent surface; 31d1. Pushing part in the first state; 31d1'. Pushing part in the second state; 31d1''. Pushing part in the third state; 31d2. Limiting part; 31d3. Pushing part; 31d4. Locking part;

[0064] 32. Reset section;

[0065] 4. The area blocked by the developer;

[0066] 41. Blocking part; 41a. Hole; 41b. Connecting surface; 41c. Pushing element;

[0067] 42a. Support part; 42b. First stopped part; 42c. Second stopped part;

[0068] 43. Platform; 43a. Connecting part;

[0069] 5. Shell;

[0070] 6. Developer receiving section; 61. Main body of developer receiving section; 61a. Receiving opening;

[0071] 62. Contact part;

[0072] 62a, the part to be joined in the first state; 62a', the part to be joined in the second state; 62a'', the part to be joined in the third state;

[0073] 62b. Abutment surface;

[0074] 71. First stop part;

[0075] 72. Second stop;

[0076] A1, First axis of rotation;

[0077] A2, Second axis of rotation;

[0078] Q1, the first vertical line in the first state; Q1', the first vertical line in the second state; Q'', the first vertical line in the third state; Q2, the second vertical line;

[0079] L1, Route A;

[0080] L2, Route B;

[0081] P1, First paragraph;

[0082] P2, second paragraph;

[0083] S1, First Angle;

[0084] S2, the second angle;

[0085] W, face; W1, first face; W2, second face. Detailed Implementation

[0086] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0087] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in embodiments of this invention shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in a common dictionary shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as being interpreted in an idealized or highly formalized sense, unless expressly defined in this embodiment of the invention.

[0088] The terms “center,” “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” and “horizontal” used in the embodiments of this invention indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the product of this embodiment is usually placed in during use. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this invention.

[0089] The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the embodiments of this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "an," "a," or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Similarly, terms such as "including" or "comprising" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The steps preceding or following the steps in the method of the embodiments of this invention are not necessarily performed precisely in sequence. Instead, various steps can be processed in reverse order or simultaneously. Furthermore, other operations can be added to these processes, or one or more steps can be removed from these processes.

[0090] At least one embodiment of the present invention provides a developer container that can be detachably mounted to a developer receiving portion located within an image forming apparatus; the developer receiving portion includes a receiving opening for receiving developer, a coupled portion that is integrally displaceable with the developer receiving portion, and an abutment portion supporting the coupled portion; the developer container includes: a developer container body for containing developer and rotatable about a first rotation axis; a developer discharge portion having a discharge opening for discharging developer from the developer container body; a developer blocking portion having a hole communicating with the discharge opening and for opening and closing the discharge opening during installation and removal operations of the developer container; a displacement portion extending along a straight line parallel to a first direction of the developer container; a guiding portion extending along a straight line parallel to a second direction of the developer discharge portion; and a lifting portion capable of cooperating with the developer receiving portion such that a moving end of the lifting portion moves a predetermined distance along the first direction and a rotating end of the lifting portion rotates a predetermined angle about a second rotation axis, causing the receiving opening and the discharge opening to be in fluid communication.

[0091] In the developer container of the above embodiments of the present invention, when the developer container is installed in the image forming apparatus, the lifting portion can move relative to the entire developer container in coordination with the joined portion to connect the receiving opening and the discharge opening. Since the joined portion only rotates relative to the lifting portion during the displacement process, the joined portion will not move a long distance relative to the lifting portion, thereby reducing the frequent friction between the joined portion and the lifting portion, which may lead to surface wear or even breakage of both. This prevents the discharge opening and hole of the developer container from failing to connect with the receiving opening of the developer receiving portion, thus preventing developer leakage and ultimately causing the image forming apparatus to malfunction in printing.

[0092] The embodiments and examples of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] The direction of installation and removal of developer container 10 is defined as the first direction X, wherein the first rotation axis A1 is parallel to the first direction X;

[0094] The width of the shell 5 of the developer container and the direction perpendicular to the first direction X are defined as the second direction Y, wherein the second rotation axis A2 is parallel to the first direction Y;

[0095] The height of the developer container shell 5 and the direction perpendicular to the first direction X and the second direction Y are defined as the third direction Z.

[0096] In the first direction X, the end of the developer container 10 closest to the image forming apparatus (not shown) is the end that receives and transports the developer, and the end of the developer container 10 furthest from the image forming apparatus is the end that stores the developer.

[0097] As shown in Figures 6(a)-6(c), the image forming apparatus includes a developer receiving section 6, to which a developer container 10 is detachably mounted. First, a driving force is transmitted to the power receiving end (not shown) of the developer container 10 via the image forming apparatus, causing the driving force to rotate the developer container body 1 about a first rotation axis A1 in a first direction X. Since the developer container body 1 has a spiral structure, the developer inside the developer container body 1 can be discharged from the opening 11. In other words, the developer container body 1 can rotate relative to the housing 5 and the developer discharge section 3 located inside the housing 5, and the developer can be discharged while the developer container body 1 is rotating.

[0098] To further and smoothly transport the developer located in the developer container body 1 to the developer discharge section 3, as shown in Figures 6(b) and 6(c), the opening 11 of the developer container body 1 is also provided with a developer pushing section 2. The input end of the developer pushing section 2 is connected to the opening 11, and the output end of the developer pushing section 2 is connected to the developer discharge section 3. It can be understood that through the function of the developer pushing section 2, the developer can be pushed from the developer container body 1 to the developer discharge section 3, completing the developer pushing process. In this embodiment, the developer pushing section 2 can adopt a structure capable of pushing developer, such as a pump or stirring blades; this invention is not limited thereto.

[0099] Next, as shown in Figures 20(a) and 20(b), a developer blocking part 4 is detachably connected to the developer discharge part 3 located at the output end of the developer push part 2. Through the cooperation of the developer blocking part 4 and the first stop part 71 and the second stop part 72 in the image forming apparatus, the developer blocking part 4 is connected to the developer receiving part 6. Then, the developer is pushed sequentially by the developer push part 2 to the developer discharge part 3 and the developer blocking part 4, and then reaches the developer receiving part 6, so that the image forming apparatus can receive the developer and complete the image forming work.

[0100] Now, the developer discharge section 3, the developer blocking section 4, and the developer receiving section 6 are combined to complete the fluid flow of the developer. As shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b), two sets of lifting sections 31 are installed on the side of the developer discharge section 3 along the second direction Y. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 20(a)-20(b), the two sets of lifting sections 31 are installed in a roughly right-angled frustum structure. One end of the lifting section 31 is connected to the connecting section 3c extending from the second direction Y in the developer discharge section 3 through the reset section 32, and the other end is slidably connected to the displacement section 3d extending from the first direction X in the developer discharge section 3. The reset section 32 can provide reset potential energy when the lifting section 31 moves away from the reset section 32 along the displacement section 3d, so that the lifting section 31 can be reset along the displacement section 3d towards the reset section 32 when appropriate.

[0101] In this embodiment, the reset part 32 is a spring with hooks at both ends. One end of the spring is fixed to the connecting part 3c by a hook, and the other end is fixed to the engagement hole 31c2a on the lifting part 31 by a hook, so that the lifting part 31 has a reciprocating effect. The present invention is not limited to a spring as the reset part 32. Any component with a reset function that can reset the lifting part 31 from the final state to the initial state is acceptable. The initial state is the first state in which the developer container 10 is not installed on the image forming apparatus, and the final state is the third state in which the developer container 10 and the developer receiving part 6 are in fluid flow. In some embodiments, the first state can be directly switched to the third state, while in other embodiments, the first state needs to be switched to the third state via the second state. The specific process of how the first state is switched to the third state will be described in detail later.

[0102] It should be noted that, in order to further limit the movement of the aforementioned lifting portion 31 along a predetermined position, as shown in Figures 7(a)-7(c), a guide portion 3a is provided extending from the second direction Y in the developer discharge portion 3. In this embodiment, the guide portion 3a is approximately circular, which can contact the lifting portion 31 and cause the lifting portion 31 to change from a first state to a third state or from a third state to a first state, thus limiting the movement and rotation of the lifting portion 31 along a predetermined direction.

[0103] First, we will describe some embodiments, that is, the case where the first state is directly switched to the third state. Specifically, the lifting part 31 and the joined part 62a always make curved displacement movements during the installation and disassembly of the developer container 10. As shown in FIG21(a), the lifting part 31 is provided with a guide part 31a in contact with the guide part 3a. The guide part 31a includes a starting surface 31a1 and a guide surface 31a2, and the starting surface 31a1 is connected to the guide surface 31a2.

[0104] On the opposite side of the starting surface 31a1 and the connected guiding surface 31a2, there is a contact surface 31a5. In the first state, the contact surface 31a5 is approximately parallel to the third direction Z, while the starting surface 31a1 is approximately parallel to the first direction X in the first state. As shown in Figure 21(b), when the guiding portion 3a contacts the starting surface 31a1, that is, when the lifting portion 31 is in the first state, the portion of the guiding portion 3a facing the third direction X contacts the starting surface 31a1. Simultaneously, the portion of the adjacent guiding portion 3a facing the first direction X and close to the developer container 10 body contacts the contact surface 31a5. That is, both the side and top of the guiding portion 3a contact the lifting portion 31 to limit the position of the lifting portion 31 in the first state. As the developer container 10 is pushed further towards the image forming apparatus, the guide portion 3a gradually changes from being engaged with the contact starting surface 31a1 and the contact surface 31a5 to being in contact with the guide surface 31a2. At this time, the lifting portion 31 gradually moves from the first state to the third state along the first direction X and rotates along the second rotation axis A2. This describes the entire process by which the lifting portion 31 and the guide portion 31a cooperate to complete the direct transition of the lifting portion 31 from the first state to the third state. During the transition from the first state to the third state, the receiving opening 11 and the hole 41a are on the same vertical line, but are separated from the developer blocking portion 4 by the connecting portion 62a. Only when the receiving opening 11, the hole 41a, and the discharge opening 3g are on the same vertical line in the third state will the receiving opening 11 and the discharge opening 3g be in a connected state, allowing the developer to flow into the image forming apparatus through the discharge opening 3g, the hole 41a, and the receiving opening 11.

[0105] In other embodiments, the first state is switched to the third state via the second state. Specifically, during the installation of the developer container 10, the lifting portion 31 and the joined portion 62a first undergo curved displacement movement, and then linear displacement movement; conversely, during the disassembly of the developer container 10, they first undergo linear displacement movement, and then curved displacement movement. As shown in Figures 8(a)-8(d), the lifting portion 31 has a guide portion 31a in contact with the guide portion 3a. The guide portion 31a includes a starting surface 31a1, a guide surface 31a2, and a termination surface 31a3. The starting surface 31a1 is connected to the guide surface 31a2, and the guide surface 31a2 is connected to the termination surface 31a3.

[0106] On the opposite side of the starting surface 31a1 and the connected guiding surface 31a2, there is a contact surface 31a5. In the first state, the contact surface 31a5 is approximately parallel to the third direction Z, while the starting surface 31a1 is approximately parallel to the first direction X. When the guiding portion 3a contacts the starting surface 31a1, that is, when the lifting portion 31 is in the first state, the portion of the guiding portion 3a facing the third direction X contacts the starting surface 31a1. Simultaneously, the portion of the adjacent guiding portion 3a facing the first direction X and close to the developer container 10 body contacts the contact surface 31a5. In other words, both the side and top of the guiding portion 3a contact the lifting portion 31 to limit the position of the lifting portion 31 in the first state. As the developer container 10 continues to be pushed toward the image forming apparatus, the guide portion 3a gradually changes from contacting the starting surface 31a1 and the contact surface 31a5 (where they are engaged) to contacting the guide surface 31a2. At this time, the lifting portion 31 gradually moves from a first state to a second state along the first direction X and rotates along the second rotation axis A2. When the developer container 10 is moved to the appropriate position on the image forming apparatus, the guide portion 3a gradually changes from contacting the guide surface 31a2 to contacting the ending surface 31a3, at which point the lifting portion 31 is in the second state. When the guide portion 3a moves from the starting point to the ending point of the ending surface 31a3, the lifting portion 31 only moves in the first direction X and does not rotate along the second rotation axis A2, at which point the lifting portion 31 is in the third state. Thus, the entire process of the lifting portion 31 and the guide portion 31a cooperating to complete the transition of the lifting portion 31 from the first state to the third state has been described. During the transition from the first state to the second state, the receiving opening 11 and the hole 41a are initially aligned on the same vertical line. In the second state, the connecting part 62a and the developer blocking part 4 are in close contact, and the receiving opening 11 and the discharge opening 3g are still in a blocked and closed state. During the transition from the second state to the third state, the connecting part 62a and the developer blocking part 4 move together in the first direction X until the receiving opening 11, the hole 41a, and the discharge opening 3g are aligned on the same vertical line. At this point, the receiving opening 11 and the discharge opening 3g are in a connected state. The developer located near the discharge opening 3g will not leak into the image forming apparatus, ensuring that the developer can smoothly enter the receiving opening 11.

[0107] It should be noted that during the process of the second state, the transition from the second state to the third state, or the third state, the termination surface 31a3 always remains parallel to the displacement portion 3d. That is, in the above states, the lifting portion 31 always moves in a direction parallel to the first direction X.

[0108] In addition, to prevent the lifting part 31 from completely disengaging from the guide part 3a in the third state, which would cause the subsequent movement of the lifting part 31 to be outside the predetermined range, as shown in FIG8(d), a limiting surface 31a4 is provided on the opposite side of the termination surface 31a3 and the guide surface 31a2 connected thereto. The limiting surface 31a4 has a generally arc-shaped structure. When the lifting part 31 changes to the third state, the guide part 3a contacts the termination surface 31a3 until the limiting surface 31a4 abuts against it. Because the limiting surface 31a4 has a generally arc-shaped structure, it can be matched with the guide part 3a, which has a generally circular structure, to further restrict the movement of the lifting part 31.

[0109] Next, to better understand how the first, second, and third states of the lifting portion 31 cause the developer receiving portion 6 to move, Figures 7(a)-7(c) show the lifting portion 31 in conjunction with the developer receiving portion 6 in detail. The developer receiving portion 6 includes a receiving opening 11 for receiving developer, a coupled portion 62a that can be displaced integrally with the developer receiving portion 6, and an abutment portion 62 supporting the coupled portion 62a. First, the receiving opening 11 penetrates the developer receiving portion body 61 from top to bottom in the third direction Z. The abutment portion 62 extends upward from the upper end of the developer receiving portion body 61 in the third direction Z. The coupled portion 62a is located on the abutment portion 62 extending towards the developer discharge portion 3 in the second direction Y. Additionally, in some embodiments, as shown in Figures 8(a)-8(d), the lifting portion 31 further includes a joining portion 31c, which includes a first joining surface 31c1 for abutting the joined portion 62a during the installation and removal of the developer container 10 to ensure that the joined portion 62a does not detach from the first joining surface 31c1 during the installation and removal operation; and a second sub-jointing surface 31c2 for abutting the abutting portion 62 when the lifting portion 31 is in the first state, the second state, and the third state.

[0110] In this embodiment, the second sub-joining surface 31c2 has two surfaces, one of which is the second sub-joining surface 31c2, used to abut against the abutting part 62 when the lifting part 31 is in the first state; the other surface is the third joining surface 31c3, used to abut against the abutting part 62 when the lifting part 31 is in the second state and the third state.

[0111] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8(b), a surface W is formed in the second direction Y by the second sub-joining surface 31c2. This surface W has a first joining surface 31c1, a second sub-joining surface 31c2, and a third joining surface 31c3 that are adjacent to each other. That is, the first joining surface 31c1 is adjacent to the second sub-joining surface 31c2 and the third joining surface 31c3 in surface W; the second sub-joining surface 31c2 is adjacent to the first joining surface 31c1 and the third joining surface 31c3 in surface W; and the third joining surface 31c3 is adjacent to the first joining surface 31c1 and the second sub-joining surface 31c2 in surface W. Among them, the surface W that contacts the joined part 62a is divided into the first surface W1, and the surface W that contacts the abutting part 62 (abutting surface 62b) is divided into the second surface W2; the first joining surface 31c1 is located in the first surface W1, while the second sub-joining surface 31c2 and the third joining surface 31c3 are located in the second surface W2. It can prevent the lifting part 31 from moving off the predetermined path due to contact between the joint part 62a and the abutment part 62 and surfaces that should not be in contact, thereby preventing the movement and rotation of the lifting part 31 from getting stuck.

[0112] It should be noted that the second sub-joint surface 31c2 and the third joint surface 31c3 are located at the connection point in the third direction Z and have an adjacent surface. The cross section of the adjacent surface is approximately an arc segment. In order to prevent the abutment surface 62b from getting stuck during the process of transitioning from the first state of contacting the first joint surface 31c1 to the second state of contacting the second sub-joint surface 31c2, the smoothness of the state transition can be guaranteed.

[0113] In other embodiments, such as Figure 22 As shown, the second mating surface 31cc can be an arc surface. The arc surface structure of the second mating surface 31cc can follow the abutment surface 62b so that the mated part can smoothly abut the raised part when the raised part changes from the first state to the third state, so as to maintain the smoothness of the change.

[0114] Specifically, as shown in Figures 7(a)-7(c), the first perpendicular line between the developer receiving portion 6 and the second direction Y is Q1, and the discharge opening 3g of the developer discharge portion 3 and the second perpendicular line between the second direction Y is Q2.

[0115] In the first state, the developer container 10 moves in the first direction X toward the image forming apparatus. The joined portion 62a on the abutment portion 62 first reaches and contacts the first engagement surface 31c1 located in the engagement portion 31c. The first engagement surface 31c1 serves as the rotating end of the lifting portion 31, and its rotation causes the joined portion 62a to move. As the developer container 10 continues to move in the first direction X toward the image forming apparatus, the abutment surface 62b located on the abutment portion 62 near the developer container body 1 will stop against the second sub-engagement surface 31c2. At this time, the first vertical line Q1 of the developer receiving portion 6 (that is, the first vertical line Q1 of the receiving opening 11) is far away from the second vertical line Q2 of the discharge opening 3g, and the lifting portion 31 is in the first state.

[0116] In the second state, the developer container 10 moves further toward the image forming apparatus in the first direction X. Due to the cooperation between the guide surface 31a2 and the guide portion 3a, the abutment surface 62b of the lifting portion 31 gradually separates from the second sub-joining surface 31c2 and comes into contact with the third joining surface 31c3. The lifting portion 31 moves along the first direction X and rotates clockwise along the second rotation axis A2. At this time, the developer receiving portion 6 also moves in a generally upward, downward-pointing arc-shaped segment due to the cooperation between its joined portion 62a and the first joining surface 31c1. Similarly, the joined portion 62a follows the same trajectory as the developer receiving portion 6 described above. At this time, the first vertical line Q1 of the developer receiving portion 6 (i.e., the first vertical line Q1 of the receiving opening 11) is closer to the second vertical line Q2 of the discharge opening 3g, and the lifting portion 31 is in the second state.

[0117] In the third state, the developer container 10 moves further toward the image forming apparatus in the first direction X. The guide portion 3a moves from the starting point of the contact lifting portion 31 to the ending point of the termination surface 31a3. At this time, the contact surface 62b will always remain in contact with the third engagement surface 31c3. The lifting portion 31 will only move along the first direction X and will not rotate. The developer receiving portion 6 will also move horizontally in the first direction X due to the cooperation between its bonded portion 62a and the first engagement surface 31c1. Similarly, the bonded portion 62a will also follow the same trajectory as the developer receiving portion described above. At this time, the first vertical line Q1 of the developer receiving portion 6 (that is, the first vertical line Q1 of the receiving opening 11) overlaps with the second vertical line Q2 of the discharge opening 3g. The lifting portion 31 is in the third state.

[0118] It should be noted that the joined portion 62a remains stationary relative to the first mating surface 31c1 in the first direction X. Only during the transition from the first state to the second state will the joined portion 62a rotate relative to the first mating surface 31c1 and remain in close contact with it, without moving relative to the first mating surface 31c1 in the first direction X. In other cases, the joined portion 62a remains stationary. Since the joined portion 62a only rotates relative to the raised portion 31 during displacement, it will not move a long distance relative to the raised portion 31, thereby reducing frequent friction between the joined portion 62a and the raised portion 31, which could lead to surface wear or even breakage.

[0119] It should be noted that, in order to ensure the strength of the first joint surface 31c1 and prevent it from breaking due to supporting the developer receiving part 6, the first joint surface 31c1 is set into an approximately triangular structure. That is, when the lifting part 31 is installed to the developer discharge part 3, the first joint surface 31c1 on the lifting part 31 forms a certain angle with the displacement part 3d, so as to ensure that the part bearing the first joint surface 31c1 is structurally reinforced.

[0120] To better understand the fluid flow or closure of the discharge opening 3g and the receiving opening 11 caused by the coordinated movement of the lifting portion 31 and the developer receiving portion 6, as shown in Figures 9(a)-9(c), this embodiment also includes a developer blocking portion 4, which is movable relative to the developer discharge portion 3 at its bottom (located below the third direction Z). The developer blocking portion 4 includes a hole 41a that communicates with both the discharge opening 3g and the receiving opening 11, and can open and close the discharge opening 3g according to the installation and removal operations of the developer container 10. That is, the developer blocking portion 4 can be moved relative to the developer container 10 through the installation and removal operations of the developer container 10. During installation, the receiving opening 11 of the developer receiving portion 6 communicates with the hole 41a of the developer blocking portion 4, and also communicates with the discharge opening 3g of the developer discharge portion 3, i.e., the first vertical line Q1 of the developer receiving portion 6 (i.e., the first vertical line Q1 of the receiving opening 11) overlaps with the second vertical line Q2 of the discharge opening 3g. Accordingly, the developer in the developer container body 1 can be discharged sequentially through the discharge opening 3g and the hole 41a to the receiving opening 11 of the developer receiving part 6.

[0121] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b), the developer blocking portion 4 has a connecting surface 41b surrounding the hole 41a on its downward-facing surface along the third direction Z. This connecting surface 41b can connect to the upper surface of the developer receiving portion body 61, which is parallel to the third direction Z, when the developer blocking portion 4 comes into contact with the developer receiving portion 6. The diameter of the connecting surface 41b is larger than the diameter of the hole 41a, and it is parallel to the hole 41a relative to the first direction X in the developer blocking portion 4, thus preventing leakage of developer when it flows from the hole 41a to the receiving opening 11.

[0122] As shown in Figures 10(a), 11(a), and 11(b), the developer blocking portion 4 has a blocking portion 41 that blocks developer from being discharged from the discharge opening 3g to the receiving opening 11 in both the first and second states. Additionally, as shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b), the developer blocking portion 4 also has a first stop portion 42b and a second stop portion 42c. The first stop portion 42b and the second stop portion 42c are disposed at the free end of a support portion extending along the first direction X of the developer blocking portion 4. The first stop portion 42b and the second stop portion 42c can engage with a first stop portion 71 and a second stop portion 72 within the image forming apparatus. When the first stop portion 42b engages with the first stop portion 71, the position of the developer blocking portion 4 relative to the image forming apparatus is fixed, i.e., it is in a situation where the first vertical line Q1 of the receiving opening 11 overlaps with the second vertical line Q2 of the discharge opening 3g. When the second stop 42c and the second stop 72 are combined so that the first stop 42b can be released from the first stop 71 when the developer container 10 is removed, the developer blocking portion 4 can be moved relative to the position of the image forming apparatus, that is, the first vertical line Q1 of the receiving opening 11 and the second vertical line Q2 of the discharge opening 3g are closer or farther apart.

[0123] It should be noted that in the first, second and third states, the central axis of the receiving opening 11 of the developer receiving portion 6 always overlaps with the central axis of the hole 41a of the developer blocking portion 4, that is, the first vertical line Q1 of the receiving opening 11 is equal to the first vertical line Q1 of the hole 41a.

[0124] To more intuitively understand how the lifting portion 31 moves along the first direction X and rotates clockwise around itself on the second rotation axis A2, it drives the joined portion 62a and the developer receiving portion 6 containing the joined portion 62a to move, as shown in Figures 10(a)-10(c), the developer discharge portion 3 has a displacement portion 3d extending along a straight line parallel to the first direction X of the developer container 10, and the lifting portion 31 has a pushing portion 31d1 for cooperating with the displacement portion 3d. The pushing portion 31d1 extends along the second direction Y toward the developer discharge portion 3 as the moving end of the lifting portion 31 and is engaged in the displacement portion 3d.

[0125] As shown in Figure 10(a), during the transition of the lifting portion 31 from the first state to the second state, due to the cooperation between the lifting portion 31 and the guide surface 31a2 described above, and the cooperation between the displacement portion 3d and the pushing portion 31d1, the lifting portion 31 moves along the first direction X by a distance P1 according to the pushing portion 31d1 along the displacement portion 3d, and the offset angle of the coupled portion 62a relative to the developer discharge portion 3 is the first angle S1, and the actual path from the coupled portion 62a in the first state to the coupled portion 62a' in the second state is the stroke A. Specifically, the first segment P1 is the distance from the second rotation axis A2 of the pusher 31d1 in the first state to the second rotation axis A2 of the pusher 31d1' in the second state; the first angle S1 is the angle formed by the line drawn from the center of the joined part 62a in the first state to the center of the pusher 31d1 and the line drawn from the center of the joined part 62a' in the second state to the center of the pusher 31d1'.

[0126] As shown in Figure 10(b), during the transition of the lifting portion 31 from the second state to the third state, due to the cooperation between the lifting portion 31 and the termination surface 31a3 and the limiting surface 31a4 described above, and the cooperation between the displacement portion 3d and the pushing portion 31d1, the lifting portion 31 moves along the first direction X by a distance P2 according to the pushing portion 31d1 along the displacement portion 3d. The actual path from the coupled portion 62a' in the second state to the coupled portion 62a'' in the third state is the stroke B. At this time, since the termination surface 31a3 remains parallel to the first direction X and the displacement portion 3d, the entire lifting portion 31 will only move along the displacement portion 3d in the first direction X and will not rotate. Specifically, the second segment P2 is the distance from the second rotation axis A2 of the pusher 31d1' in the second state to the second rotation axis A2 of the pusher 31d1'' in the third state; the second angle S2 is the angle formed by the line drawn from the center of the joined part 62a in the first state to the center of the pusher 31d1 and the line drawn from the center of the joined part 62a'' to the center of the pusher 31d1'' in the third state.

[0127] As can be seen from the above, as shown in Figure 10(c), the movement and rotation paths of the coupled part 62a and the pushing part 31d1 include the first state, the second state and the third state.

[0128] It can be seen that the first angle S1 is equal to the second angle S2, the first segment P1 is much larger than the second segment P2, and the distance A is much larger than the distance B.

[0129] Specifically, the first state of the joined portion 62a moves from the first vertical axis Q1 along the first direction X to the first vertical axis Q1' of the second state of the joined portion 62a'; then it moves from the first vertical axis Q1' of the second state of the joined portion 62a'' along the first direction X to the first vertical axis Q1'' of the third state of the joined portion 62a''.

[0130] Furthermore, the first-state pushing part 31d1 moves along the first direction X to the second-state pushing part 31d1', and the second-state pushing part 31d1' moves along the first direction X to the third-state pushing part 31d1''. In summary, the movement paths of the joined part 62a and the pushing part 31d1 along the first direction X in the first, second, and third states are known. In practice, due to the cooperation between the lifting part 4 and the guide part 3a described above, the joined part 62a, while moving along the first direction X, also rises a certain height along the curve formed by the third direction Z, so that the receiving opening 61a communicates with the hole 41a.

[0131] In other words, when transitioning from the first state to the second state, the lifting part has a larger displacement and rotation range. Conversely, when transitioning from the second state to the third state, the lifting part has a smaller displacement range and does not rotate. It should be noted that during the installation of the developer container 10, when the lifting part 31 transitions from the first state to the second state, to ensure that the receiving opening 11 of the developer receiving part 6 and the hole 41a of the developer blocking part 4 can quickly transition from a separated state to a contact state, the displacement and rotation of the lifting part 31 allows the developer receiving part 6 on the mating part 62a to quickly move to the contact position with the developer blocking part 4, achieving rapid positioning. Furthermore, after the developer receiving part body 61 contacts the developer blocking part 4 to connect the receiving opening 11 and the hole 41a, the relative displacement range of the developer receiving part 6, the stop block, and the developer discharge part 3 is reduced. Therefore, the distance the pushing part 31d1 moves in the second segment P2 is less than the first segment P1, preventing premature leakage of developer from the discharge opening 3g, which would lead to developer waste and accumulation.

[0132] To better understand how the developer blocking part 4 is installed to the developer discharge part 3, as shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(B), the developer discharge part 3 has a cavity 3f at its bottom along the first direction X. Two sets of stop holes 3e are symmetrically arranged on the side of the cavity 3f, i.e., in the second direction Y. When installing the developer blocking part 4, firstly, the end furthest from the blocking part 41, the first stopped part 42b, and the second stopped part 42c is inserted into the cavity 3f. Simultaneously, the plastic support structure is utilized... The deformation of the part causes the first stopped part 42b and the second stopped part 42c to be placed in the cavity 3f. Then the developer blocking part 4 continues to move into the cavity 3f until the first stopped part 42b and the second stopped part 42c are locked into the stop hole 3e because the support part returns to its original state. The first stopped part 42b and the second stopped part 42c can be stopped on both sides of the stop hole 3e respectively, and the stop hole 3e is used to restrict the movement position of the developer blocking part 4 in the first direction X.

[0133] To further limit the movement range of the lifting part 31, as shown in Figures 8(d) and 12(a)-12(c), a limiting part 31d2 is provided on the pushing part 31d1 at one end that passes through the displacement part 3d and is close to the developer discharge part. The limiting part 31d2 fits against the side wall 31b of the developer discharge part 3 and extends in a direction away from the displacement part 3d. When the lifting part 31 moves and rotates along the displacement part 3d, the pushing part 31d1 can be limited to remain at the position of the displacement part 3d, thus ensuring the overall movement and rotation of the lifting part 31.

[0134] In other embodiments, such as Figure 14As shown in 13(a)-13(c), to prevent the developer blocking part 4 from getting stuck with the second stop part 72 during the disassembly of the developer container 10, thus preventing the developer blocking part 4 from being unable to reset, or the lifting part 31 from being unable to be lifted through the developer receiving part 6 during the installation of the developer container 10, in this embodiment, the developer blocking part 4 is connected to the lifting part 31, so that the developer blocking part 4 drives the lifting part 31 to move, causing the developer blocking part 4 to move to ensure that the hole 41a and the receiving opening 11 are in a connected state, so that the discharge opening 3g is connected to the hole 41a. Specifically, a pushing part 31d3 is provided at the end of the pushing part 31d1 that passes through the displacement part 3d and is close to the developer discharge part. A pushing member 41c is provided on the blocking part 41 of the developer blocking part 4 that extends along the third direction Z close to the first rotation axis A1. The lifting part 31 is linked with the developer blocking part 4 through the contact between the pushing part 31d3 and the pushing member 41c. During the installation of the developer container 10, the developer blocking part 4 moves relative to the developer discharge part 3 according to the above-described cooperation with the first stop part 71 and the second stop part 72. This causes the pusher 41c located on the blocking part 41 to move, which in turn moves the pusher 31d3 in contact with the pusher 41c. This causes the lifting part 31 to move and rotate through the cooperation of the guide part 3a and the guide surface 31a2, and the cooperation of the displacement part 3d and the pusher 31d1. The lifting part 31 moves and rotates through the developer blocking part 4. In the state where the lifting part 31 cannot fully cooperate with the developer receiving part 6, This also allows both the lifting portion 31 and the developer blocking portion 4 to be switched to a connected state (second and third states). In addition, during the disassembly of the developer container 10, since the spring, which is the reset portion 32, has the potential energy to restore the initial state, it will move the lifting portion 31 closer to the reset portion 32. At this time, the pushing portion 31d3 located in the lifting portion 31 will drive the blocking portion 41 with the pushing member 41c to also move closer to the reset portion 32. When the second stop portion 72 cannot cooperate with the developer blocking portion 4, both the lifting portion 31 and the developer blocking portion 4 can be restored to the initial state (first state).

[0135] It should be noted that, as shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(b), in this embodiment, the joint 31c of the lifting portion 31 has only the first joint surface 31c1. When the first joint surface 31c1 contacts the joined portion 62a during the installation process of the developer container 10, the developer blocking portion 4 immediately begins the aforementioned movement that drives the lifting portion 31. In addition, when the first joint surface 31c1 separates from the joined portion 62a during the disassembly process of the developer container 10, the developer blocking portion 4 immediately stops the aforementioned movement that drives the lifting portion 31. Therefore, it can be seen that whether the lifting portion 31 moves or rotates with the developer blocking portion 4 can be determined by whether the joined portion 62a contacts the first joint surface 31c1.

[0136] In other embodiments, to prevent the developer blocking portion 4 from getting stuck with the first stop portion 71 and the second stop portion 72 during the installation and removal of the developer container 10, thus preventing the hole 41a of the developer blocking portion 4 from forming a fluid communication relationship with the discharge opening 3g and the receiving opening 11, in this embodiment, as... Figure 17 and 19 As shown, the developer blocking portion 4 includes a blocking portion 41, a hole 41a, and a connecting surface 41b surrounding the hole 41a. A platform portion 43 is provided on the side of the blocking portion 41 along the first direction X, and a latching portion 31d4 is provided on the third direction Z of the platform portion 43; additionally, a latching portion 31d4 is provided on the pushing portion 31d1 of the lifting portion 31.

[0137] Specifically, as shown in Figures 16(a)-16(c), 18(a) and 18(b), the developer blocking portion 4 is installed into the cavity 3f of the developer discharge portion 3 via the stage portion 43, and the locking portion 31d4 of the lifting portion 31 passes through the displacement portion 3d and is locked into the locked portion 31d4. In addition, the developer discharge portion 3 has a groove (not shown) at the moving position of the displacement portion 3d to facilitate the movement of the locked portion 31d4 along the first direction X. When the lifting part 31 and the developer receiving part 6 are pushed into the image forming apparatus along the first direction X as described above, the lifting part 31 will move and rotate relative to the developer discharge part 3. Because the lifting part 31 and the developer blocking part 4 are linked, the movement of the lifting part 31 will drive the developer blocking part 4 to move along the first direction X in the cavity 3f, so that the receiving opening 11, the hole 41a and the discharge opening 3g can flow, so as to prevent the developer blocking part 4 from not fitting well with the inside of the image forming apparatus during the installation and removal of the developer container 10, which would prevent the developer in the developer container 10 from entering the image forming apparatus and thus prevent the image forming apparatus from working properly.

[0138] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present invention, the specific structure and technical effects of the developer container can be referred to the description of the chip above, and will not be repeated here.

[0139] The following points need to be explained:

[0140] (1) The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention only involve the structures involved in the embodiments of the present invention. Other structures can refer to the general design.

[0141] (2) Where there is no conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0142] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. The scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A developer container, the developer container being detachably mounted into a developer receiving portion located within an image forming apparatus; the developer receiving portion comprising a receiving opening for receiving developer, a coupling portion movable integrally with the developer receiving portion, and an abutment portion supporting the coupling portion, characterized in that, The developer container includes: The developer container body is used to contain developer and is rotatable about a first axis of rotation; The developer discharge section is provided with a discharge opening for discharging the developer from the developer container body; The developer blocking portion has a hole that communicates with the discharge opening and is used to open and close the discharge opening during the installation and removal of the developer container; The displacement portion extends along a first direction of the developer discharge portion; A guiding portion that extends in a second direction along the developer discharge portion; The lifting portion is capable of cooperating with the developer receiving portion so that the lifting portion moves a predetermined distance in a first direction and the lifting portion can rotate around itself by a predetermined angle, causing the receiving opening to be in fluid communication with the discharge opening; The lifting portion has a first joint surface, a second joint surface, and a third joint surface that are adjacent to each other on the surface in the second direction; The first mating surface is used to abut against the mated portion during the installation and removal of the developer container.

2. The developer container according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a reset section connected to the lifting section and used to reset the lifting section during the disassembly of the developer container.

3. The developer container according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the transition from the first state to the second state, the lifting portion rotates through the first mating surface and comes into close contact with the mated portion; In the second to third states, the raised portion is in close contact with the joined portion through the first engagement surface.

4. The developer container according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first state to the second state, and in the first state to the third state, the raised portion always rotates and closely adheres to the joined portion through the first mating surface.

5. The developer container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mating surface is located on the first surface, and the second mating surface is located on the second surface.

6. The developer container according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second mating surface has an arc-shaped structure.

7. The developer container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mating surface is not parallel to the displacement portion in the first state.

8. The developer container according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The developer blocking portion is connected to the lifting portion so that the lifting portion moves the developer blocking portion, causing the developer blocking portion to move to a position where the hole communicates with the receiving opening, so that the discharge opening communicates with the receiving opening.

9. The developer container according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lifting portion is connected to a snap-fit ​​part, which is disposed at the moving end of the lifting portion and extends along the second direction toward the discharge opening; The developer blocking portion further includes a latching portion for engaging with the latching portion to cause the lifting portion to move the developer blocking portion in a first direction.

10. The developer container according to claim 9, characterized in that, The snap-fit ​​portion and the lifting portion are integrally formed.

11. The developer container according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The developer blocking portion is connected to the lifting portion so that the developer blocking portion drives the lifting portion to move, causing the developer blocking portion to move to a position where the hole and the receiving opening are in a connected state, so that the discharge opening is connected to the receiving opening.

12. The developer container according to claim 11, characterized in that, The lifting section is connected to a pushing section, which is located at the moving end of the lifting section and extends along a horizontal plane towards the discharge opening. The developer blocking portion further includes a pusher for cooperating with the pusher portion to cause the developer blocking portion to move the lifting portion in a first direction.

13. The developer container according to claim 12, characterized in that, The pushing part and the lifting part are integrally formed.

14. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, Includes a developer receiving portion and a developer container as described in any one of claims 1-13; The developer container is detachably mounted on the developer receiving portion.

Images