Toner container

Abstract

There is provided a toner container including: a storage portion configured to store toner; a nozzle portion having a discharge port configured to discharge the toner stored in the storage portion to the outside of the toner container, the nozzle portion being fixed to the storage portion such that the nozzle portion and the storage portion are aligned in a first direction; and a loosening member configured to loosen the toner, the loosening member including at least a portion provided in the storage portion, in which the loosening member is swingable relative to the storage portion about a swing axis extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toner container for use in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material. Background Art

[0002] As a method for supplying toner to an electrophotographic imaging device, a method of supplying toner using a toner container is known. The toner container is installed in a supply port exposed to the outside of the imaging device. CN216485993U discloses a toner container that includes a toner bottle containing a stirring member therein and is capable of supplying toner while the stirring member loosens the toner.

[0003] The present invention provides a toner container having improved toner discharge performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a toner container comprising:

[0005] a storage portion configured to store toner;

[0006] a nozzle portion having a discharge port configured to discharge the toner stored in the storage portion to the outside of the toner container, the nozzle portion being fixed to the storage portion such that the nozzle portion and the storage portion are aligned in a first direction; and

[0007] a loosening member configured to loosen the toner, the loosening member including at least a portion disposed in the storage portion,

[0008] The loosening member is capable of swinging relative to the storage portion about a swing axis extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0009] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1A 、 1B 1C and 1C include cross-sectional views of the mounting portion and the toner pack according to the first embodiment during toner supply.

[0011] Figure 2A and 2B Included are schematic cross-sectional views of an imaging system according to a first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4A and 4BIncludes an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5A and 5B Includes an external perspective view of the mounting portion according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6A and 6B The mounting portion according to the first embodiment is shown from above.

[0016] Figure 7 The mounting portion according to the first embodiment is shown from below.

[0017] Figure 8A and 8B Includes a perspective view of a device side baffle according to a first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9A and 9B A perspective view of a cover according to a first embodiment is included.

[0019] Figure 10A and 10B A front view of a toner package according to a first embodiment is included.

[0020] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the toner package according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 12A and 12B Included are front and side views of a loose member according to a first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 13A and 13B A perspective view of a bulk member according to a first embodiment is included.

[0023] Figure 14 is a sectional view of a toner pack according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 15A and 15B Includes a perspective view and a bottom view of the vicinity of the nozzle according to the first embodiment (when the bag side shutter is closed).

[0025] Figure 16A and 16B Includes a perspective view and a bottom view (when the bag side shutter is open) of the vicinity of the nozzle according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 17 It is a rear perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 18 It is a front view of the vicinity of the nozzle according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 19A and 19B A perspective view of the mounting portion and the toner package according to the first embodiment is included in the middle of the mounting process.

[0029] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting portion and the toner pack according to the first embodiment when mounting is completed.

[0030] Figure 21A and 21B Included are cross-sectional views of the mounting portion and the toner pack according to the first embodiment when mounting is completed.

[0031] Figure 22A 、 22B 22C include perspective views showing the toner pack mounted on the mounting portion when the operation lever is positioned at the closed position and the open position from above.

[0032] Figure 23A and 23B A sectional view including a mounting portion and a toner pack according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 24A and 24B A sectional view including a mounting portion and a toner pack according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 25A and 25B A front view comprising a loose member according to a first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 26A and 26B Included are a front view and a perspective view of a toner pack according to a second embodiment.

[0036] Figure 27A and 27B Included are perspective views of the vicinity of the nozzle according to the second embodiment when the bag side shutter is closed and opened.

[0037] Figure 28A 、 28B 28C include perspective, front, and top views of a bulk member according to a second embodiment.

[0038] Figure 29 is a sectional view of a toner package according to a second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 30A and 30B Included are cross-sectional views of the mounting portion and the toner pack according to the second embodiment when mounting is completed.

[0040] Figure 31 is a sectional view of a mounting portion and a toner pack according to a second embodiment.

[0041] Figure 32A and 32B Included are perspective and front views of a bulk member according to a second embodiment.

[0042] Figure 33 is a perspective view of a mounting portion according to a third embodiment.

[0043] Figure 34A and 34B Included are top views and cross-sectional views of a mounting portion according to a third embodiment.

[0044] Figure 35A and 35B Included are a front view and a perspective view of a toner pack according to a third embodiment.

[0045] Figure 36A and 36B Included are front and perspective views of a loose member according to a third embodiment.

[0046] Figure 37A and 37B Included are a sectional view and a bottom view of a toner package according to a third embodiment.

[0047] Figure 38 is a sectional view of a mounting portion and a toner pack according to a third embodiment.

[0048] Figure 39 is an enlarged perspective view of a drive transmission portion and a driven transmission portion according to a third embodiment.

[0049] Figure 40 is a front view of a bulking member according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] First embodiment

[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Imaging system

[0053] Figure 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the configuration of the imaging system 1000 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2B is a perspective view of the imaging system 1000 .

[0054] The image forming system 1000 includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a toner package 100 (toner container, toner cartridge) mountable on the image forming apparatus 1 . Figure 3 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 without the toner package 100 mounted thereon.

[0055] The toner pack 100 stores toner to be supplied to the image forming apparatus 1, wherein the toner pack 100 is installed in the Figure 3 The toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. The detailed configuration of the toner pack 100 will be described later. Figure 3 1 and 2 to be mounted. In the present embodiment, the mounting direction M of the toner pack 100 is the direction of gravity, but may be a direction inclined with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0056] Imaging equipment

[0057] The image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome printer that forms an image on a recording material P based on image information input from an external device. Examples of the recording material P include paper (such as plain paper and thick paper), plastic film (such as overhead projector sheet), sheets having special shapes (such as envelopes and index paper), and sheet materials of different materials (such as fabric).

[0058] like Figure 2A and 2B As shown, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the following components: an image forming device 10 that forms a toner image on a recording material P, a pickup roller 65 that feeds the recording material P to the image forming device 10, a fixing section 70 that fixes the toner image formed by the image forming device 10 to the recording material P, and a discharge roller pair 80.

[0059] The image forming apparatus 10 includes a scanner unit 11, an electrophotographic process unit 20, and a transfer roller 12 that transfers a toner image, which is a developer image formed on a photosensitive drum 21 of the process unit 20, onto a recording material P. The process unit 20 includes a photosensitive drum 21, a charging roller 22, a pre-exposure section 23, and a developing device 30 (developing unit, developing portion) including a developing roller 31.

[0060] The photosensitive drum 21 (image bearing member) is a cylindrical photosensitive member. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 includes a drum-shaped aluminum base and a photosensitive layer formed on the base using a negatively charged organic photosensitive member. The photosensitive drum 21 is rotationally driven by a motor at a predetermined process speed in a predetermined rotational direction (clockwise in the figure).

[0061] The charging roller 22 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 with a predetermined pressure force, forming a charging section. Furthermore, by applying a desired charging voltage using a high-voltage charging power supply, the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential. In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum 21 is charged to a negative polarity by the charging roller 22. Before reaching the charging section, the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 21 is eliminated by the pre-exposure section 23, allowing for stable discharge at the charging section.

[0062] The scanner unit 11, serving as an exposure unit, scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 by irradiating the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light corresponding to image information input from an external device using a polygonal mirror. This exposure forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Note that the scanner unit 11 is not limited to a laser scanner device; for example, an LED exposure device including an LED array comprising a plurality of LEDs aligned in the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 21 may be employed.

[0063] The developing device 30 includes a developing roller 31 serving as a developer carrying member that carries developer, a developing container 32 (developing frame) serving as the frame of the developing device 30, and a supply roller 33 that can supply developer to the developing roller 31. The developing roller 31 and the supply roller 33 are rotatably supported by the developing container 32. Furthermore, the developing roller 31 is arranged in an opening of the developing container 32 so as to face the photosensitive drum 21. The supply roller 33 rotatably contacts the developing roller 31 and supplies toner, serving as developer, stored in the developing container 32, onto the surface of the developing roller 31. Note that the supply roller 33 is not essential, as long as toner can be adequately supplied to the developing roller 31.

[0064] The developing device 30 in this embodiment uses a contact development method. Specifically, the toner layer carried by the developing roller 31 contacts the photosensitive drum 21 in the developing section (development area) where the photosensitive drum 21 and the developing roller 31 face each other. A development voltage is applied to the developing roller 31 by a high-voltage development power supply. Under this development voltage, the toner carried by the developing roller 31 moves from the developing roller 31 onto the drum surface according to the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, and the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image. Note that this embodiment uses a reversal development method. Specifically, the toner adheres to the surface area of ​​the photosensitive drum 21 where its charge level has been reduced by exposure during the exposure process after being charged during the charging process, thereby forming a toner image.

[0065] In this embodiment, a toner with a particle size of 6 µm and a normal charge polarity of negative polarity is used. Polymerized toner produced by a polymerization method is used as an example of the toner used in this embodiment. The toner used in this embodiment does not contain a magnetic component and is a so-called non-magnetic single-component developer, in which the toner is carried by the developing roller 31 primarily through intermolecular forces or electrostatic forces (image forces). However, single-component developers containing magnetic components may also be used. Furthermore, single-component developers may contain additives (examples include wax and silica fine particles) in addition to toner particles to adjust the toner's fluidity and charging properties. Alternatively, a two-component developer consisting of a non-magnetic toner and a magnetic carrier may be used as the developer. When using a magnetic developer, for example, a cylindrical developing sleeve with a magnet disposed inside is used as the developer carrying member.

[0066] The developer container 32 includes a toner storage chamber 36 (a second storage portion, or storage portion of the main body) for storing toner. A stirring member 34 (toner conveying member) is disposed within the toner storage chamber 36. The stirring member 34 is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown) to stir the toner in the developer container 32 and convey the toner toward the developer roller 31 and the supply roller 33. The stirring member 34 also serves to uniformly distribute the toner in the developer container by circulating toner that has not been used for development and has been scraped off the developer roller 31. Note that the stirring member 34 is not limited to a rotating member. For example, an oscillating member may also be employed.

[0067] In addition, a developing blade 35 for controlling the amount of toner carried by the developing roller 31 is arranged at the opening of the developing container 32 where the developing roller 31 is arranged. The toner supplied to the surface of the developing roller 31 is uniformly thinned by passing through the facing portion where the developing roller 31 and the developing blade 35 face each other as the developing roller 31 rotates, and is recharged to a negative polarity by friction.

[0068] Next, the imaging operation of the imaging apparatus 1 will be described. When a command to form an image is input to the imaging apparatus 1, the imaging process executed by the imaging device 10 begins based on image information input from an external computer connected to the imaging apparatus 1. The scanner unit 11 emits laser light toward the photosensitive drum 21 based on the input image information. At this point, the photosensitive drum 21 has already been pre-charged by the charging roller 22, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 21 by irradiating the photosensitive drum 21 with laser light. This electrostatic latent image is then developed by the developing roller 31 into a toner image on the photosensitive drum 21.

[0069] Simultaneously with the above-described image forming process, the recording material P is fed by the pickup roller 65 and conveyed toward the transfer nip formed by the transfer roller 12 and the photosensitive drum 21 .

[0070] The transfer roller 12 is supplied with a transfer voltage from a high-voltage transfer power supply, and the toner image carried by the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred onto the recording material P. As the recording material P, onto which the toner image has been transferred, passes through the fixing section 70, the toner image is heated and pressure is applied. Consequently, the toner particles melt and subsequently adhere, whereby the toner image is fixed to the recording material P. The recording material P that has passed through the fixing section 70 is discharged to an area outside the imaging apparatus 1 (outside the apparatus) by a pair of discharge rollers 80 serving as a discharge unit, and is stacked on a discharge tray 81 (which serves as a stacking section) formed in the upper portion of the imaging apparatus 1.

[0071] A top cover 82 serving as a loading tray is provided in an upper portion of the image forming apparatus 1, and a discharge tray 81 serving as a stacking surface is formed on an upper surface of the top cover 82. Figure 2B and Figure 3 As shown, the top cover 82 is provided with an opening and closing member 83 supported in a manner that can be opened and closed around a rotation shaft 83a extending in the front-rear direction. An opening portion 82a that opens upward is formed in the discharge tray 81 of the top cover 82. Figure 3 As shown, a mounting portion 106 provided for mounting the toner pack 100 is exposed through the opening portion 82 a.

[0072] The shutter member 83 is movable between a closed position, in which it covers the mounting portion 106 to prevent the toner pack 100 from being mounted on the imaging apparatus 1, and an open position, in which it exposes the mounting portion 106 to allow the toner pack 100 to be mounted on the imaging apparatus 1. When in the closed position, the shutter member 83 functions as part of the discharge tray 81. When viewing the imaging apparatus 1 from the front, the shutter member 83 and the opening 82a are formed on the left side of the discharge tray 81. The front side of the imaging apparatus 1, as described here, refers to the upstream side of the imaging apparatus 1 in the direction in which the recording material P is fed by the pickup roller 65. Alternatively, the user hooks their finger into the groove 82b provided in the top cover 82 and opens the shutter member 83 to the left.

[0073] The opening portion 82a of the discharge tray 81 is opened so that the mounting portion 106 formed in the upper portion of the image forming apparatus 1 is exposed, and the shutter member 83 is opened to allow the user to access the mounting portion 106. Note that the present embodiment adopts a direct supply method in which the user supplies toner from the toner pack 100 mounted on the mounting portion 106 to the developing device 30 with the developing device 30 mounted in the image forming apparatus 1. With the toner pack 100 mounted on the mounting portion 106 of the image forming apparatus 1, at least a portion of the toner pack 100 is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0074] Since it is not necessary to remove the process unit 20 from the image forming apparatus 1 and replace it with a new one when the remaining amount of toner in the process unit 20 becomes low, usability can be improved. In addition, compared with replacing the entire process unit 20, toner can be supplied to the developing container 32 at a lower cost. Note that even compared with replacing the developing device 30 of only the process unit 20, the direct supply method can reduce costs because it does not require replacement of various rollers, gears, and other parts.

[0075] Toner pack mounting section

[0076] First, we will use Figures 4A to 9B Description will be given of the configuration of the mounting portion 106. In the present embodiment, the mounting portion 106 is a unit provided for mounting the toner pack 100.

[0077] Figure 4A It is an exploded perspective view of the mounting portion 106 . Figure 4B Is along with Figure 4A Exploded perspective views of the mounting portion 106 viewed from different directions. Figure 5A and 6A Each is a perspective view of the outer appearance of the mounting portion 106 viewed along the mounting direction M when the operating lever 108 is in the closed position. Figure 5B and 6B Each is a perspective view of the outer appearance of the mounting portion 106 viewed along the mounting direction M when the operating lever 108 is in the open position. Figure 7 106 is a perspective view of the mounting portion 106 viewed from the downstream side in the mounting direction M. FIG.

[0078] Figure 8A 109 is a perspective view of the device-side baffle 109 as viewed from the upstream side in the installation direction M. FIG. Figure 8B It is from Figure 8A A perspective view of the device side baffle 109 observed from different viewpoints. Figure 9A 1 is a perspective view of the cover 110 as viewed from the downstream side relative to the cover 110 in the mounting direction M. FIG.

[0079] Figure 9B 1 and 2. This is a perspective view of the cover 110 as viewed from the upstream side in the mounting direction M. FIG.

[0080] Figure 3 and 5A The mounting portion 106 shown in FIG. 5B includes a base frame 2 including a first frame 107, a second frame 117, and a cover 110. The cover 110 and the second frame 117 are fixed to the first frame 107. Figure 9A 、 9B As shown, the cover 110 includes an engaged portion 110h, and the engaged portion 110h is engaged with the engaging portion 107b ( Figure 4A) are engaged to prevent the cover 110 from rotating relative to the first frame 107 about the rotation axis B. Note that the first frame 107, the cover 110 and the second frame 117 are not necessarily different components, but can be constructed as one body. Figure 4A 、 4B As shown in FIG. 7 , the second frame 117 has an apparatus side opening 117 a (frame opening, receiving opening), and the apparatus side opening 117 a communicates with the toner storage chamber 36 of the developing device 30 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 2A ).

[0081] The operation lever 108 and the device-side shutter 109 (second shutter) are each attached to the base frame 2 in a manner rotatable around a rotation axis B (center axis) relative to the base frame 2 .

[0082] The first frame 107 includes a positioning portion 107a. The positioning portion 107a protrudes inward relative to the inner peripheral surface of the first frame 107 centered on the rotation axis B in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis B. In addition, the operating lever 108 includes a drive transmission portion 108a (protruding portion of the lever) and an operating portion 108b. Figure 4A As shown, the drive transmission portion 108 a of the operating lever 108 is a protrusion that protrudes inward in a radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis B relative to the inner peripheral surface of the operating lever 108 centered on the rotation axis B.

[0083] The equipment side baffle 109 is a cylindrical member with an open upper side. Figure 8A 、 8B As shown, the device-side baffle 109 has a receiving inlet 109a (second baffle opening, device-side baffle opening) in a side surface portion extending in the direction of the rotation axis B. The device-side baffle 109 also has a bottom surface 109b provided with a regulated rib 109c (rotationally regulated portion). The device-side baffle 109 also includes a central boss 109d (positioning axis, shaft portion), a driven transmission portion 109e (pushed portion, protrusion of the device-side baffle), a package contact surface 109g (for installation direction positioning), and an inner circumferential surface 109h (for radial direction positioning). The device-side baffle 109 is rotatable relative to the base frame 2 about the rotation axis B.

[0084] The regulated ribs 109c protrude upward from the bottom surface 109b in the direction of the rotation axis B. Figure 8A As shown, the driven transmission portion 109e is a protrusion that protrudes inward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis B. A device side seal 111 (see Figure 5B ).

[0085] Here, the device side baffle 109 is rotatable relative to the base frame 2 to be in a closed position and an open position. When the device side baffle 109 is in the closed position, the receiving inlet 109a is covered by the device side seal 111 and the cover 110, and when the device side baffle 109 is in the open position, the receiving inlet 109a is open and not covered by the cover 110. The closed position is Figure 5A and 6A , and when the device side baffle 109 is in the closed position (non-communication position), the receiving inlet 109a of the device side baffle 109 is not communicated with the device side opening 117a of the second frame 117. The open position is Figure 5B and 6B , and when the device-side shutter 109 is in the open position (communication position), the receiving inlet 109a of the device-side shutter 109 communicates with the device-side opening 117a of the second frame 117. The device-side shutter 109 moves to the open position, and thereby toner can be supplied (fed) from the toner pack 100 to the toner storage chamber 36 of the developing device 30 through the receiving inlet 109a.

[0086] Note that, because the operation lever 108 and the apparatus-side fence 109 are not coupled in terms of driving, when the operation lever 108 is operated without the toner pack 100 being attached, the apparatus-side fence 109 does not rotate.

[0087] Toner Pack

[0088] Will use Figures 10A to 14 The basic configuration of the toner pack 100 is described. Figure 10A 10 is a front view of the toner pack 100 when the pack side shutter 103 is in the closed position. Figure 10B 10 is a front view of the toner pack 100 when the pack side shutter 103 is in the open position. Figure 11 It is an exploded perspective view of the toner pack 100 . Figure 12A is a front view of the loose member 200. Figure 12B is a side view of the bulk member 200 . Figure 13A It is a perspective view of the loose member 200 . Figure 13B It is a perspective view of the loose member 200 in an elastically deformed state. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 100 .

[0089] The toner pack 100 includes a storage portion 101 (first storage portion) for storing toner, a nozzle 102 (nozzle portion, pipe, tube, valve, discharge portion), a pack side shutter 103 (container shutter, rotating member), and a loosening member 200 (see Figure 12A 、 12B ).like Figure 10A 、 10BAs shown, in the first direction D1, the storage portion 101 is provided on one end side, and the nozzle 102 and the bag side baffle 103 are provided on the other end side. The storage portion 101 and the nozzle 102 are aligned in the first direction D1.

[0090] The storage unit 101 is a bag formed of a polypropylene sheet (flexible sheet) that has been bagged. Figure 10A 、 10B As shown in FIG. 11 , the storage portion 101 has a flat shape, wherein the width in the second direction D2 is greater than the width in the third direction intersecting both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Figure 10A As shown, the shape includes a region α1 of the reservoir 101 , in which the width in the second direction D2 increases as the distance from the nozzle 102 increases.

[0091] The nozzle 102 in this embodiment is formed of polypropylene. The side surface 102c (first outer surface) of the nozzle 102 extending in the first direction D1 has a discharge port 102a (nozzle opening, first opening) that communicates with the interior of the storage portion 101. The toner stored in the storage portion 101 is discharged to the outside of the toner pack 100 through the discharge port 102a. Figure 14 As shown, the nozzle 102 has a receiving inlet 102f for receiving toner from the storage portion 101 and a passage 102h for allowing toner to pass from the receiving inlet 102f to reach the discharge port 102a. In this embodiment, the discharge port 102a is provided in a side surface 102c extending in the first direction D1.

[0092] Note that the nozzle 102 and the storage portion 101 may be integrally configured. In addition, a seal may be provided between the storage portion 101 and the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102, and when the seal is removed, the storage portion 101 and the discharge port 102a may communicate with each other.

[0093] The side baffle 103 (rotating member) is provided on the outside relative to the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102. Figure 11As shown, the pack-side baffle 103 is attached so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis A (first rotation axis) extending in a first direction D1 and has an opening 103a (an opening of the rotating member, a first baffle opening). The pack-side baffle 103 is positioned outward from the side surface 102c in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. The side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 is a curved surface that curves outward in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A. The inner surface of the pack-side baffle 103 (the surface facing the side surface 102c) curves along the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102, and a pack-side seal 105 having a generally rectangular shape is attached to this curved surface. Note that the side surface 102c of the nozzle 102 also extends along the rotation axis A.

[0094] like Figure 12A As shown, the loosening member 200 includes a base portion 201 and a first loose portion 202 (elastic portion) formed of a wire spring (wire material).

[0095] The base 201 is arranged from the reservoir 101 to the passage 102h of the nozzle 102 such that its longitudinal direction coincides with the first direction D1. The base 201 includes a first end 201a, which is one end in the longitudinal direction, and a second end 201b, which is the other end in the longitudinal direction. The first end 201a is a free end that includes a portion extending in a second direction D2 that is orthogonal to the first direction D1. A second loose portion 201b2 is provided in the second end 201b so that it is positioned in the passage 102h of the nozzle 102.

[0096] One end 202a (third end) and the other end 202b (fourth end) of the first loose portion 202 are supported by the first end 201a and the second end 201b of the base 201, respectively. Figure 12B As shown, the first loose portion 202 has a generally spiral shape wound around the base 201 from one end 202a toward the other end 202b to form an ellipse that forms an angle θ1 with a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the base 201. In other words, the first loose portion 202 is a wire spring (wire material) that extends in the first direction D1 while rotating around the base 201. The minor axis W2 of the first loose portion 202 is uniform in the longitudinal direction, while the major axis W1 of the first loose portion 202 decreases from the one end 202a toward the other end 202b, as shown in FIG. Figure 12A In other words, in the region α1 ( Figure 10A), the width W3 (long axis W1) of the first loose portion 202 in the second direction D2 increases as the distance from the nozzle 102 increases according to the width of the reservoir 101. In addition, the second loose portion 201b2 has a plurality of protrusions 201b21 extending in the second direction D2 and arranged in the first direction D1.

[0097] Since the first loose portion 202 is formed by a wire spring, the first loose portion 202 Figure 13A The status changes to Figure 13B When a force is applied, the first loose portion 202 is elastically deformed to be displaced relative to the base portion 201.

[0098] like Figure 11 As shown, the second end 201b of the base 201 is provided with an axially shaped supported portion 201b1 (swing axis portion), and a support hole 102g (support portion) provided in the nozzle 102 supports the supported portion 201b1. Thus, the base 201 is supported by the nozzle 102 so that it can swing relative to the nozzle 102 about a swing axis S1 of the supported portion 201b1. As the base 201 swings about the swing axis S1, the second porous portion 202b2 within the passage 102h of the nozzle 102 also swings about the swing axis S1. The first and second porous portions 202b2 are located on opposite sides of the supported portion 201b1 in the longitudinal direction of the base 201. In this embodiment, the swing axis S1 extends in the second direction D2, consistent with the shape of the reservoir 101 (flat shape), and does not cause swinging about an imaginary line extending in a third direction intersecting both the first and second directions D1 and D2. However, in addition to the swinging movement about the swing axis S1 extending in the second direction D2, it is also possible to cause the swinging movement about a swing axis extending in a third direction intersecting both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. It is possible to cause the swinging movement in any direction intersecting the first direction D1. Note that the movement of the loosening member 200 accompanying the supply operation performed and used by the user of the toner package 100 will be described later.

[0099] like Figure 10A 、 10B As shown, the bag side baffle 103 is rotatable about a rotation axis A between a closed position and an open position. When the bag side baffle 103 is in the closed position, the bag side seal 105 closes the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102, while when the bag side baffle 103 is in the open position, the discharge port 102a is open. When the bag side baffle 103 is in the open position, the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 is exposed through the opening 103a.

[0100] Figure 10A and 10BThe figures show the state where the side baffle 103 is in the closed position and the state where the side baffle 103 is in the open position. Figure 10A As shown, when the bag side baffle 103 in the closed position rotates around the rotation axis A in the direction of arrow K (first rotation direction), the bag side baffle 103 reaches Figure 10B . Conversely, when the bag-side shutter 103 rotates from the open position in the direction of arrow L (the second rotational direction), the bag-side shutter 103 reaches the closed position. During the rotation of the bag-side shutter 103, the bag-side shutter 103 slides relative to the side surface 102 c of the nozzle 102 with the bag-side seal 105 positioned therebetween.

[0101] Will use Figures 15A to 17 The nozzle 102 and the bag side baffle 103 are described in detail. The arrow N direction is the direction from the storage unit 101 toward the nozzle 102, and the arrow U direction is the opposite direction to the arrow N. The arrow N direction and the arrow U direction are parallel to the rotation axis A.

[0102] Figure 15A It is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the nozzle 102 when the bag side shutter 103 is in the closed position. Figure 15B Shown in Figure 15A The toner pack 100 is viewed in the direction of arrow U in FIG. Figure 16A It is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the nozzle 102 when the bag side shutter 103 is in the open position. Figure 16B Shown in Figure 16A The toner pack 100 is viewed in the direction of arrow U in FIG. Figure 17 Shows the Figure 14 The vicinity of the nozzle 102 viewed from the opposite side.

[0103] like Figure 15A and 15B As shown, the nozzle 102 includes a positioned portion 102d having a surface 102d1 (first nozzle surface, first opposing surface) and a surface 102d2 (second nozzle surface, second opposing surface). The surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2 are spaced apart in the arrow R direction (second direction D2) so as to face each other and extend in a direction intersecting the R direction. Figure 15B As shown, the surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2 in this embodiment extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrow R and are parallel to each other. That is, the direction of arrow R is the normal direction of each of the surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2. When the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106, the positioned portion 102d is aligned with the positioning portion 107a ( Figure 4A) are engaged. Therefore, the position of the nozzle 102 relative to the first frame 107 (base frame 2) in the direction of arrow R is determined. Therefore, the position of the nozzle 102 relative to the first frame 107 in the rotation direction around the rotation axis A is also determined. Figure 15B In the diagram, straight line CL1 (a first imaginary straight line) extends perpendicular to the direction of arrow R while passing through the center of the space between surfaces 102d1 and 102d2 in the R direction. Straight line CL1 is rotated approximately 90 degrees relative to straight line CL2 (a second imaginary straight line) that passes through the rotation axis A and extends through the center of discharge port 102a. In other words, straight lines CL1 and CL2 are orthogonal to each other.

[0104] In addition, if Figure 15A 、 15B As shown in FIG. 18 , in the direction of the rotation axis A, the surface 102e1 and the surface 102e2 are respectively arranged on the downstream side with respect to the surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2 in the N direction. Figure 15B As shown, the surface 102e1 and the surface 102e2 extend in the radial direction r of an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A.

[0105] exist Figure 18 In the embodiment, side surface 102e3 (second outer surface) is provided between surface 102d1 and surface 102d2 in the direction of arrow R, and between surfaces 102e1 and 102e2. Side surface 102e3 is recessed inward in radial direction r relative to side surface 102c. Recess 102e (nozzle recess) is formed by surface 102d1, surface 102d2, and side surface 102e3, as well as surface 102e1, surface 102e2, and side surface 102e3.

[0106] Note that the surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2 do not necessarily need to be parallel as in the present embodiment. The surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2 may each be a surface extending in the radial direction r of the imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis A.

[0107] In addition, if Figure 15A 、 15B As shown, when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis A (first direction D1), the side surface 103d of the pack side baffle 103 (the first outer surface of the rotating member) has an opening 103a (rotating body opening). Figure 15AIn the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , when the bag side shutter 103 is in the closed position, at least a portion of the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 is exposed through the opening 103a. This is because when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106 with the bag side shutter 103 closed, the recess 102e (surface 102d1 and surface 102d2) engages with the positioning portion 107a.

[0108] also, Figure 15B This is a bottom view of the nozzle 102 and the bag-side shutter 103 when the bag-side shutter 103 is in the closed position. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis A (first direction D1), the driven transmission portion 103e (rotating body recess) is positioned across the rotation axis A from the recess 102e of the nozzle 102 (opening 103a of the bag-side shutter 103). The driven transmission portion 103e has a surface 103b1 and a surface 103b2, both of which extend perpendicular to the direction of arrow R. Figure 17 This is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the pack side guard plate 103, viewed from the side where the driven transmission portion 103e is provided. Between the surfaces 103b1 and 103b2, a side surface 103b3 (the second outer surface of the rotating member) is provided. This side surface 103b3 is recessed inward in the radial direction r relative to the side surface 103d. The driven transmission portion 103e is comprised of the surfaces 103b1, 103b2, and the side surface 103b3.

[0109] When the side baffle 103 is Figure 15A 、 15B When the closed position shown in FIG is rotated in the direction of arrow K, the side baffle 103 takes the following Figure 16A 、 16B The package is in the open position shown, and the discharge port 102 a of the nozzle 102 is exposed through the opening 103 a of the package side baffle 103 .

[0110] like Figure 15A 、 15B As shown in Figures 17 and 17 , the pack-side shutter 103 includes radial positioning portions 103f that protrude outward in the radial direction r relative to the side surface 103d. The radial positioning portions 103f are located upstream of the pack-side shutter 103 in the N direction relative to the rotation axis A. The radial positioning portions 103f are spaced apart at three points in the rotational direction of the pack-side shutter 103 (circumferentially around the imaginary circle VC). When the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106, the radial positioning portions 103f of the pack-side shutter 103 contact the inner circumferential surface 109h of the device-side shutter 109, thereby determining the position of the toner pack 100 in the radial direction r.

[0111] Note that the nozzle 102 in this embodiment is a component that includes a passage 102h through which toner passes and a discharge port 102a that allows toner to be discharged from the nozzle 102. The cross-sectional area of ​​the passage through which toner passes in the nozzle 102 can decrease or increase toward the discharge port 102a, or can be uniform. The cross-sectional area and length of the passage in the nozzle 102 can be appropriately varied depending on, for example, the performance of toner discharge and are therefore not limited. Furthermore, the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 does not necessarily have to be the most downstream opening through which toner is discharged from the toner pack 100. Toner discharged from the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 can pass through a passage in a component separate from the nozzle 102 and then be discharged outside the toner pack 100. Furthermore, while the nozzle 102 in this embodiment is formed of non-flexible polypropylene, the nozzle 102 can be formed of other materials, such as ABS or polystyrene.

[0112] Note that the pack side shutter 103 may be a rotating body that includes a driven transmission portion 103e and allows the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 to remain open regardless of the rotational position of the pack side shutter 103. In this case, when the toner pack 100 is not yet mounted on the mounting portion 106, the discharge port 102a of the nozzle 102 may be sealed with a seal, and the seal may be removed during the mounting operation on the mounting portion 106 or after the toner pack 100 has been mounted. Alternatively, a toner pack 100 without the pack side shutter 103 is also possible.

[0113] Supply Operations

[0114] Next, we will use Figures 19A to 25B The operation for mounting the toner package 100 and supplying toner is described.

[0115] Figure 19A It is a perspective view of the intermediate toner pack 100 and the mounting portion 106 during the process of mounting the toner pack 100 on the mounting portion 106 . Figure 19B It is from Figure 19A 1 and 2 are perspective views of the toner pack 100 and the mounting portion 106 as viewed from different viewpoints. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view parallel to the rotation axis A (rotation axis B), and shows Figure 19A 、 19B The toner pack 100 in the state of has been further moved in the mounting direction. Figure 21A It is along Figure 20 A cross-sectional view taken along line XXIA-XXIA in FIG. Figure 21B It is along Figure 20 A sectional view taken along line XXIB-XXIB in FIG. Figure 22A1 is a perspective view of the toner pack 100 as viewed from above when the operating lever 108 is in the open position. Figure 22B The figure shows that the operation lever 108 is operated to change the Figure 22A The state of the package side baffle 103 and the device side baffle 109 is changed to a three-dimensional view of the open state. Figure 22C is a schematic diagram showing how a user supplies toner. Figure 1A It is along Figure 20 The cross-sectional view taken along the line IA-IA in FIG. 1 shows the operation of the operating lever 108 after the operation of the operating lever 108. Figure 20 The state of the . Figure 1B and Figure 1C is a diagram showing when the user supplies toner Figure 22A sectional view of a toner pack 100 in a flattened state.

[0116] like Figure 19A 、 19B As shown, the toner pack 100, with the pack side shutter 103 in the closed position, is moved in the mounting direction M to be mounted on the mounting portion 106, with the device side shutter 109 in the closed position. At this time, when viewed in the mounting direction M, the position of the recessed portion 102e of the nozzle 102 (the opening 103a of the pack side shutter 103) and the position of the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107 are aligned in the rotational direction of the pack side shutter 103. Simultaneously, the position of the driven transmission portion 103e of the pack side shutter 103 and the position of the drive transmission portion 108a of the operating lever 108 are also aligned in the rotational direction of the pack side shutter 103.

[0117] After the above positioning is performed, when the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106 while being moved in the mounting direction M, the toner pack 100 arrives at the mounting portion 106. Figure 20 The installation is complete as shown in . Figure 20 As shown, the small diameter portion 109d2 of the central boss 109d of the device side baffle 109 is fitted along (engaged with) the inner peripheral surface 102b1 of the protrusion 102b of the nozzle 102. Therefore, in the lower part of the nozzle 102 (downstream side in the installation direction M), the position of the nozzle 102 in the radial direction relative to the device side baffle 109 is determined. In addition, the radial positioning portion 103f ( Figure 14 、 Figure 16A 、 16B ) is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 109h of the device side baffle 109 at three points ( Figure 8A 、 8B )touch.

[0118] Therefore, on the upstream side in the mounting direction M, the positions of the nozzle 102 and the pack side shutter 103 (toner pack 100) in the radial direction are determined. On the other hand, the protruding end surface 102b2 of the protrusion 102b of the nozzle 102 contacts the pack contact surface 109g of the device side shutter 109. Therefore, the position of the nozzle 102 (toner pack 100) relative to the mounting portion 106 in the direction of the rotation axis A (mounting direction M) is determined. Moreover, as Figure 21A As shown, the positioning portion 107a of the first frame 107 engages with the positioned portion 102d of the nozzle 102 having the surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2. Therefore, the position of the nozzle 102 relative to the first frame 107 (base frame 2) is determined in the direction of arrow R of the surface 102d1 and the surface 102d2. Note that the inner peripheral surface 102b1 of the protrusion 102b does not necessarily have to fit onto the center boss 109d as long as there is no interference. Figure 21A As shown, the driving transmission portion 108a of the operating lever 108 (protruding portion of the lever) and the driven transmission portion 103e of the side baffle 103 (recessed portion of the rotating body, see Figure 17 ) connection. In addition, if Figure 21B As shown, the driven transmission portion 103e (the recessed portion of the rotating body) of the bag-side fence 103 engages the driven transmission portion 109e (the protruding portion of the fence) of the device-side fence 109. Consequently, the rotation axis A of the bag-side fence 103 and the rotation axis B of the device-side fence 109 are substantially coaxial. The operating lever 108, the bag-side fence 103, and the device-side fence 109 are movable as a substantially integrated unit relative to the first frame 107 (base frame 2) and the nozzle 102, rotating about the rotation axis A (rotation axis B). Specifically, when the operating lever 108 rotates, the drive transmission portion 108a of the operating lever 108 pushes against the surface 103b1 or 103b2 of the bag-side fence 103, causing the bag-side fence 103 to rotate. Then, the surface 103 b 1 or the surface 103 b 2 of the bag side fence 103 pushes the driven transmission portion 109 e of the device side fence 109 to rotate the device side fence 109 .

[0119] like Figure 22A and 22B As shown, after the toner pack 100 is mounted on the mounting portion 106, the operating portion 108b of the operating lever 108 is rotated in the rotation direction D. When the operating lever 108 is operated to rotate in the rotation direction D, the device side shutter 109 rotates from the closed position to the open position, and the pack side shutter 103 rotates from the closed position to the open position.

[0120] Actions accompanying the supply operation of loose components

[0121] The action of the loosening member 200 accompanying the supply operation of the toner package 100 will be described.

[0122] like Figure 22C As shown, as a supply operation, the user presses the area H which is a part of the storage portion 101 of the toner pack 100. Figure 10A 、 10B As shown, the region H is provided with the first loose portion 202, which is provided in the storage portion 101. As described above, the loosening member 200 is supported by the nozzle 102 so as to be able to swing relative to the nozzle 102 around the supported portion 201b1 (swing axis S1). Moreover, the second loose portion 201b2 can also swing relative to the nozzle 102 around the supported portion 201b1. Therefore, as Figure 1A As shown, the first loosening portion 202 is elastically deformed in the direction of arrow S by the pressing force F1 and the pressing force F2 pressing the storage portion 101 from both outsides in the second direction D2, and the entire loosening member 200 also swings in the direction of arrow T or arrow V around the supported portion 201b1. When the pressing force F1 is greater than the pressing force F2, the toner pack 100 is pulled out of the storage portion 101. Figure 1A The status changes to Figure 1B When the pressing force F2 is greater than the pressing force F1, the toner pack 100 is Figure 1A The status changes to Figure 1C In addition, when the user stops applying the pressing force F1 and the pressing force F2, the toner pack 100 returns to the state where the first loose portion 202 recovers from the elastic deformation. Figure 1A , or a state close to this state. Due to the above-described action of loosening member 200, the toner stored in storage section 101 is loosened by first loosening portion 202. Simultaneously, the toner within passage 102h of nozzle 102 is loosened by second loosening portion 201b2. Due to the weight of the toner and the increase in internal pressure of storage section 101 caused by pressing on storage section 101, the toner within storage section 101 and the toner within passage 102h are discharged through discharge port 102a of nozzle 102 along arrow Z. When the supply operation is completed, the operating lever 108 is rotated in rotation direction E by operating operating portion 108b, and then toner pack 100 is removed from mounting portion 106.

[0123] With the toner pack 100 according to this embodiment, compared to a case without the loosening member 200, the toner within the storage portion 101 and the toner within the passage 102h can be effectively loosened during the supply operation, without the need for loosening the toner before supply. Furthermore, the toner discharge performance of the toner pack 100 is improved, thereby reducing the amount of toner remaining in the toner pack 100 after supply. Furthermore, the elastic restoring force of the first loosening member 202 maintains a constant or greater volume within the storage portion 101, allowing the storage portion 101 to easily flatten. For example, even if the toner pack 100 flattens due to, for example, impact during distribution and temporarily enters a state where internal air is expelled through the pack side seal 105, the toner pack 100 easily recovers its shape.

[0124] Note that the storage portion 101 of the toner pack 100 is not limited to a bag as in the present embodiment, and may be a container made of, for example, paper or vinyl. Figure 23A As shown, an elastic portion 1010a that is easily elastically deformed locally can be provided at the end of a storage portion 1010 (bottle) made of resin and having a thickness of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm on the side farther from the nozzle 102 in the first direction D1. The elastic portion 1010a is, for example, a thin portion having a thickness (0.1 mm to 0.3 mm) smaller than that of portions other than the elastic portion 1010a, or a portion made of a material having a smaller Young's modulus than that of the material of portions other than the elastic portion 1010a. Figure 23B As shown, the elastic portion 1010a is elastically deformed by being pressed by the user, and the pressing force F1 applied by the user is transmitted to the loosening member 200 in the storage portion 1010; therefore, the toner can be loosened. Figure 24A As shown, a reservoir 1020 (bottle) made of resin and having a thickness of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm can be provided with an elastic portion 1020b that is easily elastically deformed locally at the end portion located on the nozzle 102 side in the first direction D1. The elastic portion 1020b can be, for example, a thin portion having a thickness (0.1 mm to 0.3 mm) smaller than that of portions other than the elastic portion 1020b, or a portion made of a material having a lower Young's modulus than that of portions other than the elastic portion 1020b. The reservoir 1020 is moved relative to the nozzle 102 by a pressing force F3 applied by the user, and the loosening member 200 receives a pressing force F4 from the reservoir 1020, thereby loosening the toner.

[0125] In addition, although the loosening member 200 is supported in a swingable manner relative to the nozzle 102 in this embodiment, and the first loose portion 202 is an elastically deformable wire spring and has a spiral shape, this is not the only option. For example, the first loose portion 202 and the second loose portion 201b2 may be Figure 25A The loose member 2000 having a comb-like shape may be Figure 25B The loose member 2000 has a mesh shape. Figure 25A The loose member 2000 includes a first loose portion 2020 and a second loose portion 2030. The first loose portion 2020 is composed of a plurality of protrusions extending in the second direction D2 and aligned in the first direction D1. The second loose portion 2030 is composed of a plurality of protrusions shorter than the protrusions of the first loose portion 2020 and aligned in the first direction D1. Figure 25B The loose member 2000 in FIG. 2 includes a first loose portion 2020 and a second loose portion 2030 each having a mesh shape.

[0126] Furthermore, the loosening member 200 does not need to be supported by the nozzle 102 and can remain suspended within the reservoir 101. The base 201 itself can be formed from a wire spring. If it is not necessary to loosen the toner in the passage 102h of the nozzle 102, the second loosening portion 201b2 is not necessary. In a configuration where the pressing force applied by the user is transmitted to the loosening member 200, the toner stored in the reservoir 101 can be loosened by shifting the position of the loosening member 200 relative to the reservoir 101 and the nozzle 102.

[0127] Second embodiment

[0128] The configuration of the second embodiment will be described. Note that the description of the same elements as those in the above-described embodiment may be omitted. In addition, elements corresponding to those described in the first embodiment may be referred to by names similar to those of the elements in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the elements different from those in the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0129] Will use Figures 26A to 29 The configuration of the toner pack 250 in this embodiment will be described. Note that the configuration of the mounting portion 106 is the same as that in the first embodiment. Figure 26A 2 is a front view of the toner pack 250 . Figure 26B It is a perspective view of the toner pack 250 . Figure 27A It is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the nozzle 252 when the bag side shutter 253 is in the closed position.

[0130] Figure 27B It is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the nozzle 252 when the bag side shutter 253 is in the open position. Figure 28A It is a perspective view of the loose member 254. Figure 28Bis a side view of the loose member 254. Figure 28C is a top view of the loose member 254. Figure 29 yes Figure 26A 2 is a cross-sectional view of the toner package 250 taken along line XXIX-XXIX. Figure 30A It is a cross-sectional view parallel to the rotation axis A (rotation axis B) in the installed state. Figure 30B It is along Figure 30A A cross-sectional view taken along line XXXB-XXXB in FIG. Figure 31 It is a cross-sectional view parallel to the rotation axis A (rotation axis B), in which the bag side baffle 253 and the device side baffle 109 are rotated to enter the open state. Note that for ease of observation, the loosening member 254 is Figure 29 、 30A and 31 are not shown in cross-section.

[0131] The toner pack 250 includes a storage portion 251 for storing toner, a nozzle 252, a pack side shutter 253, and a loosening member 254. Figure 26A 、 26B As shown, in the first direction D1, the storage portion 251 is provided on one end side, and the nozzle 252 and the package side baffle 253 are provided on the other end side. The storage portion 251 is a bottle made of resin. The resin bottle in this embodiment has a thickness of 0.5 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. Examples of the material include polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), PC, ABS, PC+ABS, PP, and nylon. Figure 27A 、 27B As shown, the pack-side baffle 253 is rotatable about a rotation axis A between a closed position and an open position. When the pack-side baffle 253 is in the closed position, the pack-side seal 105 closes the discharge port 252c of the nozzle 252, while when the pack-side baffle 253 is in the open position, the discharge port 252c is opened. A protrusion 253a is provided at the front end of the pack-side baffle 253.

[0132] like Figure 28A and 28B As shown, the loosening member 254 includes a base 255, a first loosening portion 256, and a second loosening portion 257. The first loosening portion 256 is composed of comb-like elements provided on the base 255. These elements are arranged every 90 degrees in the direction of rotation about the rotation axis A, and the elements are arranged in a staggered manner in the direction of the rotation axis A. In other words, the first loosening portion 256 has a first protrusion extending in the second direction D2 and a second protrusion extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The second loosening portion 257 is a comb-like element provided on the base 255.

[0133] like Figure 29 As shown, the loosening member 254 is provided in the storage portion 251. The second loosening portion 257 is provided in the passage 252a of the nozzle 252. The front end 255a of the base 255 is fitted in and fixed to the hole portion 253b of the bag side baffle 253.

[0134] Next, we will use Figures 30A to 32B The mechanism by which the loosening member 254 loosens toner is described. Figure 30A 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the toner pack 250 is mounted on the mounting portion 106. As in the above-described embodiment, when Figure 30A When the operating lever 108 is rotated in the rotation direction D by operating the operating portion 108b in the state (refer to Figure 22A and 22B ), each of the device side baffle 109 and the bag side baffle 253 rotates from the closed position to the open position. Since the loosening member 254 is fixed to the bag side baffle 253, the loosening member 254 rotates in the direction of arrow K around the rotation axis A. Therefore, the colorant in the storage portion 251 is loosened by the first loosening portion 256, and the colorant in the passage 252a is loosened by the second loosening portion 257. As a result, as shown in FIG. Figure 31 As shown, the loosened toner is discharged from the storage portion 251 along the arrow Z due to its own weight. In other words, the toner in the storage portion 251 is loosened by the shutter opening and closing operation, and the toner is thus easily discharged. After the toner supply is completed, the operating portion 108b is rotated in the rotation direction E, and the toner pack 250 is then removed from the mounting portion 106.

[0135] Note that although the storage portion 251 of the toner pack 250 is a resin bottle in this embodiment, this is not the only option. For example, a bag formed of a sheet material (e.g., a flexible polypropylene sheet) that has been bagged is feasible. In addition, the form of the bulking member 254 is not necessarily limited to this. For example, Figure 32A 、 32B As shown, the first loose portion 256 may be a screw including a blade portion having a spiral shape, and the second loose portion 257 may be an elastically deformable sheet.

[0136] Third embodiment

[0137] Next, a third embodiment will be described. Note that descriptions of elements similar to those in the above embodiments may be omitted. Among the elements in this embodiment, elements corresponding to those in the first embodiment may be referred to by names similar to those in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, elements different from those in the first embodiment will be described.

[0138] First, we will use Figures 33 to 34B The configuration of the mounting portion 300 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 33 It is a perspective view of the mounting portion 300 . Figure 34A It is the top view of the installation part. Figure 34B It is along Figure 34A A cross-sectional view taken along line XXXIVB-XXXIVB in FIG.

[0139] like Figure 33 and 34A As shown, the drive transmission member 302 is provided on the front end portion of the central boss 301a of the device side baffle 301 constituting the mounting portion 300. The drive transmission member 302 is provided with four drive transmission claws 302a. Figure 34B As shown, the drive shaft 303 is fixed to the drive transmission member 302 , and is rotatable in a rotation direction D about a rotation axis B by receiving a driving force from a drive source M (motor).

[0140] Next, we will use Figures 35A to 37B The configuration of the toner pack 350 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 35A 3 is a front view of the toner pack 350 . Figure 35B It is a perspective view of the toner pack 350 . Figure 36A is a front view of the loose member 354. Figure 36B It is a perspective view of the loose member 354. Figure 37A It is along Figure 35A The arrow U direction is the direction from the nozzle 352 toward the storage portion 351. Figure 37B Shows the direction of arrow U Figure 37A The structure in .

[0141] As in the first embodiment, the toner pack 350 includes a storage portion 351 for storing toner, a nozzle 352, a pack side shutter 353, and a loosening member 354. Figure 35A 、 35B As shown, in the first direction D1, the storage portion 351 is provided on one end side, and the nozzle 352 and the bag side baffle 353 are provided on the other end side. The storage portion 351 is formed of a resin bottle similar to the resin bottle in the second embodiment.

[0142] like Figure 36A 、 36B As shown, the loosening member 354 includes a shaft portion 355 rotatable about a rotation axis A, a first loosening portion 356 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 355, and a second loosening portion 357 having an outer diameter smaller than that of the first loosening portion 356 and provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 355. The first loosening portion 356 and the second loosening portion 357 are each a blade (blade portion) having a spiral shape, the spiral axis of the spiral shape coinciding with the rotation axis. In other words, the loosening member 354 is a screw. Figure 37A As shown, the loosening member 354 is provided in the storage portion 351. A driven transmission member 358 (driving force receiving portion) is fixed to a first end portion 355a provided at one end of the shaft portion 355. The driven transmission member 358 is a coupling provided with four driven transmission claws 358a provided on the end surface in the direction of the rotation axis A.

[0143] When the toner pack 350 is oriented in a predetermined direction so that the rotation axis A is parallel to the direction of gravity with the nozzle 352 positioned below the storage portion 351, the driven transmission member 358 is fixed to the first end portion 355a (lower end portion) which is the end portion on the lower side of the shaft portion 355. Figure 37A and 37B As shown, when the toner package 350 is oriented in the predetermined direction, the driven transmission member 358 is exposed to the outside of the toner package 350 from the bottom surface of the nozzle 352 .

[0144] The shaft portion 355 includes a portion (first portion) positioned in the storage portion 351 and provided with the first loose portion 356, and a portion (second portion) positioned in the channel 352a and provided with the second loose portion 357. Figure 38 As shown, the first end portion 355a as one end portion of the shaft portion 355 is a front end portion that penetrates downward through the inner wall of the passage 352a.

[0145] The second end portion 355b, which is the other end portion of the shaft portion 355, and the received portion 355c are supported by the support portion 351a of the storage portion 351 and the support portion 352b of the nozzle 352, respectively, so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis A. When the toner pack 350 is oriented in a predetermined direction, the support portion 351a is provided on the top surface within the storage portion 351. The second loose portion 357 is provided within the passage 352a of the nozzle 352.

[0146] Next, we will use Figures 38 to 40 The toner supply operation is described. Figure 38 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing that the toner pack 350 is mounted on the mounting portion 300 and the operating lever 108 is rotated in the rotation direction D (refer to FIG. Figure 22A and 22B ), and a cross-sectional view of a state in which each of the device side baffle 301 and the package side baffle 353 is rotated from a closed position to an open position. Figure 39 3 is a perspective view showing how the drive transmission member 302 attached to the drive shaft 303 and the driven transmission member 358 attached to the loosening member 354 engage with each other.

[0147] like Figure 38 and 39As shown, with the toner pack 350 mounted on the mounting portion 300, the drive transmission member 302 attached to the drive shaft 303 and the driven transmission member 358 attached to the loosening member 354 are engaged with each other. Due to the contact between the drive transmission claw 302a of the drive transmission member 302 and the driven transmission claw 358a of the driven transmission member 358, when the drive shaft 303 is rotated in the rotation direction D by the drive source M, the loosening member 354 also rotates in the rotation direction D. Consequently, the toner in the storage portion 351 of the toner pack 350 is loosened by the first loosening portion 356, and the toner in the passage 352a of the nozzle 352 is loosened by the second loosening portion 357. The toner in the storage portion 351 is then discharged through the discharge port 352c as indicated by arrow Z due to the toner's own weight and the conveying force of the loosening member 354.

[0148] In other words, the loosening member 354 rotates by receiving a driving force from the image forming apparatus 1, thereby loosening the toner in the storage portion 351 and the toner in the passage 352a of the nozzle 352. After the toner supply is completed, the operating lever 108 is rotated in the rotation direction E by operating the operating portion 108b, and the toner pack 350 is removed from the mounting portion 300.

[0149] Note that although the first and second porous portions 356 and 357 of the porous member 354 are both screws in this embodiment, this is not the only option. Figure 40 As shown, flexible sheets such as PET or PC are feasible. The free length of the first loosening portion 356 and the second loosening portion 357 is greater than the inner diameter of the storage portion 351, so that the first loosening portion 356 and the second loosening portion 357 slide relative to the inner wall of the storage portion 351; thus, the toner in the entire storage portion 351 can be effectively loosened. In addition, although the storage portion 351 is a resin bottle in this embodiment, this is not the only option. A bag formed from a sheet that has been bagged (such as a flexible polypropylene sheet) is feasible. In addition, the loosening member 354 does not necessarily need to be a screw, as long as the loosening member 354 can be moved to loosen the toner in the storage portion 351.

[0150] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A toner container, comprising: a storage portion configured to store toner; a nozzle portion having a discharge port configured to discharge the toner stored in the storage portion to the outside of the toner container, the nozzle portion being fixed to the storage portion so that the nozzle portion and the storage portion are aligned in a first direction; and a loosening member configured to loosen toner, the loosening member including at least a portion disposed in the storage portion, The loosening member is capable of swinging relative to the storage portion about a swing axis extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

2. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: The loose component comprises: a base portion whose longitudinal direction coincides with the first direction, the base portion including a first end portion as one end portion in the longitudinal direction and a second end portion as the other end portion in the longitudinal direction; and An elastic portion which is elastically displaceable relative to the base portion is supported by the base portion so as to be positioned outside relative to the base portion in a direction intersecting the first direction.

3. The toner container according to claim 2, wherein: The second end portion is provided with a supported portion supported by the nozzle portion so that the loosening member can swing relative to the nozzle portion about the second direction.

4. The toner container according to claim 2, wherein: The first end of the base portion is a free end in the storage portion.

5. The toner container according to claim 2, wherein: The elastic portion is a wire material extending in the first direction while rotating around the base, and The third end and the fourth end, which are one end and the other end of the wire material, are fixed to the first end and the second end of the base, respectively.

6. The toner container according to claim 2, wherein: The first end portion of the base portion is a free end extending in a direction intersecting the first direction.

7. The toner container according to claim 2, wherein: The elastic portion includes a plurality of protrusions that protrude from the base portion in a direction intersecting the first direction and are aligned in the first direction.

8. The toner container according to claim 2, wherein: The elastic portion includes a first protrusion protruding from the base portion in a direction intersecting the first direction, and a second protrusion protruding in a direction intersecting the first direction and intersecting a direction in which the first protrusion protrudes.

9. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: The nozzle portion includes a passage allowing toner to pass toward the discharge port, and Wherein, the end of the loosening member closer to the nozzle portion is positioned in the channel of the nozzle portion.

10. The toner container according to claim 3, wherein: The nozzle portion includes a passage allowing toner to pass toward the discharge port, and wherein a front end portion disposed in the second end portion and disposed at a position farther from the first end portion than the supported portion is positioned in the passage.

11. The toner container according to claim 10, wherein: The discharge port is provided in a side surface of the nozzle portion extending in the first direction, and The front end portion extends in a direction in which a distance from the discharge port in a direction intersecting the first direction decreases as the distance from the discharge port in the first direction decreases.

12. The toner container according to claim 10, wherein: The front end portion is provided with a plurality of protrusions protruding in a direction intersecting a direction in which the front end portion extends toward the discharge port.

13. The toner container according to claim 2, wherein: The storage portion includes a region whose width in a third direction intersecting the first direction increases as the distance from the nozzle portion in the first direction increases, and The elastic portion includes a portion in the region, the width of the portion in the third direction increasing as the distance from the nozzle portion in the first direction increases.

14. The toner container according to claim 5, wherein: The storage portion includes a region whose width in a direction intersecting the first direction increases as the distance from the nozzle portion in the first direction increases, and The wire material includes a portion in the region, a rotation radius of the portion around the base portion increasing as a distance from the nozzle portion in the first direction increases.

15. A toner container, comprising: a storage portion configured to store toner; a nozzle portion having a discharge port configured to discharge the toner stored in the storage portion to the outside of the toner container, the nozzle portion being fixed to the storage portion so that the nozzle portion and the storage portion are aligned in a first direction; and a stirring member configured to stir the toner in the storage portion, Wherein, the stirring member comprises: a shaft portion supported by the nozzle portion so as to be rotatable relative to the nozzle portion about a rotation axis, the shaft portion being arranged so that the rotation axis is oriented in the first direction; a blade portion provided on the shaft portion so as to rotate together with the shaft portion; and a driving force receiving portion configured to receive a driving force for rotating the driving force receiving portion from outside the toner container, and Wherein, when the colorant container is oriented in a predetermined direction so that the rotation axis is parallel to the gravity direction with the nozzle portion positioned below the storage portion, the driving force receiving portion is arranged on a lower end portion which is an end portion of the shaft portion on the lower side.

16. The toner container according to claim 15, wherein: The driving force receiving portion is a coupling.

17. The toner container according to claim 16, wherein: When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, The driving force receiving portion is exposed to the outside of the toner container from a bottom surface of the nozzle portion.

18. The toner container according to claim 16, wherein: When the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, The discharge port is provided in a side surface of the nozzle portion extending along the rotation axis, and The nozzle portion has a receiving inlet facing upward to receive toner from the storage portion and disposed above the discharge port, and includes a passage allowing toner to pass from the receiving inlet to reach the discharge port, wherein the shaft portion comprises a first portion positioned in the storage portion and a second portion positioned in the channel, and Here, when the toner container is oriented in the predetermined direction, the lower end portion is a portion of the shaft portion that penetrates downwardly through the passage.

19. The toner container according to claim 15, wherein: The driving force receiving portion is positioned below the discharge port.

20. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein The blade portion is provided on each of the first portion and the second portion of the shaft portion, and The blade portion of the second part has a smaller width than the blade portion of the first part in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

21. The toner container according to claim 15, wherein: The blade portion has a helical shape, a helical axis of the helical shape coinciding with a rotation axis of the shaft portion.

22. The toner container according to claim 18, wherein: The blade portion has a helical shape, the helical axis of the helical shape coincides with the rotation axis of the shaft portion, and The blade portion is provided on each of the first portion and the second portion of the shaft portion, and The outer diameter of the blade portion of the second part is smaller than the outer diameter of the blade portion of the first part.

23. A toner container, comprising: a storage portion configured to store toner; a nozzle portion having a discharge port configured to discharge the toner stored in the storage portion to the outside of the toner container, the nozzle portion being fixed to the storage portion so that the nozzle portion and the storage portion are aligned in a first direction; a shutter configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the first direction between a closed position in which the shutter closes the discharge port and an open position in which the shutter opens the discharge port; and a loosening member including at least a portion provided in the storage portion, the loosening member being configured to loosen toner, the loosening member including a shaft portion centered on the rotation axis and a loosening portion provided on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, The loosening member is configured to be rotated by rotation of the baffle.

24. A toner container, comprising: a storage portion configured to store toner; a nozzle portion having a discharge port configured to discharge the toner stored in the storage portion to the outside of the toner container, the nozzle portion being fixed to the storage portion so that the nozzle portion and the storage portion are aligned in a first direction; and a loosening member configured to loosen toner, the loosening member including at least a portion disposed in the storage portion, Wherein, the loose component comprises: a base portion whose longitudinal direction coincides with the first direction, the base portion including a first end portion as one end portion in the longitudinal direction and a second end portion as the other end portion in the longitudinal direction; and An elastic portion which is elastically displaceable relative to the base portion is supported by the base portion to be positioned outside relative to the base portion in a direction intersecting the first direction.

25. The toner container according to claim 24, wherein: The elastic portion is a wire material extending in the first direction while rotating around the base, and The third end and the fourth end, which are one end and the other end of the wire material, are fixed to the first end and the second end of the base, respectively.

26. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein: The loose member does not swing about an imaginary line extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

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