Gate unit, toner storage container, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A shutter unit (34) mounted in a toner container (33) attachable to and detachable from an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus includes: a shutter (36) urged by a nozzle (91) provided in the apparatus main body in conjunction with a movement of the toner container entering the apparatus main body in an insertion direction, the nozzle is inserted into the toner container, and the nozzle and the toner container are communicated with each other through an opening (91a) in the circumferential surface of the nozzle; a shutter holder (35) that holds the shutter so as to be movable in the insertion direction; a seal (41) that, in a closed state in which the seal is not pressed by the nozzle, comes into contact with the peripheral surface of the shutter, and slides on the peripheral surface of the shutter and the peripheral surface of the nozzle during an opening operation in which the shutter is pressed by the nozzle; and a seal holder (40) that removably holds the seal inside the seal holder. The gate holder and the seal holder are removably coupled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a shutter unit provided in a toner container, a toner container including the shutter unit, and an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a printer, a fax machine, or a multifunction peripheral thereof. Background Art

[0002] Image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers are well known in which a cylindrical toner container (ie, a powder container) is detachably mounted (for example, refer to PTL 1).

[0003] For example, the toner container (powder storage container) in Patent Document 1 is provided with a gate (container gate). The gate is pushed by a nozzle provided in the device body of the imaging device in conjunction with the installation action of the toner container to the imaging device body. When the nozzle pushes the gate, the nozzle is inserted into the toner container as it is. The nozzle and the toner container are connected to each other through an opening (i.e., nozzle opening) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle. In this way, the toner stored in the toner container can be discharged to the outside through the nozzle.

[0004] In this toner container, a container body storing toner inside is rotatably engaged with a shutter unit (nozzle receiving member) held by the device body of the image forming device in a non-rotatable manner. In the shutter unit, a shutter is movably held. An annular seal (container seal) is bonded to the inner periphery of the shutter unit to prevent toner from leaking from the inner periphery (through hole) of the shutter unit into which the nozzle and the shutter are inserted.

[0005] Citation list

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007]

PTL1

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] When performing an operation for recycling (reusing) a used toner container collected from a market, it may be difficult to remove such a seal adhered to the shutter unit. Since the used seal has severe deterioration such as wear compared to other parts and is difficult to reuse as it is, the seal is replaced with an unused seal in the recycling operation. However, the seal adhered to the shutter unit may be difficult to remove, which makes the recycling operation difficult and troublesome.

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a shutter unit, a toner container, and an image forming apparatus from which a seal can be easily removed.

[0011] Solutions to the problem

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a shutter unit is installed in a toner container, and the toner container can be installed in and removed from the device body of an imaging device. The shutter unit includes: a shutter, a shutter holder, a seal, and a seal holder. The shutter is linked to the movement of the toner container into the device body along the insertion direction, and is pushed by a nozzle arranged in the device body, and the nozzle is inserted into the toner container, and the nozzle and the toner container are connected to each other through an opening on the peripheral surface of the nozzle. The shutter holder holds the shutter so that it can move in the insertion direction. When the seal is in a closed state where it is not pressed by the nozzle, the seal contacts the peripheral surface of the shutter, and when the shutter is opened by the nozzle, the seal slides on the peripheral surface of the shutter and the peripheral surface of the nozzle. The seal holder removably holds the seal inside the seal holder. The shutter holder and the seal holder are combined in a removable manner.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a shutter unit, a toner container, and an image forming apparatus from which a seal can be easily removed can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings are intended to describe embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope thereof. Unless explicitly noted, the accompanying drawings should not be considered to be drawn to scale. Moreover, throughout the several views, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar components.

[0016] [ Figure 1 ]

[0017] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] [ Figure 2 ]

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view of an imaging device of an imaging apparatus.

[0020] [ Figure 3 ]

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a toner supply device and its vicinity of an image forming apparatus.

[0022] [ Figure 4 ]

[0023] Figure 4It is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the toner container.

[0024] [Figure 5]

[0025] Figures 5A to 5C This is a schematic diagram showing the operation of attaching the toner conveying nozzle to the toner container.

[0026] [Figure 6]

[0027] Fig. 6A and 6B is a schematic diagram showing the movement of a shutter in a toner container.

[0028] [ Figure 7 ]

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of a shutter unit in a toner container.

[0030] [Figure 8]

[0031] Figures 8A to 8C is a schematic diagram showing the process of disassembling the toner container.

[0032] [ Fig. 9 ]

[0033] Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a gate unit in an assembly action according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] [ Fig.10 ]

[0035] Fig.10 is based on Fig. 9 A perspective view of a gate unit in an assembly action of a first variant of an embodiment.

[0036] [ Fig.11 ]

[0037] Fig.11 is based on Fig. 9 A perspective view of a gate unit during an assembly action of a second variant of an embodiment.

[0038] [Figure 12]

[0039] Fig. 12A and 12B is based on Fig. 9 A schematic exploded view of the gate unit during the assembly action of the third variant of the embodiment. Specific embodiments

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts, and the description thereof may be simplified or omitted.

[0041] Below, refer to Figure 1 to Figure 3 , the overall structure and operation of the imaging device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention are described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus 1000 as a printer. Figure 2 is an enlarged view of an imaging device of the imaging apparatus 1000 . Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of a toner supply device and its vicinity.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the apparatus body 100 of the image forming apparatus 1000 includes a setting portion 31 (serving as a toner container holder), and substantially cylindrical toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K are detachably mounted in the setting portion 31. In other words, the four toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K correspond to the four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. Hoppers 81Y, 81M, 81C, and 81K of the toner supply device are respectively disposed below the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K.

[0043] The intermediate transfer unit 15 is disposed below the installation portion 31. Opposing the intermediate transfer belt 8 of the intermediate transfer unit 15, image forming devices 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are disposed in parallel.

[0044] Reference Figure 2 , the image forming device 6Y for yellow includes a photoreceptor drum 1Y (serving as an image carrier), a charging device 4Y, a developing device 5Y, a cleaning device 2Y, and a static elimination device, which are arranged around the photoreceptor drum 1Y. An image forming process (i.e., a charging process, an exposure process, a developing process, a transfer process, a cleaning process, and a static elimination process) is performed on the photoreceptor drum 1Y. Thus, a yellow toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 1Y.

[0045] The other three image forming apparatuses 6M, 6C and 6K also have almost the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 6Y corresponding to yellow, except that the toner color used is different. Therefore, only the image forming apparatus 6Y is described below, and the description of the other image forming apparatuses 6M, 6C and 6K is omitted.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the photosensitive drum 1Y is driven by a motor to Figure 2 The charging device 4Y uniformly charges the surface of the photoreceptor drum 1Y (charging process).

[0047] When the surface of the photosensitive drum 1Y reaches the exposure device 7 (writing device, see Figure 1) is irradiated with the laser light L emitted from the photosensitive drum 1Y, the photosensitive drum 1Y is scanned by the laser light L. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to yellow is formed on the photosensitive drum 1Y (exposure processing).

[0048] When the surface of the photoreceptor drum 1Y reaches a position facing the developing device 5Y, the electrostatic latent image is developed into a yellow toner image by toner (development process).

[0049] When the surface of the photoreceptor drum 1Y carrying the toner image reaches a position facing the primary transfer roller 9Y via the intermediate transfer belt 8, the toner image on the photoreceptor drum 1Y is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 8 (primary transfer process). After the primary transfer process, a small amount of untransferred toner remains on the photoreceptor drum 1Y.

[0050] When the surface of the photoreceptor drum 1Y reaches a position facing the cleaning device 2Y, the cleaning blade 2a collects the untransferred toner from the photoreceptor drum 1Y into the cleaning device 2Y (cleaning process).

[0051] Finally, the surface of the photoreceptor drum 1Y reaches a position facing the neutralization device, and the neutralization device removes the residual potential from the photoreceptor drum 1Y.

[0052] Thus, a series of image forming processes performed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 1Y is completed.

[0053] The other image forming devices 6M, 6C, and 6K perform the above-described series of image forming processes in substantially the same manner as the image forming device 6Y. In other words, the exposure device 7 disposed below the image forming devices 6M, 6C, and 6K irradiates the photoreceptor drums 1M, 1C, and 1K of the image forming devices 6M, 6C, and 6K with a laser beam L based on image data, respectively. Specifically, in the exposure device 7, a light source emits a laser beam L, which is deflected by a rotating polygon mirror. Then, the laser beam L reaches the photoreceptor drum 1 via a plurality of optical components. Thus, the exposure device 7 scans the surface of each of the photoreceptor drums 1M, 1C, and 1K with the laser beam L.

[0054] Then, the toner images formed on the photoreceptor drums 1M, 1C, and 1K by the development process are transferred and superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 8. Thus, a color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8.

[0055] The intermediate transfer unit 15 includes an intermediate transfer belt 8, four primary transfer rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K, a secondary transfer support roller 12, a cleaning support roller 13, a tension roller 14, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning device 10. The intermediate transfer belt 8 is stretched and supported by three rollers (i.e., the secondary transfer support roller 12, the cleaning support roller 13, and the tension roller 14), and when one of the rollers serving as a driving roller (i.e., the secondary transfer support roller 12) rotates, the intermediate transfer belt 8 is moved in a direction opposite to the intermediate transfer belt 8. Figure 1The arrow in the figure indicates the direction of rotation.

[0056] The four primary transfer rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 8 together with the four photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, respectively, thereby forming four primary transfer nips between the intermediate transfer belt 8 and the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. A primary transfer bias having a polarity opposite to that of the toner is applied to the primary transfer rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K.

[0057] Intermediate transfer belt 8 Figure 1 The photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C and 1K move in the direction indicated by the arrow in the middle and sequentially pass through the primary transfer nip formed by the primary transfer rollers 9Y, 9M, 9C and 9K. As a result, the yellow, magenta, cyan and black toner images on the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C and 1K are primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 8 and superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 8, thereby forming a multi-color toner image.

[0058] Subsequently, the intermediate transfer belt 8 carrying the multi-color toner image reaches a position opposite to the secondary transfer roller 19. At a position facing the secondary transfer roller 19, the secondary transfer backup roller 12 sandwiches the intermediate transfer belt 8 together with the secondary transfer roller 19 to form a secondary transfer nip. The four-color toner image (i.e., yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is secondarily transferred onto a sheet P (e.g., paper) passing through the secondary transfer nip (secondary transfer process). At this time, untransferred toner that has not been transferred onto the sheet P remains on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 8.

[0059] Then, the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 8 reaches a position opposing the intermediate transfer cleaning device 10. At this position, the intermediate transfer belt cleaner collects the untransferred toner from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 8.

[0060] Thus, a series of transfer processes on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 8 are completed.

[0061] The sheet P is conveyed from a sheet feeder 26 disposed at a lower portion of the apparatus main body 100 of the image forming apparatus 1000 to the secondary transfer nip via a feed roller 27 and a registration roller pair 28 .

[0062] Specifically, the sheet feeder 26 contains a stack of a plurality of sheets P, such as paper stacked one by one. Figure 1 While rotating counterclockwise in the middle, the supply roller 27 supplies the top sheet P of the stack from the sheet feeder 26 to the nip between the registration roller pair 28 .

[0063] The sheet P conveyed to the registration roller pair 28 (serving as a timing roller pair) temporarily stops between the rollers of the registration roller pair 28 whose driving rotation has been stopped. Subsequently, the registration roller pair 28 is rotated to convey the sheet P to the secondary transfer nip at a time that coincides with the time when the multi-color toner image arrives on the intermediate transfer belt 8. As described above, the desired color toner image is transferred to the sheet P.

[0064] Subsequently, the sheet P to which the multicolor image is transferred at the secondary transfer nip is conveyed to the position of the fixing device 20. Then, at this position, the color toner image transferred to the surface of the sheet P is fixed on the sheet P by the heat and pressure of the fixing roller and the pressure roller (fixing process).

[0065] The sheet P is conveyed by the output roller pair 29 and discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1000. The sheets P discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1000 by the output roller pair 29 are sequentially stacked on the stack tray 30 as an output image.

[0066] Thus, a series of image forming processes performed by the image forming apparatus 1000 ends.

[0067] Reference Figure 2 A detailed description is provided of the configuration and operation of the developing device as a supplied portion of the image forming unit.

[0068] The developing device 5Y includes a developing roller 51, a scraper 52, two conveying screws 55, and a toner sensor 56. The developing roller 51 faces the photosensitive drum 1Y. The scraper 52 faces the developing roller 51. The two conveying screws 55 are arranged in the developer containers 53 and 54. The toner sensor 56 detects the concentration of the toner in the developer G. The developing roller 51 includes a fixed magnet located therein, a sleeve rotating around the magnet, etc. The developer containers 53 and 54 accommodate a two-component developer G including a carrier (i.e., carrier particles) and a toner (i.e., toner particles).

[0069] The developing device 5Y described above operates as follows.

[0070] The sleeve of the developing roller 51 is Figure 2 The developer G is carried on the developing roller 51 by the magnetic field generated by the magnet. As the sleeve rotates, the developer G moves along the circumference of the developing roller 51.

[0071] The developer G in the developing device 5Y is adjusted so that the ratio of the toner in the developer G (ie, the toner concentration) is within a predetermined range. Specifically, the toner supply device 90 (see Figure 3 ) is used to supply toner from the toner container 32Y to the developer container 54 (see Figure 2 ) supply device.

[0072] The toner supplied to the developer container 54 is stirred and mixed with the developer G, and circulates in the two developer containers 53 and 54 by the two conveying screws 55 (i.e., along the Figure 2 The toner in the developer is frictionally charged by friction with the carrier and is electrostatically attracted to the carrier. Then, the toner is carried on the developing roller 51 together with the carrier by the magnetic force generated on the developing roller 51.

[0073] The developer carried on the developing roller 51 is Figure 2 The toner is transported to the scraper 52 in the direction indicated by the middle arrow. The scraper 52 adjusts the amount of developer carried on the developing roller 51 to an appropriate amount. The developer G on the developing roller 51 is transported to a position (developing area) opposite to the photoreceptor drum 1Y. The toner is attracted to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 1Y by the electric field generated in the developing area. Subsequently, as the sleeve rotates, the developer G remaining on the developing roller 51 reaches above the developer container 53 and separates from the developing roller 51.

[0074] Reference Figure 3 , the structure and operation of the toner supply device 90 serving as the supply device will be briefly described.

[0075] The toner supply device 90 is arranged in a predetermined direction (i.e., along Figure 3 The toner supply device 90 rotates the container body 33 of the toner container 32Y (i.e., the powder container) provided in the setting portion 31 (in the direction indicated by the arrow in the middle), discharges the toner contained in the toner container 32Y to the outside of the toner container 32Y, and guides the toner to the developing device 5Y as the supplied portion via the sub-hopper 70. The toner supply device 90 includes a toner supply path (i.e., a toner conveying path).

[0076] In order to facilitate understanding of the structure of the toner supply device 90, Figure 3 3, the toner container 32Y, the toner supply device 90, and the developing device 5Y are shown in an orientation different from the actual arrangement. In fact, the length direction of a part of the toner container 32Y and the toner supply device 90 is perpendicular to the Figure 3 The paper shown (see Figure 1 ). In addition, the orientation and arrangement of the delivery tubes 95 and 96 are also shown in a simplified manner.

[0077] The toner supply device 90 supplies color toners stored in the toner containers 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K in the setting portion 31 installed in the apparatus main body 100 of the image forming apparatus 1000 to the corresponding developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, respectively. The amount of toner supplied to each developing device 5 is determined based on the amount of toner consumed in the corresponding developing device 5. The four toner supply devices 90 have a similar configuration except for the color of the toner used in the image forming process.

[0078] For example, refer to Figure 3 (and Figures 5A to 5C ), when the toner container 32Y is installed in the setting portion 31 of the device body 100, the shutter 36 of the toner container 32Y is pushed by the toner delivery nozzle 91 (nozzle) of the device body 100, and the toner delivery nozzle 91 is inserted into the toner container 32Y (container body 33) through the through hole portion 40a. Therefore, the toner stored in the toner container 32Y can be discharged through the toner delivery nozzle 91.

[0079] The toner container 32Y includes a bottom portion (ie, Figure 3 The toner container 32Y is easily handled by the operator and installed in the setting portion 31 by a holder 33d (left side in the figure). The outer diameter of the holder 33d is smaller than the outer diameter of the container body 33. The operator holds the holder 33d to install the toner container 32Y in the setting portion 31 and takes the toner container 32Y out of the setting portion 31.

[0080] Reference Figure 3 The toner container 32Y includes a container body 33 having a longitudinal direction (ie, Figure 3 Specifically, the spiral groove 33a is formed from the outer peripheral surface of the container body 33 toward the inner peripheral surface, so that the rotation of the container body 33 moves the toner in the container body 33 from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface. Figure 3 The left side of the container is transported to the right side. Figure 3 The toner transferred from the left side to the right side in the toner container 32Y is discharged to the outside of the toner container 32Y through the toner conveying nozzle 91.

[0081] On the head side of the container body 33 ( Figure 3The outer peripheral surface of the toner container 32Y (right side in the figure) is formed with a gear 33b that meshes with the driving gear 110 of the device body 100. When the toner container 32Y is connected to the setting portion 31, the gear 33b of the container body 33 meshes with the driving gear 110 of the device body 100. When the driving motor 115 is driven, the driving force is transmitted from the driving gear 110 to the gear 33b, thereby driving the container body 33 to rotate. The driving motor 115 and the driving gear 110 serve as a driver for rotating the container body 33.

[0082] The configuration and operation of the toner container 32Y will be described in further detail later.

[0083] Reference Figure 3 The conveying screw 92 is disposed inside the toner conveying nozzle 91. When the motor 93 rotates the conveying screw 92, the conveying screw 92 is pulled out from the opening 91a (i.e., the inflow port, see FIG. 1 ) in the toner container 32Y. Figures 5A to 5C ) The toner flowing into the toner delivery nozzle 91 is Figure 3 Therefore, the toner is discharged to the hopper 81 through the outlet of the toner conveying nozzle 91.

[0084] The hopper 81 is disposed below the outlet of the toner delivery nozzle 91 via a drop path 82. The toner stored in the hopper 81 is delivered to the developing device 5 downstream of the hopper 81 by a conveyor. Figure 3 The conveying structure of the conveyor is described below.

[0085] The suction port 83 is provided at the bottom of the hopper 81 and is connected to one end of a delivery pipe 95 as a tube. The delivery pipe 95 is made of a flexible rubber material having a low affinity for toner, and the other end of the delivery pipe 95 is connected to the developer pump 60 (i.e., a diaphragm pump). The developer pump 60 is connected to the developer device 5Y via the sub-hopper 70 and the delivery pipe 96.

[0086] In the toner supply device 90 having such a structure, the drive motor 115 as a driver rotates the container body 33 of the toner container 32Y to discharge the toner stored in the toner container 32Y to the outside of the toner container 32Y through the toner conveying nozzle 91. The toner discharged from the toner container 32Y falls through the falling path 82 and is stored in the hopper 81. The developing pump 60 operates to suck the toner stored in the hopper 81 from the suction port 83 together with the air, and conveys the toner from the developing pump 60 to the sub-hopper 70 via the conveying pipe 95. The toner conveyed and stored in the sub-hopper 70 is appropriately supplied to the developing device 5Y via the conveying pipe 96. In other words, the toner in the toner container 32Y is discharged along the falling path 82 and is stored in the hopper 81. Figure 3 Transported in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow.

[0087] The conveyor is not limited to the above-described configuration, and for example, the toner stored in the hopper 81 may be directly conveyed to the developing device 5Y by a screw provided in the hopper 81 .

[0088] The toner sensor 86 is disposed near the suction port 83, and indirectly detects a state in which the toner stored in the toner container 32Y is exhausted (i.e., a toner exhausted state) or a state in which the toner stored in the toner container 32Y is almost exhausted (i.e., a toner nearly exhausted state). Based on the detection result of the toner sensor 86, the toner is discharged from the toner container 32Y.

[0089] For example, a piezoelectric sensor or a transmission optical sensor may be used as the toner sensor 86. The height of the detection surface of the toner sensor 86 is set so that the amount of toner accumulated above the suction port 83 (ie, the accumulation height) becomes a target value.

[0090] The driving timing and driving duration of the driving motor 115 are controlled to rotationally drive the toner container 32Y (container body 33) based on the detection result of the toner sensor 86. Specifically, when the toner sensor 86 detects that the toner is not accumulated at the detection position of the toner sensor 86, the driving motor 115 is driven for a predetermined time. When the toner sensor 86 detects that the toner exists at the detection position, the driving motor 115 stops. If the toner sensor 86 continuously detects that the toner does not exist at the detection position even when the above-mentioned control is repeatedly performed, the controller of the image forming apparatus determines that the toner stored in the toner container 32Y is exhausted (i.e., the toner is exhausted state) or the state in which the toner contained in the toner container 32Y is almost exhausted (i.e., the toner is nearly exhausted state).

[0091] Reference Figure 4 , 5A , 5B and 5C, and a detailed description of the colorant containers 32Y, 32M, 32C and 32K is provided in further detail below.

[0092] Figure 4 , 5A 5B and 5C are cross-sectional side views of the toner container 32Y. Figure 3 The directions shown are opposite. Figure 3 Around Figure 4 , 5A , 5B and 5C are the opposite.

[0093] As mentioned above Figures 1 to 3 As described above, the toner container 32Y stores toner therein and is detachably mounted to the apparatus body 100 .

[0094] Reference Figures 4 to 7The toner container 32Y includes a container body 33 and a shutter unit 34. The shutter unit 34 includes a shutter holder 35 and a seal holder 40. The shutter holder 35 includes, for example, a shutter 36, a rod 37, a compression spring 38, and a housing 39. The seal holder 40 is a substantially cylindrical member, and an annular seal 41 is arranged on the inner peripheral portion 40b as a cavity including the through hole portion 40a. The container body 33 is a bottle-shaped member, which is rotatably fitted on the seal holder 40, and a spiral groove 33a is formed on the inner peripheral surface (inner peripheral portion) of the container body 33.

[0095] When the toner container 32Y is mounted to the apparatus body 100 (the setting portion 31), the container body 33 is driven to rotate by the drive motor 115 (drive mechanism) provided in the apparatus body 100, and the seal holder 40 (gate unit 34) is non-rotatably held in the setting portion 31. The toner contained in the toner container 32Y is discharged via the toner delivery nozzle 91.

[0096] Reference Figure 4 and Figures 5A to 5C (as well as Fig. 6A , 6B and Figure 7 ), in conjunction with the action of mounting the toner container 32Y to the device body 100, the shutter 36 opens and closes the through-hole portion 40a into which the toner delivery nozzle 91 (provided in the device body 100) is inserted. The shutter 36 is made of a resin material and is integrally molded with a rod 37, which will be described below. The shutter 36 engages with the through-hole portion 40a from the inside of the container and is locked so as not to be disengaged from the outside of the container. When the through-hole portion 40a is closed by the shutter 36, the toner is not discharged to the outside of the toner container 32Y. When the through-hole portion 40a is opened by the shutter 36, the toner is discharged to the outside of the toner container 32Y.

[0097] The through hole portion 40a is a substantially cylindrical hole portion centered at the rotation center of the container body 33. The shutter 36 is a plug-shaped member formed to fit into the through hole portion 40a having such a shape.

[0098] The toner container 32Y includes a seal 41 to seal a gap between the shutter 36 and the through-hole portion 40 a when the through-hole portion 40 a is closed by the shutter 36 .

[0099] Specifically, the seal 41 is formed of an elastic material such as foamed polyurethane or felt, and is bonded to the entire circumference of the inner circumference 40b including the through hole 40a. When the through hole 40a is closed by the shutter 36, the seal 41 seals the gap between the shutter 36 and the through hole 40a. The seal 41 seals the gap between the toner conveying nozzle 91 and the through hole 40a so that when the through hole 40a is opened by the shutter 36, the toner stored in the container body 33 does not leak from the through hole 40a.

[0100] In the present embodiment, the length M of the seal 41 in the longitudinal direction of the seal 41 is longer than the length N of the opening 91 a of the toner conveying nozzle 91 in the insertion direction.

[0101] The lever 37 is integrated with the shutter 36. The lever 37 is arranged inside the toner container 32Y in the opening / closing direction of the shutter 36 (ie, Figure 4 , Figure 5A , 5B and left-right directions in 5C).

[0102] like Figure 4 As shown, the rod 37 is arranged so that the axis of the rod 37 is substantially consistent with the rotation center of the container body 33. With such a structure, it is possible to reduce the inconvenience such as positional deviation of the shutter 36 when the container body 33 is driven to rotate.

[0103] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5A , 5B 5C, the toner container 32Y according to the present embodiment is detachably connected to the apparatus body 100, wherein the shutter unit 34 is non-rotatably held by the apparatus body 100. In response to receiving the rotational driving force from the apparatus body 100, the container body 33 rotates around the toner delivery nozzle 91.

[0104] The seal holder 40 of the shutter unit 34 is formed with a groove extending in the insertion direction of the toner delivery nozzle 91 (insertion direction, Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C A through hole portion 40a extending in one of the left and right directions.

[0105] The seal holder 40 has an inner peripheral portion 40 b (cavity) formed on the front side (upstream side in the insertion direction, Figure 4 , Figure 5A , 5B The inner peripheral portion 40b is a substantially cylindrical recessed portion centered at the rotation center of the container body 33.

[0106] In the shutter unit 34, a housing 39 of the shutter holder 35 is formed inside the toner container 32Y on the opposite side to the side where the shutter 36 is provided (ie, Figure 4 , Figure 5A , 5B The housing 39 has a housing 39 disposed inside the toner container 32Y (i.e., the container body 33) and a housing 39 disposed inside the toner container 32Y (i.e., the container body 33). Figure 4 , Figure 5A , 5B And the roughly U-shape extending in the left-right direction of 5C.

[0107] A compression spring 38 as a biasing member is wound around the rod 37 between the shutter 36 and the wall of the housing 39. The compression spring 38 is biased in a direction in which the through hole portion 40a is closed (ie, toward Figure 4 , Figure 5A , 5B and left side in 5C) bias gate 36.

[0108] In this configuration, the shutter 36 is pushed by the toner delivery nozzle 91 in conjunction with the installation action of the toner container 32Y to the apparatus body 100 (i.e., the setting portion 31). The shutter 36 moves to the inside of the toner container 32Y together with the rod 37 against the biasing force of the compression spring 38 (i.e., the biasing member), and opens the through hole portion 40a. Specifically, the shutter 36 (and the rod 37) are arranged in accordance with Figure 5A , Figure 5B The through hole portion 40a is opened by moving in the order shown.

[0109] On the contrary, in conjunction with the disengagement action of removing the toner container 32Y from the device body 100 (i.e., the setting portion 31), the push of the toner delivery nozzle 91 is released, and under the biasing force of the compression spring 38, the shutter 36 and the rod 37 are moved toward the through hole portion 40a to close the through hole portion 40a. Specifically, the shutter 36 (and the rod 37) are moved according to Figure 5B and Figure 5A The through hole portion 40a is closed by moving in the order shown.

[0110] like Figure 5B As shown, when the toner container 32Y is installed in the apparatus body 100, the shutter 36 contacts the wall of the housing 39, and the compression spring 38 is received in the recess of the shutter 36. This configuration can prevent the problem that the toner in the toner container 32Y adheres to the compression spring 38 when the toner container 32Y is installed in the apparatus body 100.

[0111] like FIG. 5A to FIG. 5CAs shown, the toner conveying nozzle 91 in this embodiment includes a fitting member 94 that fits into the inner peripheral portion 40 b in conjunction with the insertion operation of the toner conveying nozzle 91 into the through hole 40 a .

[0112] Specifically, the fitting member 94 has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the main portion of the toner delivery nozzle 91. The fitting member 94 has a substantially cylindrical shape and can be fitted to the inner peripheral portion 40b of the seal holder 40. The fitting member 94 can be relatively close to the main portion of the toner delivery nozzle 91. Figure 5A and 5B The toner container 32Y slides in the installation direction indicated by the arrow DR1 in the middle. In addition, the compression spring 97 is provided on the toner delivery nozzle 91, which is directed in the insertion direction (by the Figure 5C The downstream biasing fitting member 94 is indicated by the arrow DR2 in FIG. 1 , wherein the toner conveying nozzle 91 is inserted into the toner container 32Y (ie, toward the Figures 5A to 5C The fitting member 94 also serves as a cover for covering the opening 91a of the toner delivery nozzle 91. Figure 5A As shown, when the toner container 32Y is not installed, the fitting member 94 closes the opening 91a. Figure 5C As shown in FIG. 1 , when the toner container 32Y is mounted, the fitting member 94 slides and moves, and the main part of the toner conveying nozzle 91 is inserted into the interior of the container body 33. Figure 5B In the process, the fitting member 94 is slid so that the opening 91a is exposed.

[0113] With this structure, when the toner delivery nozzle 91 is inserted into the toner container 32Y in conjunction with the installation operation of the toner container 32Y, the fitting member 94 is fitted to the inner peripheral portion 40b by being biased by the compression spring 97. Conversely, when the toner delivery nozzle 91 is pulled out of the toner container 32Y in conjunction with the detachment operation of the toner container 32Y, the fitting member 94 is pulled out from the inner peripheral portion 40b.

[0114] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5A , 5B 、5C、 Fig. 6A and 6B , the structure and operation of the shutter unit 34 (of the toner container 32Y) in this embodiment will be described below.

[0115] As mentioned above Figures 1 to 7 As described above, the toner container 32Y is detachably connected to the apparatus main body 100, and includes a container main body 33 and a shutter unit 34. The shutter unit 34 is formed by integrating the shutter holder 35 and the seal holder 40.

[0116] The shutter holder 35 is a device for holding the shutter 36 so that the shutter 36 can be moved along the insertion direction (the opening / closing direction of the shutter 36, Figure 4 , Fig. 8A , 8B In addition to the gate 36, a rod 37, a compression spring 38 and a housing 39 are provided as a component that moves in the left and right directions (and left and right directions in 8C).

[0117] The movement of the toner container 32Y toward the apparatus body 100 in the predetermined installation direction (i.e., toward Figure 4 , 5A , 5B, 5C, 6A and 6B), the shutter 36 is pushed by the toner delivery nozzle 91 which is a nozzle provided in the apparatus body 100. When the toner delivery nozzle 91 pushes the shutter 36, the toner delivery nozzle 91 is inserted into the toner container 32Y and communicates with the toner container 32Y via an opening 91a (i.e., an inflow port) formed on the peripheral surface of the toner delivery nozzle 91.

[0118] The rod 37 is formed integrally with the gate 36 and extends in the insertion direction, which is Figure 4 , 8A , one of the left and right directions in 8B and 8C.

[0119] The compression spring 38 is wound around the rod 37 and pushes the gate 36 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction, which is the direction to close the through hole 40a. Figure 4 , Fig. 8A , 8B and the left direction in 8C.

[0120] The housing 39 covers the rod 37 and the compression spring 38 in the entire region in the insertion direction (or the opening and closing direction). The housing 39 has an opening 39a (see FIG. Figure 7 ).

[0121] The seal holder 40 is a substantially cylindrical member that removably holds the seal 41 in the inner peripheral portion 40 b (including the inner cavity of the through-hole portion 40 a ), and also serves as a cap (head portion) of the toner container 32Y.

[0122] The seal 41 covers the circumferential surface of the shutter 36 in the closed state where the shutter 36 is not pushed by the toner delivery nozzle 91 (i.e., the nozzle), and slidably contacts the circumferential surface of the shutter 36 and the circumferential surface of the toner delivery nozzle 91 in the opening action where the shutter 36 is pushed by the toner delivery nozzle 91. Specifically, in the present embodiment, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the seal 41 is bonded to the inner wall surface of the seal holder 40 via a double-sided tape 43 .

[0123] In the present embodiment, the seal holder 40 is held by the apparatus main body 100 (the setting portion 31 ) so as to be non-rotatable.

[0124] The container body 33 is a bottle that contains toner, and the shutter holder 35 is inserted into the container body 33 and is fitted into the seal holder 40. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the container body 33 is attachable to and detachable from the shutter unit 34 (can be connected and separated).

[0125] In this embodiment, the container body 33 can rotate with the insertion direction (opening and closing direction) of the device body 100 as the rotation axis direction. The container body 33 has a gear 33b on its outer peripheral surface. The rotational driving force is transmitted from the device body 100 (drive motor 115) to the gear 33b.

[0126] Reference Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C and Fig. 9 In the present embodiment, in the shutter unit 34, the shutter holder 35 and the seal holder 40 are integrated in a disassembled manner.

[0127] That is, the shutter holder 35 and the seal holder 40 are respectively constituted as subunits. The shutter holder 35 and the seal holder 40 are integrated to constitute the shutter unit 34. Furthermore, the container body 33 is integrated with the shutter unit 34 to constitute the toner container 32Y.

[0128] For example, Figure 8B As shown, the gate unit 34 and the container body 33 can be Fig. 8A The toner container 32Y shown is separated (disassembled). In addition, the shutter holder 35 and the seal holder 40 can be removed from Figure 8B The gate unit 34 is shown separated (exploded).

[0129] Therefore, the shutter unit 34 of the present embodiment can be disassembled into the shutter holder 35 and the seal holder 40 , and the seal 41 can be easily removed.

[0130] Specifically, in the case of recycling (reusing) the used toner container 32Y collected from the market, the used seal 41 may have severe deterioration, such as wear, compared with other parts, and may be difficult to reuse as it is. Therefore, during the recycling operation, it may be necessary to clean the shutter unit 34 separated from the container body 33 and remove the existing seal 41 of the shutter unit 34 to replace the shutter unit 34 with an unused shutter unit.

[0131] At this time, if the gate unit 34 is not disassembled into the gate holder 35 and the seal holder 40, it is necessary to perform the operation of pulling out the gate 36 and the rod 37 from the gate unit 34, and the operation of inserting fingers into the opening 39a and the inner peripheral portion 40b of the housing 39 and peeling off the seal 41, which may make the operation difficult. In addition, the operation of attaching the unused seal 41 to the seal holder 40 is also performed by inserting fingers into the opening 39a and the inner peripheral portion 40b of the housing 39, which may make the operation difficult.

[0132] In this embodiment, the shutter unit 34 is configured to be disassembled into the shutter holder 35 and the seal holder 40. Therefore, in the disassembled seal holder 40, the operation of inserting fingers into the through hole portion 40a and the inner peripheral portion 40b exposed to the outside and peeling off the seal 41 is performed, so that the operation becomes easy. In addition, the operation of attaching the unused seal 41 to the seal holder 40 is also performed by inserting fingers into the through hole portion 40a and the inner peripheral portion 40b, so the operation becomes easy.

[0133] Reference Fig. 9 In the gate unit 34 of the present embodiment, the seal holder 40 is moved relative to the gate holder 35 in the insertion direction ( Fig. 9 ) and then rotate in the specified direction ( Fig. 9 The shutter retainer 35 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in the figure to engage the convex portion 39b as the engaging portion of the shutter retainer 35 and the cutout portion 40c as the engaged portion of the seal retainer 40, thereby integrating the shutter retainer 35 and the seal retainer 40.

[0134] Specifically, in the shutter holder 35, a convex portion 39b (fitting portion) is formed to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the housing 39. On the other hand, in the seal holder 40, a substantially L-shaped cutout 40c (fitted portion) is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the side that fits with the shutter holder 35. First, the seal holder 40 is moved in the direction indicated by the hollow arrow relative to the shutter holder 35 so that the convex portion 39b enters the opening portion of the cutout portion 40c. After the convex portion 39b enters the opening portion of the cutout portion 40c, the seal holder 40 is moved along the outer peripheral surface. Fig. 9 Therefore, while the convex portion 39b is elastically deformed, the convex portion 39b is fitted into the fitting portion (the portion surrounded by the dotted line) of the cutout portion 40c. Thus, the gate retainer 35 and the seal retainer 40 are integrated and fitted, and the assembly of the gate unit 34 is completed.

[0135] When the shutter holder 35 and the seal holder 40 are separated, the above-mentioned fitting sequence is performed in the reverse order.

[0136] In this embodiment, the previously referenced Fig. 9 The rotation direction of the seal holder 40 described (by Fig. 9 The rotation direction for engaging the notch portion 40c and the protrusion 39b (indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1 ) is configured to be aligned with the rotation direction of the container body 33 (previously referred to in Figure 3 The rotation direction of the container body 33 during toner supply described above is opposite.

[0137] For example, during toner supply, when viewed from a predetermined rotation axis direction (e.g., from Fig. 9 When the container body 33 is rotated clockwise (as viewed from the left side in FIG. 1 ), the seal holder 40 is rotated counterclockwise when engaged.

[0138] With this configuration, during toner supply, the direction in which the container body 33 rotates causes the engagement of the seal holder 40 and the shutter holder 35 to be enhanced. Therefore, this configuration can prevent such an undesirable situation that the engagement of the seal holder 40 and the shutter holder 35 is released due to the rotation of the container body 33 during toner supply.

[0139] In this embodiment, the gear 33b (see Figure 3 , Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C ) is a helical gear, and the component force in the insertion direction (axial direction) of the driving force transmitted from the device body 100 (helical gear driving gear 110) acts on the mating direction of the gate holder 35 and the seal holder 40 (the direction in which the gate holder 35 and the seal holder 40 approach each other, and is the direction in which the container body 33 and the seal holder 40 are mated).

[0140] When the helical gear is used for driving, in addition to the component force in the rotational direction, the axial component force also acts on the helical gear on the driven side from the helical gear on the driving side. In this embodiment, the axial component force is not directed in the direction in which the shutter holder 35 (or the container body 33) and the seal holder 40 are separated from each other, but in the direction in which the shutter holder 35 (or the container body 33) and the seal holder 40 are approached to each other, that is, in the direction in which the shutter holder 35 (or the container body 33) and the seal holder 40 are engaged with each other. This structure can prevent the undesirable situation that the engagement of the seal holder 40 (or the container body 33) and the shutter holder 35 is released due to the rotation of the container body 33 during the supply of toner.

[0141] The axial force component received by the helical gear 33b from the driving gear 110 is directed toward (acting on) the direction in which the toner container 32Y is inserted into the device body 100 (installation portion 31). This configuration can prevent the toner container 32Y from being disengaged from the device body 100 (installation portion 31) due to the rotation of the container body 33.

[0142] Hereinafter, a first modified example of the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0143] In the shutter unit 34 according to the first modified example, the shutter holder 35 and the seal holder 40 are also integrated in a decomposable manner.

[0144] like Fig.10 As shown, in the shutter unit 34 of the first modified example, the seal holder 40 is inserted relative to the shutter holder 35 in the insertion direction ( Fig.10 The shutter holder 35 is moved in the direction of the hollow arrow in the figure to fit the claw 39c as the fitting part of the shutter holder 35 into the hole 40d as the fitted part of the seal holder 40. Thus, the shutter holder 35 and the seal holder 40 are integrated.

[0145] Specifically, in the gate holder 35, the claw 39c (fitting portion) is formed to protrude on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 39. On the other hand, in the seal holder 40, a hole 40d (fitted portion) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the side that fits with the gate holder 35. The seal holder 40 moves relative to the gate holder 35 in the direction indicated by the white arrow so that the claw 39c enters the hole 40d. Thus, the gate holder 35 and the seal holder 40 are integrated and fit together, and the assembly of the gate unit 34 is completed.

[0146] When the shutter holder 35 and the seal holder 40 are separated, the procedure is performed in the reverse order to the above-mentioned fitting procedure.

[0147] This configuration also allows the seal 41 to be easily removed from the shutter unit 34 in the toner container 32Y. In particular, in the first variant, the shutter retainer 35 and the seal retainer 40 are engaged in a non-rotating manner. Therefore, it is not easy to cause an undesirable situation in which the engagement of the shutter retainer 35 and the seal retainer 40 is released due to the rotation of the container body 33. In addition, since in the first variant, the shutter retainer 35 and the seal retainer 40 are engaged with each other in one action (linear movement only), it is not as convenient as in the first variant. Fig. 9 Compared with the case where the gate holder 35 and the seal holder 40 are fitted with each other in two actions (linear movement and rotation), the assembly operation is easier.

[0148] Hereinafter, a second modified example of the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0149] In the shutter unit 34 of the second modified example, the shutter holder 35 and the seal holder 40 are also integrated in a detachable manner.

[0150] like Fig.11 As shown, in the gate unit 34 of the second modified example, the seal holder 40 rotates in a predetermined rotation direction (towards Fig.11 The outer thread portion 39d of the gate holder 35 is screwed with the inner thread portion 40e of the seal holder 40. Thus, the gate holder 35 and the seal holder 40 are integrated.

[0151] Specifically, in the gate holder 35, the external thread portion 39d is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 39 (the outer peripheral surface of the side where the seal holder 40 is embedded). On the other hand, in the seal holder 40, the internal thread portion 40e is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the side that is embedded with the gate holder 35. The seal holder 40 rotates and moves relative to the gate holder 35 so that the external thread portion 39d is screwed into the internal thread portion 40e. Thus, the gate holder 35 and the seal holder 40 are integrated and embedded, and the assembly of the gate unit 34 is completed.

[0152] When the shutter holder 35 and the seal holder 40 are separated, the procedure is performed in the reverse order to the above-mentioned fitting procedure.

[0153] This configuration also allows the seal 41 to be easily removed from the shutter unit 34 in the toner container 32Y.

[0154] In the second variant, Fig. 9 The same as the case of the sealing member holder 40 and the shutter holder 35, the rotation direction (thread rotation direction) when the sealing member holder 40 and the shutter holder 35 are engaged is opposite to the rotation direction of the container body 33 when the toner is supplied. This configuration prevents the undesirable situation that the engagement of the sealing member holder 40 and the shutter holder 35 is released by the rotation of the container body 33 during the toner supply.

[0155] In the second variant, Fig. 9 Similarly, the component force in the insertion direction (axial direction) of the driving force transmitted from the driving gear 110 to the helical gear 33b of the container body 33 also acts in the direction of engaging the shutter holder 35 with the seal holder 40 (the direction in which the shutter holder 35 and the seal holder 40 approach each other and the container body 33 and the seal holder 40 engage with each other). This structure can prevent the inconvenience that the engagement between the seal holder 40 (or the container body 33) and the shutter holder 35 is released due to the rotation of the container body 33 during the supply of toner.

[0156] The axial force component received by the helical gear 33b from the driving gear 110 is configured to point to the direction in which the toner container 32Y is inserted into the device body 100 (installation portion 31). This configuration can prevent the toner container 32Y from being dislodged from the device body 100 (installation portion 31) due to the rotation of the container body 33.

[0157] Hereinafter, a third modified example of the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0158] The toner container 32Y according to the third modification Figures 3 to 9 The difference shown is that the container body 33 is configured to be rotatable together with the shutter unit 34, and the insertion direction (opening / closing direction, Figure 3 The left-right direction in the device body 100 is used as the rotation axis.

[0159] In other words, the toner container 32Y in the third modification is configured so that the toner container 32Y itself rotates integrally together with the toner conveying nozzle 91 of the apparatus body 100 into which it is inserted.

[0160] Therefore, as a gear that transmits drive (rotational drive) from the device body 100 (drive motor 115), as shown in FIG. Fig. 12A As shown in FIG. 1 , a gear 40x may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the seal holder 40 of the gate unit 34 instead of forming the gear 33b on the outer peripheral surface of the container body 33. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. Fig. 12B As shown, a gear 39 x may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the gate holder 5 of the gate unit 34 .

[0161] In the case where the gears 40x and 39x are formed on the seal holder 40 and the shutter holder 35, the gears 40x and 39x are formed as helical gears, and the component force in the insertion direction (axial direction) of the driving force transmitted from the device body 100 (driving gear 110) acts in the direction of engagement (approaching) of the shutter holder 35 and the seal holder 40. This structure prevents the undesirable situation that the engagement of the seal holder 40 and the shutter holder 35 is released due to the rotation of the toner container 32Y during the toner supply.

[0162] The axial force component received by the helical gear 39x or 40x from the driving gear 110 is formed in the direction of inserting the toner container 32Y into the device body 100 (installation portion 31). This structure can prevent the toner container 32Y from being disengaged from the device body 100 (installation portion 31) due to the rotation of the toner container 32Y (gate unit 34).

[0163] As described above, the shutter unit 34 according to the present embodiment is a shutter unit installed in the toner container 32Y, and the toner container 32Y can be attached and detached relative to the apparatus main body 100. The shutter unit 34 includes the shutter 36, which is linked to the movement of the toner container 32Y into the apparatus main body 100 in a predetermined insertion direction, and is pushed by the nozzle 91 (toner conveying nozzle) installed in the apparatus main body 100 so that the nozzle 91 is inserted into the inside of the toner container 32Y, and the nozzle 91 and the toner container 32Y are connected through the opening 91a formed on the peripheral surface of the nozzle 91. The shutter unit 34 includes the seal 41, which covers the peripheral surface of the shutter 36 in the closed state where the shutter 36 is not pushed by the nozzle 91, and makes the peripheral surface of the shutter 36 and the peripheral surface of the nozzle 91 contact in sliding manner when the shutter 36 is pushed by the nozzle 91 and opens. The shutter unit 34 includes a shutter holder 35 that holds the shutter 36 so as to be movable in the insertion direction, and a seal holder 40 that holds the seal 41 in a removable manner at the inner peripheral portion of the seal holder 40. The shutter holder 35 and the seal holder 40 are integrated so as to be disassembled.

[0164] Therefore, the seal 41 can be easily removed from the shutter unit 34 of the toner container 32Y.

[0165] In the above-described embodiment, the shutter unit 34 is installed in the toner container 32Y storing the toner (single-component developer). However, the object stored in the toner container is not limited to the toner (single-component developer). For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the shutter unit may be provided in the toner container storing the dual-component developer.

[0166] Even in this case, substantially the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0167] The above-described embodiments and variations are illustrative and do not limit the present disclosure. Therefore, many additional modifications and variations are possible based on the above teachings. For example, within the scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims, at least one element of the features of the different illustrative and exemplary embodiments herein may be combined with each other, wherein at least one feature may be replaced with each other. The number, position, and shape of the above-described components are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The ideal number, position, and shape may be determined to perform the present disclosure.

[0168] Aspects of the present disclosure may, for example, be as follows:

[0169] First aspect

[0170] A gate unit is installed in a colorant container, which can be installed in and removed from the device body of an imaging device, the gate unit comprising: a gate that is linked to the movement of the colorant container into the device body along an insertion direction, is pushed by a nozzle arranged in the device body, the nozzle is inserted into the colorant container, and the nozzle and the colorant container are connected to each other through an opening on the peripheral surface of the nozzle; a gate holder that holds the gate so that it can move in the insertion direction; a seal that contacts the peripheral surface of the gate in a closed state when not pressed by the nozzle, and slides on the peripheral surface of the gate and the peripheral surface of the nozzle when the gate is opened by being pressed by the nozzle; and a seal holder that detachably holds the seal inside the seal holder, the gate holder and the seal holder being combined in a detachable manner.

[0171] Second aspect

[0172] In the gate unit according to the first aspect, the seal holder moves relative to the gate holder along the insertion direction and rotates along a predetermined rotation direction so that the engaging portion of the gate holder and the engaged portion of the seal holder engage with each other, thereby integrating the gate holder and the seal holder.

[0173] The third aspect

[0174] In the gate unit according to the first aspect, while the seal holder rotates in a predetermined rotation direction relative to the gate holder, the seal holder moves in the insertion direction to screw the external thread portion of the gate holder and the internal thread portion of the seal holder together to integrate the gate holder and the seal holder.

[0175] The fourth aspect

[0176] In the gate unit according to the second aspect or the third aspect, the seal holder is engaged with a container body, and the container body is rotatable around a rotation axis as an insertion direction in the device body in a state where the gate holder is inserted into the container body. The predetermined rotation direction of the seal holder is opposite to the rotation direction of the container body.

[0177] Fifth Aspect

[0178] In the shutter unit according to the first aspect, the seal holder moves relative to the shutter holder in the insertion direction so that the fitting portion of the shutter holder and the fitted portion of the seal holder fit with each other, thereby integrating the shutter holder and the seal holder.

[0179] The sixth aspect

[0180] In the gate unit according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the gate holder includes: a rod, which is integral with the gate and extends along the insertion direction; a compression spring, which is wound on the rod to push the gate in a direction opposite to the insertion direction; and a shell, which spans the rod and the compression spring in the insertion direction and covers the circumference of the rod and the compression spring, and the shell has an opening portion in a part of the circumference of the shell over the entire area in the insertion direction.

[0181] Seventh Aspect

[0182] A toner container, comprising the shutter unit according to any one of the first to sixth aspects. The toner container is detachably connected to the device body and comprises a container body for storing toner in the container body. The container body is engaged with the seal holder when the shutter holder is inserted into the container body.

[0183] Eighth Aspect

[0184] In the toner container according to the seventh aspect, the seal holder is held non-rotatably by the device body of the imaging device. The container body is configured to rotate in the device body around a rotation axis parallel to the insertion direction. The container body has a gear on its outer peripheral surface so that rotational drive is transmitted from the device body to the gear.

[0185] Ninth Aspect

[0186] In the toner container according to the seventh aspect, the container body is configured to rotate together with the shutter unit in the device body around a rotation axis parallel to the insertion direction. One of the seal holder and the shutter holder has a gear on the outer peripheral surface of the one of the seal holder and the shutter holder, so that the rotation drive is transmitted from the device body to the gear.

[0187] Tenth Aspect

[0188] In the toner container according to the eighth or ninth aspect, the gear is a helical gear, and a component of the driving force transmitted from the apparatus body in the insertion direction acts in a direction in which the shutter holder and the seal holder fit each other.

[0189] Aspect 11

[0190] An image forming apparatus comprises the toner container according to any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, wherein the toner container is detachably connected to an apparatus body of the image forming apparatus.

[0191] The above embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the present invention. Therefore, according to the above teachings, many additional modifications and variations are possible. For example, within the scope of the present invention, the elements and / or features of different illustrative embodiments can be combined and / or replaced with each other.

[0192] Any of the operations described above may be performed in various other ways, such as in an order different from that described above.

[0193] This patent application is based on and claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-087286 filed with the Japan Patent Office on May 28, 2022, and the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0194] Reference numerals list

[0195] Description of Reference Numerals

[0196] 5Y developer (supplied unit)

[0197] 32Y, 32M, 32C and 32K Toner Containers (Powder Containers)

[0198] 33 Container body

[0199] 34 Gate unit (nozzle receiving component)

[0200] 35 Gate Keeper

[0201] 36 Shutter

[0202] 37 shots

[0203] 38 Compression spring

[0204] 39 Shell

[0205] 39a Opening

[0206] 39b convex part (fitting part)

[0207] 39c Claw (fitting part)

[0208] 39d External thread

[0209] 40 Seal retainer

[0210] 40a Through hole

[0211] 40c Notch (fitted portion)

[0212] 40d hole (fitted part)

[0213] 40e Internal thread

[0214] 41 Seals

[0215] 90 Toner supply device (supply device)

[0216] 91 Toner delivery nozzle (nozzle)

[0217] 91a Opening

[0218] 1000 Imaging Equipment

[0219] 100 Equipment body

Claims

1. A shutter unit installed in a toner container, the toner container being installable to and detachable from a device body of an image forming device, the shutter unit comprising: a shutter, which is linked to the movement of the toner container into the device body along the insertion direction, is pushed by a nozzle provided in the device body, inserts the nozzle into the toner container, and makes the nozzle and the toner container communicate with each other through the opening on the peripheral surface of the nozzle; a gate holder for holding the gate so that it can move in the insertion direction; a sealing member, which contacts the peripheral surface of the gate in a closed state when not pressed by the nozzle, and slides on the peripheral surface of the gate and the peripheral surface of the nozzle when the gate is opened by being pressed by the nozzle; as well as a seal holder, wherein the seal is removably held inside the seal holder, The gate holder and the seal holder are detachably combined.

2. The gate unit according to claim 1, in, The seal holder moves relative to the shutter holder in the insertion direction and rotates in a predetermined rotation direction so that the fitting portion of the shutter holder and the fitted portion of the seal holder fit with each other, thereby integrating the shutter holder and the seal holder.

3. The gate unit according to claim 1, in, While the seal holder rotates in a predetermined rotation direction relative to the gate holder, the seal holder moves in the insertion direction to screw the external thread portion of the gate holder and the internal thread portion of the seal holder together to integrate the gate holder and the seal holder.

4. The gate unit according to claim 2 or 3, in, The seal holder is fitted with a container body, and the container body is rotatable about a rotation axis which is an insertion direction in the device body in a state where the shutter holder is inserted into the container body, and Wherein, the predetermined rotation direction of the seal holder is opposite to the rotation direction of the container body.

5. The gate unit according to claim 4, in, The container body further includes a spiral protrusion located on the inner circumferential surface of the container body, and the powder is stored in the container body. The rotation direction of the container body is a rotation direction for conveying the powder toward the gate along the length direction of the container body.

6. The gate unit according to claim 1, in, The seal holder moves relative to the shutter holder in the insertion direction so that the fitting portion of the shutter holder and the fitted portion of the seal holder fit with each other, thereby integrating the shutter holder and the seal holder.

7. The gate unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in, The gate holder comprises: a rod, which is integral with the gate and extends along the insertion direction; a compression spring wound on the rod to urge the gate in a direction opposite to the insertion direction; and The housing spans over the rod and the compression spring in the insertion direction and covers the peripheral surfaces of the rod and the compression spring. The housing has an opening in a portion of the peripheral surface of the housing in a region spanning the insertion direction.

8. A toner container comprising the shutter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5 and 6, in, The toner container is detachably connected to the apparatus main body and includes a container main body to store toner in the container main body, and Wherein, in a state where the shutter holder is inserted into the container body, the container body and the seal holder are engaged with each other.

9. The toner container according to claim 8, in, the seal holder is non-rotatably held by the apparatus main body of the imaging apparatus, wherein the container body is configured to rotate in the device body about a rotation axis parallel to the insertion direction, and The container body has a gear on its outer peripheral surface so that the rotational drive is transmitted from the device body to the gear.

10. The toner container according to claim 8, in, The container body is configured to rotate together with the shutter unit in the device body about a rotation axis parallel to the insertion direction, and Among them, one of the seal holder and the gate holder has a gear on an outer peripheral surface of the one of the seal holder and the gate holder so that rotational drive is transmitted from the device body to the gear.

11. The toner container according to claim 9 or 10, in, The gears are helical gears, and The component force of the driving force transmitted from the device body in the insertion direction acts in the direction in which the shutter holder and the seal holder fit together.

12. An image forming apparatus comprising the toner container according to any one of claims 8 to 11, in, The toner container is detachably connected to an apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus.

Images