Toner supply container and mounting unit

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a form of toner supply container [solution] A toner supply container (10) includes a storage unit (14), a container portion (16), a discharge portion (13), and a shutter (102). The memory cell (14) includes a memory (14a) for storing information and a first electrode (14a1) having a first exposed surface (14a11). The discharge portion (13) is disposed on one end side of the container portion (16) with respect to the first direction. The baffle (102) is configured to rotate about a first axis extending in the first direction. When viewed in the first direction, the first exposed surface (14a11) is disposed inside an imaginary circle (L1) passing through an outer end portion of the baffle (102) centered on the first axis.

Description

[0001] This divisional application is a divisional application based on the Chinese patent application with application number 202180075078.8, application date October 15, 2021, and invention name “Colorant supply container and installation unit”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a toner supply container for use with an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, and a mounting unit for use with the toner supply container. Background Art

[0003] Generally, an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic type forms an image by transferring a toner image formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum to a transfer material as a transfer medium. As an example of such an image forming apparatus, a toner supply type image forming apparatus is known.

[0004] In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H08-30084, a configuration is described in which a toner supply box for supplying toner is installed in an image forming apparatus and supplies toner. In International Publication No. 2020 / 046338, a configuration is described in which a supply device for supplying toner is provided with a storage device. Summary of the invention

[0005] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a toner supply container in this form.

[0007] [Methods used to solve the problem]

[0008] One of the inventions according to the present application is as follows. A toner supply container, the toner supply container comprising: a storage portion, the storage portion comprising a memory and a conductive portion, the memory for storing information, the conductive portion comprising a first electrode electrically connected to the memory; a container portion, the container portion for containing toner; a discharge portion, the discharge portion being arranged on one end side of the container relative to a first direction and comprising a discharge opening, the discharge opening opening facing a direction intersecting the first direction and for allowing the toner to be discharged; and a baffle, the baffle being configured to rotate around a first axis extending in the first direction and to move between a closed position in which the baffle covers the discharge opening and a retracted position in which the baffle retracts from the closed position, wherein the first electrode has a first exposed surface exposed to the outside, and is arranged so that the first exposed surface faces the first direction, and wherein when viewed along the first direction, the first exposed surface is arranged inside an imaginary circle centered on the first axis and passing through the outer end of the baffle.

[0009] [Effects of the invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, a form of a toner supply container can be provided. In addition, a form of a mounting unit can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device.

[0012] Figure 2 is a view for explaining the internal structure of the imaging apparatus.

[0013] Figure 3 is a side view of the image forming apparatus for explaining the arrangement of the supply portion.

[0014] Figure 4 is a top view (plan view) of the image forming apparatus for explaining the arrangement of the supply portion.

[0015] Figure 5 Includes an enlarged perspective view of the supply section.

[0016] Figure 6 Included is a perspective view of the imaging device.

[0017] Figure 7 Includes a perspective view of the imaging device.

[0018] Figure 8 A perspective view of a toner package according to Embodiment 1 is included.

[0019] Fig. 9 A perspective view of a toner package according to Embodiment 1 is included.

[0020] Fig.10 A perspective view for illustrating a baffle unit and a supply base according to Embodiment 1 is included.

[0021] Fig.11 is a diagram of a storage unit according to Embodiment 1.

[0022] Fig.12 A perspective view including an end portion (terminal end portion) of a toner package according to Embodiment 1.

[0023] Fig.13 A view for illustrating the arrangement of a storage unit according to Embodiment 1 is included.

[0024] Fig.14 A view for illustrating the arrangement of a storage unit according to Embodiment 1 is included.

[0025] Fig.15 A view for illustrating the structure of a supply portion according to Embodiment 1 is included.

[0026] Fig.16 A view for illustrating the structure of a supply portion according to Embodiment 1 is included.

[0027] Fig.17 A view for illustrating installation of a toner package according to Embodiment 1 is included.

[0028] Fig.18 Included is a diagram of a supply portion to which a toner package according to Embodiment 1 is mounted.

[0029] Fig.19 Included is a diagram of a supply portion to which a toner package according to Embodiment 1 is mounted.

[0030] Fig. 20 Included are illustrations of operations of the shutter unit and the receiving portion shutter according to Embodiment 1.

[0031] Fig.21 An illustration of a configuration for restricting movement of a toner package according to Embodiment 1 is included.

[0032] Fig. 22 Included are views for illustrating a storage member according to Embodiment 2.

[0033] Fig.23 is a diagram of a container portion according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments for implementing the present invention will be specifically and exemplarily described based on the embodiments. However, the size, material, shape of the components described in the embodiments and the relative arrangement of these components should be appropriately changed according to the construction and various conditions of the device (equipment) in which the present invention is applied. In other words, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments. In addition, in the drawings used for the following description, for the purpose of explanation, parts or parts of parts are shown in an omitted or simplified manner.

[0035] (Example 1)

[0036] [General structure of imaging device]

[0037] The general configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in the present embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 in the present embodiment is a monochrome laser beam printer using an electrophotographic process, and forms an image on a recording material P using a developer (toner) depending on image information sent from an external device such as a personal computer. As examples of the recording material P, recording paper, label paper, OHP sheet, cloth, and the like can be used.

[0038] In addition, in the following description, the height direction (the direction opposite to the gravity direction) of the imaging device 1 in the case where the imaging device 1 is installed on a horizontal surface is referred to as the Z direction. The direction intersecting the Z direction and parallel to the rotation axis direction (main scanning direction) of the photosensitive drum 411 described later is referred to as the X direction. The direction intersecting the X direction and the Z direction is referred to as the Y direction. Preferably, the X direction, the Y direction and the Z direction may intersect each other perpendicularly. For convenience, in the X direction, the positive side is referred to as the right (hand) side and the negative side is referred to as the left (hand) side, in the Y direction, the positive side is referred to as the front side or the front surface side and the negative side is referred to as the rear side or the rear surface side, and in the Z direction, the positive side is referred to as the upper side and the negative side is referred to as the lower side. In the present embodiment, the Z direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the X direction and the Y direction are parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0039] Figure 1 A perspective view of the imaging device 1 is shown, and Figure 2 It is a view for illustrating the spacing structure of the image forming apparatus 1 viewed from the X direction (the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 411 ). Figure 2 The components related to the imaging process are mainly shown. Figure 1 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a feed tray 4 in which recording materials P are contained and a discharge tray 114 on which discharged recording materials P are stacked. The feed tray 4 can be pulled out in the Y direction, and a user can supply (replenish) recording materials P to the feed tray 4. The recording materials P fed from the feed tray 4 and on which images are formed are discharged from the discharge opening 115 toward the discharge tray 114. Figure 1 The discharged materials are discharged in the discharge direction (Y direction) shown in the figure and are stacked on the discharge tray 114 .

[0040] The front cover 70 is provided on a portion of the end surface (a portion of the front surface) of the imaging device 1 located on the downstream side in the discharge direction. A housing cover 71 is provided on the side surface or the top surface (which is a portion of the front surface except for the position where the front cover 70 is provided) of the imaging device 1. The front cover 70, the housing cover 71 and the above-mentioned discharge tray 114 together form a housing 72 of the imaging device 1. Here, the housing 72 is a member that covers the entire imaging device 1, and includes processing members such as the scanner unit 50 described later in its interior. The above-mentioned discharge opening 115 is an opening formed at a portion of the housing 72, and the recording material P passes through the opening and is discharged to the outside of the imaging device 1.

[0041] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming section 400 including a photosensitive unit 401 provided with a photosensitive drum 411 and a charging roller (charging member) 417, and a developing unit 402 provided with a developing roller 412 and a housing portion 418. The photosensitive drum 411 is an image bearing member for bearing an electrostatic latent image. The developing roller 412 is a developer conveying member for conveying a toner as a developer.

[0042] use Figure 2 , the flow of the image forming operation of the recording material P will be described. When the image information is sent to the image forming device 1, the photosensitive drum 1 as a rotatable member is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow DR at a predetermined peripheral speed (processing speed) based on the print start signal. The scanner unit 50 irradiates the photosensitive drum 411 with laser light based on the input image information. The scanner unit 50 includes a laser oscillator, a polygonal mirror and a lens for irradiating the photosensitive drum 411 with laser light, a scanner motor for rotating the polygonal mirror, and a frame for supporting these components. The photosensitive drum 411 is charged in advance by the charging roller 417, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 411 by irradiating the photosensitive drum 411 with laser light. Thereafter, the toner contained in the accommodating portion 418 is transported to the photosensitive drum 411 by the developing roller 412, thereby developing the electrostatic latent image, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 411.

[0043] In parallel with the above-described image forming process, the recording material P is fed from the feed tray 4. On the feed path of the image forming apparatus 1, a pickup roller 3, a feed roller 5a, and a conveying roller pair 5c are provided. The pickup roller 3 contacts the uppermost recording material of the recording materials P accommodated in the feed tray 4, and feeds the recording material P by the rotation of the roller itself. The feed roller 5a and the separation roller 5b in pressure contact therewith form a separation nip. In the case where a plurality of sheets of the recording material P are fed to the separation nip by the influence of the frictional force between the recording materials P, the feed roller 5a and the separation roller 5b separate the plurality of recording materials P, and only the recording material P located at the uppermost position is fed toward the downstream side.

[0044] The recording material P fed from the feed tray 4 is conveyed toward the transfer roller 7 by the conveying roller pair 5c. A transfer bias is applied to the transfer roller 7 so that the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 411 is transferred onto the recording material P. The recording material P onto which the toner image is transferred by the transfer roller 7 is subjected to heating and pressurizing processing by the fixing device 9 so that the toner image is fixed onto the recording material P. The fixing device 9 is composed of a heating roller 9a in which a fixing heater 9c is combined and a pressurizing roller 9b which is urged toward the heating roller 9a. Then, the recording material P onto which the toner image is fixed is discharged onto the discharge tray 114 by the discharge roller pair 310.

[0045] In the case where images are formed on both sides of the recording material P, the discharge roller pair 310 switches back the recording material P in which the image is formed on the first side, thereby guiding the recording material P to the double-sided feeding path 16. The recording material P guided to the double-sided feeding path 16 is conveyed toward the transfer roller 7 again by the double-sided conveying roller pair 5d. After the image is formed on the second side, the recording material P is discharged onto the discharge tray 114 by the discharge roller pair 310.

[0046] Furthermore, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 411 after the toner image is transferred onto the recording material P is removed by the cleaning unit 413 .

[0047] The imaging device is provided with a CPU 399 as a controller.

[0048] [Layout and construction of the supply section]

[0049] Next, we will use Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 Part (a) and Figure 5 Part (b) describes the supply portion 200.

[0050] The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with the supply portion 200, and in a case where the amount of remaining toner in the accommodating portion 418 becomes small, a user or a service person can supply toner to the supply portion from the outside without removing the accommodating portion 418 from the housing 72. A configuration is adopted in which the toner pack 10 described below can be detachably mounted to the supply portion 200. The image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment can supply toner to the accommodating portion 418 through the supply portion 200 without removing the image forming portion 400 from the housing 72.

[0051] Figure 3 is a side view of the image forming apparatus 1 for illustrating the arrangement of the supply portion 200 . Figure 3 1 is a left side view of the image forming apparatus 1 when viewed along the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 11. Figure 3 , a portion of the housing cover 71 is omitted to show the interior of the image forming apparatus 1. The supply portion 200 is provided with a mounting portion 210, a toner receiving portion 220, a supply path portion 403, a toner pack 10 ( Figure 3 418 and the toner receiving portion 220 are connected to the supply path portion 416 and the toner receiving portion 220.

[0052] The mounting portion 210 is arranged on the top surface portion 340 described later, and a mounting hole 210c is formed therein, in which the toner pack 10 is mounted. The toner moves from the toner pack 10 mounted in the mounting hole 210c to the toner receiving portion 220 and the supply path portion 403 in a specified order, and is finally supplied to the accommodating portion 418.

[0053] Figure 4 is a side view of the image forming apparatus 1 for illustrating the arrangement of the supply portion 200 . Figure 47 is a top view (plan view) of the imaging device 1, in which the housing cover 71 is removed from the imaging device. As described above, in the mounting portion 210, the mounting hole 210c is formed. In addition, the mounting portion 210 is provided with an annular portion 210b arranged to surround the mounting hole 210c and a clamping portion 210a connected to the annular portion 210b. Figure 4 As shown, the width of the supply portion 200 with respect to the X direction is shorter (narrower) than the width of the accommodating portion 418 with respect to the X direction. The supply portion 200 is arranged to avoid the laser irradiation area ( Figure 4 The grid-like shaded area) is arranged in a grid-like manner.

[0054] Figure 5 An enlarged perspective view of the supply portion 200 is included. Figure 5 Part (a) is a view showing a state in which the clamping portion 210a is located at an initial position, and Figure 5 Part (b) is a view showing a state in which the clamping portion 210a is located at the supply position.

[0055] On the inner wall of the toner receiving portion 220 having a cylindrical shape, a receiving opening 220c connected to the supply path portion 403 is formed. Toner passes through the receiving opening 220c from the toner receiving portion 220 and is guided to the supply path portion 403, thereafter, passes through the supply path portion 403 and is accommodated in the accommodating portion 418.

[0056] exist Figure 5 In part (a), the receiving opening 220c formed in the colorant receiving portion 220 is closed by the receiving portion baffle 230 and is not actually visible and is therefore indicated by a dotted line. The receiving portion baffle 230 is a cylindrical member concentric with the colorant receiving portion 220 and is disposed inside the colorant receiving portion 220. In the receiving portion baffle 230, a baffle opening 230c for allowing the toner to pass therethrough is formed, but is not actually visible and is therefore indicated by a dotted line. On the periphery of the baffle opening 230c, a receiving seal 241 is arranged. Figure 5 In the portion (a), the receiving opening 220c and the shutter opening 230c are in deviated positions, and therefore, the receiving opening 220c is shielded.

[0057] In the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the receiving portion shutter 230 is prevented from rotating even when the mounting portion 210 is rotated in a state where the toner pack 10 is not mounted therein. On the other hand, when the toner pack 10 is mounted, the engaging protrusion 210d of the mounting portion 210 and the transmitting portion 230g of the receiving portion shutter 230 engage with the shutter member 11 for the toner pack 10, which will be described later. In this way, the user holds the gripping portion 210a and moves the gripping portion 210a from the mounting portion 210a to the receiving portion 230a. Figure 5 The state of part (a) is rotated about 90° to Figure 5 The state of part (b) allows the receiving portion shutter 230 to rotate within the toner receiving portion 220.

[0058] exist Figure 5 In the portion (b), the receiving opening 220c and the shutter opening 230c are in the overlapping position, and therefore, the receiving opening 220c is opened and is in a state in which the toner can be supplied through the receiving opening 220c.

[0059] When forming an image on the recording material P, the toner is stirred in the accommodating portion 418 by a stirring member not shown, and therefore it is necessary to shield the receiving opening 220c so that the toner does not leak through the receiving opening 220c. Therefore, during image formation, the clamping portion 210a is moved to Figure 5 The holding portion 210a is moved to the position shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 . This position is referred to as the initial position of the clamping portion 210a. On the other hand, when the toner is supplied from the toner pack 10 to the accommodating portion 418, the receiving opening 220c needs to be opened. Therefore, during the toner supply, the clamping portion 210a moves to the receiving opening 220c. Figure 5 This position is referred to as the supply position of the clamping portion 210a.

[0060] The imaging device 1 is provided with a lever position detection sensor 224. The mounting portion 210 is provided with a to-be-detected portion 210e that contacts the lever position sensor 224. When the clamping portion 210a is at the supply position, the to-be-detected portion contacts the lever position sensor 224. As a result, it can be detected that the lever 210a is at the supply position. When the clamping portion 210a is at the initial position, the to-be-detected portion 210e is separated from the lever position sensor 224.

[0061] The toner receiving portion 220 is provided with a base support portion 220e engaged with a circumferential groove portion 11g of the shutter member 11 described below. The engagement of the base support portion 220e with the circumferential groove portion 11g is a process in which the clamping portion 210a moves from the initial position to the supply position, and thus the removal of the toner package 10 is restricted.

[0062] [Provisioning container installation program]

[0063] Next, we will use Figure 6 Part (a), Figure 6 Part (b), Figure 7 Part (a) and Figure 7 Part (b) of FIG. 1 describes a toner supply procedure using the toner package 10.

[0064] Figure 6 A perspective view of the imaging device 1 is shown. Figure 6 Part (a) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state in which the discharge tray 114 is closed. Figure 6 Part (b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state in which the discharge tray 114 is opened.

[0065] Figure 7 A perspective view of the imaging device 1 is shown. Figure 7 Part (a) is a perspective view of the imaging apparatus 1, in which the clamping portion 210a is in an initial position. Figure 7 Part (b) is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 in which the toner package 10 is mounted and the clamping portion 210a is in the supplying position.

[0066] The supply portion 200 is provided at a top surface portion 340 of an upper portion of the front surface of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 1. The discharge tray 114 is configured to be movable between a position where the supply portion 200 is covered and a position where the supply portion 220 is exposed.

[0067] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the discharge tray 114 has a configuration in which the discharge tray 114 covers the supply portion 200 and is able to be placed at a position ( Figure 6 The portion (a)) and the position where the supply portion 200 is exposed ( Figure 6 The supply portion 200 is provided at an upper portion of the front surface of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 1, and therefore, the supply portion 200 is also easily accessible to the user during supply.

[0068] When the toner is supplied, the recording material P stacked on the discharge tray 114 is removed, and the discharge tray 114 is opened and moved to Figure 6 When the discharge tray 114 is opened, the supply portion 200, the top surface portion 340 provided adjacent to the supply portion 200, and the mounting portion 210 located on the top surface portion 340 are exposed. Then, the toner pack 10 is inserted into the exposed supply portion 200.

[0069] Here, the entirety of the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner package 10 is referred to as an image forming system 1A.

[0070] Figure 7 Part (a) shows a state in which the toner package 10 is inserted into the supply portion 200. Figure 7 Part (b) shows a state in which the clamping portion 210a moves from the initial position to the supply position.

[0071] Toner pack 10 is inserted into supply portion 200, and gripping portion 210a is moved from the initial position to the supply position, so that a state is formed in which toner can be supplied from toner pack 10. In this state, toner is discharged from toner pack 10 and supplied to accommodating portion 418.

[0072] After the toner supply is completed, the clamping portion 210a returns to the initial position. At this time, the receiving portion baffle 230 of the supply portion 200 and the baffle member 11 of the toner pack 10 rotate together. Then, the receiving portion baffle 230 covers the receiving opening 220c, and the baffle member 11 covers the discharge opening 13a of the toner pack 10 described later. Then, the lock between the supply portion 200 and the toner pack 10 (the engagement between the circumferential groove portion 11g and the base support portion 220e) is released (disengaged), making it possible to remove the toner pack 10 from the supply portion 200. In other words, in order to remove the toner pack 10 from the image forming apparatus 1, it is necessary to cover the discharge opening 13a with the baffle member 11.

[0073] [Structure of Toner Pack]

[0074] The configuration of the toner pack (toner supply container, toner supply cartridge) 10 will be described.

[0075] Figure 8 A perspective view of a toner package 10 according to the present embodiment is included. Figure 8 Part (a) of FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the toner package 10 in an assembled state. Figure 8 Part (b) is a perspective view of the toner package 10 in a disassembled state.

[0076] like Figure 8 Part (a) and Figure 8 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the toner package 10 includes a shutter member 11 , a sealing member 12 , a supply base 13 , a storage label 14 , an expansion member 15 , and a bag 16 .

[0077] Hereinafter, the shapes of the respective components (parts) and the relationship between the components will be described.

[0078] The bag (pack) 16 as a container portion (container) for containing the toner is a flexible container. Inside the bag 16, a containing portion (space) 16a for containing the toner is formed.

[0079] The bag 16 includes one end portion (first end portion) 16b and another end portion (second end portion) 16c located on the opposite side of the one end portion 16b. At the one end portion 16b, an opening 16a for allowing the toner to be discharged from the accommodating portion 16d is formed. In the present embodiment, the first direction is parallel to the direction of the rotation axis z of the baffle member 11 described later. In addition, in the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the toner bag 10 is a direction parallel to the first direction. That is, the length of the toner bag 10 relative to the first direction is longer than its length relative to the direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0080] The accommodating portion 16d includes a first accommodating portion 16d1 and a second accommodating portion 16d2 connected to the first accommodating portion 16d1. In the present embodiment, the first accommodating portion 16d1 has a shape narrowed toward the opening portion 16a and is formed so that the toner easily moves toward the opening portion 16a.

[0081] The bag 16 may be deformed so that the accommodating portion 16d is compressed from the outside toward the inside of the bag 16, and thereby the discharge of the toner T is facilitated. The bag 16 may be deformed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction so that the opposing walls (a part of the sheet portion 16e described later) contact each other. In order to facilitate the supply of the toner, the force for discharging the toner by deforming the bag 16 may preferably be small.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the toner pack 10 assumes the same posture as when the toner pack 10 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1 and is used, and in a state in which the toner can be discharged from the discharge opening 13a described below, the bag 16 is deformed as described above so that the toner can be discharged. At this time, the bag 16 may preferably be configured so that when a force of 40N or less acts on at least a portion of the accommodating portion 16d in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis z, the opposing walls contact each other via the accommodating portion 16d. More preferably, the bag 16 is configured so that when a force of 10N or less (more preferably 5N or less) acts on at least a portion of the accommodating portion 16d in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis z, the opposing walls contact each other via the accommodating portion 16d.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the bag 16 includes a sheet portion 16e for forming the accommodating portion 16d. The thickness of the sheet portion 16e may preferably be 500 μm or less (more preferably 200 μm or less). In the present embodiment, the sheet portion 16e is a sheet made of polypropylene having a thickness of 100 μm or less. The bag 16 is formed into a bag shape by heat welding the sheet portion 16e, etc. Incidentally, the form of the bag 16 is not limited thereto, and the material of the sheet portion 16e may be polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, etc.

[0084] The bag 16 includes an overlapping portion 16f formed by overlapping the shell portions of the sheet portion 16e. In the present embodiment, the overlapping portion 16f is formed by heat welding the sheet 16e. The overlapping portion 16f includes a side (surface) overlapping portion 16f1 arranged on the side surface of the bag 16. The bag 16 may be formed by folding a single sheet portion 16e, or may be formed by a plurality of sheets 16e.

[0085] The size of the other end portion 16c of the bag 16 is larger than the size of the terminal portion (end portion) of the base plate mounting portion 131 described below with respect to the direction perpendicular to the first direction. When the toner pack 10 is placed on a horizontal surface in a posture such that the other end portion 16c is located at the bottom with respect to the vertical direction, the toner pack 10 can stand on its own. At this time, the posture of the toner pack 10 is a posture opposite to the posture of the toner pack 10 when the toner pack 10 is mounted to the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, the storage label 14 is located above the other end portion 16c, so that the toner pack 10 can be placed in a state in which the storage label 14 is spaced apart from the surface on which the toner pack 10 is placed.

[0086] The bag 16 is reinforced by the overlapping portion 16f. The side overlapping portion 16f1 extends in the first direction. As a result, when the toner pack 10 is placed with the other end portion 16c facing downward, the toner pack 10 can be stably placed, and further, the bag 16 is suppressed from falling due to deformation of the toner pack 10.

[0087] The expansion member (expansion portion, end portion holding portion, annular portion) 15 is mounted on the opening 16a of the bag 16. The expansion member 15 is a resin member formed in a substantially hexagonal shape on the outer peripheral surface, and is connected to the opening portion 16a of the bag 16. Thus, by the expansion member 15, even the flexible bag 16 can maintain a state in which the opening portion 16a is opened. The expansion member 15 has an annular shape so that a hole is formed through which the toner passes. The expansion member 15 is fixed to the supply base 13 so that the opening portion 16a and the discharge opening 13a are communicated with each other, as described later.

[0088] The connection method between the expansion member 15 and the bag 16 may be any method, for example, a connection method using various adhesives (such as hot melt), and a connection method in which the bag 16 is thermally welded to the expansion member 15, etc. can be used. Incidentally, the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the expansion member 15 may preferably be a shape that makes the expansion member 15 not easy to slide when the user grasps the expansion member 15, and may preferably be a polygonal shape. In the present embodiment, the structure of the outer peripheral surface of the expansion member 15 has a substantially hexagonal shape. Thus, the opening portion 16a of the bag 16 is also deformed along the outer peripheral surface of the expansion member 15, and the shape is hexagonal.

[0089] A supply base (discharge portion, discharge member, toner guide portion, container receiving portion) 13 is arranged on the end side of the bag 16 with respect to the first direction. When the toner pack 10 is mounted to the image forming apparatus 1, the supply base 13 has a function as a to-be-inserted portion (to-be-supported portion, to-be-mounted portion) inserted into and supported by the image forming apparatus. In the present embodiment, the supply base 13 is mounted to one end portion of the bag 16 via the expansion member 15. However, the expansion member 15 and the supply base 13 may also be formed integrally. That is, the supply base 13 is made to have the function of the expansion member 15, and the supply base may be directly connected to the bag 16.

[0090] The baffle unit 102 including the baffle member 11 is mounted to the supply base 13. The baffle member 11 is a resin component formed to cover the outer periphery of the supply base 13 and has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is supported by the supply base 13 in a rotatable state at a predetermined phase. Figure 8 Part (a) and Figure 8 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the rotation axis of the shutter member 11 relative to the supply base 13 is the rotation axis (first axis) z. The rotation axis z extends in the first direction.

[0091] The supply base 13 is provided with a toner discharge opening (discharge opening) 13 a which is a through hole for allowing the toner contained in the bag 16 to be discharged, and is provided with a substrate mounting portion (projecting portion) 131 to which the storage tag 14 is mounted.

[0092] Inside the supply base 13 , a toner passage 13 c (described later) is formed, which is arranged between the bag 16 and the discharge opening 13 a and is used to allow the toner to pass therethrough.

[0093] The base plate mounting portion 131 is located at the top portion of the toner pack 10 with respect to the direction (first direction) parallel to the rotation axis z. In the present embodiment, the storage tag 14 is fixed at a position where the storage tag 14 overlaps the rotation axis z.

[0094] The substrate mounting portion 131 protrudes toward the direction of the rotation axis z. On the other hand, the baffle member 11 is provided with an intersecting wall 11w extending in a direction intersecting with the direction of the rotation axis z and including a through hole 11w1 provided therein. The through hole 11w1 exposes the conductive portion 14a to the outside of the toner pack 10. In the present embodiment, the substrate mounting portion 131 is inserted into the through hole 11w1 so that the conductive portion 14a is exposed to the outside of the toner pack 10.

[0095] The storage tag 14 is fixed to the substrate mounting portion 131 using, for example, a double-sided tape or an adhesive. However, as a method of mounting the storage tag 14 on the substrate mounting portion 131, press fitting or snap fitting may also be used.

[0096] In addition, as described below, the memory tag 14 includes a conductive portion 14a (see Fig.11 ). The conductive portion 14a of the storage tag 14 is arranged to be exposed to the outside of the toner pack 10 with respect to the direction parallel to the rotation axis z.

[0097] Sealing member 12 is mounted to baffle member 11. Sealing member 12 is positioned in a region between supply base and baffle member 11 with respect to a radial direction related to rotation axis z, and is applied and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of baffle member 11 with a double-sided tape not shown.

[0098] The toner pack 10 in this embodiment can promote the discharge of toner from the toner pack 10 by deforming the bag 16. For this purpose, the bag 16 may preferably adopt a flexible structure (a low-rigidity structure). On the other hand, in order to stably mount the toner pack 10 to the image forming apparatus 1, the supply base 13 may preferably adopt a structure with higher rigidity than the bag 16. That is, when the same magnitude of force acts on the object, the deformation of the bag 16 is greater than the deformation of the supply base 13.

[0099] When the conductive portion 14a of the storage tag 14 is positioned by the bag 16 having lower rigidity than the supply base 13, the position of the conductive portion 14a of the storage tag 14 is easily deviated. In the present embodiment, the conductive portion 14a of the storage tag 14 is positioned by the supply base 13, whereby the position of the conductive portion 14a of the storage tag 14 is not easily deviated. As a result, for example, the conductive portion 14a of the storage tag 14 can be accurately positioned relative to the imaging device 1.

[0100] Hereinafter, the integrally connected supply base 13, storage tag 14, expansion member 15 and bag 16 are referred to as supply unit 101, and the shutter member 11 and sealing member 12 are referred to as shutter unit 102. That is, the toner pack 10 includes the supply unit 101 and the shutter unit 102.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the supply base 13 and the shutter unit 102 are arranged on one end portion side of the toner package 10 , and the bag 16 is arranged on the other end portion side of the toner package 10 with respect to the first direction.

[0102] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the baffle unit 102 includes the sealing member 12 for sealing between the baffle member 11 and the supply base 13. However, a sealing member provided with a hole through which the toner passes may be attached to the supply base 13 so that the sealing member seals between the baffle member 11 and the supply base 13, so that the sealing member 12 may be omitted from the baffle unit 102. In this case, the baffle unit 102 does not include the sealing member 12.

[0103] Furthermore, a portion including the supply base 13, the storage tag 14, and the shutter unit 102 may be referred to as a mounting unit that can be detachably mounted to the imaging device 1. The mounting unit can be mounted to the bag 16. In the present embodiment, the bag 16 and the mounting unit are connected to each other via the expansion member 15.

[0104] <Structure and Operation of Baffle Unit and Supply Base>

[0105] Will use Fig. 9 Part (a), Fig. 9 Part (b), Fig.10 Part (a) and Fig.10 Part (b) describes the structure and operation of the baffle unit (baffle) 102 and the supply base 13.

[0106] Fig. 9 A perspective view of a toner package 10 is included, wherein Fig. 9 Part (a) shows a state in which the baffle unit 102 is in a closed position, in which the baffle unit 102 seals the discharge opening 13a, and Fig. 9 Part (b) shows a state in which the shutter unit 102 is in the retracted position. Fig.10 ( Fig.10 Part (a), Fig.10 Part (b)) includes a perspective view for illustrating the structure of the baffle unit 102 and the supply base 13.

[0107] The baffle unit 102 can rotate around a rotation axis z as a center relative to the supply unit 101. This is the rotation axis of the baffle member 11, and the axis of the sealing member 12 is the rotation axis z.

[0108] The shutter unit 102 covers the discharge opening 13a and is configured to be movable between a closed position (covering position, first position) in which the discharge of toner is restricted and a retracted position (second position, conductive portion position) retracted from the closed position. In the present embodiment, when the shutter unit 102 is in the second position, the discharge opening 13a is exposed toward the outside of the toner pack 10, thereby allowing the toner to be discharged from the discharge opening 13a. The second position may also be referred to as an open position, in which the discharge opening 13a is open.

[0109] exist Fig. 9 Part (a) and Fig. 9 In part (b), the z1 direction is a moving direction in which the barrier unit 102 moves from the first position to the second position, and the z2 direction is a moving direction in which the barrier unit 102 moves from the second position to the first position.

[0110] In this embodiment, the rotation angle (the difference between the first position and the second position) of the baffle unit 102 around the rotation axis z can be made 180 degrees or less. The rotation angle of the baffle unit 102 around the rotation axis z can be made 45 degrees or more. In this embodiment, the rotation angle of the baffle unit 102 is about 90 degrees.

[0111] The discharge opening 13a opens toward a direction intersecting the first direction (preferably a direction perpendicular to the first direction). In other words, the discharge opening 13a is arranged toward a direction intersecting the first direction (preferably a direction perpendicular to the first direction).

[0112] Next, we will use Fig.10 Part (a) and Fig.10 Part (b) describes the relationship between the shutter unit 102 and the representative parts of the supply base 13.

[0113] The supply base 13 is provided with the above-mentioned discharge opening 13a, the base plate mounting portion 131, and further, with the outer peripheral portion 13f, the main assembly engaging portion 13e, the shaft portion 13r, the flange portion 13s and the claw portion (shutter restricting portion) 13k.

[0114] The peripheral portion 13f (second surface, opening forming portion, opening forming wall) 13f is provided with a discharge opening 13a. The surface of the peripheral portion 13f faces a direction intersecting with the first direction (preferably a direction perpendicular to the first direction). That is, the direction orthogonal to the peripheral portion 13f is a direction intersecting with the first direction (preferably a direction perpendicular to the first direction). In the present embodiment, the peripheral portion 13f extends in a direction parallel to the first direction and has an arcuate surface (arc shape). That is, the generatrix direction of the arcuate surface is a direction parallel to the first direction. The center of the arcuate surface coincides with the rotation axis z.

[0115] The main assembly engaging portion 13 e is a projection provided with a predetermined gap on a side surface rotated about 90 degrees in the Z2 direction relative to the discharge opening 13 a , and engages with a portion of the image forming apparatus 1 when the toner pack 10 is mounted to the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0116] The shaft portion 13r has an arcuate surface (arc shape) with a radius smaller than that of the peripheral portion 13f. The flange portion 13s has an arcuate surface (arc shape) with a radius larger than that of the peripheral portion 13f. In the present embodiment, the center of the arcuate surface of the shaft portion 13r and the center of the arcuate surface of the flange portion 13s coincide with the rotation axis z. The generatrix directions of these arcuate surfaces are also parallel to the first direction.

[0117] The claw portion 13k has flexibility so that it can move in the radial direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis z. The tip portion (end portion) of the claw portion 13k can move between a position outside the outer peripheral surface 13f and a position inside the outer peripheral surface 13f in the radial direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis z.

[0118] The baffle member 11 is a resin member having a substantially cylindrical shape. The baffle member 11 is provided with a through hole 11w1 and a support portion 11s. In addition, on the baffle member 11, a locking claw 11c and a locking claw 11d, an exposed portion 11f, a circumferential groove portion 11g, a locking groove (baffle (side) to be restricted portion) 11k and a peripheral concave portion 11h are formed.

[0119] The through hole 11w1 and the bearing portion 11s engage with the shaft portion 13r and the flange portion 13s provided on the supply base 13. Thus, the baffle member 11 and the baffle unit 102 including the sealing member 12 become rotatable about the supply base 13 with respect to the rotation axis z.

[0120] The locking claws 11 c and 11 d engage with the flange portion 13 s , and restrict movement of the shutter member 11 relative to the supply base 13 in the first direction.

[0121] Exposed portion 11f, circumferential groove portion 11g and peripheral recessed portion 11h are formed at the peripheral portion of shutter member 11. Exposed portion 11f has a rectangular shape and exposes discharge opening 13 to the outside of toner package 10 when shutter unit 102 is in the second position.

[0122] The circumferential groove portion 11g is a groove extending in a direction intersecting with the direction of the rotation axis z. In the present embodiment, the circumferential groove portion 11g extends toward the circumferential direction of the baffle member 11 (the rotation direction of the baffle member 11), and is formed in a partial area (approximately 90°) of the baffle member 11. One end portion of the circumferential groove portion 11g is connected to the exposed portion 11f.

[0123] The peripheral recessed portion 11h is provided on the opposite side of the exposed portion 11f with respect to the circumferential direction of the baffle member 11, with the rotation axis z being located between the peripheral recessed portion and the exposed portion. The peripheral recessed portion 11h is a surface recessed toward the inside of the baffle member 11 more than the outer periphery of the baffle member 11 with respect to the radial direction of a circle centered on the rotation axis z.

[0124] When the shutter unit 102 is in the first position, the locking groove 11k is provided at a position where the claw portion 13k of the supply base 13 engages with the locking groove 11k. The claw portion 13k and the locking groove 11k engage with each other so that the rotation of the shutter unit 102 is restricted. Thus, toner leakage caused by the user inadvertently moving the shutter unit 102 to the second position is prevented. In a case where the shutter unit 102 rotates, by applying an external force to the claw portion 13k, the shutter unit 102 is displaced in a direction close to the rotation axis z, so that the engagement between the claw portion 13k and the locking groove 11k is released.

[0125] The sealing member 12 is a sheet-like member, which is made of a material such as elastically deformable polyurethane foam or non-woven fabric, and has a predetermined thickness. The surface of the sealing member 12 on the baffle member 11 side is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the baffle member 11 by a double-sided tape or the like. Thus, the sealing member 12 can rotate integrally with the baffle member 11.

[0126] Furthermore, in a state in which the baffle member 11 is assembled with the supply base 13, the sealing member (sealing portion) 12 is pressed outwardly and deformed in a direction approaching the baffle member 11 (i.e., a radial direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis z) by the peripheral portion 13f. That is, the sealing member 12 is in a state in which the sealing member 12 is pressed against the peripheral portion 13f with a predetermined pressure. Thus, the sealing member 12 is compressed between the peripheral portion 13f and the baffle member 11, so that leakage of toner from the boundary between the sealing member 12 and the peripheral portion 13f of the supply base 13 can be suppressed.

[0127] In the present embodiment, when the shutter unit 102 is in the first position, the sealing member 12 (the surface of the sealing member 12 that is opposed to the discharge opening 13 a ) is the opposing portion that is opposed to the discharge opening 13 a .

[0128] Incidentally, the configuration of the opposing portion of the baffle unit 102 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a portion of the baffle member 11 is opposed to the discharge opening 13a when the baffle unit 102 is in the first position. In this case, a portion of the baffle member 11 functions as an opposing portion.

[0129] like Fig. 9As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , when the shutter unit 102 is in the first position, the sealing member 12 covers the discharge opening 13a. Thus, the toner contained in the bag 16 is prevented from leaking from the discharge opening 13a to the outside of the toner pack 10. In addition, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown in part (b) of the embodiment, when the baffle unit 102 is in the second position, the exposed portion 11f of the baffle member 11 is in a position corresponding to the discharge opening 13a. For this purpose, the discharge opening 13a is exposed to the outside of the toner pack 10 so that the toner can be discharged from the discharge opening 13a to the outside of the toner pack 10.

[0130] <Storage Unit Structure>

[0131] Next, we will use Fig.11 Describe the construction of a storage unit. Fig.11 is a diagram of a storage unit.

[0132] like Fig.11 As shown, the memory tag 14 as a storage unit in this embodiment includes a memory (storage element) 14d for storing information about the toner pack 10 and a conductive portion (electrode portion, interface portion) 14a electrically connected to the memory 14d, and constitutes an example of a storage portion. The conductive portion 14a includes a first electrode (first terminal, first storage electrode) 14a1 and a second electrode (second terminal, second storage electrode) 14a2, and the first electrode 14a1 and the second electrode 14a2 are electrically connected to the memory 14d.

[0133] The storage tag 14 is provided with a holding portion (holding substrate) 14b for holding the conductive portion 14a (first electrode 14a1, second electrode 14a2). The storage tag 14 is provided with a protective portion 14c that protects the memory 14d by covering the memory 14d. In the present embodiment, the conductive portion 14a is arranged on one surface (front surface) of the holding portion 14b, and the memory 14d is arranged on the other surface (rear surface) of the holding portion 14b.

[0134] The first electrode 14a1 has a first exposed surface 14a11 exposed to the outside of the toner package 10. The second electrode 14a2 has a second exposed surface 14a21 exposed to the outside of the toner package 10.

[0135] The storage tag 14 in the present embodiment is a plate-like member having an area of ​​5.5 mm×5 mm and a thickness of 1.4 mm. The holding portion 14 b and the protection portion 14 c are integrated with each other. The storage tag 14 has a two-layer structure formed by the holding portion 14 b and the protection portion 14 c. The holding portion 14 b and the protection portion 14 c can be considered to be a part of the substrate portion (substrate) provided with the conductive portion 14 a.

[0136] The memory 14 d stores information about the toner pack 10 . The information about the toner pack 10 includes information about the batch of the toner pack 10 and information about the amount and characteristics of the toner contained in the toner pack 10 .

[0137] In some cases, information about the image forming apparatus 1 to which the toner pack 10 is mounted is stored in the memory 14d. Among the information about the image forming apparatus 1, information for controlling the image forming apparatus 1 by the controller 399 is included. The controller 399 for the image forming apparatus 1 is electrically connected to the memory 14d through the conductive portion 14a, so that the controller 399 reads the information stored in the memory 14d and controls the image forming apparatus 1.

[0138] In the present embodiment, the number of electrodes arranged in the conductive part 14a is two, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the conductive part 14a may include three or more electrodes. In addition, one electrode is arranged in the holding part, and the other electrode may be arranged in another part.

[0139] <Arrangement of storage unit>

[0140] Will use Fig.12 Part (a), Fig.12 Part (b), Fig.13 Part (a), Fig.13 Part (b), Fig.14 Part (a) and Fig.14 Part (b) describes the arrangement of the storage units.

[0141] Fig.12 A perspective view showing a tip portion (end portion) of the toner package 10 is included. Fig.12 Part (a) is a perspective view of an end portion of the toner pack 10 in which the storage tag 14 is assembled. Fig.12 Part (b) is a perspective view of an end portion of the toner pack 10 before the storage label 14 is assembled with the toner pack 10 . Fig.13 A perspective view for illustrating the arrangement of the storage unit in this embodiment is included. Fig.13 Part (a) is a bottom view of the toner package 10. Fig.13 Part (b) is an enlarged view of the storage tag 14. Fig.14 Included are views for illustrating the arrangement of storage units in this embodiment. Fig.14 Part (a) is a side view of the toner package 10. Fig.14 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the toner pack 10.

[0142] like Fig.12As shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 , the substrate mounting portion 131 is provided at the end of the toner pack 10 in the direction of the rotation axis z. Fig.12 As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the substrate mounting portion 131 is provided with a mounting surface (mounting portion, positioning surface, positioning portion), and the storage tag 14 is adhesively fixed to the mounting surface.

[0143] In the present embodiment, the mounting surface 131a positions the conductive portion 14a (first electrode 14a1, second electrode 14a2) via a substrate including a protective portion 14c and a retaining portion 14b. That is, the substrate of the memory tag 14 is fixed to the mounting surface 131a and positioned by the mounting surface 131a, whereby the conductive portion 14a is positioned relative to the supply base 13. In the present embodiment, the mounting surface 131a positions the conductive portion 14a relative to the first direction and the direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0144] In a state where the storage tag 14 is positioned by the mounting surface 131a, the first exposed surface 14a11 of the first electrode 14a1 is arranged along a direction intersecting the first direction (preferably a direction perpendicular to the first direction). In other words, in a state where the storage tag 14 is positioned, the first exposed surface 14a11 of the first electrode 14a1 is arranged on a plane (imaginary plane) extending along a direction intersecting the first direction (preferably a direction perpendicular to the first direction).

[0145] In this state, the first exposed surface 14a11 faces the first direction. That is, the normal direction of the first exposed surface 14a11 intersects with the direction perpendicular to the first direction (preferably perpendicular to the direction). The first exposed surface 14a11 is exposed to the outside of the toner pack 10. In the present embodiment, the supply base 13 and the bag 16 are arranged on the rear surface of the first exposed surface 14a11 with respect to the first direction. In addition, the first exposed surface 14a11 extends in a direction intersecting with the first direction (preferably perpendicular to the first direction), and the peripheral portion 13f of the supply base 13 extends in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the first exposed surface 14a11 extends (preferably perpendicular to the direction).

[0146] Similarly, in a state where the storage tag 14 is positioned by the mounting surface 131a, the second exposed surface 14a21 of the second electrode 14a2 is arranged along a direction intersecting the first direction (preferably a direction perpendicular to the first direction). In other words, in a state where the storage tag 14 is positioned, the second exposed surface 14a21 of the second electrode 14a2 is arranged on a plane (imaginary plane) extending along a direction intersecting the first direction (preferably a direction perpendicular to the first direction).

[0147] In this state, the second exposed surface 14a21 faces the first direction. That is, the normal direction of the second exposed surface 14a21 intersects with the direction perpendicular to the first direction (preferably perpendicular to the direction). The second exposed surface 14a21 is exposed to the outside of the toner pack 10. In the present embodiment, on the rear surface of the second exposed surface 14a21 with respect to the first direction, the supply base 13 and the bag 16 are arranged. The peripheral portion 13f of the supply base 13 extends in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the second exposed surface 14a21 extends (preferably perpendicular to the direction).

[0148] In the present embodiment, the second exposed surface 14a21 and the first exposed surface 14a11 are arranged on the same plane. However, the position of the second exposed surface 14a21 and the position of the first exposed surface 14a11 may be different from each other with respect to the first direction.

[0149] Here, the endmost portion 131b is provided as a protruding portion protruding more than the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21 around the storage tag 14. The mounting surface 131a is located inside the endmost portion 131b of the substrate mounting portion 131 relative to the first direction.

[0150] With respect to the endmost portion 131b, the distance from the endmost portion 131b to the mounting surface 131a is greater than 1.4 mm relative to the first direction, which is the thickness of the storage tag 14 (equal to the thickness of the substrate). Thus, when the storage tag 14 is fixed on the mounting surface 131a, this relationship is formed so that the endmost portion 131b of the substrate mounting portion 131 protrudes more toward the end side relative to the first direction than the conductive portion 14a. Therefore, damage to the conductive portion 14a caused by the user accidentally touching the conductive portion 14a or by the user's operation causing an object to touch the conductive portion 14a can be prevented.

[0151] In addition, the substrate mounting portion 131 includes a protruding wall 131c extending in a direction intersecting with the first direction. In the present embodiment, a plurality of protruding walls 131c are provided while sandwiching the storage tag 14. The protruding wall 131c has a function as a connector positioning portion (device side contact positioning portion) that engages with a connector 250 described later and is used to position the connector 250.

[0152] Fig.13 Part (a) of FIG. 1 is a view of the toner package 10 viewed in the direction of the rotation axis z (first direction).

[0153] In the present embodiment, when viewed along the first direction, the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21 are arranged inside the first imaginary circle L1, which is centered on the rotation axis z and passes through the outer end (outermost portion) of the baffle unit 102. Here, the outer end of the baffle unit 102 refers to the portion farthest from the rotation axis z with respect to the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis z. In the present embodiment, the outer end of the baffle unit 102 coincides with the outer end of the baffle member 11 (the portion farthest from the rotation axis z). When viewed along the first direction, the entire baffle unit 102 is located inside the imaginary circle L1.

[0154] When viewed in the first direction, the first conductive portion surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21 are located inside a second imaginary circle L2, which is centered on the rotation axis z and passes through the opposing portion opposite to the discharge opening 13a. As described above, in the present embodiment, the opposing portion is a surface opposite to the discharge opening 13a of the surface of the sealing member 12 (a surface that contacts the periphery (peripheral portion) of the discharge opening 13a).

[0155] In addition, when viewed along the first direction, the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 12a21 are arranged inside a third imaginary circle L3, which is centered on the rotation axis z and passes through the inner end (innermost portion) of the baffle unit 102. Here, the inner end of the baffle unit 102 refers to the portion closest to the rotation axis z with respect to the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis z. In the present embodiment, the inner end of the baffle unit 102 coincides with the inner wall surface of the through hole 11w1 of the baffle member 11. That is, the inner end of the baffle unit 102 coincides with the inner end (the portion closest to the rotation axis z) of the baffle member 11. When viewed along the first direction, the entire baffle unit 102 is located outside the imaginary circle L3.

[0156] According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21 can be arranged in a space-saving manner.

[0157] In the present embodiment, the conductive portion 14a is arranged inside the first imaginary circle L1, the second imaginary circle L2, and the second imaginary circle L3. In addition, the holding portion 14b is arranged inside the first imaginary circle L1, the second imaginary circle L2, and the second imaginary circle L3. In addition, the entire storage tag 14 including the memory 14d is arranged inside the first imaginary circle L1, the second imaginary circle L2, and the second imaginary circle L3.

[0158] Fig.13 Part (b) of FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the storage tag 14. When viewed along the first direction, the rotation axis z is located between the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21.

[0159] When viewed in the first direction, with respect to a first vertical direction x perpendicular to the first direction, the holding portion 14b of the storage tag 14 includes a first substrate end 14fx1 and a second substrate end 14fx2 opposite to the first substrate end 14fx1. When viewed in the first direction, with respect to a second vertical direction y perpendicular to the first direction and the first vertical direction x, the holding portion 14b of the storage tag 14 includes a third substrate end 14fy1 and a fourth substrate end 14fy2 opposite to the third substrate end 14fy1.

[0160] With respect to the first vertical direction x, the rotation axis z is located between the first substrate end 14fx1 and the second substrate end 14x2. With respect to the first vertical direction x, the entire conductive portion 14a is located between the first substrate end 14fx1 and the second substrate end 14fx2. With respect to the second vertical direction y, the rotation axis z is located between the third substrate end 14fy1 and the fourth substrate end 14fy2. With respect to the second vertical direction y, the entire conductive portion 14a is located between the third substrate end 14fy1 and the fourth substrate end 14fy2. Incidentally, when viewed along the first direction, the external structure of the retaining portion 14b is consistent with the external structure of the protective portion 14a with respect to the first vertical direction x.

[0161] When viewed along the first direction, the conductive portion 14a of the storage tag 14 includes a first conductive portion end 14gx1 and a second conductive portion end 14gx2 opposite to the first conductive portion end 14gx1 relative to the first perpendicular direction x. When viewed along the first direction, the conductive portion 14a of the storage tag 14 includes a third conductive portion end 14gy1 and a fourth conductive portion end 14gy2 opposite to the third conductive portion end 14gy1 relative to the second perpendicular direction y. The first conductive portion end 14gx1, the second conductive portion end 14gx2, the third conductive portion end 14gy1, and the fourth conductive portion end 14gy2 coincide with at least any one of the end portions of the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21.

[0162] With respect to the first vertical direction x, the rotation axis z is located between the first conductive portion end 14gx1 and the second conductive portion end 14gx2. With respect to the first vertical direction x, the entire conductive portion 14a is located between the first conductive portion end 14gx1 and the second conductive portion end 14gx2. With respect to the second vertical direction y, the rotation axis z is located between the third conductive portion end 14gy1 and the fourth conductive portion end 14gy2. With respect to the second vertical direction y, the entire conductive portion 14a is located between the third conductive portion end 14gy1 and the fourth conductive portion end 14gy2.

[0163] With respect to the direction perpendicular to the first direction, the holding portion 14b and the conductive portion 14a of the storage tag 14 are arranged near the rotation axis z of the shutter unit 102. Therefore, the holding portion 14b and the conductive portion 14a of the storage tag 14 and the shutter unit 102 can be arranged in a space-saving manner.

[0164] The shutter unit 102 is configured so that the conductive portion 14a is exposed to the outside of the toner pack 10. In this embodiment, the conductive portion 14a of the storage tag 14 is arranged at a portion close to the rotation axis z of the shutter unit 102, so that the design freedom regarding the shape and arrangement of the shutter unit 102 can be improved.

[0165] Fig.14 Part (a) is a side view of the toner pack 10, wherein Fig.13 The toner package 10 is viewed from top to bottom in part (a) of FIG. Fig.14 Part (b) is along Fig.14 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the toner package 10 taken along line AA of the rotation axis z.

[0166] The fixed position of the storage tag 14 is inside the rotation radius (radius of the imaginary circle L1) of the projection of the baffle member 11 along the first direction, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 The rotation radius of the baffle member 11 is consistent with the rotation radius of the baffle unit 102. Fig.14 As shown by the thin dotted lines in parts (a) and (b), the fixed position of the storage tag 14 is also arranged inside the projection range W of the discharge opening 13a in the first direction.

[0167] [Structure of the supply section]

[0168] Next, we will use Fig.15 and Fig.16 The configuration of the supply portion 200 is described.

[0169] Fig.15 Views for illustrating the configuration of the supply portion 200 are included. Fig.15 Part (a) is a partial perspective view of the supply portion 200, and Fig.15 Part (b) and Fig.15 Part (c) is an exploded perspective view in which the supply part 200 is viewed from directions different from each other, respectively. Fig.16 Views for illustrating the configuration of the supply portion 200 are included. Fig.16 Part (a) is a schematic diagram in which the supply portion 200 is viewed from directly above the rotation axis z, Fig.16 Part (b) is along Fig.16 A cross-sectional view in the AA direction shown in part (a), and Fig.16Part (c) is from Fig.16 An exploded sectional view of the supply portion 200 as viewed from the direction of portion (b).

[0170] The supply portion 200 is arranged on the top surface portion 340 , and is provided with a mounting portion 210 , a toner receiving portion 220 , a receiving portion shutter 230 , a shutter seal 240 , a receiving seal 241 , a connector 250 , a receiving bottom 260 , and a bottom seal 242 .

[0171] Fig.15 Parts (a) to (c) and Fig.16 The rotation axis shown in parts (a) to (c) is the rotation axis of the receiving portion shutter 230 and the mounting portion 210, and coincides with the rotation axis z of the above-mentioned shutter unit 102 in a state where the toner pack 10 is mounted therein.

[0172] The mounting portion 210 includes a gripping portion 210 a operated by a user, an annular portion 210 b engaged with the top surface portion 340 , a mounting hole 210 c in which the toner package 10 is mounted, and an engaging protrusion 210 d engaged with the shutter member 11 .

[0173] The top surface portion 340 is a portion of the housing 72 , and includes a guide groove 340 a .

[0174] The toner receiving portion 220 includes a receiving opening 220c, a seal inner wall 220d, and a base supporting portion 220e.

[0175] The receiving portion baffle 230 is a cylindrical member (part) and includes an inner peripheral portion 230a, a baffle engaging portion 230b, a baffle opening 230c, a flange portion 230d, a connecting hole 230e, and a claw release portion (limit release portion) 230f. In addition, each of a baffle seal 240, a receiving seal 241, and a bottom seal 242 formed of a foam material (e.g., polyurethane foam) is applied to the receiving portion baffle 230 and fixed by a double-sided tape.

[0176] The connector 250 includes a connector electrode 250a and a push spring 250b, and the connector electrode contacts the conductive portion 14a of the storage tag 14. The connector electrode 250a and the push spring 250b are springs made of metal and have flexibility relative to the direction along the rotation axis z. In addition, the connector electrode 250a is electrically connected to the controller 399 of the imaging device 1 through a signal line not shown. The connector 250 is a holding member for holding the connector electrode 250a.

[0177] The receiving bottom portion 260 includes a connector accommodating portion 260 a and is fixed to the toner receiving portion 220 .

[0178] Here, the mounting portion 210 may rotate about the rotation axis z relative to the top surface portion 340 by being supported on the annular portion 210 b by the guide groove 340 a provided on the top surface portion 340 .

[0179] Furthermore, by being supported at the flange portion 230 d by the toner receiving portion 220 , the receiving portion shutter 230 is rotatable relative to the toner receiving portion 220 about the rotation axis z.

[0180] The shutter seal 240 is provided at the outer periphery of the receiving portion shutter 230 and contacts the toner receiving portion 220, so that the shutter seal 240 closes the gap between the receiving portion shutter 230 and the toner receiving portion 220. The receiving seal 241 is provided so as to surround the periphery of the shutter opening 230c at the inner peripheral portion 230a of the receiving portion shutter 230 and contact the seal inner wall 220d of the toner receiving portion 220. The bottom seal 242 is provided at the lower portion of the flange portion 230d, and closes the gap between the receiving portion shutter 230 and the receiving bottom 260.

[0181] In addition, a connection hole 230e is provided on the bottom side of the receiving portion baffle 230, which passes through the receiving portion baffle 230, and the connector electrode 250a of the connector 250 is exposed upward in the first direction through the connection hole 230e. In addition, at this time, the connector 250 is in a state in which the connector 250 is supported by the receiving bottom 260, and the push spring 250b is in a compressed state. Therefore, by the force of the push spring 250b, the connector 250 is pushed upward in the direction of the rotation axis z. The connector 250 is engaged with the protruding wall 131d of the supply base 131 and is positioned relative to the direction perpendicular to the first direction. That is, the protruding wall 131 has a function as an electrode positioning portion for positioning the connector electrode 250a.

[0182] [Supplying toner from a toner pack]

[0183] Next, we will use Figures 17 to 21 An operation of supplying toner from the toner package 10 toward the image forming apparatus 1 is described.

[0184] Fig.17 ( Fig.17 Part (a), Fig.17 Part (b)) of FIG. 1 includes a perspective view for illustrating installation of the toner package 10. Fig.17 Part (a) and Fig.17 Part (b) of FIG. 2 is a perspective view in which a state before the toner package 10 is inserted into the supply portion 200 is viewed from different directions, respectively.

[0185] The toner pack 10 is installed in the supply portion 200 so that the supply base 13 is located on the downstream side of the bag 16 with respect to the installation direction in which the toner pack 10 is installed in the supply portion 200. That is, in the present embodiment, the toner pack 10 is installed so that the conductive portion 14a faces the downstream side in the installation direction. Therefore, the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21 are arranged to face the downstream side in the installation direction and are exposed toward the downstream side in the installation direction.

[0186] In the present embodiment, the toner package 10 is mounted to the supply portion 200 along the rotation axis z. Further, in the present embodiment, the toner package 100 is mounted so that the direction of the rotation axis z becomes parallel to the vertical direction.

[0187] When the toner pack 10 is mounted to the supply portion 200, the main assembly (side) engagement portion 13e of the supply base 13 and the base support portion 220e of the toner receiving portion 220 engage with each other. Thus, the rotation of the supply base 13, the expansion member 15, and the bag 16 around the rotation axis z is restricted relative to the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, at the same time, the peripheral recessed portion 11h of the shutter member 11 engages with each of the engagement protrusion 210d of the mounting portion 210 and the shutter engagement portion 230b of the receiving portion shutter 230.

[0188] In the receiving portion baffle 230, Fig.16 The claw release portion 230f shown in part (a) of the present invention is provided at a position corresponding to the claw portion 13k. Therefore, when the toner pack 10 is inserted into the supply portion 200, the claw release portion 230f retracts the claw portion 13k toward the inside of the shutter member 11. Thus, the engagement between the claw portion 13k and the locking groove 11k is avoided, so that the shutter member 11 and the supply base 13 become rotatable relative to each other.

[0189] By the above, not only the rotation of the supply unit 101 around the rotation axis z is restricted, but also the shutter unit 102 can rotate integrally with the mounting portion 210 and the receiving portion shutter 230. That is, when the toner pack 10 is mounted to the supply portion 200, the toner receiving portion 220, the supply base 13, the expansion member 15, and the bag 16 become a state in which these members are fixed to each other (a state in which these members do not move relative to each other). In this state, when the mounting portion 210 rotates, the shutter unit 102 and the receiving portion shutter 230 rotate relative to the toner receiving portion 220, the supply base 13, the expansion member 15, and the bag 16 around the rotation axis z.

[0190] Fig.18 Included is an illustration of the supply portion 200 to which the toner package 10 is mounted. Fig.18Part (a) is a cross-sectional view passing through the rotation axis z and the center of the discharge opening 13a. Fig.18 The part (b) passes through the rotation axis z and is perpendicular to Fig.18 A cross-sectional view of part (a).

[0191] like Fig.18 As shown in part (a) of the embodiment, by the engagement between the shaft portion 13r of the supply base 13 and the connection hole 230e of the receiving portion baffle 230, the rotation axis z of the baffle unit 102 and the rotation axis z of the receiving portion baffle 230 coincide with each other. That is, the connection hole 230e is a positioning portion for determining the position of the toner pack 10 relative to the image forming apparatus 1 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis z. The shaft portion 13r is a portion to be positioned by the connection hole 230e. In the present embodiment, the baffle unit 102 moves around the supply base 13 in a state where the supply base 13 is fixed to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0192] In the present embodiment, the mounting surface 131a is arranged at the end portion of the shaft portion 13r. In other words, the conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14 is arranged at the end portion of the shaft portion 13r.

[0193] The supply base 13 is provided with a toner path 13c, one end of which is connected to the discharge opening 13a. In the present embodiment, the other end of the toner path 13c is connected to the accommodating portion 16d (first accommodating portion 16d1) of the toner pack 16. In the toner path 13c, the toner supplied from the accommodating portion 16d (first accommodating portion 16d1) of the toner pack 16 is conveyed toward the discharge opening 13a. The toner path 13c has a toner guide surface (guide surface) 13c1 that is inclined relative to the direction of the rotation axis z and opposite to the discharge opening 13a. The toner supplied from the toner pack 16 to the toner path 13c is easily moved toward the discharge opening 13a through the toner guide surface 13c1. The position of the toner guide surface 13c1 overlaps with the position of the discharge opening 13a relative to the rotation axis z.

[0194] When viewed in the first direction, the conductive portion 14a (first electrode 14a1, second electrode 14a2) overlaps the toner path 13c and the toner guide surface 13c1. More specifically, the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21 overlap the toner path 13c and the toner guide surface 13c1. That is, the conductive portion 14a can be arranged in a space-saving manner while ensuring the sizes of the toner path 13c and the toner guide surface 13c1.

[0195] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the position of the toner path 13c and the position of the conductive portion 14a do not overlap each other with respect to the first direction. That is, the toner path 13c and the conductive portion 14a are arranged at different positions (deviant positions) with respect to the first direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in the size of the supply base 13 with respect to the direction perpendicular to the first direction while ensuring the arrangement space of the toner path 13c and the arrangement space of the conductive portion 14a.

[0196] In the present embodiment, the discharge opening 13a is arranged inside the shutter unit 102, and the first and second exposed surfaces 14a11 and 14a21 are arranged outside the shutter unit 102. Therefore, toner deposition on the first and second exposed surfaces 14a11 and 14a21 can be suppressed.

[0197] Furthermore, the intersecting wall 11w of the baffle member 11 is located between the discharge opening 13a and the first exposed surface 14a11 with respect to the direction of the rotation axis z (the first direction). The intersecting wall 11w of the baffle member 11 is located between the discharge opening 13a and the second exposed surface 14a21 with respect to the direction of the rotation axis z. In the present embodiment, the intersecting wall 11w is located between the conductive portion 14a of the storage tag 14 including the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21 and the discharge opening 13a.

[0198] In addition, Fig.18 In part (a), the shutter unit 102 is in the first position and the sealing member 12 covers the discharge opening 13a. At this time, the intersection wall 11w separates the conductive portion 14a of the storage tag 14 including the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21 from the discharge opening 13a.

[0199] Therefore, it is possible to suppress toner from being deposited on the conductive portion 14a of the memory tag 14 including the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21.

[0200] In addition, if Fig.18 Part (a) and Fig.18 As shown in part (b) of the embodiment, the storage label 14 fixed to the top portion of the toner pack 10 contacts the connector 250. The connector 250 engages with the above-mentioned protruding wall 131c. Thus, the connector 250 is positioned relative to the toner cartridge 10 with respect to a direction intersecting (preferably perpendicular to) the first direction.

[0201] More specifically, with the installation of the toner pack 10, the conductive portion 14a presses the connector electrode 250a in the direction of the rotation axis z. Thus, the connector electrode 250a contacts the conductive portion 14a with a predetermined pressure, so that the storage element of the memory tag 14 and the controller 399 of the image forming apparatus 1 are electrically connected to each other. More specifically, one connector electrode 250a contacts the first exposed surface 14a11, and the other connector electrode 250a contacts the second exposed surface 14a21.

[0202] Fig.19 Included is an illustration of the supply portion 200 to which the toner package 10 is mounted. Fig.19 Part (a) is a diagram before the mounting portion 210 is rotated. Fig.19 Part (b) is a diagram showing the mounting portion 210 after rotation.

[0203] The toner discharge from the toner pack 10 toward the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. Fig.19 The state in which the toner pack 10 is mounted to the supply portion 200 shown in part (a) of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2 . The mounting portion 210 is rotated about 90 degrees in the z1 direction relative to the rotation axis z, as shown in FIG. Fig.19 as shown in part (b).

[0204] Regarding the toner pack 10, in the posture (posture during use, posture during supply) in which the toner pack 10 is mounted to the supply portion 200, the length of the toner pack 10 relative to the vertical direction is longer than the length of the toner pack 10 relative to the horizontal direction. As described above, when the toner pack 10 is mounted to the supply portion 200, the mounting portion 210, the baffle unit 102, and the receiving portion baffle 230 are in a state that can rotate integrally. Therefore, by rotating the mounting portion 210, the baffle unit 102 and the receiving portion baffle 230 rotate integrally with the mounting portion 210. At this time, the bag 16, the expansion member 15, and the supply base 13 do not move (rotate) relative to the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, when the baffle unit 102 and the receiving portion baffle 230 rotate together with the mounting portion 210, the toner receiving portion 220 does not move (rotate).

[0205] Here, in Fig. 20 , a state in which toner discharge is achieved by rotating the shutter unit 102 and the receiving portion shutter 230 is shown step by step.

[0206] Fig. 20 An illustration of the operation of the baffle unit 102 and the receiving portion baffle 230 is included. Fig. 20 Part (a) of FIG. 1 is a diagram in which the toner package 10 mounted to the supply portion 200 is viewed from a side opposite to the discharge opening 13 a in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. Fig. 20The portions (b) to (d) are the portions where the toner pack 10 and the supply portion 200 are viewed from the end (end) side of the toner pack 10 along the Fig. 20 The cross-sectional view of the section taken along the dot-dash line DD shown in part (a) of FIG. Fig. 20 In parts (b) to (d) of FIG. 1 , the external configurations of the storage tag 14 and the conductive portion 14a are projected with dotted lines.

[0207] Fig. 20 Part (b) is a state immediately after the toner pack 10 is mounted to the supply portion 200, at which time the discharge opening 13a is closed by the sealing member 12 compressed by the baffle member 11. In addition, the baffle opening 230c of the receiving portion baffle 230 is closed by the seal inner wall 220d and the receiving seal 241. When the user rotates the mounting portion 210, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 As shown in part (c) of the embodiment, the baffle member 11, the sealing member 12, the receiving portion baffle 230 and the receiving seal 241 also rotate integrally. When the user further rotates the mounting portion 210, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 As shown in part (d) of the drawing, the discharge opening 13a of the toner pack 10, the shutter opening 230c of the receiving portion shutter 230, and the receiving opening 220c of the toner receiving portion 220 are in a communicating state. Therefore, the toner contained in the bag 16 can be discharged from the receiving opening to the containing portion 418 located inside the image forming apparatus 1.

[0208] As mentioned above, Fig. 20 As shown by the thick dotted lines in parts (b) to (d) of FIG. 1 , the storage tags 14 can be arranged within the range of the imaginary circle L1 of the shutter member 11 .

[0209] Next, we will use Fig.21 A case where the toner package 10 is held relative to the supply portion 200 as the shutter unit 102 rotates is described.

[0210] Fig.21 An illustration is included regarding a configuration for restriction before the baffle unit 102 is rotated. Fig.21 Part (b) is a diagram showing the baffle unit 102 during rotation. Fig.21 Part (c) is a view after the baffle unit 102 is rotated.

[0211] Fig.21 A diagram showing the toner pack 10 in a state where the toner pack 10 is mounted to the supply portion 200 is included. Fig.21 Some parts are omitted.

[0212] When the shutter unit 102 is removed from the supply portion 200 immediately after the toner pack 10 is mounted to the supply portion 200, Fig.21When the state of the part (a) is rotated, the base support portion 220e of the colorant receiving portion 220 enters the circumferential groove portion 11g of the baffle member 11. Here, as Fig.13 As shown in part (c) of the supply base 13, the locking claws 11c and 11d are engaged with the flange portion 13s of the supply base 13, and thus, the movement of the toner pack 10 in the first direction is restricted. More specifically, the upward movement of the toner pack 10 in the first direction is restricted. Therefore, the toner pack 10 cannot be removed from the supply portion 200. In addition, at the same time, the contact between the conductive portion 14a of the storage tag 14 and the connector electrode 250a of the connector 250 is not released.

[0213] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the toner pack 10 is mounted to the supply portion 200 such that the bag 16 is located on the upper side in the vertical direction and the discharge opening 13a is located on the lower side in the vertical direction. Thus, the toner can be discharged using gravity. Furthermore, the bag 16 is formed in a flexible bag shape, and therefore, by squeezing the bag 16 by the user to reduce the volume inside the bag 16, the amount of toner remaining in the bag becomes small, so that the toner can be effectively discharged.

[0214] When the toner discharge is completed, the lever is moved from Fig. 20 The state of portion (d) is rotated about 90 degrees in the z2 direction so that the discharge opening 13 a is sealed by the baffle unit 101 .

[0215] In the toner pack 10 of the present embodiment, the discharge opening 13a is formed at the side surface of the toner pack 10. In other words, the discharge opening 13a is formed at the surface (peripheral surface 13f) facing the direction intersecting the first direction. On the other hand, the conductive portion 14a (first electrode 14a1, second electrode 14a2) is arranged on the end surface of the toner pack 10 (the surface facing the first direction, the surface facing the downstream side with respect to the installation direction of the toner pack 10). More specifically, the first exposed surface 14a11 and the second exposed surface 14a21 are arranged on the end surface of the toner pack 10.

[0216] By the above arrangement of the discharge opening 13a and the conductive portion 14a, the discharge opening 13a and the conductive portion 14a can be arranged in a space-saving manner compared to a case where both the discharge opening 13a and the conductive portion 14a are arranged on the end surface of the toner pack 10. By the above arrangement of the discharge opening 13a and the conductive portion 14a, the discharge opening 13a or the toner path 13 and the conductive portion 14a can be arranged in a space-saving manner compared to a case where the conductive portion 14a is arranged on the side surface of the toner pack 10 and the discharge opening 13a is arranged on the end surface.

[0217] In other words, when a space in which the discharge opening 13a and the conductive portion 14a are arranged is ensured, the size of the required space can be reduced. Alternatively, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the discharge opening 13a and the conductive portion 14a can be increased.

[0218] Furthermore, when the toner pack 10 is mounted to the image forming apparatus 1, the user supports the supply base 13 (or the shutter unit 102 at the periphery of the supply base), so that the user can stably mount the toner pack 10 to the image forming apparatus 1. At this time, the conductive portion 14a is arranged on the end surface of the supply base 13, and therefore, the user can be restrained from touching the conductive portion 14a of the storage tag 14.

[0219] According to the present invention, the conductive portion 14a of the storage tag 14 is arranged on the supply base 13, and the supply base 13 is positioned in a direction intersecting with the first direction (preferably a direction perpendicular thereto) and in a rotation direction around the rotation axis z. Therefore, it is possible to suppress positional deviation between the conductive portion 14a and the connector electrode 250a of the imaging device 1.

[0220] (Example 2)

[0221] Next, we will use Fig. 22 Part (a) and Fig. 22 Part (b) of the present invention describes a second embodiment of the present invention. Parts similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals or symbols and will be omitted from the detailed description.

[0222] In the present embodiment, unlike the embodiment 1, the storage portion is different in configuration from the storage tag 14 as a storage unit, and is constituted as a storage member 24 divided into a plurality of parts.

[0223] Fig. 22 Included are views for illustrating a storage member according to the present embodiment. Fig. 22 Part (a) of FIG. 1 is a view for illustrating the storage member 24 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 22 Part (b) of FIG. 2 is a view for illustrating the arrangement of the storage member 24 .

[0224] The memory tag 14 shown in Embodiment 1 is maintained on a single substrate as a unit of the memory 14d and the conductive portion 14a. Fig. 22 Part (a) and Fig. 22 As shown in part (b), the storage member 24 in this embodiment is arranged at a position where the memory 14d is spaced apart from the holding portion 14b holding the conductive portion 14a. The conductive portion 14a (first electrode 14a1, second electrode 14a2) and the memory 14d are electrically connected to each other through a conductive path (signal line) 14e.

[0225] The storage 14d in this embodiment is arranged in the space between the supply base 13 and the shutter member 11. On the other hand, similarly to the storage tag 14 in Embodiment 1, the holding portion 14b holding the conductive portion 14a is fixed to the supply base 13 of the toner pack 10.

[0226] As described above, in the first embodiment, a storage unit configuration in which the storage portion is provided integrally with the electrode portion 14a and the support member 14d is adopted, but in the present embodiment, the storage portion 24 as an independent member is used so that the storage portion 14d can be arranged at a position spaced apart from the conductive portion 14a. Therefore, the arrangement freedom of the storage portion 14d is improved, so that a large-sized storage portion 14d can be used.

[0227] [Modified Example]

[0228] Fig.23 1 is an illustration of a container portion for accommodating toner according to a modified embodiment. The shape of the container portion (container) for accommodating toner is not limited to a bag shape such as the bag 16. For example, as the container portion for accommodating toner, a bottle 116 in which a toner accommodating portion is formed may also be used.

[0229] The toner supply container 410 in this embodiment is provided with the supply base 13 and the shutter unit 102 shown in Embodiment 1 as well as the bottle 116 .

[0230] The bottle 116 is provided with a wall 116e forming a housing portion 116d for housing the toner. In the bottle 116, an opening 116a for allowing the toner to be discharged from the housing portion 116d is formed. By attaching the supply base 13 shown in Embodiment 1 to the opening 116a, the bottle 116 can be used similarly to the bag 16. Incidentally, the supply base 13 can also be attached to the bottle 116 via a member such as the expansion member 15.

[0231] In this case, the bottle 116 may preferably have flexibility. In addition, the rigidity of the bottle 116 may preferably be lower than the rigidity of the supply base 13. In the present embodiment, the toner supply container 410 presents the same posture as when the toner supply container 410 is mounted to the image forming apparatus 1 and used, and the bottle 116 is deformed in a state where the toner is discharged from the discharge opening 13a, so that the toner can be discharged. In this case, the bottle 116 may preferably be configured so that when a force of 100N or less acts on at least a part of the accommodating portion 116d in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis z, the accommodating portion 116d is compressed by 10% or more. More preferably, the bottle 116 may preferably be deformable so that when a force of 40N or less (more preferably 20N or less) acts on at least a part of the accommodating portion 116d in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis z, the accommodating portion 116d is compressed by 25% or more (more preferably 50% or more).

[0232] According to the present embodiment, the wall 116e of the bottle 116 may preferably be made of resin. In addition, the thickness of the wall 116e may preferably be 1 mm or less, more preferably 500 μm or less. In the present embodiment, the thickness of the wall 116e is 100 to 300 μm. The material of the wall 116e is preferably, for example, polyethylene terephthalate.

[0233] (Other Modified Embodiments)

[0234] In the above-described embodiment, the developing roller 412 develops the electrostatic latent image in contact with the photosensitive drum 411. However, a configuration may be adopted in which the developing roller 412 develops the electrostatic latent image in a state in which a gap is formed between the developing roller 412 and the photosensitive drum 411.

[0235] In the above-described embodiment, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 411 is removed (cleaned) by the cleaning unit 413. However, a configuration may be adopted in which the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 411 is collected in the accommodating portion 418 via the developing roller 412.

[0236] In the above-described embodiment, a non-magnetic single-component developer can be used as the developer. However, a developer other than the non-magnetic single-component developer can also be used. For example, a magnetic single-component developer or a two-component developer can also be used.

[0237] Furthermore, the container portion (eg, bag 16 or bottle 116) and supply base 13 may also be integrally formed.

[0238] [Industrial Applicability]

[0239] According to the present invention, there is provided a toner supply container and a mounting unit which is mountable to a container portion for accommodating toner.

[0240] The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, but various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is disclosed in the appended claims.

[0241] This application claims conventional priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-187416 filed on November 10, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A mounting unit, which can be mounted to a container for accommodating toner, the mounting unit comprising: a conductive portion, the conductive portion comprising a first electrode, wherein the first electrode has a first exposed surface; a discharge portion provided on one end side of the container with respect to the first direction and including a discharge opening for allowing the toner to be discharged; and a shutter configured to rotate about a first axis extending in the first direction and to move between a closed position in which the shutter covers the discharge opening and a retracted position in which the shutter is retracted from the closed position, Wherein, in a state where the first exposed surface is capable of contacting a connector electrode, the shutter is capable of moving between the closed position and the retracted position.

2. The mounting unit according to claim 1, wherein: The discharge opening opens toward a direction intersecting with the first direction.

3. The mounting unit according to claim 1, wherein: The first exposed surface faces the first direction.

4. The mounting unit according to claim 1, wherein: When viewed in the first direction, the first exposed surface is arranged inside an imaginary circle centered on the first axis and passing through an outer end portion of the baffle.

5. The mounting unit according to claim 1, wherein: The shutter includes an opposing portion at which the shutter opposes the discharge opening when the shutter is in the closed position, and Wherein, when viewed in the first direction, the first exposed surface is arranged inside an imaginary circle centered on the first axis and passing through the opposing portion.

6. The mounting unit according to claim 1, wherein: When viewed along the first direction, the first exposed surface is arranged inside an imaginary circle centered on the first axis and passing through an inner end portion of the baffle.

7. The mounting unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a memory configured to store information, Wherein, the first electrode is electrically connected to the memory.

8. The mounting unit according to claim 1, wherein: The baffle is provided with a through hole, The discharge portion includes a protrusion extending along the first direction, and the protrusion enters the through hole.

9. The mounting unit according to claim 8, wherein: The first electrode is supported by the protrusion.

10. The mounting unit according to claim 9, wherein: The baffle includes an intersecting wall extending in a direction intersecting with the first direction and provided with the through hole, Wherein, relative to the first direction, the intersection wall is arranged between the first electrode and the discharge opening.

11. The mounting unit according to claim 10, wherein: The mounting unit is detachably attachable to an imaging device including a connecting portion, Wherein, the protrusion is capable of contacting the connecting portion.

12. The mounting unit according to claim 11, wherein: The shutter is configured to move between the closing position and the retracted position in a state in which the protrusion contacts the connecting portion.

13. The mounting unit according to claim 1, wherein: The discharge portion includes a toner path connected to the discharge opening, the toner path including a guide surface inclined with respect to the first direction and opposed to the discharge opening, and Wherein, when viewed in the first direction, the first electrode and the guide surface overlap each other.

14. A mounting unit capable of being mounted to a container for accommodating toner, the mounting unit comprising: a discharge portion provided on one end side of the container with respect to a first direction and including a protrusion extending in the first direction and a discharge opening for allowing the toner to be discharged; as well as a baffle provided with a through hole, the baffle being configured to rotate about a first axis extending in the first direction and configured to move between a closed position in which the baffle covers the discharge opening and a retracted position in which the baffle is retracted from the closed position, Wherein, the protrusion enters the through hole.

15. The mounting unit according to claim 14, wherein: The baffle includes an intersecting wall extending in a direction intersecting the first direction and provided with the through hole.

16. The mounting unit of claim 15, the protrusion comprising a surface facing the first direction, the surface intersecting the first axis, and in, With respect to the first direction, the intersection wall is arranged between the surface and the discharge opening.

17. The mounting unit according to claim 16, wherein: The mounting unit is detachably attachable to an imaging device including a connecting portion, Wherein, the protrusion is capable of contacting the connecting portion.

18. The mounting unit according to claim 17, wherein: The shutter is configured to move between the closing position and the retracted position in a state in which the protrusion contacts the connecting portion.

19. The mounting unit according to claim 16, wherein: The discharge portion includes a toner path connected to the discharge opening, the toner path including a guide surface inclined with respect to the first direction and opposed to the discharge opening, and Wherein, when viewed in the first direction, the surface and the guide surface overlap each other.

20. A toner supply container comprising: A mounting unit according to any one of claims 1 to 19; and container.

21. A toner supply container according to Claim 20, wherein: The container has flexibility, and the rigidity of the container is lower than the rigidity of the discharge portion.

Images