Toner cartridge with torque limiter

Abstract

A toner cartridge includes: a toner container having an opening at one end thereof and rotating about a rotation axis to transfer toner toward the opening; an outlet for discharging the toner supplied from the toner container to the outside; an agitator coupled to the one end of the toner container and spaced apart from the outlet; and a torque limiter disposed between the toner container and the agitator to transmit a torque less than a set value between the toner container and the agitator.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The imaging device forms an image by the following steps: forming an electrostatic latent image by scanning light onto the surface of a rotating photoreceptor using an exposure device; forming a toner image by supplying toner to the surface of the photoreceptor on which the electrostatic latent image is formed by means of a developing device; transferring the toner image to a printing medium using a transfer device; and fixing the toner image to the printing medium by pressing and heating the toner image transferred to the printing medium using a fixing device.

[0002] The toner may be supplied to the developing device through a toner cartridge, and a rotary toner cartridge may be used as the toner cartridge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Various examples will be described below with reference to the following drawings.

[0004] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a toner cartridge assembly for supplying toner to a developing device of an image forming apparatus according to an example.

[0005] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to an example.

[0006] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge according to an example.

[0007] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge according to an example.

[0008] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view illustrating a partial portion of a toner container of a toner cartridge according to an example.

[0009] Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating an agitator of a toner cartridge according to an example.

[0010] Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating a toner cartridge in a state in which an agitator is coupled to a toner container according to an example.

[0011] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a toner cartridge in a state in which an agitator is coupled to a toner container according to an example.

[0012] Fig. 9 According to the example along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line II.

[0013] Fig.10 The diagram is based on the example Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge taken along line II-II.

[0014] Fig.11 is a partial perspective view illustrating a toner container of a toner cartridge according to an example.

[0015] Fig.12 is a perspective view illustrating an agitator of a toner cartridge according to an example.

[0016] Fig.13 is a diagram according to an example in which Fig.12 The agitator is coupled to Fig.11 A partial sectional view of a state of a toner container.

[0017] Fig.14 is a partial side view illustrating a toner cartridge in a state in which an agitator is coupled to a toner container according to an example.

[0018] Fig.15 According to the example along Fig.14 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III.

[0019] Fig.16 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a toner cartridge in a state in which an agitator is coupled to a toner container according to an example.

[0020] Fig.17 According to the example along Fig.16 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Various examples will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples described below may be modified in various forms. In order to more clearly illustrate the features of the examples, those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs will omit their detailed description.

[0022] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another element, other elements may exist in between, but it may be directly coupled or connected to another element. In addition, when a part is referred to as "comprising" a certain element, unless otherwise explicitly stated, this is not intended to exclude other components, but may further include other components.

[0023] An "image forming apparatus" refers to an apparatus that prints print data generated by a terminal device such as a computer onto a recording print medium. Examples of image forming apparatuses are a copier, a printer, a fax machine, or a multifunction printer (MFP) that fully implements its functions into one apparatus.

[0024] The examples described below are for easy understanding of the present disclosure, and it should be understood that various changes may be made to the examples described herein and that the present disclosure may be embodied in various forms.

[0025] In addition, in the following description, detailed descriptions of well-known functions or configurations will be omitted because they will unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure. In addition, it should be noted that the drawings are only for easy understanding of the present disclosure and are not illustrated to be truly scaled, and the size of some elements may be exaggerated.

[0026] The electrophotographic image forming apparatus may include a main body forming an exterior, a paper feeding device, an exposure device, a photoreceptor, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and a paper discharge device.

[0027] The present disclosure relates to a developing device of an electrophotographic imaging device. The electrophotographic imaging device may include a developing device. The electrophotographic imaging device including the developing device may perform monochrome printing. The developing device may include a toner cartridge for supplying toner.

[0028] As another example, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus may include a plurality of developing devices. An image forming apparatus including a plurality of developing devices may perform both monochrome printing and color printing.

[0029] The present disclosure relates to a developing device of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. For example, the present disclosure relates to a toner cartridge for supplying toner to the developing device.

[0030] The toner cartridge assembly 100 includes a toner cartridge 1 according to an example of the present disclosure, and will be referred to as Figure 1 to describe.

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a toner cartridge assembly for supplying toner to a developing device of an image forming apparatus according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 1 , the toner cartridge assembly 100 may include a driving device 110 and a toner cartridge 1. The driving device 110 may be formed to drive at least one toner cartridge. Figure 1 The driving device 110 shown in FIG. 1 is formed to drive four toner cartridges. For the convenience of illustration, Figure 1 The diagram shows a state in which the toner cartridges 1 are installed in the driving device 110. The driving device 110 may include a motor, a power transmission device 111 for driving the four toner cartridges 1, and a cartridge receiving portion 112 for receiving and supporting the toner cartridges 1.

[0032] When the motor operates, the four toner cartridges 1 may be driven by the power transmission device 111. When the toner cartridges 1 are driven, toner contained in the toner cartridges 1 may be supplied to the toner buffer. The toner buffer may be formed to receive a certain amount of toner and supply the received toner to the developing device.

[0033] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 2 to 10 A toner cartridge 1 according to an example of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0034] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the toner cartridge 1 may include a toner container 10, a holder 30, and an agitator 50. The toner container 10 may contain toner. An opening 11 may be provided at one end of the toner container 10. A spiral protrusion may be provided on the inner side surface of the toner container 10. Therefore, when the toner container 10 is rotated around the rotation axis by the driving device 110, the toner may be transferred toward the opening 11 through the spiral protrusion.

[0035] The holder 30 may be coupled to one end portion of the toner container 10. The holder 30 is formed to rotatably support the toner container 10. Toner discharged from the opening 11 provided at one end portion of the toner container 10 may be supplied into the holder 30.

[0036] The holder 30 may include an outlet 31 formed to discharge the toner supplied from the toner container 10 to the outside of the holder 30. The outlet 31 may be provided in a lower surface of the holder 30.

[0037] The shutter 35 may be provided in the outlet 31 to open or close the outlet 31. When the shutter 35 is open, the toner in the holder 30 may be supplied to the outside, that is, to the toner buffer. When the shutter 35 is closed, the toner in the holder 30 may not be discharged to the outside.

[0038] The agitator 50 coupled to one end of the toner container 10 may be disposed inside the holder 30. The agitator 50 may be coupled to one end of the toner container 10 in such a manner as to be positioned above the outlet 31. The agitator 50 may be disposed inside the holder 30 in such a manner as to be spaced apart from the outlet 31. The agitator 50 may rotate as the toner container 10 rotates.

[0039] The torque limiter 80 may be disposed between the toner container 10 and the agitator 50. The torque limiter 80 may include a locking protrusion 21 and a receiving protrusion 61. The locking protrusion 21 may be formed on the toner container 10. The torque limiter 80 may be formed to transmit a torque less than a set value between the toner container 10 and the agitator 50.

[0040] For example, when the toner container 10 rotates, if the load applied to the agitator 50 is less than a set value, the agitator 50 to which the torque has been transmitted through the torque limiter 80 may be rotated by the toner container 10. Here, the load applied to the agitator 50 may be a force applied to the agitator 50 by the toner contained in the holder 30. If the toner is hardened or compacted, the load applied to the agitator 50 by the toner may be large. If the toner is not hardened or compacted, the load applied to the agitator 50 by the toner may be small.

[0041] The set value of the load applied to the agitator 50 by the toner may be determined based on the type of toner. When the toner container 10 rotates, if the load applied to the agitator 50 is greater than or equal to the set value, the agitator 50 may not rotate through the toner container 10 because the torque limiter 80 does not transmit the torque. That is, the agitator 50 may remain stationary regardless of whether the toner container 10 rotates.

[0042] Toner container 10 may include an auxiliary transfer member 15 disposed adjacent to opening 11 in toner container 10 and formed to rotate integrally with toner container 10 so that toner inside toner container 10 is discharged through opening 11 .

[0043] Auxiliary transfer member 15 may be fixed inside toner container 10 to rotate integrally with toner container 10. Auxiliary transfer member 15 may be formed in a shape capable of discharging toner inside toner container 10 through opening 11. Auxiliary transfer member 15 may be provided not to protrude from one end of toner container 10.

[0044] Toner container 10 may include an annular plate 13 disposed adjacent to one end of toner container 10. Annular plate 13 may vertically extend in an annular shape from an outer circumferential surface of toner container 10. Sealing member 17 may be fixed to annular plate 13.

[0045] In the following, reference will be made to Figures 4 to 10 The coupling structure between the toner container 10 and the holder 30 of the toner cartridge 1 will be described in detail.

[0046] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a partial perspective view illustrating a portion of a toner container of a toner cartridge according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating an agitator of a toner cartridge according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating a toner cartridge in a state in which an agitator is coupled to a toner container according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a toner cartridge in a state in which an agitator is coupled to a toner container according to an example of the present disclosure. Fig. 9It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view taken along line II.

[0047] refer to Figure 4 , the toner cartridge 1 may include a toner container 10 and a holder 30. The holder 30 may be coupled to one end portion of the toner container 10. One end portion of the toner container 10 may be formed in a tapered shape or a funnel shape to be inserted into the holder 30.

[0048] One end of the toner container 10 may be rotatably supported by the holder 30. The other end of the toner container 10 may be connected to the driving device 110 (see Figure 1 ). Therefore, when the driving device 110 operates, the toner container 10 can be rotated in a state in which the holder 30 is fixed.

[0049] Spiral protrusion 12 may be provided on the inner side surface of toner container 10, and opening 11 may be provided at one end of toner container 10. Therefore, when toner container 10 rotates, toner contained in toner container 10 may be discharged to holder 30 through opening 11.

[0050] A toner space 33 may be provided in the holder 30 to accommodate toner discharged from the opening 11 of the toner container 10. An outlet 31 communicating with the toner space 33 may be provided in the lower surface of the holder 30. Therefore, the toner discharged from the opening 11 of the toner container 10 may be discharged to the outlet 31 after passing through the toner space 33 of the holder 30.

[0051] The shutter 35 may be provided around the outlet 31 of the holder 30 to selectively open or close the outlet 31. When the toner cartridge 1 is not mounted on the image forming apparatus, the outlet 31 of the holder 30 is blocked by the shutter 35. When the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus, for example, when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the driving device 110 (see Figure 1 ) of the box receiving portion 112 (see Figure 1 ), the shutter 35 opens the outlet 31 of the holder 30. Therefore, when the toner container 10 rotates, the toner in the toner container 10 can be discharged to the outside through the outlet 31 of the holder 30, for example, to the toner buffer.

[0052] Agitator 50 may be disposed at one end of toner container 10. Agitator 50 may be coupled to one end of toner container 10. Agitator 50 disposed at one end of toner container 10 may be positioned above outlet 31.

[0053] When torque is transmitted to agitator 50 through torque limiter 80, agitator 50 may be rotated by toner container 10. Agitator 50 disposed at one end of toner container 10 may be rotated in toner space 33. When agitator 50 is rotated by toner container 10, toner in toner space 33 may be smoothly discharged to outlet 31.

[0054] However, when the toner in the toner space 33 is compacted and the toner density increases, even if the toner container 10 rotates, the agitator 50 may not rotate because no torque is transmitted to the agitator 50 through the torque limiter 80. That is, in a state in which the agitator 50 remains fixed to the toner, only the toner container 10 is rotatable.

[0055] The auxiliary transfer member 15 may be disposed at one end portion of the interior of the toner container 10. The auxiliary transfer member 15 may be disposed adjacent to the opening 11 in the toner container 10. One end portion of the auxiliary transfer member 15 may be flush with one end portion of the toner container 10. The outer diameter of the auxiliary transfer member 15 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 11 of the toner container 10. Therefore, the auxiliary transfer member 15 may be inserted into the opening 11 of the toner container 10 to be fixed inside the toner container 10.

[0056] Auxiliary transfer member 15 can rotate integrally with toner container 10 so that toner in toner container 10 is discharged through opening 11. That is, toner moved toward opening 11 through spiral protrusion 12 inside toner container 10 can be discharged to the outside of toner container 10 through auxiliary transfer member 15 provided in opening 11.

[0057] refer to Figure 5 , the opening 11 and the annular plate 13 may be provided at one end of the toner container 10. The opening 11 of the toner container 10 may be formed in a circular shape. The annular plate 13 may be provided toward the other end of the toner container 10 to be spaced apart from one end of the toner container 10 by a predetermined distance. The annular plate 13 may be formed to extend vertically from the outer circumferential surface of the toner container 10. The annular plate 13 may be formed of an annular plate or a donut-shaped plate.

[0058] The torque transmission portion 20 may be provided at one end of the toner container 10. The torque transmission portion 20 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the toner container 10 between the one end of the toner container 10 and the annular plate 13. The torque transmission portion 20 may include a locking protrusion 21 protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the toner container 10 in the radial direction.

[0059] Locking protrusion 21 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape whose width and height are small and whose length is large. The length of locking protrusion 21 may correspond to the distance between one end of toner container 10 and annular plate 13 .

[0060] The locking protrusion 21 may include at least one protrusion. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The toner container 10 of the example illustrated in FIG. 1 includes two locking protrusions 21. The two locking protrusions 21 provided on the toner container 10 may be spaced 180 degrees apart from each other. The number of locking protrusions 21 may be two, but any number of protrusions may be provided.

[0061] The torque transfer portion 20 may include a rib 23 provided at one end of the toner container 10. The rib 23 may be formed to prevent the agitator 50 coupled to the one end of the toner container 10 from escaping from the toner container 10 in the axial direction.

[0062] The rib 23 may be provided to protrude in the radial direction at one end of the toner container 10. The rib 23 may be formed along the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface of one end of the toner container 10. For example, the rib 23 may be formed in an annular shape. The rib 23 may be formed at the same height as the locking protrusion 21.

[0063] When rib 23 is formed at one end of toner container 10, guide groove 22 may be provided between annular plate 13 and rib 23. Guide groove 22 may be formed along the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface of toner container 10. Guide groove 22 may have a smaller diameter than rib 23. Therefore, guide groove 22 and rib 23 may form a step.

[0064] At least one locking protrusion may be provided in the guide groove 22. The locking protrusion 21 may be formed to have a length corresponding to a gap between the annular plate 13 and the rib 23. Figure 5 The toner container 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes two locking protrusions 21 provided in the guide groove 22 .

[0065] The outer end edge of the rib 23 may be chamfered. By chamfering the rib 23, the agitator 50 can be easily coupled to the guide groove 22 of the toner container 10. The sealing member 17 may be provided on the annular plate 13 of the toner container 10, located outside the rib 23. The sealing member 17 may be formed in an annular shape. The sealing member 17 may be provided on the annular plate 13 so as to be spaced apart from the guide groove 22 of the toner container 10 by a predetermined distance.

[0066] refer to Figure 6 , the agitator 50 may include a connecting portion 51, a torque receiving portion 60, and an agitating portion 70. The connecting portion 51 may be formed in a ring shape. The inner diameter of the connecting portion 51 may be larger than the outer diameter of one end of the toner container 10. The inner diameter of the connecting portion 51 may be larger than the outer diameter of the rib 23 provided at one end of the toner container 10. Therefore, the connecting portion 51 may be assembled to one end of the toner container 10.

[0067] The torque receiving portion 60 may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 51. The torque receiving portion 60 may be coupled to the torque transmitting portion 20 provided in the toner container 10 to transmit the rotation of the toner container 10 to the agitator 50. Therefore, the torque transmitting portion 20 of the toner container 10 and the torque receiving portion 60 of the agitator 50 may form a torque limiter 80.

[0068] The torque receiving portion 60 may include an accommodation protrusion 61 protruding in a radial direction from an inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 51. The accommodation protrusion 61 may be formed in a shape corresponding to that of the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10.

[0069] The accommodating protrusion 61 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape whose width and height are small and whose length is large. The length of the accommodating protrusion 61 may correspond to the length of the locking protrusion 21. The side surface of the accommodating protrusion 61 may be formed to be in face-to-face contact with the side surface of the locking protrusion 21. For example, when the side surface of the locking protrusion 21 has a rectangular shape, the side surface of the accommodating protrusion 61 may also have a rectangular shape.

[0070] The receiving protrusion 61 may include at least one protrusion. The number of the receiving protrusions 61 provided in the agitator 50 may be the same as the number of the locking protrusions 21 in the toner container 10. Figure 4 and Figure 6 The agitator 50 illustrated in FIG. 5 includes two receiving protrusions 61. The two receiving protrusions 61 may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the connection portion 51 to be spaced 180 degrees apart from each other.

[0071] Although the torque receiving portion 60 is formed as the receiving protrusion 61 in the example described above, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As another example, the torque receiving portion 60 may be formed as a receiving groove. In this case, the receiving groove may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the locking protrusion 21 of the torque transmitting portion 20. For example, the receiving groove may be formed in a shape that allows the locking protrusion 21 to be inserted therein so as to selectively transmit torque.

[0072] The torque receiving portion 60 may include an elastic portion 62 supporting the accommodating protrusion 61. The elastic portion 62 supports the accommodating protrusion 61 so that the accommodating protrusion 61 can be displaced in the radial direction of the toner container 10. Therefore, when a force is applied to the accommodating protrusion 61, the accommodating protrusion 61 can be moved in the radial direction of the toner container 10 by the elastic portion 62.

[0073] to this end, Figure 6The agitator 50 shown in FIG. 5 may include a groove 64 formed in the connection portion 51 on the downward side of the accommodation protrusion 61. The groove 64 may be formed in a straight shape while penetrating the connection portion 51. By forming the groove 64 in the connection portion 51, a partial portion of the connection portion 51 in which the accommodation protrusion 61 is provided becomes in the form of a beam supported at both ends, so that the accommodation protrusion 61 can be displaced in the radial direction. Therefore, the elastic portion 62 that allows the accommodation protrusion 61 to be displaced in the radial direction may be formed in the partial portion of the connection portion 51 on the upward side of the groove 64.

[0074] The inner edge of one end of the connecting portion 51 may be chamfered. By providing the chamfer on the connecting portion 51, the agitator 50 may be assembled to the toner container 10. The stopper 53 may be provided at the other end of the connecting portion 51. The stopper 53 may be formed to restrict the agitator 50 from moving toward the annular plate 13 of the toner container 10.

[0075] The stopper 53 may be formed at the other end of the connecting portion 51 along the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 51. The stopper 53 may be formed in an annular shape. The inner diameter of the stopper 53 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the connecting portion 51. The inner diameter of the stopper 53 may be equal to the inner diameter of the opening 11 of the toner container 10. When the auxiliary transfer member 15 is disposed in the opening 11 of the toner container 10, the inner diameter of the stopper 53 may be equal to the inner diameter of the auxiliary transfer member 15.

[0076] The stirring portion 70 may be provided at one end portion of the connection portion 51. The stirring portion 70 may be formed to stir the toner accommodated in the toner space 33 of the holder 30. The agitator 50 may include at least one stirring portion. Figure 4 and Figure 6 The agitator 50 shown in FIG. 5 includes two agitating parts 70 .

[0077] The stirring portion 70 may include an extending plate 71 extending from the connecting portion 51 , and a stirring pin 72 protruding from the extending plate toward the center of the connecting portion 51 .

[0078] The extension plate 71 may be formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape. The extension plate 71 may be formed of a curved plate having a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the connection portion 51 .

[0079] The stirring pin 72 may be formed on the inner surface of the extension plate 71 perpendicularly to the extension plate 71. The stirring pin 72 may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The stirring pin 72 may be formed to stir the toner in the toner space 33 provided in the retainer 30. If the stirring pin 72 has a large area, the stirring pin 72 may easily stir the toner. However, when the toner in the toner space 33 is compacted and its density increases, the toner load applied to the agitator 50 may increase. The stopper 53 may be provided between the connecting portion 51 and the stirring portion 70.

[0080] refer to Figures 7 to 9 , the agitator 50 may be coupled to one end portion of the toner container 10. When the agitator 50 is coupled to one end portion of the toner container 10, by pushing the agitator 50 in the axial direction in a state in which one end portion of the connecting portion 51 of the agitator 50 is in contact with the rib 23 of the toner container 10, the accommodation protrusion 61 of the agitator 50 may be accommodated in the guide groove 22 of the toner container 10 after riding on and passing over the rib 23 of the toner container 10. At this time, since the rib 23 of the toner container 10 and the connecting portion 51 of the agitator 50 are chamfered, the agitator 50 may be easily coupled to one end portion of the toner container 10.

[0081] Once the receiving protrusion 61 of the agitator 50 is received in the guide groove 22 of the toner container 10, the agitator 50 does not escape from the toner container 10. The agitator 50 may have a gap in the axial direction of the toner container 10 to correspond to the difference between the width of the guide groove 22 of the toner container 10 and the length of the receiving protrusion 61.

[0082] When the receiving protrusion 61 of the agitator 50 contacts the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10, the agitator 50 may be rotated by the toner container 10. For example, when the toner container 10 rotates in a state in which the side surface of the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10 and the side surface of the receiving protrusion 61 of the agitator 50 contact each other, the agitator 50 may be rotated integrally with the toner container 10 by the locking protrusion 21 and the receiving protrusion 61.

[0083] When the agitator 50 rotates, the toner contained in the toner space 33 of the holder 30 may be agitated and discharged through the outlet 31. However, when the toner contained in the toner space 33 of the holder 30 is in a certain state, the agitator 50 may not rotate even if the toner container 10 rotates. That is, the rotation of the toner container 10 may or may not be transmitted to the toner cartridge 1 through the torque limiter 80 (i.e., the torque transmitting portion 20 and the torque receiving portion 60). For example, the rotation of the toner container 10 may or may not be transmitted to the agitator 50, depending on the toner density in the toner space 33 of the holder 30.

[0084] When the toner in the toner space 33 of the holder 30 is compacted and the toner has a high density, the load applied by the toner to the agitator 50 may be large. When the toner in the toner space 33 is not in a compacted state, the toner has a low density. In this case, the load applied by the toner to the agitator 50 may be small.

[0085] In the present disclosure, when the load applied to the agitator 50 by the toner is less than a set value, the agitator 50 may rotate through the toner container 10, and when the load applied to the agitator 50 by the toner is greater than or equal to the set value, the agitator 50 may rotate without passing through the toner container 10.

[0086] The set value may be appropriately determined according to the properties of the toner, the capacity of the motor of the driving device 110, and the like.

[0087] The rotation of the toner container 10 may or may not be transmitted to the agitator 50 through the torque transmitting portion 20 of the toner container 10 and the torque receiving portion 60 of the agitator 50. That is, the torque transmitting portion 20 and the torque receiving portion 60 may form a torque limiter 80.

[0088] When the load applied to agitator 50 is less than a set value, the rotation of toner container 10 may be transmitted to agitator 50 through torque transmitting portion 20 and torque receiving portion 60. Then, agitator 50 may rotate to agitate the toner in toner space 33.

[0089] When the load applied to agitator 50 is greater than or equal to a set value, the rotation of toner container 10 may not be transmitted to agitator 50 through torque transmitting portion 20 and torque receiving portion 60. Then, agitator 50 does not rotate, and thus the toner in toner space 33 is not agitated.

[0090] In addition, since toner container 10 rotates without traction relative to agitator 50, the motor of driving device 110 that rotates toner container 10 may not be overloaded. Therefore, the motor may be prevented from losing step, or driving device 110 may be prevented from being damaged.

[0091] Figure 8 and Fig. 9The diagram illustrates a case where the agitator 50 is not overloaded, that is, a load greater than or equal to a set value is not applied to the agitator 50. In this case, the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10 is coupled to the accommodating protrusion 61 of the agitator 50. That is, when the side surface of the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10 and the side surface of the accommodating protrusion 61 of the agitator 50 contact each other and the toner container 10 rotates, the accommodating protrusion 61 rotates by the locking protrusion 21 rotating integrally with the toner container 10. When the accommodating protrusion 61 rotates, the agitator 50 on which the accommodating protrusion 61 is provided rotates integrally with the accommodating protrusion 61 to agitate the toner accommodated in the toner space 33.

[0092] When the agitator 50 is overloaded, that is, when a load greater than or equal to a set value is applied to the agitating portion 70 of the agitator 50, the agitator 50 may rotate without passing through the toner container 10. That is, the receiving protrusion 61 of the agitator 50 may be displaced in the radial direction of the agitator 50 to separate the locking protrusion 21 and the receiving protrusion 61 from each other, so that the rotation of the toner container 10 is not transmitted to the agitator 50.

[0093] At this time, since agitator 50 is held fixed by the toner, toner container 10 is rotatable relative to agitator 50. That is, in a state in which agitator 50 is fixed, only toner container 10 is rotatable.

[0094] When the agitator 50 is fixed, the locking protrusion 21 provided in the toner container 10 rides on the accommodating protrusion 61. That is, the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10 applies a force to the accommodating protrusion 61. When the force is applied to the accommodating protrusion 61, since the accommodating protrusion 61 is supported by the elastic portion 62, the accommodating protrusion 61 is moved in the radial direction ( Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Then, the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10 can pass over the receiving protrusion 61 of the agitator 50.

[0095] After the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10 passes over the accommodating protrusion 61 of the agitator 50, the accommodating protrusion 61 is restored to its original state by the elastic portion 62. That is, the accommodating protrusion 61 of the agitator 50 can be restored toward the center of the agitator 50 in the radial direction by the elastic portion 62. Therefore, the accommodating protrusion 61 of the agitator 50 can be vibrated by the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10. In other words, vibration can be generated in the agitator 50 by the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10 and the accommodating protrusion 61 of the agitator 50 in the rotating state.

[0096] The vibration generated by the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10 and the receiving protrusion 61 of the agitator 50 may be repeatedly generated due to the rotation of the toner container 10. The vibration generation cycle may be determined depending on the number of locking protrusions 21 provided in the toner container 10 and the number of receiving protrusions 61 provided in the agitator 50.

[0097] When the agitator 50 is repeatedly vibrated due to the rotation of the toner container 10, the toner contained in the toner space 33 of the holder 30 may drop to the outlet 31 due to the vibration. When the amount of toner in the toner space 33 is reduced, the load applied to the agitator 50 by the toner may be reduced. When the load applied to the agitator 50 is reduced to less than a set value, the agitator 50 may be rotated integrally with the toner container 10 by the locking protrusion 21 and the receiving protrusion 61, which are the torque limiter 80.

[0098] In order to allow the agitator 50 to rotate integrally with the toner container 10 or prevent the agitator 50 from rotating through the toner container 10 based on the set value of the toner load, the set value of the torque allowed to be transmitted by the torque limiter 80 may be adjusted. For example, the set value of the torque may be adjusted by adjusting the interference (i.e., contact area) between the locking protrusion 21 and the receiving protrusion 61 of the torque limiter 80. In an example, the set value of the torque may be adjusted using the shape and material of the locking protrusion 21 and the receiving protrusion 61. In an example, the set value of the torque may be adjusted using the elasticity, shape, etc. of the elastic portion 62 supporting the receiving protrusion 61.

[0099] Reference Fig.10 The relationship between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the components constituting the toner cartridge 1 in order to minimize the torque variation during the rotation of the toner container 10 will be described.

[0100] Fig.10 It is a graphic Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge taken along line II-II. Fig.10 , the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the components constituting the toner cartridge 1 may satisfy the following conditions.

[0101] The outer diameter (D1) of the auxiliary transfer member 15 is less than the inner diameter (d1) of the opening 11 of the toner container 10. The outer diameter (D2) of the opening 11 of the toner container 10 is less than the inner diameter (d2) of the agitator 50. The outer diameter (D3) of the agitator 50 is less than the inner diameter (d3) of the sealing member 17. The outer diameter (D4) of the sealing member 17 is less than the minimum inner diameter (d4) of the retainer 30.

[0102] That is, if the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the components constituting the toner cartridge 1 satisfy the above-described relationship, the torque variation during the rotation of the toner container 10 can be minimized.

[0103] Meanwhile, since the sealing member 17 is fixed to the annular plate 13 of the toner container 10 and rotates integrally with the toner container 10, in order to displace the agitator 50 in the radial direction, a sufficient gap G may exist between the inner diameter of the sealing member 17 and the outer diameter of the agitator 50. That is, a space for displacing the accommodating protrusion 61 in the radial direction may be provided to the outer side of the agitator 50 on which the accommodating protrusion 61 is provided.

[0104] Therefore, when accommodation protrusion 61 of agitator 50 is displaced in the radial protruding direction by locking protrusion 21 of toner container 10 , the outer circumferential surface of agitator 50 may not contact the inner circumferential surface of sealing member 17 .

[0105] In addition, when agitator 50 integrally rotates with toner container 10 by coupling locking protrusion 21 and receiving protrusion 61 to each other, agitator 50 may not interfere with sealing member 17. Therefore, agitator 50 may integrally rotate with toner container 10 in a smooth manner.

[0106] According to the disclosure having the structure described above, when toner is compacted and a load greater than or equal to a set value is applied to agitator 50 , agitator 50 may not rotate by toner container 10 even if toner container 10 rotates.

[0107] In this case, since vibration is generated in agitator 50 by the rotation of toner container 10, toner in toner space 33 of holder 30 in which agitator 50 is accommodated may be discharged. When the toner in toner space 33 is reduced, the load applied to agitator 50 by the toner may be reduced and become less than a set value.

[0108] When a load less than a set value is applied to agitator 50, locking protrusion 21 of toner container 10 may be coupled to receiving protrusion 61 of agitator 50. Then, the coupling of locking protrusion 21 and receiving protrusion 61 makes it possible to rotate agitator 50 integrally with toner container 10.

[0109] That is, in the toner cartridge 1 according to the present disclosure, the torque transmitting portion 20 provided at one end of the toner container 10 and the torque receiving portion 60 provided in the agitator 50 can act as a torque limiter 80 to allow the agitator 50 to rotate or not rotate in a selective manner depending on the torque applied to the agitator 50.

[0110] Although it has been described above that the rib 23 for preventing the agitator 50 from escaping the toner container 10 is provided at one end of the toner container 10 and the elastic portion 62 is provided in the agitator 50, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figures 11 to 13 Another example of the present disclosure will be described.

[0111] Fig.11 is a partial perspective view illustrating a toner container of a toner cartridge according to an example of the present disclosure. Fig.12 is a perspective view illustrating an agitator of a toner cartridge according to an example of the present disclosure. Fig.13 It is a diagram of Fig.12 The agitator is coupled to Fig.11 A partial sectional view of a state of a toner container.

[0112] refer to Fig.11 , the opening 11 and the annular plate 13 may be provided at one end of the toner container 10. The opening 11 of the toner container 10 may be formed in a circular shape. The annular plate 13 may be provided toward the other end of the toner container 10 to be spaced apart from one end of the toner container 10 by a predetermined distance. The annular plate 13 may be formed to extend vertically from the outer circumferential surface of the toner container 10. The annular plate 13 may be formed of an annular plate or a donut-shaped plate.

[0113] The torque transmission portion 20 may be provided at one end of the toner container 10. The torque transmission portion 20 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the toner container 10 between the one end of the toner container 10 and the annular plate 13. The torque transmission portion 20 may include a locking protrusion 21 protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the toner container 10 in the radial direction.

[0114] The locking protrusion 21 may include at least one protrusion. As an example, Fig.11 and Fig.13 The toner container 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes two locking protrusions 21. The two locking protrusions 21 may be spaced 180 degrees apart from each other.

[0115] The torque transmitting portion 20 may include an elastic portion 24 supporting the locking protrusion 21. The elastic portion 24 supports the locking protrusion 21 so that the locking protrusion 21 can be displaced in the radial direction of the toner container 10. Therefore, when a force is applied to the locking protrusion 21, the locking protrusion 21 can be moved in the radial direction of the toner container 10 by the elastic portion 24.

[0116] to this end, Fig.11 The toner container 10 illustrated in the figure may include, at one end thereof, an upper groove 25 and a lower groove 26 formed on the upward and downward sides of the locking protrusion 21, respectively. The upper groove 25 and the lower groove 26 may be formed in a straight shape while penetrating one end of the toner container 10. The upper groove 25 and the lower groove 26 may be formed symmetrically with respect to the locking protrusion 21. The upper groove 25 and the lower groove 26 may be formed in the same shape.

[0117] By forming the upper groove 25 and the lower groove 26 at one end of the toner container 10, the partial portion of the toner container 10 in which the locking protrusion 21 is provided becomes in the form of a beam supported at both ends so that the locking protrusion 21 can be displaced in the radial direction. Therefore, the elastic portion 42 that allows the locking protrusion 21 to be displaced in the radial direction can be formed between the upper groove 25 and the lower groove 26 in the partial portion of the toner container 10.

[0118] refer to Fig.12 The agitator 50 may include a connecting portion 51, a torque receiving portion 60, and an agitating portion 70. The connecting portion 51 may be formed in a ring shape. The inner diameter of the connecting portion 51 may be greater than the outer diameter of one end portion of the toner container 10.

[0119] The torque receiving portion 60 may be provided on an inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 51. The torque receiving portion 60 may be coupled to the torque transmitting portion 20 provided in the toner container 10 to transmit the rotation of the toner container 10 to the agitator 50.

[0120] The torque receiving portion 60 may include a receiving protrusion 61 protruding in a radial direction from the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 51. The receiving protrusion 61 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10. The length of the receiving protrusion 61 may correspond to the length of the locking protrusion 21. The side surface of the receiving protrusion 61 may be formed to be in face-to-face contact with the side surface of the locking protrusion 21. For example, when the side surface of the locking protrusion 21 has a rectangular shape, the side surface of the receiving protrusion 61 may also have a rectangular shape.

[0121] The receiving protrusion 61 may include at least one protrusion. The number of the receiving protrusions 61 provided in the agitator 50 may be the same as the number of the locking protrusions 21 in the toner container 10. Fig.12 and Fig.13 The agitator 50 illustrated in FIG. 5 includes two receiving protrusions 61. The two receiving protrusions 61 may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the connection portion 51 to be spaced 180 degrees apart from each other.

[0122] The receiving protrusion 61 may be formed in a guide groove 63 provided in the inner circumferential surface of the connection portion 51. The receiving protrusion 61 may have a length corresponding to a width of the guide groove 63.

[0123] The guide groove 63 may be formed along the entire circumference of the connection portion 51. The depth of the guide groove 63 may be the same as the height of the receiving protrusion 61. The diameter of the guide groove 63 may be greater than the inner diameter of the connection portion 51.

[0124] The side wall 65 of the guide groove 63 adjacent to one end of the agitator 50 (i.e., one end of the connecting portion 51) can prevent the agitator 50 coupled to one end of the toner container 10 from escaping from the toner container 10 in the axial direction. The side wall 65 of the guide groove 63 can be formed in an annular shape. Therefore, the side wall 65 of the guide groove 63 in the agitator 50 can play the same function as the rib 23 provided in the toner container 10 in the example described above.

[0125] One end of toner container 10 may be coupled to connection portion 51 of agitator 50. An inner diameter of connection portion 51 may be greater than an outer diameter of one end of toner container 10. Therefore, connection portion 51 may be fitted to one end of toner container 10.

[0126] The inner edge of one end portion of the connecting portion 51 may be chamfered. By providing the chamfer on the inner side of one end portion of the connecting portion 51, the agitator 50 may be easily coupled to one end portion of the toner container 10.

[0127] The stopper 53 may be provided at the other end portion of the connection portion 51. The stopper 53 may be formed to restrict the agitator 50 from moving toward the annular plate 13 of the toner container 10.

[0128] The stopper 53 may be formed at the other end of the connection part 51 along the inner circumferential surface of the connection part 51. The stopper 53 may be formed in an annular shape. The inner diameter of the stopper 53 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the connection part 51.

[0129] The stirring portion 70 may be provided at one end of the connecting portion 51. The stirring portion 70 may be formed to stir the toner accommodated in the toner space 33 of the holder 30. Since the stirring portion 70 is the same as that of the agitator 50 of the toner cartridge 1 in the example described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0130] refer to Fig.13 , the agitator 50 may be coupled to one end of the toner container 10. When the agitator 50 is coupled to one end of the toner container 10, by pushing the agitator 50 in the axial direction in a state in which one end of the connecting portion 51 of the agitator 50 contacts one end of the toner container 10, the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10 may be straddled in the guide groove 63 (see FIG. Fig.12 ) side wall 65 (see Fig.12 ) and then passed over and received in the guide groove 63 of the agitator 50 (see Fig.12 )middle.

[0131] When the locking projection 21 of the toner container 10 is received in the guide groove 63 (see Fig.12), the agitator 50 will not escape from the toner container 10. A gap may be provided between the agitator 50 and one end of the toner container 10 in the axial direction of the toner container 10 to correspond to the guide groove 63 (see Fig.12 ) and the length of the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10.

[0132] When the receiving protrusion 61 of the agitator 50 contacts the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10, the agitator 50 may be rotated by the toner container 10. For example, when the toner container 10 rotates in a state in which the side surface of the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10 and the side surface of the receiving protrusion 61 of the agitator 50 contact each other, the agitator 50 may be rotated integrally with the toner container 10 by the locking protrusion 21 and the receiving protrusion 61.

[0133] When agitator 50 rotates, toner contained in toner space 33 of holder 30 may be agitated and discharged through outlet 31. However, when agitator 50 is overloaded, agitator 50 may not rotate integrally with toner container 10 even if toner container 10 rotates.

[0134] When the agitator 50 is overloaded and the agitator 50 is fixed, the locking protrusion 21 provided in the toner container 10 rides on the accommodating protrusion 61. That is, the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10 applies a force to the accommodating protrusion 61. At this time, since the locking protrusion 21 is supported by the elastic portion 24, the locking protrusion 21 is radially ( Fig.13 Then, the locking projection 21 of the toner container 10 can ride on and pass over the receiving projection 61 of the agitator 50.

[0135] After the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10 passes over the accommodating protrusion 61 of the agitator 50, the locking protrusion 21 is restored to its original state by the elastic portion 24. That is, the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10 can be returned to its original position in the radial direction toward the center of the toner container 10 by the elastic portion 24. Therefore, when the toner container 10 rotates, the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10 can be vibrated by the accommodating protrusion 61 of the agitator 50. When the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10 vibrates, the vibration can be transmitted to the agitator 50. When the agitator 50 vibrates, the toner accommodated in the toner space 33 of the holder 30 can be discharged to the outside through the outlet 31.

[0136] When the amount of toner in the toner space 33 decreases, the load applied to the agitator 50 by the toner can be reduced. When the load applied to the agitator 50 is reduced to less than a set value, the agitator 50 can be rotated integrally with the toner container 10 by the locking protrusion 21 and the receiving protrusion 61 coupled to each other.

[0137] In other words, torque transmitting portion 20 of toner container 10 and torque receiving portion 60 of agitator 50 may form torque limiter 80. Therefore, rotation of toner container 10 may or may not be transmitted to agitator 50 depending on the load applied to agitator 50 by toner.

[0138] Although it has been described above that the elastic portion 24 or 62 is provided in one of the toner container 10 and the agitator 50, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The elastic portions 24 and 62 may be provided in both the toner container 10 and the agitator 50. For example, the first elastic portion 24 supporting the locking protrusion 21 may be provided in the toner container 10, and the second elastic portion 62 supporting the accommodating protrusion 61 may be provided in the agitator 50.

[0139] Although it has been described above that the locking protrusion 21 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the toner container 10, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Fig.14 and Fig.15 A toner cartridge 1 according to an example of the present disclosure will be described.

[0140] Fig.14 is a partial side view illustrating a toner cartridge in a state in which an agitator is coupled to a toner container according to an example of the present disclosure. Fig.15 It is along Fig.14 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III.

[0141] refer to Fig.14 and Fig.15 , the opening 11 and the annular plate 13 may be provided at one end of the toner container 10. The opening 11 of the toner container 10 may be formed in a circular shape. The annular plate 13 may be provided toward the other end of the toner container 10 to be spaced apart from one end of the toner container 10 by a predetermined distance. The annular plate 13 may be formed to extend vertically from the outer circumferential surface of the toner container 10. The annular plate 13 may be formed of an annular plate or a donut-shaped plate.

[0142] The torque transmission portion 20 may be provided at one end of the toner container 10. The torque transmission portion 20 may be provided on the annular plate 13. The torque transmission portion 20 may be provided between the outer circumferential surface of one end of the toner container 10 and the sealing member 17 provided on the annular plate 13. The torque transmission portion 20 may be provided on one surface of the annular plate 13 on which the sealing member 17 is provided.

[0143] The torque transmission portion 20 may include a locking protrusion 21 protruding from the annular plate 13 toward one end of the toner container 10. The locking protrusion 21 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape whose width and height are small and whose length is large. The length of the locking protrusion 21 may correspond to the distance between the outer circumferential surface of one end of the toner container 10 and the sealing member 17 provided on the annular plate 13. For example, the locking protrusion 21 may be formed to have a length smaller than the distance between the outer circumferential surface of one end of the toner container 10 and the sealing member 17.

[0144] The locking protrusion 21 may include at least one protrusion. As an example, Fig.14 and Fig.15 The toner container 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes two locking protrusions 21. The two locking protrusions 21 provided on the annular plate 13 may be spaced 180 degrees apart from each other.

[0145] The agitator 50 may include a connecting portion 51, a torque receiving portion 60, and an agitating portion 70. The connecting portion 51 may be formed in a ring shape. The inner diameter of the connecting portion 51 may be greater than the outer diameter of one end portion of the toner container 10.

[0146] Torque receiving portion 60 may be provided at one end of agitator 50, that is, at one end of connecting portion 51. For example, torque receiving portion 60 may be provided at one end of connecting portion 51 facing annular plate 13 of toner container 10.

[0147] The torque receiving portion 60 of the agitator 50 may be formed to be coupled to the torque transmitting portion 20 of the toner container 10. The torque receiving portion 60 may be coupled to the torque transmitting portion 20 provided in the toner container 10 to transmit the rotation of the toner container 10 to the agitator 50.

[0148] The torque receiving portion 60 may be formed as an accommodating protrusion 61 that protrudes in the axial direction from one end portion of the agitator 50 facing the annular plate 13 and contacts and couples to the locking protrusion 21 of the torque transmitting portion 20 .

[0149] For example, the torque receiving portion 60 may include an extension portion 66 formed at one end of the connecting portion 51 facing the annular plate 13 in the circumferential direction, and an accommodation protrusion 61 protruding from a front end of the extension portion 66 toward the annular plate 13 .

[0150] The extension portion 66 can support the accommodating protrusion 61 so that the accommodating protrusion 61 can be displaced in the axial direction. That is, the extension portion 66 can play the same function as the elastic portion of the toner cartridge 1 according to the example described above. The extension portion 66 can be arranged in a groove 55, which has a rectangular shape and is formed at one end of the connecting portion 51. That is, the extension portion 66 can be formed to protrude from one side wall of the groove 55 toward the other side wall. The extension portion 66 can be formed to be shorter than the length of the groove 55. The extension portion 66 can be formed in a cantilever shape. Therefore, the accommodating protrusion 61 provided at the front end of the extension portion 66 can be displaced in the axial direction of the agitator 50.

[0151] The accommodating protrusion 61 may be provided at the front end portion of the extending portion 66. The accommodating protrusion 61 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10. The length of the accommodating protrusion 61 may correspond to the length of the locking protrusion 21. The side surface of the accommodating protrusion 61 may be formed to be in face-to-face contact with the side surface of the locking protrusion 21. For example, when the side surface of the locking protrusion 21 has a rectangular shape, the side surface of the accommodating protrusion 61 may also have a rectangular shape.

[0152] The receiving protrusion 61 may include at least one protrusion. The number of the receiving protrusions 61 provided in the agitator 50 may be the same as the number of the locking protrusions 21 in the toner container 10. Fig.15 The agitator 50 illustrated in FIG. 5 includes two extending portions 66 and two receiving protrusions 61. The two receiving protrusions 61 may be provided at one end portion of the connecting portion 51 to be spaced 180 degrees apart from each other.

[0153] The inner diameter of the connecting portion 51 may be larger than the outer diameter of one end of the toner container 10. Therefore, the connecting portion 51 may be fitted to one end of the toner container 10. The inner edge of one end of the connecting portion 51 may be chamfered. By providing a chamfer on the inner side of one end of the connecting portion 51, the agitator 50 may be easily coupled to one end of the toner container 10.

[0154] A stirring portion 70 may be provided at the other end of the connecting portion 51. The stirring portion 70 may be formed to stir the toner accommodated in the toner space 33 of the holder 30. Since the stirring portion 70 is the same as that of the agitator 50 of the toner cartridge 1 in the example described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0155] Torque transmitting portion 20 of toner container 10 and torque receiving portion 60 of agitator 50 may form torque limiter 80. Therefore, rotation of toner container 10 may or may not be transmitted to agitator 50 depending on a load applied to agitator 50 by toner.

[0156] When the load applied to agitator 50 is less than a set value, locking protrusion 21 of toner container 10 may be coupled to receiving protrusion 61 of agitator 50 so that agitator 50 rotates integrally with toner container 10 .

[0157] When the load applied to the agitator 50 is greater than or equal to the set value, the rotation of the toner container 10 is not transmitted to the agitator 50. Therefore, even if the toner container 10 rotates, the agitator 50 does not rotate. For example, when the agitator 50 is overloaded, the receiving protrusion 61 of the agitator 50 is displaced in the axial direction of the agitator 50 by the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10, and the locking protrusion 21 and the receiving protrusion 61 are separated from each other. Therefore, the rotation of the toner container 10 is not transmitted to the agitator 50.

[0158] Specifically, the rotation of the toner container 10 causes the locking protrusion 21 to apply a force to the receiving protrusion 61 of the agitator 50. At this time, since the agitator 50 is overloaded, the receiving protrusion 61 does not rotate together with the locking protrusion 21, and the extension portion 66 is displaced toward the bottom of the groove 55. Then, the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10 passes over the receiving protrusion 61 of the agitator 50. When the locking protrusion 21 passes over the receiving protrusion 61, the receiving protrusion 61 is restored to its original state by the extension portion 66. Then, the agitator 50 vibrates.

[0159] Since the vibration is repeatedly generated due to the rotation of toner container 10 , the toner accommodated in toner space 33 of holder 30 may be discharged to the outside through outlet 31 .

[0160] Although it has been described above that the locking protrusion 21 is formed on the outer side of one end of the toner container 10, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As an example, the locking protrusion 21 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of one end of the toner container 10. Fig.16 and Fig.17 A case where locking projection 21 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of one end portion of toner container 10 will be described.

[0161] Fig.16 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a toner cartridge in a state in which an agitator is coupled to a toner container according to an example of the present disclosure. Fig.17 It is along Fig.16 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV.

[0162] refer to Fig.16 and Fig.17, the opening 11 and the annular plate 13 may be provided at one end of the toner container 10. The opening 11 of the toner container 10 may be formed in a circular shape. The annular plate 13 may be provided toward the other end of the toner container 10 to be spaced apart from one end of the toner container 10 by a predetermined distance. The annular plate 13 may be formed to extend vertically from the outer circumferential surface of the toner container 10.

[0163] Torque transmission portion 20 may be provided at one end of toner container 10. Torque transmission portion 20 may be provided on an inner circumferential surface of one end of toner container 10. Torque transmission portion 20 may include a locking protrusion 21 protruding from the inner circumferential surface of toner container 10 in a radial direction.

[0164] For example, the locking protrusion 21 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape whose width and height are small and whose length is large. The locking protrusion 21 may include at least one locking protrusion. As an example, Fig.16 and Fig.17 The toner container 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes two locking protrusions 21. The two locking protrusions 21 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the toner container 10 may be spaced 180 degrees apart from each other.

[0165] The agitator 50 may be formed to be inserted into one end portion of the toner container 10. The agitator 50 may include a connecting portion 51, a torque receiving portion 60, and an agitating portion 70.

[0166] Connecting portion 51 may be formed in a ring shape. An outer diameter of connecting portion 51 may be greater than an inner diameter of opening 11 at one end of toner container 10. Therefore, connecting portion 51 may be inserted into one end of toner container 10.

[0167] The torque receiving portion 60 may be provided on an outer circumferential surface of the connecting portion 51. The torque receiving portion 60 may be coupled to the torque transmitting portion 20 provided in the toner container 10 to transmit the rotation of the toner container 10 to the agitator 50.

[0168] The torque receiving portion 60 may include an accommodation protrusion 61 protruding in a radial direction from an outer circumferential surface of the connecting portion 51. The accommodation protrusion 61 may be formed in a shape corresponding to that of the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10.

[0169] The accommodating protrusion 61 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape whose width and height are small and whose length is large. The length of the accommodating protrusion 61 may correspond to the length of the locking protrusion 21. The side surface of the accommodating protrusion 61 may be formed to be in face-to-face contact with the side surface of the locking protrusion 21. For example, when the side surface of the locking protrusion 21 has a rectangular shape, the side surface of the accommodating protrusion 61 may also have a rectangular shape.

[0170] The receiving protrusion 61 may include at least one protrusion. The number of the receiving protrusions 61 provided in the agitator 50 may be the same as the number of the locking protrusions 21 in the toner container 10. Fig.16 and Fig.17 The agitator 50 illustrated in FIG. 5 includes two receiving protrusions 61. The two receiving protrusions 61 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the connection portion 51 to be spaced 180 degrees apart from each other.

[0171] The torque receiving portion 60 may include an elastic portion supporting the accommodating protrusion 61. The elastic portion supports the accommodating protrusion 61 so that the accommodating protrusion 61 can be displaced in the radial direction of the toner container 10. Therefore, when a force is applied to the accommodating protrusion 61, the accommodating protrusion 61 can be moved in the radial direction of the toner container 10 by the elastic portion.

[0172] The torque receiving portion 60 may include a rib 67 provided at one end of the connecting portion 51 of the agitator 50. The rib 67 may be formed to prevent the agitator 50 coupled to one end of the toner container 10 from escaping from the toner container 10 in the axial direction.

[0173] The rib 67 may be formed along the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface of one end portion of the connection portion 51. For example, the rib 67 may be formed in a ring shape. The rib 67 may be formed at the same height as the receiving protrusion 61.

[0174] The stopper 53 may be provided at the other end portion of the connection portion 51. The stopper 53 may be formed to restrict the agitator 50 from moving toward the annular plate 13 of the toner container 10.

[0175] The stopper 53 may be formed at the other end of the connecting portion 51 along the outer circumferential surface of the connecting portion 51. The stopper 53 may be formed in an annular shape. The outer diameter of the stopper 53 may be greater than the outer diameter of the connecting portion 51. The outer diameter of the stopper 53 may be equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the opening 11 of the toner container 10.

[0176] Agitating portion 70 may be provided at the other end of connecting portion 51, ie, at stopper 53. Since agitating portion 70 is the same as that of agitator 50 of toner cartridge 1 in the above-described example, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0177] Torque transmitting portion 20 of toner container 10 and torque receiving portion 60 of agitator 50 may form torque limiter 80. Therefore, rotation of toner container 10 may or may not be transmitted to agitator 50 depending on a load applied to agitator 50 by toner.

[0178] When the load applied to agitator 50 is less than a set value, locking protrusion 21 of toner container 10 may be coupled to receiving protrusion 61 of agitator 50 so that agitator 50 rotates integrally with toner container 10 .

[0179] When the load applied to the agitator 50 is greater than or equal to the set value, the rotation of the toner container 10 is not transmitted to the agitator 50. Therefore, even if the toner container 10 rotates, the agitator 50 does not rotate. For example, when the agitator 50 is overloaded, the receiving protrusion 61 of the agitator 50 is displaced in the axial direction of the agitator 50 by the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10, and the locking protrusion 21 and the receiving protrusion 61 are separated from each other. Therefore, the rotation of the toner container 10 is not transmitted to the agitator 50.

[0180] Specifically, the rotation of the toner container 10 causes the locking protrusion 21 to apply a force to the receiving protrusion 61 of the agitator 50. At this time, since the agitator 50 is overloaded, the receiving protrusion 61 does not rotate together with the locking protrusion 21, but is radially displaced toward the central axis of the toner container 10. Then, the locking protrusion 21 of the toner container 10 passes over the receiving protrusion 61 of the agitator 50. When the locking protrusion 21 passes over the receiving protrusion 61, the receiving protrusion 61 is restored to its original state by the elastic portion. Then, the agitator 50 vibrates.

[0181] Since the vibration is repeatedly generated due to the rotation of toner container 10 , the toner accommodated in toner space 33 of holder 30 may be discharged to the outside through outlet 31 .

[0182] Although it has been described above that the locking protrusion 21 is formed on the toner container 10 and the receiving protrusion 61 is formed on the agitator 50, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As another example, the locking protrusion may be formed on the agitator and the receiving protrusion may be formed on the toner container.

[0183] In the case where the toner cartridge 1 is dispensed in a state where the holder 30 is positioned downward, the toner contained in the holder 30 may be compacted, and a large load may be applied to the agitator 50. In this case, in the toner cartridge 1 according to the present disclosure, when a large load greater than or equal to a set value is applied to the agitator 50, in a state where the agitator 50 is fixed, only the toner container 10 may rotate, thereby preventing the motor of the driving device 110 from being out of step or preventing the driving device 110 from being damaged.

[0184] In addition, in the toner cartridge 1 according to the present disclosure, when the agitator 50 does not rotate due to the compaction of the toner, the agitator repeatedly vibrates according to the rotation of the toner container 10, thereby making it possible to discharge the toner in the holder 30 to the outside. Then, the load applied to the agitator 50 is reduced, and as a result, the agitator 50 can rotate integrally with the toner container 10.

[0185] In addition, in the toner cartridge 1 according to the present disclosure, the agitator 50 rotates or does not rotate depending on the density of the toner contained in the holder 30. Therefore, it is possible to form the agitating portion 70 of the agitator 50 to have a large cross-sectional area. By forming the agitating portion 70 to have a large cross-sectional area, the agitating performance can be improved, resulting in an improvement in the toner discharge reliability of the toner cartridge 1.

[0186] In addition, the toner cartridge 1 according to the present disclosure can be used even if the user does not perform a specific operation on the toner cartridge 1 or performs a prohibited operation on the toner cartridge 1 before installing the toner cartridge 1 in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience regarding the toner cartridge 1.

[0187] In addition, the toner cartridge 1 according to the present disclosure can be distributed in a state installed inside the imaging device. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the packaging volume of the imaging device compared to the case where the toner cartridge 1 is packaged separately outside the imaging device. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost for transporting the imaging device.

[0188] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to various examples. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A toner cartridge, include: a toner container having an opening at one end of the toner container and rotating about a rotation axis to transfer toner toward the opening; an outlet for discharging toner supplied from the toner container to the outside; an agitator coupled to the one end of the toner container and spaced apart from the outlet; as well as A torque limiter is provided between the toner container and the agitator to transmit a torque smaller than a set value between the toner container and the agitator.

2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, in, The torque limiter comprises: a first protrusion, the first protrusion being located on the toner container or the agitator; and A groove or a second protrusion is located on the agitator or the toner container to face the first protrusion.

3. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, in, The first protrusion protrudes in a radial direction from an outer circumferential surface of the one end portion of the toner container, and The second protrusion protrudes from an inner circumferential surface of one end portion of the agitator inserted into the one end portion of the toner container in the radial direction to contact the first protrusion.

4. The toner cartridge according to claim 3, in, When the load applied to the agitator is less than the set value, the first protrusion of the toner container and the second protrusion of the agitator are coupled to each other to transmit the rotation of the toner container to the agitator, and When the load applied to the agitator is greater than or equal to the set value, at least one of the first protrusion of the toner container and the second protrusion of the agitator is displaced in the radial direction of the agitator, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion are separated from each other, so that the rotation of the toner container is not transmitted to the agitator.

5. The toner cartridge according to claim 4, in, A space for displacing the second protrusion in the radial direction is provided on an outer side of the agitator on which the second protrusion is provided.

6. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, in, The first protrusion protrudes in a radial direction from an inner circumferential surface of the one end portion of the toner container, and The second protrusion protrudes from an outer circumferential surface of one end portion of the agitator inserted into the one end portion of the toner container in the radial direction to contact the first protrusion.

7. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, in, The toner container includes a first elastic portion that supports the first protrusion to displace the first protrusion in a radial direction of the toner container.

8. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, in, The agitator includes a second elastic portion supporting the second protrusion to displace the second protrusion in a radial direction of the agitator.

9. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, in, At least one of the toner container and the agitator includes a rib to prevent the agitator from escaping from the toner container in an axial direction.

10. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, in, The toner container includes an annular plate extending vertically from an outer circumferential surface of the toner container and adjacent to the one end portion of the toner container, The first protrusion protrudes from the annular plate toward the one end portion of the toner container, and The second protrusion protrudes in the axial direction from one end portion of the agitator facing the annular plate, and contacts the first protrusion so as to be coupled to the first protrusion.

11. The toner cartridge according to claim 10, in, When the load applied to the agitator is greater than or equal to the set value, the second protrusion of the agitator is displaced in the axial direction of the agitator through the first protrusion of the toner container, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion are separated from each other, so that the rotation of the toner container is not transmitted to the agitator.

12. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising: include: a holder coupled to the one end portion of the toner container to rotatably support the toner container; as well as a sealing member provided between the toner container and the holder, Wherein, the sealing member is provided on the toner container to surround the agitator.

13. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary transport member disposed adjacent to the opening in the toner container to rotate integrally with the toner container and discharge the toner inside the toner container through the opening.

14. A toner cartridge, include: a toner container having an opening at one end of the toner container and rotating about a rotation axis to transfer toner toward the opening; an agitator coupled to the one end of the toner container and positioned above the outlet; a first protrusion protruding in a radial direction from an outer circumferential surface of the one end portion of the toner container; as well as A second protrusion protrudes from an inner circumferential surface of one end portion of the agitator in the radial direction to contact the first protrusion, the one end portion of the toner container being inserted into the agitator.

15. An imaging device comprising a toner cartridge, in, The toner cartridge comprises: a toner container having an opening at one end of the toner container and rotating about a rotation axis to transfer toner toward the opening; an outlet for discharging toner supplied from the toner container to the outside; an agitator coupled to the one end of the toner container and spaced apart from the outlet; and A torque limiter is provided between the toner container and the agitator to transmit a torque smaller than a set value between the toner container and the agitator.

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