Powder adding container

Abstract

The present application discloses a refill container that can be detachably installed into an image forming device to supplement toner to the image forming device. In some embodiments, the refill container includes a detachably connected toner bag portion and a discharge portion, the toner bag portion is configured to store toner, and the discharge portion is provided with a toner discharge outlet. The toner bag portion is provided with a seal configured to seal the toner inside an internal chamber of the toner bag portion. The seal can be opened or broken by applying pressure to the toner bag portion, allowing the toner inside the toner bag portion to enter the discharge portion. The refill container has the advantage of simple structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrophotographic imaging equipment, and in particular to a powder filling container for replenishing developer (toner) to electrophotographic imaging equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Electrophotographic imaging equipment is a device that uses the principle of electrophotography to form an image on a recording medium through electrostatic latent imaging. During the image formation process, toner and other developing agents are consumed. Once the toner in the toner chamber of the imaging equipment is depleted, toner must be replenished promptly.

[0003] Imaging devices can be replenished with toner in various ways. For example, a toner refill container can replenish toner in a timely and effective manner. The imaging device includes a toner refill container receiving section that houses the toner refill container's discharge section. This receiving section includes an engaging part that meshes with the toner refill container and a toner receiving port. The toner refill container has an engaging part and a toner discharge port. After the toner refill container is installed in the imaging device, the interaction between the engaging part and the engaging part completes the engagement and identification of the toner bag with the imaging device. Then, the main body of the imaging device applies force to drive the toner refill container to rotate, causing the toner discharge port of the toner refill container to align with the toner receiving port of the main body of the imaging device, thus performing the toner refilling action.

[0004] Existing toner filling containers are toner bags, comprising a bag-shaped toner container and a container base communicating with the toner container. The toner container stores toner, and the toner enters the internal chamber of the container base through a through-hole in the toner container, and is discharged to the outside through the toner outlet in the container base. Furthermore, the container base of the toner bag is equipped with an outer baffle, which can rotate relative to the container base to move between an open position (toner outlet open) and a closed position (toner outlet closed), thereby controlling the discharge of toner from the toner filling container. This toner filling container structure is relatively complex, and the rotation of the outer baffle relative to the container base may be inflexible, potentially preventing the toner outlet from opening. Utility Model Content

[0005] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a simple toner filling container for replenishing toner to imaging equipment.

[0006] To achieve the aforementioned main objectives, this utility model discloses a toner filling container that can be detachably installed into an imaging device. The toner filling container includes a detachably connected toner bag portion and a discharge portion. The toner bag portion is used to store toner, and the discharge portion is provided with a toner discharge outlet. The toner bag portion is provided with a sealing element for sealing the toner within the internal cavity of the toner bag portion. The sealing element can be opened or broken by applying pressure to the toner bag portion, allowing the toner in the toner bag portion to enter the discharge portion.

[0007] In the above technical solution, the toner filling container includes a detachably connected toner bag portion and a discharge portion. The internal chamber of the toner bag portion is sealed by a sealant. By applying pressure to the toner bag portion, the sealant is opened or broken, allowing toner to enter the discharge portion. The toner then further enters the imaging device through the toner discharge outlet, thus replenishing the toner. No baffle is required, resulting in a simple toner filling container structure and easy toner filling operation. When all the toner in the toner filling container has been replenished to the imaging device and the toner filling container needs to be replaced, only the toner bag portion needs to be replaced, reducing costs. The discharge portion can remain installed inside the imaging device, further simplifying the installation process and facilitating toner replenishment.

[0008] Furthermore, before the toner container is installed into the imaging device, the toner is sealed inside the toner bag portion; after the toner container is installed into the imaging device, the seal is opened or broken to allow the toner to enter the discharge portion.

[0009] Furthermore, the discharge section includes a toner discharge cylinder, and the toner discharge outlet is disposed on the toner discharge cylinder; wherein, the toner discharge cylinder is also provided with an engagement part, the engagement part being used to engage with the engagement part of the imaging device, so that the toner container can move or rotate under the drive of the imaging device.

[0010] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the discharge portion further includes a positioning frame, which is disposed around the periphery of the discharge portion and configured to support the powder discharge cylinder; wherein the engaging portion and the toner discharge outlet protrude from the opening of the positioning frame.

[0011] In the above technical solution, the installation of the powder filling container is more convenient through the guidance of the positioning frame; the positioning frame is set on the periphery of the discharge part, which can protect the discharge part, especially the powder discharge cylinder, and the exposed meshing part does not affect its cooperation with the meshed part in the imaging equipment.

[0012] According to another specific embodiment of this utility model, the discharge portion further includes a protrusion extending radially along the powder discharge cylinder. The protrusion is disposed along the periphery of the meshing portion or along the entire powder discharge cylinder. The protrusion can protect and support the meshing portion.

[0013] Furthermore, the meshing part is a groove provided on the powder discharge cylinder.

[0014] Furthermore, the discharge portion also includes an elastic member covering the engagement portion, which is pushed open by the engagement portion of the imaging device when the powder container is installed to the imaging device.

[0015] In the above technical solution, by setting an elastic element, the elastic element protects the meshing part during the transportation of the powder filling container, so as to prevent the meshing part from being damaged and affecting the installation of the powder filling container into the imaging equipment; when the powder filling container is installed into the imaging equipment, the elastic element is pushed open, so as not to affect the installation of the powder filling container; after the powder filling container is removed from the imaging equipment, the elastic element can be reset to the position protecting the meshing part.

[0016] Furthermore, the powder dispensing container includes a protective cap that can be detachably connected to the powder bag portion, the protective cap abutting against the seal to protect the seal during transportation and other processes before use; wherein, the seal may be located at the channel where the powder bag portion and the discharge portion meet.

[0017] Furthermore, when the sealing element is a sealing membrane or a sealing valve, the internal chamber of the toner bag portion has a positive pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. By applying pressure to the toner bag portion, the sealing membrane can be ruptured or the sealing valve can be opened to replenish the toner. The positive pressure formed in the internal chamber of the toner bag portion makes it easier to rupture or open the sealing membrane or sealing valve when pressure is applied.

[0018] Furthermore, the powder bag portion is configured as a box body with at least a portion capable of elastic deformation, and the internal pressure of the box body is atmospheric pressure. Compared to flexible bags, the elastically deformable box body has better structural strength and durability, is less prone to damage, and is easy to reuse.

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of this application, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the powder-adding container in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the discharge portion in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the meshing part inside the imaging device;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the discharge portion in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting part of the powder bag in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connecting part of the powder bag in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a variation of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 2 of this utility model when it is connected to the meshing part of the imaging device;

[0031] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the powder-adding container in Example 3;

[0032] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the discharge unit in Example 3;

[0033] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the powder bag unit in Example 3;

[0034] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the powder bag unit in Example 3;

[0035] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the powder bag unit in Example 4;

[0036] Figure 17 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the powder bag unit in Example 5;

[0037] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the powder-adding container in Example 6;

[0038] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the powder storage box in Example 6;

[0039] Figure 20 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the powder storage box in Example 6. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in conjunction with embodiments in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, it should be understood that the following embodiments and detailed description are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] like Figures 1 to 2As shown, the toner container 100 of Embodiment 1 includes a toner bag portion 110 and a discharge portion 120, which are preferably detachably connected. The toner bag portion 110 stores toner and has a toner receiving portion 111 (flexible toner bag) made of flexible material and a connecting portion 112 connected to its opening, which together form the internal chamber of the toner bag portion 110. The discharge portion 120 includes a receiving groove 121, a positioning frame 122, and a toner discharge cylinder 123. The connecting portion 112 and the receiving groove 121 can be respectively provided with mutually cooperating structures to facilitate the installation and positioning of the toner bag portion 110 relative to the discharge portion 120.

[0043] A sealing element 113 is provided at the bottom opening of the toner bag portion 110. The sealing element 113 can be a sealing film or a sealing valve. When the toner bag portion 110 / toner receiving portion 111 receives a certain external compressive force, the sealing element 113 is broken or opened, allowing the toner contained in the toner bag portion 110 / toner receiving portion 111 to enter the toner discharge cylinder 123 of the discharge portion 120. Preferably, the internal chamber of the toner bag unit 110 is maintained at a positive pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, so that the sealing element 113 can be more easily broken or opened when adding toner. For example, the sealing film can be any one of ordinary polyethylene film (PE), cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) film, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film, etc., and the thickness of the sealing film can be 0.1mm to 1mm. The sealing valve can be, for example, a cross-shaped silicone valve.

[0044] Preferably, the powder bag portion 110 may have a necked opening, such as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the connecting portion 112 of the powder bag portion 110 has an upper opening 1121 and a bottom opening 1122. The upper opening 1121 is used to connect with the opening of the flexible powder bag, and the bottom opening 1122 can be smaller than the upper opening 1121 to form a necked structure. A mating portion 1123 can also be provided on the bottom surface of the connecting portion 112. The mating portion 1123 mates with the receiving groove 121 of the discharge portion 120 to facilitate the positioning of the powder bag portion 110 relative to the discharge portion 120. A sealing member 113 can be provided at the bottom opening 1122, that is, at the channel where the powder bag portion 110 and the discharge portion 120 meet. In other embodiments, the positioning structure of the powder bag portion 110 and the receiving groove 121 can also be provided through the sidewalls of the connecting portion 112 and the receiving groove 121.

[0045] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The toner discharge cylinder 123 of the discharge section 120 has a cylindrical structure with an opening at the top that connects to the opening of the connecting section 112, thereby forming a connecting channel. The toner contained in the toner bag section 110 enters the toner discharge chamber / channel of the toner discharge cylinder 123 through the connecting channel, and further enters the imaging equipment through the toner discharge outlet 1232 on the toner discharge cylinder 123 and the toner receiving port of the imaging equipment. The mating part 1123 of the toner bag section 110 (see reference) Figure 7 An elastic material may be provided to seal the engagement channel, so that when the seal 113 is opened, the toner in the toner bag portion 110 enters the toner discharge chamber without leaking out from the engagement into the receiving groove 121. The engagement portion 1231 of the toner container 100 for engaging with the engagement portion of the imaging device is located on the side wall of the toner discharge cylinder 123.

[0046] Figure 4 This illustrates a structure of the engaging part of an imaging device. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the meshing part 1 has an arc-shaped wall structure and has an upper end face 12 and two side faces 11. The structure of the discharge part 120 for the meshing part 1231 that mates with the meshing part 1 is shown in the figure. Figure 3 The meshing part 1231 can be a groove 1231 provided on the powder discharge cylinder 123. The inner sidewall of the groove 1231 can be in contact with the upper end face 12 and the two side faces 11 of the meshed part 1, respectively. The bottom surface of the groove 1231 can be in contact with the inner arc-shaped surface of the meshed part 1, so that when the meshed part 1 moves or rotates, it drives the meshing part 1231 and the powder adding container 100 to move or rotate.

[0047] Preferably, a positioning frame 122 may be provided around the powder discharge cylinder 123. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the side wall of the positioning frame 122 is provided with an opening 1222 to expose at least the toner outlet 1232 and the engagement part 1231. The bottom of the positioning frame 122 may also be provided with a groove 1221 for positioning in conjunction with the imaging device. In other embodiments, it may also be a protrusion. The outer side of the positioning frame 122 may contact or fit against the inner wall of the powder container receiving part in the imaging device.

[0048] The positioning frame 122 is movably connected to the bottom wall of the receiving groove 121. During the transportation of the toner container 100, it can support and protect the toner discharge cylinder 123 of the discharge section 120, preventing it from being bumped and deformed, thus affecting the toner discharge efficiency. In addition, in actual use, there is often a gap between the toner container 100 and the receiving part of the imaging equipment used to install the toner container. The positioning frame 122 in this embodiment can fill the gap at the meshing point, thereby further simplifying the structure and improving practicality.

[0049] When toner refilling is not required, the toner is sealed within the internal cavity of the toner bag portion 110 by the seal 113, preventing premature entry into the toner discharge chamber / channel of the discharge portion 120, thus avoiding toner leakage from the toner discharge outlet 1232. When refilling, the user inserts the toner container 100 into the receiving unit of the imaging device. Guided by the positioning frame 122, the toner container 100 is precisely aligned with the receiving unit. After being identified by the receiving unit, the imaging device applies a driving force to rotate the toner container 100 from its initial state to the toner refilling state. The toner discharge outlet 1232 then connects with the toner receiving port of the imaging device. At this point, the user only needs to apply pressure to the toner bag portion 110 to open or break through the seal 113, allowing the toner to enter the discharge portion and further through the toner discharge outlet 1232 into the toner receiving port, thereby completing the toner refilling operation.

[0050] After toner refilling is complete, the toner container 100 returns to its initial state under the force of the imaging device or manual operation. At this point, the user can remove the toner container 100. The toner bag portion 110 of the used toner container 100 can be removed. Combining the unused (filled with toner) toner bag portion 110 with the used discharge portion 120 forms a reusable toner container 100. Furthermore, the discharge portion 120 can remain installed inside the imaging device after refilling, meaning only the toner bag portion 110 needs to be removed from the imaging device, further simplifying the installation process and facilitating toner replenishment.

[0051] In this invention, the powder bag portion 110 is provided with a sealing element 113 for sealing the toner in the internal cavity of the powder bag portion 110. Compared with the powder filling container in the prior art that uses a baffle structure to seal the toner outlet, it is not only simpler in structure, but also easier to clean the discharge portion without the baffle structure, and is more conducive to the reuse of the discharge portion.

[0052] In other embodiments, the toner bag portion and the discharge portion may also be fixedly connected, with the seal located at the connection between the toner bag portion and the discharge portion, or inside the toner bag portion, so that the toner is sealed in the toner receiving cavity before the seal is opened.

[0053] Figure 8 A variation of this embodiment is shown. For example... Figure 8 As shown, a relatively independent positioning frame may not be provided outside the powder discharge cylinder. Instead, a protrusion 1234 is provided on the periphery of the meshing part 1231. The protrusion 1234 is an integral structure with the powder discharge cylinder. It may be provided only on the periphery of the meshing part 1231 or along the entire powder discharge cylinder. Thus, the protrusion can increase the radial dimension of the powder discharge cylinder so that the outer wall of the discharge part fits the outer wall of the receiving part of the imaging device to achieve precise docking. At the same time, due to the increased thickness of the side wall of the discharge part, the strength of the discharge part is increased, making it more resistant to transportation bumps.

[0054] Example 2

[0055] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in Embodiment 2, the powder adding container 200 includes a powder bag portion 210 and a discharge portion 220. An elastic element 224 is mounted externally to the engaging portion 2231 of the discharge portion 220 / powder discharge cylinder. (As shown...) Figure 11 As shown, when the powder container 200 is installed into the imaging device, the engaging part 1 engages with the engaging part 2231 and pushes open the elastic member 224.

[0056] In this embodiment, the elastic element 224 is configured as a protective element to protect the meshing part 2231. After the powder is added and the powder container 200 is removed from the imaging device, the elastic element 224 can be automatically or manually restored to its initial position by the user, and the elastic element 224 can resume its protective function for the meshing part 2231.

[0057] In this embodiment, the other structures of the powder filling container 200 can be the same as those in the prior art, that is, the discharge part 220 can have a baffle to open or close the toner discharge outlet; or it can be the same as the structure in Embodiment 1, that is, a sealing element is provided at the channel where the powder bag part 210 and the discharge part 220 are joined, and the sealing element can be opened or broken by applying pressure to the powder bag part 210, thereby allowing the toner in the powder bag part 210 to enter the discharge part 220 / discharge cylinder.

[0058] In this embodiment, the elastic element 224 completely covers the engaging portion 2231 in the radial direction, so that the engaging portion 2231 is not exposed from the baffle opening or the positioning frame opening, protecting the engaging portion 2231 without affecting the installation of the powder container 200 and its cooperation with the imaging equipment. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the elastic element can be detachably connected to the powder discharge cylinder or the positioning frame. Before installation into the imaging equipment, the elastic element can be removed, increasing the flexibility of component assembly.

[0059] Example 3

[0060] like Figure 12 As shown, the toner filling container of Embodiment 3 includes a toner bag unit 10b (toner bag portion) and a discharge unit 20b (discharge portion), which are examples of toner storage units. The toner bag unit 10b and the discharge unit 20b are detachably connected. Figure 13 As shown, the discharge unit 20b is formed as a toner discharge cylinder, wherein a toner discharge channel 21b is provided, and the toner discharge channel 21b has a toner discharge port 211b (toner discharge port) provided on the side wall of the discharge unit 20b. Figure 14 As shown, the powder bag unit 10b includes a powder bag 11b (as an example of a storage unit), a connecting part 12b, and a protective cover 13b, with the connecting part 12b disposed at one end of the powder bag 11b.

[0061] The powder bag 11b can be made of a flexible material, while the connecting part 12b is made of a material with a higher hardness than the powder bag 11b, so as to achieve the connecting and positioning function of the connecting part 12b. For example, the powder bag 11b and the connecting part 12b are separate structures, which can be bonded together or heat-fused. Alternatively, the powder bag 11b and the connecting part 12b can also be integrally formed and connected together; this application does not limit the connection method between the two.

[0062] The connecting portion 12b is provided with a powder outlet 121b, and the protective cover 13b is detachably connected to the connecting portion 12b and covers the powder outlet 121b. Preferably, the protective cover 13b is partially disposed inside the powder outlet 121b. For example, Figure 14 As shown, the powder outlet 121b has an internal thread, and the protective cover 13b has a corresponding external thread. The protective cover 13b is threadedly connected to the powder outlet 421b, allowing it to be detachably connected to the connecting part 12b and partially inserted into the powder outlet 121b. The protective cover 13b can also be installed to the connecting part 12b using other detachable connection methods, such as snap-fit ​​connections; this application does not limit this. The protective cover 13b has a force-applying part 131b, such as a handle, knob, or pull ring, for the user to apply force, facilitating the installation and removal of the protective cover 13b.

[0063] The powder outlet 121b is sealed by a seal, and this seal is preferably configured to seal the powder outlet 121b from the inside of the connection portion 12b. For example, Figure 15 As shown, the inner surface of the connecting part 12b (the surface of the connecting part 12b that connects to the powder bag 11b) is provided with a sealing film 141b as an example of a sealing element. The sealing film 141b is bonded to the inner surface of the connecting part 12b by adhesive or hot-melt welding to seal the powder outlet 121b.

[0064] The sealing film 141b can also be set on the outside of the connecting part 12b and seal the powder outlet 121b. In this case, the protective cover 13b can also be detachably installed on the connecting part 12b by means of threaded connection or snap-fit ​​connection. For example, the connecting part 12b is provided with external thread, and the protective cover 13b is provided with internal thread to be threadedly connected to the connecting part 12b.

[0065] In Example 3, the internal chamber of the powder bag unit 10b / powder bag 11b is preferably maintained at a positive pressure higher than atmospheric pressure after toner is added. For example, after adding toner to powder bag 11b, the inside of powder bag 11b is pressurized so that its internal pressure is higher than the external atmospheric pressure. Accordingly, the sealing film 141b is preferably a high-elasticity sealing film to withstand the positive pressure (packaging pressure) after toner is added to powder bag 11b and to prevent accidental rupture of sealing film 141b when the user opens the protective cover 13b. For example, sealing film 141b can be any one of ordinary polyethylene film (PE), cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) film, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film, etc., and the thickness of sealing film 141b can be 0.1mm to 1mm.

[0066] Preferably, the sealing film 141b abuts against the protective cover 13b. For example, under positive pressure inside the powder bag 11, the sealing film 141b expands towards the protective cover 13b until it abuts against the protective cover 13b. This prevents the sealing film 141b from bursting due to accidental compression of the powder bag 11b during transportation, and keeps the powder bag 11b in a positive pressure sealed state through the protection of the protective cover 13b. Preferably, at least a portion of the protective cover 13b enters the powder outlet 121b of the connecting portion 12b to abut against the sealing film 141b. The sealing film 141b may also be spaced apart from the protective cover 13b.

[0067] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the discharge unit 20b is generally a hollow cylindrical structure, and it is threadedly connected to the powder outlet 421b to be detachably connected to the connecting part 12b and partially inserted into the powder outlet 121b. For example, the powder outlet 121b has an internal thread, and the connecting end 22b of the discharge unit 20b has a corresponding external thread, and the connecting end 22b is threadedly connected to the powder outlet 121b. A limiting protrusion 23b may be provided on the peripheral wall of the discharge unit 20b to facilitate positioning the discharge unit 20b within the powder outlet 121b. The discharge unit 20b can also be installed to the connecting part 12b using other detachable connection methods, such as snap-fit ​​connections; this application does not limit this.

[0068] In use, the user first removes the protective cover 13b, then connects the discharge unit 20b to the connection part 12b of the toner bag unit 10b. At this time, the toner discharge channel 21b of the discharge unit 20b is connected to the toner outlet 121b. After the discharge unit 20b is connected, the user can apply force to squeeze the toner bag 11b to cause the sealing film 141b to burst, open, or break, and the toner in the toner bag 11b can enter the toner discharge channel 21b of the discharge unit 20b from the toner outlet 121b. The toner discharge channel 21b is equipped with an openable and closable control valve. By controlling the opening and closing of this control valve, the toner supply from the toner container to the developing / processing cartridge in the imaging equipment can be controlled.

[0069] In Example 3, after the discharge unit 20b is connected to the powder bag unit 10b, the sealing film 141b is ruptured by the user squeezing the powder bag 11b. There is no need to set up an additional sealing film puncture structure, which has the advantage of simple powder filling container structure.

[0070] As a variation of Embodiment 3, a sealing valve is provided inside the powder outlet 121b to seal the powder outlet 121b. This sealing valve is, for example, a cross valve made of silicone rubber. After the discharge unit 20b is connected, the user squeezes the powder bag 11b to cause the sealing valve to burst, and the toner in the powder bag 11b can then enter the powder discharge channel 21b of the discharge unit 20b from the powder outlet 121b.

[0071] Example 4

[0072] like Figure 16 As shown, the difference between Example 4 and Example 3 is that: in Example 4, the internal pressure of the powder bag 11b is not limited. For example, after the powder bag 11b is filled with toner, it can be kept at normal pressure; the powder bag 11b is provided with a puncture member 15b inside, which is used to puncture the sealing film 141b. The sealing film 141b can be an ordinary sealing film or a high-elasticity sealing film.

[0073] Preferably, the puncture element 15b is disposed on the bottom surface of the powder bag 11b relative to the connecting part 12b and extends toward the powder outlet 121b, so as to facilitate alignment with the powder outlet 121b and prevent accidental puncture of the bag body 11b during transportation. The puncture element 15b can be connected to the bag body 11b by means of adhesive bonding, hot melt welding, etc., or it can have an integrally formed structure with the bag body 11b.

[0074] In use, after connecting the discharge unit 20b to the connecting part 12b of the powder bag unit 10b, the user needs to squeeze the powder bag 11b to make the puncturing element 15b puncture the sealing film 141b. The toner in the powder bag 11b can then enter the powder discharge channel 21b of the discharge unit 20b from the powder outlet 121b. This method has the advantage of a simple sealing film puncture structure.

[0075] Example 5

[0076] like Figure 17 As shown, the difference between Embodiment 5 and Embodiment 4 is that the sealing structure of the powder outlet 121b is a sealing valve 142b, which is at least partially disposed inside the powder outlet 121b, preferably disposed at the inner end of the powder outlet 121b (i.e., the end of the powder outlet 121b that connects to the inside of the powder bag 11b); the sealing valve 142b is, for example, a cross valve such as a cross silicone valve or other puncture-resistant sealing valve, which is not limited in this application.

[0077] In use, after connecting the discharge unit 20b to the connection part 12b of the powder bag unit 10b, the user needs to squeeze the powder bag 11b to puncture the sealing valve 142b with the puncturing element 15b, and the toner in the powder bag 11b can enter the discharge channel 21b of the discharge unit 20b from the powder outlet 121b.

[0078] As a variation of the foregoing embodiment, a puncture member may be provided on the discharge unit 20b, for example, at the end where the discharge unit 20b is connected to the connecting part 12b. This puncture member punctures, for example, the sealing film 141b or the sealing valve 142b during the process of the discharge unit 20b being connected to the powder bag unit 10b.

[0079] Example 6

[0080] like Figures 18 to 20 As shown, in Embodiment 6, the toner container includes a toner storage box 40b, exemplified by a toner storage unit, and a discharge unit 20b detachably connected to the toner storage box 40b. The toner storage box 40b includes a box body 41b, exemplified by a storage section. The box body 41b has a connecting portion 42b protruding from one end and forming part of it. The box body 41b is circular or square in shape, while the connecting portion 42b is cylindrical, but not limited to this. The connecting portion 42b has a toner outlet 421b, which is sealed by a sealing member 43b. The sealing member 43b is selected as a sealing valve, such as a cross-shaped silicone valve, or other sealing members capable of being squeezed, burst, opened, or destroyed (e.g., a sealing membrane).

[0081] The discharge unit 20b is threadedly connected to the powder outlet 421b, and is detachably connected to the connecting portion 42b of the housing 41b and partially inserted into the powder outlet 421b. For example, as shown... Figure 19 As shown, the powder outlet 421b has an internal thread, and the protective cover 13b has a corresponding external thread. The protective cover 13b and the powder outlet 421b are threaded together, so as to be detachably connected to the connecting part 42b and partially inserted into the powder outlet 421b. The discharge unit 20b can also be installed to the connecting part 42b of the box body 41 by other detachable connection methods such as snap-fit ​​connection, and this application does not limit this.

[0082] The housing 41b stores toner, and its internal pressure can be atmospheric pressure or positive pressure. At least a portion of the housing 41b is configured to undergo elastic deformation. For example, any two opposite sidewalls of the square housing 41b are configured to undergo elastic deformation and have a certain rebound force to return to the initial shape after being compressed. The other two opposite sidewalls are supported by rigid material.

[0083] Furthermore, the powder storage box 40b also includes a protective cover 13b detachably connected to the connection portion 42b of the box body 41b, the protective cover 13b covering the powder outlet 421b. Preferably, the protective cover 13b is partially disposed inside the powder outlet 421b, and the inner end face of the protective cover 13b abuts against the seal 43b to prevent the seal 43b from breaking due to accidental compression of the box body 41b during transportation.

[0084] For example, the protective cover 13b is threadedly connected to the powder outlet 421b, so as to be detachably mounted on the connecting portion 42b of the box body 41b. The protective cover 13b and the connecting portion 42b can also be mounted on the box body 41b by other detachable connection methods, such as snap-fit ​​connection, and this application does not limit this.

[0085] In use, after connecting the discharge unit 20b to the connecting part 42b of the housing 41b, the powder discharge channel 21b of the discharge unit 20b is connected to the powder outlet 421b. After the discharge unit 20b is connected, the user squeezes the housing 41b to compress its internal space, increasing the air pressure inside the housing 41b until the seal 43b bursts, allowing the toner inside the housing 41b to enter the powder discharge channel 21b of the discharge unit 20b from the powder outlet 421b. In embodiment 4, there is no need to set a seal puncture structure, which has the advantage of simple structure.

[0086] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, some identical descriptions in the different embodiments described above have been omitted. Unless there are contradictions or exclusions, the different embodiments disclosed above can be referenced, consulted, or combined with each other, and the technical features / components of different embodiments can also be combined and / or substituted with each other.

[0087] Although the present invention has been described above through embodiments, it should be understood that the above embodiments are only used to exemplarily describe the possible implementations of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. That is, any substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the present invention should also be covered by the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A toner filling container, detachably installable into an imaging device; the toner filling container includes a detachably connected toner bag portion and a discharge portion, the toner bag portion for storing toner, and the discharge portion having a toner discharge outlet; characterized in that: The powder bag portion is provided with a seal for sealing the toner within the internal cavity of the powder bag portion; the seal can be opened or broken by applying pressure to the powder bag portion, allowing the toner inside the powder bag portion to enter the discharge portion.

2. The powder adding container according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before the toner filling container is installed into the imaging device, the toner is sealed inside the toner bag portion; after the toner filling container is installed into the imaging device, the seal is opened or broken to allow the toner to enter the discharge portion.

3. The powder adding container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The discharge section includes a toner discharge cylinder, and the toner discharge outlet is disposed on the toner discharge cylinder; wherein, the toner discharge cylinder is further provided with an engagement part, the engagement part being used to engage with the engagement part of the imaging device, so that the toner container can move or rotate under the drive of the imaging device.

4. The powder adding container according to claim 3, characterized in that: The discharge section further includes a positioning frame, which is disposed around the periphery of the discharge section and configured to support the toner discharge cylinder; wherein the engaging part and the toner discharge outlet are exposed from the opening of the positioning frame.

5. The powder adding container according to claim 3, characterized in that: The discharge section also includes a protrusion that extends radially along the discharge cylinder, the protrusion being disposed along the periphery of the engagement portion or along the entire discharge cylinder.

6. The powder adding container according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that: The meshing part is a groove provided on the powder discharge cylinder.

7. The powder adding container according to claim 6, characterized in that: The discharge portion also includes an elastic member covering the engagement portion, which is pushed open by the engagement portion of the imaging device when the powder container is installed to the imaging device.

8. The powder adding container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder dispensing container includes a protective cap that can be detachably connected to the powder bag portion, the protective cap abutting against the seal; the seal is disposed at the channel where the powder bag portion and the discharge portion meet.

9. The powder adding container according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the sealing element is a sealing membrane or a sealing valve, the internal chamber of the powder bag portion has a positive pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

10. The powder adding container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The powder bag portion is configured as a box body with at least a portion capable of elastic deformation, and the internal pressure of the box body is atmospheric pressure.

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