Toner storage container

Abstract

To facilitate work for replenishing toner.SOLUTION: A toner storage container 100Y comprises: a storage part that has a storage space 111 for storing toner, and in which a supply port 113 opening the storage space 111 upward and a discharge port 115 opening the storage space 111 downward are formed; and an agitation member 120 arranged in the storage space 111. The agitation member 120 has: a first rotational shaft 123 rotatably supported by the storage part at a position that does not overlap with the supply port 113 in a plan view; a first outer peripheral agitation unit 121 extending in a direction parallel to the first rotational shaft 123; and a first connection unit 125 extending radially from the first rotational shaft 123, and having one end connected to the first outer peripheral agitation unit 121.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toner storage container that is detachable from an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] An image forming apparatus, typified by an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), includes a developing unit that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive drum with toner, and a toner container that contains the toner to be supplied to the developing unit. The toner container is detachable from the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, the toner container can be reused by refilling it with toner. In some cases, this toner container is equipped with an agitator that rotates within the container to agitate the toner, in order to break down the toner contained in the container if it solidifies.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-227996 describes a developer storage container including: a rotary stirring member that is disposed within the container body and rotates around a rotation axis to stir the developer stored in the container body while transporting it to an outlet; a lattice-shaped rotary support member that is disposed on the rotary stirring member, rotates integrally with the rotation axis, has a base end that rotates integrally with the rotation axis, and a free end that is disposed close to the inner wall of the container body and has a plurality of openings formed along the longitudinal direction of the rotation axis; ring-shaped members that are disposed on a circumference of the rotary support member near the free end, centered on the rotation axis, and are provided at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the rotation axis; protruding blade members that protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member so as to be close to the inner wall of the container body in the centrifugal direction of the rotation axis; and a flexible blade member whose base end is held by the free end of the rotary support member and whose tip end contacts at least the inner wall of the container body to transport the developer to the outlet.

[0004] However, the developer container described in JP 2015-227996 A has an agitator located between the supply port for filling the toner and the discharge port. Therefore, the toner filled into the container from the supply port hits the agitator as it falls. Therefore, in order to distribute the toner below the agitator inside the container, the container must be tilted, or the like. This makes filling the container with toner difficult. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-227996 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a toner storage container that makes it easy to fill with toner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a toner storage container includes a storage section having a storage space for storing toner, and having a supply port that opens the storage space upward and a discharge port that opens the storage space downward, and an agitator section arranged in the storage space, wherein the agitator section has a rotating shaft that is rotatably supported by the storage section at a position that does not overlap with the supply port in a planar view, an outer peripheral agitator section that extends in a direction parallel to the rotating shaft, and a connection section that extends radially from the rotating shaft and has one end connected to the outer peripheral agitator section. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a first perspective view showing the appearance of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of the internal configuration of an MFP. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a second perspective view showing the appearance of the MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a toner storage container. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a first perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of a toner storage container. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of the toner storage container. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a side view of the stirring member as seen from direction B. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the stirring member as seen from the direction C. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a side view of the stirring member as seen from the E direction. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the toner storage container taken along a horizontal plane. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of a toner storage container according to a first modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a stirring member in a first modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a stirring member in a first modified example. [Figure 16] 10 is a side view of the stirring member in the first modified example as viewed from direction B. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a side view of the stirring member in the first modified example as viewed from the direction C. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a side view of the stirring member in the first modified example as viewed from the E direction. [Figure 19] 10 is a side view of the stirring member in the first modified example as seen from direction D. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a toner storage container according to a first modified example taken along a horizontal plane. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of a toner storage container according to a second modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 3 is a first diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the stirring member and the first flexible sheet. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a second diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the stirring member and the first flexible sheet. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a third diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the stirring member and the first flexible sheet. [Figure 25] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of a toner storage container according to a third modified example. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of a toner storage container according to a fourth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of these components are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a first perspective view showing the appearance of an MFP according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 1 is an example of an image forming apparatus, and is provided on its front surface with a cover member 50 that constitutes part of a main body case. Cover member 50 is openable and closable, and FIG. 1 shows MFP 1 in a closed state with cover member 50 closed. Here, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, which intersect perpendicularly with each other, are defined. The X direction and Y direction are parallel to the horizontal plane. Within the Y direction, the direction from the rear of MFP 1 toward the front (the direction from the positive side to the negative side in the Y direction) is referred to as the front direction, and the horizontal direction from the front to the rear (the direction from the negative side to the positive side in the Y direction) is referred to as the rear direction.

[0011] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of an MFP. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, MFP 1 includes a document reading unit 2 that reads a document, an image forming unit 3 that forms an image on paper based on image data, and a paper feed unit 4 that supplies paper to image forming unit 3.

[0012] The document reading unit 2 exposes the image of a document set on a document glass 11 with an exposure lamp 13 attached to a slider 12 that moves below the document glass. Light reflected from the document is guided to a lens 16 by a mirror 14 and two reflecting mirrors 15 and 15A, and forms an image on a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) sensor 18.

[0013] The reflected light that forms an image on the CCD sensor 18 is converted into image data as an electrical signal within the CCD sensor 18. The image data is converted into printing data in cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) and output to the image forming unit 3.

[0014] The image forming unit 3 includes image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. Here, "Y," "M," "C," and "K" represent yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. An image is formed by driving at least one of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. A full-color image is formed when all of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are driven. Print data for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is input to the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, respectively. The image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K differ only in the color of the toner they use. Therefore, the image forming unit 20Y for forming a yellow image will be described here.

[0015] Image forming unit 20Y includes exposure device 21Y, photosensitive drum 23Y as an image carrier, charging roller 22Y, developing device 24Y, primary transfer roller 25Y, and drum cleaning blade 27Y. Around photosensitive drum 23Y, charging roller 22Y, exposure device 21Y, developing device 24Y, primary transfer roller 25Y, and drum cleaning blade 27Y are arranged in this order along the rotation direction of photosensitive drum 23Y.

[0016] Charging roller 22Y uniformly charges the surface of photoreceptor drum 23Y. Yellow printing data is input to exposure device 21Y, which exposes photoreceptor drum 23Y in accordance with the printing data. Primary transfer roller 25Y transfers the toner image formed on photoreceptor drum 23Y onto intermediate transfer belt 30, which is an image carrier, by the action of electric field force. Drum cleaning blade 27Y removes residual toner from photoreceptor drum 23Y.

[0017] After being charged by the charging roller 22Y, the photoreceptor drum 23Y is irradiated with laser light emitted by the exposure device 21Y. The exposure device 21Y exposes the image-corresponding portion of the surface of the photoreceptor drum 23Y. This forms an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 23Y. Next, the developing device 24Y develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y with charged toner. Specifically, toner is placed on the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y by the action of electric field force, thereby forming a toner image on the photoreceptor drum 23Y. The toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 30, which serves as an image carrier, by the action of electric field force using the primary transfer roller 25Y. Any toner remaining on the photoreceptor drum 23Y that has not been transferred is removed from the photoreceptor drum 23Y by the drum cleaning blade 27Y.

[0018] Meanwhile, the intermediate transfer belt 30 is suspended tightly by a drive roller 33 and a driven roller 34. When the drive roller 33 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 2, the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotates counterclockwise in the drawing at a predetermined speed. As the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotates, the driven roller 34 rotates counterclockwise.

[0019] As a result, the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K sequentially transfer toner images onto the intermediate transfer belt 30. The timing at which each of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K transfers a toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 30 is adjusted based on the detection of the reference marks on the intermediate transfer belt 30. As a result, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 30.

[0020] The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 30 is transferred to paper by the action of electric field force by the secondary transfer roller 26, which is a transfer member. The paper is transported by timing roller 31 to the nip portion where the intermediate transfer belt 30 and secondary transfer roller 26 come into contact. The paper with the transferred toner image is transported to fixing roller 32, where it is heated and pressed. This melts the toner and fixes it to the paper. The paper is then ejected to paper output tray 39.

[0021] A belt cleaning blade 28 is provided upstream of the image forming unit 20Y on the intermediate transfer belt 30. The belt cleaning blade 28 removes toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 30 that has not been transferred to paper.

[0022] Paper of different sizes is set in paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A, respectively. The paper stored in paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A is supplied to the transport path by take-out rollers 36 and 36A attached to paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A, respectively, and sent to timing roller 31 by paper feed roller 37.

[0023] When forming a full-color image, the MFP 1 drives all of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. When forming a monochrome image, the MFP 1 drives only one of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. Images can also be formed by combining two or more of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. Here, we will describe an example in which the MFP 1 employs a tandem system with image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K that form four different colors of toner on paper. However, the MFP 1 may also employ a four-cycle system in which four different colors of toner are transferred sequentially onto paper using a single photosensitive drum.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a second perspective view showing the appearance of an MFP according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows the MFP 1 in an open state with the cover member 50 open. With reference to Fig. 3, when the cover member 50 is in the open state, the storage area of the image forming unit 3 in which the toner storage containers 100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K are stored is exposed to the outside.

[0025] When the toner storage containers 100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K are attached to the MFP 1, the toner storage containers 100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K are disposed above the developing units 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K, respectively.

[0026] Each of the toner storage containers 100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K is detached from the MFP 1 by being pulled out in the front direction (negative side in the Y direction) by the user, and is attached to the MFP 1 by being pushed in the rear direction (positive side in the Y direction) by the user. Figure 3 shows the toner storage container 100Y detached from the MFP 1.

[0027] The toner storage containers 100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K store different toners but have the same configuration, so the following description will be given taking the toner storage container 100Y as an example unless otherwise specified.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a toner storage container. Referring to Fig. 4, toner storage container 100Y includes a storage section 110 and a transport section 150. Transport section 150, which extends in the Y direction, is connected to the lower side (negative Z direction) of storage section 110. Storage section 110 includes a storage section main body 110A, a front cover 110B, and a lid 116. Front cover 110B is disposed in front of storage section main body 110A (negative Y direction), and detachable lid 116 is disposed on the top surface of storage section main body 110A.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a first perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of a toner storage container. Referring to FIG. 5, the toner storage container 100Y is shown in a state in which the front cover 110B and the lid 116 have been removed from the storage unit main body 110A of the storage unit 110. The storage unit main body 110A has a storage space 111. A supply port 113 is formed on the top surface of the storage unit main body 110A. The supply port 113 is an opening that opens the storage space 111 upward. When the lid 116 is attached to the storage unit main body 110A, it closes the supply port 113, and when the lid 116 is detached from the storage unit main body 110A, it opens the supply port 113. A discharge port 115 is formed on the bottom surface of the storage unit main body 110A. The discharge port 115 is an opening that opens the storage space 111 downward. The discharge port 115 formed in the storage body 110A connects the storage space 111 and the internal space of the transport section 150.

[0030] The conveying unit 150 has a cylindrical internal space extending in the Y direction. A conveying screw 153 is disposed in the internal space of the conveying unit 150. The conveying unit 150 has an opening that opens the internal space downward. The conveying screw 153 has a rotation shaft extending in the Y direction and a blade formed in a spiral shape centered on the rotation shaft. The conveying screw 153 is attached to the conveying unit 150 so as to be rotatable about the rotation shaft. The rotation shaft of the conveying screw 153 engages with a gear outside the conveying unit 150. When the toner storage container 100A is attached to the MFP1, a motor provided in the MFP1 applies a rotational force to the gear engaged with the conveying screw 153. The toner is conveyed by the rotation of the conveying screw 153. The toner conveyed by the conveying screw 153 is supplied to the image forming unit 20Y through an opening formed in the conveying unit 150. An agitating member 120 is disposed in the storage space 111 of the storage unit main body 110A.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a second perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of a toner storage container. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the agitating member. In FIG. 7, arrow A indicates the direction when agitating member 120 is viewed from above (negative Z direction), hereinafter referred to as direction A. Arrows B and E are directions that intersect perpendicularly with arrow A and are mutually orthogonal. Hereinafter, the direction indicated by arrow B (negative X direction) will be referred to as direction B, and the direction indicated by arrow E (positive Y direction) will be referred to as direction E. Arrow D is the direction opposite to direction E, and the direction indicated by arrow D (negative Y direction) will be referred to as direction D. Arrow C is the direction opposite to direction B, and the direction indicated by arrow C (positive X direction) will be referred to as direction C. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the agitating member. FIG. 9 is a side view of the agitating member as viewed from direction B. FIG. 10 is a side view of the agitating member as viewed from direction C. FIG. 11 is a side view of the agitating member as viewed from direction E.

[0032] 5 to 11, stirring member 120 is rotatably arranged in housing space 111 of housing unit 110. Stirring member 120 has a first outer circumferential stirring portion 121, a second outer circumferential stirring portion 122, a first rotating shaft 123, a second rotating shaft 124, a first connecting portion 125, and a second connecting portion 126. First rotating shaft 123 and second rotating shaft 124 are cylindrical and have a common axis.

[0033] The first connecting portion 125 has a flat plate shape extending radially relative to the axis of the first rotating shaft 123. The first connecting portion 125 has a first connecting end 125A as one end in the radial direction relative to the axis of the first rotating shaft 123 and a second connecting end 125B as the other end. The second connecting portion 126 has a flat plate shape extending radially relative to the axis of the second rotating shaft 124. The second connecting portion 126 has a third connecting end 126A as one end in the radial direction relative to the axis of the second rotating shaft 124 and a fourth connecting end 126B as the other end.

[0034] First outer periphery stirring part 121 has a flat plate shape extending in a direction parallel to the axis of first rotating shaft 123. First outer periphery stirring part 121 has first stirring end 121A, which is one end in the direction parallel to the axis of first rotating shaft 123, and second stirring end 121B, which is the other end. First outer periphery stirring part 121 is connected to first connecting end 125A of first connecting part 125 at first stirring end 121A, and connected to third connecting end 126A of second connecting part 126 at second stirring end 121B. Second outer periphery stirring part 122 has a flat plate shape extending in a direction parallel to the axis of second rotating shaft 124. Second outer periphery stirring part 122 has third stirring end 122A, which is one end in the direction parallel to the axis of second rotating shaft 124, and fourth stirring end 122B, which is the other end. Second outer circumferential stirring part 122 is connected at third stirring end 122A to second connecting end 125B of first connecting part 125, and at fourth stirring end 122B to fourth connecting end 126B of second connecting part 126. First outer circumferential stirring part 121 and second outer circumferential stirring part 122 are each disposed between first connecting part 125 and second connecting part 126.

[0035] First outer periphery stirring section 121 is connected to first connecting section 125 and second connecting section 126 at a position a predetermined distance away from the axes of first rotating shaft 123 and second rotating shaft 124. Second outer periphery stirring section 122 is connected to first connecting section 125 and second connecting section 126 at a position a predetermined distance away from the axes of first rotating shaft 123 and second rotating shaft 124. As shown in FIG. 8 , first connecting section 125, second connecting section 126, first outer periphery stirring section 121, and second outer periphery stirring section 122 form a gap 129 surrounded by them.

[0036] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the toner storage container taken along a horizontal plane. FIG. 12 is a view of the toner storage container 100Y as viewed from above. Referring to FIG. 12, the first rotating shaft 123 is supported by a first bearing 117A formed on the front cover 110B of the storage unit 110. The second rotating shaft 124 is supported by a second bearing 117B formed on the back surface of the storage unit main body 110A of the storage unit 110. The second rotating shaft 124 engages with a gear 119 outside the storage unit main body 110A. When the toner storage container 100Y is attached to the MFP 1, a rotational force is applied to the gear 119 by a motor provided in the MFP 1. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the agitating member 120 rotates around the first rotating shaft 123 and the second rotating shaft 124 in the storage space 111 of the storage unit 110. When the agitating member 120 rotates, the toner contained in the containing space 111 of the containing portion 110 is agitated.

[0037] Furthermore, when the toner storage container 100Y is in the same orientation as when it is attached to the MFP 1, the discharge port 115 overlaps with the supply port 113. In this embodiment, the area of the supply port 113 is larger than the area of the discharge port 115. Therefore, the discharge port 115 is located inside the supply port 113 in a plan view. If the agitator 120 is not located between the supply port 113 and the discharge port 115, the toner supplied from the supply port 113 falls below the agitator 120. Note that the sizes of the supply port 113 and the discharge port 115 are not limited to this. As long as the supply port 113 and the discharge port 115 overlap in a plan view, the area of the supply port 113 may be smaller than that of the discharge port 115.

[0038] 12 shows a state in which the agitating member 120 is horizontal. When the agitating member 120 is horizontal, the first outer peripheral agitating portion 121 and the second outer peripheral agitating portion 122 are at the same height. When the agitating member 120 is horizontal, the area of the gap 129 in the vertical direction is maximized. When the agitating member 120 is horizontal and toner is supplied from the supply port 113, the toner can be filled into the storage section 110 most efficiently.

[0039] The state of agitator 120 only needs to be such that it is not positioned in the space below supply port 113. Within an angular range in which agitator 120 is rotated a predetermined angle in the positive or negative direction from a horizontal state, agitator 120 is not positioned in the space below supply port 113. Even in this case, toner supplied from supply port 113 falls below agitator 120, and therefore the fall of the toner is not prevented by agitator 120.

[0040] <First Modification> Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of a toner storage container in the first modified example. Referring to Fig. 13, toner storage container 100A in the first modified example differs from toner storage container 100Y described above in that agitator 120 is changed to agitator 120A. The other configuration is the same as toner storage container 100Y, so description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0041] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the agitating member in the first modified example. Fig. 15 is a plan view of the agitating member in the first modified example. Fig. 16 is a side view of the agitating member in the first modified example as seen from direction B. Fig. 17 is a side view of the agitating member in the first modified example as seen from direction C. Fig. 18 is a side view of the agitating member in the first modified example as seen from direction E. Fig. 19 is a side view of the agitating member in the first modified example as seen from direction D.

[0042] 14 to 19, stirring member 120A differs from stirring member 120 described above in that first outer periphery stirring portion 121 is changed to first outer periphery stirring portion 131, and second outer periphery stirring portion 122 is changed to second outer periphery stirring portion 132. As the other configurations of stirring member 120A are the same as those of stirring member 120, description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0043] The first outer periphery stirring section 131 includes a first central stirring section 131A, a first side stirring section 131B, and a second side stirring section 131C. The first central stirring section 131A is the same as the first outer periphery stirring section 121 described above. The first central stirring section 131A is disposed between the first connecting section 125 and the second connecting section 126. The first side stirring section 131B and the second side stirring section 131C each have a flat plate shape extending in a direction parallel to the axis of the first rotating shaft 123. One end of the first side stirring section 131B parallel to the axis of the first rotating shaft 123 is connected to the first connecting end 125A of the first connecting section 125. The first side stirring section 131B is connected to the surface of the first connecting section 125 opposite to the surface to which the first central stirring section 131A is connected. One end of second side stirring part 131C parallel to the axis of first rotating shaft 123 is connected to third connecting end 126A of second connecting part 126. Second side stirring part 131C is connected to the surface of second connecting part 126 opposite to the surface to which first central stirring part 131A is connected.

[0044] Second outer peripheral stirring section 132 includes second central stirring section 132A and third side stirring section 132B. Second central stirring section 132A is plate-shaped and extends in a direction parallel to the axis of second rotation shaft 124. Both ends of second central stirring section 132A are connected to second connecting end 125B of first connecting section 125 and third connecting end 126A of second connecting section 126, respectively. Second central stirring section 132A is disposed between first connecting section 125 and second connecting end 125B.

[0045] A cross section of second central stirring section 132A taken along a plane passing through second rotating shaft 124 has different radial lengths of second rotating shaft 124 at different positions in the axial direction of second rotating shaft 124. In this embodiment, second central stirring section 132A has an end face closer to the axis of second rotating shaft 124 that is a surface parallel to the axis. Therefore, the end face of second central stirring section 132A at the part farther from the axis of second rotating shaft 124 forms an inclined surface whose distance from the axis of second rotating shaft 124 varies.

[0046] The first central stirring section 131A has a larger cross-sectional area taken along a plane passing through the axes of the first rotating shaft 123 and the second rotating shaft 124 than the second central stirring section 132A. Since the resistance that the second central stirring section 132A receives from the toner is smaller than that of the first central stirring section 131A, the toner contained in the containing space 111 can be stirred efficiently.

[0047] Third side stirring part 132B has a plate shape that extends in a direction parallel to the axis of second rotating shaft 124. One end of third side stirring part 132B in a direction parallel to the axis of second rotating shaft 124 is connected to second connecting end part 125B of first connecting part 125. Third side stirring part 132B is connected to the surface of first connecting part 125 opposite to the surface to which second central stirring part 132A is connected.

[0048] First central stirring part 131A is connected to first connecting part 125 and second connecting part 126 at a position a predetermined distance away from the axes of first rotating shaft 123 and second rotating shaft 124. Second central stirring part 132A is connected to first connecting part 125 and second connecting part 126 at a position a predetermined distance away from the axes of first rotating shaft 123 and second rotating shaft 124. As shown in FIG. 15 , first connecting part 125, second connecting part 126, first central stirring part 131A, and second central stirring part 132A form a gap 129 surrounded by them.

[0049] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a toner storage container in a first modified example taken along a horizontal plane. Fig. 20 is a view of a toner storage container 100A in the first modified example seen from above. Referring to Fig. 20, a first rotating shaft 123 is supported by a first bearing 117A formed on a front cover 110B of the storage unit 110. A second rotating shaft 124 is supported by a second bearing 117B formed on a rear surface of a storage unit main body 110A of the storage unit 110. The storage space 111 has a front storage space 111B between a surface formed by rotation of the first connecting portion 125 and the front cover 110B, and a rear storage space 111A between a surface formed by rotation of the second connecting portion 126 and the rear surface of the storage unit main body 110A.

[0050] As the agitating member 120 in the first modified example rotates, the toner contained in the storage space 111 of the storage unit 110 is agitated. The toner located in the front storage space 111B is agitated by the first side agitating portion 131B and the third side agitating portion 132B. The toner located in the rear storage space 111A is agitated by the second side agitating portion 131C. This allows even more toner to be agitated.

[0051] <Second Modification> FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of a toner storage container in a second modified example. Referring to FIG. 21, a toner storage container 100B in the second modified example is configured by adding a first flexible sheet 141 to the toner storage container 100Y shown in FIG. 6. The other configurations are the same as those of the toner storage container 100Y, so a description thereof will not be repeated here. The first flexible sheet 141 is a rectangular sheet and is flexible. The first flexible sheet 141 is formed of resin or metal. One end of the first flexible sheet 141 is fixed to the first outer peripheral agitating portion 121 of the agitating member 120 with an adhesive or the like. The first flexible sheet 141 extends from the first outer peripheral agitating portion 121 in a direction opposite to the second outer peripheral agitating portion 122. First flexible sheet 141 has the same width as the length in a direction parallel to the axis of first rotating shaft 123 of first outer peripheral agitating portion 121 of agitating member 120, and is disposed between first connecting portion 125 and second connecting portion 126. The length of first flexible sheet 141 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of first rotating shaft 123 is equal to or greater than the distance between first outer peripheral agitating portion 121 and toner storage container 100A when first outer peripheral agitating portion 121 and second outer peripheral agitating portion 122 of agitating member 120 are at the same height.

[0052] 22 to 24 are diagrams showing an example of the positional relationship between the agitator and the first flexible sheet. FIGS. 22 to 24 show the interior of the toner storage container 100B with the front cover 110B removed. Referring to FIGS. 22 to 24, the agitator 120 rotates counterclockwise around the axis of the first rotation shaft 123. As the agitator 120 rotates, the first flexible sheet 141 moves within the storage space 111. When the agitator 120 is in the position shown in FIG. 22, the first flexible sheet 141 deforms along the inner wall of the storage unit main body 110A, blocking the discharge port 115. Furthermore, the toner supplied from the supply port 113 can pass through the gap 129 in the agitator 120 and fall below the agitator 120.

[0053] 23, first flexible sheet 141 is positioned above agitating member 120. Toner supplied from supply port 113 can pass through gap 129 in agitating member 120 and fall to below agitating member 120 without hitting first flexible sheet 141.

[0054] 22 to the position shown in Fig. 23, first flexible sheet 141 slides along the inner wall of accommodating unit main body 110A. As a result, toner present below and to the sides of accommodating space 111 between agitating member 120 and accommodating unit main body 110A is agitated by first flexible sheet 141.

[0055] 24, first flexible sheet 141 comes into contact with the inner wall of containing unit main body 110A and becomes deformed. Toner supplied from supply port 113 passes through gap 129 of agitator 120 and can fall below agitator 120 without hitting first flexible sheet 141.

[0056] 24, the first flexible sheet 141 moves above the agitating member 120 in the storage space 111, and then slides while abutting against the storage unit main body 110A. This allows the toner located above the agitating member 120 in the storage space 111 to be agitated.

[0057] 24, the first flexible sheet 141 slides along the inner wall of the containing unit main body 110A. As a result, the toner present between the stirring member 120 and the containing unit main body 110A on the side of the containing space 111 is stirred by the first flexible sheet 141.

[0058] The toner storage container 100A in the first modified example may be additionally provided with a first flexible sheet 141. In this case, the first flexible sheet 141 is fixed to the first central stirring portion 131A of the stirring member 120A.

[0059] <Third Modification> Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of a toner storage container in a third modified example. Referring to Fig. 25, a toner storage container 100C in the third modified example is configured by adding a second flexible sheet 141A to the toner storage container 100Y shown in Fig. 6. The other configurations are the same as those of the toner storage container 100Y, so the description will not be repeated here. The second flexible sheet 141A is a rectangular sheet and is flexible. The second flexible sheet 141A is formed of resin or metal.

[0060] One end of second flexible sheet 141A is fixed to first outer peripheral agitator 121 of agitator 120 with an adhesive or the like. First flexible sheet 141 extends from first outer peripheral agitator 121 toward second outer peripheral agitator 122. Second flexible sheet 141A has the same width as the length of first outer peripheral agitator 121 of agitator 120 in a direction parallel to the axis of first rotating shaft 123, and is disposed between first connecting portion 125 and second connecting portion 126. Second flexible sheet 141A has a length perpendicular to the axis of first rotating shaft 123 that is shorter than the distance between first outer peripheral agitator 121 and second outer peripheral agitator 122. Therefore, second flexible sheet 141A does not entirely cover gap 129. Therefore, toner supplied from supply port 113 accumulates on second flexible sheet 141A. When a predetermined amount of toner has accumulated on second flexible sheet 141A, the weight of the toner causes second flexible sheet 141A to deform, causing the toner to fall below second flexible sheet 141A. When stirring member 120 rotates, second flexible sheet 141A stirs the toner located in storage space 111.

[0061] A second flexible sheet 141A may be added to the toner storage container 100A in the first modified example, in which case the second flexible sheet 141A is fixed to the first central stirring portion 131A of the stirring member 120A.

[0062] <Fourth Modification> Fig. 26 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of a toner storage container in the fourth modified example. Referring to Fig. 26, a toner storage container 100D in the fourth modified example is configured by adding a first flexible sheet 141 and a second flexible sheet 141A to the toner storage container 100Y shown in Fig. 6. The other configuration is the same as that of the toner storage container 100Y, so the description will not be repeated here.

[0063] When the agitator 120 in the fourth modified example rotates, the toner located around the agitator 120 and in the gap 129 is agitated. Therefore, the entire toner contained in the containing space 111 of the containing unit 110 can be agitated.

[0064] Note that the toner storage container 100A in the first modified example may be additionally provided with a first flexible sheet 141 and a second flexible sheet 141A, which are fixed to the first central stirring portion 131A of the stirring member 120A.

[0065] As described above, the agitating member 120 included in the toner storage container 100Y in this embodiment has a first rotating shaft 123, a first outer peripheral agitating portion 121, and a first connecting portion 125. The first rotating shaft 123 is rotatably supported by the storage unit 110 at a position that does not overlap with the supply port 113 in a plan view. The first outer peripheral agitating portion 121 extends in a direction parallel to the first rotating shaft 123. The first connecting portion 125 extends radially from the first rotating shaft 123, and a first connecting end portion 125A is connected to a first agitating end portion 121A of the first outer peripheral agitating portion 121. The first rotating shaft 123 and the second rotating shaft 124 of the agitating member 120 are rotatably supported by the storage unit 110 at a position that does not overlap with the first rotating shaft 123 in a plan view. First outer circumferential agitator 121 extending in a direction parallel to first rotation shaft 123 is connected to first connection end 125A of first connection portion 125 extending radially from first rotation shaft 123. Because first outer circumferential agitator 121 is rotatable around the axis of first rotation shaft 123, an angle range is provided in which first outer circumferential agitator 121 is not positioned below supply port 113. Therefore, agitator 120 does not block the fall of toner supplied from supply port 113 to storage space 111, and toner can reach below agitator 120 within storage space 111.

[0066] First and second rotating shafts 123 and 124 of agitating member 120 are rotatably supported by storage unit 110 at positions that do not overlap supply port 113 in a plan view. First outer peripheral agitating unit 121 is connected at first agitating end 121A to first connecting end 125A of first connecting unit 125 and at second agitating end 121B to third connecting end 126A of second connecting unit 126. Second outer peripheral agitating unit 122 is connected at third agitating end 122A to second connecting end 125B of first connecting unit 125 and at fourth agitating end 122B to fourth connecting end 126B of second connecting unit 126. Because first and second outer peripheral agitating unit 121 and second outer peripheral agitating unit 122 can rotate around first and second rotating shafts 123 and 124, the toner contained in storage space 111 can be efficiently agitated. In addition, an angle range is provided in which first outer peripheral stirring portion 121 and second outer peripheral stirring portion 122 are not located below supply port 113. Therefore, stirring member 120 does not block the fall of toner supplied from supply port 113 to storage space 111, and toner can reach below stirring member 120 within storage space 111.

[0067] In the toner storage container 100A of the first modified example, the first outer peripheral agitation portion 131 has a larger cross-sectional area, taken along a plane passing through the axes of the first rotating shaft 123 and the second rotating shaft 124, than the second outer peripheral agitation portion 132. Since the resistance that the second outer peripheral agitation portion 132 receives from the toner is smaller than that of the first outer peripheral agitation portion 131, the toner stored in the storage space 111 can be efficiently agitated.

[0068] First rotating shaft 123 and first connecting portion 125 are disposed at a position at least a predetermined distance away from the space below supply port 113. First connecting end 125A of first connecting portion 125 is connected to first stirring end 121A of first outer circumferential agitating portion 121, so that first outer circumferential agitating portion 121 can be separated from the space below supply port 113. This prevents agitating member 120 from blocking the fall of toner supplied from supply port 113 to storage space 111.

[0069] In the second central stirring section 132A of the toner storage container 100A in the first modification, the cross section taken along a plane passing through the axis of the first rotating shaft 123 has different radial lengths of the first rotating shaft 123 at different positions in the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 123. This allows the toner stored in the storage section 110 to be stirred efficiently.

[0070] The agitating member 120A of the toner storage container 100A in the first modified example includes a first side agitating portion 131B extending from the first connecting portion 125 in a direction parallel to the first rotation shaft 123 and a second side agitating portion 131C extending from the second connecting portion 126 in a direction parallel to the second rotation shaft 124. This allows the toner located between the first connecting portion 125 and the inner circumferential surface of the storage portion 110 to be agitated. The first side agitating portion 131B may also extend in a direction from the first connecting portion 125 toward the first connecting portion 125. In this case, the toner located between the first rotation shaft 123 and the first outer circumferential agitating portion 121 can be agitated.

[0071] The toner storage container 100B in the second modification includes a flexible first flexible sheet 141 attached to the first outer peripheral agitating portion 121. Therefore, the toner located between the agitating member 120 and the storage portion 110 can be agitated.

[0072] The toner storage container 100C in the third modified example includes a second flexible sheet 141A extending in a direction from the first outer circumferential stirring portion 121 toward the first rotation shaft 123. The toner stored near the center of the storage portion 110 can be stirred. Furthermore, because the second flexible sheet 141A is flexible, even when the toner supplied from the supply port 113 comes into contact with the second flexible sheet 141A, the toner can be guided below the second flexible sheet 141A.

[0073] 3, the MFP 1 of this embodiment has detachable toner storage containers 100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K. The toner storage containers 100Y, 100M, 100C, and 100K can be reused by filling them with toner. Therefore, the MFP 1 can make effective use of resources.

[0074] <Summary of implementation form> (Item 1) A storage section having a storage space for storing toner, the storage space being provided with a supply port that opens upward and a discharge port that opens downward; a stirring unit disposed in the accommodation space, The stirring unit includes a rotation shaft rotatably supported by the storage unit at a position that does not overlap with the supply port in a plan view; an outer circumferential stirring portion extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis; a connecting portion extending radially from the rotation shaft and having one end connected to the outer peripheral stirring portion;

[0075] According to this aspect, the rotation shaft of the agitator is rotatably supported by the storage portion at a position that does not overlap with the supply port in a plan view. The outer circumferential agitator extends parallel to the rotation shaft and is connected to one end of a connecting portion that extends radially from the rotation shaft. Because the outer circumferential agitator can rotate around the axis of the rotation shaft, an angle range is provided in which the outer circumferential agitator is not positioned below the supply port. Therefore, the agitator does not block the toner supplied from the supply port to the storage space, allowing the toner to reach below the agitator within the storage space. As a result, a toner storage container that facilitates the process of filling toner can be provided.

[0076] (Item 2) The outer circumferential stirring unit includes a first outer circumferential stirring unit and a second outer circumferential stirring unit, Item 2. The toner storage container according to item 1, wherein one end of the connecting portion is connected to the first outer peripheral agitating portion and the other end is connected to the second outer peripheral agitating portion.

[0077] According to this aspect, the rotation shaft of the agitator is rotatably supported by the storage unit at a position that does not overlap with the supply port in a plan view. The first outer circumferential agitator, extending parallel to the rotation shaft, is connected to one end of a connecting portion extending radially from the rotation shaft, and the second outer circumferential agitator, extending parallel to the rotation shaft, is connected to the other end. Because the first outer circumferential agitator and the second outer circumferential agitator can rotate around the axis of the rotation shaft, the toner stored in the storage space can be efficiently agitated. Furthermore, an angle range is provided in which the first outer circumferential agitator and the second outer circumferential agitator are not positioned below the supply port. Therefore, the agitator does not block the toner supplied from the supply port to the storage space, allowing the toner to reach below the agitator within the storage space.

[0078] (Item 3) The toner storage container according to item 2, wherein the first outer peripheral agitating portion has a larger cross-sectional area taken along a plane passing through the rotation axis than the second outer peripheral agitating portion.

[0079] According to this aspect, the flexible stirring sheet is attached to the first outer stirring section, which has a larger cross-sectional area than the second outer stirring section, so that the toner contained in the container can be stirred efficiently.

[0080] (Item 4) The toner storage container according to any one of Items 1 to 3, further comprising a flexible stirring sheet attached to the outer circumferential stirring portion.

[0081] According to this aspect, the flexible agitation sheet is attached to the outer circumferential agitation section, so that the toner contained in the container section can be agitated efficiently.

[0082] (Item 5) The toner storage container according to item 4, wherein the agitation sheet extends in a direction from the outer peripheral agitation portion toward the rotation shaft.

[0083] According to this aspect, the agitation sheet extends in a direction from the outer circumferential agitation portion toward the rotation axis, so that the toner stored near the center of the container can be agitated. Moreover, since the agitation sheet is flexible, even when the toner supplied from the supply port comes into contact with the agitation sheet, the toner is guided below the agitation sheet.

[0084] (Item 6) The toner storage container according to any one of Items 1 to 5, wherein the rotation shaft is disposed at a position spaced a predetermined distance or more from the space below the supply port.

[0085] According to this aspect, the connecting member extending radially from the rotation shaft is positioned at a position at least a predetermined distance away from the space below the supply port. Furthermore, since one end of the connecting member is connected to the outer circumferential agitating portion, the outer circumferential agitating portion can be spaced away from the space below the supply port. This prevents the agitating member from blocking the flow of toner supplied from the supply port into the storage space.

[0086] (Item 7) The toner storage container according to any one of Items 1 to 6, wherein the outer peripheral stirring section has a cross section cut by a plane passing through the rotation shaft, the cross section having different radial lengths of the rotation shaft at different positions in the axial direction of the rotation shaft.

[0087] In this aspect, the outer peripheral agitating portion has a cross section with different radial lengths at different positions in the axial direction of the rotation shaft, thereby enabling efficient agitation of the toner contained in the container.

[0088] (Item 8) The toner storage container according to any one of Items 1 to 7, further comprising a side stirring portion extending from the connecting portion in a direction parallel to the rotation axis.

[0089] In this aspect, the side agitating portion extends from the connecting portion in a direction parallel to the rotation shaft, thereby agitating the toner located between the rotation shaft and the outer circumferential agitating portion or between the connecting portion and the inner circumferential surface of the storage portion.

[0090] (Item 9) An image forming apparatus to which the toner storage container according to any one of items 1 to 5 is attached.

[0091] According to this aspect, since the toner storage container that makes it easy to fill with toner is attached, the toner storage container can be reused, and as a result, an image forming apparatus that can make effective use of resources can be provided.

[0092] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 MFP, 2 document reading section, 3 image forming section, 4 paper feeding section, 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K image forming unit, 21Y exposure device, 22Y charging roller, 23Y photosensitive drum, 24Y, 24M, 24C, 24K developing device, 30 intermediate transfer belt, 31 timing roller, 32 fixing roller, 100, 100A to D, 100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K toner storage container, 110 storage section, 110A storage section main body, 110B front cover, 111 storage space, 111A rear storage space, 111B front storage space, 113 supply port, 115 discharge port, 116 lid, 117A first bearing, 117B second bearing, 119 gear, 120, 120A Stirring member, 121 first outer peripheral stirring portion, 121A first stirring end portion, 121B second stirring end portion, 122 second outer peripheral stirring portion, 122A third stirring end portion, 122B fourth stirring end portion, 123 first rotating shaft, 124 second rotating shaft, 125 first connecting portion, 125A first connecting end portion, 125B second connecting end portion, 126 second connecting portion, 126A third connecting end portion, 126B fourth connecting end portion, 129 gap, 131 first outer peripheral stirring portion, 131A first central stirring portion, 131B first side stirring portion, 131C second side stirring portion, 132 second outer peripheral stirring portion, 132A second central stirring portion, 132B third side stirring portion, 141 first flexible sheet, 141A second flexible sheet, 150 conveying portion, 153 conveying screw.

Claims

1. a storage section having a storage space for storing toner, the storage space being provided with a supply port that opens upward and a discharge port that opens downward; a stirring unit disposed in the accommodation space, The stirring unit includes a rotation shaft rotatably supported by the storage unit at a position that does not overlap with the supply port in a plan view; an outer circumferential stirring portion extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis; a connecting portion extending radially from the rotation shaft and having one end connected to the outer peripheral stirring portion;

2. The outer circumferential stirring unit includes a first outer circumferential stirring unit and a second outer circumferential stirring unit, The toner storage container according to claim 1 , wherein one end of the connecting portion is connected to the first outer peripheral agitating portion and the other end is connected to the second outer peripheral agitating portion.

3. The toner storage container according to claim 2 , wherein the first outer circumferential stirring portion has a larger cross-sectional area taken along a plane passing through the rotation axis than the second outer circumferential stirring portion.

4. The toner storage container according to claim 1 , further comprising a flexible stirring sheet attached to the outer circumferential stirring portion.

5. The toner storage container according to claim 4 , wherein the agitation sheet extends in a direction from the outer circumferential agitation portion toward the rotation shaft.

6. 6. The toner storage container according to claim 1, wherein the rotation shaft is disposed at a position spaced a predetermined distance or more from the space below the supply port.

7. The toner storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a cross section of the outer peripheral stirring portion taken along a plane passing through the rotation shaft has different radial lengths at different positions in the axial direction of the rotation shaft.

8. 6. The toner storage container according to claim 1, further comprising a side stirring portion extending from the connecting portion in a direction parallel to the rotation axis.

9. An image forming apparatus comprising the toner storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images