Toner container and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To solve problems caused by a film at the time of discharging, cleaning or refilling a toner and to excellently scrape off the toner stuck to the inner wall of a container.SOLUTION: The toner storage container 6 includes a container body 10 for storing toner and a stirring member 20 for stirring the toner by rotating around a rotary shaft inside the container body 10. The stirring member 20 has a linear elastic member 30 extending outward from the center of a rotary shaft, and when the stirring member 20 rotates around the rotary shaft, a part of the linear elastic member 30 is brought into contact with the inner wall 13 of the container body 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toner storage container and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] The toner storage container installed in the image forming apparatus is provided with an agitator for agitating the toner filled therein. The agitator rotates around a rotation axis inside the toner storage container, thereby agitating the toner inside the container.

[0003] Conventionally, a stirring member of this type that uses a flexible film has been known (for example, Patent Document 1). This conventional technology is configured so that by rotating the film-like stirring member inside the container, not only the toner is stirred but also the tip of the film can remove toner adhering to the inner wall of the container.

[0004] However, because film-like stirring members lack elasticity and viscosity, it is difficult to scrape off the toner that has adhered to the inner wall of the container in an aggregated state.Furthermore, because film-like stirring members stir the toner with the film surface, rotating the film increases the powder pressure of the toner, which may cause the toner to aggregate.

[0005] Furthermore, when collecting a toner container and discharging the old toner, the film gets in the way, making it difficult to completely discharge the old toner. Furthermore, when air-cleaning the inside of the container after completely discharging the old toner, the film may be hit by strong winds and damaged. Furthermore, the film also gets in the way when refilling the toner container with toner, making it difficult to refill the specified amount of toner.

[0006] Meanwhile, a coil-shaped stirring member in which a coil is wound around a rotating shaft in the axial direction of the rotating shaft is also known (for example, Patent Document 2). This conventional technology solves the problems caused by the film when discharging, cleaning, or refilling toner.

[0007] However, the conventional coil-shaped stirring member has a problem in that it cannot effectively scrape off the toner adhering to the inner wall of the toner storage container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-40145 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-138929 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional toner container, and aims to provide a toner container and an image forming apparatus that solves the problems caused by the film when discharging, cleaning, or refilling toner, and that is equipped with an agitating member that can effectively scrape off toner adhering to the inner wall of the container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is a toner storage container comprising a container body that stores toner, and an agitating member that agitates the toner by rotating inside the container body around a rotation axis, wherein the agitating member has a linear elastic member that extends outward from the center of the rotation axis, and when rotating around the rotation axis, a portion of the linear elastic member abuts against the inner wall of the container body.

[0011] The invention of claim 2 is a toner storage container of claim 1, characterized in that a part of the linear elastic member that abuts against the inner wall of the container body is provided with an impact absorbing member that is more flexible than the linear elastic member.

[0012] The invention according to claim 3 is the toner storage container according to claim 1, characterized in that the linear elastic member is formed in a spiral shape.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the toner storage container of the first aspect, the stirring member has a plurality of linear elastic members extending outward from different positions in the axial direction of the rotation shaft.

[0014] The invention according to claim 5 is the toner storage container according to claim 4, characterized in that the plurality of linear elastic members extend in different directions from the center of the rotation shaft.

[0015] The invention according to claim 6 is the toner storage container according to claim 4, characterized in that the tips of the plurality of linear elastic members are connected to each other.

[0016] The invention according to claim 7 is the toner storage container according to claim 6, characterized in that the connecting portion is formed in a spiral shape centered on the rotation axis.

[0017] The invention according to claim 8 is a toner storage container according to claim 7, characterized in that the rotary shaft is integrally formed with the linear elastic member by bending the base end portion thereof.

[0018] The invention of claim 9 is a toner storage container of claim 1, characterized in that the inner wall of the container body is formed with a guide shape that guides the linear elastic member toward a corner inside the container.

[0019] The invention of claim 10 is a toner storage container of claim 1, characterized in that a step is formed on the inner wall of the container body at a position where a part of the linear elastic member abuts and passes through.

[0020] The invention according to claim 11 is an image forming apparatus comprising a toner storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 10. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to solve the problems caused by the film when discharging, cleaning, or refilling toner, and also to effectively scrape off toner adhering to the inner wall of the container. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the printer unit with the door open. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a toner storage container. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a stirring member in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the stirring member rotates inside the container body. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a stirring member in a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a stirring member in a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a stirring member in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a stirring member in a fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a stirring member in a sixth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an agitating member in a seventh embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an agitating member in an eighth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a toner storage container according to a ninth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Elements common to the embodiments described below are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0024] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the external configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is configured as, for example, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) equipped with printing, scanning, and copying functions. The image forming apparatus 1 has a printer unit 2 provided in the center of the apparatus body. The printer unit 2 has a paper feed unit 3 provided below it. The paper feed unit 3 has a paper feed tray for storing sheets such as printing paper. When a print job is executed in the image forming apparatus 1, the paper feed unit 3 retrieves sheets one by one from the paper feed tray and transports them. The printer unit 2 forms an image on the sheet transported from the paper feed unit 3, for example, by electrophotography, and prints out the image. For example, if the image forming apparatus 1 is a color machine, the printer unit 2 transfers toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) onto the sheet to form a color image.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 1 also has a scanner unit 4 on top of the apparatus body. The scanner unit 4 optically reads an original document set by a user and generates image data. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 has an operation panel 5 on the front side (near side) of the apparatus body, which serves as a user interface when a user operates the image forming apparatus 1. The operation panel 5 displays various operation screens and accepts operations by the user.

[0026] The image forming apparatus 1 has an opening / closing door 2a on the front side of the printer unit 2. A user can perform various maintenance operations on the printer unit 2 by opening the opening / closing door 2a.

[0027] Fig. 2 is a front view showing the printer unit 2 with the door 2a open. As shown in Fig. 2, the printer unit 2 is provided with a plurality of toner storage containers 6. Here, the toner storage containers 6 are illustrated as toner bottles 6Y, 6M, 6C, and 6K of the respective colors.

[0028] The toner bottle 6Y contains Y-color toner. The toner bottle 6Y is disposed in front of the image forming unit 7Y that forms Y-color images, and supplies toner to the image forming unit 7Y. The image forming unit 7Y forms a Y-color toner image using the toner supplied from the toner bottle 6Y.

[0029] Toner bottle 6M contains M toner. Toner bottle 6M is located in front of image forming unit 7M, which forms M images, and supplies toner to image forming unit 7M. Image forming unit 7M forms M toner images using toner supplied from toner bottle 6M.

[0030] Toner bottle 6C contains C color toner. Toner bottle 6C is located in front of image forming unit 7C, which forms C color images, and supplies toner to image forming unit 7C. Image forming unit 7C forms C color toner images using toner supplied from toner bottle 6C.

[0031] Toner bottle 6K contains K toner. Toner bottle 6K is arranged in front of image forming unit 7K, which forms K images, and supplies toner to image forming unit 7K. Image forming unit 7K forms K toner images using toner supplied from toner bottle 6K.

[0032] A predetermined amount of toner is filled inside the toner storage container 6. The image forming apparatus 1 drives the toner storage container 6 periodically or at a predetermined timing to agitate the toner inside the container.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the toner storage container 6. Note that FIG. 3 shows the toner storage container 6 with its front cover removed. FIG. 3(a) is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the toner storage container 6, and FIG. 3(b) is a front view thereof. The toner storage container 6 has a container body 10, which stores powder toner inside the container body 10. The container body 10 has an opening 11 at its top for filling with toner. This opening 11 is usually closed with a lid member. The container body 10 also has a supply port 12 at its bottom inside the container for supplying toner to the image forming units 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K. The toner storage container 6 supplies toner to the outside through this supply port 12. The container body 10 also has a bearing 19 at its rear wall for rotatably supporting an agitator 20. 3(b), the bearing portion 19 is provided at a position inside the container body 10 closer to the supply port 12 than the center position. The toner storage container 6 includes an agitator 20 attached to the bearing portion 19.

[0034] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the agitating member 20. The agitating member 20 agitates the toner inside the container body 10 by rotating about a rotation axis inside the toner storage container 6. The agitating member 20 has a rotating member 21. The rotating member 21 defines a rotation axis 20a of the agitating member 20. The rotating member 21 is a cylindrical member made of a relatively rigid material such as resin or metal. The rear end 21a of the rotating member 21 is attached to the bearing portion 19. For example, when the toner storage container 6 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the end 21a of the rotating member 21 is rotated in a predetermined rotation direction R by a drive source such as a motor. As a result, the agitating member 20 rotates in the rotation direction R inside the toner storage container 6.

[0035] The rotating member 21 includes a plurality of blade members 22 that protrude outward. These blade members 22 are, for example, integrally formed with the rotating member 21 and have high rigidity similar to the rotating member 21. Therefore, the blade members 22 rotate around the rotation axis 20a without bending as the rotating member 21 rotates. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the height by which the blade members 22 protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 21 is shorter than the distance to the inner wall 13 of the toner storage container 6. Therefore, even when the rotating member 21 rotates, the blade members 22 do not come into contact with the inner wall 13 of the toner storage container 6. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3A, the blade members 22 rotate above the supply port 12 and relatively close to the supply port 12. Therefore, the blade members 22 agitate the toner near the supply port 12. The toner supplied to the supply port 12 is sufficiently agitated by the blade members 22 and becomes powdery toner.

[0036] The agitating member 20 also has linear elastic members 30 extending outward from the center of the rotating shaft 20a. For example, the agitating member 20 of this embodiment has two linear elastic members 30 extending outward from different positions in the axial direction of the rotating member 21. These linear elastic members 30 are attached to the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 21 and extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating member 21. For example, the linear elastic members 30 are formed of linear elastic bodies 33 such as elastically deformable wires.

[0037] The linear elastic member 30 has its base end 31 fitted into an engaging portion provided on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating member 21. For example, the linear elastic member 30 may have the base end 31 formed as a coil spring, which is fitted into the engaging portion. By forming the base end 31 as a coil spring, the linear elastic member 30 can easily elastically change the direction of extension from the base end 31.

[0038] The linear elastic member 30 is provided at its tip 32 with a scraping portion 32a shaped to easily scrape off toner that has aggregated and adhered to the inner wall 13. For example, the scraping portion 32a is formed in a ring shape as shown in FIG. 4. The ring-shaped scraping portion 32a is provided at the tip 32 of the linear elastic member 30 with the ring facing in the rotation direction. In other words, the ring-shaped scraping portion 32a is provided at the tip 32 of the linear elastic member 30 with a position that makes it easy to scrape off toner that has adhered to the inner wall 13.

[0039] 3(b), the length of the linear elastic member 30 is longer than the distance L from the bearing portion 19 to the farthest point on the inner wall 13 of the container body 10. Therefore, when the rotating member 21 rotates, the stirring member 20 rotates with at least a part of the linear elastic member 30 in contact with the inner wall 13 of the container body 10. For example, the stirring member 20 rotates with at least the tip 32 of the linear elastic member 30 in contact with the inner wall 13 of the container body 10.

[0040] 5 is a diagram showing the rotation of the agitator 20 inside the container body 10. The tip 32 of the linear elastic member 30 abuts against the inner wall 13 regardless of the rotation position. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(a), when the linear elastic member 30 is facing the farthest position from the inner wall 13 of the container body 10, the linear elastic member 30 rotates with only the tip 32 abutting against the inner wall 13. At this time, the linear elastic member 30 moves in the rotation direction with the scraping portion 32a of the tip 32 in contact with the inner wall 13, so that toner adhering to the inner wall 13 can be effectively scraped off.

[0041] 5(b), when the linear elastic member 30 faces the lateral inner wall 13 of the container body 10, not only the scraping portion 32a at the tip 32 but also the central linear elastic body 33 of the linear elastic member 30 abuts against the inner wall 13. When the rotating member 21 rotates in this state, the linear elastic member 30 moves in the rotation direction with the entire scraping portion 32a at the tip 32 in contact with the inner wall 13. By moving while abutting against the inner wall 13, the linear elastic member 30 can effectively scrape off toner adhering to the inner wall 13. Because the linear elastic member 30 is elastically deformable, the position and amount of deflection of the linear elastic member 30 change successively depending on the position of contact with the inner wall 13, thereby effectively scraping off toner adhering to the inner wall 13.

[0042] In particular, the linear elastic member 30 is more elastic and sticky than conventional film-like agitating members. Therefore, it can effectively scrape off toner adhering in an aggregated state to the inner wall 13 of the container body 10. Furthermore, even when the linear elastic member 30 rotates inside the container body 10, it does not increase the powder pressure of the toner. Therefore, the rotation of the agitating member 20 does not actually cause the toner to aggregate.

[0043] Furthermore, when the toner storage container 6 is collected and the old toner is discharged, the linear elastic member 30 does not get in the way of the toner discharge. Furthermore, the linear elastic member 30 will not be damaged when the inside of the container is air-cleaned after the old toner has been completely discharged. Therefore, the toner storage container 6 is configured so that the toner discharge and cleaning operations can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, the linear elastic member 30 does not get in the way when the toner storage container 6 is refilled with toner. Therefore, the toner storage container 6 is configured so that the operation of filling a predetermined amount of toner can also be performed efficiently.

[0044] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment illustrates an agitating member 20 having a different configuration from that of the first embodiment. Note that the main configurations of the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner storage container 6 in this embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an agitating member 20 according to a second embodiment. The agitating member 20 shown in FIG. 6 has two linear elastic members 30 shown in FIG. 4 twisted together to form a mesh 34 in the center. The mesh 34 is formed wide in the axial direction of the rotating member 21. The linear elastic members 30 have wide mesh 34, which can improve the efficiency of agitating the toner inside the container body 10. That is, when the linear elastic members 30 rotate, the wide portion of the mesh 34 rotates inside the container body 10. In this case, the agitating member 20 shown in FIG. 6 has the advantage that the wide mesh 34 can agitate the toner over a wide area. Another advantage is that when the mesh 34 comes into contact with the inner wall 13, the wide portion of the mesh 43 can scrape off toner adhering to the inner wall 13 over a wide area.

[0046] Furthermore, the agitating member 20 of this embodiment has the same effects as those of the first embodiment. That is, the agitating member 20 of this embodiment solves the problems caused by the film when discharging, cleaning, or refilling toner, and can effectively scrape off toner adhering to the inner wall 13 of the container body 10.

[0047] The configuration and operation of this embodiment other than those described above are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0048] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment illustrates an agitating member 20 having a different configuration from those of the first and second embodiments. Note that the main configurations of the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner storage container 6 in this embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an agitator 20 according to a third embodiment. The agitator 20 shown in FIG. 7 has a linear elastic member 30 formed in a spiral shape. That is, the linear elastic member 30 is formed by a coil spring 35 formed by winding a linear member in a spiral shape. By forming the linear elastic member 30 from the coil spring 35, it is possible to agitate toner over a wider area than with a simple linear member. Therefore, the linear elastic member 30 formed from the coil spring 35 has the advantage of being able to further increase the agitation efficiency of the agitator 20.

[0050] Furthermore, the agitating member 20 of this embodiment has the same effects as those of the first embodiment. That is, the agitating member 20 of this embodiment solves the problems caused by the film when discharging, cleaning, or refilling toner, and can effectively scrape off toner adhering to the inner wall 13 of the container body 10.

[0051] The configuration and operation of this embodiment other than those described above are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0052] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment illustrates an agitating member 20 having a different configuration from those of the first to third embodiments. Note that the main configurations of the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner storage container 6 in this embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0053] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an agitator 20 according to a fourth embodiment. Similar to the third embodiment, the agitator 20 shown in FIG. 8 has a plurality of linear elastic members 30, which are configured by coil springs 35. The agitator 20 of this embodiment includes a connecting portion 36 that interconnects the tips 32 of the linear elastic members 30. For example, the connecting portion 36 is integrally formed with the coil springs 35. However, the connecting portion 36 is not limited to being integrally formed with the coil springs 35. For example, the connecting portion 36 may be formed separately from the coil springs 35 and attached to the tips 32 of the linear elastic members 30.

[0054] When the agitating member 20 having the connecting portion 36 rotates, the connecting portion 36 comes into contact with the inner wall 13 of the container body 10. As the agitating member 20 rotates, the connecting portion 36 moves along the inner wall 13 while remaining in contact with the inner wall 13. At this time, the connecting portion 36 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement. Therefore, the connecting portion 36 can scrape off toner adhering to the inner wall 13 over a wider area.

[0055] Furthermore, the agitating member 20 of this embodiment has the same effects as those of the first embodiment. That is, the agitating member 20 of this embodiment solves the problems caused by the film when discharging, cleaning, or refilling toner, and can effectively scrape off toner adhering to the inner wall 13 of the container body 10.

[0056] The configuration and operation of this embodiment other than those described above are the same as those described in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the above-described connecting portion 36 may be applied to the stirring member 20 described in the first or second embodiment.

[0057] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment illustrates an agitating member 20 having a different configuration from those of the first to fourth embodiments. Note that the main configurations of the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner storage container 6 in this embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an agitating member 20 according to a fifth embodiment. The agitating member 20 shown in FIG. 9 is characterized by an increased number of linear elastic members 30 arranged in the axial direction of the rotating member 21, rather than the provision of connecting portions 36 as in the fourth embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 9, five linear elastic members 30 are arranged in the axial direction of the rotating member 21 at relatively small intervals. The number of linear elastic members 30 may be five or more. By arranging multiple linear elastic members 30 at predetermined intervals along the axial direction as shown in FIG. 9, the connecting portions 36 as in the fourth embodiment can be omitted. Furthermore, the provision of multiple linear elastic members 30 allows the agitating member 20 to scrape off toner adhering to the inner wall 13 over a wider area.

[0059] Furthermore, the agitating member 20 of this embodiment has the same effects as those of the first embodiment. That is, the agitating member 20 of this embodiment solves the problems caused by the film when discharging, cleaning, or refilling toner, and can effectively scrape off toner adhering to the inner wall 13 of the container body 10.

[0060] The configuration and operation of this embodiment other than the above-mentioned points are the same as those described in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the configuration in which a large number of linear elastic members 30 are arranged as in this embodiment can also be applied to the stirring member 20 described in the first or second embodiment.

[0061] (Sixth embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment illustrates an agitating member 20 having a different configuration from those of the first to fifth embodiments. Note that the main configurations of the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner storage container 6 in this embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an agitator 20 according to a sixth embodiment. The agitator 20 has a configuration in which a rotary shaft 37 is integrally formed with a linear elastic member 30 by bending a base end 31 of the linear elastic member 30. For example, the linear elastic member 30 is formed of a coil spring 35. The agitator 20 has two linear elastic members 30, whose tips 32 are connected to each other by a connecting portion 36. The base ends 31 of the two linear elastic members 30 are bent in opposite directions, and the two linear elastic members 30 have rotary shafts 37 extending in different directions. The two rotary shafts 37 are arranged coaxially. Of the two rotary shafts 37, the rotary shaft 37a extending toward the rear side is attached to a bearing portion 19. Furthermore, the rotating shaft 37b extending toward the front side is mounted on a bearing portion provided on the front cover of the toner storage container 6. Therefore, when either or both of the rotating shafts 37a and 37b are rotated in a predetermined direction, the stirring member 20 rotates.

[0063] The above-described stirring member 20 does not need to be provided with the rotating member 21 described in the first embodiment etc. Therefore, this stirring member 20 has the advantage of having a small number of parts, which allows for cost reduction.

[0064] Furthermore, the agitating member 20 of this embodiment has the same effects as those of the first embodiment. That is, the agitating member 20 of this embodiment solves the problems caused by the film when discharging, cleaning, or refilling toner, and can effectively scrape off toner adhering to the inner wall 13 of the container body 10.

[0065] The configuration and operation of this embodiment other than the above-mentioned points are the same as those described in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, the configuration in which the rotary shaft 37 is integrally formed with the plurality of linear elastic members 30 as in this embodiment can also be applied to the stirring member 20 described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0066] (Seventh embodiment) Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment illustrates an agitating member 20 having a different configuration from those of the first to sixth embodiments. Note that the main configurations of the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner storage container 6 in this embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0067] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an agitating member 20 according to a seventh embodiment. This agitating member 20 is configured such that shock-absorbing members 38, which are more flexible than the linear elastic members 30, are attached to the tips 32 of the linear elastic members 30. The shock-absorbing members 38 are made of, for example, rubber, cloth, or sponge. By providing the shock-absorbing members 38 on the tips 32 of the linear elastic members 30, the shock generated when the linear elastic members 30 return to their original shape after being elastically deformed can be absorbed. The shock-absorbing members 38 also reduce impact noise, thereby providing a sound-deadening effect. In other words, the shock-absorbing members 38 prevent impact noise from leaking outside the image forming apparatus 1 during operation.

[0068] Furthermore, the agitating member 20 of this embodiment has the same effects as those of the first embodiment. That is, the agitating member 20 of this embodiment solves the problems caused by the film when discharging, cleaning, or refilling toner, and can effectively scrape off toner adhering to the inner wall 13 of the container body 10.

[0069] The configuration and operation of this embodiment other than the above-mentioned points are the same as those described in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, the configuration of providing the shock absorbing member 38 at the tip 32 of the linear elastic member 30 as in this embodiment can also be applied to the stirring member 20 described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0070] (Eighth embodiment) Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment illustrates an agitating member 20 having a different configuration from those of the first to seventh embodiments. Note that the main configurations of the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner storage container 6 in this embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0071] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an agitating member 20 according to the eighth embodiment. The agitating member 20 shown in FIG. 12(a) has a configuration in which a plurality of linear elastic members 30 are provided at predetermined intervals along the axial direction of the rotating member 21, and these linear elastic members 30 extend outward from the rotating member 21 at respective angles. For example, in FIG. 12, four linear elastic members 30 are provided at predetermined intervals on the rotating member 21, and extend in directions rotated by 90 degrees. In this type of agitating member 20, the plurality of linear elastic members 30 extending in different directions simultaneously agitate the toner. This has the advantage of improving the efficiency of agitating the toner.

[0072] FIG. 12(b) shows an example in which a connecting portion 36 is provided to the agitating member 20 of FIG. 12(a). As shown in FIG. 12(b), the connecting portion 36 is formed in a spiral shape centered on the rotation axis of the rotating member 21 to connect the tips 32 of multiple linear elastic members 30 extending in different directions. The connecting portion 36 formed in this spiral shape rotates while abutting against the inner wall 13 of the toner storage container 6 over a wide area. Therefore, the agitating member 20 shown in FIG. 12(b) can effectively scrape off toner adhering to the inner wall 13. The agitating member 20 shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b) has the advantage that it can be suitably used even if the toner storage container 6 has a cylindrical shape, for example.

[0073] Furthermore, the agitating member 20 of this embodiment has the same effects as those of the first embodiment. That is, the agitating member 20 of this embodiment solves the problems caused by the film when discharging, cleaning, or refilling toner, and can effectively scrape off toner adhering to the inner wall 13 of the container body 10.

[0074] The configuration and operation of this embodiment other than those described above are the same as those described in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, the configuration of the agitating member 20 in this embodiment, in which multiple linear elastic members 30 extend in different directions, can also be applied to the agitating members 20 described in each of the above embodiments.

[0075] (Ninth embodiment) Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment illustrates a toner storage container 6 having a different configuration from the first to eighth embodiments. Note that the main configurations of the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner storage container 6 in this embodiment are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0076] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a toner storage container 6 according to a ninth embodiment. The toner storage container 6 shown in FIG. 13(a) has a guide shape 14 on the inner wall 13 of the container body 10 that protrudes into the container interior to guide the linear elastic member 30 toward a corner 16 inside the container. The guide shape 14 is formed as a protrusion that is inclined obliquely toward the rear or front side so that the rotating linear elastic member 30 is directed toward the corner 16 inside the container. Therefore, when the rotating linear elastic member 30 engages with the guide shape 14, the linear elastic member 30 is directed toward the corner 16 inside the container as it rotates. The corner 16 of the container body 10 is a portion where aggregated toner tends to accumulate. Therefore, the linear elastic member 30 is guided toward the corner 16 by the guide shape 14, thereby effectively scraping off the toner accumulated in the corner 16.

[0077] The toner storage container 6 shown in FIG. 13(b) has a step 15 formed on the inner wall 13 of the container body 10 at a position where a portion of the linear elastic member 30 comes into contact with and passes through. The rotating linear elastic member 30 applies an impact to the toner storage container 6 as it passes through this step 15. Therefore, the impact causes toner adhering to the inner wall 13 of the container body 10 to peel off from the inner wall 13. In other words, the step 15 is intended to apply a certain amount of impact to the toner storage container 6. Note that the step 15 is not limited to being formed by providing a convex portion on the inner wall 13 of the container body 10, but may also be formed by providing a concave portion on the inner wall 13. Note that when the step 15 is formed on the inner wall 13 of the container body 10, it is preferable to provide the impact absorbing member 38 described in the seventh embodiment on the linear elastic member 30 to reduce impact noise caused by the impact.

[0078] Furthermore, the agitating member 20 of this embodiment has the same effects as those of the first embodiment. That is, the agitating member 20 of this embodiment solves the problems caused by the film when discharging, cleaning, or refilling toner, and can effectively scrape off toner adhering to the inner wall 13 of the container body 10.

[0079] The configuration and operation of this embodiment other than the above-described points are the same as those described in the first embodiment. The configuration of the toner storage container 6 described in this embodiment is also applicable to the toner storage containers 6 of the first to eighth embodiments.

[0080] (Variation) Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiments. In other words, various modifications can be applied to the present invention.

[0081] For example, in the above-described embodiments, the toner storage container 6 is configured as a toner bottle. However, the toner storage container 6 to which the present invention is applicable is not limited to a toner bottle. For example, the configurations described in the above-described embodiments can also be applied to a sub-hopper for temporarily storing toner supplied from a toner bottle, a toner storage unit inside a developing unit, a waste toner box, etc.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured as an MFP. However, the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to being configured as an MFP. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may be a printer having only a print function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Image forming device 6 Toner container 10 Container body 13 Inner wall 14 Guide shape 15 steps 20 Stirring member 30 Linear elastic member 36 Connecting part 38 Impact absorbing member

Claims

1. a container body for storing toner; a stirring member that rotates around a rotation axis inside the container body to stir the toner; Equipped with A toner storage container characterized in that the stirring member has a linear elastic member extending outward from the center of the rotation shaft, and when rotating around the rotation shaft, a portion of the linear elastic member abuts against the inner wall of the container body.

2. 2. The toner storage container according to claim 1, wherein a shock absorbing member having greater flexibility than the linear elastic member is provided on a portion of the linear elastic member that contacts the inner wall of the container body.

3. 2. The toner storage container according to claim 1, wherein the linear elastic member is formed in a spiral shape.

4. 2. The toner storage container according to claim 1, wherein the stirring member has a plurality of the linear elastic members extending outward from different positions in the axial direction of the rotation shaft.

5. 5. The toner storage container according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of linear elastic members extend in different directions from the center of the rotation shaft.

6. 5. The toner storage container according to claim 4, wherein the distal ends of the plurality of linear elastic members are connected to each other.

7. 7. The toner storage container according to claim 6, wherein the connecting portion is formed in a spiral shape with the rotation axis as a center.

8. 8. The toner storage container according to claim 7, wherein the rotary shaft is integrally formed with the linear elastic member by bending a base end of the linear elastic member.

9. 2. The toner storage container according to claim 1, wherein the inner wall of the container body is formed with a guide shape for guiding the linear elastic member toward a corner of the inside of the container.

10. 2. The toner storage container according to claim 1, wherein a step is formed on the inner wall of the container body at a position where a part of the linear elastic member comes into contact with and passes through.

11. An image forming apparatus comprising the toner storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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