Toner storage container for image forming apparatus

Abstract

The objective is to remove the blocking member from the storage member without using a jig. [Solution] The toner storage container comprises a storage member having an opening for storing toner, a closing member that closes the opening, which is circular when viewed from the direction of the opening and has an engaged portion formed on its outer circumference that engages with an engaging portion formed along the inner periphery of the opening, and a gripping portion provided on the closing member, which is grippable and can be removed from the storage member by being pulled from the storage member in the direction of the opening.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In the toner storage container described in Patent Document 1, the toner cap of the toner storage container has a cylindrical shape with the bottom closed. The toner cap is provided with an engaging portion for engaging the tip engaging portion of a rod-shaped removal jig when removing it from the toner opening of the container case. The engaging portion is, for example, a recess provided at the center of the toner cap. And when removing, for example, holding the handle of the removal jig, press-fitting and engaging the tip engaging portion of the removal jig into the engaging portion of the toner cap, integrating the toner cap and the removal jig, and then applying force to the removal jig to remove the toner cap from the toner opening of the toner storage container.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The toner storage container includes a storage member having an opening formed for storing toner and a closing member for closing the opening. Conventionally, the closing member has been removed from the storage member using a jig.

[0005] This disclosure is to remove the closing member from the storage member without using a jig.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A toner storage container according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising: a storage member having an opening for storing toner; a closing member having a circular shape when viewed from the opening direction of the opening, with an engaged portion formed on its outer circumference that engages with an engaging portion formed along the inner periphery of the opening, and closing the opening; and a gripping portion provided on the closing member, which is grippable and which allows the closing member to be removed from the storage member by being pulled in the opening direction.

[0007] A toner storage container according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is a toner storage container according to the first aspect, characterized in that the storage member extends in the opening direction, the opening is formed on the end face of the storage member facing the opening direction, the outer peripheral edge of the closing member is positioned inside the outer peripheral edge of the end face when viewed from the opening direction, and the gripping portion extends from the outer peripheral portion of the closing member along the end face.

[0008] A toner storage container according to a third aspect of this disclosure is characterized in that, in the toner storage container described in the second aspect, the entire gripping portion is positioned inside the outer peripheral edge of the end face when viewed from the opening direction.

[0009] A toner storage container according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized in that, in the toner storage container described in the first aspect, one gripping portion is formed on the closing member, and the engagement force between the engaged portion and the engaging portion of the portion on which the gripping portion is formed, as viewed from the opening direction, is weaker than the engagement force between the engaged portion and the engaging portion of the portion on the opposite side of the portion on which the gripping portion is formed, as viewed from the opening direction.

[0010] A toner storage container according to a fifth aspect of this disclosure is characterized in that, in the toner storage container described in the fourth aspect, the engaged portion and the engaging portion are in contact in the opening direction and overlap in an intersecting direction that intersects with respect to the opening direction, and the amount of overlap between the engaged portion and the engaging portion in the intersecting direction of the portion where the gripping portion is formed, as viewed from the opening direction, is less than the amount of overlap between the engaged portion and the engaging portion in the intersecting direction of the portion on the opposite side.

[0011] An image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising a toner storage container as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, and a developing apparatus for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image holder using toner supplied from the toner storage container into a toner image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] In the toner storage container according to the first aspect of this disclosure, the sealing member can be removed from the storage member without using a jig.

[0013] In the toner storage container according to the second aspect of this disclosure, compared to the case in which the gripping portion protrudes from the storage member so as to extend in the opening direction, it is possible to suppress the accidental gripping of the gripping portion.

[0014] In the toner storage container according to the third aspect of this disclosure, compared to the case where the gripping portion protrudes beyond the end face when viewed from the opening direction, it is possible to suppress the accidental gripping of the gripping portion.

[0015] In the toner storage container according to the fourth aspect of this disclosure, the closing member can be easily removed from the storage member compared to the case where the engaging force of the portion where the gripping portion is formed is the same as the engaging force of the portion on the opposite side when viewed from the opening direction.

[0016] In the toner storage container according to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, the engagement force can be changed with a simpler configuration compared to the case where an adhesive is used to change the engagement force.

[0017] In the image forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, a toner storage container in which the closure member and storage member have been reused can be attached. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2]It is a configuration diagram showing a toner image forming unit provided in an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing a toner storage container according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] (A)(B) It is a cross-sectional view and a front view showing a closing member and the like provided in the toner storage container according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a front view showing a closing member and the like provided in the toner storage container according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing a closing member and the like provided in the toner storage container according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing a closing member and the like provided in the toner storage container according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing a closing member and the like provided in the toner storage container according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] (A)(B) It is a front view showing a closing member and the like provided in the toner storage container according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] <First Embodiment> An example of a toner storage container and an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. Note that the arrow H shown in each figure is in the vertical direction and indicates the up and down direction of the apparatus. The arrow W is orthogonal to the arrow H and is in the horizontal direction and indicates the width direction of the apparatus. The arrow D is orthogonal to the arrows H and W and is in the horizontal direction and indicates the depth direction of the apparatus.

[0020] (Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 10) As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 12 that forms a toner image, and a transport unit 14 that transports a sheet member P along a transport path 14a. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a storage member 18 that stores the sheet member P, and a toner storage container 60 that stores toner.

[0021] In this configuration, the image forming apparatus 10 transports the sheet member P housed in the storage member 18 along the transport path 14a by the transport unit 14. Furthermore, the image forming unit 12 forms a toner image using toner supplied from the toner storage container 60. This toner image is formed on the transported sheet member P, and the sheet member P with the toner image formed on it is discharged to the outside of the apparatus body 10a.

[0022] [Image forming unit 12] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming unit 12 includes a plurality of toner image forming units 30, each forming a toner image of a different color, and a transfer unit 32 that transfers the toner images formed by the toner image forming units 30 to a sheet member P. Furthermore, the image forming unit 12 includes a fixing device 34 that fixes the toner images transferred to the sheet member P by the transfer unit 32 to the sheet member P.

[0023] -Toner image forming unit 30- Multiple toner image forming units 30 are provided to form toner images for each color. In this embodiment, toner image forming units 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K for a total of four colors—yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K)—are provided. In the following description, if it is not necessary to distinguish between yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), the designations Y, M, C, and K will be omitted from the reference numerals.

[0024] Each toner image forming unit 30 is basically configured similarly, except for the toner used, and as shown in Figure 2, it includes a rotating cylindrical image holder 36 and a charger 42 for charging the image holder 36. Furthermore, the toner image forming unit 30 includes an exposure device 44 that irradiates the charged image holder 36 with exposure light to form an electrostatic latent image, and a developing device 46 that develops the electrostatic latent image as a toner image with a developer G containing toner. Thus, each toner image forming unit 30 is configured to form images of each color using toner of each color.

[0025] Furthermore, each colored image holder 36 is in contact with a circulating transfer belt 50 (details will be described later), as shown in Figure 1. In the circulating direction of the transfer belt 50 (see arrows in the figure), the toner image forming units 30 for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are arranged in this order from the upstream side.

[0026] -Transfer section 32- As shown in Figure 1, the transfer unit 32 includes a transfer belt 50 and primary transfer rolls 52, each positioned on the opposite side of the image holders 36 of each color, with the transfer belt 50 in between. These primary transfer rolls 52 transfer the toner images formed on the image holders 36 of each color to the transfer belt 50.

[0027] Furthermore, the transfer section 32 includes a winding roll 56 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound, and a drive roll 58 around which the transfer belt 50 is wound and which transmits rotational force to the transfer belt 50. As a result, the transfer belt 50 rotates in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

[0028] Furthermore, the transfer unit 32 includes a secondary transfer roll 54 positioned on the opposite side of the winding roll 56, with the transfer belt 50 in between. The secondary transfer roll 54 is configured to transfer the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 50 to the sheet member P. A transfer nip NT is formed between the secondary transfer roll 54 and the transfer belt 50 to transfer the toner image to the sheet member P.

[0029] In this configuration, the toner image is first transferred to the transfer belt 50 by the primary transfer roll 52 in the order of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The toner image is then transferred from the transfer belt 50 to the sheet member P, which is transported sandwiched between the transfer belt 50 and the secondary transfer roll 54, by the secondary transfer roll 54. The sheet member P, on which the toner image has been transferred, is then transported toward the fuser unit 34.

[0030] - Fixing device 34 - As shown in Figure 1, the fixing device 34 is positioned downstream of the transfer nip NT in the transport direction of the sheet member P. The fixing device 34 heats and pressurizes the toner image transferred to the sheet member P to fix it to the sheet member P.

[0031] [Conveying section 14] As shown in Figure 1, the transport unit 14 includes a delivery roll 20 that sends the sheet member P housed in the storage member 18 to the transport path 14a, and a prevention roll 22 that prevents double feeding of the sheet member P sent out by the delivery roll 20. Furthermore, the transport unit 14 includes an adjustment roll 24 that adjusts the timing of sending the sheet member P to the transfer nip NT. The transport unit 14 also includes an discharge roll 26 that discharges the sheet member P, on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing device 34, to the outside of the device body 10a.

[0032] [Toner storage container 60] Multiple toner storage containers 60 are provided for each color developing unit 46 (see Figure 2). In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, toner storage containers 60Y, 60M, 60C, and 60K are provided for a total of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). In the following description, if it is not necessary to distinguish between yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), the designations Y, M, C, and K will be omitted. Further details of the toner storage containers 60 will be described later.

[0033] (Main part configuration) Next, the toner storage container 60 will be described in detail. As shown in Figure 3, the toner storage container 60 comprises a storage member 62 and a closing member 76.

[0034] [Storage component 62] The storage member 62 is made of a resin material (for example, ABS resin) and, as shown in Figure 3, is cylindrical in shape extending in the depth direction, and is designed to store toner inside. On the lower part of the rear side of the storage member 62 in the depth direction, there is a supply port 64a for supplying the toner inside to the developing device 46 (see Figure 2), and a shutter 64b for opening and closing the supply port 64a. Furthermore, a stirring member (not shown) for stirring the toner is provided inside the storage member 62.

[0035] Furthermore, the front side of the storage member 62 in the depth direction tapers, forming a cylindrical portion 62a with a smaller diameter than the general portion. In addition, an end face 62b facing the front side in the depth direction is formed at the front end of the cylindrical portion 62a in the depth direction. Moreover, as shown in Figure 4(A), an opening 66 for storing toner is formed on this end face 62b, facing the depth direction. In other words, the opening 66 is formed to open to the front side in the depth direction of the interior of the storage member 62. When viewed from the depth direction, the opening 66 is circular. The depth direction is just one example of the opening direction, and the opening direction is the direction perpendicular to the opening 66.

[0036] Furthermore, the opening 66 has an engaging portion 68 that is recessed in the depth direction relative to the end face 62b and protrudes radially inward from the opening 66. This engaging portion 68 is formed along the entire inner periphery of the opening 66.

[0037] [Blocking member 76] The closing member 76 is made of a resin material (for example, polyethylene resin) and closes the opening 66 as shown in Figures 3 and 4(A).

[0038] Viewed from the front side in the depth direction, the outer edge of the closing member 76 is circular, as shown in Figure 4(B), and is positioned inside the outer edge of the end face 62b. As shown in Figures 4(A) and (B), the closing member 76 is formed including an annular outer portion 76a, a conical portion 76b, a disc portion 76c, and a gripping portion 84.

[0039] -Outer periphery 76a, conical portion 76b, disc portion 76c- The conical portion 76b is a conical portion that extends from the outer peripheral portion 76a toward the back in the depth direction, and the circular plate portion 76c is a circular plate portion provided at the tip of the conical portion 76b, with its plate surface facing the depth direction.

[0040] Furthermore, the outer peripheral portion 76a has an engaged portion 78 that contacts the engaging portion 68 of the opening 66 in the depth direction and overlaps with the radial direction (hereinafter simply referred to as "radial direction") of the opening 66. In addition, on the outer peripheral portion 76a, a contact surface 80 is formed on the portion on the front side in the depth direction relative to the engaged portion 78, which contacts the tip of the engaging portion 68 in the radial direction. The radial direction of the opening 66 is an example of an intersecting direction that intersects with the opening direction.

[0041] -Gripping part 84- As shown in Figures 3, 4(A), and (B), the gripping portion 84 extends from the outer peripheral portion 76a along the end face 62b. Specifically, the base end of the gripping portion 84 is attached to the upper part of the outer peripheral portion 76a. The gripping portion 84 extends upward and is designed to be grippable. Thus, when viewed from the depth direction, the gripping portion 84 is located on the opposite side of the supply port 64a (see Figure 3). Here, "grippingable" means that a worker with a ring size 17 on their index finger and a ring size 20 on their thumb can grip the gripping portion 84. In this embodiment, the gap between the gripping portion 84 and the end face 62b is, for example, 0 [mm] to 2 [mm].

[0042] Furthermore, the gripping portion 84 is plate-shaped with its thickness direction being the depth direction, and its tip is arc-shaped. When viewed from the depth direction, the entire gripping portion 84 is positioned inside the outer edge of the end face 62b (see Figure 4(B)).

[0043] Furthermore, two anti-slip protrusions 84a are formed on the plate surface of the gripping portion 84 that faces towards the front in the depth direction.

[0044] -others- Viewed from the depth direction, the amount of radial overlap between the engaged portion 78 and the engaging portion 68 in the portion where the gripping portion 84 is formed is defined as L1 in Figure 4(A). Similarly, the amount of overlap between the engaged portion 78 and the engaging portion 68 in the portion opposite to the portion where the gripping portion 84 is formed is defined as L2 in Figure 4(A). Thus, the overlap amount L1 is smaller than the overlap amount L2. As a result, the engagement force in the portion where the gripping portion 84 is formed is weaker than the engagement force in the portion opposite to the portion where the gripping portion 84 is formed. Here, the portion opposite to the portion where the gripping portion 84 is formed is the portion opposite to the gripping portion 84 when viewed from the depth direction, with the center of the closing member 76 in between (shown as B1 in Figure 4(B)).

[0045] In this embodiment, the overlap between the engaged portion 78 and the engaging portion 68 in the portion between the opposite portion B1 and the portion where the gripping portion 84 is formed is set to an overlap of L1 or more and L2 or less.

[0046] In this configuration, the closing member 76 is removed from the storage member 62 by the operator grasping the gripping part 84 and pulling the gripping part 84 toward the front in the depth direction. Specifically, by pulling the gripping part 84 toward the front in the depth direction, the engagement between the engaged part 78 and the engaging part 68 near the gripping part 84 is first released. Furthermore, by pulling the gripping part 84 toward the front in the depth direction, the entire engagement is released starting from the released part. Then, the closing member 76 is removed from the storage member 62.

[0047] (summary) As explained above, in the toner storage container 60, the closing member 76 can be removed from the storage member 62 without using a jig.

[0048] Furthermore, in the toner storage container 60, the opening 66 is opened without damaging the sealing member 76. In other words, the sealing member 76 and the storage member 62 that constitute the toner storage container 60 are reused.

[0049] Furthermore, in the toner storage container 60, the gripping portion 84 extends from the outer peripheral portion 76a of the closing member 76 along the end face 62b. This reduces the likelihood of accidentally gripping the gripping portion 84 compared to the case where the gripping portion extends towards the front in the depth direction.

[0050] Furthermore, in the toner storage container 60, when viewed from the depth direction, the entire gripping portion 84 is positioned inside the outer peripheral edge of the end face 62b. This reduces the likelihood of accidentally gripping the gripping portion 84 compared to the case where the gripping portion protrudes beyond the end face when viewed from the depth direction.

[0051] Furthermore, in the toner storage container 60, the engagement force of the portion where the gripping portion 84 is formed is weaker than the engagement force of the portion on the opposite side of where the gripping portion 84 is formed. As a result, the closing member 76 can be easily removed from the storage member 62 compared to the case where the engagement force of the portion where the gripping portion is formed is the same as the engagement force of the opposite portion.

[0052] Furthermore, in the toner storage container 60, the overlap L1 of the portion where the gripping portion 84 is formed is smaller than the overlap L2 of the opposite portion. This allows the engagement force to be changed with a simpler configuration compared to when an adhesive is used to change the engagement force.

[0053] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 can be fitted with a toner storage container 60 in which the closure member 76 and storage member 62 have been reused.

[0054] <Second Embodiment> An example of a toner storage container and image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 5. The second embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, the toner storage container 160 according to the second embodiment includes a storage member 62 and a closing member 176.

[0056] The gripping portion 184 of the closing member 176 has a through hole 184a that penetrates both the front and back sides, which is formed to prevent slipping.

[0057] Furthermore, the radial overlap between the engaged portion 78 and the engaging portion 68, as viewed from the depth direction (see Figure 4(A)), is greatest at portion P1, which is opposite to the portion where the gripping portion 184 is formed, and least at portion P2, where the gripping portion 184 is formed. Specifically, the radial overlap between the engaged portion 78 and the engaging portion 68 changes gradually from portion P2 to portion P1. As a result, the engagement force at the portion where the gripping portion 184 is formed is weaker than the engagement force at the portion opposite to the portion where the gripping portion 184 is formed.

[0058] <Third Embodiment> An example of a toner storage container and image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 6. The third embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0059] The toner storage container 260 according to the third embodiment includes a storage member 62 (see Figure 3) and a closing member 276, as shown in Figure 6.

[0060] The height of the engaged portion 278 formed on the closing member 276 is the same around its entire circumference. Furthermore, when viewed from the depth direction, the engaged portion 278 in the area where the gripping portion 84 is formed has multiple notches 278a that cut out a part of the engaged portion 278. As a result, the engagement force in the area where the gripping portion 184 is formed is weaker than the engagement force in the area on the opposite side of where the gripping portion 184 is formed.

[0061] <Fourth Embodiment> An example of a toner storage container and image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 7. The fourth embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0062] The toner storage container 360 according to the fourth embodiment includes a storage member 62 and a closing member 376, as shown in Figure 7.

[0063] The tip of the gripping portion 384 of the closing member 376 protrudes from the outer peripheral edge of the end face 62b. Furthermore, a hook portion 384a is connected to the protruding portion of the gripping portion 384, which contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 62a and extends to the back in the depth direction. This prevents accidental gripping of the gripping portion 84.

[0064] <Fifth Embodiment> An example of a toner storage container and image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 8. The fifth embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0065] The toner storage container 460 according to the fifth embodiment includes a storage member 62 and a closing member 476, as shown in Figure 8.

[0066] In the closing member 476, stepped portions 478 are formed on both sides of the gripping portion 84, covering the end face 62b from the front side in the depth direction. These stepped portions 478 are plate-shaped and are in contact with the end face 62b in the depth direction. As a result, even if the gripping portion 84 is accidentally pulled towards the front in the depth direction, the leakage of toner stored in the storage member 62 from the opening 66 (see Figure 4(A)) to the outside is suppressed compared to the case where no stepped portions are formed.

[0067] <Sixth Embodiment> An example of a toner storage container and image forming apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 9. The sixth embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0068] The toner storage container 560 according to the sixth embodiment includes a storage member 562 and a closing member 576, as shown in Figures 9(A) and (B).

[0069] The disc portion 76c of the closing member 576 has a gripping portion 578 that can be grasped by an operator. In addition, as shown in Figure 9(A), the storage member 562 has a covering portion 564 that covers the tip of the gripping portion 84 from the front side in the depth direction when the closing member 576 is initially positioned so that the gripping portion 84 extends upward.

[0070] In this configuration, when the closing member 576 is in its initial position, the tip of the gripping portion 84 is covered by the cover portion 564. This prevents accidental gripping of the gripping portion 84 (see Figure 9(A)). Furthermore, when the gripping portion 578 of the closing member 576 in its initial position is grasped and the closing member 576 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the depth direction, the gripping portion 84 is exposed (see Figure 9(B)). In this state, the closing member 576 can be removed from the storage member 562 by grasping the gripping portion 84 and pulling it towards the front in the depth direction.

[0071] Although this disclosure has described specific embodiments in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments, and that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments described above are illustrative for illustrative purposes only, and this disclosure is not limited to them. Modifications, deletions, additions, and combinations are possible as long as they do not contradict the technical idea of ​​the invention as can be understood by those skilled in the art from the claims, specification, and drawings.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the gripping portions 84, 184, and 384 extend along the end face 62b, but the gripping portions may extend so as to protrude toward the front in the depth direction. In this case, the effect achieved by extending along the end face 62b will not be achieved.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, there was one gripping portion 84, 184, and 384, but there may be multiple gripping portions.

[0074] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the entire gripping portion 84 is positioned inside the outer peripheral edge of the end face 62b, but a part of the gripping portion may protrude from the outer peripheral edge of the end face. However, in this case, the effect achieved by positioning the entire gripping portion 84 inside the outer peripheral edge of the end face 62b will not be achieved.

[0075] (((1))) A storage member having an opening for storing toner, A closing member that closes the opening, having a circular shape when viewed from the opening direction of the opening, with an engaged portion formed on its outer circumference that engages with an engaging portion formed along the inner periphery of the opening, A gripping portion is provided on the closing member, which is grippable and can be removed from the storage member by being pulled in the opening direction, A toner storage container equipped with [features / equipment].

[0076] (((2))) The storage member extends in the opening direction, The opening is formed on the end face of the storage member facing the direction of the opening, Viewed from the direction of the opening, the outer edge of the closing member is positioned inside the outer edge of the end face. The gripping portion extends from the outer periphery of the closing member along the end face. The toner storage container described in (((1))).

[0077] (((3))) When viewed from the direction of the opening, the entire gripping portion is positioned inside the outer peripheral edge of the end face. The toner storage container described in (((2))).

[0078] (((4))) The gripping portion is formed on the closing member, When viewed from the opening direction, the engagement force between the engaged portion and the engaging portion in the portion where the gripping portion is formed is weaker than the engagement force between the engaged portion and the engaging portion in the portion opposite to the portion where the gripping portion is formed, when viewed from the opening direction. The toner storage container described in any one of (((1))) to (((3))).

[0079] (((5))) The engaged portion and the engaging portion are in contact in the opening direction and overlap in a direction that intersects with respect to the opening direction. When viewed from the opening direction, the amount of overlap between the engaged portion and the engaging portion in the intersecting direction of the portion where the gripping portion is formed is less than the amount of overlap between the engaged portion and the engaging portion in the intersecting direction of the opposite portion. The toner storage container described in (((4))).

[0080] (((6))) A toner storage container described in any one of (((1))) to (((5))), A developing device that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on an image holder into a toner image using toner supplied from the toner storage container, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

[0081] In the toner storage container relating to (((1))), the blocking member can be removed from the storage member without using a jig.

[0082] In the toner storage container relating to (((2))), compared to the case where the gripping portion protrudes from the storage member so as to extend in the opening direction, it is possible to suppress the accidental gripping of the gripping portion.

[0083] In the toner storage container relating to (((3))), compared to the case where the gripping portion protrudes beyond the end face when viewed from the opening direction, it is possible to suppress the accidental gripping of the gripping portion.

[0084] In the toner storage container relating to (((4))), the closing member can be easily removed from the storage member compared to the case where the engagement force of the portion where the gripping portion is formed is the same as the engagement force of the portion on the opposite side when viewed from the opening direction.

[0085] In the toner storage container relating to (((5))), the engagement force can be changed with a simpler configuration compared to the case where an adhesive is used to change the engagement force.

[0086] In the image forming apparatus relating to (((6))), a toner storage container in which the occlusion member and storage member have been reused can be installed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 10 Image forming apparatus 36 Image holder 46 Developing device 60 Toner Storage Containers 62 Storage components 66 openings 68 Engaging part 76 Closure member 76a Outer part 78 Engaged portion 84 Gripping part 160 Toner Storage Containers 176 Closure member 184 Gripping part 260 Toner Storage Containers 276 Closure member 278 Engaged portion 360 Toner Storage Containers 376 Closure member 384 Gripping part 460 Toner Storage Containers 476 Closure member 560 Toner Storage Container 562 Storage components 576 Closure member

Claims

1. A storage member having an opening for storing toner, A closing member that closes the opening, having a circular shape when viewed from the opening direction of the opening, with an engaged portion formed on its outer circumference that engages with an engaging portion formed along the inner periphery of the opening, A gripping portion is provided on the closing member, which is grippable and can be removed from the storage member by being pulled in the opening direction, A toner storage container equipped with [features / equipment].

2. The storage member extends in the opening direction, The opening is formed on the end face of the storage member facing the direction of the opening, Viewed from the direction of the opening, the outer edge of the closing member is positioned inside the outer edge of the end face. The gripping portion extends from the outer periphery of the closing member along the end face. The toner storage container according to claim 1.

3. When viewed from the direction of the opening, the entire gripping portion is positioned inside the outer peripheral edge of the end face. The toner storage container according to claim 2.

4. The gripping portion is formed on the closing member, When viewed from the opening direction, the engagement force between the engaged portion and the engaging portion in the portion where the gripping portion is formed is weaker than the engagement force between the engaged portion and the engaging portion in the portion opposite to the portion where the gripping portion is formed, when viewed from the opening direction. The toner storage container according to claim 1.

5. The engaged portion and the engaging portion are in contact in the opening direction and overlap in a direction that intersects with respect to the opening direction. When viewed from the opening direction, the amount of overlap between the engaged portion and the engaging portion in the intersecting direction of the portion where the gripping portion is formed is less than the amount of overlap between the engaged portion and the engaging portion in the intersecting direction of the opposite portion. The toner storage container according to claim 4.

6. A toner storage container as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, A developing device that develops an electrostatic latent image formed on an image holder into a toner image using toner supplied from the toner storage container, An image forming apparatus equipped with the following features.

Images