JP6863436B2 - Toner container and image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a toner container and an image forming apparatus provided with the toner container.

Conventionally, image forming devices such as printers, copiers, facsimiles, and multifunction devices are provided with a toner container for replenishing the developing device with toner. For example, a toner provided with a container body that houses the toner, a rotating member that is housed in the container body and rotates around a rotation axis, and a transmission member that is arranged outside the container body and transmits rotation to the rotating member. There is a container (see Patent Document 1). In such a toner container, by transmitting the rotation from the transmission member to the rotating member, the toner in the container body can be agitated or conveyed by the rotating member.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-305841

In the toner container as described above, the transmission member is temporarily retracted inward in the rotation axis direction, and then the transmission member is projected outward in the rotation axis direction to transmit to a position where the rotation driving force from an external drive source can be received. The member may be moved. In such a case, it is required to move the transmission member along the rotation axis direction. However, if a configuration is adopted in which the transmission member is pressed by an external member in order to move the transmission member along the rotation axis direction, the transmission member is damaged by the impact when the external member and the transmission member start contact with each other. There is a risk of receiving it.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to move the transmission member along the rotation axis direction while suppressing damage to the transmission member.

The toner container according to the present invention is a toner container that is detachably mounted on a mounting portion including a drive coupling that rotates by a rotational driving force from a drive source and a case member that accommodates the drive coupling. , A container body that houses toner, a rotating member that is housed in at least a part of the container body and rotates around a rotation axis, and a transmission member that is arranged outside the container body and transmits rotation to the rotating member. And a moving member that is disposed outside the container body and is mounted on the transmission member, the transmission member comprising a transmission coupling, the first position and more than the first position. The moving member is provided so as to be movable along the rotation axis direction between a second position outside the rotation axis direction, and the moving member rotates from the first moving position and the first moving position. It is provided so as to be movable along the rotation axis direction between the second moving position on the outer side in the axial direction, and the moving member moves from the second moving position to the first moving position. Along with this, the transmission member moves from the second position to the first position, and as the moving member moves from the first moving position to the second moving position, the transmitting member moves. Moves from the first position to the second position, and while the toner container is being mounted on the mounting portion, the case member presses the moving member and the moving member moves to the second movement. When the transmission member moves from the position to the first moving position, the transmission member moves from the second position to the first position, and the toner container is mounted on the mounting portion, the movement by the case member is performed. The pressure on the member to the first moving position is released, the moving member moves from the first moving position to the second moving position, and the transmitting member moves from the first position to the second moving position. It moves to a position and is characterized in that the transmission coupling is coupled to the drive coupling.

The toner container further includes a cover that covers the outer side of the container body in the rotation axis direction, and the transmission member includes an inner portion that is covered by the cover with the transmission member in the second position and the transmission. The moving member includes an outer portion that protrudes outward in the rotation axis direction from the cover in a state where the member is in the second position, and the moving member includes an inner tubular portion that covers the outer periphery of the inner portion. An outer cylinder portion that extends from the inner cylinder portion toward the outside in the rotation axis direction and covers the outer periphery of the outer cylinder portion may be provided.

The outer peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion may have a spherical band shape.

The toner container is a toner container that is detachably mounted on a mounting portion including a drive coupling that is rotated by a rotational driving force from a drive source and a case member that accommodates the drive coupling. A container body to be accommodated, a rotating member whose at least a part is housed in the container body and rotating around a rotation axis, a transmission member arranged outside the container body and transmitting rotation to the rotating member, and the above. A moving member arranged outside the container body and attached to the transmission member is provided, and the transmission member includes a transmission coupling in a first position and in the rotation axis direction from the first position. A second position on the outside is provided so as to be movable along the rotation axis direction, and the moving member is outside the first moving position and the first moving position in the rotation axis direction. It is provided so as to be movable along the rotation axis direction between the second moving position and the moving member, and as the moving member moves from the second moving position to the first moving position, As the transmission member moves from the second position to the first position and the moving member moves from the first moving position to the second moving position, the transmitting member moves from the first moving position to the second moving position. While moving from the position 1 to the second position and the toner container is being mounted on the mounting portion, the case member presses the moving member and the moving member presses the moving member from the second moving position. When the transmission member moves from the second position to the first position and the toner container is mounted on the mounting portion, the case member moves the moving member to the moving member. The pressure on the first moving position is released, the moving member moves from the first moving position to the second moving position, and the transmitting member moves from the first position to the second position. The transmission coupling is connected to the drive coupling, and further includes a cover that covers the outer side of the container body in the rotation axis direction, and the transmission member is the transmission member in a state where the transmission member is in the second position. The moving member includes an inner portion covered with a cover and an outer portion protruding toward the outer side in the rotation axis direction from the cover in a state where the transmission member is in the second position, and the moving member is the inner side. A tubular portion that covers the outer periphery of the portion, an arm portion that extends radially outward from the tubular portion, and a boss portion that extends outward in the rotation axis direction from the arm portion. The outer end of the boss portion in the direction of the rotation axis is more than the cover. It is characterized in that it projects outward in the direction of the rotation axis.

The outer end of the boss portion in the direction of the rotation axis may be hemispherical.

The toner container further includes an urging member that urges the transmission member to the second position, and as the moving member moves from the second moving position to the first moving position, the toner container further includes an urging member. The moving member presses the transmission member, the transmission member moves from the second position to the first position against the urging force of the urging member, and the moving member moves the first movement. As the position moves from the position to the second moving position, the transmitting member may move from the first position to the second position due to the urging force of the urging member.

The transmission member is located between the first position and a third position inside the rotation axis direction with respect to the first position in a state where the moving member is in the first moving position. It may be provided so as to be movable along the direction of the rotation axis.

The toner container further includes a shutter for opening and closing a toner discharge port provided in the container body and an operating member connected to the shutter, and the shutter is operated as the operating member is operated. May open and close the outlet.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by including the toner container and the mounting portion.

The transmission coupling has a different shape for each type of the toner container, the drive coupling has a different shape for each type of the mounting portion, and the type of the toner container and the type of the mounting portion have different shapes. If they match, the shape of the transmission coupling and the shape of the drive coupling may match, and the transmission coupling may be connectable to the drive coupling.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes the toner container and the mounting portion, and the toner container further includes a shutter for opening and closing a toner discharge port provided in the container body, and the toner container includes the toner container. It is characterized in that the shutter opens and closes the discharge port as the container body rotates with respect to the shutter while being mounted on the mounting portion.

According to the present invention, it is possible to move the transmission member along the rotation axis direction while suppressing damage to the transmission member.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the right side part of the toner container and the right side part of the mounting part which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the toner container which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an exploded perspective view seen from the right front which shows the toner container which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an exploded perspective view seen from the left front which shows the toner container which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a toner container is inserted to a predetermined position with respect to a mounting portion in the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner container is further inserted into the back side in the mounting direction with respect to the mounting portion from the state of FIG. 6 in the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner container is further inserted into the back side of the mounting portion in the mounting direction from the state of FIG. 7 in the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner container is further inserted into the back side of the mounting portion in the mounting direction from the state of FIG. 8 in the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which the toner container is attached to the attachment part in the printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the operating member is in the first operating position and the shutter is in the closed position in the toner container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the operating member is in the second operating position and the shutter is in the open position in the toner container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the right side part of the toner container which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which the top cover is opened in the printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an exploded perspective view seen from the left front which shows the toner container which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the right side part of the toner container which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the right side part of the toner container which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner container is inserted to a predetermined position with respect to the mounting portion in the printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner container is further inserted into the back side in the mounting direction with respect to the mounting portion from the state of FIG. 18 in the printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which the toner container is attached to the attachment part in the printer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which the container body is in the 1st rotation position in the printer which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which the container body is in the 2nd rotation position in the printer which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which the toner container is attached to the attachment part in the printer which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14.

First, the overall configuration of the printer 1 (an example of an image forming apparatus) will be described. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the left side in FIG. 1 is referred to as the front side of the printer 1. The arrows Fr, Rr, L, R, U, and Lo appropriately attached to each figure indicate the front side, the rear side, the left side, the right side, the upper side, and the lower side of the printer 1, respectively.

With reference to FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes a box-shaped printer main body 2 (an example of a device main body). A paper feed cassette 3 for storing paper S (an example of a recording medium) is housed in the lower part of the printer main body 2. A paper output tray 4 is provided on the upper surface of the printer main body 2. In the upper part of the printer main body 2, the exposure device 5 is housed under the paper output tray 4.

A paper S transport path P is provided inside the printer main body 2. A paper feeding unit 6 is provided at the upstream end of the transport path P. An image forming portion 7 is provided in the middle stream portion of the transport path P. The image forming unit 7 has a photoconductor drum 8 and a developing device 10. A fixing device 12 is provided downstream of the transport path P.

A toner container 15 (an example of a toner container) is housed in the upper front portion of the printer main body 2. The toner container 15 is detachably attached to the attachment portion 16.

Next, the operation of the printer 1 having such a configuration will be described.

First, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor drum 8 by a laser beam from the exposure device 5 (see the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 1). Next, the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum 8 is developed by the developing device 10 to form a toner image. As a result, the image forming operation is completed.

On the other hand, the paper S taken out from the paper cassette 3 by the paper feeding unit 6 is conveyed to the image forming unit 7 at the same timing as the image forming operation described above, and the toner image is exposed to the image forming unit 7. It is transferred from the body drum 8 to the paper S. The paper S on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed downstream along the transport path P and enters the fixing device 12, and the toner image is fixed on the paper S in the fixing device 12. The paper S on which the toner image is fixed is discharged from the downstream end of the transport path P to the paper output tray 4.

Next, the toner container 15 will be further described.

The arrow O appropriately attached to each of the drawings after FIG. 2 indicates the outside of the toner container 15 in the left-right direction, and the arrow I appropriately attached to each of the drawings after FIG. 2 indicates the inside of the toner container 15 in the left-right direction.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the toner container 15 is housed in a container body 21, a stirring member 22 (an example of a rotating member) housed in the central portion of the container body 21, and a rear lower portion of the container body 21. The transport member 23 (an example of a rotating member), the support member 24 arranged on the right end side of the container body 21, the transmission member 25 arranged on the right side (outside in the left-right direction) of the support member 24, and the transmission member 25. The moving member 26 to be mounted, the cover 27 covering the right side (outside in the left-right direction) of the container body 21, the shutter 28 arranged on the rear lower side of the right end of the container body 21, and the right side (left-right direction) of the container body 21. It includes an operation member 29 arranged on the outside) and a coil spring 30 (an example of an urging member) arranged between the support member 24 and the transmission member 25.

The container body 21 of the toner container 15 has a long shape in the left-right direction. The container body 21 contains toner (developer). The container body 21 includes an accommodating portion 31, a lid portion 32 provided on the upper side of the accommodating portion 31, and a duct portion 33 provided on the rear lower side of the right end portion of the accommodating portion 31.

The accommodating portion 31 of the container body 21 has a box shape with the upper side open. A support hole 34 is provided in the central portion of the right side wall 31R of the accommodating portion 31. A support rib 35 is projected from the outer periphery of the support hole 34 on the right surface (outer surface in the left-right direction) of the right side wall 31R of the accommodating portion 31. A lower flange portion 36 is provided on the outer periphery of the upper end of the accommodating portion 31.

The lid 32 of the container body 21 has a box shape with the lower side open. An upper flange portion 37 is provided on the outer circumference of the lower end of the lid portion 32. The upper flange portion 37 is fixed to the lower flange portion 36 of the accommodating portion 31. As a result, the accommodating portion 31 and the lid portion 32 are integrated. The internal space of the lid portion 32 communicates with the internal space of the accommodating portion 31.

The duct portion 33 of the container body 21 has a cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The duct portion 33 is integrally molded with the accommodating portion 31. The internal space of the duct portion 33 communicates with the internal space of the accommodating portion 31. A toner discharge port 38 is provided on the lower surface of the duct portion 33.

With reference to FIG. 3, the stirring member 22 of the toner container 15 is housed in the housing section 31 of the container body 21. The stirring member 22 is rotatably provided around the first rotation axis X extending in the left-right direction. That is, in the present embodiment, the left-right direction is the rotation axis direction of the stirring member 22. The stirring member 22 includes a stirring shaft 40 extending in the left-right direction and a stirring blade 41 attached to the stirring shaft 40. The stirring blade 41 is made of, for example, a resin film, and has a sheet shape.

The portion of the toner container 15 extending from the left end portion to the central portion in the left-right direction is housed in the storage portion 31 of the container main body 21. The right side portion of the transport member 23 is housed in the duct portion 33 of the container body 21. The right end portion of the transport member 23 projects to the right side (outside in the left-right direction) of the duct portion 33 and is exposed to the outside of the container body 21. The transport member 23 is rotatably provided around a second rotation axis Y extending along the left-right direction. That is, in the present embodiment, the left-right direction is the rotation axis direction of the transport member 23.

The transport member 23 includes a transport shaft 43 extending in the left-right direction, a spiral transport fin 44 projecting from the outer periphery of the transport shaft 43, and a right end portion of the transport shaft 43 (a portion exposed to the outside of the container body 21). ) Is provided with a driven gear 45 fixed to the).

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the support member 24 of the toner container 15 includes an annular base piece 47 and a connecting piece 48 projecting from the center of the base piece 47 toward the left side (inside in the left-right direction). A boss piece 49 protruding from the center of the base piece 47 toward the right side (outside in the left-right direction), and a pair of insertion pieces 50 protruding from the base piece 47 toward the right side (outside in the left-right direction) on the outer circumference of the boss piece 49. , Is equipped.

With reference to FIG. 3, the base piece 47 of the support member 24 is arranged on the right side (outside in the left-right direction) of the accommodating portion 31 of the container body 21. That is, the base piece 47 is arranged outside the container body 21. A drive gear 52 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base piece 47. The drive gear 52 meshes with the driven gear 45 of the transport member 23. As a result, the support member 24 is connected to the transport member 23. A pedestal 53 is projected from the left surface (inner surface in the left-right direction) of the base piece 47.

The connecting piece 48 of the support member 24 penetrates the support hole 34 provided in the right side wall 31R of the accommodating portion 31 of the container body 21. As a result, the support member 24 is rotatably supported by the container body 21. The tip of the connecting piece 48 is inserted inside the accommodating portion 31 and fixed to the right end of the stirring shaft 40 of the stirring member 22. As a result, the support member 24 is connected to the stirring member 22, and the support member 24 can rotate around the first rotation axis X integrally with the stirring member 22.

With reference to FIG. 4, a hook 50A is provided at the right end portion (the outer end portion in the left-right direction) of each insertion piece 50 of the support member 24. The hook 50A projects outward in the radial direction (the side away from the first rotation axis X).

With reference to FIGS. 6 to 10, the transmission member 25 of the toner container 15 is arranged on the right side (outside in the left-right direction) of the accommodating portion 31 of the container main body 21. That is, the transmission member 25 is arranged outside the container body 21. The transmission member 25 has a first position (see FIGS. 7 and 9), a second position (see FIGS. 6 and 10) on the right side (outside in the left-right direction) of the first position, and a first position. It is provided so as to be linearly movable along the left-right direction between the third position (see FIG. 8) on the left side (inside in the left-right direction) of the position.

The transmission member 25 includes an inner portion 54 and an outer portion 55 projecting from the inner portion 54 toward the right side (outside in the left-right direction). The inner portion 54 is covered by the cover 27 with the transmission member 25 in the second position (see FIGS. 6 and 10). The outer portion 55 projects toward the right side (outside in the left-right direction) of the cover 27 in a state where the transmission member 25 is in the second position.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the inner portion 54 of the transmission member 25 includes a transmission piece 56, a tubular piece 57 projecting from the central portion of the transmission piece 56 toward the left side (inside in the left-right direction), and a tubular shape. A pair of projecting pieces 58 projecting from the transmitting piece 56 toward the left side (inside in the left-right direction) on the outer circumference of the piece 57, and a substantially annular fixed piece 59 fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the left side of the pair of projecting pieces 58. , Is equipped. The boss piece 49 of the support member 24 is inserted into the tubular piece 57. A pair of insertion grooves 60 are formed at the forming interval of the pair of projecting pieces 58. Each insertion piece 50 of the support member 24 is inserted into each insertion groove 60. With the above configuration, the transmission member 25 is supported by the support member 24 in a state where it can move along the left-right direction and cannot rotate relative to each other. The fixed piece 59 locks the hook 50A of each insertion piece 50. As a result, the detachment of each insertion piece 50 from each insertion groove 60 is suppressed.

A transmission coupling 61 is provided on the right surface (outer surface in the left-right direction) of the outer portion 55 of the transmission member 25. The transmission coupling 61 has a substantially quadrangular pyramid shape. The transmission coupling 61 has a different shape depending on the type (for example, destination, toner color, or model) of the toner container 15. That is, the toner container 15 having a different type from the toner container 15 of the present embodiment is provided with a transmission coupling 61 having a shape different from that of the present embodiment (for example, a substantially triangular pyramid shape or a substantially pentagonal pyramid shape). ..

With reference to FIGS. 6 to 10, the moving member 26 of the toner container 15 is arranged on the right side (outside in the left-right direction) of the accommodating portion 31 of the container main body 21. That is, the moving member 26 is arranged outside the container body 21. The moving member 26 has a first moving position (see FIGS. 7 to 9) and a second moving position (see FIGS. 6 and 10) on the right side (outside in the left-right direction) of the first moving position. It is provided so that it can move linearly along the left-right direction between them.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the moving member 26 includes an inner cylinder portion 64, an outer cylinder portion 65 extending from the inner cylinder portion 64 toward the right side (outside in the left-right direction), and an inner cylinder portion 64. It includes protrusions 66 that project radially outward (sides away from the first rotation axis X) from both front and rear portions.

The inner tubular portion 64 of the moving member 26 has a cylindrical shape with the first rotation axis X as the axis. With reference to FIG. 6 and the like, the inner cylinder portion 64 covers the outer circumference of the right side portion (the outer portion in the left-right direction) of the inner portion 54 of the transmission member 25. The left edge portion (inner edge portion in the left-right direction) of the inner cylinder portion 64 is in contact with the fixing piece 59 of the inner portion 54.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the outer tubular portion 65 of the moving member 26 has a cylindrical shape with the first rotation axis X as the axis. The outer peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion 65 has a spherical band shape, and is inclined toward the right side (outside in the left-right direction) so as to approach the first rotation axis X. With reference to FIG. 6 and the like, the outer tubular portion 65 covers the outer circumference of the left side portion (inner portion in the left-right direction) of the outer portion 55 of the transmission member 25. An opening 68 is provided at the right end portion (the outer end portion in the left-right direction) of the outer cylinder portion 65.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the cover 27 of the toner container 15 is arranged on the flat main wall 75, the peripheral wall 76 arranged on the outer peripheral side of the main wall 75, and the central side of the main wall 75. It is equipped with a guide wall 77.

The main wall 75 of the cover 27 is provided along a plane intersecting the first rotation axis X. A circular through hole 79 is provided in the central portion of the main wall 75.

The peripheral wall 76 of the cover 27 has a tubular shape. The peripheral wall 76 projects from the outer periphery of the main wall 75 toward the left side (inside in the left-right direction). An exposed groove 80 is provided at the rear portion of the peripheral wall 76, and a part of the drive gear 52 of the support member 24 is exposed to the outside of the cover 27 through the exposed groove 80. A notch 81 is provided in the upper part of the peripheral wall 76.

The guide wall 77 of the cover 27 has a cylindrical shape. The guide wall 77 projects from the main wall 75 toward the left side (inside in the left-right direction) on the outer circumference of the through hole 79. The inner tubular portion 64 of the moving member 26 is inserted into the guide wall 77. The guide wall 77 is provided with a pair of slits 82 extending in the left-right direction, and each of the slits 82 is engaged with each protrusion 66 of the moving member 26. With the above configuration, the cover 27 supports the moving member 26 so as to be movable along the left-right direction.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the shutter 28 of the toner container 15 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The shutter 28 is rotatably attached to the outer periphery of the duct portion 33 of the container body 21. The shutter 28 can rotate between a closing position (see FIG. 11) for closing the toner discharge port 38 provided in the duct portion 33 and an open position (see FIG. 12) for opening the toner discharge port 38. It is provided in. A shutter side gear 87 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shutter 28.

The operating member 29 of the toner container 15 is arranged on the right side (outside in the left-right direction) of the accommodating portion 31 of the container main body 21. That is, the operating member 29 is arranged outside the container body 21. The operation member 29 is rotatably provided around the first rotation axis X between the first operation position (see FIG. 11) and the second operation position (see FIG. 12).

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the operation member 29 extends linearly from the main body 91 and the outer peripheral surface of the main body 91 to the outside in the radial direction (the side separated from the first rotation axis X). It is provided with a part 92.

The main body 91 of the operating member 29 forms an annular shape centered on the first rotation axis X. With reference to FIG. 13, the main body 91 is rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the pedestal 53 of the base piece 47 of the support member 24. As a result, the main body 91 is rotatably supported by the support rib 35 of the accommodating portion 31 of the container main body 21. With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, an operation member side gear 94 is provided at the lower rear portion of the outer peripheral surface of the main body 91. The operation member side gear 94 meshes with the shutter side gear 87 of the shutter 28. As a result, the operating member 29 is connected to the shutter 28.

The operated portion 92 of the operating member 29 is a portion operated by an operator such as a user or a serviceman when the operating member 29 rotates. The upper portion of the operated portion 92 is exposed to the upper side of the cover 27 through the notch 81 of the peripheral wall 76 of the cover 27.

With reference to FIG. 6 and the like, the coil spring 30 of the toner container 15 is interposed between the base piece 47 of the support member 24 and the inner portion 54 of the transmission member 25. The coil spring 30 is attached to the outer circumference of the tubular piece 57 of the inner portion 54. The coil spring 30 pushes the transmission member 25 toward the right side (outside in the left-right direction) to urge the transmission member 25 to the second position (see FIGS. 6 and 10) and to push the moving member 26 to the second position. It is urged to move position 2 (see FIGS. 6 and 10).

Next, the mounting portion 16 will be further described.

With reference to FIG. 14, the upper portion of the mounting portion 16 is covered with a top cover 100 that can be opened and closed, and by opening the top cover 100, the toner container 15 can be attached to and detached from the mounting portion 16. ing. The toner container 15 is detachably mounted on the mounting portion 16 along the mounting direction Z from the upper side to the lower side.

With reference to FIG. 6 and the like, the mounting portion 16 includes a case member 101 and a drive piece 102 housed in an upper portion of the case member 101.

The case member 101 of the mounting portion 16 is arranged on the right end side of the mounting portion 16. A circular connecting hole 103 is provided in the upper part of the left side wall 101L of the case member 101.

The drive piece 102 of the mounting portion 16 is rotatably supported by the case member 101. The drive piece 102 is connected to a drive source 105 composed of a motor or the like. A drive coupling 104 is provided on the left surface (inner surface) of the drive piece 102. The drive coupling 104 is exposed to the outside of the case member 101 through the connecting hole 103 of the case member 101. The drive coupling 104 has a different shape depending on the type of mounting portion 16 (for example, destination, toner color, or model). That is, the mounting portion 16 having a type different from that of the mounting portion 16 of the present embodiment is provided with a drive coupling 104 having a shape different from that of the present embodiment (for example, a substantially triangular pyramid shape or a substantially pentagonal pyramid shape). ..

Next, the operation of discharging the toner from the toner container 15 will be described.

With reference to FIG. 3, when the toner is discharged from the toner container 15, the transmission coupling 61 of the transmission member 25 is connected to the drive coupling 104 of the drive piece 102, and the toner is provided in the duct portion 33. The drive source 105 is driven in a state where the discharge port 38 of the above is open. When the drive source 105 is driven in this way, the drive piece 102 is rotated by the rotational driving force from the drive source 105, and the drive coupling 104 provided on the drive piece 102 is rotated accordingly. When the drive coupling 104 rotates in this way, the rotation is transmitted to the stirring member 22 by the transmission member 25 and the support member 24, and the stirring member 22 rotates. Along with this, the toner stored in the storage portion 31 of the container main body 21 is stirred by the stirring member 22.

Further, when the drive coupling 104 rotates as described above, this rotation is transmitted to the transport member 23 by the transmission member 25 and the support member 24, and the transport member 23 rotates. Along with this, as shown by an arrow A in FIG. 3, the toner contained in the accommodating portion 31 and the duct portion 33 of the container main body 21 is conveyed toward the toner discharge port 38 by the conveying member 23. The toner conveyed toward the toner discharge port 38 in this way is discharged from the toner discharge port 38 to the outside of the toner container 15. The toner discharged to the outside of the toner container 15 is replenished to the developing device 10 (see FIG. 1).

Next, an operation in which a worker such as a user or a serviceman sets the toner container 15 in the mounting portion 16 will be described.

When the toner container 15 is removed from the mounting portion 16, as shown in FIG. 13, the moving member 26 is arranged at the second moving position by the urging force of the coil spring 30, and the transmitting member 25 is the second. It is located at the position of. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the operating member 29 is arranged at the first operating position, and the shutter 28 is arranged at the closing position.

When the operator sets the toner container 15 in the mounting portion 16, the worker inserts the toner container 15 into the mounting portion 16 along the mounting direction Z as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the toner container 15 is inserted to a predetermined position with respect to the mounting portion 16, the outer peripheral surfaces of the outer tubular portion 65 of the moving member 26 are the left side wall 101L and the upper wall 101U of the case member 101. Contact the boundary part of.

When the toner container 15 is further inserted below the mounting portion 16 (back side in the mounting direction Z) from this state, the case member 101 presses the outer peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion 65 of the moving member 26. By this pressing, as shown in FIG. 7, the moving member 26 moves from the second moving position to the first moving position against the urging force of the coil spring 30. Along with this, the inner tubular portion 64 of the moving member 26 presses the fixing piece 59 of the transmitting member 25, and the transmitting member 25 moves from the second position to the first position against the urging force of the coil spring 30. To do. Further, the outer peripheral surface of the transmission coupling 61 of the transmission member 25 comes into contact with the boundary portion between the left side wall 101L and the upper wall 101U of the case member 101.

When the toner container 15 is further inserted below the mounting portion 16 (back side in the mounting direction Z) from this state, the case member 101 presses the outer peripheral surface of the transmission coupling 61 of the transmission member 25. Due to this pressing, as shown in FIG. 8, the transmission member 25 moves from the first position to the third position against the pressing force of the coil spring 30 while the moving member 26 is in the first moving position. Moving.

When the toner container 15 is further inserted below the mounting portion 16 (back side in the mounting direction Z) from this state, the pressing of the case member 101 against the transmission member 25 to the third position is released. By releasing this pressing, as shown in FIG. 9, the transmitting member 25 moves from the third position to the first position by the pressing force of the coil spring 30 while the moving member 26 is in the first moving position. To do.

When the toner container 15 is inserted further below the mounting portion 16 (back side in the mounting direction Z) from this state, the toner container 15 is mounted on the mounting portion 16. When the toner container 15 is mounted on the mounting portion 16 in this way, the outer tubular portion 65 of the moving member 26 engages with the connecting hole 103 of the case member 101, as shown in FIG. Along with this, the pressure on the moving member 26 by the case member 101 to the first moving position is released, and the moving member 26 moves from the first moving position to the second moving position by the urging force of the coil spring 30. .. Along with this, the transmission member 25 moves from the first position to the second position by the urging force of the coil spring 30, and the transmission coupling 61 is connected to the drive coupling 104.

Next, the operator operates the operated portion 92 of the operating member 29 to the rear side, and rotates the operating member 29 from the first operating position (see FIG. 11) to the second operating position (see FIG. 12). Along with this, the rotation of the operating member 29 is transmitted to the shutter 28, and the shutter 28 rotates from the closed position (see FIG. 11) to the open position (see FIG. 12). As a result, the toner discharge port 38 is opened. As described above, the setting of the toner container 15 in the mounting portion 16 is completed.

When the toner container 15 is mounted on the mounting portion 16 as described above, if the type of the toner container 15 and the type of the mounting portion 16 match, the shape of the transmission coupling 61 and the shape of the drive coupling 104 Matches, and the transmission coupling 61 can be connected to the drive coupling 104. Along with this, it becomes possible to transmit rotation from the drive coupling 104 to the transmission coupling 61. On the other hand, when the type of the toner container 15 and the type of the mounting portion 16 do not match, the shape of the transmission coupling 61 and the shape of the drive coupling 104 do not match, and the transmission coupling 61 and the drive coupling 104 are connected. Is regulated. Along with this, the transmission of rotation from the drive coupling 104 to the transmission coupling 61 is restricted. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the toner containers 15 of different types from being erroneously mounted on the mounting portion 16.

When the operator removes the toner container 15 from the mounting portion 16, the operator operates the operated portion 92 of the operating member 29 to the front side, and the operating member 29 is moved from the second operating position (see FIG. 12). Rotate to the first operating position (see FIG. 11). Along with this, the rotation of the operating member 29 is transmitted to the shutter 28, and the shutter 28 rotates from the open position (see FIG. 12) to the closed position (see FIG. 11). As a result, the toner discharge port 38 is closed.

Next, the operator pulls out the toner container 15 from the mounting portion 16 in the direction opposite to the mounting direction Z. As a result, the toner container 15 is removed from the mounting portion 16.

In the present embodiment, as described above, as the moving member 26 moves from the second moving position to the first moving position, the transmitting member 25 moves from the second position to the first position and moves. As the member 26 moves from the first moving position to the second moving position, the transmitting member 25 moves from the first position to the second position. By adopting such a configuration, if the moving member 26 is pressed by the case member 101, the transmission member 25 can be moved to the first position and the second position without directly pressing the transmission member 25 by the case member 101. It is possible to move between and. Therefore, it is possible to move the transmission member 25 along the left-right direction while suppressing damage to the transmission member 25.

In the present embodiment, after the moving member 26 has started contact with the case member 101, the transmission coupling 61 of the transmission member 25 has started contact with the case member 101. By adopting such a configuration, the impact when the transmission coupling 61 starts contact with the case member 101 is smaller than that when the transmission coupling 61 suddenly starts contact with the case member 101. This makes it easier to suppress damage to the transmission coupling 61.

Further, the moving member 26 extends from the inner cylinder portion 64 that covers the outer circumference of the inner portion 54 of the transmission member 25 and the inner cylinder portion 64 toward the right side (outside in the left-right direction), and the outer portion 55 of the transmission member 25. It is provided with an outer tubular portion 65 that covers the outer periphery of the above. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the outer portion 55 of the transmission member 25 from being damaged.

Further, the outer peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion 65 has a spherical band shape. By adopting such a configuration, when the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion 65 is pressed by the case member 101, the moving member 26 can be reliably moved from the second moving position to the first moving position. It becomes.

Further, as the moving member 26 moves from the first moving position to the second moving position, the transmitting member 25 moves from the first position to the second position by the urging force of the coil spring 30. By adopting such a configuration, the transmission member 25 can be reliably moved from the first position to the second position.

Further, the transmission member 25 is provided so as to be movable in the left-right direction between the first position and the third position while the moving member 26 is in the first moving position. By adopting such a configuration, even if the transmission member 25 is impacted while the moving member 26 is in the first moving position, the transmitting member 25 moves from the first position to the third position. By doing so, the above impact can be absorbed. Therefore, damage to the transmission member 25 can be suppressed more reliably.

Further, as the operation member 29 is operated, the shutter 28 opens and closes the toner discharge port 38. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to open and close the toner discharge port 38 without complicating the configuration on the mounting portion 16 side.

Further, the printer 1 includes a toner container 15 and a mounting portion 16 to which the toner container 15 is detachably mounted. By adopting such a configuration, the toner container 15 can be easily replaced.

By the way, there is a configuration in which the drive coupling 104 is moved in conjunction with the operation of mounting the toner container 15 on the mounting portion 16 and the drive coupling 104 is connected to the transmission coupling 61. However, if such a configuration is adopted, it becomes necessary to install a drive mechanism for moving the drive coupling 104 in the mounting portion 16, which may complicate the configuration of the mounting portion 16.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, while the toner container 15 is being mounted on the mounting portion 16, the case member 101 presses the moving member 26, and the moving member 26 moves from the second moving position to the first moving position. When the transmission member 25 moves from the second position to the first position and the toner container 15 is mounted on the mounting portion 16, the case member 101 presses the moving member 26 against the moving member 26. Is released, the moving member 26 moves from the first moving position to the second moving position, the transmitting member 25 moves from the first position to the second position, and the transmitting coupling 61 moves to the drive coupling 104. Be connected. By adopting such a configuration, it is not necessary to install a mechanism for moving the drive coupling 104 in the mounting portion 16, so that the complexity of the configuration of the mounting portion 16 can be suppressed, and the mounting portion 16 can be suppressed. Space can be saved in.

In the present embodiment, the shutter 28 is rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the duct portion 33 of the container body 21. On the other hand, in another different embodiment, the shutter 28 may be rotatably mounted on the inner circumference of the duct portion 33 of the container body 21.

In the present embodiment, the entire stirring member 22 is housed in the container body 21. On the other hand, in another different embodiment, a part of the stirring member 22 may be housed in the container body 21. In the present embodiment, the portion of the transport member 23 excluding the right end is housed in the container body 21. On the other hand, in another different embodiment, the entire transport member 23 may be housed in the container body 21.

In the present embodiment, the entire transmission member 25 is arranged outside the container body 21. On the other hand, in another different embodiment, a part of the transmission member 25 may be arranged outside the container body 21.

In the present embodiment, a case where the configuration of the present invention is applied to the printer 1 has been described. On the other hand, in another different embodiment, the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus other than the printer 1 such as a copier, a facsimile, and a multifunction device (an image forming apparatus having a printing function, a copying function, a fax function, etc. in combination). It is also possible to apply the configuration.

<Second embodiment>
Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 20. The description overlapping with the first embodiment of the present invention will be omitted as appropriate.

First, the toner container 111 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the same parts as the parts of the toner container 15 according to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those of the parts of the toner container 15 according to the first embodiment are designated in the following description and FIGS. 15 to 20. Attach.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the transmission member 114 of the toner container 111 includes an inner portion 54 and an outer portion 117 projecting from the inner portion 54 toward the right side (outside in the left-right direction). A transmission coupling 118 is provided on the right surface (outer surface in the left-right direction) of the outer portion 117. With reference to FIG. 17, the transmission coupling 118 includes a cylindrical transmission cylinder 119 and three transmission protrusions 120 projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the transmission cylinder 119.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the moving member 115 of the toner container 111 includes a tubular portion 122 and a pair of arm portions 123 extending radially outward from both front and rear portions of the tubular portion 122. A pair of boss portions 124 extending from each arm portion 123 toward the right side (outside in the left-right direction) are provided. The tubular portion 122 has a cylindrical shape with the first rotation axis X as the axis. The tubular portion 122 covers the outer circumference of the right side portion (lateral portion in the left-right direction) of the inner portion 54 of the transmission member 114. The tubular portion 122 does not cover the outer circumference of the outer portion 117 of the transmission member 114. Each boss portion 124 extends along the left-right direction. The right end portion 124A (the outer end portion in the left-right direction) of each boss portion 124 has a hemispherical shape.

The cover 116 of the toner container 111 includes a flat plate-shaped main wall 126, a peripheral wall 76 arranged on the outer peripheral side of the main wall 126, and a guide wall 128 arranged on the central side of the main wall 126. The main wall 126 is provided with hole portions 127 on both front and rear sides of the through hole 79, and each boss portion 124 of the moving member 115 penetrates each hole portion 127. As a result, the right end portion 124A (the outer end portion in the left-right direction) of each boss portion 124 protrudes toward the right side (outside in the left-right direction) from the cover 116. The guide wall 128 is not provided with a slit (see first embodiment).

Next, the mounting portion 112 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the present specification and the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals as those of the mounting portions 16 according to the first embodiment are attached to the same parts as the mounting portions 16 according to the first embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 18 and the like, the left side wall 130L of the case member 130 of the mounting portion 112 is provided with a recess 132 above the connecting hole 103. On the left side wall 130L of the case member 130 of the mounting portion 112, upstream side inclined portions 133 are provided on both front and rear sides of the recess 132. Each upstream side inclined portion 133 is inclined to the left side (inward in the left-right direction) toward the lower side (downstream side in the mounting direction Z). The left side wall 130L of the case member 130 of the mounting portion 112 is provided with a downstream inclined portion 134 on the lower side (downstream side in the mounting direction Z) of each upstream inclined portion 133. Each downstream inclined portion 134 is inclined to the right side (outside in the left-right direction) toward the lower side (downstream side in the mounting direction Z).

Next, an operation in which a worker such as a user or a serviceman sets the toner container 111 in the mounting portion 112 will be described.

When the operator sets the toner container 111 in the mounting portion 112, the worker inserts the toner container 111 into the mounting portion 112 along the mounting direction Z. As shown in FIG. 18, when the toner container 111 is inserted to a predetermined position with respect to the mounting portion 112, the right end portion 124A of each boss portion 124 of the moving member 115 becomes each upstream side inclined portion 133 of the case member 130. Contact with.

When the toner container 111 is further inserted below the mounting portion 112 (back side in the mounting direction Z) from this state, the case member 130 presses the right end portion 124A of each boss portion 124 of the moving member 115. By this pressing, as shown in FIG. 19, the moving member 115 moves from the second moving position to the first moving position against the urging force of the coil spring 30. Along with this, the moving member 115 presses the transmitting member 114, and the transmitting member 114 moves from the second position to the first position against the urging force of the coil spring 30.

When the toner container 111 is inserted further below the mounting portion 112 (back side in the mounting direction Z) from this state, the toner container 111 is mounted on the mounting portion 112. When the toner container 111 is mounted on the mounting portion 112 in this way, as shown in FIG. 20, the right end portion 124A of each boss portion 124 of the moving member 115 comes into contact with each downstream inclined portion 134 of the case member 130. .. Further, the pressing of the case member 130 against the moving member 115 to the first moving position is released, and the moving member 115 moves from the first moving position to the second moving position by the urging force of the coil spring 30. Along with this, the transmission member 114 moves from the first position to the second position by the urging force of the coil spring 30, and the transmission coupling 118 is connected to the drive coupling 104.

Next, as in the first embodiment, the operator operates the operated portion 92 of the operating member 29 (see FIG. 17 and the like) to rotate the operating member 29, and opens the toner discharge port 38 to the shutter 28. Let me. As described above, the setting of the toner container 111 to the mounting portion 112 is completed.

When the operator removes the toner container 111 from the mounting portion 112, the operator operates the operated portion 92 of the operating member 29 to the front side to rotate the operating member 29, and the shutter 28 has a toner discharge port 38. To close. Next, the operator pulls out the toner container 111 from the mounting portion 112 in the direction opposite to the mounting direction Z. As a result, the toner container 111 is removed from the mounting portion 112.

The moving member 115 of the present embodiment includes a tubular portion 122 that covers the outer periphery of the inner portion 54 of the transmission member 114, a pair of arm portions 123 that extend radially outward from the tubular portion 122, and each arm. A pair of boss portions 124 extending from the portion 123 toward the right side (outside in the left-right direction) are provided, and the right end portion 124A (outside end portion in the left-right direction) of each boss portion 124 is on the right side (outside in the left-right direction) of the cover 116. It protrudes toward the outside in the left-right direction). By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to press the right end portion 124A of each boss portion 124 arranged at a distance from the outer portion 117 of the transmission member 114 by the case member 130. Along with this, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the shape of the transmission coupling 118 provided on the outer portion 117 of the transmission member 114.

Further, the right end portion 124A (the outer end portion in the left-right direction) of each boss portion 124 has a hemispherical shape. By adopting such a configuration, when the right end portion 124A of each boss portion 124 is pressed by the case member 130, the moving member 115 can be reliably moved from the second moving position to the first moving position. It will be possible.

<Third embodiment>
Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23. The description overlapping with the first embodiment of the present invention will be omitted as appropriate.

First, the toner container 141 according to the third embodiment will be described. In addition, in the following description and FIGS. 21 to 23, the same reference reference numerals as those of the respective parts of the toner container 15 according to the first embodiment are attached to the same parts as the respective parts of the toner container 15 according to the first embodiment. Attach.

With reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, the container body 144 of the toner container 141 has a first rotation position (see FIG. 21) and a second rotation position (see FIG. 21) in a state where the toner container 141 is mounted on the mounting portion 142. (See FIG. 22) and rotatably provided. A toner discharge port 149 is provided on the lower surface of the accommodating portion 148 of the container body 144. The container body 144 is not provided with a duct portion (see the first embodiment).

With reference to FIG. 23, the cover 145 of the toner container 141 includes an engaging wall 151. The engaging wall 151 projects from the main wall 75 toward the right side (outside in the left-right direction) on the outer periphery of the through hole 79.

With reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, the shutter 146 of the toner container 141 is curved in an arc shape along the outer surface of the accommodating portion 148 of the container body 144. The shutter 146 is provided so that the toner discharge port 149 can be opened and closed.

Next, an operation in which a worker such as a user or a serviceman sets the toner container 141 in the mounting portion 142 will be described.

First, as in the first embodiment, the operator mounts the toner container 141 on the mounting portion 142 along the mounting direction Z. As a result, as shown in FIG. 23, the transmission coupling 61 of the transmission member 25 is connected to the drive coupling 104 of the drive piece 102, and the transmission coupling 61 and the drive coupling 104 are on the first rotation axis X. Is placed in.

Next, the operator rotates the container body 144 with respect to the shutter 146 from the first rotation position (see FIG. 21) to the second rotation position (see FIG. 22). Along with this, the container body 144 is displaced with respect to the shutter 146, and the shutter 146 opens the toner discharge port 149. As described above, the setting of the toner container 141 to the mounting portion 142 is completed.

When the container body 144 rotates from the first rotation position (see FIG. 21) to the second rotation position (see FIG. 22) as described above, the container body 144 rotates about the first rotation axis X. To do. Therefore, the relative positional relationship between the transmission coupling 61 and the drive coupling 104 arranged on the first rotation axis X does not change, and the connected state of the transmission coupling 61 and the drive coupling 104 is maintained.

When the operator removes the toner container 141 from the mounting portion 142, the operator moves the container body 144 to the shutter 146 from the second rotation position (see FIG. 22) to the first rotation position (see FIG. 21). Rotate against. Along with this, the container body 144 is displaced with respect to the shutter 146, and the shutter 146 closes the toner discharge port 149. Next, the operator pulls out the toner container 141 from the mounting portion 142 in the direction opposite to the mounting direction Z. As a result, the toner container 141 is removed from the mounting portion 142.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the shutter 146 opens and closes the toner discharge port 149 as the container body 144 rotates with respect to the shutter 146 in a state where the toner container 141 is mounted on the mounting portion 142. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to open and close the toner discharge port 149 without providing an operating member (see the first embodiment) in the toner container 141, and the configuration of the toner container 141 is simplified. It becomes possible to make it.

<First Embodiment>
1 Printer (an example of an image forming device)
15 Toner container (an example of toner container)
16 Mounting part 21 Container body 22 Stirring member (example of rotating member)
23 Conveying member (an example of rotating member)
25 Transmission member 26 Moving member 27 Cover 28 Shutter 29 Operating member 30 Coil spring (an example of urging member)
38 Discharge port 54 Inner part 55 Outer part 61 Transmission coupling 64 Inner cylinder part 65 Outer cylinder 101 Case member 104 Drive coupling 105 Drive source X 1st rotation axis Y 2nd rotation axis <Second embodiment>
111 Toner container (example of toner container)
112 Mounting part 114 Transmission member 115 Moving member 116 Cover 118 Transmission coupling 122 Cylindrical part 123 Arm part 124 Boss part 130 Case member <Third embodiment>
141 Toner container (an example of toner container)
142 Mounting part 144 Container body 145 Cover 146 Shutter 149 Discharge port

Claims (11)

A toner container that is detachably mounted on a mounting portion including a drive coupling that rotates by a rotational driving force from a drive source and a case member that accommodates the drive coupling.
The container body that stores the toner and
A rotating member whose at least a part is housed in the container body and rotates around a rotating shaft,
A transmission member arranged outside the container body and transmitting rotation to the rotating member,
A moving member arranged outside the container body and attached to the transmission member is provided.
The transmission member includes a transmission coupling, and the moving member is provided along the rotation axis direction between a first position and a second position outside the first position in the rotation axis direction. It is provided so that it can be moved with respect to
The moving member is provided so as to be movable along the rotation axis direction between a first moving position and a second moving position outside the first moving position in the rotation axis direction.
As the moving member moves from the second moving position to the first moving position, the transmitting member moves from the second position to the first position, and the moving member moves to the first position. As the moving position of 1 moves to the second moving position, the transmission member moves from the first position to the second position.
The toner container is mounted on the mounting portion along a mounting direction that intersects the rotation axis direction.
While the toner container is being mounted on the mounting portion, the case member presses the moving member to move the moving member from the second moving position to the first moving position, and then the case. The member presses the transmission member, and the transmission member moves from the second position to the first position.
When the toner container is mounted on the mounting portion, the case member releases the pressure on the moving member to the first moving position, and the moving member moves from the first moving position to the second moving position. At the same time as moving to the position, the pressure on the transmission member by the case member to the first position is released, the transmission member moves from the first position to the second position, and the transmission coupling is released. A toner container characterized by being connected to the drive coupling. Further provided with a cover covering the outside of the container body in the rotation axis direction,
The transmission member
An inner portion covered with the cover while the transmission member is in the second position, and
The transmission member is provided with an outer portion that protrudes outward in the rotation axis direction from the cover in a state where the transmission member is in the second position.
The moving member
An inner cylinder portion that covers the outer circumference of the inner portion and
The toner container according to claim 1, further comprising an outer cylinder portion extending outward in the rotation axis direction from the inner cylinder portion and covering the outer periphery of the outer cylinder portion. The toner container according to claim 2, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion has a spherical band shape. A toner container that is detachably mounted on a mounting portion including a drive coupling that rotates by a rotational driving force from a drive source and a case member that accommodates the drive coupling.
The container body that stores the toner and
A rotating member whose at least a part is housed in the container body and rotates around a rotating shaft,
A transmission member arranged outside the container body and transmitting rotation to the rotating member,
A moving member arranged outside the container body and attached to the transmission member is provided.
The transmission member includes a transmission coupling, and the moving member is provided along the rotation axis direction between a first position and a second position outside the first position in the rotation axis direction. It is provided so that it can be moved with respect to
The moving member is provided so as to be movable along the rotation axis direction between a first moving position and a second moving position outside the first moving position in the rotation axis direction.
As the moving member moves from the second moving position to the first moving position, the transmitting member moves from the second position to the first position, and the moving member moves to the first position. As the moving position of 1 moves to the second moving position, the transmission member moves from the first position to the second position.
The toner container is mounted on the mounting portion along a mounting direction that intersects the rotation axis direction.
While the toner container is being mounted on the mounting portion, the case member presses the moving member to move the moving member from the second moving position to the first moving position, and then the case. The member presses the transmission member, and the transmission member moves from the second position to the first position.
When the toner container is mounted on the mounting portion, the case member releases the pressure on the moving member to the first moving position, and the moving member moves from the first moving position to the second moving position. At the same time as moving to the position, the pressure on the transmission member by the case member to the first position is released, the transmission member moves from the first position to the second position, and the transmission coupling is released. Connected to the drive coupling
Further provided with a cover covering the outside of the container body in the rotation axis direction,
The transmission member
An inner portion covered with the cover while the transmission member is in the second position, and
The transmission member is provided with an outer portion that protrudes outward in the rotation axis direction from the cover in a state where the transmission member is in the second position.
The moving member
A tubular portion that covers the outer circumference of the inner portion and
An arm portion extending radially outward from the tubular portion and an arm portion
A boss portion extending outward in the rotation axis direction from the arm portion is provided.
A toner container characterized in that the outer end portion of the boss portion in the rotation axis direction protrudes outward in the rotation axis direction from the cover. The toner container according to claim 4, wherein the end portion of the boss portion on the outer side in the rotation axis direction has a hemispherical shape. Further provided with an urging member for urging the transmission member to the second position,
As the moving member moves from the second moving position to the first moving position, the moving member presses the transmitting member, and the transmitting member opposes the urging force of the urging member. Moves from the second position to the first position,
As the moving member moves from the first moving position to the second moving position, the transmitting member moves from the first position to the second position by the urging force of the urging member. The toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the toner container is made. The transmission member is located between the first position and a third position inside the rotation axis direction with respect to the first position in a state where the moving member is in the first moving position. The toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the toner container is provided so as to be movable along the rotation axis direction. A shutter that opens and closes the toner discharge port provided in the container body,
Further provided with an operating member connected to the shutter,
The toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the shutter opens and closes the discharge port as the operating member is operated. The toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and the toner container.
An image forming apparatus including the mounting portion. The transmission coupling has a different shape depending on the type of the toner container.
The drive coupling has a different shape depending on the type of the mounting portion.
When the type of the toner container and the type of the mounting portion match, the shape of the transmission coupling and the shape of the drive coupling match, and the transmission coupling can be connected to the drive coupling. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9. The toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and the toner container.
With the mounting portion
The toner container further includes a shutter for opening and closing a toner discharge port provided in the container body.
An image forming apparatus, characterized in that the shutter opens and closes the discharge port as the container body rotates with respect to the shutter while the toner container is mounted on the mounting portion.

Images