Toner container and image forming apparatus in which the toner container has protrusions which interact with the image forming device

A system with a container including a protrusion, and a receiver to receive the container. The receiver includes a slide block that is movable relative to a body of the receiver, the slide block including two surfaces, a first surface, initially contacted by the protrusion of the container during insertion of the container into the receiver, having a first slope to resist movement of the container towards the receiver, and a second surface, subsequently contacted by the protrusion of the container during the insertion of the container into the receiver, having a second slope to interact with the protrusion of the container to assist movement of the container towards the receiver. This construction provides the user with a changing insertion force to indicate proper mounting of the container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of PCT Application No. PCT/JP2011/056129 filed on Mar. 9, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present application is also based upon and claims the benefit of priority of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2010-052607 filed Mar. 10, 2010, 2010-052640 filed Mar. 10, 2010, 2010-052751 filed Mar. 10, 2010, 2010-134313 filed Jun. 11, 2010, 2010-134320 filed Jun. 11, 2010, 2010-134332 filed Jun. 11, 2010, 2011-010008 filed Jan. 20, 2011, 2011-010106 filed Jan. 20, 2011, and 2011-010172 filed Jan. 20, 2011, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a toner container disposed in an image forming device, such as a copier, a printer, a facsimile or a multi-function peripheral, and relates to an image forming device in which a toner container is arranged in a body of the image forming device.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention include a system with a container including a protrusion, and a receiver to receive the container. The receiver includes a slide block that is movable relative to a body of the receiver, the slide block including two surfaces, a first surface, initially contacted by the protrusion of the container during insertion of the container into the receiver, having a first slope to resist movement of the container towards the receiver, and a second surface, subsequently contacted by the protrusion of the container during the insertion of the container into the receiver, having a second slope to interact with the protrusion of the container to assist movement of the container towards the receiver.

According to another embodiment, there is a toner container for use with an image forming system. The toner container includes a body to hold toner, and a cap. The cap includes an outlet, and protrusions disposed symmetrically on the cap, the protrusions configured to interact with corresponding slide blocks of a receiver of an image forming device, the slide blocks each including two surfaces, a first surface, initially contacted by the protrusions of the cap during insertion of the toner container into the receiver, having a first slope to resist movement of the toner container towards the receiver, and a second surface, subsequently contacted by the protrusions of the toner container during the insertion of the toner container into the receiver, having a second slope to interact with the protrusions of the cap to assist movement of the container towards the receiver.

According to yet another embodiment, there is a container including a protrusion, and a receiver to receive the container. The receiver includes means for sliding, movable relative to a body of the receiver, the means for sliding interacting with the protrusion of the container, the means for sliding initially resisting insertion of the container into the receiver, and subsequently assisting insertion of the container into the receiver.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A description will be predetermined of embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1-46are diagrams for explaining the embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. The composition and operation of the image forming device will be described.

As shown inFIG. 1, in the toner container accommodating part70which is located above the image forming device body100, four toner containers32Y,32M,32C, and32K corresponding to respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) are detachably installed (seeFIG. 3,FIG. 4, andFIG. 36).

The intermediate transfer unit15is disposed under the toner container accommodating part70. The imaging parts6Y,6M,6C and6K corresponding to respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) are installed side by side so that intermediate transfer belt8of the intermediate transfer unit15may be faced.

Under the toner containers32Y,32M,32C, and32K, the toner replenishing devices60Y,60M,60C, and60K are disposed, respectively. The toner contained in toner containers32Y,32M,32C, and32K is supplied in the developing devices of the imaging parts6Y,6M,6C, and6K by the toner replenishing devices60Y,60M,60C, and60K, respectively.

As shown inFIG. 2, the imaging part6Y corresponding to yellow includes the photoconductor drum1Y, the charging part4Y, the developing device5Y (developing part), the cleaning part2Y, the electric discharge part (not illustrates), etc. which are disposed around the photoconductor drum1Y.

On the photoconductor drum1Y, an imaging process (a charging process, an exposure process, a developing process, a transfer process, a cleaning process) will be performed, and a yellow image is formed on the photoconductor drum1Y.

Except that the color of the toner used in other three imaging parts6M,6C, and6K differs, each image part has the same composition as the imaging part6Y corresponding to yellow, and the image corresponding to each toner color is formed.

Next, a description of other three imaging parts6M,6C, and6K will be omitted, and only the imaging part6Y corresponding to yellow will be described.

As shown inFIG. 2, the photoconductor drum1Y is rotated in the clockwise direction inFIG. 2by a drive motor (not illustrated). The surface of photoconductor drum1Y is charged uniformly in the position of the charging part4Y (charging process).

Then, the surface of photoconductor drum1Y arrives at the irradiation position of laser beam L emitted from aligner7(seeFIG. 1), and the electrostatic latent image corresponding to yellow is formed of an exposure scan in this position (exposure process).

Then, the surface of photoconductor drum1Y arrives at an opposed position with the developing device5Y, an electrostatic latent image is developed in this position, and the toner image of yellow is formed (developing process).

Then, the surface of the photoconductor drum1Y arrives at the opposed position with the intermediate transfer belt8and the first transfer bias roller9Y, and the toner image on the photoconductor drum1Y is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt8in this position (primary transfer process).

At this time, non-transferred toner remains slightly on the photoconductor drum1Y.

Then, the surface of photoconductor drum1Y arrives at the opposed position with the cleaning part2Y, and the non-transferred toner remaining on the photoconductor drum1Y in this position is mechanically recovered by the cleaning blade2a(cleaning process).

Finally, the surface of photoconductor drum1Y arrives at the opposed position with the non-illustrated electric discharge part, and the rest potential on the photoconductor drum1Y is removed in this position.

In this way, a series of imaging processes performed on the photoconductor drum1Y are completed. The imaging process mentioned above is performed on the other imaging parts6M,6C, and6K similar to the yellow imaging part6Y. That is, the laser beam L based on image information is irradiated from the exposure part7disposed under the imaging part to the photoconductor drum of each of the imaging parts6M,6C, and6K. The exposure part7emits the laser beam L from a light source, and the laser beam is focused on the photoconductor drum via two or more optical elements, and scanning is performed by the polygon mirror which rotates the laser beam L.

Then, the toner image of each color formed on each photoconductor drum through the developing process is formed on the intermediate transfer belt8. In this way, a color image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt8.

As shown inFIG. 1, the intermediate transfer unit15comprises primary transfer bias rollers9Y,9M, and9C of 8 or 4 intermediate transfer belts,9K or secondary transfer backup roller12, two or more tension rollers, a medium transfer cleaning part, etc.

The intermediate transfer belt8is laid firmly and supported by the roller components, and endless movement of the belt is performed by rotation of one roller component12in the arrow direction inFIG. 1. Four primary transfer bias rollers9Y,9M,9C, and9K put intermediate transfer belt8among photoconductor drums1Y,1M,1C, and1K, and form a primary transfer nip, respectively.

Transfer bias contrary to the polarity of the toner is impressed to the primary transfer bias rollers9Y,9M,9C, and9K. The intermediate transfer belt8is rotated in the arrow direction, and passes the primary transfer nip of each of the primary transfer bias rollers9Y,9M,9C, and9K one by one. In this way, the primary toner image of each color on the photoconductor drums1Y,1M, and1C and1K is formed on the intermediate transfer belt8.

The intermediate transfer belt8with which the toner image of each color is transferred in piles arrives at an opposed position with secondary transfer roller19. In this position, the secondary transfer backup roller12puts the intermediate transfer belt8between the secondary transfer rollers19, and forms a secondary transfer nip in it.

The toner image of four color formed on intermediate transfer belt8is transferred to the recording media P, such as a decalcomania paper delivered in the position of this secondary transfer nip.

At this time, the non-transferred toner which is not transferred by recording medium P remains in intermediate transfer belt8.

Then, the intermediate transfer belt8arrives at the position of a medium transfer cleaning part (it did not illustrate). The non-transferred toner on the intermediate transfer belt8is collected in this position. In this way, a series of transfer processes performed on the intermediate transfer belt8are completed.

A recording medium P delivered in the position of the secondary transfer nip is delivered via the feed roller27or the resist roller pair28from the feeding part26disposed under the device body part100. A plurality of recording media P are stored in piles in the feeding part26. When the feed roller27is rotated counterclockwise inFIG. 1, the top recording medium P is fed to the space between the rollers of the resist roller pair28. The recording medium P delivered by the resist roller pair28stops in the position of the roller nip of the resist roller pair28which stops rotation.

In accordance with the timing with the color image on the intermediate transfer belt8, the resist roller pair28is rotated and the recording medium P is delivered to a secondary transfer nip. In this way, a desired color image is transferred to the recording medium P.

Then, the recording medium P to which the color image is transferred in the position of the secondary transfer nip is delivered in the position of the fixing part20. The heat and pressure by the fixing roller and the pressurizing roller are fixed to the color image transferred to the surface on recording medium P in this position.

Then, the recording medium P is delivered to the space between the rollers of the delivery roller pair29and discharged out of the image forming device. The recording medium P discharged by the delivery roller pair29is stacked on the stack part30as an output image. In this way, a series of image formation processes in the image forming device are completed.

Next,FIG. 2is a diagram for explaining the composition and operation of the developing device in the imaging part. The developing device5Y includes the doctor blade52Y which faces the developing roller51Y which faces photoconductor drum1Y, and the developing roller51Y, the developer accommodating part53Y, two conveying screws55Y disposed in54Y, concentration detection sensor56Y which detects the toner concentration in a developer, etc.

The developing roller51Y includes a magnet fixed to the inside, a sleeve turning around the circumference of the magnet, etc. In the developer accommodating parts53Y and54Y, 2 component developer G which consists of a carrier and toner is contained.

The developer accommodating part54Y is open for free passage in the toner conveyance pipe64Y (toner conveying route) via the opening formed in the upper part. Operation of the developing device5Y will be described.

The sleeve of developing roller51Y rotates to the arrow direction ofFIG. 2. The developer G supported on the developing roller51Y moves with rotation of the sleeve in the developing-roller51Y top by the magnetic surface formed with the magnet.

The developer G in the developing device5Y is adjusted so that it may be within the limits of the toner in the developer comparatively (toner concentration) predetermined. The toner contained in toner container32Y according to the toner consumption in the developing device5Y is supplied in the developer accommodating part54Y via the toner replenishing device60Y (seeFIG. 3). The composition and operation of the toner replenishing device will be described later.

The toner supplied in the developer accommodating part54Y circulates through the two developer accommodating parts53Y and54Y by the two conveying screws55Y, being mixed and agitated with the developer G (which is the vertical movement inFIG. 2). The toner in the developer G sticks to the carrier and is supported on the developing roller51Y with the carrier by the magnetism formed on the developing roller51Y. The developer G supported on the developing roller51Y is delivered in the arrow direction inFIG. 2, and arrives at the position of the doctor blade52Y.

The developer G on the developing roller51Y is delivered to the opposed position (a developing area) with the photoconductor drum1Y after a proper quantity of the amount of developer turn in this position. The latent image formed on the photoconductor drum1Y of the electric surface formed in the developing area is adsorbed in toner.

Then, the developer G remaining on the developing roller51Y reaches above the developer accommodating part53Y with rotation of the sleeve, and is removed from the developing roller51Y in this position.

Next, the toner replenishing devices60Y,60M,60C, and60K will be described with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4.

The toner in each of the toner containers32Y,32M,32C and32K installed in the toner container accommodating part70of the device body part100, with reference toFIG. 3is suitably supplied in each developing device by the toner replenishing devices60Y,60M,60C, and60K formed for every toner color, according to the toner consumption in the developing device of each color.

The toner replenishing devices60Y,60M,60C, and60K or the toner containers32Y,32M,32C, and32K have the identical structure except that the color of the toner used for the imaging process differs. A description will be predetermined of only the toner replenishing device60Y corresponding to yellow and the toner container32Y, and a description of the toner replenishing devices60M,60C, and60K corresponding to other three colors and the toner containers32M,32C, and32K will be omitted.

When the toner containers32Y,32M,32C, and32K are attached to the toner container accommodating part70of the device body part100as shown inFIG. 4(which is the movement indicated by the arrow Q). Interlocked with the attaching operation, the shutter member34dof each of the toner containers32Y,32M,32C, and32K is moved to open the toner outlet W.

The toner replenishment mouth72w(seeFIG. 3andFIGS. 37-39) of the toner container accommodating part70(toner replenishing devices60Y,60M,60C, and60K) and the toner outlet W are open for free passage.

The toner containers32Y,32M,32C and32K and the toner contained therein will be discharged from the toner outlet W, and will be stored in the toner tank part61Y from the toner replenishment mouth72wof the toner container accommodating part70(the toner replenishing devices60Y,60M,60C, and60K).

As shown inFIG. 3, the toner container32Y is a cylindrical toner container, and includes the cap part34Y held by non rotation in the toner container accommodating part70, and the container main part33Y in which the gear33cis formed.

The main part33Y of the toner container is rotatably held on the cap part34Y, and rotated by the actuator91in the direction indicated by the arrow inFIG. 3(which includes the drive motor and the drive gear81as shown inFIG. 42).

With the projection33bspirally formed in the inner circumference side of the container main part33Y because the main part of container33Y itself rotates the toner contained in the inside of the toner container32Y (the container main part33Y) is delivered in the longitudinal direction (it is conveyance to the method of the right from the left ofFIG. 3), and toner is discharged from the toner outlet W of the cap part34Y. That is, the toner is suitably supplied to the toner tank part61Y because the container main part33Y of the toner container32Y rotates suitably by the actuator91.

The toner containers32Y,32M,32C, and32K are exchanged for new one when the life is reached.

As shown inFIG. 3, each of the toner replenishing devices60Y,60M,60C, and60K includes the toner container accommodating part70, the toner tank part61Y, the toner conveyance coil62Y, the toner end sensor66Y, the actuator91, etc.

The toner tank part61Y is disposed under the toner outlet W of the toner container32Y, and the toner discharged from the toner outlet W of the toner container32Y is stored.

The bottom of the toner tank part61Y is connected to the upstream part of the toner conveyance pipe64Y. The toner end sensor66Y which detect that the toner stored by the toner tank part61Y is below a predetermined amount are installed in the surface of the wall of the toner tank part61Y. A piezoelectric sensor or the like may be used as the toner end sensor66Y.

When it is detected by the control unit90that the toner stored in the toner tank part61Y is below a predetermined amount by the toner end sensor66Y (toner end detection), the control unit90performs rotation of the container main part33Y of the toner container32Y by the actuator91(drive gear81) by a predetermined time, and performs toner replenishment to the toner tank part61Y.

When the toner end detection by the toner end sensor66Y is not canceled after such control is repeatedly performed, a message reporting that no toner is in the toner container32Y and urging the user to perform exchange of the toner container32Y is displayed on the display (not illustrated) of the device body part100.

Although the illustration is omitted, the toner conveyance coil62Y is installed in the toner conveyance pipe64Y, and the toner stored in the toner tank part61Y is delivered to the developing device5Y via the toner conveyance pipe64Y. The toner conveyance coil62Y delivers the toner along with the toner conveyance pipe64Y to the upper part of the developing device5Y from the bottom (the lowest point) of the toner tank part61Y. The toner delivered with toner conveyance coil62Y is supplied to the developing device5Y (the developer accommodating part54Y).

As shown inFIG. 4, the toner container accommodating part70is constituted to include the cap receiving part73for holding cap part34Y of the toner container32Y, and the container receiving part72for holding the container main part33Y of the toner container32Y.

The composition and operation of the toner container accommodating part70(the container receiving part72, the cap receiving part73) will be described later with reference toFIGS. 29-46.

When the body cover (not illustrates) installed above the near side (which is a space vertically near side ofFIG. 1) of the device body part100is opened as shown inFIG. 1, the toner container accommodating part70will be exposed.

Where the longitudinal direction of each toner containers32Y,32M,32C, and32K is made horizontal, detaching operation (it is the detaching operation which makes the longitudinal direction of a toner container a path of insertion) of each toner containers32Y,32M,32C, and32K from the near-side upper part of the device body part100is performed.

At the time of the attaching operation to the device body part100, each of the toner containers32Y,32M,32C, and32K is laid on the toner container accommodating part70from the upper part of the device body part100in the state in which the body cover is opened, the cap part34Y is made into the head after that and it is pushed horizontally (which is the movement indicated by the arrow Q inFIG. 4).

On the other hand, at the time of the detaching operation from the device body part100, operation that each toner containers32Y,32M,32C, and32K are contrary to the time of the attaching will be performed.

In the embodiment 1, the antenna73e(the RFID antenna) is detachably installed in the cap receiving part73of the toner container accommodating part70installed side by side of each of the toner containers32Y32M,32C, and32K (refer toFIG. 30andFIG. 31).

The antenna73eis provided for performing non-contact wireless communications which is installed in the end face of the cap part34Y of the toner container32Y and the RFID chip35(seeFIG. 5andFIG. 9) as the electronic data storage medium. The transfer of the required information is performed between the RFID chips35(electronic data storage media) of the toner containers32Y,32M,32C,32K and the antenna73e(the RFID antenna) of the device body part100.

As information which communicates among both sides, there is information, including information, including information, including the serial number of the toner container, the number of times of recycling, etc., the capacity of the toner, a lot number, color, etc., the using history of image forming device body100, etc.

Before such electronic data is installed in image forming device body100by chip35(electronic data storage medium) for RFID, it is beforehand stored in it (or after being installed, the information received from the device body part100is stored).

Next, the toner containers32Y,32M,32C, and32K will be described with reference toFIGS. 5-28. As shown inFIGS. 5-7, the toner container32Y is composed of the container main part33Y (container body) and the cap part34Y (container cap) provided in the head of the container main part. As shown inFIG. 9, the toner container32Y is decomposed into the RFID chip35as the electronic data storage medium, the cap seal37as the sealing material, the stirring member33f, the shutter member34d, the shutter seal36, the container main part33Y, and the cap part34Y.

The gear33cwhich is rotated integrally with the container main part33Y or with the opening, and the opening A are provided in the head of the container main part33Y at the end in the longitudinal direction (which is the vertical direction inFIG. 8) as shown inFIG. 9). The opening A is provided for turning to the space in the cap part34Y (which the hollow part B as shown inFIG. 14) the toner which is provided in the head (it is a position which serves as them in the attaching operation) of the container main part33Y and is contained in the container main part33Y and the opening A discharging it. Delivery of the toner (rotation of the container main part33Y) to the hollow part B of the cap part34Y from the container main part33Y is suitably performed to make the toner in the cap part34Y is not lower than the predetermined waterline.

The gear33cis engaged with the drive gear81provided in the toner container accommodating part70of the device body part100, in order to rotate the container main part33Y around its the rotating shaft. Specifically, the gear33cis formed around the circumference of the opening A, and the plurality of teeth of the gear33care formed in radial directions from the rotating shaft of the container main part33Y.

The gear33cis partially exposed from the notch34x(seeFIG. 16) formed in the cap part34Y, and engaged with the drive gear81of the device body part100in the engagement position of the slanting lower portion inFIG. 8. The driving force from the drive gear81is transmitted to the gear33c, and the container main part33Y is rotated in the clockwise rotation ofFIG. 8. In the embodiment 1, the drive gear81and the gear33care spur gears.

As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the grip part33dto be held by the user when performing the attaching or detaching operation of the toner container32Y is provided at the other end of the container main part33Y in the longitudinal direction. While holding the grip part33d, the user attaches the toner container32Y to the image forming device body100(the toner container32Y is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow inFIG. 5).

A spiral projection33bis formed in the inner circumference surface of the container main part33Y (which may be a spiral groove if viewed from the outer circumference surface). This spiral projection33bis for rotating the container main part33Y to a determined direction, and discharging toner from opening A.

The container main part33Y constituted in this way can be manufactured by blow molding with the gear33cand the grip part33dwhich are disposed on the circumference. As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the fit of the stirring part33fwhich rotate the toner container32Y in the embodiment 1 with the container main part33Y is performed to the bottle mouth part33a(opening A).

The stirring parts33fare one pair of tabular members installed to the inside of the container main part33Y from the hollow part B in the cap part34Y (seeFIG. 14). The stirring members33fare inclined so that one pair of tabular members may become alternate, respectively. The stirring members while the stirring parts33fare constituted so that the head may arrive above outlet W in cap part34Y when cap part34Y and the container main part33Y are attached. It is constituted so that the back end (end of the opposite side) may pump up and the part (the portion indicated by the dotted line ofFIG. 9andFIG. 10) may be reached.

The toner ejection characteristic from the opening A improves because the stirring part33fis rotated with the opening A of the container main part33Y.

As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the fitting part (convex part) is formed in the bottle mouth part33aof the container main part33Y throughout the outer periphery thereof for engaging with the claw part34j(seeFIG. 14andFIG. 19) of the cap part34Y, and connecting the parts33Y and34Y together. The container main part33Y is rotatably fitted to the cap part34Y. Therefore, the gear33cis rotated relative to the cap part34Y.

The inside diameter of the head (which is near the position in which the gear33cis formed) of the container main part33Y is formed to be smaller than the inside diameter of the accommodating part (which is the position in which spiral projection33bis formed) in which toner is contained (seeFIG. 14).

The pumping part (the portion indicated by the dotted line inFIG. 9andFIG. 10) formed so that the circumference might push out toward an inside is provided in the head of the container main part33Y. The toner delivered by the spiral projection33bto the opening A by rotation of the container main part33Y is pumped up by the pumping part (the portion indicated by the dotted line inFIG. 9andFIG. 10) at the small-diameter portion of the head.

Then, the toner pumped up by the small-diameter portion of the head is discharged to the hollow part B of the cap part34Y from opening A, being agitated by the stirring part33f.

As shown inFIGS. 11-14, the shutter member34d, the shutter seal36, the cap seal37, and the RFID chip35(electronic data storage medium) are disposed in the cap part34Y of the toner container32Y. In the cap part34Y, the opening A of the container main part33Y is inserted in an accommodating part34z(seeFIG. 17) which is formed to have an inside diameter larger than the diameter of the hollow part B.

As shown inFIG. 13andFIG. 16, the toner outlet W for being outside a container and making the vertical direction lower part discharge the toner discharged from opening A of the container main part33Y (prudence drop) is formed in the bottom of the cap part34Y. The shutter member the shutter member34dfor opening and closing the toner outlet W are held possible slide movement at the bottom of the cap part34Y. By the relative movement, the shutter member34Y opens the toner outlet W (it is movement to the left ofFIG. 14) from the cap part34Y side to the container main part33Y side in the longitudinal direction.

The relative movement (which is a movement in the right direction inFIG. 14) of the longitudinal direction from the container main part33Y side to the cap part34Y side, the shutter member34Y closes the toner outlet W. The opening/closing action of the shutter member34dis interlocked with the attaching/detaching operation of the longitudinal direction of the toner container32Y to the toner container accommodating part70(the device body part100) and is performed.

FIGS. 15 and 16show operation after the shutter member34dstart opening of the toner outlet W until the opening is completed.

FIGS. 18A,18B and18C are diagrams for explaining the opening operation of (the shutter deforming part34d2) of the shutter member34dat that time.

As shown inFIG. 11andFIG. 12, the first hole34a(the main reference hole) installed in the longitudinal direction from the end face of the cap part34Y which intersects vertically in the longitudinal direction is formed in the upper part (ceiling part) of the cap part34Y.

The first hole34aserves as a positioning main standard of the cap part34Y in image forming device body100. The attaching operation of the longitudinal direction of the toner container32Y to the toner container accommodating part70is interlocked with, and the first hole34aof the cap part34Y engages with the main reference pin73a(seeFIG. 32andFIG. 46) of the cap receiving part73.

The second hole34b(sub-reference hole) installed in the longitudinal direction from the end face of the cap part34Y which intersects vertically in the longitudinal direction is formed in the lower part (bottom) of the cap part34Y so that the position of the toner outlet W may not be arrived at.

The second hole34bserves as positioning sub-reference of the cap part34Y in image forming device body100. The attaching operation of the longitudinal direction of the toner container32Y to the toner container accommodating part70is interlocked with, and the second hole34bof the cap part34Y engages with sub-reference pin73b(seeFIG. 32andFIG. 46) of the cap receiving part73.

The second hole34bis a long hole which makes the vertical direction the longitudinal direction (this the “direction of a stretcher” differs from the meaning of the “direction of a stretcher” of the toner container32Y indicated in other parts), as shown inFIG. 8.

Positioning of the cap part34Y in the toner container accommodating part70is performed by two holes34aand34bconstituted in this way.

As shown inFIG. 8, at the flat surface which intersects vertically in the longitudinal direction, while being a virtual altitude passing through the center of the first hole34a, a virtual altitude passing through the center of the second hole34b, and the same straight line, it is formed so that it may pass along the circle center of the cap part34Y.

As shown inFIG. 14, the depth (or the longitudinal length of the main reference pin73a) of the hole of the first hole34ais set up for a long time than the depth (or longitudinal length of sub-reference pin73b) of the hole of the second hole34b.

This sets in the attaching operation of the longitudinal direction of the toner container32Y to the toner container accommodating part70(the cap receiving part73). After the engagement of the main reference pin73ato the first hole34aused as a positioning main standard is started, the engagement of sub-reference pin73bto the second hole34bused as positioning sub-reference will be started, and smooth the attaching of the toner container32Y to the toner container accommodating part70(the cap receiving part73) is allowed.

While the opening of the first hole34aand the opening of the second hole34bare formed in the embodiment 1 on the same virtual plane (which is a virtual plane which intersects vertically with a mounting direction), although the root part of the main reference pin73aand the root part of sub-reference pin73bare formed on the same virtual plane (it is a virtual plane which intersects vertically with a mounting direction). In a case where these openings or root parts are not formed on the same virtual plane, the distance difference of the mounting direction of the position of the point of the main reference pin73a, and the position of the point of sub-reference pin73bare formed to be longer than the distance difference of the mounting direction of the position of the opening of the first hole34a, and the position of the opening of the second hole34b.

After the engagement of the main reference pin73ato the first hole34aused as a positioning main standard is started like the embodiment 1, the engagement of sub-reference pin73bto the second hole34bused as positioning sub-reference will be started.

The first hole34along in the longitudinal direction in this way is formed in the ceiling part (portion which is not buried in toner) of the cap part34Y. The influence which it has on the conveyance characteristic (mobility) of the toner in cap part34Y will not arise. The second hole34bshort in the longitudinal direction is formed in the bottom of the cap part34Y.

However, it can install using the short space from the end face of the cap part34Y to the position of the toner outlet W, and the function as positioning sub-reference is fully exhibited.

As shown inFIG. 11andFIG. 12, the first engagement part34eand34fof the second engagement part as a specification part which regulate the horizontal posture which intersects vertically in the longitudinal direction of the cap part34Y in image forming device body100(the cap receiving part73) are formed in the ceiling part of the cap part34Y.

The first engagement part34eand34fof the second engagement part all, while projecting in the vertical direction upper part from the outer circumference surface of the cap part34Y so that it may become a line symmetry form to the virtual altitude passing through the hole center of the first hole34awhen it sees in the part (which is a part which is parallel to the front view ofFIG. 8) which intersects vertically in the longitudinal direction, it is installed in the longitudinal direction (it is a space vertical direction ofFIG. 8).

The first engagement part34eand34fof the second engagement part engage with the engagement part73mof the cap receiving part73shown inFIG. 29. While the horizontal posture of the cap part34Y is regulated and cap part34Y is detached and attached to the cap receiving part73, the horizontal posture of the cap part34Y in the state in which the cap receiving part73is equipped with cap part34Y is regulated. The first engagement part34e(specification part) is formed right above the first hole34a, and when it sees in the part which intersects vertically in the longitudinal direction, it has a rectangular part. The lobe34e1to which the first engagement part34eprojects in the longitudinal direction (mounting direction) to the end face of the first hole34ais formed. The head of the lobe34e1is formed in tapered shape as shown inFIG. 11.

On the other hand, the second engagement part34fis formed in the both sides of the first engagement part34eso that the first engagement part34emay be pinched. It engages with the engagement part73mformed in the cap receiving part73so that the first engagement part34eand34fof the second engagement part may enter.

Since the tapered shape lobe34e1in the first hole34aengages with the engagement part73mahead of the second engagement part34fwhen the cap part34Y is attached to the cap receiving part73, and the attaching operation of the cap part34Y to the cap receiving part73can be performed smoothly.

As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, shoulder parts34qare formed at the outer circumference parts of the portion of the cap part34Y which forms the accommodating part34z. The upper surface and the side comprise a flat surface, and this shoulder34qis constituted so that those flat surfaces may perform rectangular cross.

When the shoulder34qequips the toner container accommodating part70with toner container32Y, it is interlocked with the attaching operation and contacts positioning part73q(seeFIG. 29) provided in the cap receiving part73of the toner container accommodating part70.

Therefore, the deflection of the cap part34Y in the cap receiving part73will be controlled, and the attaching of the cap part34Y to the cap receiving part73will be performed smoothly.

As shown inFIG. 11andFIG. 12, pressing part34cwhich projects on the outer circumference surface of the cap part34Y is formed in the method part of both sides of the cap part34Y, respectively.

The cap part34Y is attached to the cap receiving part73of the toner container accommodating part70(the image forming device body100) with the pressing part34c. Or when breaking away, it is pressed in the direction which resists the force of the mounting direction (or the detaching operation direction) by the pressing part73dof the cap receiving part73(seeFIG. 29andFIGS. 37-39).

Therefore, the user can perform the attaching operation of the toner container32Y to the cap receiving part73. Or in the detaching operation, after feeling the reaction force which resists the control force of a mounting direction (or the detaching operation direction) in the position where pressing part34cand the pressing part73dare engaged, the control force of a mounting direction (or the detaching operation direction) will be heightened, and the attaching operation (or detaching operation) will be completed at a stretch.

Therefore, the user can get a high click feeling in the attaching operation (or detaching operation) of the toner container32Y to the cap receiving part73.

As shown inFIG. 8, the pressing part34cformed in the method part of both sides of the cap part34Y is on the virtual horizontal surface passing through the center of the point (which is the small-diameter portion where the pressing part34cand the non-compatible shape part34gare formed) of the cap part34Y, and is provided on the outer circumference surface, respectively.

The pressing part34cprojects on the horizontal sides from the outer circumference surface of the cap part34Y so that it may be disposed on the virtual horizontal line passing through the middle point for the imaginary line which connects the hole center of the first hole34a, and the hole center of the second hole34bwhen it sees in the part which intersects vertically in the longitudinal direction, it is installed in the longitudinal direction (it is a space vertical direction ofFIG. 8).

The pressing part34cis formed in the longitudinal direction (mounting direction) as shown inFIG. 11andFIG. 12. The form of the pressing part34cis formed so that the inclination on the side of the head is smaller than the inclination on the side of the container main part. Thereby, the user can perform the attaching/detaching operation smoothly in the attaching/detaching operation of the toner container32Y to the cap receiving part73, obtaining a high click feeling.

As shown inFIG. 11andFIG. 12, on the end face of the cap part34Y, an RFID chip35as an electronic data storage medium in which various electronic data items are stored is disposed in the installation part34k(surrounded by the convex part) formed between the first hole34aand the second hole34b. The RFID chip35is disposed so that the RFID chip35is positioned at a predetermined distance apart from and faces the antenna73e(the RFID antenna) of the cap receiving part73when the cap part34Y is attached to the toner container accommodating part70(the cap receiving part73). The RFID chip35performs non-contact communications (wireless communications) with the antenna73ein the state in which the cap part34Y is held by the cap receiving part73.

In the embodiment 1, the RFID chip35is fixed to the position between the first hole34a(the main reference hole) and the second hole34b(sub-reference hole). The position of the RFID chip35to the antenna73eof the cap receiving part73is defined with high precision. Therefore, it is possible to prevent poor communications from occurring due to the deviation of the RFID chip35to the antenna73e.

The lobe34e1and the projections34mare formed to project to the front side (which is the right-hand side inFIG. 14) from the convex part (rib) formed in the circumference of the installation part34k, respectively. In a case where the toner container32Y is placed in an inverted state with the cap part34Y facing the bottom and the container main part33Y facing the top, the problem that the RFID chip35held in the installation part34kcontacts the standing surface directly and thereby being damaged will be prevented by the lobe34e1and the projections34m.

As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the non-compatible shape part34gfor ensuring the incompatibility of the toner container32Y is provided on the outer circumference surface of the cap part34Y. The non-compatible shape part34gis constituted to fit into the fitting part73c(seeFIG. 32) of the cap receiving part73only when the attaching operation of the toner container32Y to the toner container accommodating part70is proper (or when the toner container32Y is attached to the right position of the toner container accommodating part70).

As shown inFIG. 8andFIGS. 27A-27C, the non-compatible shape part34ghas a shape that is varied depending on the color of the toner contained in the toner container (the container main part).

As shown inFIG. 27A, the non-compatible shape part34gof the toner container32C corresponding to cyan is constituted to have a shape that can fit into only the fitting part73cof the toner container accommodating part70for the cyan.

As shown inFIG. 27B, the non-compatible shape part34gof the toner container32M corresponding to magenta is constituted to have a shape that can fit into only the fitting part73cof the toner container accommodating part70for the magenta.

As shown inFIG. 8, the non-compatible shape part34gof the toner container32Y corresponding to yellow is constituted to have a shape that can fit into only the fitting part73cof the toner container accommodating part70for the yellow.

As shown inFIG. 27C, the non-compatible shape part34gof the toner container32K corresponding to black is constituted to have a shape that can fit into only the fitting part73cof the toner container accommodating part70for the black.

By this composition, it is possible to prevent the problem that the toner container of a different color (for example, the toner container for the yellow) is set to the toner container accommodating part of a predetermined color (for example, the toner container accommodating part for the cyan) resulting in the non-formation of a desired color image. That is, the wrong setting of the toner container to the toner container accommodating part is prevented.

Alternatively, the shapes of the non-compatible shape parts34gfor different toner containers as shown inFIGS. 28A-28Emay be used instead of those shown inFIG. 8andFIGS. 27A-27C.

The cap part34Y in the embodiment 1 is formed so that the non-compatible shape part34ghas a convex or concave shape, extends along the longitudinal direction of the container main part33Y side, and is arranged to confront from the position of the head end of the cap part34Y in the longitudinal direction toward the container main part33Y. The non-compatible shape parts34gare formed so that the point (which is a point on the right-hand side ofFIG. 14) may be located in the mounting direction side (it is on the right-hand side ofFIG. 14) rather than the toner outlet W.

If it is the color from which the toner container differs when performing the attaching operation of the toner container32Y as shown inFIG. 4with constituting in this way, the non-compatible shape part34gprovided at the head of the cap part34Y will interfere without engaging with the fitting part73cof the cap receiving part73, the problem that the toner with which the opening operation of the shutter member34dwith which the toner outlet W of the cap part34Y is covered is started, and color differs will turn to image forming device body100, and will be accidentally supplied from the toner outlet W is prevented certainly.

The image forming device100in the embodiment 1 is constituted so that slide movement may be performed horizontally (the longitudinal direction) and the attaching operation may be completed, after the toner container34Y is laid from the upper part to the toner container accommodating part70, as shown inFIG. 4.

It is necessary to judge the incompatibility of the toner container in the position of the cap receiving part73in the toner container accommodating part70. Therefore, the composition of providing the non-compatible shape part34gat the head of the cap part34Y as mentioned above becomes useful. These parts are two projections formed in the head upper part of the cap part34Y radially the non-compatible shape part34gwith reference toFIGS. 8 and 12.

Next, the non-compatible shape parts34gof various shapes which can be formed will be described with reference toFIGS. 27A-27CorFIGS. 28A-28E.

It is not necessary to manufacture the kind of the toner container (cap part), and the metallic mold of the same number. By this composition, the cap part which has two or more kinds of incompatibility with one metallic mold can be formed, and the manufacturing cost of the kinds of the whole the toner container can be reduced.

As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the non-compatible shape parts34gare disposed above cap part34Y. By this even if it is a case where the longitudinal direction received horizontally, and toner container32Y (cap part34Y) inclined, and is inserted to the cap receiving part73, the non-compatible shape part34ginterferes in the position of fitting part73cof the cap receiving part73, and judgment of the incompatibility of the toner container mentioned above can be ensured.

Since the kind of the toner container is specified, the non-compatible shape part34gformed in the point of the cap part34Y make a different position on the outer circumference surface of the cap part34Y extend in the shape of a convex along the longitudinal direction for every kind.

Although the non-compatible shape part34gof the cap part34Y are formed in the shape of a convex and fitting part73cof the cap receiving part73is formed in the concave part in the embodiment 1, the non-compatible shape part34gof the cap part34Y can be formed in a concave part, and fitting part73cof the cap receiving part73can also be formed in the shape of a convex.

Since the destination of the toner container is pinpointed in cap part34Y in the embodiment 1 with reference toFIG. 12,34hof convex parts for non-compatibility are formed. The convex part34his constituted so that the image forming device body100may fit into the fitting member (not illustrated) formed in the container receiving part72.

As shown inFIG. 12, a notch34x(insertion opening) at which the part of the gear33cof the container main part33Y is exposed is formed in the outer circumference surface of the cap part34Y.

The drive gear81(the portion indicated by the dotted line inFIG. 29) in which the gear33cexposed from the notch34xof the cap part34Y is installed in the cap receiving part73where the toner container accommodating part70is equipped with toner container32Y (seeFIGS. 40-42). It gears and the container main part33Y rotates with the gear33cby the drive gear81.

As shown inFIG. 13andFIG. 14, when the shutter member34dopens the toner outlet W, the shutter accommodating part34nwhich store the shutter member34dinside are formed in the bottom of the cap part34Y. The shutter accommodating parts34nare the portions into which the bottom of the accommodating part34zbulged toward the lower part.

The shutter accommodating part34nform the space that the rectangular portion projects below. The portion (the accommodating part34z) in which the container main part33Y is inserted, and the shutter accommodating part34nare not divided with the wall, but form a series of space. Therefore, in the state in which the container main part33Y is inserted in the cap part34Y, a part will be vacant as for the space of the rectangle in the lower part of the accommodating part34z.

The shutter accommodating parts34nhold the shutter deforming parts34d2after the shutter member34dopens the toner outlet W. As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the slide groove34n1(the first rail part) is formed in the internal surface of the shutter accommodating part34n, which functions as a rail part to which it shows the opening/closing action of the shutter member34dwith the shutter rail34t(the second rail part as shown inFIG. 20). The slide groove34n1is a groove which extends in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the cap part34Y, and is installed from the front side (it is a method of the right ofFIG. 14) of the shutter accommodating part34n.

The slide groove34n1and the shutter rail34tare formed in parallel with the longitudinal direction by each. The shutter rail34tdoes not extend to the shutter accommodating part34n, but a gap exists between the shutter rail34tand the shutter accommodating part34n.

The composition and operation of the shutter member34dwill be described.

The cap part34Y as described above is open for free passage on the container main part33Y via the opening A, and discharges the toner discharged from the opening A from the toner outlet W (which is moved in the direction indicated by the dotted line arrow inFIG. 3).

In the embodiment 1, as shownFIG. 14, the pillar-like hollow part B (space) is formed in the inside of the cap part34Y so that it may extend in the longitudinal direction (which is the longitudinal direction inFIG. 14). The inside diameter of the hollow part B is formed smaller than the inside diameter of the accommodating part34z(in which the head of the container main part33Y is inserted) shown inFIG. 17.

The toner drop passage C is formed in the inside of the cap part34Y and arranged in a pillar-like configuration having a fixed passage area (passage sectional area) to the toner outlet W from the circumference of the lower part of the hollow part B. The toner discharged by the hollow part B of the cap part34Y from opening A of the container main part33Y will perform prudence drop of the pillar-like configuration the toner drop passage C, and will be discharged smoothly (toner tank part61Y) out of a container from the toner outlet W.

As shown inFIG. 21andFIG. 22, the cap part34Y (in the state in which the shutter member34d, the shutter seal36, the cap seal37, and the RFID chip35are taken out) welds two or more casts, and is not formed, but is formed by integral molding. The cap part34Y has a complicated structure and includes the claw part34j, the non-compatible shape part34g, the pressing part34c, the toner outlet W, the toner drop passage C, etc.

In order to really form the cap part34Y of such a complicated structure by molding, without using two or more pairs of metallic molds, as shown inFIG. 23, when the cap part34Y is seen in the plane of projection which intersects vertically in the longitudinal direction, it is necessary to arrange the claw parts34jand the holes34j1and34j3for molding provided in the neighborhood of the claw parts34j, the non-compatible shape part34g, the pressing parts34c, the toner outlet W, and the toner drop passage C, so that these parts do not mutually overlap other parts. Especially, the claw parts34jand the holes34j1and34j3for molding must be arranged so that these parts do not overlap with other parts (including the non-compatible shape part34g, the pressing part34c, the toner outlet W, the toner drop passage C, etc.).

Interpolation part34zand claw part formation part34iby which claw part34jis formed between the hollow parts B are formed in the cap part34Y. The claw part formation part34iis formed so that the diameter of the perimeter is smaller than the diameter of the perimeter of the accommodating part34zand larger than the diameter of the perimeter of the portion in which the hollow part B is formed.

Similarly, the claw part formation part34iis formed so that the diameter of the inner circumference is smaller than the diameter of the inner circumference of the accommodating part34z, and larger than the diameter of the inner circumference of the portion in which the hollow part B is formed.

In order that the claw part34jmay fit into the bottle mouth part33a(the opening A) of the container main part33Y, the hooking portion which projects to the inside is formed at the head.

FIGS. 24A and 24Bshow metallic molds200for carrying out the injection molding of the cap part34Y which includes the claw part34j. The metallic mold200includes the inner die201and the die body202.

As shown inFIG. 24A, when the dies201and202are set, the resin material which is melted is poured to the space between the dies201and202. After a cooling process is performed, the claw part34j(the cap part34Y) is formed.

Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 24B, after the dies201and202are separated, the claw part34j(the cap part34Y) is taken out.

In order to form the hooking portion of the claw part34j, the rising part202ais formed in the die body202. In order to separate the dies201and202, the first hole34j1for molding for taking out the rising part202aof the die body202is formed near the claw member34jin the cap part34Y.

Specifically, the wall is set up between the perimeter of the claw part formation part34iand the perimeter of the hollow part B, and the first hole34j1is formed in this wall. This hole is equivalent to the first hole34j1formed in the inner circumference side of the claw part34jinFIG. 23.

The first hole34j1formed in the inner circumference side of the claw part34jis formed in the adhesion surface34von which the cap seal37is stuck as shown inFIG. 21. However, in order to satisfy the function (sealing characteristic of the container main part33Y and the cap part34Y) of the cap seal37, the position of the first hole34j1is excluded and most cap seals37may be installed on the adhesion surface34v.

The second hole34j3formed in the outer circumference surface side of the claw part34jas shown inFIG. 23is provided for forming the back surface of the claw part34j(the side on which the hooking portion does not project). Specifically, the second hole34j3is the opening formed in the surface of the rising wall between the claw part formation part34iand the accommodating part34z.

As shown inFIG. 23, the notch34xin the claw part34jformed in the lower right position serves as the second hole34j3. As shown inFIG. 23, the recess34j2in the claw part34jformed in the uppermost position serves as the second hole34j3.

Thus, in the embodiment 1, the cap part34Y is formed by integral molding. Compared with the case where adhesion or welding of two or more molding parts is performed, the problem of inaccurate dimensions of the cap part due to the variation in the accuracy of adhesion or welding can be prevented.

Therefore, the gap between the container main part33Y and the cap part34Y will be maintained with good accuracy. The problem of degradation of the sealing characteristic between the components33Y and34Y with the cap seal37, and the problem of shifting of the position of the toner outlet W of the cap part34Y from the toner replenishment mouth72wof the image forming device body100causing toner scattering can be prevented. The cap part34Y is formed by integral molding, and the mechanical intensity of the cap part34Y can be increased when compared with the case where adhesion or welding of two or more molding parts is performed. The cost of metallic molds can be reduced.

As shown inFIGS. 19-22, the annular cap seal37is stuck on the opposite surface (the surface which faces the bottle mouth part33aaround the opening A of the container main part33Y and the adhesion surface34v) of the cap part34Y. The cap seal37is provided for closing the gap between the container main part33Y and the cap part34Y around the opening A, and is formed of an elastic material (a foamed resin material, such as a foamed polyurethane).

As shown inFIGS. 21 and 22, the hollow part34v1for separating the cap seal37from the cap part34Y is formed in the adhesion surface34vof the cap part34Y in the embodiment 1. The notch34xis an insertion opening in which the cylindrical fixture for separating the cap seal37from the cap part34Y is inserted is formed in the position on the outer circumference surface of the cap part34Y which faces the position in which the recess34v1is formed. A recess34x1used as the fulcrum point of the above-mentioned fixture is formed in the part of the notch34x(the insertion opening). Even if it is a case where it maintains when it recycles toner container32Y (cap part34Y), cap seal37is easily separable from cap part34Y with such composition.

Specifically, a cylindrical fixture (for example, a phillips screwdriver) may be inserted from the notch34x(the insertion opening) and the head of the fixture may be inserted in the recess34v1. That is, the head of the fixture is inserted in the part of the underside (the adhesion surface side) of the cap seal37.

The cap seal37is separated for the recess34x1from adhesion surface34vas the fulcrum point, carrying out engagement of the center part of the cylindrical fixture to recess34x1. The film member37ais stuck on the surface where the cap seal37in the embodiment 1 is stuck on the cap part37Y. The film member37ais hard compared with the foamed resin material which is formed of a material, such as a polyester film, and constitutes the main part of the cap seal37. The separation operation characteristic by the fixture mentioned above will improve.

The recess34v1for separating the cap seal37is formed in the position corresponding to the inner circumference side of the cap seal37, and formed in the position corresponding to the outside of the region of the region where the cap seal37contacts the container main part33Y. That is, the recess34v1is formed so that the portion which separated from the region which actually contributes to sealing characteristic in cap seal37may be faced.

The problem that the sealing characteristic of both components33Y and34Y falls by this so that cap seal37inserted between the container main part33Y and cap part34Y may not change into by the recess34v1is prevented.

The cap seal37is disposed on the container main part33Y side in the longitudinal direction (it is a left ofFIG. 14) to the pressing part34cin which the cap part34Y in the embodiment 1 is installed in the longitudinal direction as shown inFIG. 20. The pressing part34cprojects from the outer circumference surface of the cap part34Y and enlarges the outer diameter of the cap part34Y. By forming the cap seal37with a certain amount of attachment range (or the outer diameter of the cap part34Y) is needed according to the size of the bottle mouth part33a(the opening A) of the container main part33Y in a separate position, enlargement (the large diameter) of the cap part34Y can be prevented.

The cap part34Y is formed so that the outer diameter of the point in which pressing part34cis formed may become smaller than the outer diameter of the portion in which adhesion surface34vof the cap seal37is formed. Therefore, even if the pressing part34cis formed, the outer diameter does not become so large, but the point of the cap part34Y can secure the adhesion surface of the cap seal37somewhat greatly.

That is, without enlarging the cap part34Y, the high sealing characteristic of the container main part33Y and the cap part34Y will be maintained, and the attaching/detaching operation of the toner container32Y will be performed smoothly.

As shown inFIG. 11andFIG. 14, the installation part34kfor installing the RFID chip35is formed in the end face of the cap part34Y. The installation part34kis a wall part formed so that the circumference thereof projects from the end face of the cap part34Y. The pedestal part for fixing the four corners of the RFID chip35of the rectangle is provided in the four corners of the rectangular wall part inside the installation part34k. By placing the RFID chip35on the pedestal part, the electronic device formed on the back surface (which faces the first member34Y1) of the RFID chip35may not contact the first member34Y1. After the RFID chip35is disposed on the installation part34k, the RFID chip35is laid on the pedestal part, and by applying heat and pressure to the portion of the pedestal part, cooling solidification and joining of the four corners of the RFID chip35is performed.

As shown inFIG. 20, the shutter rail34t(the second rail part) for showing the shutter member34dto the both sides, and moving them in the longitudinal direction so that the shutter member34dmay open and close the toner outlet W is formed in the bottom of the cap part34Y. The shutter rail34thas the direction of the shorter side (which intersects vertically to the longitudinal direction of the toner container32Y and is the vertical direction inFIG. 14) to the edge of the bottom in which the toner outlet W is formed. The overhang part is installed and formed in the longitudinal direction (a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the toner container32Y). The end of this overhang part functions as the vertical walls34sexplained below.

The two vertical walls34sformed in the both-sides edge of the cap part34Y respectively are continuously formed to the position which projects in the longitudinal direction (mounting direction) from the end of the close direction of the shutter member34dto the position which closes the toner outlet W (seeFIG. 45). The lock projection which stops the shutter member34dto avoid falling out to the front side is provided in the upper end surface of the shutter rail34t.

In the embodiment 1, the portion which functions as the shutter rail34tis a portion prolonged in the container main part33Y side from the lock projection mentioned above. The vertical walls34sare further prolonged toward the front side from the position of the lock projection mentioned above. The heights34mwhich project from the end face which intersects vertically in the longitudinal direction (mounting direction) are formed in the cap part34Y. The heights34mare disposed near the lower end of the second hole34bso that the second hole34bmay be pinched in the direction of the shorter side (it is a space vertical direction ofFIG. 14). The two vertical walls34sare constituted so that the vertical plane of the side edge in the heights34mmay be included respectively. That is, the vertical plane of the side edge of the outside of the heights34mis formed to be the vertical walls34sas the ribs formed in the shutter rail34tand the same surface.

The bottom of the two heights34mis prolonged to the respectively same height as the rib (the edge of the hole34b) which forms the second hole34b.

The head part of the heights34min the shape can be connected, one tabular height can be formed, and the both side surfaces of the height can also be used as34sof vertical wall.

The vertical walls34sconstituted in this way are pinching sides which are pinched by the first sandwiching part72d1of the shutter close mechanism72d(shutter pinching mechanism) in the cap receiving part73(the toner container accommodating part70) (seeFIG. 45). That is, the posture of the shutter member34din the cap part34Y set to the cap receiving part73is defined by the shutter close mechanism72dwhich also functions as a shutter pinching mechanism. Hence, that installed in the mounting direction (which is the right direction inFIG. 45) for a long time as34sof vertical wall which function as a pinching side are mentioned above.

As opposed to the timing in which the shutter close mechanism72dcloses the shutter member34dthoroughly when taking out the toner container32Y from the toner container accommodating part70, the shutter close mechanism72d(the second sandwiching part72d2) can delay the timing which cancels holding of the shutter member34don the vertical walls34s.

Hence, the problem that the toner container32Y is taken out from the device body part100before the shutter member34dcloses the toner outlet W thoroughly will be prevented. Especially, the point of the longitudinal direction of34mof two heights (mounting direction) in the last timing in case the cap part34Y separates from the cap receiving part73since it is in the position projected in the longitudinal direction (mounting direction) from the end face of the first hole34a, release of holding of the shutter member34dby72d(72d2of the second sandwiching part) of shutter close mechanisms is performed, and the effect of preventing poor closing of the shutter member34dmentioned above will become positive. The composition and operation of72d(shutter pinching mechanism) of shutter close mechanisms will be described later with reference toFIG. 43-FIG.45.

The shutter member34dto which the shutter seal36is stuck on the opposite surface with the toner outlet W is installed in the bottom of the cap part34Y. The shutter member34dis for opening and closing the toner outlet B, which is interlocked with the attaching/detaching operation of the toner container32Y to the toner container accommodating part70, as shown inFIGS. 15-17.

As shown inFIGS. 25 and 26, the shutter member34dis constituted to include the shutter main part34d1and the shutter deforming part34d2. The shutter deforming part34d2projects to the side of the container main part33Y from the shutter main part34d1, and has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the shutter main part34d1. One pair of shutter sliders34d12are formed on the outer sides of the shutter main part34d1, and one pair of shutter rail engagement parts34d15are formed on the inner sides of the shutter main part34d1. The shutter sliders34d12are projections formed in the side part of the shutter main part34d1in parallel to the insertion direction of the toner container32Y. The shutter rail engagement parts34d15are projections formed inside the shutter main part34d1at a predetermined distance from the shutter seal36.

The shutter sliders34d12of the shutter main part34d1are engaged with the slide grooves34n1of the cap part34Y (the first rail part), and engaged so that the shutter rail34t(the second rail part) of the cap part34Y is inserted between the shutter seal36and the shutter rail engagement parts34d15of the shutter main part34d1. The shutter main part34d1opens and closes the toner outlet W because the shutter member34dmoves along with these rail parts34n1and34t.

In the embodiment 1, the longitudinal length (the length of the toner container32Y in the insertion direction) of the slide groove34n1(the first rail part), formed in the shutter accommodating part34nas shown inFIG. 20, is smaller than the longitudinal length of the shutter rail34t(the second rail part).

The shutter seal36as a seal member is stuck on the upper surface (which faces the toner outlet W) of the shutter main part34d1. The shutter seal36is for preventing leakage of toner from the space between the toner outlet W and the shutter main part34d1in the state in which the shutter main part34d1(the shutter member34d) closes the toner outlet W. The shutter seal36may be formed of a foamed resin material, etc.

As shown inFIGS. 25 and 26, the shutter seal36in the embodiment 1 is disposed to project in the longitudinal direction (mounting direction) from the end of the shutter member34din the close direction. As shown inFIGS. 25 and 26, the shutter main part34d2is formed integrally with the shutter deforming part34d2of the shutter member34d, and the part34d21of the shutter main part34d2is formed to make elastic deformation possible in a sliding direction on the connecting location (the portion indicated by the dotted line inFIG. 18B).

The shutter deforming part34d2of the shutter main part34d1is disposed in the container main part33Y side in the longitudinal direction (seeFIG. 15). The stopper part34d22and the stopper release part34d21are formed in the shutter deforming part34d2. The shutter deforming part34d2is installed to have an inclination toward the lower part (the lower part ofFIG. 14) from the shutter main part34d1.

The stopper part34d22of the shutter deforming part34d2is the wall part formed in the end part of the shutter deforming part34d2in the opening direction (the left direction inFIG. 18A). This regulates movement of the shutter member34din the direction which opens the toner outlet W from the state which closes the toner outlet W when the stopper part34d22contacts the contact part34n5formed in the container part34n22of the cap part34Y.

The stopper release part34d21of the shutter deforming part34d2is formed to project to the lower part in the vertical direction. By receiving an external force from the lower part, the stopper release part34d21moves up the stopper part34d22in connection with elastic deformation of the shutter deforming part34d2, canceling the contact state of the contact part34n5. The stopper release part34d21is the projection with slopes formed on both sides in the longitudinal direction, which is formed between the stopper part34d22and the connecting location (which is a connecting location of the shutter main part34d1and the shutter deforming parts34d2).

The stopper release part34d21is interlocked with the attaching operation of the toner container32Y to the toner container accommodating part70, and contacts the stopper release energizing part72b(seeFIG. 29) formed in the container receiving part72. When it is pushed up by the stopper release energizing part72b, elastic deformation of the shutter deforming part34d2is performed upward, and the stopper part34d22is moved up. In this way, the contact state of the stopper part34d22and the contact part34n5is canceled, and movement of the shutter member34din the opening direction is allowed.

In the embodiment 1, the shutter deforming part34d2inclines toward the lower part and is pushed up by the stopper release energizing part72b. By elastic deformation of the shutter deforming part34d2, the inclination is canceled and it is linear to the shutter main part34d1. Therefore, the amount in which two bend backward up to the shutter deforming part34d1within the shutter accommodating part34nin the shutter main part34ddecreases (or the amount bending backward becomes zero). Therefore, the problem of two contacting the container main part33Y in34dof shutter deforming parts contained in shutter accommodating part34nwill be prevented, and the space which is the shutter accommodating part34nwill be utilized effectively.

Next, operation of the shutter member34dinterlocked with the attaching operation of the toner container32Y to the toner container accommodating part70will be described with reference toFIGS. 18A-18C.

The positions of the shutter member34dinFIG. 18AandFIG. 18Care equivalent to the positions of the shutter member34dinFIG. 15andFIG. 16, respectively. As shown inFIG. 18A, the attaching operation (which is a movement to the right part inFIG. 18A) of the toner container32Y to the toner container accommodating part70is started.

When the stopper release part34d21of the shutter member34dhas not arrived at the position of stopper release energizing part72b(FIG. 29) formed in the container receiving part72, the stopper part34d22of the shutter member34dis in contact with the stopper part34n5, and movement of the shutter member34din the opening direction is regulated.

Subsequently, if the attaching operation of the toner container32Y progresses, as shown inFIG. 18B, the stopper release part34d21is pushed up by the stopper release energizing part72band the shutter deforming part34d2is elastically deformed on the basis of the connecting location (the portion indicated by the dotted line). Thereby, the contact state of the stopper part34d22and the contact part34nis canceled, and relative movement of the shutter member34din the opening direction is allowed.

Subsequently, the shutter member34dcontacts the wall part (seeFIG. 29) formed in the circumference of the toner replenishment mouth72wof the cap receiving part73. The movement in the toner container accommodating part70(the cap receiving part73) is regulated (the shutter member34dwill not move in the longitudinal direction absolutely).

However, movement of the toner container32Y in the mounting direction is advanced, relative movement of the shutter member34din the opening direction is performed.

As shown inFIG. 18C, the shutter member34dmoves relatively to the side of the container main part33Y, and the shutter deforming part34d2is stored in the shutter accommodating part34n. In this way, opening of the toner outlet W is completed by the movement of the shutter member34din the opening direction. At this time, the stopper release part34d21of the shutter member34dis stored in the opening34n6(seeFIG. 17) of the shutter accommodating part34n.

The toner container32Y in the embodiment 1 has the shutter deforming part34d2which performs elastic deformation of the shutter member34don the basis of the connecting location with the shutter main part34d1. The stopper part34d22which regulates movement of the shutter member34din the opening direction, and the stopper release part34d21which cancels regulation of the movement are provided in the shutter deforming part34d2. When the toner container32Y is in the isolated state, the toner outlet W is not freely opened by the shutter member34d. Only when the toner container32Y is attached to the image forming device body100, the opening operation which causes the shutter member34dto open the toner outlet W is interlocked with the attaching operation of the toner container32Y.

As shown inFIG. 20, at the upper part of the shutter rail34t, the rib34pwhich has a vertical surface (or a vertical surface parallel to a virtual horizontal plane) on a virtual horizontal plane containing the vertical surface34sof the shutter rail34tis formed across the groove to extend in the longitudinal direction. The rib34pis provided to keep the 1st pinching component72d1from entering the groove above the shutter rail34twhen the vertical surface34sof the shutter rail34tis pinched by the 1st sandwiching member72d1of the shutter close mechanism72d(shutter pinching mechanism) shown inFIG. 43-FIG.45. Namely, the distance between the rib34pand the shutter rail34tis set up to be smaller than the height (in the vertical direction inFIG. 43) of the first sandwiching member72d1.

If the rib34pis formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (the longitudinal direction inFIG. 14) and to project sidewise (in the vertical direction inFIG. 14), the above function of the rib34pis performed. It is not necessary that the rib34phas the vertical surface mentioned above.

As shown inFIG. 25andFIG. 26, one pair of sandwiching parts34d11are formed at the head end in the mounting direction and the side edge of the shutter main part34d1of the shutter member34d. As shown inFIG. 43-FIG.45, the sandwiching parts34d11are pinched by the second sandwiching member72d2(shutter pinching mechanism) of the shutter close mechanism72dat the time of the opening/closing action of the shutter member34d.

The sandwiching parts34d11include the engagement wall34d11araised at the head end of the shutter main part34d1in the mounting direction, the prevention wall34d11bformed above the sandwiching parts34d11to extend in parallel with the mounting direction, and the side wall34d11c.

At the time of the opening/closing action of the shutter member34d, the sandwiching parts34d11of the shutter member34dare pinched by the second sandwiching member72d2of shutter close mechanism72d(shutter pinching mechanism) and the vertical surface34sof the cap part34Y is pinched by the first sandwiching member72d1of the shutter close mechanism72d(shutter pinching mechanism). In this way, the posture of the cap part34Y and the shutter member34din the cap receiving part73at the time of the opening/closing action of the shutter member34dwill be defined.

In the toner container32Y in the embodiment 1, the stopper release part34d21of the shutter member34d, as shown inFIG. 15, is disposed in the main part33Y side of a container of the longitudinal direction (on the left-hand side ofFIG. 14) to the non-compatible shape part34gof the cap part34Y. That is, the stopper release part34d21is formed in the left-hand side ofFIG. 14to the position in which the non-compatible shape part34gis formed. If the color of the toner container differs when performing the attaching operation of the toner container32Y as shown inFIG. 4, the non-compatible shape part34gprovided at the head of the cap part34Y will contact without engaging with the fitting part73cof the cap receiving part73.

The problem that the toner with which the opening operation (release operation of stopper part34d22by the stopper release part34d21) of the shutter member34dwith which it is covered is started, and color differs will turn to image forming device body100, and will be accidentally supplied from the toner outlet W is prevented certainly. The image forming device100in the embodiment 1 is constituted so that slide movement may be performed horizontally (the longitudinal direction) and the attaching operation may be completed, after the toner container34Y is laid from the upper part to the toner container accommodating part70, as shown inFIG. 4.

It is necessary to judge the incompatibility of the toner container in the position of the cap receiving part73in the toner container accommodating part70. Therefore, the composition of providing the non-compatible shape part34gat the head of the cap part34Y as mentioned above will be useful. In the slide groove34n, the toner container32Y in the embodiment 1 has the shutter main part34d1in the shutter member34d(the first rail part) and the shutter rail34t(the second rail part) as the rail parts for guiding the operation that opens and closes the toner outlet W.

As shown inFIG. 20, the slide groove34n1(the first rail part) is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction so that the side of the shutter deforming part34d2in the shutter main part34d1may be supported. On the other hand, the side in which, the shutter rail34t(the second rail part) is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction so that the side of the shutter main part34d1apart from the shutter deforming part34d2may be supported. That is, both sides of the shutter main part34d1in the longitudinal direction are supported by the slide groove34n1(the first rail part) and the shutter rail34t(the second rail part).

As shown inFIG. 20, the longitudinal length (which is the length of the toner container32Y in the insertion direction) of the slide groove34n1(the first rail part) formed in the shutter accommodating part34nis smaller than the longitudinal length of the shutter rail34t(the second rail part) in the longitudinal direction. The slide groove34d1is formed so that the longitudinal length of the slide groove34d1is smaller than the length of the shutter slider34d12of the shutter member34d.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 20, the shutter rail34t(the groove interposed between the vertical wall34sand the rib34p) is formed and the longitudinal length thereof is comparatively long and about 15-20 mm. On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 19andFIG. 20, the slide groove34n1is formed so that the longitudinal length thereof is about 1-2 mm. This groove is the groove surrounded by the upper wall, the side wall, and the lower wall as indicated the dotted line inFIG. 19andFIG. 20). In the end of1,34nof slide groove34n1become the surface same inside cap part34Y as other surface of the wall. That is, the longitudinal length of the slide grooves34n1is the same as the wall thickness of the cap part34Y.

Alternatively, the cap part34Y in the embodiment 1 may be constituted so that the distance of the portion in which the shutter member34dare supported the shutter main part34d1with operation which opens the toner outlet W in34nof slide grooves, and the portion supported with shutter rail34tmay become short.

As shown inFIG. 20,34nof slide grooves the position of1(it is a position where1and shutter slider34d12contact in34nof slide grooves), the distance (the distance in the longitudinal direction) of the position where the shutter rail34tand the shutter slider34d12contact and becomes short gradually in connection with the opening operation of the shutter member34d. Therefore, the state in which the shutter member34dopens the toner outlet W (in the state ofFIG. 16andFIG. 17) is in the state in which the shutter deforming part34d2is stored by the shutter accommodating part34n. The slide groove34n1is supported the shutter main part34d1in the short span and shutter rail34t.

Therefore, when1is supported in the long span as for34d1of shutter main parts (it is in the state ofFIG. 15), it compares.

The shutter main part34d1in the sliding direction the degree of the shutter deforming part34d2(elastic deformation is performed by the contact to the shutter accommodating part34n) elastic deformation which are connected to the end (end on the side of the container main part33Y) as for the shutter main part34d1becomes small.

When this is continuously seen to compensate for the opening operation of the shutter member34d, the shutter deforming part34d2of shutter variant-parts/two/amount of elastic deformation

It becomes the maximum when releasing of the stopper part34d22is performed by the stopper release part34d21(it is a time of21being pushed up by stopper release energizing part72bof the device body part100as for the stopper release part34d21).

In the shutter main part34d1also dwindles the amount of elastic deformation with gradual decrease of the span which is supported with1and shutter rail34tin34nof slide grooves after that.

Even if the state (the state ofFIG. 16andFIG. 17, and two are stored by the shutter accommodating part34nin34dof shutter deforming parts) in which the shutter member34dhave opened the toner outlet W continues by such composition for a long time, the problem of plastic deformation in the shutter member34dis prevented like the state (state ofFIG. 15) where the shutter member34dhave closed the toner outlet W. Therefore, even after the opening/closing action of the shutter member34dis performed, the problem of leakage of toner from the circumference of the shutter member34dcan be prevented.

Since the shutter deforming part34d2amount of elastic deformation gradually decreases in connection with the opening operation of the shutter member34d, the attaching operation (opening operation of the shutter member34d) of the toner container32Y will also be performed smoothly. When the shutter member34dopens the toner outlet W wide thoroughly in the composition mentioned above (it is in the state ofFIG. 16andFIG. 17), the portion which is supported with shutter rail34t(the second rail part) the shutter main part34d1can secede from shutter rail34t, supported the shutter main part34d1(the first rail part) in34nof slide grooves, it can also constitute.

In that case, since is supported the shutter main part34d1in34nof slide grooves and the shutter member34dcan enlarge the amount of loosening further in the state in which the toner outlet W is opened wide thoroughly, the shutter deforming part34d2amount of elastic deformation also becomes still smaller and can make the effect mentioned above more effective.

In the embodiment 1, with reference toFIG. 15,34n(container part) of shutter accommodating parts, the34nof notches as a hole as for which the stopper release part34d21to the shutter accommodating part34nreduce the contact force of21in the position through which21passes in connection with the opening operation of the shutter member34din34dof the shutter deforming part34d2stopper release parts,6is formed. Thus, that for which34nof notches provide6(hole) in the shutter accommodating part34n, when two are stored by the shutter accommodating part34nin34dof shutter deforming parts in connection with the opening operation of the shutter member34d, in the stopper release part34d21,21will not contact the upper surface of the shutter accommodating part34nat all (not pressed). Therefore, the shutter deforming part34d2which is subjected to elastic deformation accompanying the opening operation of the shutter member34dcan be made small.

In the embodiment 1, in order for the stopper release part34d21to the shutter accommodating part34nto reduce the contact force of21, the notch34n6(hole), but34nof notches can also establish a slot in the same range instead of6(hole).

Although the notch34n6(hole) formed in the position (range) through which21passes in connection with the opening operation of the shutter member34din34dof the shutter deforming part34d2stopper release parts in the embodiment 1, a hole or a slot can also be formed in the position which21stops with termination of the opening operation of the shutter member34din the stopper release part34d21.

In this case, the shutter deforming part34d2is in the state of elastic deformation (the state ofFIG. 16andFIG. 17) where two are stored by the shutter accommodating part34nin the shutter deforming part34d2can be made small.

The shutter accommodating part34nin the embodiment 1 is for performing smoothly the opening/closing action of the shutter member34d. Namely, that for which the shutter accommodating part34nare provided in cap part34Y, the state in which the shutter member34dhave opened the toner outlet W wide as well as the state in which the toner outlet W is closed by the shutter member34d, in order to unite with the cap part34Y, without the shutter member34dprojecting in the lower part from the cap part34Y, the opening/closing action of the shutter member34dis performed smoothly.

In the cap part34Y in the embodiment 1, the five claw parts34jare disposed inside in the peripheral direction side by side in order to hold the container main part33Y rotatably, as shown inFIG. 23. The claw parts34jare constituted so that one claw part34jis disposed in the upper part which faces the shutter accommodating part34nand all the claw parts34jare not disposed in the position of the shutter accommodating part34n.

As mentioned above, the shutter accommodating part34nis the portion in which the shutter deforming part34d2is formed and the claw part34jis not formed, and the space to the container main part33Y becomes large. Therefore, at the bottom (where the shutter accommodating part34nis provided) of the cap part34Y, the force (restraining force) of holding the container main part33Y becomes small.

On the other hand, in the embodiment 1, the claw part34jis disposed in the upper part which faces the shutter accommodating part34n. Even if the restraining force of the cap part34Y to the lower part of the container main part33Y tends to be weak and the container main part33Y tends to fall on in the sliding direction, the claw part34jdisposed in the upper part which faces the shutter accommodating part34nto be canceled will hold the container main part33Y. Therefore, the container main part33Y will be held with good balance by the cap part34Y covering the peripheral direction. As shown inFIG. 14, the lobe H for making small the gap between the container main part33Y is formed in the position near the shutter accommodating part34nat the cap part34Y in the embodiment 1.

As mentioned above, even if the restraining force of the cap part34Y to the lower part of the container main part33Y tends to be weak and the container main part33Y tends to fall on in the sliding direction, the operation will be restricted because the lobe H of the cap part34Y contacts the container main part33Y. Therefore, the container main part33Y will be held with good balance by the cap part34Y.

As shown inFIGS. 16 and 45, the toner outlet W of the cap part34Y which is opened and closed by the shutter member34dis formed in the shape of a hexagon, when viewed from the vertical direction lower part.

The edge34rwhich projects to the lower part around the toner outlet W is formed in cap part34Y. This edge34ris formed in the longitudinal direction in the pointed shaped toward the direction where the point34r1of the both sides of the longitudinal direction (the longitudinal direction inFIG. 45) separates from the center of the toner outlet W, respectively. The edge34ris an edge of the shape of a hexagon which has parallel portion34r2which faces mutually along the longitudinal direction, and two vertical-angled parts34r1located in the point which faces in the longitudinal direction. The toner outlet W is formed in the shape of a hexagon so that it may meet the hexagonal shape of the edge34r.

The point34r1of the longitudinal direction (which is also a direction in which the shutter member34dare opened and closed) of the edge34raround the toner outlet W is formed in the pointed shaped, and the shutter seal36stuck on the shutter member34dand the slide contact at the edge34r1is started by the pointed-shape point34r1in a small area and the sliding contact surface product spreads gradually when closing the shutter member34d. Thus, it is difficult to produce peeling and breakage on shutter seal36by contact with edge34r. Since the sliding contact surface product with edge34rnarrows gradually also when opening the shutter member34d, the damage to shutter seal36by contact with edge34rdecreases.

As shown inFIG. 46, the seal member76which also becomes the circumference of the toner replenishment mouth72wof the cap receiving part73from foamed resin material is stuck, and toner scattering from toner replenishment mouth72wwhich is open for free passage to the toner outlet W of the toner container32Y is prevented. Even if the edge34rof the cap part34Y slides with the attaching operation of the toner container32Y in the longitudinal direction to the seal member76installed in the circumference of the toner replenishment mouth72w, the slide contact to the edge34r1and seal member76is started by the point34r1in a small area and the sliding contact surface product spreads gradually, and it becomes difficult to produce peeling and breakage in seal member76of the toner replenishment mouth72wby contact with edge34r.

Since the sliding contact surface product of seal member76of the toner replenishment mouth72wand edge34rnarrows gradually also when performing detaching operation of the longitudinal direction of the toner container32Y, the damage to seal member76of the toner replenishment mouth72wby contact with edge34rdecreases.

Therefore, the problem that the toner stored in the toner container32Y disperses outside with the attaching/detaching operation of the toner container32Y to the device body part100is prevented.

As shown inFIG. 16, in the embodiment 1, the edge34rof the cap part34Y is formed in tapered shape so that the amount which projects to a lower part may gradually decrease, as the surface (which is a surface adjacent to the point34r1) turned to in the longitudinal direction (which is the longitudinal direction inFIG. 45) is separated from the center of the toner outlet W.

If the shutter seal36stuck on the shutter member34dwith the attaching/detaching operation of the longitudinal direction of the toner container32Y is worn with the edge34r, it is possible to prevent the damage on the shutter seal36. If the seal member76(seeFIG. 46) provided in the circumference of the toner replenishment mouth72wof the cap receiving part73is worn with the edge34rwith the attaching/detaching operation of the longitudinal direction of the toner container32Y, it is possible to prevent the damage in the seal member76.

In the embodiment 1, the toner which satisfies the following requirements is used in the toner containers32Y,32M,32C and32K. Assuming that Dn (micrometer) denotes the number average particle diameter and Dv (micrometer) denotes the volume average particle diameter, the requirements for the toner are represented by the following.
3<=Dv<=8  (1)
1.00<=Dv/Dn<=1.40  (2)

By using the toner satisfying the requirements of the above formulas, selection of the toner particles according to an image pattern is performed at the time of a developing process and good image quality is maintained, even if the toner is agitated in the developing device for a long time, good development characteristic is maintained. The toner will be delivered efficiently and certainly, without blocking the toner replenishment passage of the tube71.

Typically, measurement of the volume average particle diameter and the number average particle diameter of the toner can be performed using the “Coulter counter TA-2” (made by Coulter company) or the “Coulter multisizer 2” (made by Coulter company).

In the embodiment 1, the spherical shape particle toner which is formed so that the shape factor SF-1 is in a range of 100-180 and the shape factor SF-2 is in a range of 100-180 is used as the toner contained in the toner containers32Y,32M,32C and32K. Lowering of cleaning performance can be prevented this maintaining high transfer efficiency. The toner will be delivered efficiently and certainly, without blocking the toner replenishment passage of the tube71.

The shape factor SF-1 represents the spheroidicity of the toner particles, and can be determined in accordance with the following formula.
SF-1=(M2/S)×(100πi/4)
In the above formula, M is a maximum grain size in the plane of projection of the toner particles, and S is the area of the plane of projection of the toner particles. Therefore, the toner particles whose shape factor SF-1 is 100 are true spheres, and the spheroidicity is reduced as the shape factor is increased from 100.

The shape factor SF-2 represents the degree of unevenness of the toner particles, and it can be determined in accordance with the following formula.
SF-2=(N2/S)×(100/4π)

In the above formula, N is a circumference in the plane of projection of the toner particles, and S is the area of the plane of projection of the toner particles. Therefore, the toner particles whose shape factor SF-2 is equal to 100 do not have unevenness, and the unevenness is increased as the shape factor is increased from 100.

The shape factor SF-1 and the shape factor SF-2 are determined by the analysis and search of the photographic image of the toner particles captured with the scanning electron microscope “S-800” (made by Hitachi, Ltd.) with the image analyzing device “LUSEX3” (made by Nireco Corp).

Next, the toner container accommodating part70(the container receiving part72, the cap receiving part73) will be described with reference toFIGS. 29-46.

As shown inFIG. 4, the container receiving part72and the cap receiving part73are formed in the toner container accommodating part70.

As shown inFIG. 29andFIG. 30, the bottle abutment72ais formed in the container receiving part72for every color. The container receiving part73is formed also in the cap receiving part73for every color, the toner containers32Y,32M,32C, and32K corresponding to each are inserted (it is insertion of a white arrow direction), and each cap part is held by non rotation by each the container receiving part72.

InFIGS. 29,30,34-36, and40-42, in order to illustrate the composition of the container receiving part72, the illustration of some cap parts is omitted among the four cap receiving parts72.

As shown inFIGS. 29-31, the bottle abutment72a, the stopper release energizing part72b, the shutter close mechanism72das a shutter pinching mechanism, the toner replenishment mouth72w, the seal member76, etc. are formed in the container receiving part72of the toner container accommodating part70.

The bottle abutment72afunctions as a sliding surface of the toner container32Y at the time of the attaching/detaching operation of the toner container32Y, and after the set of the toner container32Y is completed, it functions as the maintenance part of the container main part33Y to rotate.

The stopper release energizing part72bis a rib of the trapezoidal shape formed in the cap receiving part73side (it is a mounting direction lower stream side of the toner container32Y) in the bottle abutment72a.

The stopper release energizing part72bis for being interlocked with the attaching operation of the toner container32Y, the stopper release part34d21of shutter member34Y pushing up21, and34dof stopper part22and34nof contact parts canceling the contact state of5(it is for making possible opening operation of the shutter member34d).

As shown inFIGS. 29-31,43-45,72d(shutter pinching mechanism) of shutter close mechanisms are the positions on the container receiving part72covered with the cap receiving part73, and are disposed in the mounting direction upstream side of the toner container32Y to toner replenishment mouth72w.

The shutter close mechanism72dare one pair of components of the horseshoe shape disposed so that the sliding direction ofFIG. 43might be faced, and the pivot parts72d3are disposed to be rotatable around the torsion coil spring.

The first sandwiching part72d1is formed in the one end side, and72d(shutter pinching mechanism) of shutter close mechanisms are formed in the other end side in72d2of the second sandwiching part.

At the time of the opening/closing action of the shutter member34din the toner container32Y as explained previously, the two second pinching components72d11are pinched to the sandwiching parts34d1of the shutter member34d, and the vertical surfaces34sof the cap part34Y are pinched to the first pinching components72d1. The shutter member34din the cap receiving part73at the time of the opening/closing action of the shutter member34dand the posture of the cap part34Y are defined, and a smooth opening/closing action becomes possible.

Operation of the shutter close mechanism72d(shutter pinching mechanism) accompanying the opening/closing action of the shutter member34dwill be described later with reference toFIGS. 43-45.

As shown inFIGS. 29-33, the cap receiving part73of the toner container accommodating part70is provided with the main reference pin73a, sub-reference pin73b, fitting part73c, the pressing part73d, the engagement part73m, antenna73e(the RFID antenna), drive gear81, bearing73k, etc.

As explained usingFIG. 11, the main reference pin73aand the sub-reference pin73bare engaged with the first hole34aand the second hole34bof the cap part34Y, respectively. Positioning of the cap part34Y in the cap receiving part73is performed.

Here, with reference toFIG. 32andFIG. 46, the main reference pin73ais formed in the longitudinal direction for a long time rather than sub-reference pin73b(the position of the datum level used as a root part is formed on the same flat surface).

The main reference pin73aand sub-reference pin73bare installed in the longitudinal direction (it is a path of insertion of the toner container32Y) by each. The point tapers off and the main reference pin73ahas form.

When performing the attaching operation of the toner container32Y to the cap receiving part73in the longitudinal direction, a smooth attaching operation of the toner container32Y to the cap receiving part73is allowed. The engagement parts73mare engaged with the first engagement part34eand34f(specification part) of the second engagement part which are formed in cap part34Y of the toner container32Y.

While the posture of the cap part34Y is regulated and cap part34Y is detached and attached to the cap receiving part73by this, the posture of the cap part34Y in the state in which the cap receiving part73is equipped with cap part34Y is regulated. The fitting part73cis engaged with the non-compatible shape part34gformed in the point of the cap part34Y of the toner container32Y. Thus, that for which the fitting part73ccorresponding to the non-compatible shape part34gof the toner container32Y is formed in the cap receiving part73

The nonconformity by which wrong setting of the toner container (for example, it is the toner container of yellow) of different color is performed to the toner container accommodating part (for example, it is the toner container accommodating part of cyan) of predetermined color is prevented.

Here, the fitting part73cis formed in the side near the container receiving part72of the longitudinal direction in the cap receiving part73with reference toFIG. 32. Since the non-compatible shape part34gprovided at the head of the cap part34Y will interfere by this, without engaging with fitting part73cof the cap receiving part73first of all, the problem that the toner with which the opening operation of the shutter member34dwith which the toner outlet W of the cap part34Y is covered is started, and color differs will turn to image forming device body100, and will be accidentally supplied from the toner outlet W is prevented certainly.

The image forming device100in the embodiment 1 is constituted so that slide movement may be performed horizontally (the longitudinal direction) and the attaching operation may be completed, after the toner container34Y is laid from the upper part to the toner container accommodating part70, as shown inFIG. 4. It is necessary to judge the incompatibility of the toner container in the cap receiving part73in the position near the container receiving part73. Therefore, the composition of forming fitting part73cin the side near the container receiving part72as mentioned above becomes useful.

In the attaching operation of the toner container32Y so that stopper release energizing part72bmay engage with21in the stopper release part34d21of the cap part34Y after the non-compatible shape part34gof the cap part34Y fit into fitting part73c, the positional relationship of stopper release energizing part72band fitting part73cis set up.

Since the opening operation of45dof shutter members will be performed by this after a judgment of incompatibility is made, the effect which deters the problem to which the toner which prevents the wrong setting of the toner container mentioned above, and with which color differs is supplied will become still more positive.

It is for bearing73ksupporting the driving shaft of drive gear81in actuator91free rotation to the cap receiving part73with reference toFIGS. 31-33andFIG. 40.

The antenna73eis installed in the end face on the side of the back in the cap receiving part73.

This antenna73eis for performing non-contact wireless communications which are installed in the end face of the cap part34Y of the toner container32Y, and the RFID chip35(seeFIG. 5andFIG. 9).

As shown inFIGS. 31-33, the pressing parts73dof the cap receiving part73are the mounting direction lower stream sides of the toner container32Y, and are installed in both side walls of the container receiving part73. As shown inFIG. 31-FIG.33, the pressing part73dincludes the slide block73d1and the torsion spring73d2.

With reference toFIG. 33, the slide block73d1is formed so that the inclination73d12on the side of the back is smaller than the inclination73d11on the side of the container receiving part72. The slide block73d1is preferably a one-piece component which is molded, formed, or machined out of plastic, resin, Teflon, or other desirable material, for example, although multi-piece slide blocks can be used, if desired. Thereby, the user can perform the attaching/detaching operation smoothly during the attaching/detaching operation of the toner container32Y to the cap receiving part73, obtaining a high click feeling, which indicates the container is securely mounted.

Slide block73d1includes a recess (hollow part)73d13which holds or receives the end of torsion spring73d2. The slide block73d1is inserted in the insertion opening73d6of the cap receiving part73as shown inFIG. 31, and the coil part of torsion spring73d2is inserted in the shank73d5of the cap receiving part73. The other end of the torsion spring73d2is held against the block or protrusion73d7of the cap receiving part73.

The torsion spring73d2is an elastic body which urges the slide block73d1towards the pressing part. Alternative elastic bodies may be used such as other types of springs or elastic elements such as a coil spring, a leaf spring, or a compression spring. Further, the elastic body can be made out of metal, plastic, or resin, or any other suitable material.

By this composition, energization or urging of each slide block73dwill be in the arrow direction (which faces the toner container32Y) ofFIG. 37due to the spring force of torsion spring73d2. Therefore, the user can get a high click feeling in the attaching operation (or detaching operation) of the toner container32Y to the cap receiving part73. Moreover, the toner container is secured in position by the surface73d12of the slide block73d1.

FIGS. 34-36are diagrams showing the state in which the cap part34Y of the toner container32Y is attached to the cap receiving part73of the toner container accommodating part70.FIGS. 37-39are diagrams showing the state in which the pressing part34cof the toner container32Y engages with the pressing part73dof the cap receiving part73and attached to the cap receiving part73.FIGS. 40-42are diagrams showing the state in which the cap part34Y of the toner container32Y is attached to the cap receiving part73.

As shown inFIG. 34,FIG. 37, andFIG. 40, after being set on the container receiving part72, a sliding movement of the toner container32Y results from the container being pushed in toward the cap receiving part73.

As shown inFIG. 35,FIG. 38, andFIG. 41, the pressing part34cof the toner container32Y will initially contact the slope73d11of the slide block73d1. During insertion of the toner container32Y, the pressing part34cinitially slides on the slope of73d11of the slide block73d1, and moves the slide block73d1in the direction which is opposite to the arrow direction ofFIG. 37. Thus, the spring force of the torsion spring34d2is initially used to resist the insertion of the toner container to the mounted position by the pressing part34cpressing against the slope73d11.

Once the pressing part34ccrosses the peak of the slide block73d1as shown inFIG. 36,FIG. 39, andFIG. 42, the pressing part34cwill contact the slope73d12of the slide block73d1. At this time, the slide block73d1moves in the direction of the arrows inFIG. 37by the torsion spring34d2, and the cap part34Y will move to the back side of the cap receiving part73.

In this way, the cap part34Y arrives at the position (regular fixing point) where the toner outlet W corresponds to toner replenishment mouth72w.

When the slide block73d1contacts the peak of the slope of pressing part34c, the slide block73d1presses pressing part34cin the direction which intersects vertically in the longitudinal direction.

Thus, when the pressing part34ccontacts the slope73d11, the torsion spring73d2resists the insertion of the toner container32Y. Once the pressing part34ctransitions to the slope73d12, the torsion spring assists or helps pull the toner container32Y to the mounted position and assists in holding the toner container at the mounted position.

During the attaching operation of the toner container32Y, the user inserts the toner container32Y in the cap receiving part73, feeling a small resistance immediately after the operation starts. A stronger resistance is felt when the slide block34d1is pressed by pressing part34c. Subsequently, when the slide block34d1crosses the peak of the pressing part34c, there is a feeling of less resistance and a feeling that the toner container32Y is pulled to its final position and firmly fitted in at the back side. Thus, in the attaching operation of the toner container32Y, cap part34Y of the toner container32Y, improper installation can be avoided as compared to conventional systems which do not provide a clear click feeling.

As shown inFIG. 39, the slope or angle of73d11of the slide block73d1is less than or not as steep as the slope or angle of73d12of the slide block73d1. This steeper slope73d12which is deeper or further in the cap receiving part73than the more gradual slope73d11provides a firm clicking action, helps pull the toner container32Y into the cap receiving part73, and securely holds the toner container32Y in the cap receiving part73. This means that during insertion less force is required, but it is applied over a longer distance, as compared to when the toner container32Y starts to be removed from the receiver. Moreover, the slopes of the contact surfaces of the pressing part34cmay be different from each other and correspond to the slopes or angles of the slide block73d1. For example, as shown inFIG. 39, the slope or angle of73d12corresponds to the slope or angle of34c12, and the slope or angle of73d11correspond to the slope or angle of34c11. Such corresponding angles or slopes may reduce wear on73d11,73d12,34c11, and34c12by increasing the surface area of the contact region between34cand73d1.

When one pair of pressing parts73dcontacts a corresponding pair of pressing parts34cas shown inFIG. 38, the vector (which is a vector of the force shown by the arrow inFIG. 38) of the force of the pair of pressing parts73dacting on the pair of corresponding pressing parts34cis symmetric about the rotation axis of the container main part33Y. Therefore, when one pair of pressing parts34care pressed by a corresponding pair of pressing parts73dat the time of attachment and detachment of the toner container32Y, the cap part34Y will be uniformly pressed in directions corresponding to the arrows ofFIG. 38. According to an embodiment, a pressing part34cand corresponding slide block73d1are considered a pair of contact parts. Therefore, the problem that the cap part34Y is pressed unequally, torsion arises on the cap seal37installed between the cap part34Y and the container main part33Y, and the sealing characteristic between the components33Y and34Y falls is prevented. Alternatively, the system can be implemented such that there is only one slide block73d1which interacts with one pressing part34c, and such an implementation would have a mechanism to prevent the toner container from shifting or rotating during insertion. Thus, the embodiment achieves a good balance, and a smooth detaching operation of the toner container32Y becomes possible.

The pressing parts34care illustrated as having two surfaces which contact the slide blocks73d1. However, according to an alternative embodiment, different shapes of the pressing parts34cmay be utilized. For example, the pressing part34cmay have one contacted surface which is flat, pointed, or rounded. Further, the pressing part34cmay have three or more contact surfaces.

Additionally, the pressing parts34care protrusions which are mounted on the cap, and the cap is part of the toner container. Thus, the pressing parts are also considered to be mounted on the toner container. In embodiment 1, the attaching operation of the toner container32Y proceeds as shown inFIG. 46. The timing at which the pressing part73dof the cap receiving part73starts engagement with the pressing part34cof the cap part34Y is after the main reference pin73aof the cap receiving part73starts engagement with the main reference hole34aof the cap part34Y.

While the opening of the main reference hole34ais formed in the head part rather than the peak of pressing part34cin cap part34Y, specifically, the main reference pin73ais installed in the container receiving part72side rather than the position in which slide block34d1is installed in the cap receiving part73.

Since the pressing of the pressing part34cby the pressing parts73dis started after the position of the cap part34Y in the cap receiving part73is settled or started, when one pair of pressing parts34care pressed by the corresponding pair of pressing parts73dat the time of attachment and detachment of the toner container32Y, the cap part34Y will be uniformly pressed in the sliding direction ofFIG. 38.

FIGS. 43-45are diagrams showing operation of the shutter close mechanism72d(shutter pinching mechanism) accompanying the opening/closing action of the shutter member34d, and operation of the pressing parts73d.

As shown inFIG. 43, after the attaching operation of the toner container32Y in the white arrow direction is performed, at the time of the opening operation of the shutter member34d, the first sandwiching member72d1contacts the height34mand the second sandwiching member72d2contacts the part34d11of the shutter member34d.

Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 44, if the attaching operation of the toner container32Y progress in the white arrow direction, the shutter close mechanism72d(shutter pinching mechanism) is rotated around the pivot part72d3. The first pinching component72d1pinches the vertical wall34sof the height34mof the cap part34Y. The second sandwiching member72d2is engaged with the sandwiching part engagement wall34d11aof the shutter member34d, and pinches the side wall34d11cof the shutter main part34d1(the sandwiching part34d11). Then, the shutter member34dcontacts the wall part (seeFIG. 29) formed in the circumference of the toner replenishment mouth72wof the cap receiving part73.

The movement of the shutter member34din the cap receiving part73is regulated (the shutter member34dwill not move in the longitudinal direction absolutely). However, the movement of the mounting direction of the toner container32Y is advanced, and relative movement of the opening direction of the shutter member34dis performed.

That is, as shown inFIG. 45, the shutter member34dis moved relatively to the side of the container main part33Y, and opening of the toner outlet W is performed. At this time, as shown inFIG. 45, the first pinching component72d1pinches the vertical wall34sof the cap part34Y. Since the posture of the cap part34Y the shutter member34dis defined, smooth opening operation of the shutter member34dis possible.

On the other hand, operation is performed by the procedure contrary to the procedure at the time of the attaching operation when carrying out extraction (the detaching operation) of the toner container32Y from the toner container accommodating part70(the cap receiving part73). That is, operation of72d(shutter pinching mechanism) of shutter close mechanisms accompanying closing operation of the shutter member34dis performed in the order ofFIG. 45,FIG. 44, andFIG. 43. Here, since34sof vertical wall which function by the embodiment 1 with reference toFIG. 45as a pinching side which is pinched by1as for72dof the first sandwiching part have34mof heights, they are installed in a mounting direction (method of the right ofFIG. 45) for a long time.

As opposed to the timing to which the shutter close mechanism72dclose the shutter member34dthoroughly when taking out toner container32Y from the toner container accommodating part70,72d(72d2of the second sandwiching part) of shutter close mechanisms can delay the timing which cancels maintenance of34d(34dof sandwiching parts11) of shutter members on the basis of34sof vertical wall.

That is, when closing operation of the shutter member34dis performed (it is relative movement of the shutter member34dfrom a state to the state ofFIG. 44ofFIG. 45), it is formed for a long time so that34s(34mof heights) of vertical wall may project in the method of the right ofFIG. 44. In the state in which pinch34sof vertical wall whose1is34mof heights, and34dof sandwiching parts whose two are the shutter member34din72dof the second sandwiching part hold11,72dof the first sandwiching part can end thoroughly closing operation of the shutter member34d, without the shutter close mechanism72drotating, as shown inFIG. 43.

In the embodiment 1, the cap part34Y has the height34m, and the problem that the toner container32Y is taken out from the device body part100before the shutter member34dclose the toner outlet W thoroughly is prevented.

As shown inFIGS. 43-45, it is constituted the embodiment 1 so that the timing the force of the pressing part73dpressing the cap part34Y is the maximum in the attaching/detaching operation of the toner container32Y may not be in agreement with the timing the stopper release energizing part72bis engaged with the stopper release part34d21. Hence, the click feeling at the time of the detaching operation by the pressing part34cmentioned above can be obtained.

As shown inFIGS. 43-45, it is constituted in the embodiment 1 so that, at the time of the attaching of the toner container32Y (cap part34Y) to the toner container accommodating part70, after the opening operation of the shutter member34dis started with the pinching operation of the shutter member34dby the shutter close mechanism72d(shutter pinching mechanism), operation of the pressing part73dpressing the pressing part34cmay be started. At the time of the detaching operation of the toner container32Y (cap part34Y) from the toner container accommodating part70, after operation73dof whose pressing parts press pressing part34cis completed and the pressing part73destrange from pressing part34c, it is constituted so that pinching of the shutter member34dby72d(shutter pinching mechanism) of shutter close mechanisms in closing operation of the shutter member34dmay be opened wide. In the time of the attaching of the toner container32Y when pinching operation of the shutter member34dby72d(shutter pinching mechanism) of shutter close mechanisms is started, the cap part34Y will not receive the thrust from the pressing part73d, and opening operation of the shutter member34daccompanying pinching operation of72d(shutter pinching mechanism) of shutter close mechanisms mentioned above will be performed smoothly (the open defect of the shutter member34dwill not arise). When pinching operation of the shutter member34dby the shutter close mechanism72dis completed in the time of detachment of the toner container32Y, the cap part34Y will not receive the thrust from the pressing part73d, and closing operation of the shutter member34daccompanying pinching operation of the shutter close mechanism72dmentioned above will be performed smoothly (poor closing of the shutter member34dwill not arise).

Accordingly, the attaching/detaching operation of the toner container34Y can be performed smoothly, and the sealing characteristic of the container main part33Y and the cap part34Y can be maintained at high level, without enlarging the cap part34Y.

FIGS. 47-51are diagrams for explaining the embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.FIG. 47is a diagram showing a part of the toner container32Y in the embodiment 2.FIGS. 48 and 49are exploded diagrams showing the cap part34Y ofFIG. 47, respectively.FIG. 50is a diagram showing the cap part34Y after welding of the first member34Y1and the second member34Y2is performed.FIG. 51is a diagram showing the inside of the cap part34Y in toner container32Y.

The toner container in the embodiment 2 differs from that of the embodiment 1 (in which the cap part is formed by integral molding) in that the cap part is formed by welding of two molding members.

The toner container32Y in the embodiment 2 is constituted similar to that of the embodiment 1 to include the container main part33Y (bottle body) and the cap part34Y provided in the head of the container main part. The toner container32Y further includes the stirring member33f, the cap seal37, the shutter member34d, the shutter seal36, and the RFID35, in addition to the container main part33Y, and the cap part34Y.

Unlike that of the embodiment 1, the cap part34Y (from which the cap seal37, the shutter member34d, the shutter seal36, and the RFID35are taken out) in the second embodiment 2 is formed by welding (or adhesion) of the two molding members34Y1and34Y2.

The cap part34Y includes the first member34Y1and the second member34Y2. The toner outlet W, the pressing part34c, and the adhesion surface34vto stick the cap seal37are formed in the first member34Y1. In the second member34Y2, a small-diameter portion34Y2dwhich covers a part of the first member34Y1, and a large-diameter portion (which is the portion in which the accommodating part34zis formed) which has an outer diameter larger than that of the small-diameter portion34Y2d, are formed. The upper part (the portion in which the main reference hole34ais formed) of the first member34Y1, the side part34Y1b(the portion in which the pressing part34cis formed) of the first member34Y1, and the bottom (the portion in which the toner outlet W is formed) of the first member34Y1are respectively inserted in the notches34Y2a,34Y2b, and34Y2cof the second member34Y2, and the small-diameter portion34Y2dof the second member34Y2is bonded to the junction34Y1aof the first member34Y1(welding).

As shown inFIG. 47andFIG. 50, the pressing part34cof the first member34Y1is formed so that it may fall within the range of the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion34Y2dof the second member34Y2. That is, when the cap part34Y is viewed in the plane of projection which intersects vertically in the longitudinal direction, the pressing part34cof the first member34Y1is constituted so that it may not project from the perimeter of the small-diameter portion34Y2dof the second member34Y2. The adhesion surface34vof the first member34Y1is formed so that it may be settled within the range of the inside diameter of the small-diameter portion34Y2dof the second member34Y2. Thus, enlargement (the large diameter part) of the cap part34Y by the pressing part34cwhich projects from the outer circumference surface of the cap part34Y can be prevented by making the outer diameter of the cap part34Y fall into the range of the perimeter of the small-diameter portion34Y2dof the second member34Y2.

The cap part34Y in the embodiment 2 includes the two molding members34Y1and34Y2. When compared with that of the embodiment 1 (in which the cap part is formed by one molding member), the arrangement of the respective parts, such as the claw part34j, the non-compatible shape part34g, the pressing part34c, the toner outlet W, and the toner drop passage C, becomes more flexible.

In the toner container in the embodiment 2, the positional relationship in the longitudinal direction between the cap seal37(which is installed between the container main part33Y and the cap part34Y) and the pressing part34cwhich projects on the outer circumference surface of the cap part34Y and is pressed in the direction which resists the force of the mounting direction when the cap part34Y is attached to the image forming device body100, is optimized. Thereby, the attaching/detaching operation of the toner container34Y can be performed smoothly, maintaining the high sealing characteristic of the container main part33Y and the cap part34Y, without enlarging the cap part34Y.

FIGS. 52-55are diagrams for explaining the embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. The composition of the stirring member33fin the toner container in the embodiment 3 is different from that of the embodiment 1.

The toner container32Y in the embodiment 3 as well as that of the embodiment 1 comes out mainly with main part33Y (bottle body) of a container, and cap part34Y (bottle cap) provided in the head, and is constituted. The toner container32Y in the embodiment 3 besides the container main part33Y and the cap part34Y, is decomposed into the RFID chip35as shutter seal36as the stirring part33f, cap seal37, the shutter member34d, and a seal member, and electronic data storage medium (seeFIG. 9).

The fit of the stirring member33fwhich rotate the toner container32Y in the embodiment 3 as well as that of the embodiment 1 with the container main part33Y is performed to bottle mouth part33a(opening A). It is pressed fit in the bottle mouth part33a(opening A) which two show inFIG. 9in33fof fitting parts of the stirring part33fwith reference toFIGS. 52-54C.

As for one pair of tabular members33fof installed to the inside of the container main part33Y by the stirring part33fin the embodiment 3 from the hollow part B in cap part34Y,1is provided as shown inFIGS. 52-54C. The tabular member33f1of the stirring member33fis inclined like the embodiment 1, respectively. The stirring members33fare constituted so that the head (it is the side in which10is formed as for the extrusion plate33f10) may arrive above the toner outlet W in cap part34Y when cap part34Y and the container main part33Y are attached, and the back end (end of the opposite side) may pump up and the part (the portion indicated by the dotted line inFIG. 9andFIG. 10) may be reached.

The toner ejection characteristic from the opening A improves because the stirring part33fis rotated with the opening A of the container main part33Y.

As shown inFIGS. 52-54C, the stirring member33fin the embodiment 3 includes the extrusion plate33f10at the head of the tabular member33f1(on the side toward the cap part34Y) unlike to the embodiment 1. The extrusion plate33f10is a plate member which is raised in a vertical direction from the body part of the tabular member33f1and has the taper part34f100formed in the outer circumference part of the extrusion board33f10.

Thus, because of the extrusion plate33f10provided at the head of the tabular member33f1in the stirring part33f, the toner is pushed to the toner outlet W in the cap part34Y with rotation of the stirring part33fin the extrusion plate33f10to prevent the toner from being blocked near the toner outlet W (the toner drop passage C), and smooth toner ejection from the toner outlet W is allowed.

FIG. 55Ais a diagram for explaining the state in which the stirring member33fin which in which the pushing plate33f10is disposed (the embodiment 3) is rotated in the toner container32Y. Changes of the state of the stirring member33fof the embodiment 3 during the rotation are indicated by (1)-(4) inFIG. 55A. On the other hand,FIG. 55Bis a diagram for explaining the state in which the stirring member33fin which the pushing plate33f10is not disposed (the embodiment 1) is rotated in the toner container32Y. Changes of the state of the stirring member33fof the embodiment 1 during the rotation are indicated by (1)-(4) inFIG. 55B.

In (1) inFIG. 55Aand (1) inFIG. 55B, the toner transporting direction in which the toner is delivered to the toner outlet W (the toner replenishment mouth73w) by the stirring member33fis indicated by the small black arrow.

As shown in (1) inFIG. 55B, when the pushing plate33f10is not disposed to the tabular member33f1of the stirring member33f, the toner is delivered along with the inner periphery of the cap part34Y with the rotation of the stirring member33f. On the other hand, as shown (1) inFIG. 55A, when the pushing plate33f10is disposed to the head end of the tabular member33f1of the stirring member33f, the toner is delivered to the toner outlet W by the pushing plate33f10with the rotation of the stirring member33f.

Similar to the embodiment 1, in the toner container32Y of the embodiment 3, the positional relationship in the longitudinal direction between the cap seal37(which is disposed between the container main part33Y and the cap part34Y) and the pressing part34cwhich projects on the outer circumference surface of the cap part34Y (which projection is pressed in the direction opposite to the direction of the mounting force when the cap part34Y is attached to the image forming device body100) is optimized. Thereby, in the embodiment 3, the attaching/detaching operation of the toner container34Y can be smoothly performed similar to the embodiment 1, and the sealing characteristic of the container main part33Y and the cap part34Y can be maintained at a high level without enlarging the cap part34Y in size.

FIGS. 56-58are diagrams for explaining the embodiment of the present disclosure. The toner container in the embodiment 4 differs from that of the embodiment 3 in that the flexible member34uis installed near the toner outlet W in the cap part34Y.

The toner container32Y in the embodiment 4 is constituted similar to that of the embodiment 3 to include the container main part33Y (bottle body) and the cap part34Y (bottle cap) provided in the head end of the container main part. Besides the container main part33Y and the cap part34Y, the toner container32Y in the embodiment 4 is decomposed into the stirring part33f, the cap seal37, the shutter member34d, the shutter seal36as the seal member, and the RFID chip35as the electronic data storage medium (seeFIG. 9). Similar to that of the embodiment 3, the stirring member33fwhich is rotated with the container main part33Y in the toner container32Y in the embodiment 4 is fitted to the bottle mouth part33a(the opening A).

As shown inFIG. 56, one pair of tabular members33f1(which are inclined in a staggered manner) extending to the inside of the container main part33Y from the hollow part B of the cap part34Y is provided in the stirring part33fin the embodiment 4. The extrusion plates33f10are provided at the head ends of the tabular members33f1(on the side toward the inside of the cap part34Y) in the stirring part33fin the embodiment 4 similar to that of the embodiment 3.

Unlike the embodiment 3, with reference toFIGS. 56 and 58, a flexible member34umade of a flexible material, such as a miler about 0.188-0.5 mm thick, is installed in the hollow part B from the toner drop passage C of the cap part34Y in the embodiment 4.

As shown inFIG. 57, the flexible member34uis formed in the form in which one portion is bent, and includes the fixed part34u2(the width of which is larger than the width of the flexible part34u1) which forms an adhesion surface of the flexible member34u. The flexible member34uis stuck on the wall (it is a wall of the side near the toner outlet W, and is a wall on the side of the direction-of-rotation lower stream of the stirring part33f) of the toner drop passage C (anchoring). The fixed part34u2is stuck on the wall of the toner drop passage C so that the curved part of flexible member34umay be located in the toner drop passage C. The flexible part34u1of the flexible member34uextends to the inside of the hollow part B as a free end from the toner drop passage C. Even if the toner is clogged with the head of the flexible part34u1contacting with rotation of the stirring part33fin the extrusion plate33f10near the toner outlet W (the toner drop passage C), and smooth toner ejection from the toner outlet W is allowed.

As shown inFIGS. 58A to 58D, with rotation of the stirring part33f, as for the extrusion plate33f10, it is pressed by10, and flexible member34u(the flexible part34u1) bends in the shape of a bow gradually. The flexible member34uis greatly bent by the state ofFIG. 58Din the shape of a bow even if toner is choked up with the state ofFIG. 58Abetween the wall of the toner drop passage C, and flexible member34uat this time, the space of the wall of the toner drop passage C and flexible member34ubecomes large. Bending of the flexible member34userves to break down the toner got blocked in the toner drop passage C.

Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 58E, in the extrusion plate33f10, the flat-surface part of10and the flat-surface part of flexible member34uoverlap mutually, and it changes into a plane, applying flexible member34uto the flexible part34u1from the fixed part34u2. At this time, the space of the flexible member34uand the toner spreads rapidly, collapse of the toner advances, and the toner is stuffed into the space by the extrusion plate33f10and supplied (which is in the state ofFIG. 56). Thereby, the toner ejection characteristic and the toner collapse in the toner outlet W (the toner drop passage C) are increased.

Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 58F, the flexible member34uwill be bent backward thoroughly, and thereafter the contact with the extrusion plate33f10will be canceled. As shown inFIG. 58G, the elastic force of the flexible member34urecovers the flexible member34uin the early state.

At this time, the returning force of the elasticity of the flexible member34uacts on the toner, and the toner collapsing and smooth toner ejection in the toner drop passage C is allowed.

The shape of the flexible member34uis not limited to that of the embodiment 4, and a flexible member with another shape which does not have a curved part and a flexible member with a fixed part34u2having a different shape may be used instead.

The cap seal37in the embodiment 4 is installed between the container main part33Y and the cap part34Y, and pressed in the direction which resists the force of the mounting direction when the cap part34Y is attached to the image forming device body100, and the positional relationship of the longitudinal direction of the pressing part34cwhich projects on the outer circumference surface of the cap part34Y is optimized. Thereby, also in the embodiment 4, the attaching/detaching operation of the toner container34Y can be smoothly performed like each embodiment, maintaining the high sealing characteristic of the container main part33Y, and cap part34Y, without enlarging cap part34Y.

FIGS. 59-61are diagrams for explaining the embodiment 5 of the present disclosure.

The toner container in the embodiment 5 is arranged so that the container main part33Y and the cap part34Y are held to the toner container accommodating part70without rotation is different from that of the foregoing embodiments in which the container main part33Y is held rotatably at the toner container accommodating part70.

As shown inFIG. 59, the toner container32Y in the embodiment 5 as well as that of each embodiment comes out mainly with main part33Y (bottle body) of a container, and cap part34Y (bottle cap) provided in the head, and is constituted.

Here, as for the toner container32Y in the embodiment 5, unlike that of each embodiment, main part33Y (bottle body) of a container is fixed by fixing methods, such as adhesion, fusion joining, and a stop, to cap part34Y (bottle cap).

That is, without being connected to the cap part34Y rotatably, the container main part33Y is fixed so that it is not rotate relative to the cap part34Y.

As for the container main part33Y in the embodiment 5, unlike that of each embodiment, the spiral projection is not formed in the circumference.

The gear33cas in the foregoing embodiment is not formed in the container main part33Y, but the gear member42Y (seeFIG. 61) is rotatably held to the container main part33Y, and the cap part34Y with the stirring member33f. The conveyance member41Y (seeFIG. 60), turning to the opening the toner contained in the inside of the container main part33Y, and conveying it is installed in the inside of the container main part33Y.

The cap part34Y can be constituted almost like that of each embodiment except for the point that the container main part33Y is stuck. The stirring member33fcan be constituted almost like that of each embodiment except for the point which is not being fixed to the container main part33Y.

As shown inFIG. 60, it is the direction other end side of a stretcher of the container main part33Y (it is the opposite side on the side of the one direction end of a stretcher in which cap part34Y is installed, and) also in the embodiment 5. When performing detaching operation of the toner container32Y, the grip part33dto be gripped by the user is provided at the end behind the mounting direction to the device body part100.

The through hole which leads within and without the container main part33Y is formed in33dof this grip part, and the lid member49Y is detachably installed therein by the through hole. The lid member49Y fills up the inside of the toner container32Y (the container main part33Y) with toner in the time of manufacture or recycling.

As shown inFIG. 60, the thin flexible stirring member41Yb in which the conveyance member41Y installed in the container main part33Y is formed in shank41Ya with materials, such as a miler, is stuck. As for the connection part33finstalled in the position of the center of rotation whose end41Ya1at the end side in the longitudinal direction (seeFIG. 61) is the stirring part33f, the shank41Ya20of the conveyance member41Y is stopped.

As for33dof bearings, the end on the side of the direction other end of a stretcher is supported by1(it is a root portion which is the grip part33d, and rotatably formed in the portion within the container main part33Y). Where the container main part33Y and cap part34Y are held by non rotation at the toner container accommodating part70, the conveyance member41Y which is connected with the stirring part33fin the position of20as for the connection part33fwill also rotate because the stirring part33frotate with gear member42Y in response to driving force from actuator91.

In this way, the toner contained in the container main part33Y will be delivered to the cap part34Y side by the carrying force of the flexible stirring member41Yb installed in the conveyance member41Y.

The flexible stirring member41Yb of the conveyance member41Y includes plural cut-out portions41Yb1which are formed by cutting at plural places (in the embodiment 5, six places) in the longitudinal direction. The head end of the flexible stirring member41Yb (which is the free end thereof not supported by the shank41Ya) slides onto the inner circumference side of the container main part33Y with the rotation of the conveyance member41Y. The flexible stirring member41Yb is rotated and moderately twisted so that the toner contained in the container main part33Y is stirred and delivered to the right side inFIG. 60.

In this way, in the toner container32Y in the embodiment 5, the toner can be discharged from the toner outlet W of the cap part34Y, similar to that of the above embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 61, the gear member42Y is pivotably attached to the container main part33Y. The gear suspending portion42Yb formed in the gear member42Y is engaged with the projection formed in the outer circumference surface of the bottle mouth part33aof the container main part33Y, and the gear member42Y is held pivotably to the container main part33Y. When the geared part42Ya (spur gear) is formed in the outer circumference surface of the gear member42Y and the toner container32Y is set to the device body part100. The geared part42Ya is engaged with the drive gear81of the device body part100.

The sealing material40Y is formed between the gear member42Y and the end face of the bottle mouth part33ain order to prevent leakage of the toner to the outside of the toner container32Y. The sealing material40Y is formed of a foamed elastic material, such as foamed polyurethane, and has an annular configuration that matches with the end face of the bottle mouth part33a, and the sealing material is stuck on the gear member42Y.

When the gear member42Y is set to the container main part32Y, the sealing material40Y is forced on the end face of the bottle mouth part33a, and the sealing characteristic between the components33Y and42Y is increased. It is not fixed to the cap part34Y, but the gear member42Y is held pivotably to the claw part34jof the cap part34Y.

The holding method of the gear member42Y to the cap part34Y is the same as the holding method of the cap part34Y to the bottle mouth part33aof the container main part33Y described above.

The cap seal43Y which becomes a portion on which the end face (the container main part33Y side is the end face of the opposite side) of the gear member42Y is forced by the foamed elastic material is stuck on the cap part34Y. Thereby, the leakage of the toner from the space between the gear member42Y and the cap parts34Y can be prevented.

The stirring member33fis attached to the inner diameter part of the gear member42Y. The connection part33f20of the stirring member33fis connected with the shank41Ya20(end41Ya1on the side of an end) of the conveyance member41Y20.

In the embodiment 5, it is formed so that the toner drop passage C1and C2which are formed in cap part34Y may be missing from the lower stream side (the toner outlet W) from the upstream side (the lower part of the cylindrical hollow part B) and passage area (passage sectional area) may increase gradually.

That is, compared with the passage area of the toner drop passage C1of the vertical direction upper part, as shown inFIG. 61, it is set up so that the passage area of the toner drop passage C2of the vertical direction lower part may become large (C1<C2).

The problem that the toner drop passage is clogged with the toner can be reduced, and smooth toner ejection from the toner outlet W is allowed.

The cap seal37is installed between the container main part33Y and the cap part34Y, pressed in the direction which resists the force of the mounting direction when the cap part34Y is attached to the image forming device body100, the positional relationship of the longitudinal direction of pressing part34cwhich projects on the outer circumference surface of the cap part34Y is optimized. Thereby, in the embodiment 5, the attaching/detaching operation of the toner container34Y can be smoothly performed, and the sealing characteristic of the container main part33Y and the cap part34Y can be maintained at high level without enlarging the cap part34Y.

As shown inFIG. 62, the toner container32Y is constituted to include the container main part33Y, the gear44Y, and the cap part34Y. The opening A is formed in the head of the container main part33Y, and the gear44Y is rotatably installed in the outer circumference part of the opening A. The gear44Y is provided for engagement with the drive gear of the device body part100to rotate the coil46Y around the rotation axis. The opening A is formed for discharging the toner contained in the container main part33Y to the space in the cap part34Y. The rotating shaft45Y is formed integrally with the gear44Y and the spiral coil46Y (conveyance coil) is connected with the rotating shaft45Y. One end of the rotating shaft45Y is supported by the bearing34Ya of the cap part34Y. The coil46Y is disposed to extend from the opening A in the container main part33Y to the bottom.

When the gear44Y is rotated around the container main part33Y, the rotating shaft45Y and the coil46Y are also rotated. Hence, the toner contained in the container main part33Y is delivered to the side of the opening A by the toner delivering force of the coil46Y.

The gear44Y is inserted in the outer circumference part of the opening A so that the gear is sandwiched between the container main part33Y and the cap part34Y. The rubber member47Y is disposed between the container main part33Y and the gear44Y at the end surface side, and the seal member48Y is disposed between the cap part34Y and the gear44Y at the other end surface side.

By the composition, the sealing characteristic of the whole toner container32Y is maintained. That is, the problem that toner leaks from the space between the gear44Y, the container main part33Y, and the cap part34Y is prevented.

Alternatively, the toner drop passage C in the embodiments 1-4 may be formed similar to the toner drop passages C1and C2(seeFIG. 61) in the embodiment 5. In such a case, the problem that the toner drop passage C is clogged with the toner can be reduced, and smooth toner ejection from the toner outlet W is allowed.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a toner container and an image forming device wherein, even if another toner container of a different color or kind is erroneously set to dispose the other toner container in the body of the image forming device, the problem that toner of a different color or kind from the other toner container is supplied accidentally to the image forming device body is prevented.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a toner container and an image forming device wherein the shutter member that opens or closes the toner outlet is arranged so that the shutter member does not easily move when the toner container is isolated from the image forming device, and plastic deformation of the shutter member does not arise even when the state of the shutter member that opens the toner outlet is continued for a long time.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a toner container and an image forming device wherein the attaching and detaching operation of the toner container is smoothly performed and the sealing characteristic of the container main part and the cap part is maintained at high level without enlarging the cap part.

The present disclosure is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.