JP7434938B2 - Toner container and image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a toner container and an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a toner container that is detachable from an image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus equipped with the toner container.

Image forming apparatuses, typified by MFPs (Multi Function Peripherals), form images on paper using toner. This image forming apparatus includes a developing device that uses toner to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoreceptor drum, and a toner container that supplies toner to the developing device.

As a technique for supplying toner from a toner storage container to a developing device, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-180156 discloses a container body that stores a developer containing magnetic particles, and a container body that rotates around an axis inside the container body. a developer container including a conveying screw for transporting the developer toward a discharge port opened on one side in the axial direction; A developer replenishing device is described, which includes a magnetic field forming section that applies an attractive magnetic force to the developer housed in the main body.

In the developer replenishment device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2018-180156, the conveyance screw conveys the developer in one direction in the axial direction, so the developer that has passed through the outlet of the container body is not discharged from the outlet and is removed from the container. There is a problem that it remains in the main body.

Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-180156

This invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of the objects of the invention is to provide a toner container in which the amount of toner that remains without being discharged is reduced.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that reduces the amount of toner that remains without being discharged.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the toner storage container is a toner storage container that is removably attached to an image forming apparatus, and is formed with a discharge port that is open to the outside, and includes a storage section that stores the toner, and a toner storage container that is detachable from the image forming apparatus. a conveyor member disposed along the conveyor path, the rotary shaft provided at one end in the direction of the conveyor path being pivotally supported in the storage part, the conveyor member spirally extending around a center line extending from the rotary shaft. The inner wall of the accommodating section includes an inclined surface that intersects with the toner transport path, and the slanted surface slopes upward from the bottom located at the lowest position of the accommodating section. The outlet is formed on an inclined surface, and the outer diameter of the portion of the conveying member corresponding to the inclined surface is different from the outer diameter of the other portion.

According to this aspect, since the inner wall of the accommodating portion includes the sloping surface that intersects with the toner transport path, toner can be prevented from remaining on the sloping surface of the accommodating portion. Furthermore, since the outer diameter of the portion of the conveying member corresponding to the inclined surface is different from the outer diameter of other portions, the conveying member can be brought into contact with the toner present on the inclined surface. As a result, it is possible to provide a toner storage container in which the amount of toner remaining without being discharged is reduced. Further, since the discharge port is formed on the inclined surface, the toner can be easily discharged from the discharge port.

Preferably, the radius of the conveying member is less than or equal to the distance from the center line to the inner wall of the housing.

According to this aspect, the conveyance member can be rotated without interfering with the storage section.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the toner storage container is a toner storage container that is removably attachable to the image forming apparatus, and is formed with a discharge port that is open to the outside, and includes a storage section that stores toner; a conveyance member disposed along the toner conveyance path, the rotation shaft provided at one end in the direction of the conveyance path being pivotally supported by the storage section; The container has a spirally wound coil shape, and the inner wall of the container includes an inclined surface that intersects with the toner conveyance path, and the inclined surface is inclined upward from the bottom located at the lowest position of the container, The outlet is formed on the inclined surface.

According to this aspect, since the inner wall of the accommodating portion includes the inclined surface that intersects with the toner transport path, it is possible to prevent toner from remaining on the inclined surface. Further, since the discharge port is formed on the inclined surface, the toner can be easily discharged from the discharge port. It is possible to provide a toner storage container in which the amount of toner remaining without being discharged is reduced.

Preferably, the image forming apparatus further includes a lid part that opens and closes the discharge port in conjunction with attachment and detachment from the image forming apparatus.

According to this aspect, toner can be prevented from being discharged from the discharge port when the toner storage container is attached or detached.

Preferably, the pitch of the conveying member is smaller in the vicinity of the discharge port than in other parts.

According to this aspect, the carrying capacity of the carrying member near the discharge port becomes higher than that of other parts. Therefore, toner can be efficiently discharged from the discharge port.

Preferably, the angle of inclination of the inclined surface is greater than the angle of repose.

According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent toner from remaining on the inclined surface.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a regulating member disposed inside the accommodating part and extending from the inner wall toward the conveying member.

According to this aspect, while the conveying member is rotating, the range in which the conveying member can move within the storage container is limited. Therefore, toner can be transported efficiently.

According to another aspect of the invention, an image forming apparatus including the above-described toner container includes a drive source for a conveyance member.

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which the amount of toner remaining without being discharged is reduced.

FIG. 1 is a first perspective view showing the appearance of an MFP in one of the embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the internal configuration of an MFP. FIG. 2 is a second perspective view showing the external appearance of an MFP in one of the embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating how toner bottles are replaced in the MFP. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the inside of the toner container. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the toner container in a state before being attached to the MFP. 7 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 6. FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the toner container in a state where it is attached to the MFP. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 8. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a portion of the toner container with the lid in a closed state. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a portion of the toner container with the lid in an open state.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed explanations thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 1 is a first perspective view showing the appearance of an MFP in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the internal configuration of the MFP. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100 is an example of an image forming apparatus, and includes a document reading section 130 that reads a document, and an image forming section that forms an image on paper based on image data. 140, and a paper feed section 150 that supplies paper to the image forming section 140.

The document reading section 130 exposes the image of the document set on the document glass 11 with an exposure lamp 13 attached to a slider 12 that moves below the document. Reflected light from the original is guided to a lens 16 by a mirror 14 and two reflective mirrors 15 and 15A, and is imaged on a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) sensor 18.

The reflected light focused on the CCD sensor 18 is converted into image data as an electrical signal within the CCD sensor 18 . The image data is converted into cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) printing data and output to the image forming section 140.

The image forming section 140 includes image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K for yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, respectively. Here, "Y", "M", "C" and "K" represent yellow, magenta, cyan and black, respectively. An image is formed by driving at least one of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. When all of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K are driven, a full-color image is formed. Yellow, magenta, cyan, and black printing data are input to the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, respectively. Since the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K differ only in the color of toner they handle, the image forming unit 20Y for forming a yellow image will be described here.

The image forming unit 20Y includes an exposure device 21Y to which yellow printing data is input, a photoreceptor drum 23Y as an image carrier, and a charging roller 22Y for uniformly charging the surface of the photoreceptor drum 23Y. A developing device 24Y, a primary transfer roller 25Y for transferring the toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y onto the intermediate transfer belt 30, which is an image carrier, by the action of electric field force, and a toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y. A drum cleaning blade 27Y, a toner storage container 41Y, and a toner hopper 42Y are provided to remove transfer residual toner.

The toner storage container 41Y stores yellow toner. The toner container 41Y is driven by a toner container motor provided on the main body frame as a driving source, and discharges the toner to the outside. The toner discharged from the toner storage container 41Y is supplied to the toner hopper 42Y. The toner hopper 42Y supplies toner to the developing device 24Y when the remaining amount of toner contained in the developing device 24Y becomes less than or equal to a predetermined lower limit value.

A charging roller 22Y, an exposure device 21Y, a developing device 24Y, a primary transfer roller 25Y, and a drum cleaning blade 27Y are arranged around the photoreceptor drum 23Y in this order along the rotational direction of the photoreceptor drum 23Y.

After the photosensitive drum 23Y is charged by the charging roller 22Y, it is irradiated with laser light emitted by the exposure device 21Y. The exposure device 21Y exposes an image-corresponding portion on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 23Y. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y. Subsequently, the developing device 24Y develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y with charged toner. Specifically, a toner image is formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y by placing toner on the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 23Y by the action of an electric field. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 23Y is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 30, which is an image carrier, by the action of electric field force by the primary transfer roller 25Y. Toner remaining on the photoreceptor drum 23Y without being transferred is removed from the photoreceptor drum 23Y by the drum cleaning blade 27Y.

On the other hand, the intermediate transfer belt 30 is suspended between a driving roller 33 and a driven roller 34 so as not to loosen. When the drive roller 33 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 2, the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotates counterclockwise in the diagram at a predetermined speed. As the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotates, the driven roller 34 rotates counterclockwise.

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

The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 30 is transferred onto the paper by the action of an electric field force by the secondary transfer roller 26, which is a transfer member. The paper conveyed by the timing roller 31 is conveyed to a nip portion where the intermediate transfer belt 30 and the secondary transfer roller 26 are in contact. The paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing roller 32, and heated and pressurized by the fixing roller 32. This melts the toner and fixes it onto the paper. Thereafter, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 39.

A belt cleaning blade 28 is provided on the intermediate transfer belt 30 upstream of the image forming unit 20Y. The belt cleaning blade 28 removes toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 30 without being transferred to the paper.

Paper of different sizes are set in the paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A, respectively. The sheets stored in the paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A are supplied to the conveyance path by take-out rollers 36 and 36A attached to the paper feed cassettes 35 and 35A, respectively, and then sent to the timing roller 31 by the paper feed roller 37. .

When forming a full-color image, the MFP 100 drives all of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, but when forming a monochrome image, it drives any one of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. drive one. It is also possible to form an image by combining two or more of the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K. Note that here, an example will be described in which the MFP 100 adopts a tandem system including image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K that form toners of four colors on paper, but one photoreceptor drum can print toners of four colors. A four-cycle method may be adopted in which the toners are sequentially transferred onto the paper.

In the MFP 100 in this embodiment, the toner storage containers 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K are each stored in the container storage section 41.

FIG. 3 is a second perspective view showing the external appearance of the MFP in one of the embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, MFP 100 includes a cover member 50 that forms part of a main body case and exposes the inside of the main body. FIG. 3 shows the MFP 100 in a fully open state with the cover member 50 open. The cover member 50 exposes the container storage section 41 of the image forming section 140 to the outside when fully opened. The cover member 50 does not expose the image forming units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K to the outside. Therefore, the image forming section 140 is set to perform an image forming operation when the cover member 50 is fully open. Therefore, even if the cover member 50 changes from the closed state to the fully open state during the image forming operation of the image forming section 140, the image forming section 140 continues the image forming operation without interrupting. Further, when the cover member 50 is fully opened, the container storage section 41 is exposed, so the user can replace at least one of the toner storage containers 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing how the toner container is replaced in the MFP. Referring to FIG. 4, toner storage container 41Y is removed from MFP 100 by being pulled out from container storage section 41 of MFP 100 in the front direction. Thereafter, a new toner storage container 41Y is inserted into the MFP 100 by being pushed into the container storage section 41 of the MFP 100 in the rear direction. The front direction is a horizontal direction from the back to the front. The back direction is a horizontal direction from the front to the back.

The configurations of the toner storage containers 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K are almost the same. Here, the toner storage container 41Y will be described as an example. Further, the side surface of the toner container 41Y that is the front side of the MFP 100 when the toner container 41Y is attached to the MFP 100 is referred to as the front side, and the side surface of the toner container 41Y that is the back side of the MFP 100 is referred to as the back surface.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the inside of the toner container. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the toner container in a state before being attached to the MFP. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the toner container in a state where it is attached to the MFP. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 6 and 8, the left side of the drawing is the front side of the toner storage container 41Y, and the right side of the drawing is the back side of the toner storage container 41Y.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 9, the toner storage container 41Y includes a storage section 411 that stores toner, a conveyance member 421, an inclined surface 425, an ejection port 427, a lid section 429, a drive gear 431, A slide portion 435 is included.

The housing part 411 has a ceiling part 412, a front part 413A, a back part 413B, a side part 413C, and a bottom part 414. The bottom portion 414 has a shape obtained by cutting a cylinder along a plane including the axis of rotational symmetry. Each of the ceiling part 412, front part 413A, back part 413B, and side part 413C has a flat plate shape. The housing part 411 forms a housing space surrounded by a ceiling part 412, a front part 413A, a back part 413B, a side part 413C, and a bottom part 414. Toner is stored in a storage space formed in the storage section 411 . In this embodiment, the bottom portion 414 defines the toner transport path, and the toner transport direction is from the back side to the front side. Therefore, the toner stored in the storage portion 411 moves along the bottom portion 414 from the back side to the front side.

An inclined surface 425 is formed at a predetermined distance from the front part 413A of the bottom part 414. The inclined surface 425 intersects with the toner transport path. Therefore, the inner wall of the storage portion 411 includes a surface parallel to the direction of the toner transport path and an inclined surface 415 that intersects with the toner transport path. The inclined surface 425 is formed on the bottom 414 of the accommodating portion 411 and is inclined upward from a portion of the bottom 414 that is different from the inclined surface 425 . The inclined surface 425 is a surface inclined upward from the horizontal direction.

Note that the inclined surface 425 may be a surface inclined downward from the horizontal direction. Further, the inclined surface 415 may be formed at any position between the front part 413A and the back part 413B of the bottom part 414. For example, the inclined surface 415 may be formed within a predetermined distance from the back surface 413B of the bottom portion 414. Furthermore, the inclined surface 415 may be formed at a position away from each of the front part 413A and the back part 413B of the bottom part 414. In this case, the inclined surface 415 is composed of a portion inclined downward from the horizontal direction and a portion inclined upward from the horizontal direction.

A discharge port 427 that is open to the outside is formed in a part of the inclined surface 425 of the bottom portion 414 . When the toner storage container 41Y is attached to the MFP 100, the inclined surface 425 is higher on the front side than on the back side and slopes downward from the front side toward the back side. The angle of inclination of the inclined surface 425 is preferably greater than the angle of repose. This prevents toner from remaining on the inclined surface 425. The angle of repose is a value experimentally measured for the toner contained in the toner storage container 41Y.

Further, a conveyance member 421 is arranged in a storage space formed in the storage section 411. The conveyance member 421 is arranged along the toner conveyance path. Specifically, the conveying member 421 has a length extending from the back surface portion 413B of the bottom portion 414 to the front portion 413A. The conveying member 421 has a rotating shaft 422 formed at the end on the back side, and the rotating shaft 422 is supported by the housing section 411 . An end of the rotating shaft 422 is coupled to a driving gear 431 . Drive gear 431 rotates when torque is transmitted from a toner container motor provided in MFP 100 when toner container 41Y is attached to MFP 100.

The conveying member 421 has a coil-like shape that is spirally wound around a center line that is an extension of the rotating shaft 422 . The conveyance member 421 is a metal wire rod, and is made of stainless steel here. Therefore, the conveyance member 421 has elasticity. Note that the conveying member 421 is not limited to metal, and may be made of other materials as long as it has elasticity. For example, the conveying member 421 may be made of resin.

When the drive gear 431 rotates, the rotation shaft 422 of the conveyance member 421 rotates, so the conveyance member 421 rotates. Since the conveying member 421 has a coil-like shape that is spirally wound around the center line, the toner contained in the storage portion 411 receives a force from the conveying member 421 in a direction from the back to the front, and is moved along the conveying path. It is transported in the transport direction from the back to the front. The toner conveyed from the back to the front is discharged by gravity from the discharge port 427 to the outside of the toner storage container 41Y. Since the conveying member 421 has a length extending from the back side to the front side of the housing space of the housing section 411, it can convey the toner housed in the housing space of the housing section 411.

The toner that is transported by the transport member 421 and reaches the vicinity of the front portion 413A reaches the inclined surface 425. Since the inclined surface 425 is inclined downward from the front toward the back, the toner receives a force due to gravity in a direction opposite to the conveyance direction from the front toward the back. Therefore, since toner is not accumulated on the inclined surface 425, it is possible to prevent toner that has reached the inclined surface 415 from remaining in the storage portion 411.

The conveyance member 421 is arranged along a toner conveyance path from the back surface portion 413B to the front surface portion 413A in the storage space of the storage portion 411. Further, since the inclined surface 425 is a surface inclined upward from the horizontal direction, the distance from the center line extending from the rotation axis 422 of the conveying member 421 is shorter than other portions of the bottom portion 414. The outer diameter of the portion of the conveying member 421 corresponding to the inclined surface 425 of the bottom portion 414 is smaller than the outer diameter of the portion other than the portion corresponding to the inclined surface 425. Specifically, the radius of the conveyance member 421 is set to be equal to or less than the distance from the center line to the inner wall of the storage section 411. Therefore, when the conveying member 421 rotates around the center line extending from the rotating shaft 422, the conveying member 421 can be prevented from interfering with the inclined surface 425. Therefore, the conveying member 421 can be brought into contact with the toner loaded on the inclined surface 425.

Furthermore, the pitch of the portion of the conveying member 421 near the discharge port 427 is smaller than the pitch of other portions. The pitch of the portion of the conveying member 421 near the discharge port 427 is preferably 67% or less of the pitch of other portions. Therefore, the toner transporting ability near the discharge port 427 is higher than in other parts, so that the toner can be efficiently transported to the discharge port 427.

The end of the conveying member 421 opposite to the end where the rotating shaft 422 is provided is a free end. Since the conveyance member 421 has elasticity, when the rotation shaft 422 of the conveyance member 421 receives rotational force from the drive gear 431 and rotates, the conveyance member 421 may not rotate around the center line extending from the rotation shaft 422. If the conveying member 421 does not rotate about the center line, the conveying member 421 moves vertically and horizontally and collides with the inner wall of the storage section 411 while the conveying member 421 is rotating. When the conveyance member 421 collides with the inner wall of the storage portion 411, the toner attached to the conveyance member 421 is separated from the conveyance member 421.

In particular, in this embodiment, the conveyance member 421 has a weight portion 423 extending from the end opposite to the rotating shaft 422 toward the back surface. Therefore, the amount by which the center of gravity of the conveying member 421 deviates from the center line extending from the rotating shaft 422 increases, so that the amount of movement of the conveying member 421 can be increased.

The three regulating members 433 are flat plates extending from the ceiling part 412 of the storage section 411 toward the conveyance member 421. Here, the three regulating members 433 are flat plates extending downward from the ceiling part 412 of the housing part 411. The three regulating members 433 regulate the amount of movement of the conveying member 421 toward the ceiling portion 412 while the conveying member 421 rotates. Therefore, the amount of upward movement of the conveying member 421 is limited. Thereby, it is possible to prevent factors that hinder the rotation of the conveyance member 421 from becoming too large. Further, even if toner adheres to the three regulating members 433, since the conveying member 421 collides with the three regulating members 433 while the conveying member 421 rotates, the toner attached to the three regulating members 433 can be separated from the three regulating members 433.

The length L of each of the three regulating members 433 in the direction parallel to the center line of the conveying member 421 is smaller than the pitch P of the conveying member 421. Therefore, the surface area of the regulating member 433 can be made as small as possible. Thereby, the amount of toner adhering to each of the three regulating members 433 can be minimized. Further, the interval S between the three regulating members 433 is larger than twice the outer diameter D of the conveying member 421. In other words, the interval S between the three regulating members 433 is greater than four times the distance from the center line of the conveying member 421 to the inner wall of the accommodating portion 411. Thereby, the amount by which the conveying member 421 moves in the vertical direction while the conveying member 421 rotates can be limited to an appropriate value.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a portion of the toner container with the lid in a closed state. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a portion of the toner container with the lid in an open state. 6, FIG. 8, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11, before toner storage container 41Y is attached to MFP 100, slide portion 435 is biased by a spring to the closed position shown in FIGS. 6 and 10. Located in When the slide portion 435 is in the closed position, the lid portion 429 is lifted by the slide portion 435 and the discharge port 427 is closed.

While the toner storage container 41Y is being attached to the MFP 100, the slide portion 435 catches on a part of the main body frame of the MFP 100, and the force with which the toner storage container 41Y is pushed by the user overcomes the biasing force that the slide portion 435 receives from the spring. Then, the slide portion 435 starts moving. Then, when the toner container 41Y is attached to the MFP 100, it moves to the open position shown in FIGS. 8 and 11. When the slide portion 435 is in the open position, the lid portion 429 is no longer restricted by the slide portion 435, so it rotates due to gravity and enters the open state in which the discharge port 427 is opened.

Further, when the toner container 41Y is removed from the MFP 100, the sliding portion 435 is no longer caught on a part of the main body frame of the MFP 100. Therefore, the slide portion 435 is biased by the spring and located in the closed position shown in FIGS. 6 and 10. When the slide portion 435 is in the closed position, the lid portion 429 is lifted by the slide portion 435 and the discharge port 427 is closed. Therefore, even if the toner container 41Y is removed from the MFP 100, toner can be prevented from spilling from the toner container 41Y. In this way, the state of the lid portion 429 can be changed between the open state and the closed state in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the toner storage container 41Y to and from the MFP 100.

As described above, toner storage container 41Y in this embodiment is removably attachable to MFP 100. Further, the toner storage container 41Y is formed with a discharge port 427 that is open to the outside, and is arranged along a storage section 411 that stores toner and a toner transport path, and is provided at one end in the direction of the transport path. a conveyor member 421 in which a rotary shaft 422 is rotatably supported by the accommodating portion 411, and the conveyor member 421 has a coil-like shape spirally wound around a center line that is an extension of the rotary shaft 422. The inner wall of the accommodating portion 411 includes an inclined surface 425 that intersects with the toner conveying path, and the outer diameter of the portion of the conveying member 421 corresponding to the inclined surface 425 is different from the outer diameter of the other portion. Further, the inclined surface 425 is formed on the bottom portion 414 of the accommodating portion 411 and is inclined upward from a portion of the bottom portion 414 that is different from the inclined surface 425. Therefore, since the inner wall of the storage section 411 includes the inclined surface 425, it is possible to prevent toner from remaining on the sloped surface 425 of the storage section 411. Further, since the outer diameter of the portion of the conveying member 421 corresponding to the inclined surface 425 is different from the outer diameter of other portions, the conveying member 421 can be brought into contact with the toner present on the inclined surface 425.

Further, the outer diameter of the conveying member 421 is equal to or less than the distance from the center line extending from the rotating shaft 422 of the conveying member 421 to the inner wall of the accommodating portion 411 . Therefore, the conveyance member 421 can be rotated without interfering with the storage section 411.

Further, since the discharge port 427 is formed on the inclined surface 425, the toner can be easily discharged from the discharge port 427.

Furthermore, since the slide portion 435 moves in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the toner storage container 41Y to and from the MFP 100, the lid portion 429 opens and closes the discharge port 427. Therefore, toner can be prevented from being discharged from the discharge port 427 when the toner storage container 41Y is attached or detached.

Furthermore, the pitch of the conveying member 421 is smaller in the vicinity of the discharge port 427 than in other parts. Therefore, the conveying ability of the conveying member 421 near the discharge port 427 is higher than that of other parts, so that toner can be efficiently discharged from the discharge port 427.

Furthermore, since the angle of inclination of the inclined surface 425 is greater than the angle of repose, toner can be prevented from staying on the inclined surface 425.

Further, the toner storage container 41Y further includes a regulating member 433 that is disposed inside the storage section 411 and extends from the inner wall toward the conveyance member 421. The range of movement within the housing section 411 is limited. Therefore, toner can be transported efficiently.

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and it is intended that all changes within the meaning and range equivalent to the claims are included.

100 MFP, 41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K toner storage container, 411 storage section, 412 ceiling section, 413A front section, 413B back section, 413C side section, 414 bottom section, 421 conveyance member, 422 rotating shaft, 423 weight section, 425 Inclined surface, 427 Discharge port, 429 Lid section, 431 Drive gear, 433 Regulation member, 435 Slide section.

Claims (8)

A toner storage container removably attached to an image forming apparatus,
A storage portion that is formed with a discharge port that is open to the outside and that stores toner;
a conveyance member disposed along a toner conveyance path, the rotation shaft provided at one end in the direction of the conveyance path being pivotally supported by the storage portion;
The conveying member has a coil-like shape spirally wound around a center line extending from the rotating shaft,
The inner wall of the storage portion includes an inclined surface that intersects with the toner transport path,
The inclined surface slopes upward from a bottom portion located at the lowest position of the storage portion,
the outlet is formed on the inclined surface,
The conveyance member is a toner storage container in which an outer diameter of a portion corresponding to the inclined surface is different from an outer diameter of the other portion. The toner storage container according to claim 1, wherein a radius of the conveying member is equal to or less than a distance from the center line to an inner wall of the storage portion. A toner storage container removably attached to an image forming apparatus,
A storage portion that is formed with a discharge port that is open to the outside and that stores toner;
a conveyance member disposed along a toner conveyance path, the rotation shaft provided at one end in the direction of the conveyance path being pivotally supported by the storage portion;
The conveying member has a coil-like shape spirally wound around a center line extending from the rotating shaft,
The inner wall of the storage portion includes an inclined surface that intersects with the toner transport path,
The inclined surface slopes upward from a bottom portion located at the lowest position of the storage portion,
The discharge port is formed in the inclined surface of the toner container. The toner storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising a lid that opens and closes the discharge port in conjunction with attachment and detachment from the image forming apparatus. 5. The toner storage container according to claim 1 , wherein the pitch of the conveying member is smaller in the vicinity of the discharge port than in other parts. The toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the angle of inclination of the inclined surface is larger than the angle of repose. The toner storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising a regulating member extending from the inner wall toward the conveying member. An image forming apparatus comprising the toner container according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , the image forming apparatus comprising a drive source for the conveyance member.

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