CN104007638A - Container processing method, powder receiving container and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a container processing method, a powder receiving container and an image forming apparatus. The invention aims to reduce manpower and time for moving a plurality of toner containers (32) kept in an open bundle state. At least two toner containers (32) respectively provided with connecting parts (339a-339d) connected with other toner containers (32) are connected through respective connecting parts for processing. In this way, more toner containers (32) are moved compared with a condition in which toner containers are simply in an open bundle state. A user can move all kept toner containers (32) by one time or reduce the times for repeated movement for finishing the moving of the toner containers (32). The manpower and time of moving the toner containers (32) are thus reduced.

Description

Container-treatment, powder collecting container, and image processing system

Technical field

The present invention relates to receive the powder collecting container of the powders such as toner, for the treatment of the container-treatment of powder collecting container.Also relate to the image processing system carrying as the toner container of powder collecting container.

Background technology

In the past, as being mounted in duplicating machine, printer, the toner container of the image processing systems such as facsimile recorder, the device that patent documentation 1 is recorded is that people are known.This toner container is so that by toner storage, the state in the vessel that is formed as ampuliform is arranged on image processing system.And, if inner toner is roughly used up, unload from image forming device body, change with new toner container.

The image processing system that patent documentation 1 is recorded carries four toner containers, as above-mentioned toner container, it is indivedual storage Y (yellow) toners, M (magenta) toner, C (cyan) toner, K (black) toner respectively.And, use and make Y toner image, M toner image, C toner image, K toner image from Y toner, M toner, C toner, the K toner of above-mentioned toner container supply.

As the toner container that patent documentation 1 is recorded, image forming device body handling person is generally dispatched from the factory from factory to put into respectively one by one packing box state relatively.As the image processing system that patent documentation 1 is recorded, the user who holds the image processing system that carries four toner containers that Y, M, C, K use generally stores respectively above-mentioned four toner containers in advance, as the new toner container of changing use.But owing to putting into, the toner container volume of packing box state is large, sometimes guarantees that the keeping space of four toner containers is pretty troublesome.

So user takes out toner container from packing box sometimes, become out bundle state (use state), seek the save space in keeping space.But, this occasion, very bothersome in the time multiple toner containers of opening bundle state (use state) keeping being moved to other place because of reasons such as cleaning work or indoor configuration layout changings.Specifically, if load the toner container that multiple ampuliforms etc. are the shape that is unsuitable for stable mounting on both hands, mostly can be because of walking time, vibration makes several toner container avalanches.Therefore, can only grip the few toner container carrying of quantity that really can remain in hand, therefore, need to repeatedly come and go between present site of storage and mobile destination, pretty troublesome.

The problem producing in toner container as the toner of powder in storage has been described above, still, even also there is same problem in the powder collecting container of the powder different from toner in storage.

[patent documentation 1] TOHKEMY 2009-276659 communique

Summary of the invention

The present invention puts forward in view of the above problems, its object is, container-treatment is provided, powder collecting container and image processing system, described container-treatment is the labour of multiple powder collecting containers and the container-treatment of time etc. that can reduce the bundle state that makes out (use state) keeping.

To achieve these goals, the invention of technical scheme of the present invention (1) relates to a kind of container-treatment, processes the powder collecting container of storage powder, it is characterized in that:

Link at linking part by separately under the state of at least two powder collecting containers that are respectively equipped with the linking part for linking with other powder collecting container and process, or link under at least two states that are respectively equipped with connecting member installation portion and process above-mentioned connecting member is installed by relative connecting member installation portion, described connecting member installation portion is installed the connecting member for linking with other powder collecting container.

The invention of technical scheme (2) relates to a kind of powder collecting container, and storage powder, is characterized in that:

Described powder collecting container comprises connecting member installation portion, and this connecting member installation portion is installed the linking part for linking with other powder collecting container, or connecting member for linking with other powder collecting container.

Technical scheme (3) to the invention of (20) comprises full content in technical scheme (2).

The following describes effect of the present invention:

In the invention described above, multiple powder collecting containers are made as to the state linking with between the linking part arranging separately, or the state being linked by the connecting member that is arranged on the connecting member installation portion arranging separately.Thus, compared with being merely made as out bundle state (use state) occasion, can carry more powder collecting container.In the above-described configuration, user is by making the disposable movement of whole powder collecting containers of keeping, or reduces and make the number of times that moves back and forth of whole powder collecting container mobile ends, can reduce labour and time that powder collecting container moves.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is the summary pie graph of the duplicating machine that represents that the present invention's the first example relates to.

Fig. 2 is the mode chart that represents the Y imaging section of this duplicating machine.

Fig. 3 is the mode chart that the toner supply device that is illustrated in this duplicating machine arranges toner container state.

Fig. 4 is the approximate three-dimensional map that represents the accommodating container equipped section of this duplicating machine that toner container state is set.

Fig. 5 is the stereographic map that represents this toner container.

Fig. 6 is the amplification stereogram that represents to install the leading section of toner supply device before toner container and toner container.

Fig. 7 is the amplification stereogram that represents to install the toner supply device of toner container state and the front of toner container.

Fig. 8 is the longitudinal section that represents to install the leading section of toner supply device before toner container and toner container.

Fig. 9 is the longitudinal section that represents to install the toner supply device of toner container state and the leading section of toner container.

Figure 10 represents that from front nozzle accepts the stereographic map of parts 330.

Figure 11 represents the linking part of toner container of this duplicating machine and the local amplification stereogram of the engaging part of toner supply device.

Figure 12 is the front view (FV) that represents the toner container of this duplicating machine.

Figure 13 is the front view (FV) that is illustrated in four toner containers that connect in the form of the first connection example.

Figure 14 is the stereographic map that is illustrated in four toner containers that connect in the form of the first connection example.

Figure 15 is the front view (FV) that is illustrated in four toner containers that connect in the form of the second connection example.

Figure 16 is the stereographic map that is illustrated in four toner containers that connect in the form of the second connection example.

Figure 17 is the key diagram of the connection example of the toner container of the duplicating machine that relates to of the first variation for the first example is described.

Figure 18 is the key diagram of the connection example of the toner container of the duplicating machine that relates to of the second variation for the first example is described.

Figure 19 is the key diagram of the connection example of the toner container of the duplicating machine that relates to of the 3rd variation for the first example is described.

Figure 20 is the key diagram of the deflection of the 3rd connecting member for this toner container is described.

Figure 21 is the key diagram of the connection example of the toner container of the duplicating machine that relates to of the 4th variation for the first example is described.

Figure 22 is mounted in first linking part of toner container of duplicating machine and the stereographic map of the link of the 3rd linking part that the 5th variation of the first example relates to for illustrating.

Figure 23 is the stereographic map that is mounted in the link direction of the toner container of the duplicating machine that the 6th variation of the first example relates to for illustrating.

Figure 24 be mounted in for illustrating the duplicating machine that the 7th variation of the first example relates to toner container first connect routine stereographic map.

Figure 25 is for illustrating that second of this toner container connects routine stereographic map.

Figure 26 is the stereographic map that is mounted in the connection example of the toner container of the duplicating machine that the 8th variation of the first example relates to for illustrating.

Figure 27 is the front view (FV) that represents to be mounted in the toner container of the duplicating machine that the 9th variation of the first example relates to.

Figure 28 is the stereographic map that represents two toner containers that are mounted in this duplicating machine.

Figure 29 is the stereographic map of the connection example for the multiple toner containers that are mounted in this duplicating machine are described.

Figure 30 is the stereographic map that represents to be mounted in two toner containers of the duplicating machine that the tenth variation of the first example relates to.

Figure 31 is the stereographic map that represents to be mounted in the head of the toner container of the duplicating machine that the 11 variation of the first example relates to.

Figure 32 is the longitudinal section that represents the head of this toner container.

Figure 33 is the exploded perspective view that represents to be mounted in the head of the toner container of the duplicating machine that the 12 variation relates to.

Figure 34 is the stereographic map that represents this head.

Figure 35 A, Figure 35 B, Figure 35 C, Figure 35 D are the back views of the 3rd linking part of the toner container used of Y, M, C, the K of the duplicating machine that represents that the first embodiment relates to.

Figure 36 A, Figure 36 B, Figure 36 C, Figure 36 D are the back views of the left engaging part of the toner supply device used of Y, the M, C, the K that represent this duplicating machine.

Figure 37 is the key diagram that represents the 3rd linking part (diagram downside) and engaging part (diagram upside).

Figure 38 A and Figure 38 B are the mode charts that represents modification one example of linking part and holding section.

Figure 39 is the back view that represents the first linking part of the toner container of all kinds of this duplicating machine.

Figure 40 is the longitudinal section that represents to be mounted in the head of the toner container of the duplicating machine that the 11 variation relates to.

Figure 41 is the stereographic map that represents to be mounted in the vessel of the duplicating machine that the second embodiment relates to.

Figure 42 is the longitudinal section that represents the head of this vessel.

Figure 43 is the outboard profile that represents this vessel.

Figure 44 represents to be mounted in the Y toner container of this duplicating machine and the outboard profile of M toner container.

Figure 45 is the routine stereographic map of the first connection of the four colour toners containers for the duplicating machine that is mounted in the 3rd embodiment is described.

Figure 46 is the stereographic map that represents the lid of the toner container of the duplicating machine that is mounted in the 4th embodiment.

Figure 47 is the stereographic map of the connecting state for this lid is described.

Figure 48 is the stereographic map that represents the first variation of this lid.

Figure 49 is the stereographic map of the connecting state for this first variation is described.

Figure 50 is the stereographic map that represents the link of the first variation of the connecting member of this lid.

Figure 51 is the stereographic map that represents the link of the second variation of the connecting member of this lid.

Figure 52 is the longitudinal section that represents to be mounted in the head of the toner container of the duplicating machine that the 5th embodiment relates to.

Figure 53 represents the rearward end of this toner container and the partial perspective view of lid.

Figure 54 is the stereographic map that represents the connecting state of this toner container.

Figure 55 is the stereographic map that represents to be mounted in two toner containers of the duplicating machine that the second example relates to.

Figure 56 is the outboard profile that represents the head of this toner container.

Figure 57 is the stereographic map that represents the first case of the connecting member of this duplicating machine.

Figure 58 is the sectional view that represents this head and this connecting member.

Figure 59 is the stereographic map that represents the second case of the connecting member of this duplicating machine.

Figure 60 is the stereographic map that represents two toner containers that connected by this second case.

Figure 61 is the stereographic map that represents two toner containers that connected by the 3rd example of the connecting member of this duplicating machine.

Figure 62 is the stereographic map that represents the multiple toner containers that connected by the 4th example of the connecting member of this duplicating machine.

Figure 63 is the stereographic map that represents to be mounted in two toner containers of the duplicating machine that the first variation of the second example relates to.

Figure 64 is the stereographic map that represents to be mounted in two toner containers of the duplicating machine that the second variation of the second example relates to.

Figure 65 represents to be mounted in the toner container of this duplicating machine and the exploded perspective view of connecting member.

Embodiment

Below, with reference to the accompanying drawings of example of the present invention, in following example, although to inscape, kind, combination, position, shape, quantity, configuration waits and has done various restrictions relatively,, these only exemplify, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

The first example that the present invention is applicable to the duplicating machine (following, to be designated as " duplicating machine 500 ") as image processing system is described below.

Fig. 1 is the summary pie graph of the duplicating machine 500 that represents that the first example relates to.Duplicating machine 500 is by copy device body (being designated as below " printing portion 100 "), feedboard for paper (being designated as below " sheet feed section 200 ") and be arranged on scanner (being designated as below " the scanner section 400 ") formation in printing portion 100.

In the accommodating container equipped section 70 of being located at printing portion 100 tops, handling freely (are changed freely) four toner container 32Y, 32Ms, 32C, the 32K corresponding with (yellow, magenta, cyan, black) of all kinds are set.Below accommodating container equipped section 70, arrange intermediate transfer unit 85.

Intermediate transfer unit 85 is by intermediate transfer belt 48, four primary transfer bias voltage roller 49Y, 49M, 49C, 49K, secondary transfer printing backing roll 82, multiple jockey pulleys and do not have illustrated intermediate transfer cleaning device etc. to form.Intermediate transfer belt 48 sets up supporting by multiple roller member tensionings,, turns round as the secondary transfer printing backing roll 82 of one of described multiple roller members by driving meanwhile, moves towards the ring-type of the direction of arrow shown in Fig. 1.

In printing portion 100, with intermediate transfer belt 48 subtends, be set up in parallel and corresponding four imaging section 46Y, 46M, 46C, 46K of all kinds.Below four toner container 32Y, 32M as powder collecting container, 32C, 32K, arrange respectively each self-corresponding four toner supply device 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K again.And the toner that is accommodated in toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K is supplied with (supply) by each self-corresponding toner supply device 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K in imaging section 46Y, the 46M of correspondence of all kinds, the developing apparatus of 46C, 46K (powder thing use portion).

As shown in Figure 1, printing portion 100, below four imaging section 46Y, 46M, 46C, 46K, is provided with the exposure device 47 that forms means as sub-image.The image information that exposure device 47 is inputted according to the image information of the original image being read in by scanner section 400 or by external device (ED)s such as computing machines, to exposing on aftermentioned photoreceptor 41 surfaces, forms electrostatic latent images on photoreceptor 41 surfaces.The exposure device 47 that printing portion 100 is provided with is to use the laser beam flying mode of laser diode, and still, other forms as exposure means also can to use LED array etc.

Fig. 2 is the mode chart that represents the summary formation of the imaging section 46Y corresponding with yellow.Imaging section 46Y is provided with the drum type photoreceptor 41Y as sub-image bearing member.Again, imaging section 46 arranges the charging roller 44Y as charging facility around photoreceptor 41Y, and as the developing apparatus 50Y of development means, photoreceptor cleaning device 42Y, does not have illustrated discharge system etc.At imaging section 46Y, on photoreceptor 41Y, carry out imaging processing (charging operation, exposure process, developing procedure, transfer printing process, cleaning process), on photoreceptor 41Y, form yellow image.

Other three imaging section 46M, 46C, 46K except the look difference of used toner, with yellow corresponding imaging section 46Y roughly form identical, formation and the image that toner look corresponding separately respectively on each photoreceptor 41M, 41C, 41K.Below, suitably omit the explanation of other three imaging section 46M, 46C, 46K, only explanation and yellow corresponding imaging section 46Y.

Photoreceptor 41Y is by not having illustrated drive motor to drive by revolution clockwise shown in Fig. 2.Then, with charging roller 44Y subtend position, make photoreceptor 41Y uniform surface charged (charging operation).After this, photoreceptor 41Y surface arrives the irradiation position of the laser L sending from exposure device 47, by the exposure scanning in this position, forms and yellow corresponding electrostatic latent image (exposure process).Then, photoreceptor 41Y surface arrives the position with developing apparatus 50Y subtend, in this position, electrostatic latent image is developed, and forms Yellow toner picture (developing procedure).

Four primary transfer bias voltage roller 49Y of intermediate transfer unit 85,49M, 49C, 49K clip intermediate transfer belt 48 respectively and between photoreceptor 41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K, form primary transfer clamping part.And, primary transfer bias voltage roller 49Y, 49M, 49C, 49K are applied and the opposite polarity transfer bias of toner.

The photoreceptor 41Y surface that forms toner image at developing procedure arrives the primary transfer clamping part that clips intermediate transfer belt 48 and primary transfer bias voltage roller 49Y subtend, at this primary transfer clamping part, the toner image on photoreceptor 41Y is transferred to (primary transfer operation) on intermediate transfer belt 48.Now, remaining a small amount of not transfer printing toner on photoreceptor 41Y.At primary transfer clamping part, toner image is transferred to the photoreceptor 41Y surface arrival of intermediate transfer belt 48 and the subtend position of photoreceptor cleaning device 42Y, in this position, the not transfer printing toner remaining on photoreceptor 41Y reclaims (cleaning process) by cleaning balde 42a machinery.Finally, photoreceptor 41Y surface arrives and the subtend position that there is no illustrated discharge system, in this position, removes the residual electric potential on photoreceptor 41Y.Like this, a series of imaging processing that end is carried out on photoreceptor 41Y.

Above-mentioned imaging processing is at other imaging sections 46M, 46C, 46K also carry out same with yellow imaging section 46Y.That is, send the laser L based on image information from the exposure device 47 that is disposed in imaging section 46M, 46C, 46K below, irradiate towards photoreceptor 41M, 41C, the 41K of each imaging section 46M, 46C, 46K.In detail, exposure device 47 sends laser L from light source, drives polygonal mirror revolution to make this laser L scanning on one side, is radiated on each photoreceptor 41M, 41C, 41K on one side by multiple optical elements.After this, through developing procedure, the toner image of all kinds being formed on each photoreceptor 41M, 41C, 41K is transferred on intermediate transfer belt 48.

At this moment, intermediate transfer belt 48 moves towards the direction of arrow shown in Fig. 1, and order is by the primary transfer clamping part of each primary transfer bias voltage roller 49Y, 49M, 49C, 49K.Thus, the toner image of all kinds on each photoreceptor 41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K is superimposed on intermediate transfer belt 48 and carries out primary transfer, forms color toner picture on intermediate transfer belt 48.

The superimposed transfer printing of toner image of all kinds forms intermediate transfer belt 48 arrival of color toner picture and the subtend position of secondary transfer roller 89.In this position, between secondary transfer printing backing roll 82 and secondary transfer roller 89, sandwich intermediate transfer belt 48, form secondary transfer printing clamping part.Then the color toner that, is formed on intermediate transfer belt 48 looks like to be transferred to and is transported on the recording medium P such as the transfer paper of secondary transfer printing clamping part position.Now, the remaining not transfer printing toner not being transferred on recording medium P on intermediate transfer belt 48.Arrive and there is no illustrated intermediate transfer cleaning device position by the intermediate transfer belt 48 of secondary transfer printing clamping part, reclaim its lip-deep not transfer printing toner, finish a series of transfer process of carrying out on intermediate transfer belt 48.

The following describes the action of recording medium P.

The recording medium P that is transported to above-mentioned secondary transfer printing clamping part transports 28 etc. via paper feed roller 27 and registration roller from the sheet feed stacker 26 of the sheet feed section 200 that is disposed in printing portion 100 belows.In detail, at sheet feed stacker 26 multiple superimposed recording medium P of storage.And if drive paper feed roller 27 towards the revolution of counterclockwise shown in Fig. 2, uppermost recording medium P transports towards the roller clamping part two rollers of 28 being formed by registration roller.

Be transported to registration roller 28 recording medium P is being stopped to driving rotating registration roller to stop for the moment 28 roller clamping part position.Then, the moment that arrives secondary transfer printing clamping part with the color toner picture on intermediate transfer belt 48 is consistent, drives registration roller to 28 revolutions, and recording medium P is transported towards secondary transfer printing clamping part.Like this, the desirable coloured image of transfer printing on recording medium P.

Recording medium P in secondary transfer printing clamping part transfer of color images transports towards fixing device 86 positions., by heat and the pressure of fixing band and backer roll the color toner of surface transfer is looked like to be fixed on recording medium P at fixing device 86.Recording medium P by fixing device 86, between exit roller is to 29 roller, is discharged to outside device.By exit roller, the 29 recording medium P that are discharged to outside device are placed in the portion of banking up 30 as output image sequence code.Like this, finish a series of image formation processing of duplicating machine 500.

Formation and the action of the developing apparatus 50 of imaging section 46 are described in more detail below.At this, exemplify with yellow corresponding imaging section 46Y and describe, still, other imaging sections 46M, 46C, 46K are also identical.

Developing apparatus 50Y as shown in Figure 2, by with the developer roll 51Y of photoreceptor 41Y subtend, form with the scraper plate 52Y of developer roll 51Y subtend, two the developer conveying spiral 55Y and the toner concentration detecting sensor 56Y etc. that are disposed in two 53Y of developer receptacle portion, 54Y.Developer roll 51Y by be fixedly installed on inner magnet and along magnet around rotating cover etc. form.The two-component developing agent G that storage is made up of carrier and toner in the first 53Y of developer receptacle portion, the second 54Y of developer receptacle portion.The second 54Y of developer receptacle portion falls and transports path 64Y and be communicated with by forming opening above it and toner.Again, toner concentration detecting sensor 56Y detects the toner concentration in the developer G in the second 54Y of developer receptacle portion.

Developer G in developing apparatus 50 is stirred by two developer conveying spiral 55Y on one side, circulates on one side between the first 53Y of developer receptacle portion and the second 54Y of developer receptacle portion.Developer G in the first 53Y of developer receptacle portion is transported by a side in developer conveying spiral 55Y on one side, and the magnetic field forming because of the magnetic roller in developer roll 51Y is on one side supplied with and is placed on the cover surface of developer roll 51Y.The cover of developer roll 51Y is as shown in Fig. 2 arrow, and towards counterclockwise revolution, the developer G being positioned on developer roll 51Y turns round along with overlapping, and remains on developer roll 21Y upper mobile.At this moment, the toner in developer G because of with developer G in carrier frictional electrification, with the current potential of carrier antipolarity, Electrostatic Absorption, on carrier, with together with carrier because being formed on the magnetic field suction on developer roll 51Y, is positioned on developer roll 51Y.

Be positioned in developer G on developer roll 51Y and transport along the direction of arrow in Fig. 2, arrive the scraping plate part of scraper plate 52Y and developer roll 51Y subtend.Developer G on developer roll 51Y is when the scraping plate part, and its amount is changed in right amount, after this, be transported to as with the developing regional of the subtend position of photoreceptor 41Y.In developing regional, by being formed on the development electric field between developer roll 51Y and photoreceptor 41Yz, the toner in developer G is adsorbed on the sub-image being formed on photoreceptor 41Y.Remain in the lip-deep developer G of developer roll 51Y by developing regional along with the revolution of cover arrives the top of the first 53Y of developer receptacle portion, depart from developer roll 51Y in this position.

Developer G in developing apparatus 50Y is adjusted into toner concentration to be become in certain limit.In detail, the consumption according to the toner that is included in developer G in developing apparatus 50Y because developing, the toner that is accommodated in toner container 32Y by toner supply device 60Y described later to supply in the second 54Y of developer receptacle portion.And, be mixed together stirring by two developer conveying spiral 55Y and developer G on one side, between the first 53Y of developer receptacle portion and the second 54Y of developer receptacle portion, circulate on one side.

Toner supply device 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K are described below.

Fig. 3 represents that toner container 32Y is arranged on the mode chart of toner supply device 60Y state, and Fig. 4 is the approximate three-dimensional map that represents the accommodating container equipped section 70 that four toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K state are set.

Be arranged on the toner in each toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K of the accommodating container equipped section 70 of printing portion 100, according to the toner consumption in developing apparatus 50Y of all kinds, 50M, 50C, 50K, by toner supply device 60Y, the 60M, 60C, the 60K that arrange by the look of each toner, to suitably supply in each developing apparatus 50Y, 50M, 50C, 50K.Four toner supply device 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K and toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, except the look of the toner for imaging processing is different, roughly form identical.Therefore, below, only explanation and yellow corresponding toner supply device 60Y and toner container 32Y, toner supply device 60M, 60C, 60K and toner container 32M, the 32C with other three look corresponding, the explanation of 32K are suitably omitted.

Toner supply device 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K are by accommodating container equipped section 70, transport nozzle 611Y, 611M, 611C, 611K, transport spiral 614Y, 614M, 614C, 614K, toner falls and transports path 64Y, 64M, 64C, 64K, the formations such as container revolution drive division 91Y, 91M, 91C, 91K.

If toner container 32Y inserts towards diagram arrow Q direction, be installed to the accommodating container equipped section 70 of printing portion 100, with this installation action interlock, from the front of toner container 32Y, that inserts toner supply device 60Y transports nozzle 611Y, in toner container 32Y and transport in nozzle 611Y and be communicated with.

Toner container 32Y becomes cylindrical shape, is made up of vessel 33Y that is fixed on the container front end side cover 34Y of accommodating container equipped section 70 with non-rotating state and be integrally formed container gear 301Y etc.Under the state of the leading section of the axis of rotation direction of receiving vessel body 33Y, keep pivotally vessel 33Y as the container front end side cover of maintaining part.

Accommodating container equipped section 70 is by the front end receiving portion 73 of the container front end side cover 34Y for fixing toner container 32Y, be used for the container receiving portion 72 of the vessel 33Y that accepts toner container 32Y, insert port forming portion 71 formations such as grade of the insert port while forming toner container 32Y installation action.If the open illustrated body cap that do not have that is arranged on duplicating machine 500 front sides (the paper vertical direction front side of Fig. 1), exposes the insert port forming portion 71 of accommodating container equipped section 70.Then, the length direction of each toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K is being made as under the state of horizontal direction, is carrying out the charge and discharge operations (length direction of toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K being made as to the charge and discharge operations of handling direction) of each toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K from duplicating machine 500 front sides.Arranging in Fig. 4 covered the part that 608Y is the front end receiving portion 73 of accommodating container equipped section 70.

The length of the length direction of container receiving portion 72 is formed as with the length of the length direction of vessel 33Y roughly equal.Again, front end receiving portion 73 is located at length direction (handling direction) one distolateral of container receiving portion 72, and it is distolateral that insert port forming portion 71 is located at another of length direction of container receiving portion 72.Container front end side cover 34Y follows the installation action of toner container 32Y, after insert port forming portion 71, in container receiving portion 72, slides a little while, after this, is arranged on front end receiving portion 73.

At container front end side cover, 34Y is arranged under the state of front end receiving portion 73, container revolution drive division 91Y by being made up of drive motor and driven wheel etc. transmits rotary driving force to container gear 301Y, drives vessel 33Y towards arrow A direction revolution in Fig. 3.Turn round by vessel 33Y self, because forming spiral helicine spiral fashion projection 302Y at the inner peripheral surface of vessel 33Y, along vessel length direction from vessel rear end side towards front, (from Fig. 3 left side to the right) transports the toner that is accommodated in vessel 33Y inside, is supplied to and transports in nozzle 611Y from container front lid 34Y side.

Transporting in nozzle 611Y, configure and transport spiral 614Y, by driving revolution from container revolution drive division 91Y to transporting cross helical gear 605Y input, transport spiral 614Y and turn round, transport the toner in nozzle 611Y.The carriage direction downstream of transporting nozzle 611Y and toner fall and transport path 64Y and be connected, fall and transport path 64Y deadweight and fall at toner by transporting toner that spiral 614Y transports, supply is in developing apparatus 50Y (the second 54Y of developer receptacle portion).

In the time that toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K arrive the life-span separately, (when the toner of storage almost all consumes and becomes empty bottle), is replaced by new toner container.The end with container front end side cover 34 opposition sides at the length direction of toner container 32 is provided with handle portion 303, and when replacing, operator's holds handle portion 303 pulls out, and can unload the toner container 32 of installation.

The image information using according to exposure device 47, control part 90 calculates consumption of toner, control part 90 judgements need to be supplied with toner occasion to developing apparatus 50Y, or according to the testing result of toner concentration detecting sensor 56Y, control part 90 detects that the toner concentration in developing apparatus 50Y reduces occasion, by the control of control part 90, drive container revolution drive division 91Y revolution, make the vessel 33Y of toner container 32Y and transport spiral 614Y revolution certain hour, carry out toner replenishing to developing apparatus 50Y.Again, turn round by making to be configured in the spiral 614Y that transports transporting in nozzle 611Y, carry out toner replenishing, therefore, transport the winding number of spiral 614Y by detection, also can precision calculate well the toner quantity delivered from toner container 32Y.And, the toning dosage occasion in the toner container 32Y when toner quantity delivered that starts cumulative calculation when from installation toner container 32Y reaches and installs, control part 90 is judged does not have toner (toner exhaustion) in toner container 32Y.Then, represent to urge at the illustrated display part that do not have of duplicating machine 500 information of changing toner container 32Y content.Again, although repeatedly carry out supply action, toner concentration reply occasion do not detected, control part 90 is also judged toner exhaustion, represents above-mentioned information.

Control part 90 is according to transporting the winding number control toner of spiral 614Y to the quantity delivered of developing apparatus 50Y.Therefore, do not control to the quantity delivered of developing apparatus 50Y by transporting the toner of nozzle 611Y, fall and transport path 64Y and directly transport to developing apparatus 50Y by toner.Even by transporting the formation of nozzle 611Y insertion toner container 32Y, reservoir of the toners such as toner hopper also can be set.And, by controlling the upwards of movement from reservoir of this toner to the toner of developing apparatus 50Y, also can control the quantity delivered of toner to developing apparatus 50Y.

Toner supply device 60Y transports and is supplied to the toner transporting in nozzle 611Y by transporting spiral 614Y, still, transports and is supplied to the means of transporting the toner in nozzle 611Y and is not limited to helical element.Also can be configured to and use powder body pump to make the peristome that transports nozzle 611Y produce negative pressure etc., be configured to by persons different from helical element and give transport force.

Arranging in the formation of a reservoir of toner, general, be provided with toner exhaustion sensor, detect the toner being stored in reservoir of toner become a certain amount of below.And, detect according to the toner exhaustion of toner exhaustion sensor, drive vessel 33Y and transport spiral 614Y revolution certain hour, carry out toner replenishing to reservoir of toner.Have again, even when the certain number of times of this control repeatedly, detect and be not disengaged occasion by the toner exhaustion of toner exhaustion sensor, be made as in toner container 32 and there is no toner, represent to urge at the illustrated display part that do not have of duplicating machine 500 information of changing toner container 32Y content.Like this, detect if be configured to according to the toner exhaustion of toner exhaustion sensor, detect in toner container 32Y and there is no toner, the toner quantity delivered starting while there is no need cumulative calculation from installation toner container 32Y.But, as the toner supply device 60Y that this example relates to, reservoir of toner is not set if be configured to, can realize the miniaturization of toner supply device 60Y, can realize duplicating machine 500 integral miniaturization.

Illustrate in greater detail toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K and toner supply device 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K below.As mentioned above, toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K and toner supply device 60Y, 60M, 60C, 60K except the look difference of the toner that uses separately, roughly form identical, therefore, below, apposition letter Y, the M, C, the K that omit for representing toner look describe.

Fig. 5 is the stereographic map of the toner container 32 that represents that the first example relates to.Fig. 6 is the amplification stereogram that represents to install the front end of toner supply device 60 before toner container 32 and toner container 32.Fig. 7 is the amplification stereogram that represents to install the toner supply device 60 of toner container 32 states and the front of toner container 32.Again, Fig. 8 is the longitudinal section that represents to install the leading section of toner supply device 60 before toner container 32 and toner container 32.Fig. 9 is the longitudinal section that represents to install the toner supply device 60 of toner container 32 states and the leading section of toner container 32.

Toner supply device 60 be included in inside possess transport spiral 614 transport nozzle 611.Also comprise nozzle gate part 612 again.When the non-installation of nozzle gate part 612 before toner container 32 is installed (state of Fig. 6 and Fig. 9), close the nozzle opening portion 610 that transports nozzle 611 that is formed on.In the time that the installation of toner container 32 is installed (state of Fig. 7 and Fig. 8), open nozzle opening portion 610 again.

In the central authorities of the front end face of toner container 32, be provided with the container gate part 332 that inserts shut-off nozzle receiving port 331 while transporting the nozzle receiving port 331 of nozzle 611 and non-installation while installation.

As shown in Figure 5, it is cylindric that vessel 33 is roughly, and is configured to the revolution taking cylinder center's axle as revolving shaft.Below, the direction parallel with this revolving shaft is called to " revolving shaft direction ".In revolving shaft direction, formation nozzle receiving port 331 sides of toner container 32 (dispensing containers front end side cover 34 sides) are called to " container front " again.Configuration handle portion 303 sides of toner container 32 (with container front opposition side) are called to " rear container end side " again.The length direction of above-mentioned toner container 32, along revolving shaft direction, is arranged at toner container 32 under the state of toner supply device 60, and revolving shaft direction becomes horizontal direction.The rear end side of the container gear 301 of vessel 33, compared with front, its external diameter is large, and side face forms spiral fashion projection 302 therein.And, if vessel 33 is towards the revolution of diagram arrow A direction, the toner in vessel 33, because of the effect of spiral fashion projection 302, is given from turning round the transport force of axial one distolateral (rear container end side) towards another distolateral (container front).

At the inwall of the container front of vessel 33, form the portion 304 of drawing, it towards the revolution of diagram arrow A direction, is drawn into top by the toner that is transported to container front by spiral fashion projection 302 by vessel 33.Draw portion 304 by protuberance 304h and draw wall 304f and form.Protuberance 304h is the part in the medial eminence of vessel 33, forms spiral on one side, forms the crest line on mountain on one side towards the centre of gyration of vessel 33.Drawing wall 304f is, among the wall of protrusion of the inwall connection from protuberance 304h (crest line) to vessel 33 side faces, to regard the wall as downstream as from container gyratory directions.And, be positioned at when below when drawing wall 304f, according to the revolution of vessel 33, draw wall 304f the toner entering into because of the transport force of spiral fashion projection 302 with the inner space of the portion of drawing 304 subtends is drawn into top.Thus, toner can be drawn into the top of transporting nozzle 611 of insertion.

Again, as shown in Fig. 5 waits, also form the spiral spiral fashion projection 304a of portion that draws at the inner peripheral surface of the portion of drawing 304, transport inner toner so that the same with spiral fashion projection 302.

Vessel 33 from the portion of drawing 304 further towards front, form container gear 301.Be provided with gear at container front end side cover 34 and expose peristome 34a, be arranged under the state of vessel 33, the part (inboard in Fig. 5) of this container gear 301 is exposed.And, by toner container 32 is arranged on to toner supply device 60, expose from gear container gear 301 that peristome 34a exposes and be configured to the container driver output gear 601 of toner supply device 60 sides and engage.

Vessel 33 from container gear 301 further towards front, form opening of container 33a cylindraceous.And, being pressed into this opening of container 33a by the component fixing section 337 of accepting of nozzle being accepted to parts 330, vessel 33 fixed nozzles are accepted parts 330 relatively.The method of accepting parts 330 as fixed nozzle is not limited to and is pressed into, and also can be fixed or be fixed by screw by bonding agent.

Toner container 32 is at relative vessel 33 from the opening filling toner of opening of container 33a, and nozzle is accepted parts 330 and be fixed on the opening of container 33a of vessel 33.

Vessel 33 is shaped by biaxial stretch blow molding method.This biaxial stretch blow molding method is generally made up of preformed forming process and two sections of operations of extending blow moulding operation.In preformed forming process, use resin by injection molding forming, the preform of forming test tubulose.By injection molding forming at this moment, at the oral area of test tubulose, form opening of container 33a, lid claw hook extension portion 306, and container gear 301.Extending blow moulding operation is after preformed forming process, to carry out coolingly, and the preform that unloads from mould of heating is softening, blow molding is extended simultaneously.

The rear end side from container gear 301 of vessel 33, is shaped by extending blow moulding operation.Therefore, draw portion 304, form the part of spiral fashion projection 302, and handle portion 303 is shaped by extending blow moulding operation.

Container gear 301, opening of container 33a and lid claw hook extension portion 306 etc. are positioned at the each several part of front from container gear 301, are the preformed state shape of injection molding forming, therefore, can precision maintain well size.On the other hand, draw portion 304, form the part of spiral fashion projection 302, and handle portion 303 is to extend and be shaped in extending blow moulding operation after injection molding forming, therefore, low precision.

Illustrate that the nozzle that is fixed on vessel 33 accepts parts 330 below.

Figure 10 represents that from front nozzle accepts the stereographic map of parts 330.Nozzle is accepted parts 330 and is comprised by gate rear end support 335, the gate side support 335a of portion and accept the container gate support unit 340 that component fixing section 337 forms, and container gate 332.Also comprise container closure member 333, the container gate spring 336 being formed by volute spring etc.The end of the front of container gate spring 336 and the wall of container gate 332 touch and connect, and the wall of the end of the rear end side of container gate spring 336 and gate rear end support 335 touches and connects.At this moment, container gate spring 336 is compressive state, and therefore, container gate 332 bears the power of energizing of the direction of leaving gate rear end support 335.

In toner container 32, nozzle is accepted parts 330 as pipe insertion parts, and the end face that this nozzle is accepted the front of nozzle receiving port 331 openings of the conduct pipe insert port of parts 330 is formed by the container closure member 333 as elastomeric element.And nozzle gate part 612 is as powder receiving port opening and closing member, the nozzle gate flange part 612a that the portion of connecing is touched in the conduct of this nozzle gate part 612 presses the container closure member 333 of collapsing so that its compressive state is touched connects.Thus, face and the container closure member 333 with nozzle gate spring bearing plane 612f opposition side of nozzle gate flange part 612a are connected airtight, and can further improve toner leakage and prevent function.

Accept accepting in component fixing section 337 of parts 330 at nozzle, if compress as the container closure member 333 of elastomeric element, nozzle gate flange part 612a (with reference to Fig. 9) and many nozzle gates touch and meet rib 337a and touch and connect.Touched by the dorsal part of nozzle gate spring bearing plane 612f of the nozzle gate flange part 612a that nozzle gate spring 613 energizes and nozzle gate to connect rib 337a to touch and connect, the revolving shaft direction position of the relative toner container 32 of nozzle gate part 612 is determined.Thus, the axial position relationship of revolution of the end face of the front of the end face of the front of container closure member 333 and opening of container 33a and nozzle gate part 612 is determined.

When installing when toner container 32, nozzle gate flange part 612a and nozzle gate touch and meet rib 337a and touch and connect, and after the relative position of the relative toner container 32 of nozzle gate part 612 is fixing, start unlatching and transport the nozzle opening portion 610 of nozzle 611.On the other hand, in the time unloading toner container 32, choose and transport nozzle 611 from toner container 32 even if start, under nozzle opening portion 610 open state, the relative position of the relative toner container 32 of nozzle gate part 612 does not also change, after nozzle gate part 612 locking nozzle opening portions 610, nozzle gate part 612 is chosen from toner container 32 together with transporting nozzle 611.Touch and meet rib 337a and touch under the state of connecing at nozzle gate flange part 612a and nozzle gate, transport nozzle 611 and form the part of nozzle opening portion 610, compared with the intake section of nozzle receiving port 331, be positioned at fully the inner side of toner container 32.Open and close nozzle opening portion 610 from being positioned at fully toner container 32 inner side states, therefore, can prevent that toner from leaking to outside from nozzle opening portion 610.

The gate side support 335a of portion and gate supporting peristome 335b become following shape: two gate side support 335a of portion form a part for drum, cut large drum in the part of gate supporting peristome 335b.By this shape, can lead to container gate 332, it is moved in the cylindric space that is formed at drum inner side towards revolving shaft direction.

As described later, when installing when toner container 32, nozzle gate flange part 612a and nozzle gate touch and meet rib 337a and touch and connect, and the relative position of the relative toner container 32 of nozzle gate part 612 starts to open nozzle opening portion 610 after fixing.On the other hand, in the time unloading toner container 32, even if start to choose and transport nozzle 611 from toner container 32, the relative position of the relative toner container 32 of nozzle gate part 612 does not also change.This is due under nozzle opening portion 610 open state, the cause that the power of energizing of nozzle gate spring 613 works.

The toner container 32 if choose, toner container 32 transports the relative position variation of nozzle 611 relatively, and therefore, the relative position that nozzle gate 612 transports nozzle 611 relatively also changes, and nozzle gate 612 starts locking nozzle opening portion 610.At this moment, follow the action of the toner container 32 of choosing, the distance of toner container 32 and container setting unit 615 is left.Thus, nozzle gate spring 613 is long because the restoring force of self starts to be returned to nature, starts to reduce the power of energizing for nozzle gate 612.

If further choose toner container 32, nozzle gate 612 completes locking nozzle opening portion 610, and the Local Phase of nozzle gate 612 touches and connects transporting the part of nozzle 611.Touched and connect by this, nozzle gate 612 relatively transports the relative position of nozzle 611 and fixes, and nozzle gate flange part 612a and nozzle gate touch and connect touching of rib 337a and connect and be disengaged.After this,, by the toner container 32 of further choosing, nozzle gate 612 departs from toner container 32 together with transporting nozzle 611.

Touch and meet rib 337a and touch under the state of connecing at nozzle gate flange part 612a and nozzle gate, transporting nozzle 611, to form the part position of nozzle opening portion 610 as follows:, compared with the intake section of nozzle receiving port 331, be positioned at fully the inner side (rear container end side, inboard) of toner container 32.In more detail, make revolving shaft direction towards rear container end side, cross container gear 301, with the position of the portion's of drawing 304 subtends, dispose nozzle opening portion 610.Open and close nozzle opening portion 610 from being positioned at fully toner container 32 inner side states, therefore, can prevent that toner from leaking to outside from nozzle opening portion 610.

The gate side support 335a of portion and gate supporting peristome 335b become following shape: the gate side support 335a of portion of two mutual subtends forms a part for drum, cut large drum in the part (two places) of gate supporting peristome 335b.By this shape, can lead to container gate 332, make it be formed at the interior movement of cylindric space S 1 of drum inner side towards revolving shaft direction.

The nozzle that is fixed on vessel 33 is accepted parts 330 revolution together with vessel 33 in the time that vessel 33 turns round, and at this moment, the gate side support 335a of portion that nozzle is accepted parts 330 turns round around the nozzle 611 that transports of toner supply device 60 sides.Therefore, the rotating gate side support 335a of portion by be formed on transport nozzle 611 tops nozzle opening portion 610 directly over space.Thus, though above nozzle opening portion 610 toner moment pile up, the toner that the gate side support 335a of portion also can this accumulation of crosscut, makes its avalanche.Therefore, can suppress to place time, toner is piled up aggegation, causes that toner transports bad while restarting.On the other hand, the 335a of gate side support portion is positioned at the side of transporting nozzle 611.And in the time of nozzle opening portion 610 and gate supporting peristome 335b subtend, as shown in arrow β in Fig. 8, the toner in vessel 33 is to transporting the interior supply of nozzle 611.

The structure of container front end side cover 34 is described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 below.

The container front end side cover 34 of toner container 32, in the time being installed to toner supply device 60, slides it mobile in the container receiving portion 72 of Fig. 5.In Fig. 4, under four toner containers 32, form respectively groove, this groove is axially made as length direction with vessel 33, from insert port forming portion 71 until container cover receiving portion 73 is continuous.In the two sides of the bottom of container front end side cover 34, there is pair of sliding guide 361, make to embed this groove and slide mobile.In more detail, in the groove of container receiving portion 72, there is a pair of slide rail outstanding from its two sides.Sliding guide piece 361 is formed with the chute 361a parallel with the revolving shaft of vessel 33, so that from being clipped in up and down this pair of slide rail.And then container front end side cover 34 is provided with container lock bonding part, in the time being installed to toner supply device 60, this container lock bonding part arranges device for supplying side lock parts 609 combinations of covering 608 with being located at.

At container front end side cover 34, be provided with ID mark (the ID chip) 700 of the data of the behaviour in service etc. that records toner container 32 again.Have, at container front end side cover 34, be provided with look non-exchange rib 34b, the look different toner container 32 that prevents received toner is installed to arranging of other look and covers 608.As mentioned above, when installation, chimeric by the slide rail of sliding guide piece 361 and container receiving portion 72, the posture on toner supply device 60 of decision container front end side cover 34.And, can carry out smoothly the contraposition of container lock bonding part and device for supplying side lock parts 609, and the contraposition of the connector 800 of ID described later mark 700 and base side.

Toner supply device 60 is described below.

As shown in FIG. 6 and 7, toner supply device 60 comprises nozzle holder 607, and the framework 602 of duplicating machine 500 bodies fixedly transports nozzle 611 relatively, and nozzle holder 607 is fixedly installed and covers 608 relatively.Have again, fall and transport path 64 at the fixing toner of nozzle holder 607, be configured to the below from transporting nozzle 611 and transport nozzle 611 internal communication.

At framework 602 fixed container revolution drive divisions 91.Container revolution drive division 91 comprises drive motor 603, container driven wheel 601, and the revolution of drive motor 603 is driven to the worm gear 603a etc. that is delivered to the revolving shaft that there is no illustrated container driven wheel 601.On the revolving shaft of container driven wheel 601, fixed drive is transmitted gear 604, is configured to the cross helical gear 605 that transports that is fixed on the revolving shaft that transports spiral 614 and engages.By this formation, by driving described drive motor 603 to turn round, via container driven wheel 601 and container gear 301, toner container 32 is turned round.And, transmit gear 604 and transport cross helical gear 605 by driving, make to transport spiral 614 and turn round.

Also can and to the driving bang path that transports cross helical gear 605, clutch coupling be set from drive motor 603 at the driving bang path from drive motor 603 to container gear 301.By this clutch coupling is set, can realize in the time driving described drive motor 603 to turn round, only make toner container 32 and transport one party revolution in spiral 614.

The installation process of toner container 32 relative toner supply devices 60 is described below.

As shown in the diagram arrow Q of Fig. 6 and Fig. 8, if toner container 32 moves towards toner supply device 60 directions, transport the end contact of the 611a of spray nozzle front end portion of nozzle 611 and the front of container gate 332.If toner container 32 is further moved towards toner supply device 60 directions, transport nozzle 611 and push the end face of the front of container gate 332.Thus, if container gate spring 336 shrinks, container gate 332 is pressed into the private side (rear end side) of toner container 32, meanwhile, transports the spray nozzle front end side of nozzle 611 and inserts nozzle receiving port 331.At this moment,, compared with the nozzle gate flange part 612a of nozzle gate part 612, the nozzle gate cylindrical portion 612e of spray nozzle front end side also inserts nozzle receiving port 331 together with transporting nozzle 611.

If toner container 32 is further moved towards toner supply device 60 directions, nozzle gate flange part 612a and the end contact face of nozzle gate spring bearing plane opposition side and the front of container closure member 333, presses the container closure member 333 of collapsing slightly.Thus, touch and meet rib 337a and touch and connect with nozzle gate by above-mentioned, the axial relative position of revolution of nozzle gate part 612 relative toner containers 32 is fixed.

If toner container 32 is further moved towards toner supply device 60 directions, transport the further private side of insertion toner container 32 of nozzle 611.At this moment, touch and meet rib 337a and touch the relative nozzle 611 that transports of the nozzle gate part 612 connecing and pushed back nozzlend side with nozzle gate.Thus, press nozzle gate spring 613 to compress, the relative position that relatively transports nozzle 611 of nozzle gate part 612 is towards nozzlend side shifting.Follow this relative position to move, the nozzle opening portion 610 being covered by nozzle gate part 612 exposes in vessel 33 inside, in connection container body 33 and transport in nozzle 611.

Insert under the state of nozzle receiving port 331 transporting nozzle 611, because of the power of energizing of container gate spring 336 and the nozzle gate spring 613 of compressive state, the following such power of effect., relatively toner supply device 60, pushes back the power of toner container 32 directions (with diagram arrow Q direction against direction).But, in the time that toner container 32 is installed to toner supply device 60, make toner container 32 revolt above-mentioned power, towards the direction of toner supply device 60, move to relative container lock limiting-members (linking part) 339 and accept arranging of toner supply device 60 and cover the position of 608 container lock limiting-members 609.Thus, by the power of energizing of container gate spring 336 and nozzle gate spring 613, and the hook of container lock limiting-members 609 relative container lock limiting-members (linking part) 339, under state shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 9, carry out the axial location of revolution of toner container 32 relative toner supply devices 60.

As shown in Figure 6, container lock limiting-members (linking part) 339 is located at the both sides face of container front end side cover 34.Toner container 32 with the orthogonal imaginary plane of revolving shaft on, become the configuration that makes toner container 32 be positioned at the line segment central authorities that connect two container lock limiting-members (linking part) 339.If container gate 332 is not present on the line segment that connects two container lock limiting-members (linking part) 339, effect has following such torque.,, due to the container gate spring 336 of the position effect at container gate 332 and the power of energizing of nozzle gate spring 613, become and make toner container 32 rotating torque centered by line segment.Thus, worry that the relative toner supply device 60 of toner container 32 tilts.So the toner container 32 that the first example relates to is positioned on the line segment that connects two container lock limiting-members (linking part) 339 container gate 332.In the above-described configuration, by the container gate spring 336 of the position effect at container gate 332 and the power of energizing of nozzle gate spring 613, can prevent that the relative toner supply device 60 of toner container 32 from tilting.

Toner container 32 is being arranged under the state of toner supply device 60, is becoming with the end face 615b of container setting unit 615 and do not contact as the round shape end face of the opening of container 33a of the end of the front of toner container 32.Why adopt above-mentioned formation the reasons are as follows:

; before container lock limiting-members (linking part) 339 enters device for supplying side lock parts (engaging part) 609 relatively; if the end face 615b of the round shape end face of opening of container 33a and container setting unit 615 touches connect, can not make toner container 32 further towards toner supply device 60 side shiftings.Thus, can not carry out revolving shaft direction location.So, toner container 32 is being arranged under the state of toner supply device 60, between the round shape end face and the end face 615b of container setting unit 615 of opening of container 33a, be made as the state with some gaps.

Under the state that is making toner container in revolving shaft direction location, be slidably entrenched in the inner peripheral surface 615a of container setting unit 615 under state at the outer peripheral face of opening of container 33a.Therefore, carry out the location of the relative toner supply device 60 of toner container 32 of the in-plane orthogonal with revolving shaft.Thus, finish the installation of toner container 32 relative toner supply devices 60.

Installing under toner container 32 done states, by driving described drive motor revolution, the vessel 33 of toner container 32 and the spiral 614 that transports transporting in nozzle 611 turn round.Turn round by vessel 33, the toner in vessel 33 transports towards the front of vessel 33 because of spiral fashion projection 302.By this transport arrive draw portion 304 toner because vessel 33 turns round, risen to the top of nozzle opening portion 610 by the portion of drawing 304.Rise to the toner of nozzle opening portion 610 tops by falling in nozzle opening portion 610, toner is supplied to and is transported in nozzle 611.Be supplied to the toner transporting in nozzle 611 and transport by transporting spiral 614, fall and transport path 64 supplies to developing apparatus 50 by toner.In the figure, represent at this moment from falling the toner flow direction of transporting path 64 to toner in vessel 33 with the arrow β in Fig. 9.

The α of Fig. 9 represents with upper/lower positions: opening of container 33a contacts with container setting unit 615 slidably, carries out the position location of toner container 32 relative toner supply devices 60.This position is not limited to the formation with sliding part and location division both sides' function, also can have the formation of the one party function of sliding part or location division.

The nozzle of toner container 32 is accepted parts 330 and is comprised nozzle receiving port 331, gate supporting peristome 335b, and container gate 332.The nozzle receiving port 331 that is located at the peristome position of vessel 33 is accepted to possess and is transported nozzle 611 as the nozzle opening portion 610 of powder receiving port.Gate supporting peristome 335b at least its part has the function of the supply mouth of supplying with to nozzle opening portion 610 as the toner as powder in vessel 33.Container gate part 332 is bearing in nozzle and accepts parts 330, accepts parts 330 and inserts or pull action by transporting the relative nozzle of nozzle 611, slides mobile towards revolving shaft direction, has as the function of opening and closing member that opens and closes nozzle receiving port 331.By this formation, toner container 32 maintains the state of shut-off nozzle receiving port 331 before nozzle 611 is transported in insertion, can prevent from leaking or dispersing at the toner that is installed to toner supply device 60 front states.

Insert nozzle receiving port 331 if transport nozzle 611, transported container gate part 332 that nozzle 611 pushes and slide and move to container inboard, near the toner being trapped in gate supporting peristome 335b is open.Therefore, at the periphery of gate supporting peristome 335b, can guarantee to form the space that nozzle 611 enters of transporting of nozzle opening portion 610 parts, can really carry out supplying with toner from gate supporting peristome 335b to nozzle opening portion 610.Like this, under the state before toner container 32 is installed to toner supply device 60, can prevent that the toner that is accommodated in vessel 33 from leaking or dispersing, and can, in the time being installed to toner supply device 60, be discharged to toner outside vessel 33 again really.

In Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, worry that toner disperses from nozzle opening portion 610 or nozzle receiving port 331.The front end of the opening of container 33a of the container setting unit 615 of toner supply device 60 sides and toner container 32 sides is no matter which kind of state of toner container 32 front and back is installed, all leave above-mentioned peristome.Therefore, can prevent from installing the nozzle receiving port 331 before toner container 32, or toner container 32 is installed to the container closure member 333 and the contact site leakage toner that transports nozzle 611 of toner supply device 60 states.Have, when handling toner container 32, the container setting unit 615 of toner supply device 60 sides is also left nozzle opening portion 610 again.Again, the opening of container 33a of toner container 32 sides leaves container gate part 332.

Nozzle receiving port 331 is as the discharge portion of the toner of toner container 32, seals compared with the front end of the container gate part 332 of this nozzle receiving port 331 and the opening of container 33a of vessel 33, is disposed in rear end side (inboard).Thus, the front end of opening of container 33a, guarantees distance to a certain degree from container gate part 332 relatively.In the above-described configuration, toner is from being positioned at the nozzle receiving port 331 of aperture position inboard of vessel 33, around entering to the aperture position of vessel 33.Thus, suppress the outer peripheral face side of toner arrival opening of container 33a, can suppress to occur toner and disperse.

Toner container 32 relative toner supply device 60 with location revolving shaft orthogonal directions, by the chimeric realization of the outer peripheral face of opening of container 33a and the inner peripheral surface 615a cylindraceous of container setting unit 615., as the outer peripheral face of the opening of container 33a of the vessel 33 of powder collecting parts be and as the location division between the toner supply device 60 of powder conveyance device.Therefore, if it is dirty to produce toner dirt in the outer peripheral face side of opening of container 33a, change with the chimerism of the inner peripheral surface of container setting unit 615, worry that positioning precision reduces.So the toner container 32 that this example relates to suppresses the outer peripheral face side of toner arrival opening of container 33a, make the positioning precision of toner container 32 relative toner supply devices 60 stable.

The contact site of the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral face of opening of container 33a and container setting unit 615 has the relation of sliding in the time that toner container 32 turns round., as the outer peripheral face of the opening of container 33a of the vessel 33 of powder collecting parts be and as the sliding part between the toner supply device 60 of powder conveyance device.If toner enters this sliding part, the load that slides increases, and worries that the torque of toner container 32 is risen.In contrast, the toner container 32 that this example relates to suppresses toner and arrives the outer peripheral face side of opening of container 33a, can suppress that toner enters and the inner peripheral surface of container setting unit 615 between contact site.Therefore, the load that suppresses to slide increases, and makes sliding stable, can suppress the torque of toner container 32 and rise.Enter sliding part owing to suppressing toner, therefore, can suppress because push fixed at sliding part toner is that cause produces toner agglutination body.

In the time that toner container 32 is installed to toner supply device 60, container closure member 333 is pressed and is collapsed by nozzle gate flange part 612a.Thus, become nozzle gate flange part 612a and container closure member 333 is connected airtight to the state of pressurization, can more positively prevent that toner from leaking.Owing to being made as the length direction inner side (rear end side) that container gate part 332 is configured in to aperture position, to the front end face of container gate 332 and container closure member 333, form columned spatial portion at the front end from toner container 32.

The feature that the duplicating machine that the first example relates to is described below, forms.

Figure 11 is the local amplification stereogram that represents container lock limiting-members (linking part) 339 of toner container 32 and the engaging part 609 of toner supply device 60.In the time that the relative toner supply device 60 of toner container 32 is installed, push like that toner container 32 by operator by diagram arrow.Container lock limiting-members (linking part) 339 comprises groove (recess), the side face of its outstanding container front end side cover 34 that is arranged on toner container 32, for the direction that pushes of toner container 32, and it is also length direction (the diagram direction of arrow) extension of toner container 32.The bottom of this groove is divided into the columned space larger than channel opening part.

On the other hand, the engaging part 609 of toner supply device 60 becomes the shape just embedding in the groove of container lock limiting-members (linking part) 339.In the time that toner container 32 is installed to toner supply device 60, the groove 339a of the container lock limiting-members (linking part) 339 of toner container 32 embeds the engaging part 609 of toner supply device 60.By this embedding, toner container 32 is fastened on the position setting.Also can be in contrast, as the engaging part 609 of toner supply device 60, projection forms the container lock limiting-members (linking part) 339 of toner container 32, as container lock limiting-members (linking part) 339, the engaging part of corresponding toner supply device 60 609 is formed as groove.

The concrete structure and the function that are provided with container lock limiting-members (linking part) 339 of toner container 32 are described below.

Figure 12 is the front view (FV) that represents toner container 32.Toner container 32 has four linking parts.More particularly, see toner container 32 occasions from front, in the position of 3, the imaginary clock centered by vessel central axis, be provided with the first linking part 339a.The first linking part 339a forms as the linking part being made up of groove (recess) with reference to Figure 11 explanation.At the side face of the container front end side cover 34 of toner container 32, except this first linking part 339a, be also outstandingly respectively provided with the second linking part 339b, the 3rd linking part 339c, the 4th linking part 339d again.

The second linking part 339b comprises groove, is disposed in the position of 6, imaginary clock centered by vessel central axis, identical with the groove shape of the first linking part 339a.Again, the 3rd linking part 339c is disposed in the position of 9, above-mentioned imaginary clock, becomes the convex form same with the engaging part 609 of toner supply device 60.Again, the 4th linking part 339d is disposed in the position of ten two, above-mentioned imaginary clock, becomes the convex form same with the engaging part 609 of toner supply device 60.And, the first linking part 339a, the second linking part 339b, the 3rd linking part 339c, the 4th linking part 339d plays as the function for linking the linking part between toner container.

Figure 13 is the front view (FV) that is illustrated in four toner containers 32 that connect in the form of the first connection example.Figure 14 is the stereographic map that is illustrated in four toner containers 32 that connect in the form of the first connection example.In above-mentioned figure, four toner containers 32 are under the mutual state parallel with length direction, and first paragraph is arranged two, and second segment is thereon arranged two.Therefore, as shown in figure 13, from front, longitudinal two row, horizontal two row, are interconnected into 2 × 2 rectangular (following, will indulge (OK) and horizontal stroke (row) ordered state is called rectangular).In the first connection example, by four toner containers 32 be arranged in 2 × 2 rectangular, still, also six toner containers 32 can be arranged in 2 × 3 rectangular, or 3 × 2 rectangular.By nine toner containers 32 be arranged in 3 × 3 rectangular.

Figure 15 is the front view (FV) that is illustrated in four toner containers 32 that connect in the form of the second connection example.Figure 16 is the stereographic map that is illustrated in four toner containers 32 that connect in the form of the second connection example.As shown in these figures, see toner container 32 occasions from front, also multiple toner containers 32 can be connected to a horizontal linearity.

As mentioned above, by the state linking between the linking part that multiple toner container 32 use are arranged respectively, compared with being merely made as out bundle state (use state) occasion, gripping more toner container 32 and carry.Thus, user moves by the whole toner containers 32 that once make keeping, or reduces the number of times that moves back and forth that makes whole toner container 32 mobile ends, can reduce labour and time that toner container 32 moves.Again, as the first connection example, second, to connect example illustrated, can, longitudinal superimposed or transversely arranged, link no matter how many.In this first variation, represent the example of the linking part that is provided with four container lock limiting-members (linking part) 339, still, even if linking part is one, as long as the linking part arranging respectively at two toner containers 32 has mutual even junction configuration, just can make its link.Again, if two kinds of shapes that linking part can link mutually, as long as toner container 32 separately at least has two linking parts, can, as above-mentioned the first connection example, second connects example, make its link.

Figure 17 is the key diagram of the connection example of the toner container 32 of the duplicating machine that relates to of the first variation for the first example is described.This figure represents four toner containers 32 from front.In the toner container 32 relating in the first variation, among four linking parts that the toner container 32 that the first example relates to is provided with, be only provided with bis-of the first linking part 339a and the second linking part 339b.This occasion, as shown in the figure, two linking parts separately in four toner containers 32 all use, four toner containers 32 can be connected to 2 × 2 rectangular.Supplementing rapidly by changing the toner container 32 using, is the form that is applicable to the user who moves of four toner containers 32 that standing Y, M, C, K use.

Figure 18 is the key diagram of the connection example of the toner container 32 of the duplicating machine that relates to of the second variation for the first example is described.In the duplicating machine relating in the second variation, among toner container 32Y, 32M that Y, M, C, K use, 32C, 32K, the toner container 32K that the K that consumption of toner is maximum uses is formed as, than other three diameters that toner container is large, receiving more toner.Among four toner containers, only large diameter K toner container 32K, is not to be disposed in 3 positions by the equipping position of the first linking part, but staggers towards 4 sides slightly from 3 positions.Not to be disposed in 9 positions by the equipping position of the 3rd linking part, but stagger towards 8 sides slightly from 9 positions again.

Thus, as shown in the figure, can make the first linking part of large diameter K toner container 32K and the toner container 32Y of minor diameter, 32M, the 3rd linking part of 32C is chimeric without departing from.Again, although do not illustrate, can make the 3rd linking part of large diameter K toner container 32K and the toner container 32Y of minor diameter, 32M, the first linking part of 32C is chimeric without departing from.

Figure 19 is the key diagram of the connection example of the toner container of the duplicating machine that relates to of the 3rd variation for the first example is described.The K toner container 32K of the duplicating machine that the 3rd variation relates to also becomes the large major diameter of toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C of using than Y, M, C.Toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C that K uses with Y, M, C with the equipping position of the first linking part 339a of toner container 32K are identical, become the position of 3.Again, toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C that the equipping position of the second linking part 339b is used with Y, M, C are identical, become the position of 6.Again, toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C that the equipping position of the 3rd linking part 339c is used with Y, M, C are identical, become the position of 9.Again, toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C that the equipping position of the 4th linking part 339d is used with Y, M, C are identical, become the position of ten two.

Toner container 32Y, the 32M that Y, M, C, K use, four linking part 339a～339d separately of 32C, 32K become as follows.That is, the rising portions from container front lid 34 surfaces of linking part 339a～339d has pliability, as shown in figure 20, and flexibly deflection.Due to this deflection, even make the equipping position of mutual linking part identical at Y, the M of toner container 32K and minor diameter, toner container 32Y, 32M, the 32C that C uses for large diameter K, also can make linking part interlink.

Figure 21 is the key diagram of the connection example of the toner container 32 of the duplicating machine that relates to of the 4th variation for the first example is described.In the toner container 32 of the duplicating machine relating in the 4th variation, among four linking parts, be only disposed in the first linking part of 3 positions, be disposed in the second linking part of 6 positions, and be disposed in three kinds of the 3rd linking parts of 9 positions.The second linking part not only possesses groove, also possesses protuberance.And in the 4th variation, as shown in the figure, the first linking part only links with the 3rd linking part of other toner container 32.Again, the 3rd linking part only links with the first linking part of other toner container 32.Again, the second linking part only links with the second linking part of other toner container 32.

Link between the second linking part is to make recess and the chimeric link of the mutual wedge-like of protuberance, therefore, brings into play excellent strength of connection.Therefore, though only two link toner container 32 occasions, also can maintain stable connecting state.Also can 32 groups of four toner containers that interlink as shown in the figure be linked multiple at diagram left and right directions.

Figure 22 is mounted in the first linking part 339a of toner container of duplicating machine and the stereographic map of the link of the 3rd linking part 339c that the 5th variation of the first example relates to for illustrating.Being located at four linking part 339a～339d of toner container, no matter which is all chimeric on one side along the length direction swiping of toner container on one side.Therefore,, under the state that multiple toner containers are linked, even if toner container is wanted to move towards the direction different from cartridge length direction, chimeric between linking part also can not be removed, and maintains the connecting state between cartridge.But if toner container is wanted to move towards cartridge length direction,, there is the danger departing between the toner container linking in the chimeric releasing between linking part.

So, in the duplicating machine relating in the 5th variation, projection d1 being located to the 3rd linking part 339c, this projection d1 is for making the local width than the groove of the first linking part 339a of width of the 3rd linking part 339c large slightly.Again, little recess d2 is located in the groove of the first linking part 339a, and this recess d2 is for accepting the projection d1 of the 3rd linking part 339c.Mobile for the 3rd linking part 339c is slided in the groove of the first linking part 339a, need the wall pressure of the powerful pushing projection d1 of the 3rd linking part 339c and the groove of the first linking part 339a to connect distortion.Like this, forcing to make under the state of projection d1 distortion, only otherwise apply great power, do not make the 3rd linking part 339c slide in the groove of the first linking part 339a mobile, therefore,, even the power of cartridge length direction is applied to toner container, also can maintain the connecting state between cartridge.

As mentioned above, the example using the linking part dual-purpose of toner container 32 as engaged part part is described, the engaging part of described engaged parts and toner supply device is chimeric and engage.When such dual-purpose occasion, the chimeric direction between the linking part of toner container 32 need to be made as identical with the handling direction of toner container 32 relative toner supply devices.In the example of above-mentioned explanation, this direction is the length direction of toner container 32.Not dual-purpose occasion, container front end side cover 34, can be located at different position by above-mentioned linking part and container lock limiting-members relatively.This occasion, also can make the chimeric direction between linking part different from above-mentioned handling direction.For example, shown in Figure 23, the 6th variation is such, can make toner container 32 move towards cartridge cross-sectional direction, makes between linking part chimeric.For example, about the first linking part 339a, form its groove and extend towards diagram above-below direction, upper end closure.And for example, when making the linking part chimeric with this first linking part 339a, the chimeric occasion of the 3rd linking part 339c, the protuberance that can be formed as the 3rd linking part 339c extends along diagram above-below direction.This occasion, is located at linking part the chimeric position of the engaging part 609 that does not harm container lock limiting-members and device for supplying side.

As mentioned above, in the first variation～six variation, be provided with the first linking part 339a, the second linking part 339b, the 3rd linking part 339c, the 4th linking part 339d at container front end side cover 34.Compared with this formation is provided with above-mentioned linking part formation with the vessel 33 at toner container 32, have the following advantages:, the function that container front end side cover 34 has as maintaining part, keeps the vessel 33 as the incorporating section of storage toner with freely rotating.And, for the rotating vessel 33 of stable maintenance, generally use polystyrene (PS), propylene-nitrile butadiene-styrene terpolymer (ABS), polycarbonate (PC) etc. not to allow yielding resin or metal material to form.If this is because container front end side cover 34 is easily out of shape,, in the time that the container front end side cover 34 engaging with the engaging part 609 of toner supply device is subject to from the revolution inertial force of vessel 33 and engaging part 609 crimping, easily distortion causes the cause that engaging is removed.With being not easy that the material that container front end side cover 34 is out of shape is formed, make to be really fastened in toner supply device.On the other hand, vessel 33 is not fastened on toner supply device, therefore, does not require high rigidity.Not equal to distortion person is favourable for impacting to a certain degree.Have again, by adopting the resin material of elasticity excellence, there is injection mo(u)lding and be easy to advantage.Therefore,, about vessel 33, generally use the resin material of the elasticity excellences such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), tygon (PE), polypropylene (PP) to form.

By not being the vessel 33 of phase commute elastic deformation, but the container front end side cover 34 of relative deformation difficulty is integrally formed linking part 339, is difficult to distortion between the linking part 339 interlinking.Therefore, be difficult to occur because distortion causes that linking part 339 comes off, can stable maintenance connecting state.Again, by resin formation container front end side cover 34 occasions that are difficult to distortion, container front end side cover 34 is easily because impacting breakage.By linking between the container front end side cover 34 a little less than impact, can suppress container front end side cover 34 and occur damaged.Especially, the toner container 32 that four linking parts 339 are all linked with the linking part of other toner container 32, because container front end side cover 34 is covered hidingly by the container front end side cover 34 of toner container 32 around, therefore, can effectively suppress damaged and occur.

The example that linking part is located to the container front end side cover 34 of toner container is described above, still, if linking part is located to vessel 33, has had following advantage:

Figure 24 be mounted in for illustrating the duplicating machine that the 7th variation of the first example relates to toner container 32 first connect routine stereographic map.Figure 25 is for illustrating that second of this toner container 32 connects routine stereographic map.The toner container 32 that is mounted in the duplicating machine that the 7th variation of the first example relates to is by being located at the first linking part 339e of vessel 33 and the second linking part 339f of other toner container 32 links.In Figure 24 and Figure 25, with face fitting piece (fastener) formation the first linking part 339e and the second linking part 339f, the first linking part 339e is located to the position of seeing Shi Sandian and from the front of toner container 32 at 6, the second linking part 339f is located to the position of seeing Shi Jiudian and from the front of toner container 32 at ten two.Owing to being provided with the first linking part 339e and the second linking part 339f at vessel 33, therefore, as shown in Figure 24 and Figure 25, the position of the said vesse body rear end of aliging, links multiple toner containers 32.Therefore, among four toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, the highest K of frequency of utilization with toner container 32K compared with other toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, be configured to the long occasion of major diameter and length, no matter in the second connection example shown in the first connection example or Figure 25 shown in Figure 24, K uses the head of toner container 32K outstanding from the head of other toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C.Thus, make container front end side cover 34Y, 34M, 34C, 34K towards below state under, prevent from making toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K vertical on the ground.

Figure 26 is the stereographic map that is mounted in the connection example of the toner container 32 of the duplicating machine that the 8th variation of the first example relates to for illustrating.The toner container 32 that is mounted in the duplicating machine that the 8th variation of the first example relates to is provided with and there is no illustrated linking part 339 at vessel 33 and container front end side cover 34 respectively.And the linking part 339 that toner container 32 makes the container front end side cover 34 that is located at self is chimeric with the linking part 339 of vessel 33 that is located at other toner container 32.Again, the linking part 339 that makes the vessel 33 that is located at self is chimeric with the linking part 339 of container front end side cover 34 that is located at other toner container 32.For example, as shown in figure 26, the large occasion of external diameter of the external diameter container body 33 of container front end side cover 34, compared with the structure that makes to link between container front end side cover 34, can realize save space.Specifically, make vessel 33 subtends of a side the container front end side cover 34 of toner container 32 and the opposing party's toner container 32, by linking two cartridges, when link, can realize save space.

The example that the present invention is applicable to ampuliform toner container 32 has been described, but the shape of toner container of the present invention 32 is not limited to ampuliform above.

Figure 27 is the front view (FV) that represents to be mounted in the toner container 32 of the duplicating machine that the 9th variation of the first example relates to.Figure 28 is the stereographic map that represents two toner containers 32 that are mounted in this duplicating machine.Figure 29 is the stereographic map of the connection example for the multiple toner containers 32 that are mounted in this duplicating machine are described.The toner container 32 of the duplicating machine that the 9th variation relates to becomes case shape shape as shown in the figure.And, being installed under the state that there is no illustrated toner supply device, it is motionless that cartridge self is fixed on toner supply device.By making to be disposed in the inner illustrated pivoting part revolution that do not have, impel in cartridge and discharge toner.

As linking part, be only provided with bis-of the first linking part 339a of concavity (parent form) and the 3rd linking part 339c of convex (public type).As shown in figure 29, multiple toner containers 32 can be connected to a horizontal linearity.

Figure 30 is the stereographic map that represents to be mounted in two toner containers 32 of the duplicating machine that the tenth variation of the first example relates to.Described toner container 32 makes respectively the first linking part 339a of self and the 3rd linking part 339c of other toner container 32 link.Above-mentioned linking part is not mutual mosaic type, but face is chimeric mutually.Specifically, formed by face fitting pieces such as Magic Tape (login trade mark), Velcro Tape (login trade mark).

Figure 31 is the stereographic map that represents to be mounted in the head of the toner container 32 of the duplicating machine that the 11 variation of the first example relates to.Figure 32 is the longitudinal section that represents to be mounted in the head of the toner container 32 of the duplicating machine that the 11 variation relates to.In the duplicating machine relating in the 11 variation, be provided with for preventing the lid 350 of toner from dispersing in cartridge at toner container 32.

Be not arranged at toner container 32 under the state of accommodating container equipped section 70 of printing portion 100, the nozzle of toner container 32 is accepted the nozzle receiving port 331 of parts 330 and is closed by container gate 332.Thus, stop toner to disperse in cartridge.But container gate 332 can move as mentioned above, if maloperation toner container 32 comes off etc., cartridge is applied to impact, the danger that the once-existing power of energizing that overcomes container gate spring 336 of container gate 332 is moved.So nozzle receiving port 331 is temporarily open, there is toner and disperse.

So, in the duplicating machine relating in the 11 variation, be provided with and cover 350, chimeric with the container front end side cover 34 of toner container 32 of state that is not installed to accommodating container equipped section 70, from outside of containers plug nozzle receiving port 331.More particularly, be made as from outer side covers front opening 305.Even the impact such as when falling, container gate 332 temporarily moves, and due to by covering 350 from outside of containers plug nozzle receiving port 331, therefore, prevents that toner from dispersing.Lid 350 is fixed on the ID mark 700 of the front end side wall of container front end side cover 34 from outer side covers, also can protect ID mark 700.

In the time that new toner container 32 is installed to accommodating container equipped section 70, can operate in the following order:, first, before installation, lid 350 is unloaded from container front lid 34.Then, the container front end side cover 34 of the toner container 32 relatively taking out from image processing system 500, installs, and after this, new toner container 32 is installed to image processing system 500.

Figure 33 is the exploded perspective view that represents to be mounted in the head of the toner container 32 of the duplicating machine that the 12 variation relates to.Figure 34 is the stereographic map that represents this head.For convenience's sake, although do not represent, in the duplicating machine relating in the 12 variation, be provided with the first linking part and the second linking part at vessel 33 in above-mentioned figure.Toner container 32 does not comprise container front end side cover, in the time that vessel 33 is installed to accommodating container equipped section 70, can remain on pivotally accommodating container equipped section 70.

At the leading section of vessel 33, be provided with the chip fixed disc 701 for keeping ID mark 700.And, not being arranged at toner container 32 under the state of accommodating container equipped section 70, lid 350 is chimeric with the front end of vessel 33, the opening of closing containers body 33.

Be provided with mistake installation at chip fixed disc 701 and prevent from using openings 701a.In the time that toner container 32 is arranged on accommodating container equipped section 70, what be located at accommodating container equipped section 70 does not have illustrated clamping rpole to insert this mistake to install and prevent from using openings 701a.It is of all kinds and different by Y, M, C, K that mistake is installed the equipping position preventing with openings 701a.The equipping position of the clamping rpole of accommodating container equipped section 70 is also pressed Y, M, C, K are of all kinds and different.Therefore, for example, if the toner container 32Y that wish is used Y is installed to the accommodating container equipped section 70K that K uses, the clamping rpole of accommodating container equipped section 70K can not enter mistake installation and prevent from using openings 701a, connect and touch with the surface of chip fixed disc 701, therefore, prevent mistake installation.

As mentioned above, in the first example, the example that is provided with the first linking part～four linking part is described, still, the quantity of linking part is not limited to by this.For example, if two toner containers 32 are linked, toner container 32 separately can have different linking part 339, have can be chimeric between its linking part shape.And, if at least three toner containers 32 are linked,, for toner container 32 separately, can there are at least two linking parts.Therefore,, for a toner container 32, as long as be provided with at least one linking part, can link multiple toner containers 32.

And, for using the user that black is many, can configure the combination of one of Y look, one of M look, one of C look, two of K looks, or outside one of one of Y look, one of M look, one of C look, K look, add the combination of one of gray color.

The duplicating machine of each embodiment of the further supplementary features formation of the duplicating machine that the first example is related to is described below.Below, unless otherwise specified, the duplicating machine that each embodiment relates to forms identical with above-mentioned the first example.

[the first embodiment]

In the toner supply device that the duplicating machine that the first embodiment relates to is used at Y, M, C, K, make the shape of engaging part 609 different.And the shape of the linking part 339 of the toner container 32 that Y, M, C, K are used is made as the chimeric shape of engaging part 609 of the toner supply device of using with Y, M, C, K.Like this, when toner container 32K K being used when such as wish is installed to the installation that the toner supply device that Y uses etc., look get wrong, stop the chimeric of engaging part 609 and linking part, avoid occurring the installation that look is got wrong.

Figure 35 A, Figure 35 B, Figure 35 C, Figure 35 D are the back views of the 3rd linking part 339c of the toner container that represents that Y, M, C, K use.As shown in these figures, in of all kinds, the shape difference of the 3rd linking part 339c.In toner container of all kinds, the 4th linking part 339d is identical with the 3rd linking part 339c shape.

Figure 36 A, Figure 36 B, Figure 36 C, Figure 36 D are the back views of the left engaging part 609b of the toner supply device that represents that Y, M, C, K use.As shown in the figure, left engaging part 609b of all kinds possesses the groove (mother) of the shape with the 3rd linking part 339c of the toner container of corresponding look chimeric.Like this, by making the combination of the 3rd shape of linking part 339c and the shape of left engaging part 609b by look different, can only carry out mutually homochromy combination toner container 32 is installed.

In Figure 35 A, Figure 35 B, Figure 35 C, Figure 35 D, the mutual as a whole shape difference of the 3rd linking part 339c of all kinds, still, only leading section becomes general columned shape of all kinds.Figure 39 is the back view that represents the first linking part 339a of toner container 32 of all kinds.The first linking part 339a of the concavity of toner container 32 of all kinds becomes general shape of all kinds.In more detail, become columned groove shape.Shown in this columned groove shape and Figure 35 A, Figure 35 B, Figure 35 C, Figure 35 D, the leading section of the 3rd linking part 339c of all kinds is chimeric.Also chimeric with the front end of the 4th linking part 339d of all kinds (identical with the leading section shape of the 3rd linking part 339c of all kinds).That is, the first linking part 339a of all kinds is as long as the other side is the 3rd linking part 339c or the 4th linking part 339d, no matter what color, can be chimeric with the other side.

The second linking part 339b of all kinds is identical with the first linking part 339a shape of all kinds.Therefore, the second linking part 339b of all kinds is also as long as the other side is the 3rd linking part 339c or the 4th linking part 339d, no matter what color, can be chimeric with the other side.

In the above-described configuration, about the link between toner container 32, with look irrelevant, make the 3rd linking part 339c of public type shape or the first linking part 339a of the 4th linking part 339d and parent form shape or the second linking part 339b chimeric, can make to link between toner container 32.Therefore, when making to link occasion between toner container 32, can need not note look, freely link.

The formation of explanation difference above Y, M, C, K tetra-looks, still, also can further increase variation.Figure 37 is the key diagram that represents the 3rd linking part 339c (diagram downside) and engaging part 609 (diagram upside).The 3rd linking part 339c comprises first sidepiece (A portion), second sidepiece (B portion), the first extension (CA region), the second extension (CB region), end (D diameter/shape), root (E width).Engaging part 609 comprises the first subtend portion (A portion), the second subtend portion (B portion), the first wall portion (CA region), the second wall portion (CB region), trench bottom (D diameter/shape), slot part (E width).Under the 3rd linking part 339c and engaging part 609 fastening states, each several part is corresponding as follows:

, the first subtend portion (A portion) of engaging part 609 and first sidepiece (A portion) of the 3rd linking part 339c are corresponding.The second subtend portion (B portion) of engaging part 609 is corresponding with second sidepiece (B portion) of the 3rd linking part 339c.The first wall portion (CA region) of engaging part 609 is corresponding with the first extension (CA region) of the 3rd linking part 339c.The second wall portion (CB region) of engaging part 609 is corresponding with the second extension (CB region) of the 3rd linking part 339c.The trench bottom (D diameter/shape) of engaging part 609 is corresponding with the end (D diameter/shape) of the 3rd linking part 339c.The slot part (E width) of engaging part 609 is corresponding with the root (E width) of the 3rd linking part 339c.

By making each size or the various difference of each shape of above-mentioned corresponding relation, can further increase variation.For example, can consider at the first extension (CA region) or the second extension (CB region), or the first wall portion (CA region) or the second wall portion (CB region), recess and the projection with corresponding relation are set.Can consider for example end (D diameter/shape) and trench bottom (D diameter/shape) under the state that maintains corresponding relation, to be made as to square, rectangle, triangle, polygon, cloverleaf pattern, spade type, heart type, V-shape, the wide variety of shapes such as arrowhead-shaped.

About the link between toner container 32, and illustrate identically with reference to Figure 39, can freely link.For example, the shape of the first linking part 339a can be made as and slot part (E width), the roughly the same shape of trench bottom (D diameter/shape) of engaging part 609, the shape of the part suitable with the first wall portion (CA region), the second wall portion (CB region) is made as than above-mentioned narrow (short).Figure 38 A and Figure 38 B represent variation one example of linking part and holding section.In Figure 38 A, the most left linking part 339 that is provided in a side of K toner container 32K.From second linking part 339 that is provided in a side of Y toner container 32Y from left to right.From the 3rd linking part 339 that is provided in a side of M toner container 32M from left to right.From the 4th linking part 339 that is provided in a side of C toner container 32C from left to right.The rightest engaging part 609 that is provided in a side of duplicating machine (toner supply device) side that is provided with above-mentioned toner container.The shape corresponding relation of the above-mentioned parts of Figure 38 A modal representation.

In Figure 38 B, the most left linking part 339 that is provided in a side of K toner container 32K.From second linking part 339 that is provided in a side of Y toner container 32Y from left to right.From the 3rd linking part 339 that is provided in a side of M toner container 32M from left to right.From the 4th linking part 339 that is provided in a side of C toner container 32C from left to right.The rightest engaging part 609 that is provided in a side of duplicating machine (toner supply device) side that is provided with above-mentioned toner container.The differences such as in Figure 38 A and Figure 38 B, for example, the kind of duplicating machine, delivers goods (transmission), the toner kind (look character in addition, material, physical property, characteristic) of toner container storage.At this, the linking part 339 that the engaging part 609 of Figure 38 A and Figure 38 B is used with C is corresponding.This is because the width a of the width a of the second wall portion (CB region) of engaging part 609 or second extension (CB region) of the linking part 339 that ca uses with C or ca are identical respectively, and the cause of shape identical (smooth).The linking part 339 that K uses, the linking part 339 that Y uses, and the shape of the second extension (CB region) of linking part 339 that M uses is different with the shape of the second wall portion (CB region) of engaging part 609.Even if the shape of the linking part 339 that K uses and then end (D diameter/shape) is also different from the trench bottom (D diameter/shape) of engaging part 609.And the width a of the second wall portion (CB region) of the engaging part 609 of Figure 38 A is larger than the width ca of the second wall portion (CB region) of the engaging part of Figure 38 B 609.The toner container 32 of the linking part 339 that therefore, the C that is provided with Figure 38 A can be used is relatively provided with the duplicating machine of the engaging part 609 of Figure 38 B and installs.For example, the temperature of fusion that is provided with the toner of storage in the toner container 32 of linking part 339 of Figure 38 A is higher than the temperature of fusion that is provided with the toner of receiving in the toner container 32 of linking part 339 of Figure 38 B, under the keeping environment on delivery ground, desired temperature has surplus occasion etc., can with this need corresponding.But, preference is as less than the width ca of the second wall portion (CB region) of the engaging part of Figure 38 B 609 in the width a that the linking part 339 of using at the M of Figure 38 A upgrades, and the toner container 32 of other look Y, the M of Figure 38 A can not be engaged with the engaging part 609 of the C look of Figure 38 B.In illustrated example, compared with above-mentioned width ca, above-mentioned width a is large, therefore, can engage, still, and at least K look, trench bottom (D diameter/shape) and end (the D diameter/shape) of the engaging part 609 that the C of Figure 38 B uses can not engage.As mentioned above, the various combination of engaging part 609 of linking part 339 and duplicating machine by toner container 32, can realize corresponding relation as required.

[the second embodiment]

Figure 40 is the longitudinal section that represents to be mounted in the head of the toner container 32 of the duplicating machine that the 11 variation relates to.In the figure, toner container 32, with the posture towards vertical below by container front end side cover 34, stands in ground.In order to make the toner container 32 of elongated shape vertical on the ground, need to the plane of extending along cross-sectional direction be set at cartridge front end or rear end.Connect airtight the posture that the toner container 32 of elongated shape can keep vertical to extend by plane and the ground of extending along cross-sectional direction.In the duplicating machine relating in the tenth variation, the front end of lid 350 has the plane of extending along cartridge cross-sectional direction, therefore, as shown in the figure, can be with the posture towards vertical below by container front end side cover 34, make toner container 32 vertical on the ground.And, as shown in Figure 13 waits, when making to link occasion between linking part 339, because the front transverse plane of lid 350 is for everywhere, therefore, can, more stably with the posture towards vertical below by container front end side cover 34, toner container 32 be stood on the ground.

At the leading section of the vessel 33 of toner container 32, be provided with nozzle and accept parts 330.If toner container 32 erects as shown in the figure, toner is accepted parts 330 at nozzle and is full of.If place for a long time under this state, accept the interior toner aggegation of parts 330 at nozzle, be connected across nozzle and accept the gate supporting peristome 335b periphery of parts 330, exist container gate 332 to move difficult danger.Existing makes container gate 332 move difficult danger because being blocked in the aggegation toner of nozzle receiving port 331.If because being blocked in the toner of gate supporting peristome 335b periphery, container gate 332 can not move, and toner container 32 can not be arranged on to container equipped section 70.Again, for example, enable to make container gate 332 to move, drop in vessel 33 at the toner of gate supporting peristome 335b periphery aggegation, if supply with to developing apparatus from the nozzle opening portion 610 that transports nozzle 611 that inserts toner container 32 inside, sometimes produce abnormal image.

Figure 41 is the stereographic map that represents to be mounted in the vessel 33 of the duplicating machine that the second embodiment relates to.Figure 42 is the longitudinal section that represents the head of this vessel 33.In the duplicating machine relating at the second embodiment, by with the front end of the chimeric lid 350 of the container front end side cover 34 of vessel 33 as shown in figure 42, be made as the such shape of declinate cutting.Thus, lid 350 end face becomes the dip plane tilting respectively from container body cross-section direction or vessel longitudinal section direction, and therefore, vessel 33 can not be to stand in ground by container front end side cover 34 towards the posture of vertical below.

Thus, stop and take care of making vessel 33 erect state towards the posture below vertical container front end side cover 34, therefore, can avoid occurring in keeping accepting at nozzle the toner that the interior aggegation of nozzle receiving port 331 of parts 330 causes because of toner discharges bad.Under the state of the means without any supporting container body 33, user as shown in figure 43, to make the state keeping that vessel 33 laterally lies.

Figure 44 represents to be mounted in the Y toner container 32Y of this duplicating machine and the outboard profile of M toner container 32M.In the figure, Y is interlinked by linking part 339 with toner container 32Y and M toner container 32M.It is short that the vessel axis direction Length Ratio that is arranged on the lid 350Y of Y toner container 32Y is arranged on the vessel axis direction length of lid 350M of M toner container 32M.Therefore,, under the state interlinking at above-mentioned toner container 32Y and toner container 32M, as shown in the figure, Y produces the poor dx of ladder with the front end of the front end of the lid 350Y of toner container 32Y and the lid 350M of M toner container 32M.Due to the poor dx of this ladder, even under the state interlinking with toner container 32Y and M toner container 32M at Y, also can prevent towards the state of below, above-mentioned toner container being erected on the ground container front end side cover 34.

Above with reference to Figure 44, Y toner container 32Y and M toner container 32M are only described, still, in Y, M, C, K tetra-looks, the vessel axis direction length of lid is different mutually.Therefore,, even if link four looks whole toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, between whole cartridges, produce ladder poor.Thus, prevent from accepting parts 330 sides (front) down under state at the nozzle that is provided with that makes toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K, toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K are erected on the ground.

[the 3rd embodiment]

Figure 45 is that first of the four colour toners container 32Y that are mounted in the duplicating machine that the 3rd embodiment relates to for illustrating, 32M, 32C, 32K connects routine stereographic map.Even in the duplicating machine relating at the 3rd embodiment, in toner container 32Y of all kinds, 32M, 32C, 32K, by four linking part 339e that illustrate in the 7th variation of the first example, 339f is located at vessel 33Y, 33M, 33C, 33K respectively.

Four toner container 32Y, 32M, the mutual diameter of 32C, 32K or length are identical.The equipping position of four toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K four linking parts is separately different mutually at vessel axis direction.Therefore,, if four toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K are linked as shown in the figure, produce respectively ladder at head poor.Even if be not the first connection example, but connect into the second rectangular connection example, produce respectively ladder at the head of four toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K too poor.Because above-mentioned ladder is poor, prevent make container front end side cover 34Y, 34M, 34C, 34K towards below under state, toner container 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K are erected on the ground.In the 3rd embodiment, by linking part 339 is located to vessel 33, compared with linking part 339 being located to container front end side cover 34 occasions, can make the poor change of above-mentioned ladder large, therefore, from prevent from erecting on the ground angle see very suitable.

[the 4th embodiment]

Figure 46 is the stereographic map that represents to be mounted in the lid 350 of the toner container of the duplicating machine that the 4th embodiment relates to.Even in the duplicating machine relating at the 4th embodiment, in toner container 32Y of all kinds, 32M, 32C, 32K, be also respectively equipped with the such lid 350 of diagram.And, in the duplicating machine relating at the 4th embodiment, linking part is located at and covers 350.Specifically, as shown in the figure, be provided with and connect the first poroid linking part 351a, connect the second poroid linking part 351b, discoid the 3rd linking part 351c.Also be provided with and there is no illustrated discoid the 4th linking part.Above-mentioned linking part is disposed in mutual 90 ° of positions that position is staggered centered by vessel axis of rotation.

Discoid the 3rd linking part 351c or the 4th linking part connect poroid the first linking part 351a or the second linking part 351b by entering, chimeric mutually.Chimeric by this, as shown in figure 49, multiple lids 350 link, and link is provided with not having between illustrated toner container of above-mentioned lid 350.

Illustrate to be above provided with and connected poroid linking part (the first linking part 351a, the second linking part 351b) and discoid linking part (the 3rd linking part 351c, the 4th linking part) example, but the form of linking part is not limited to above-mentioned form.For example, also can be as shown in figure 48, be provided with by incision shape gap constitutor as linking part, said structure is engaged as shown in figure 49 like that.Also hook-shaped linking part as shown in figure 50 can be inserted to a door shape linking part.This occasion, by making direction of insertion along the normal direction centered by vessel center line, can reduce to cover fitting portion loosening of 350 linking parts while wanting to turn round centered by vessel center line.Also hook-shaped linking part shown in Figure 51 can be inserted to door shape linking part.At the shape of door shown in Figure 51 linking part, be provided with the parts that make its deflection for pushing hook-shaped linking part, therefore, easily hook-shaped linking part is pulled away from door shape linking part.

As linking part or connecting member, also can adopt magnetic force coupler, face fitting piece coupler, forms coupler etc. by sucker and its absorption plane combination.

[the 5th embodiment]

Figure 52 is the longitudinal section that represents to be mounted in the head of the toner container 32 of the duplicating machine that the 5th embodiment relates to.Even in the duplicating machine relating at the 5th embodiment, be also provided with the lid 350 as inaccessible parts at toner container 32, stop up the nozzle receiving port 331 as escape hole.And, be only provided with a linking part 351 at lid 350.This linking part 351 is made up of the recess of female screw shape.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 53, at the vessel 33 of toner container 32, be provided with in its back-end the linking part 33a of pin thread shape.Screw togather by the linking part 33a of pin thread shape of vessel 33 and the linking part 351 of the female screw shape of lid 350, as shown in Figure 54, link along its length two toner containers 32.

The duplicating machine that the second example relates to is described below.Unless otherwise specified, the duplicating machine that the second example relates to is identical with the first example.

Figure 55 is the stereographic map that represents to be mounted in two toner containers 32 of the duplicating machine that the second example relates to.The connecting member 360 that two toner containers 32 are used for linking them by installation interlinks.

As shown in Figure 56, be formed for installing the connecting member installation portion 34f of connecting member 360 at the container front end side cover 34 of toner container 32.Specifically, at the front end face of container front end side cover 34, with the outstanding cylindrical member that arranges of posture extending towards vessel axis direction.And, on this cylindrical member, be integrally formed diameter than the first large round plate 34d of cylindrical member and the second round plate 34e, separate at vessel axis direction the distance setting mutually and arrange.Among the universe of the vessel axis direction of cylindrical member, the region between the first round plate 34d and the second round plate 34e becomes connecting member installation portion 34f.The second round plate 34e, compared with the first round plate 34d, is positioned at the front of vessel axis direction.

Figure 57 is the stereographic map that represents connecting member 360.Connecting member 360 possesses two mounting holes 361, for the connecting member installation portion 34f of the container front end side cover 34 by toner container 32.Around above-mentioned mounting hole 361, centered by hole, form many gaps 362 of extending towards normal direction.Connecting member 360 forms by bringing into play the resin material of rigidity to a certain degree, is provided with many gaps 362 around mounting hole 361.If to locating between the mounting hole 361 that is present in connecting member 360 gap around, apply power to a certain degree, locate to occur a small amount of deflection between gap.

The diameter of mounting hole 361 is larger slightly than above-mentioned cylindrical member diameter, but less than the second round plate 34e diameter.In order to make the connecting member installation portion 34f of toner container 32 by the mounting hole 361 of connecting member 360, need relative mounting hole 361 by the second round plate 34e larger than its diameter.At this moment, locate to hang under the state of the second round plate 34e around by the mounting hole of connecting member 360 361 operator, connecting member 360 is pressed into towards the rear brute force of toner container 32.So by locating towards rear deflection between the gap existing around the mounting hole 361 at connecting member 360, the second round plate 34e can pass through mounting hole 361.

In the time unloading the connecting member 360 that is arranged on connecting member installation portion 34f state, as shown in Figure 58, by making toner container 32 get the posture that relative connecting member 360 tilts, make to locate deflection between the gap of connecting member 360, can pull away connecting member 360.

Figure 55 represents to use the example that makes the length that two toner containers 32 link with gapless, the posture of connecting airtight, as connecting member 360.Use such connecting member 360 occasions, maintain the state that makes two toner containers 32 by connecting member 360, therefore, form avalanche can not occur when mounting yet, can maintain the tightlock status of two toner containers.

On the other hand, when compared with the mounting of toner container 32, pay attention to carrying property occasion, as shown in Figure 59, preferably use and between two mounting holes 361, be provided with the grip part gripping for hand, as connecting member 360.This occasion, as shown in Figure 60, two toner containers 32 do not connect airtight, and between has the space that operator's hand can enter, and therefore, can easily grip connecting member 360 grip parts, ground 363.Thus, can carry two toner containers 32 with one hand.But easily not there is form avalanche in the toner container 32 of tightlock status mutually, therefore, for improper for the link that loads keeping.

Figure 61 is the stereographic map that represents two toner containers 32 that linked by connecting member 360, and described connecting member 360 is installed for hand-held ring-type rope band 367.In this embodiment, by connecting member 360, two toner containers 32 are connected airtight, can under this state, link on one side, be easy to, with the above-mentioned toner container 32 of singlehanded carrying, therefore, can realize and not only there is mounting property but also there is carrying by rope band 367 on one side.

The quantity that is located at the mounting hole 361 of connecting member 360 is not limited to two.As shown in Figure 62, also can be provided with the multiple mounting holes for link multiple toner containers 32 with rectangular assortment.When by multiple toner container 32 occasions of the rectangular link of this connecting member 360, can not pack toner container 32 into packing box and carry.About indoor moving, by using fork truck etc., also can under the state of the multiple toner containers 32 of rectangular link, move.Thus, can reduce logistics cost and keeping cost.For the lid 350 illustrating, also can be provided with the connecting member installation portion 34f for connecting member 360 is installed in the 11 variation.

The shape of toner container 32 is not limited to doleiform shape.As shown in Figure 63, even the toner container 32 of case shape also can link by connecting member 360.

Elongated shape and do not make the toner container 32 of cartridge self rotary type if, as shown in Figure 64, preferably a relative toner container 32 is alongst provided with multiple connecting member installation portions.By connecting member 360 being installed respectively for multiple connecting member installation portions, can not make two toner containers 32 carry loosely.This occasion as shown in Figure 65, under the state not linking between cartridge, by connecting member 360 being arranged on to multiple connecting member installation portions of a toner container 32, can be carried connecting member 360 together with toner container 32.

Illustrated above the present invention is applicable to process by electrofax the example of duplicating machine that forms image, still, the present invention also goes for by processing different modes and form the image processing system of image with electrofax.For example, the present invention also goes for forming by direct-recording system the image processing system of image.So-called direct-recording system is following mode: not by sub-image bearing member, but from the toner device that circles in the air, toner point-like is circled in the air, form toner group, make this toner group directly be attached to recording chart or intermediate record body, form pixel picture, relative record paper or intermediate record body directly form toner image.The employings such as the image processing system of recording at TOHKEMY 2002-307737 communique.

Above-mentioned explanation is an example, and the present invention has distinctive effect in following form:

[form A]

Form A relates to a kind of container-treatment, processes the powder collecting container of storage powder, it is characterized in that:

Link at least two linking part (for example the first linking part 339a that are respectively equipped with for linking with other powder collecting container at linking part by separately, the second linking part 339b, the 3rd linking part 339c, the 4th linking part 339d) the state of powder collecting container under process, or for example link, under at least two states that are respectively equipped with connecting member installation portion (connecting member installation portion 34f) and process above-mentioned connecting member is installed by relative connecting member installation portion, described connecting member installation portion is installed the connecting member (for example connecting member 360) being used for other powder collecting container link.

[form B]

Form B relates to a kind of powder collecting container (for example toner container 32), and storage powder, is characterized in that:

Described powder collecting container comprises connecting member installation portion (for example connecting member installation portion 34f), this connecting member installation portion is installed linking part (for example the first linking part 339a being used for other powder collecting container link, the second linking part 339b, the 3rd linking part 339c, the 4th linking part 339d), or connecting member (for example connecting member 360) for linking with other powder collecting container.

[form C]

Form C ties up in form B, it is characterized in that, along the multiple described linking parts of peripheral direction spread configuration of container cross section.

In the above-described configuration, as illustrated in the first example, the relative powder collecting container of energy links multiple powder collecting containers around its cross-sectional direction.

[form D]

Form D ties up in form C, it is characterized in that, in the position of 180 ° of staggering mutually of peripheral direction, is respectively equipped with described linking part.

In the above-described configuration, as described with reference to Figure 16, multiple powder collecting containers can be connected to a transversely arranged linearity.

[form E]

Form E ties up in form C or form D, it is characterized in that, in the position of 90 ° of staggering mutually of peripheral direction, is respectively equipped with described linking part.

In the above-described configuration, as described with reference to Figure 14, multiple powder collecting containers can be linked with three-dimensional closed state.

[form F]

Form F ties up in form B, it is characterized in that, for length direction along separately links self and other powder collecting container, is respectively equipped with above-mentioned linking part in an end and the other end of length direction of self.

In the above-described configuration, as described with reference to Figure 54, multiple powder collecting containers can be linked along its length.

[form G]

Form G ties up to form C to E in any, it is characterized in that, multiple described linking parts are made as respectively to the shape outstanding from powder collecting container body surface, meanwhile, makes the rising portions from above-mentioned surface of above-mentioned linking part have pliability.

In the above-described configuration, as described with reference to Figure 20, powder collecting containers different cross-sectional diameter can be linked.

[form H]

Form H ties up to form C, D, E, G in any, it is characterized in that, is provided with the recessed linking part of concavity, as one of multiple described linking parts, meanwhile, is provided with the protruding linking part of the convex chimeric with above-mentioned recessed linking part, as another linking part.

In the above-described configuration, can be by the multiple powder collecting containers of chimeric link of recessed linking part and protruding linking part.

[form I]

Form I ties up to form C, D, E, G in any, it is characterized in that, is provided with separately by magnetic force in conjunction with person, as multiple described linking parts.

In the above-described configuration, even special concaveconvex shape is not set at multiple powder collecting containers, also can link above-mentioned powder collecting container by magnetic force.

[form J]

Form J ties up in form F, it is characterized in that:

In length direction one end of powder collecting container body, be provided with the escape hole (for example nozzle receiving port 331) for discharging inner powder;

Be provided with inaccessible parts (for example covering 350), be arranged on length direction one end of powder collecting container, stop up above-mentioned escape hole;

Be provided with the above-mentioned linking part for linking with the other end of the length direction of other powder collecting container at above-mentioned inaccessible parts.

In the above-described configuration, as described with reference to Figure 54, multiple powder collecting containers can be linked along its length.

[form K]

Form K ties up to form C to E in any, it is characterized in that:

In length direction one end of powder collecting container body, be provided with the escape hole for discharging inner powder;

Be provided with inaccessible parts, be arranged on length direction one end of powder collecting container, stop up above-mentioned escape hole;

Be respectively equipped with multiple above-mentioned linking parts at above-mentioned inaccessible parts.

In the above-described configuration, for example as shown in Figure 47, by multiple inaccessible parts that interlinked by linking part, multiple powder collecting containers can interlink.

[form L]

Form L ties up to form B to K in any, it is characterized in that:

Be provided with the incorporating section (for example vessel 33) of storage powder, and keep with freely rotating the maintaining part (for example container front end side cover 34) of above-mentioned incorporating section;

Above-mentioned linking part is located at above-mentioned maintaining part.

In the above-described configuration, it not the incorporating section generally forming with easy elastic deformation material, but form maintaining part with being difficult to deformable material, this maintaining part is integrally formed linking part relatively, between the linking part interlinking, be difficult to distortion, therefore, the linking part that is difficult to occur because distortion causes comes off, can stable maintenance connecting state.

[form M]

Form M ties up to form B to L in any, it is characterized in that:

In length direction one end of powder collecting container body, be provided with the escape hole for discharging inner powder;

Releasably be provided with upright blocking portion (for example covering 350) in an end of the length direction of above-mentioned powder collecting container body, when wanting to make the distolateral state towards vertical below of length direction one of powder collecting container make powder collecting container stand upright on occasion on horizontal plane, the posture of powder collecting container is made as forcibly the posture that relative vertical tilts by this upright blocking portion, stops powder collecting container upright.

In the above-described configuration, as described with reference to Figure 44, can avoid occurring discharging bad to make escape hole posture down make powder collecting container erect the caused toner of keeping under the state of ground from escape hole.

[form N]

Form N ties up to form C, D, E, G, H, I, J in any, it is characterized in that, makes among multiple described linking parts at least two mutual different positions that are disposed in the length direction of powder collecting container.

In the above-described configuration, as described with reference to Figure 45, about the multiple powder collecting containers that interlink, can avoid occurring discharging bad to make escape hole posture down make powder collecting container erect the caused toner of keeping under the state of ground from escape hole.

[form O]

Form O ties up in form B, it is characterized in that, according to being accommodated in inner powder kind, makes the equipping position difference of the powder collecting container length direction of above-mentioned connecting member installation portion.

In the above-described configuration, as illustrated in Figure 35-36 in reference example, can avoid occurring powder collecting container mistake and install.

[form P]

Form P relates to a kind of toner container, and storage toner, is characterized in that, is made up of the powder collecting container described in any in form B-O.

[form Q]

Form Q relates to a kind of image processing system, comprising:

Imaging mechanism, uses toner, forms toner image; And

Toner container, is accommodated in the toner using in above-mentioned imaging mechanism;

Described image processing system is characterised in that:

Toner container described in use form P is as above-mentioned toner container.

[form R]

Form R ties up in form Q, it is characterized in that:

Be provided with toner conveying device, transport the toner of discharging from above-mentioned toner container towards transporting destination;

In the time that above-mentioned toner container is installed to above-mentioned toner conveying device, by following fitting operation to make the engaging part of above-mentioned linking part and above-mentioned toner conveying device chimeric, above-mentioned toner container is engaged with above-mentioned toner conveying device.

In the above-described configuration, dual-purpose, as for making the chimeric gomphosis part of connecting member and engaging part, can be realized toner container and simplify the structure.

[form S]

Form S ties up in form R, it is characterized in that:

Be provided with the multiple toner conveying devices for transporting not homochromy mutually toner, as above-mentioned toner conveying device;

Above-mentioned engaging part in toner conveying device is separately made as to mutual difformity;

The above-mentioned linking part of multiple toner containers of the look corresponding with toner conveying device is separately made as to the shape chimeric with each self-corresponding above-mentioned engaging part.

In the above-described configuration, the look that can avoid occurring toner container is got mistake wrong and is installed.

[form T]

Form T ties up in form R, it is characterized in that:

Be provided with the multiple toner conveying devices for transporting not homochromy mutually toner, as above-mentioned toner conveying device;

Above-mentioned engaging part in toner conveying device is separately disposed in to the mutual different position in toner conveying device;

The above-mentioned linking part of multiple toner containers of the look corresponding with toner conveying device is separately disposed in upper/lower positions: among the universe of toner container separately, the position with the above-mentioned engaging part of the above-mentioned toner conveying device of corresponding look chimeric.

In the above-described configuration, example as described with reference to Figure 33, can avoid the look that toner container occurs to get mistake installation wrong.

Above with reference to brief description of the drawings example of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to above-mentioned example.In the technology of the present invention thought range, can do all changes, they all belong to protection scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

1. a container-treatment, processes the powder collecting container of receiving powder, it is characterized in that:

Link at linking part by separately under the state of at least two powder collecting containers that are respectively equipped with the linking part for linking with other powder collecting container and process, or link under at least two states that are respectively equipped with connecting member installation portion and process above-mentioned connecting member is installed by relative connecting member installation portion, described connecting member installation portion is installed the connecting member for linking with other powder collecting container.

2. a powder collecting container, storage powder, is characterized in that:

Described powder collecting container comprises connecting member installation portion, and this connecting member installation portion is installed the linking part for linking with other powder collecting container, or connecting member for linking with other powder collecting container.

3. powder collecting container according to claim 2, is characterized in that:

Along the multiple described linking parts of peripheral direction spread configuration of container cross section.

4. powder collecting container according to claim 3, is characterized in that:

In the position of 180 ° of staggering mutually of peripheral direction, be respectively equipped with described linking part.

5. according to the powder collecting container described in claim 3 or 4, it is characterized in that:

In the position of 90 ° of staggering mutually of peripheral direction, be respectively equipped with described linking part.

6. powder collecting container according to claim 2, is characterized in that:

For length direction along separately links self and other powder collecting container, be respectively equipped with above-mentioned linking part in an end and the other end of length direction of self.

7. according to the powder collecting container described in any in claim 3 to 5, it is characterized in that:

Multiple described linking parts are made as respectively to the shape outstanding from powder collecting container body surface, meanwhile, make the rising portions from above-mentioned surface of above-mentioned linking part there is pliability.

8. according to the powder collecting container described in any in claim 3,4,5,7, it is characterized in that:

Be provided with the recessed linking part of concavity, as one of multiple described linking parts, meanwhile, be provided with the protruding linking part of the convex chimeric with above-mentioned recessed linking part, as another linking part.

9. according to the powder collecting container described in any in claim 3,4,5,7, it is characterized in that:

Be provided with separately by magnetic force in conjunction with person, as multiple described linking parts.

10. powder collecting container according to claim 6, is characterized in that:

In length direction one end of powder collecting container body, be provided with the escape hole for discharging inner powder;

Be provided with inaccessible parts, be arranged on length direction one end of powder collecting container, stop up above-mentioned escape hole;

Be provided with the above-mentioned linking part for linking with the other end of the length direction of other powder collecting container at above-mentioned inaccessible parts.

11. according to the powder collecting container described in any in claim 3 to 5, it is characterized in that:

In length direction one end of powder collecting container body, be provided with the escape hole for discharging inner powder;

Be provided with inaccessible parts, be arranged on length direction one end of powder collecting container, stop up above-mentioned escape hole;

Be respectively equipped with multiple above-mentioned linking parts at above-mentioned inaccessible parts.

12. according to the powder collecting container described in any in claim 2 to 11, it is characterized in that:

Be provided with the incorporating section of storage powder, and keep with freely rotating the maintaining part of above-mentioned incorporating section;

Above-mentioned linking part is located at above-mentioned maintaining part.

13. according to the powder collecting container described in any in claim 2 to 12, it is characterized in that:

In length direction one end of powder collecting container body, be provided with the escape hole for discharging inner powder;

An end at the length direction of above-mentioned powder collecting container body is releasably provided with upright blocking portion, when wanting to make the distolateral state towards vertical below of length direction one of powder collecting container make powder collecting container stand upright on occasion on horizontal plane, the posture of powder collecting container is made as forcibly the posture that relative vertical tilts by this upright blocking portion, stops powder collecting container upright.

14. according to the powder collecting container described in any in claim 3,4,5,7,8,9,11, it is characterized in that:

Make among multiple described linking parts at least two mutual different positions that are disposed in the length direction of powder collecting container.

15. powder collecting containers according to claim 2, is characterized in that:

According to being accommodated in inner powder kind, make the equipping position difference of the powder collecting container length direction of above-mentioned connecting member installation portion.

16. 1 kinds of toner containers, storage toner, is characterized in that:

Formed by the powder collecting container described in any in claim 2-15.

17. 1 kinds of image processing systems, comprising:

Imaging mechanism, uses toner, forms toner image; And

Toner container, is accommodated in the toner using in above-mentioned imaging mechanism;

Described image processing system is characterised in that:

Toner container described in right to use requirement 16 is as above-mentioned toner container.

18. image processing systems according to claim 17, is characterized in that:

Be provided with toner conveying device, transport the toner of discharging from above-mentioned toner container towards transporting destination;

In the time that above-mentioned toner container is installed to above-mentioned toner conveying device, by following fitting operation to make the engaging part of above-mentioned linking part and above-mentioned toner conveying device chimeric, above-mentioned toner container is engaged with above-mentioned toner conveying device.

19. image processing systems according to claim 18, is characterized in that:

Be provided with the multiple toner conveying devices for transporting not homochromy mutually toner, as above-mentioned toner conveying device;

Above-mentioned engaging part in toner conveying device is separately made as to mutual difformity;

The above-mentioned linking part of multiple toner containers of the look corresponding with toner conveying device is separately made as to the shape chimeric with each self-corresponding above-mentioned engaging part.

20. image processing systems according to claim 18, is characterized in that:

Be provided with the multiple toner conveying devices for transporting not homochromy mutually toner, as above-mentioned toner conveying device;

Above-mentioned engaging part in toner conveying device is separately disposed in to the mutual different position in toner conveying device;

The above-mentioned linking part of multiple toner containers of the look corresponding with toner conveying device is separately disposed in upper/lower positions: among the universe of toner container separately, the position with the above-mentioned engaging part of the above-mentioned toner conveying device of corresponding look chimeric.