Toner storage device and supply mechanism for image forming

A toner tank for an image forming apparatus, comprising:

• a toner container for storing toner:
• toner stirring means which is housed in said toner container and which has a vertical rotating shaft, said stirring means extending substantially the entire vertical height of said toner container;
• engaging means for receiving an external vertical rotating power shaft for driving said toner stirring means;
• a toner supply port for supplying said toner to said image forming apparatus;
• shutter means for closing and opening said toner supply port;
• fixing means for fixing said toner container to said image forming apparatus;
• and
• a lower portion of an inner wall of said toner container having a section shape being almost coincident with an outer periphery of the rotation locus of said toner stirring means;
• wherein said toner stirring means includes at least one agitator having at least one stirring-up vane which extends horizontally.

A toner tank for an image forming apparatus, comprising:

• a toner container for storing toner:
• toner stirring means which is housed in said toner container and which has a vertical rotating shaft, said stirring means extending substantially the entire vertical height of said toner container;
• engaging means for receiving an external vertical rotating power shaft for driving said toner stirring means;
• a toner supply port for supplying said toner to said image forming apparatus;
• shutter means for closing and opening said toner supply port;
• fixing means for fixing said toner container to said image forming apparatus;
• and
• a lower portion of an inner wall of said toner container having a section shape being almost coincident with an outer periphery of the rotation locus of said toner stirring means;
• said toner stirring means including a first and a second agitator each have at least one stirring-up vane which extends horizontally, and an intermediate gear coupling said first and second agitators.