Developer container and image forming apparatus

Abstract

This invention provides a technology that can suppress contamination by the developer when the developer container is detached from the main body of the device. [Solution] A developer container comprising: a developer storage chamber for storing developer and having an outlet for discharging the stored developer to the outside of the developer container; a filter that allows the passage of air but prevents the passage of developer; and an air chamber separated from the developer storage chamber by the filter and having an air inlet for receiving air, the air chamber being aligned with the storage chamber in a first direction, wherein both the outlet and the air inlet are provided on the end face of the developer container in the first direction, in the direction from the air chamber toward the developer storage chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that replenishes a developer from a developer container detachable from the image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In image forming apparatuses such as printers and copiers, a developer such as fine powder toner is used, and each time the toner consumed during image formation runs out, toner is replenished from a toner supply container (developer supply container) to the developing unit. As such an image forming apparatus, for example, a configuration has been proposed in which air is supplied to a toner supply container that stores a large amount of toner by an air pump, the toner in the toner supply container is sucked by a suction pump, and is sent to the developing unit of the image forming apparatus (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above prior art, there is a situation where the toner conveyance path is blocked, for example, if the sucked toner gets clogged in the conveyance path, and if air supply by the air pump continues in this state, there is a concern that the toner supply container will have an increase in internal pressure. If the user removes the toner supply container from the image forming apparatus main body while the internal pressure of the toner supply container remains increased, there is a concern that when the connection of the toner supply part is disconnected, the toner will violently spurt out from the toner supply container and stain the apparatus and the like.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of suppressing contamination by a developer when the developer container is detached from the apparatus main body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the developer container of the present invention is: A container for a developer, A developer storage chamber is provided for storing the developer and for discharging the stored developer to the outside of the developer container. A filter that allows air to pass through but prevents the developer from passing through, An air chamber separated from the developer storage chamber by the filter and provided with an air inlet for receiving air, the air chamber being aligned with the developer storage chamber in a first direction, Equipped with, Both the discharge port and the air inlet are provided on the end face of the developer container in the first direction, in the direction from the air chamber toward the developer storage chamber. It is characterized by the following: To solve the above-mentioned problems, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, The apparatus has a main body containing a developer housing section and a mounting section, A developer container configured to be attached by moving it in the attachment direction relative to the attachment portion, and to be detached by moving it in the detachment direction opposite to the attachment direction, Equipped with, The aforementioned developer container is A developer storage chamber is provided for storing the developer and for discharging the stored developer to the outside of the developer container. A filter that allows air to pass through but prevents the developer from passing through, An air chamber separated from the developer storage chamber by the filter and provided with an air inlet for receiving air, the air chamber being aligned with the developer storage chamber in a first direction, It has, The main body of the aforementioned device is A developer transport path is provided, with one end configured to communicate with the inside of the main body housing, and the other end having a developer receiving port, the developer receiving port being configured to communicate with the discharge port of the developer container mounted at a predetermined position in the mounting section, An air supply path provided with an air supply port, configured to communicate with the air inlet of the developer container mounted at the predetermined position of the mounting portion, An air supply unit that supplies air from the air inlet of the developer container to the air chamber via the air supply passage, Equipped with, Both the discharge port and the air inlet are provided on the end face of the developer container in the first direction, in the direction from the air chamber toward the developer storage chamber. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, contamination by the developer when the developer container is detached from the main body of the device can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] Diagram illustrating cartridge replacement in an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] Explanatory diagram of the toner air transport configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] Detailed diagram of the air supply unit and toner discharge unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 5] A view of the toner container in the mounting direction from the rear side in Example 1 of the present invention. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 8] Diagram illustrating the operating mechanism of the air vent valve in an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 9] Explanatory drawing of the operation mechanism of the air vent valve of the image forming apparatus according to Example 3 of the present invention [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to Example 4 of the present invention [Figure 11] Block diagram showing the control configuration of the toner supply unit according to Example 5 of the present invention [Figure 12] Flowchart showing the control of the image forming apparatus according to Example 5 of the present invention [Figure 13] Flowchart showing the toner container removal control according to Example 5 of the present invention [Figure 14] Explanatory drawing of the toner container in Example 6 of the present invention [Figure 15] Explanatory drawing of the toner container in Example 6 of the present invention [Figure 16] Exploded perspective view of the toner container in Example 6 of the present invention [Figure 17] Explanatory drawing of the toner container and the mounting portion of the image forming apparatus according to Example 6 of the present invention [Figure 18] Explanatory drawing of the process of detaching the toner container from the mounting portion in Example 6 of the present invention

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the mode for carrying out this invention will be illustratively and specifically described based on examples. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in this embodiment of the mode should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the invention is applied and various conditions. That is, it is not intended to limit the scope of this invention to the following embodiments. Also, although each example describes a plurality of features, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted. is not. Also, although each example describes a plurality of features, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0010] (Example 1) Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a color laser printer, which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The image forming apparatus comprises an image forming apparatus body (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus body) 100 and an image forming unit 100A provided in the apparatus body 100 that performs image forming by an electrophotographic method. The image forming unit 100A comprises a photosensitive drum (image carrier) 101, an intermediate transfer belt 102, a developing device 104, a primary transfer roller 106, and a secondary transfer roller 105.

[0011] The photosensitive drum 101 includes four photosensitive drums (image carriers) 101Y, 101M, 101C, and 101K that form toner images (developer images) of four colors: yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. The intermediate transfer belt 102 is an endless belt-shaped member that contacts these four photosensitive drums 101Y to 101K and onto which the toner images formed on the four photosensitive drums 101Y to 101K are primary transferred. The primary transfer rollers 106 include primary transfer rollers 106Y, 106M, 106C, and 106K, corresponding to the four toner colors. The primary transfer rollers 106Y to 106K are positioned on the inner circumference side of the intermediate transfer belt 102 at positions corresponding to the photosensitive drums 101Y to 101K. The primary transfer rollers 106Y to 106K clamp the intermediate transfer belt 102 between the photosensitive drums 101Y to 101K and the photosensitive drums 101Y to 101K so that a nip is formed between the intermediate transfer belt 102 and the outer circumference of the intermediate transfer belt 102. The primary transfer rollers 106Y to 106K are subjected to a primary transfer bias from a power supply (not shown) to create a potential difference between the photosensitive drums 101Y, 101M, 101C, 101K and the intermediate transfer belt 102, and the toner images supported on the photosensitive drums 101Y to 101K are sequentially transferred to the outer circumference of the intermediate transfer belt 102 in a superimposed primary transfer at the aforementioned nip. The secondary transfer roller 105 forms a nip with the outer circumference of the intermediate transfer belt 102, and when a secondary transfer bias is applied from a power supply (not shown), the image transferred from the photosensitive drum 101Y~101K to the intermediate transfer belt 102 is secondarily transferred to the sheet (recording material) S.

[0012] When the image forming operation is started in the image forming unit 100A, the laser scanner 103 irradiates the photosensitive drums 101Y~101K with light corresponding to the image signal, and a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drums 101Y~101K. The developing units 104Y, 104M, 104C, and 104K are equipped with developing rollers (developer carriers), developing blades (developer regulating members), toner storage units (developer storage unit, main body storage unit), etc. In Figure 1, only the toner storage unit of the developing units 104Y~104K is shown. The developing units 104Y~104K develop the latent image on the photosensitive drums 101Y~101K using the toner stored in the toner storage unit, and form a toner image (visible image) on the photosensitive drums 101Y~101K. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drums 101Y~101K is then primary transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 102. The toner image supported on the intermediate transfer belt 102 is transported to the secondary transfer section by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 102. In the developing units 104Y to 104K, when the toner stored in the toner storage section is consumed, toner is successively drawn up from the toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, which serve as developer containers, and replenished.

[0013] In parallel with the image forming operation, multiple sheets S stored in the sheet storage section 107 are fed one by one by the pickup roller 108. Then, the sheets S are transported by the feed roller 109 and the register roller 110, which corrects the skew of the sheets S, to the secondary transfer section formed by the intermediate transfer belt 102 and the nip of the secondary transfer roller 105. Here, the sheets S are transported relative to the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 102. Because the directional position needs to be aligned, the transport timing to the secondary transfer section is synchronized by controlling the transport speed of the register roller 110 and the feed roller 109. In the secondary transfer section, the toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 102 to the sheet S by applying a high-voltage current to the secondary transfer roller 105. The sheet S on which the toner image has been transferred is then transported to the fixing means 111, where the toner image is fixed to the sheet S by heating and pressurizing. After fixing, the sheet S is discharged to the discharge section 113 at the top of the device by the discharge roller 112.

[0014] Figure 2 shows the toner container replacement door 2 opened for the replacement of a toner cartridge (hereinafter referred to as a toner container) 1 that can be attached to the main unit 100 of the image forming apparatus. The toner container 1 consists of four containers arranged in the following order: toner container 1Y for yellow toner, toner container 1M for magenta toner, toner container 1C for cyan toner, and toner container 1B for black toner. Toner containers 1Y to 1K are each installed in a storage compartment inside the main unit 100 of the apparatus. Figure 2 shows an example of replacing toner container 1M, which is pulled out from the back side of the apparatus toward the front side of the apparatus through an opening provided on the front of the main unit 100 of the image forming apparatus.

[0015] Figures 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c) are cross-sectional views of the main body 100 of the device in Figure 1, taken along the line A. Figure 3(a) illustrates the process of transporting toner T from the toner container 1 to the toner storage section of the developing device 104 by air, with the toner container 1M stored in a predetermined mounting position in the storage section (mounting section) of the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus. Figures 3(b) and 3(c) illustrate the process of removing the toner container 1 from the main body 100. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are enlarged views showing details of section B in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), respectively.

[0016] In Figures 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c), as in Figure 1, only the toner storage section of the developer unit 104 is shown. Furthermore, the developer unit 104 and toner container 1 shown in Figures 3(a) to 3(c) are the developer unit 104M and toner container 1M for magenta toner, but the developer units 104Y, 104C, 104B and toner containers 1Y, 1C, and 1B for other toner colors are configured similarly. In the configurations shown in Figures 3(a) to 3(c) and the explanations related to Figures 3(a) to 3(c), the letters Y, M, C, and B added to the end of each reference numeral to distinguish toner colors are omitted as appropriate, except when color distinction is necessary. The same applies to Figures 4(a) to 5. That is, the descriptions of Y, M, C, and B are omitted for each component of the developer unit 104 and toner container 1, such as the pump 3, air transport path 4, and toner discharge path 7, which are described below.

[0017] The toner container 1 can be installed on the main body 100 by moving it in the installation direction (direction D1) when the toner container replacement door 2 is open, and can be detached by moving it in the detachment direction (direction D2) opposite to the installation direction. In this embodiment, the installation direction (direction D1) and the detachment direction (direction D2) are parallel to the installation surface (horizontal plane) of the image forming apparatus.

[0018] The pump 3 shown in Figure 3(a) is an air pump that supplies air from the air supply section 5 of the toner container 1 to the toner container 1 via the air transport path 4. The pump 3 is located on the outside of the frame 114 of the main body 100 of the device, which forms the space (mounting section) that houses the toner container 1. In the event that it needs to be replaced due to a malfunction, the outer casing 115 can be removed and the pump 3 can be accessed from the rear side of the device for replacement.

[0019] The filter bed 6 provided in the toner container 1 is a filter that separates (partitions) the toner storage chamber (developer storage chamber) 1a and the air chamber 1b within the toner container 1. In this configuration, the toner storage chamber 1a and the air chamber 1b are separated vertically by a filter floor 6 (the air chamber 1b is located below the toner storage chamber 1a). The filter floor 6 is a filter whose mesh size is sufficiently smaller than the toner T particle size, preventing the passage of toner T and allowing only air to pass through (or permitting its passage).

[0020] Air is supplied to the toner container 1 via the air supply unit 5 in the direction of the arrow by the pump 3. When air is supplied to the toner container 1, the internal pressure of the entire toner container 1, including the toner storage chamber 1a, increases due to the air passing from the air chamber 1b through the filter floor 6. The increased air pressure causes the toner T in the toner storage chamber 1a to be transported out of the toner container 1 via the toner discharge path 7 and the toner discharge unit 8. The toner T discharged from the toner discharge unit 8 is transported by the airflow to the toner storage unit of the developing device 104 via the toner transport path 9 provided in the main body of the device 100.

[0021] The toner T transported through the toner transport path 9 is supplied to the toner storage section of the developing device 104 from the rear side in the loading / unloading direction of the developing device 104, and is sent by air pressure in the longitudinal direction of the toner storage section. The degassing section 11 is a filter that removes air from inside the toner storage section, which is provided on or near the top surface of the toner storage section of the developing device 104, and has the necessary degree of ventilation to properly transport the toner T inside the toner storage section.

[0022] Figure 4(a) is a detailed diagram showing the connections of the air supply unit 5 and the toner discharge unit 8. The air transport path 4 comprises an air transport tube 4a and an air supply connection port 4b. The air transport path 4 is an air supply path that can communicate with the inside of the toner container 1 by being connected to the air supply unit 5. The air supply connection port (air supply port) 4b opens in a direction opposite to the mounting direction of the toner container 1 to the mounting part of the device body 100 (direction of arrow D1) (direction of arrow D2). The air transport tube 4a is a tube that sends air from the pump 3 to the toner container 1. The air supply unit 5 comprises an air supply port 5a and an O-ring 5b. The air supply port (air inlet) 5a is a connection part to which the air supply connection port (air supply port) 4b is connected, and opens in the mounting direction (first direction) (direction of arrow D1) of the toner container 1 to the mounting part of the device body 100. The O-ring 5b is an annular sealing member that prevents air from leaking to the outside of the toner container 1 by making tight contact with the outer circumference of the air supply connection port 4b. When the toner container 1 is installed inside the device body 100, the air supply connection port 4b is inserted into the air chamber 1b by a connection distance L1 from the position of the O-ring 5b (for example, the linear center of the O-ring 5b) in the insertion direction with respect to the air supply port 5a.

[0023] The toner transport path 9 comprises a toner transport tube 9a and a toner transport connection port 9b. The toner transport path 9 is a developer transport path that allows communication between the inside of the toner container 1 and the inside of the toner container of the developer 104, with one end communicating with the inside of the toner storage section of the developer 104 and the other end connected to the toner discharge section 8. The toner transport path connection port (developer receiving port) 9b opens in a direction (arrow D2 direction) opposite to the mounting direction (arrow D1 direction) of the toner container 1 to the mounting section of the device body 100. The toner transport tube 9a is a tube that guides the toner transported by air pressure. The toner transport tube 9a is arranged in a path that avoids interference with other units in the device body 100, such as the laser scanner 103, and functional parts such as the laser beam path, which are interposed between the toner container 1 and the toner storage section of the developer 104. The toner discharge section 8 comprises a toner transport port 8a and an O-ring 8b. The toner transport port (developer discharge port) 8a is a connection part to which the toner transport connection port 9b is connected, and it opens in the direction in which the toner container 1 is mounted on the mounting part of the device body 100 (direction of arrow D1). The O-ring 8b is an annular sealing member (sealing member) that prevents toner from leaking to the outside of the toner container 1 by being in close contact with the outer circumference of the toner transport connection port 9b. When the toner container 1 is mounted inside the device body 100, the toner transport connection port 9b, in the insertion direction into the toner transport port 8a, has a tip that extends from the position of the O-ring 8b (for example, the wire diameter center of the O-ring 8b) for a connection distance L2 of toner. It is inserted into containment chamber 1a.

[0024] By sealing the outer peripheral portions of the air supply connection port 4b and the toner conveyance connection port 9b with the O-ring 5b and the O-ring 8b in this way, reliable sealing is enabled even when the positioning with respect to the attachment / detachment direction of the toner container 1 to the apparatus main body 100 is rough. Further, the relationship between the connection distances, which are the respective insertion amounts of the air supply unit 5 and the toner discharge unit 8, is set to "L1 < L2" as shown in Fig. 4(a). That is, when moving the toner container 1 in the detachment direction (arrow D2 direction) from the predetermined attachment position of the attachment portion, the timing (second timing) at which the O-ring 8b as the second seal member loses contact with the outer periphery of the toner conveyance connection port 9b is later than the timing (first timing) at which the O-ring 5b as the first seal member loses contact with the outer periphery of the air supply connection port 4b.

[0025] Fig. 3(b) is a diagram explaining the process of removing the toner container 1 from the apparatus main body 100 of the image forming apparatus for replacement or the like. The toner container replacement door 2 is an opening / closing door (opening / closing member) that is held rotatable around the door hinge 2a. When the toner container replacement door 2 is opened, the opening of the toner container housing portion in the apparatus main body 100 is opened to the outside of the apparatus main body 100, and the toner container 1 can be replaced. The toner container 1 can be removed (detached) from the apparatus main body 100 by moving it in the direction of arrow D2 while being supported on the upper surface of the toner container replacement door 2 in the open state (open position), and can be attached (mounted) to the apparatus main body 100 by moving it in the direction of arrow D1.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 4(a), the connection between the air conveyance path 4 and the air supply unit 5 and the connection between the toner discharge unit 8 and the toner conveyance path 9 are in the relationship of L1 < L2.

[0027] The outer circumferential surface of the air supply connection port 4b of the air transport path 4 constitutes a region extending in the direction (D1 direction) in which the toner container 1 is mounted on the device body 100 within the air transport path 4. The outer circumferential surface of the air supply connection port 4b includes a sliding region 4c (first sliding region) in which the O-ring 5b can slide in the mounting direction while maintaining a tight seal when the toner container 1 is moved in the mounting direction toward a predetermined position on the mounting part of the device body 100. Similarly, the outer circumferential surface of the toner transport connection port 9b of the toner transport path 9 constitutes a region extending in the mounting direction (D1 direction) within the toner transport path 9. The outer circumferential surface of the toner transport connection port 9b includes a sliding region 9c (second sliding region) in which the O-ring 8b can slide in the mounting direction while maintaining a tight seal when the toner container 1 is moved in the mounting direction toward a predetermined position on the mounting part of the device body 100. The positional relationship between O-ring 5b, sliding region 4c, O-ring 8b, and sliding region 9c in the mounting direction (D1 direction) is such that when the toner container 1 is mounted on the device body 100, O-ring 8b comes into close contact with sliding region 9c, and then O-ring 5b comes into close contact with sliding region 4c. In other words, O-ring 8b comes into close contact with sliding region 9c before O-ring 5b comes into close contact with sliding region 4c. In order to form this mounting configuration, the length L1 of sliding region 4c in the mounting direction (D1 direction) is shorter than the length L2 of sliding region 9c in the mounting direction (D1 direction).

[0028] Therefore, when the toner container 1 is moved from the mounting part of the device body 100 in the removal direction (D2 direction), the first timing at which the O-ring 5b no longer adheres to the outer circumference of the air transport path 4 is earlier than the second timing at which the O-ring 8b no longer adheres to the outer circumference of the toner transport path 9. As shown in Figure 4(b), when the toner container 1 is moved from the device body 100 in the removal direction (D2 direction), first the connection of the air supply unit 5 to the air transport path 4 is disconnected, and the connection of the toner discharge unit 8 to the toner transport path 9 remains connected for a connection distance L2x. At this time, the air in the air chamber 1b is released in the direction of the arrow, and the internal pressure inside the toner container 1 becomes equal to the ambient atmospheric pressure. When the toner container 1 is moved further from the position shown in Figure 3(b), it reaches the state shown in Figure 3(c), and the connection of the toner discharge unit 8 to the toner transport path 9 is also disconnected. That is, when the toner container 1 is detached from the device body 100, the air supply port 5a of the toner container 1 and After the connection of the air supply connection port 4b of the main unit 100 is released, the connection between the toner transport port 8a of the toner container 1 and the toner transport connection port 9b of the main unit 100 is released.

[0029] In this way, by disconnecting the air supply unit 5 before the toner discharge unit 8, and making the pressure inside the toner container 1 equal to the atmospheric pressure around the toner container 1, before disconnecting the toner discharge unit 8, it is possible to prevent toner T from being blown out from the toner discharge unit 8. There are various methods for removing the toner container 1, such as a configuration in which the user holds the gripping part of the toner container 1 and pulls it, or an automatic discharge configuration using an extrusion mechanism for the toner container 1 provided in the main body of the device 100. The method for removing the toner container in this embodiment is not limited to a specific one.

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the toner container 1 as viewed from the rear side in the mounting direction. Both the air supply unit 5 and the toner discharge unit 8 are located on the rear side of the toner container 1 in the direction of attachment and detachment from the device body 100. Both the air supply unit 5 and the toner discharge unit 8 are arranged to fit within the projected area of ​​the toner container 1 when viewed in the attachment and detachment direction. This allows for effective use of the space inside the device body 100 and enables miniaturization of the device.

[0031] Furthermore, the toner transport port 8a of the toner discharge unit 8 is positioned above the air supply port 5a of the air supply unit 5 in the direction of gravity, and is positioned offset from the air supply port 5a in the direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity (horizontal direction). In other words, the toner transport port 8a and the air supply port 5a are provided on the end face of the toner container 1 in the mounting direction (D1 direction), and when viewed in the detachment direction (D2 direction), their positions in the horizontal direction intersecting the mounting direction (D1 direction) are different from each other. By avoiding the position of the air supply port 5a being directly below the toner transport port 8a in this way, even if toner T adhering to the area around the toner transport port 8a falls when attaching or detaching the toner container 1 from the device body 100, it is suppressed from falling onto the air supply port 5a.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4 and other figures, the toner transport port 8a and the air supply port 5a are positioned at different locations relative to each other in the attachment / detachment direction. This prevents toner T that falls from around the toner transport port 8a from adhering to the area around the air supply port 5a.

[0033] (Example 2) Referring to Figures 6(a) to 6(c), an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In Embodiment 2, the basic configuration of the apparatus body 100, the toner container 1, and the general configuration of how toner T is transported from the toner container 1 to the toner storage section of the developing apparatus 104 by supplying air to the toner container 1 by the pump 3 are the same as in Embodiment 1. Here, we will mainly describe the configuration in Embodiment 2 that differs from Embodiment 1. Matters in Embodiment 2 that are not specifically described here are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0034] Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) are cross-sectional views of the device body 100 as seen by arrow A in Figure 1. Figures 6(b) and 6(c) illustrate the process of removing the toner container 1 from the device body 100, starting from the state in which the toner container 1 is stored in the storage section (mounting section) of the device body 100 (Figure 6(a)).

[0035] In this embodiment, the toner container 1 is equipped with an air vent valve 12 that enables communication between the air chamber 1b of the toner container 1 and the outside of the toner container 1. The air vent valve 12 is provided on the end face of the toner container 1 in the detachment direction (D2) and is configured to be operable by user operation.

[0036] The air release valve 12 connects the air chamber 1b of the toner container 1 to the outside of the toner container 1, controlling the flow of air. This is a valve whose opening and closing can be controlled manually. The air vent valve 12 is located on the front side in the direction of insertion and removal of the toner container 1, and is positioned so that user U can access it when the toner container replacement door 2 is open, as shown in Figure 6(b). By operating the air vent valve 12 before user U replaces the toner container 1, the internal pressure inside the toner container 1 becomes equal to the ambient atmospheric pressure. Figure 6(c) illustrates the state in which the toner container 1 has been pulled out in the direction of the arrow, and when the toner container 1 is pulled out, the connection to the toner discharge unit 8 is disconnected. By operating the air vent valve 12 in this way to vent the air from the toner container 1 and then disconnecting the connection to the toner discharge unit 8, it is possible to prevent toner T from being blown out from the toner discharge unit 8.

[0037] (Example 3) Referring to Figures 7(a) to 9(b), an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. In Embodiment 3, the basic configuration of the apparatus body 100, the toner container 1, and the general configuration of transporting toner T from the toner container 1 to the toner storage section of the developing apparatus 104 by supplying air to the toner container 1 by the pump 3 are the same as in Embodiment 1. Here, we will mainly describe the configuration in Embodiment 3 that differs from Embodiments 1 and 2. Matters in Embodiment 3 that are not specifically described here are the same as in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0038] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to the one taken along arrow A of the main body 100 of the device in Figure 1. The air vent valve 13 is a valve that can open and close the air passage in the air transport path 4. Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are enlarged partial views showing the mechanism for operating the air vent valve 13. Figure 8(a) shows the toner container replacement door 2 in a closed state, and Figure 8(b) shows the toner container replacement door 2 in an open state. The air vent valve 13 described in this embodiment is configured to open and close the passage in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the toner container replacement door 2, and the details will be explained below.

[0039] The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment is provided with an air vent valve 13 in the air transport path 4. The air vent valve 13 consists of an opening 4d provided between the connection part with the pump 3 and the air supply connection port 4b in the air transport path 4, and a link lever 15 as a sealing member equipped with a valve sealing part 15b that opens and closes the opening 4d. The link lever 15 is configured to be able to take a sealed position that seals the opening 4d and an unsealed position that opens the opening 4d in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the toner container replacement door 2, which is an opening and closing member. Specifically, the sealing of the opening 4d is released in conjunction with the movement of the toner container replacement door 2 from a closed position that closes the mounting part of the device body 100 to the outside, to a closed position that opens the mounting part to the outside to allow the attachment and detachment of the toner container 1 to the mounting part. In other words, the toner container 1 can be detached from the device body 100 after the inside of the air transport path 4 is in communication with the outside through the opening 4d.

[0040] The link arm 14 is an arm member that rotates around the door hinge 2a, which is the rotation center of the toner container replacement door 2. As shown in Figure 8(b), when the toner container replacement door 2 is opened, the tip of the link arm 14 engages with the engaging portion 15a of the link lever 15, moving the link lever 15 in the direction of the arrow. When the link lever 15 moves, the valve sealing portion 15b provided at the rear end of the link lever 15 separates from the opening 4d, thereby releasing the air release valve 13. When the air release valve 13 is released, air escapes from the air transport path 4, and air escapes from the air chamber 1b of the toner container 1 connected to the air transport path 4.

[0041] Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are enlarged partial views illustrating the details of the sealing configuration of the air vent valve 13. Figure 9(a) shows the air vent valve 13 in a sealed state (closed) when the toner container replacement door 2 is closed, and Figure 9(b) shows the air vent valve 13 in an unsealed state (open) when the toner container replacement door 2 is open.

[0042] The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment includes a first guide portion 23 and a second guide portion 24 in the apparatus body 100 as a guide mechanism for the link lever 15 for controlling the position of the valve sealing portion 15b of the link lever 15. The link lever 15 is provided with a guided portion 15c that is guided by the first guide portion 23.

[0043] In this embodiment, the link lever 15 is configured to be displaced in a direction substantially aligned with the direction in which the air transport path 4 extends (in this embodiment, the direction aligned with the attachment / detachment direction as the second direction of the toner container 1) by opening and closing the toner container replacement door 2. Therefore, the direction in which the valve sealing portion 15b is displaced is also substantially parallel to the direction in which the air transport path 4 extends. In contrast, the opening 4d is configured to open in a direction intersecting the direction in which the air transport path 4 extends (in this embodiment, a perpendicular direction, which is the direction upward in the direction of gravity). The first guide portion 23 and the second guide portion 24 guide the movement of the link lever 15 so as not to hinder the above-mentioned displacement of the link lever 15, and so as to displace the valve sealing portion 15b in the G1 and G2 directions that intersect the direction in which the air transport path 4 extends relative to the opening 4d. That is, the first guide portion 23 and the second guide portion 24 guide the movement of the link lever 15 so that the valve sealing portion 15b can be properly seated and detached relative to the opening 4d.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first guide portion 23 is a groove-shaped guide portion that is recessed in a direction that intersects both the direction in which the air transport path 4 extends (D1, D2 directions) and the direction that intersects the direction in which the air transport path 4 extends (G1, G2 directions). The guided portion 15c is a guided portion with a projection shape (boss shape) that protrudes in a direction that intersects both the D1, D2 directions and the G1, G2 directions, so as to fit into the first guide portion 23. The first guide portion 23 includes an inclined portion that extends in a direction inclined with respect to the D1, D2 directions.

[0045] The first guide section 23 guides the link lever 15 in a position (height) such that the valve sealing portion 15b is also away from the opening 4d (retracted) in the G2 direction when the valve sealing portion 15b is further away from the opening 4d than the inclined portion in the D2 direction. The first guide section 23 guides the link lever 15 in a position (height) such that the valve sealing portion 15b is closer to the opening 4d in the G1 direction (second direction) when the valve sealing portion 15b is closer to the opening 4d than the inclined portion in the D1 direction. The inclined portion of the first guide section 23 is configured to allow smooth displacement of the link lever 15 in the G1 and G2 directions.

[0046] When the first guide portion 23 guides the link lever 15 so that the valve sealing portion 15b approaches the opening 4d in the G1 direction, the second guide portion 24 also guides the link lever 15. The second guide portion 24 guides the valve sealing portion 15b from behind towards the opening 4d in such a manner that it presses the head of the link lever 15 in the G1 direction. The opening 4d is provided with an elastic sealing member 4e that can seal to prevent air leakage from the opening 4d when the valve sealing portion 15b is connected.

[0047] The second guide portion 24 includes a flat surface portion parallel to the D1 and D2 directions that abuts the upper side of the valve sealing portion 15b in the G1 direction when the valve sealing portion 15b and the opening 4d are connected. In the G1 and G2 directions, the distance N1 between the flat surface portion of the second guide portion 24 and the elastic seal member 4e is configured to be narrower than the width (height) N2 of the valve sealing portion 15b. This dimensional relationship makes it possible to press the valve sealing portion 15b against the elastic seal member 4e so that the elastic seal member 4e is properly compressed in the G1 direction, thereby properly forming the sealed state of the air vent valve 13.

[0048] In this way, by operating the air release valve 13 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the toner container replacement door 2 to release air from the toner container 1 before disconnecting the toner discharge unit 8, it is possible to prevent toner T from being blown out of the toner discharge unit 8.

[0049] In this embodiment, the air vent valve 13 is described in a configuration where it is provided in the air transport path 4, but the configuration is not limited to this. The air vent valve 13 may be provided in the toner container 1, as shown in the toner container 1 of Embodiment 2, and the air in the toner container 1 may be vented in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the toner container replacement door 2 using a link configuration similar to that of this embodiment.

[0050] (Example 4) Referring to Figures 10(a) and 10(b), an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described. In Embodiment 4, the basic configuration of the apparatus body 100, the toner container 1, and the general configuration of transporting toner T from the toner container 1 to the toner storage section of the developing apparatus 104 by supplying air to the toner container 1 by the pump 3 are the same as in Embodiment 1. Here, the configurations in Embodiment 4 that differ from Embodiments 1 to 3 will be mainly described. Matters in Embodiment 4 that are not specifically described here are the same as in Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0051] Figures 10(a) and 10(b) are cross-sectional views similar to the cross-sectional view of the device body 100 in Figure 1, and illustrate the air venting mechanism. The air transport path 4 consists of an air transport tube 4a and an air supply connection port 4b. In this embodiment, the air supply unit 5 is provided on the bottom surface of the toner container 1, and the air supply connection port 4b is also connected from below the toner container 1. The air venting mechanism described in this embodiment is configured such that the flow path is opened and closed in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the toner container replacement door 2, and the details are described below.

[0052] Figure 10(a) shows the toner container replacement door 2 in the closed position, and Figure 10(b) shows the toner container replacement door 2 in the open position. In this embodiment, the pump 3 and the air transport path 4 are held by the holding member 141. The toner container 1 is held by a member (not shown) separate from the holding member 141 and is positioned in the vertical direction. The holding member 141 has one end 141a in contact with a cam member 2b provided on the toner container replacement door 2, and is configured to be rotatable around a pivot point 141b provided on the other end.

[0053] The holding member 141 is configured such that the contact state between one end 141a and the cam member 2b changes when the toner container replacement door 2 is opened and closed, thereby changing the posture in which it holds the pump 3 and the air transport path 4. Specifically, the holding member 141 is configured to be able to take two positions: a connected position in which the air supply connection port 4b of the air transport path 4 and the air supply port 5a of the toner container 1 are connected, and a released position in which the connection between the air supply connection port 4b and the air supply port 5a is released.

[0054] As shown in Figure 10(a), when the toner container replacement door 2 is closed, the cam member 2b provided on the toner container replacement door 2 lifts one end 141a of the retaining member 141 upward, connecting the air supply connection port 4b and the air supply unit 5. Then, as shown in Figure 10(b), when the toner container replacement door 2 is opened, the phase change of the cam member 2b provided on the toner container replacement door 2 causes one end 141a of the retaining member 141 to move downward, disengaging the connection between the air supply connection port 4b and the air supply unit 5. Although a configuration in which the retaining member 141 rotates has been described here, the entire retaining member 141 may also move up and down parallel to each other. Furthermore, although a configuration in which the air supply connection port 4b is inserted into and sealed against the air supply unit 5 of the toner container 1 has been described here, a configuration in which it is sealed simply by surface contact via a sealing member may also be used. In that case, because the amount of engagement when sealed is small, the amount by which the retaining member 141 retracts downward is also kept small, and it is expected that the increase in the size of the main body will be suppressed.

[0055] By providing a configuration in which the retaining member 141 is raised and lowered in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the toner container replacement door 2, it is possible to vent the air from the toner container 1 before disconnecting the toner discharge unit 8, thereby preventing toner T from being blown out of the toner discharge unit 8.

[0056] (Example 5) Referring to Figures 11 to 13, an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described. In Embodiment 5, the basic configuration of the apparatus body 100, the toner container 1, and the general configuration of transporting toner T from the toner container 1 to the toner storage section of the developing apparatus 104 by supplying air to the toner container 1 by the pump 3 are the same as in Embodiment 1. Here, the configurations in Embodiment 5 that differ from Embodiments 1 to 4 will be mainly described. Matters in Embodiment 5 that are not specifically described here are the same as in Embodiments 1 to 4.

[0057] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the toner supply unit in Embodiment 5. The control unit 18 is configured to control each part of the image forming apparatus. The toner remaining amount detection means 16 shown in Figure 11 is a sensor (remaining amount sensor) that detects the remaining amount of toner T remaining in the toner container 1. The toner remaining amount information detected by the toner remaining amount detection means 16 is sent to the control unit 18. The pump 3 is configured to perform a discharge operation, which sends air to the air chamber 1b of the toner container 1 via the air transport path 4, and a suction operation, which draws air out (spits it out) from the air chamber 1b via the air transport path 4. The actuator 17 is a transport direction switching mechanism that acts on the pump 3 and can switch the direction of air transport to the toner container 1 between the supply direction and the discharge direction. The actuator 17 switches the air transport direction of the pump 3 according to instructions from the control unit 18. The door opening / closing detection sensor 20 is a sensor (open / close sensor) that detects the open / closed state of the toner container replacement door 2. The detection result from the door opening / closing detection sensor 20 is sent to the control unit 18. The toner container lock 21 is a locking means (locking mechanism) for the toner container 1 that can move between a locked state in which the toner container 1 is fixed inside the device body 100 and an unlocked state in which it can be removed, based on a command from the control unit 18. That is, the toner container lock 21 can take on a restricting state in which it restricts the toner container 1 from moving away from a predetermined position on the mounting part of the device body 100, and an unrestricted state in which it allows the toner container 1 to move away from a predetermined position on the mounting part.

[0058] Pump 3 can be a positive displacement pump, such as a reciprocating pump or a rotary pump. A reciprocating pump is a pump that performs suction and discharge by the reciprocating motion of a piston or plunger, and examples include piston pumps, plunger pumps, and diaphragm pumps. A rotary pump is a pump that performs suction and discharge by the rotational motion of gears or a rotor, and examples include gear pumps, screw pumps, and vane pumps.

[0059] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the drive control of the actuator 17 that switches the air transport direction of the pump 3 in this embodiment. When an instruction is given to supply toner T from the toner container 1 to the developing device 104 (S1001), the toner remaining amount detection means 16 checks the remaining amount of toner in the toner container 1 (S1002). The toner remaining amount check by the toner remaining amount detection means 16 may be determined, for example, by whether the detected toner remaining amount is less than or equal to a predetermined amount as a threshold. For example, if the remaining amount of toner is greater than the predetermined amount, it may be determined that there is "toner remaining", and if the remaining amount of toner is less than or equal to the predetermined amount, it may be determined that there is "no toner remaining".

[0060] If the toner T in toner container 1 is detected as "present" (S1003: No), the air transport direction of actuator 17 is switched to the direction in which pump 3 supplies air to toner container 1 (S1004), and pump 3 is driven to supply air to toner container 1 (S1005). Pump 3 is driven for a predetermined time (M seconds) (S1006), and toner T is replenished.

[0061] If the toner T in toner container 1 is detected as "none" (S1003: Yes), the air transport direction of actuator 17 is switched so that pump 3 discharges air from toner container 1 (S1007). After the air transport direction is switched, pump 3 is driven for a predetermined time (N seconds) (S1008, S1009), and then the operation of pump 3 is stopped (S1010). When the pump 3 stops running, the toner container lock 21 is released to allow for the replacement of the empty toner container 1 (S1011).

[0062] In this way, when it is detected that the toner container 1 is empty, the air inside the toner container 1 is expelled, so that the internal pressure of the toner container 1 becomes equal to the ambient atmospheric pressure. Since the toner container lock 21 is released after the pressure becomes equal to atmospheric pressure, it is possible to prevent the remaining toner T from being blown out from the toner discharge unit 8 even if the connection to the toner discharge unit 8 is disconnected at any time thereafter.

[0063] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the control when a user operates the control panel 19 to remove a toner container 1 that still contains a sufficient amount of toner T. The control panel 19 shown in Figure 11 is an operating unit in which the user gives an instruction to remove the toner container 1 from the main unit 100. When the user gives an instruction to remove the toner container 1 on the control panel 19, a signal is sent to the control unit 18, and the control unit 18 starts the control of removing the toner container 1.

[0064] When the control unit 18 receives an instruction to remove the toner container 1 (S2001), the control unit 18 detects the open / closed state of the toner container replacement door 2 using the door open / closed detection sensor 20 (S2002). If the control unit 18 detects that the toner container replacement door 2 is "closed" (S2003: No), an instruction to the user to open the toner container replacement door 2 is displayed on the operation panel 19 (S2009). If the control unit 18 detects that the toner container replacement door 2 is "open" (S2003: Yes), the actuator 17 is driven to switch the air transport direction so that the pump 3 discharges air from the toner container 1 (S2004). After the air transport direction is switched, the pump 3 is driven for a predetermined time (N seconds) (S2005, S2006), and then the drive of the pump 3 is stopped (S2007). When the pump 3 stops, the toner container lock 21 is released to allow for the replacement of the toner container 1 (S2008).

[0065] In this way, by using the instruction to remove the toner container 1Y as a trigger, the air inside the toner container 1Y is expelled, thereby removing the air from the toner container 1Y, and then the toner container lock 21 can be released and the connection to the toner discharge unit 8 can be disconnected. This prevents the blowing out of the remaining toner T from the toner discharge unit 8.

[0066] (Example 6) Referring to Figures 14(a) to 18(d), an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described. In Embodiment 6, the basic configuration of the apparatus body 100, the toner container 1, and the general configuration of transporting toner T from the toner container 1 to the toner storage section of the developing apparatus 104 by supplying air to the toner container 1 by the pump 3 are the same as in Embodiment 1. Here, we will mainly describe the configuration in Embodiment 6 that differs from Embodiments 1 to 5. Matters in Embodiment 6 that are not specifically described here are the same as in Embodiments 1 to 5.

[0067] Figure 14(a) is a perspective view of the toner container 1. Figure 14(b) is a cross-sectional view of the toner container 1. Figure 15(a) is a cross-sectional view of the toner container 1 without the label 1f attached, which is the view taken by arrow E in Figure 15(c). Figure 15(b) is a cross-sectional view of the toner container 1 without the label 1f attached, which is the view taken by arrow F in Figure 15(c). Figure 15(c) is a front view of the toner container 1 without the label 1f attached, which is the view taken by arrow H in Figure 15(a). Figure 15(d) is a bottom view (bottom view) of the toner container 1 without the label 1f attached, which is the view taken by arrow G in Figure 15(c). Figure 16(a) is an exploded view of the toner container 1, which is an exploded perspective view showing the toner container 1 from an angle looking down at it from diagonally above. Figure 16(b) is an exploded view of the toner container 1, which is an exploded perspective view showing the toner container 1 from an angle looking up at it from diagonally below. Figure 17(a) shows the toner container 1 attached to the mounting section 22. Figure 17(b) shows the mounting section 22 with the toner container 1 removed. Figures 18(a) to 18(d) show the toner container 1 attached to the mounting section 22. This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the shutter 30 when it is removed from its attached state. Figure 18(a) shows the state in which the toner container 1 is attached to the mounting part 22 of the device body 100. Figure 18(b) shows the state in which the lever part 36, which is the operated part, is pushed down and the engagement between the toner container 1 and the mounting part 22 is released. Figure 18(c) shows the state in which the toner container 1 has begun to detach from the predetermined position of the mounting part 22 and the shutter 30 has begun to move from the open position to the closed position. Figure 18(d) shows the state in which the toner container 1 has detached from the predetermined position of the mounting part 22 and the shutter 30 has completed its movement to the closed position.

[0068] <Toner container composition> As shown in Figures 16(a) and 16(b), in this embodiment, the toner container 1 is configured such that the toner storage chamber 1a is formed by joining the upper container 1100 and the filter floor 6. The air chamber 1b is formed by joining the filter floor 6 and the lower container 1200. The upper container 1100 is the frame that mainly constitutes the toner storage chamber 1a among the frame that makes up the toner container 1. The lower container 1200 is the frame that constitutes the air chamber 1b among the frame that makes up the toner container 1. The upper container 1100 is provided with a toner discharge path 7 as a path for discharging toner from the toner storage chamber 1a, and a toner transport port 8a as the outlet of the toner discharge path 7. The upper container 1100 and the lower container 1200 are provided with air passages 1c, 1d, and 1e for supplying air supplied from the device body 100 to the air chamber 1b, and an air supply port 5a is provided in the upper container 1100 as the inlet for the air passages 1c, 1d, and 1e. The toner transport port 8a and the air supply port 5a are located on the end face of the upper container 1100 in the upward direction (G2 direction) of the vertical direction (G1, G2 direction), which is a first direction intersecting the detachment direction (D1, D2 direction) of the toner container 1. Both the toner transport port 8a and the air supply port 5a open in the upward direction of the vertical direction (G1, G2 direction), which is a first direction, that is, in the direction from the air chamber 1b toward the toner storage chamber 1a (G2 direction, third direction).

[0069] In this embodiment, the toner container 1 is equipped with a shutter 30 that opens and closes the toner transport port 8a and the air supply port 5a. The shutter 30 is movably mounted on the end face of the upper container 1100 through which the toner transport port 8a and the air supply port 5a are open. The direction of movement of the shutter 30 is along the attachment / detachment direction (D1, D2 direction) as a second direction of the toner container 1 with respect to a predetermined position on the mounting portion 22 of the device body 100 (see Figures 17 and 18). The toner transport port 8a and the air supply port 5a are aligned with each other in the attachment / detachment direction (D1, D2 direction) as a second direction, and the air supply port 5a is positioned upstream of the toner transport port 8a in the mounting direction D1 of the attachment / detachment direction (D1, D2 direction). The shutter 30 is configured to be in a closed position (non-communication position) that closes (closes) both the toner transport port 8a and the air supply port 5a when the toner container 1 is not mounted on the mounting section 22. The shutter 30 is configured to be in an open position (communication position) that opens (does not close) both the toner transport port 8a and the air supply port 5a when the toner container 1 is mounted in a predetermined position on the mounting section 22. With the shutter 30 in the open position, the toner transport port 8a of the toner container 1 is connected to the toner transport connection port 9b of the device body 100 (mounting section 22), and the air supply port 5a of the toner container 1 is connected to the air supply connection port 4b of the device body 100 (mounting section 22).

[0070] The toner container 1 is configured to be positioned and held in a predetermined position on the mounting section 22 by the engagement of an engaging portion 37 provided on the toner container 1 (shutter 30) and an engaged portion 27 provided on the mounting section 22. The engaged portion 27 has a hole shape that is recessed in the upward direction (G2 direction, fourth direction) of the first vertical direction (G1, G2 direction). The engaging portion 37 is in a state where the toner container 1 is mounted in a predetermined position on the mounting section 22 and no predetermined operating force is applied to the lever portion 36, which will be described later. The engaging portion has a shape that protrudes upward (in the G2 direction, fourth direction) and is configured to fit into the engaged portion 27 in the same direction. Figure 18(a) shows the posture (state) of the shutter 30 when the engaging portion 37 is in the engagement position where it engages with the engaged portion 27. When the engaging portion 37 fits into the engaged portion 27, the engaging portion 37 and the engaged portion 27 can engage with each other in such a way as to restrict the relative movement of the mounting portion 22 and the toner container 1 in the attachment / detachment direction (D1, D2 direction) as the second direction.

[0071] A lever portion 36 is provided on the shutter 30 as an operable portion for releasing the engagement between the engaging portion 37 and the engaged portion 27. The mounting portion 22 of the device body 100 has a box-shaped form that is open in the detachment direction (D2 direction) of the attachment / detachment direction (D1, D2 directions) of the toner container 1 to the mounting portion 22. The lever portion 36 is provided on the shutter 30 so as to extend toward the detachment direction (D2 direction). The lever portion 36 is configured such that the upstream end in the detachment direction (D2 direction) is fixed to the shutter 30, and the downstream end (tip) is a free end. The side where the tip of the lever portion 36 is located is the side from which the user accesses the toner container 1 mounted on the mounting portion 22. The lever portion 36 is configured to receive an operating force from the user acting in the downward direction (G1 direction) of the vertical direction (G1, G2 directions) at its tip side.

[0072] The shutter 30 has a sealing member (sealing member) 32 as an elastic part at the sliding portion between the end face of the upper container 1100 of the toner container 1 where the toner transport port 8a and the air supply port 5a are opened. The sealing member 32 is provided to seal the toner transport port 8a when the shutter 30 is in the closed position. The shutter 30 is aligned with the sealing member 32 on the upstream side in the mounting direction (D1 direction) and has an opposing portion 33 facing the end face of the upper container 1100 of the toner container 1 where the toner transport port 8a and the air supply port 5a are opened. The opposing portion 33 is provided to face the air supply port 5a in a downward direction when the shutter 30 is in the closed position, that is, in the direction from the air chamber 1b toward the toner storage chamber 1a (G2 direction, fourth direction) (covering the air supply port 5a). When the shutter 30 is in the open position, the sealing member 32 does not block the toner transport port 8a, and the opposing portion 33 retracts from its position opposite the air supply port 5a, so that the air communication hole, described later, which penetrates the shutter 30 in the vertical direction, communicates with the air supply port 5a.

[0073] Furthermore, the sealing member 32 is provided to be elastically deformed (compressive deformation in the G1 direction) so that it can be compressed vertically between the shutter 30 and the end face of the upper container 1100 when the user applies the above operating force to the lever portion 36 when the shutter 30 is in the open position. As the elastic part of the shutter 30, the sealing member 32 is compressed vertically, so that the shutter 30 is configured to change to a position in which the connection between the air supply port 5a of the toner container 1 and the air supply connection port 4b of the device body 100 (mounting portion 22) is released. Specifically, the shutter 30 changes to a position in which the downstream side (tip side) in the detachment direction (D2 direction) is displaced downward relative to the upstream side. As a result, the distance of the shutter 30 from the end face of the upper container 1100 in the G2 direction (fourth direction) in the region of the shutter 30 that includes the air communication hole described later becomes shorter (the thickness of the shutter 30 in the G2 direction becomes smaller). As a result, the air vent moves away from the air supply connection port 4b in the G1 direction (third direction), and the connection between the air supply port 5a and the air supply connection port 4b is released. Furthermore, this change in posture is configured to release the engagement between the engaging portion 37 and the engaged portion 27. The engaging portion 37 is integrally provided with the lever portion 36, and the lever portion 36 undergoes bending deformation when subjected to the above operating force, which in turn releases the engagement with the engaged portion 27. In other words, when an operating force is applied to the lever portion 36, the engagement between the engaging portion 37 and the engaged portion 27 is released, making it possible to detach the toner container 1 from the mounting portion 22, and at that point, the connection between the air supply port 5a and the air supply connection port 4b is released. Figure 18(b) shows the posture (state) of the shutter 30 when the engaging portion 37 is in the released position, where the engagement with the engaged portion 27 is released. It is.

[0074] <Airflow channel of toner container> Referring to Figures 15(a) to 15(d), the airflow path configuration of the toner container 1 in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the toner container 1 includes airflow paths 1c, 1d, and 1e as airflow paths connecting the air supply port 5a and the air chamber 1b. In Figures 15(a) to 15(c), the airflow from the device body 100 from the air supply port 5a to the air chamber 1b is indicated by dashed arrows.

[0075] As shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(b), the air passage 1c is formed by a hole provided in the upper container 1100. The air passage 1d is a passage connected downstream of the air passage 1c and is formed by a groove formed on the outer surface of the upper container 1100 and a label 1f attached to the outer surface of the upper container 1100 so as to cover the groove (see Figure 14(b)). The air passage 1d, which is part of the air passages 1c, 1d, and 1e, is provided in the portion of the upper container 1100 that is upstream of the toner storage chamber 1a in the mounting direction D1. The label 1f is a sealing member attached to the upper container 1100 so as to seal the side of the opening of the groove provided on the front surface, which is the upstream end face of the upper container 1100 in the mounting direction (D1 direction), and together with the groove, it constitutes the air passage 1d.

[0076] As shown in Figure 15(c), the air passage 1d includes air passage holes 1d1 and 1d2 that form a substantially L-shaped passage. The air passage hole 1d2 provided in the upper container 1100 is connected to the air passage 1e provided in the lower container 1200. The air passage 1e is formed by a groove formed on the outer surface of the lower container 1200 and a label 1f that is attached to the outer surface of the lower container 1200 so as to cover the groove (see Figures 16(a) and 16(b)).

[0077] The air passages 1d and 1e are formed by holes and grooves formed from the upper container 1100 to the lower container 1200, and by labels 1f (resin sheet members) that do not allow air to pass through, which are attached to the outer surfaces of the upper container 1100 and the lower container 1200 so as to cover the holes and grooves. Air flowing in from the air supply port 5a through the air passage 1c is supplied to the air chamber 1b via the air passages 1d and 1e.

[0078] In this embodiment, the toner container 1 is configured such that the label 1f is attached to the end face of the toner container 1 in the detachment direction (D2 direction). The side of the toner container 1 to which the label 1f is attached is the side to which the user accesses the toner container 1. The label 1f may contain various information about the toner container 1 (for example, information about the color and type of toner).

[0079] <Shutter on toner container> The shutter 30 has a sealing member 32 attached to the side of the toner container 1 facing the surface where the toner transport port 8a opens, for sealing the toner transport port 8a. The shutter 30 also has an air seal member 31 (second elastic part, second sealing member) attached to the side opposite to the side where the sealing member 32 is attached (the side facing the downward end surface where the air supply connection port 4b of the mounting part 22 opens). The sealing member 32 has an air hole 32a, the shutter 30 has a shutter hole 30a, and the air seal member 31 has an air seal hole 31a. These air holes 32a, 30a, and 31a communicate with each other, integrally forming a continuous air communication hole that penetrates the shutter 30 in the vertical direction.

[0080] The shutter 30 is slidably mounted in the groove 1101 of the upper container 1100. The shutter 30 is biased by a shutter spring 35, which acts as a biasing member, and toner transport It is biased in a direction that covers the opening 8a. That is, the shutter spring 35 generates a biasing force between the shutter 30 and the upper container 1100 that acts in a direction that moves the shutter 30 from the open position (communication position) to the closed position (non-communication position) as described above. At this time, one end of the shutter spring 35 opposite to the side that contacts the shutter 30 is in contact with the spring receiving portion 36a of the lever portion 36 attached to the upper container 1100.

[0081] When the toner container 1 is not mounted on the mounting section 22, the shutter 30 is in the closed position due to the biasing force of the shutter spring 35 (Figure 18(d)). When the toner container 1 is mounted on the mounting section 22, the shutter 30 comes into contact with the operating part 22a provided on the mounting section 22, and its movement in the mounting direction (D1 direction) is restricted to a predetermined position. As the toner container 1 is further pushed against the mounting section 22 in the mounting direction (D1 direction) relative to the shutter 30, whose movement is restricted by contact with the operating part 22a, the relative position of the shutter 30 and the toner container 1 changes in the attachment / detachment direction (D1, D2 directions). As a result, the shutter 30 moves from the closed position to the open position against the biasing force of the shutter spring 35 (Figure 18(a)). When the shutter 30 is in the open position, the air seal member 31 contacts the downward (G1 direction) end face of the mounting portion 22 where the air supply connection port 4b is open, so that the air seal hole 31a (air communication hole) is airtightly connected to the air supply connection port 4b.

[0082] Referring to Figure 14(b), the toner container 1 in the closed state of the shutter 30 will be described. The toner transport opening 8a is covered by the sealing member 32, which prevents toner from leaking. At this time, the air communication holes (air seal holes 31a, air holes 32a, shutter holes 30a) that penetrate the shutter 30, air seal member 31, and sealing member 32 are in different positions (non-overlapping positions) from the air passage 1c. Also, at this time, the sealing member 32 is in a position that does not face the air supply opening 5a, and the air supply opening 5a is covered by a part of the shutter 30. The opposing part 33 of the shutter 30, which covers the air supply opening 5a, is configured to form a gap 34 between it and the upper surface of the toner container 1 (upper container 1100) (the end surface from which the air supply opening 5a opens). The gap 34 is formed so that the air passage 1c is in communication with the outside of the toner container 1. Because such a gap 34 is formed, the internal pressure of the toner container 1 does not increase even when the atmospheric pressure changes.

[0083] <Toner container mounting area> Referring to Figures 17(a) and 17(b), the mounting portion 22 of the device body 100 to which the toner container 1 is attached will be described. The air transport tube 4a is connected to the air supply connection port 4b. The toner transport tube 9a is connected to the toner transport connection port 9b. The toner transport connection port 9b is covered by a toner shutter 40. The toner shutter 40 is biased in the direction of closing the toner transport connection port 9b by a shutter spring 42, which acts as a biasing member.

[0084] <Removing the toner container> Referring to Figures 18(a) to 18(d), the operation of the shutter 30 when the toner container 1 is removed from the mounting section 22 of the device body 100 will be explained.

[0085] First, with reference to Figure 18(a), the state in which the toner container 1 is attached to the mounting section 22 of the device body 100 will be described. Air supplied from the pump 3 of the device body 100 is supplied to the air supply port 5a through the shutter hole 30a of the shutter 30, the air seal hole 31a of the air seal member 31, and the air hole 32a of the seal member 32. The air is supplied to the air chamber 1b through the air passages 1d and 1e described above. The supplied air is supplied to the toner storage chamber 1a via the filter floor 6. The supplied air fluidizes the toner, and it is discharged from the toner transport port 8a via the toner discharge path 7 and through the toner transport connection port 9b. It is then supplied to the main body of the device 100.

[0086] Immediately after pump 3 is stopped, toner remains in the toner transport path, resulting in high pressure in the toner storage chamber 1a and air chamber 1b of toner container 1.

[0087] Next, with reference to Figure 18(b), the operation when removing the toner container 1 will be described. The toner container 1 is configured to be attached to the mounting part 22 in a predetermined position (mounting posture) by engaging a part 37 integrally provided on the lever part 36 with a part 27 provided on the mounting part 22 of the device body 100. When the lever part 36 is pressed down, the sealing member 32 is crushed, which pushes down the shutter 30. The air seal hole 31a of the air seal member 31 of the shutter 30 separates from the air supply connection port 4b of the mounting part 22, creating a gap 50. This gap 50 releases the internal pressure inside the toner container 1. At this time, the toner that was being pushed up by the air falls due to its own weight, and the amount of toner near the toner transport port 8a of the toner container 1 decreases. In this way, by attaching and detaching the toner container 1, it is possible to release the air supply port 5a first, reduce the internal pressure inside the toner container 1, and then release the toner transport port 8a.

[0088] Referring to Figure 18(c), the operation of removing the toner container 1 will be further explained. As the toner container 1 is pulled out further, the working part 22a moves relative to the toner container 1, and the shutter 30 moves from the open position to the closed position due to the biasing force of the shutter spring 35. As a result, the toner transport opening 8a of the toner container 1 is covered by the shutter 30. At the same time, the shutter 40 also moves from the open position to the closed position due to the biasing force of the shutter spring 42, and the toner transport connection opening 9b of the mounting part 22 of the device body 100 is covered by the toner shutter 40.

[0089] Furthermore, the state in which the toner container 1 has been pulled out is shown in Figure 18(d). That is, the toner shutter 40 in the main body 100 (mounting section 22) is completely closed, and the shutter 30 in the toner container 1 is also completely closed.

[0090] As described above, when removing the toner container 1 from the main unit 100, the air supply path is disconnected first, followed by the toner connection path. Therefore, the internal pressure of the toner container 1 is released before the toner connection path is disconnected, preventing toner from spraying out of the toner container 1.

[0091] The configurations of each of the above embodiments can be combined with each other as much as possible.

[0092] The disclosure of embodiments of the present invention includes the following configurations. (Composition 1) A container for a developer, A developer storage chamber is provided for storing the developer and for discharging the stored developer to the outside of the developer container. A filter that allows air to pass through but prevents the developer from passing through, An air chamber separated from the developer storage chamber by the filter and provided with an air inlet for receiving air, the air chamber being aligned with the developer storage chamber in a first direction, Equipped with, Both the discharge port and the air inlet are provided on the end face of the developer container in the first direction, in the direction from the air chamber toward the developer storage chamber. A developer container characterized by the following features. (Configuration 2) Both the aforementioned outlet and the aforementioned air inlet are open toward the first direction. A developer container according to configuration 1, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 3) The developer container is configured to be attachable by moving it in the attachment direction in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The air inlet is provided on the upstream side of the outlet in the mounting direction. A developer container according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized by the above. (Composition 4) The air inlet is aligned with the outlet in a second direction that intersects the first direction. A developer container according to any one of the configurations 1 to 3 characterized by the above. (Composition 5) The frame constituting the developer storage chamber is provided with an air passage that communicates with the air inlet and extends toward the air chamber. A developer container according to any one of the configurations 1 to 4 characterized by the above. (Composition 6) The developer container is configured to be attachable by moving it in the attachment direction in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The air inlet is provided on the upstream side of the outlet in the mounting direction. At least a portion of the air passage is provided in the part of the frame that is upstream of the developer storage chamber in the mounting direction. A developer container according to configuration 5, characterized in that it is a developer container. (Composition 7) A groove is provided in the frame, A sealing member attached to the frame so as to seal the side of the opening of the groove, the sealing member having a sealing member that together with the groove constitutes the air passage, A developer container according to configuration 5 or 6, characterized by the above. (Composition 8) The groove is provided on the front surface, which is the upstream end face of the frame in the mounting direction. The sealing member is a label affixed to the front surface, and the label contains information regarding the developer container. A developer container according to configuration 7, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 9) A shutter that is movable relative to the end face between a closed position that closes both the discharge port and the air inlet, and an open position that opens both the discharge port and the air inlet, A biasing member that applies a biasing force to the shutter in a direction that moves the shutter from the open position to the closed position, Having, A developer container according to any one of the configurations 1 to 8. (Composition 10) The developer container is configured to be attachable by moving it in the attachment direction in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The direction of movement of the shutter from the closed position to the open position relative to the end face is the direction toward the upstream side of the mounting direction in the second direction. A developer container according to configuration 9, characterized by the features described therein. (Composition 11) The aforementioned shutter is, An elastic part that slides against the end face and is capable of elastic deformation, A portion aligned downstream of the elastic portion in the mounting direction and facing the end face, The elastic portion has an air communication hole that penetrates in the first direction, It has, The closed position is the position in which the elastic portion blocks the outlet and the opposing portion faces the air inlet. The open position is a position in which the elastic portion does not block the outlet and the air communication hole communicates with the air inlet. The first direction includes a third direction from the developer storage chamber toward the air chamber and a fourth direction from the air chamber toward the developer storage chamber, The elastic portion is configured to be compressible and deformable in the third direction between the shutter and the end face when the shutter is in the open position. When the shutter is in the open position, the elastic portion is compressed in the third direction, thereby shortening the distance from the end face in the fourth direction to at least the region of the shutter that includes the air communication hole. A developer container according to configuration 10, characterized in that it is a developer container. (Composition 12) When the shutter is in the open position, In a state where the elastic portion is not compressed in the third direction, the air inlet is connected to the air supply port of the device body via the air communication hole, When the elastic portion is compressed in the third direction, the air communication hole moves away from the air supply port in the third direction, and the connection between the air inlet and the air supply port is released, thus taking on a second posture. It is structured in such a way. A developer container according to configuration 11, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 13) The shutter has a second elastic portion provided on the side opposite to the elastic portion in the first direction, through which the air communication hole penetrates in the first direction. The second elastic portion contacts the end face in the third direction in which the air supply port opens in the device body, so that when the shutter is in the open position, the air communication hole is airtightly connected to the air supply port. A developer container according to configuration 12, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 14) An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, The apparatus has a main body containing a developer housing section and a mounting section, A developer container configured to be attached by moving it in the attachment direction relative to the attachment portion, and to be detached by moving it in the detachment direction opposite to the attachment direction, Equipped with, The aforementioned developer container is A developer storage chamber is provided for storing the developer and for discharging the stored developer to the outside of the developer container. A filter that allows air to pass through but prevents the developer from passing through, An air chamber separated from the developer storage chamber by the filter and provided with an air inlet for receiving air, the air chamber being aligned with the developer storage chamber in a first direction, It has, The main body of the aforementioned device is A developer transport path is provided, with one end configured to communicate with the inside of the main body housing, and the other end having a developer receiving port, the developer receiving port being configured to communicate with the discharge port of the developer container mounted at a predetermined position in the mounting section, An air supply path provided with an air supply port, configured to communicate with the air inlet of the developer container mounted at the predetermined position of the mounting portion, An air supply unit that supplies air from the air inlet of the developer container to the air chamber via the air supply passage, Equipped with, Both the discharge port and the air inlet are provided on the end face of the developer container in the first direction, in the direction from the air chamber toward the developer storage chamber. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features. (Composition 15) Both the aforementioned outlet and the aforementioned air inlet are open toward the first direction. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 14, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 16) The first direction is a direction that intersects the mounting direction and the removal direction, The air inlet is provided on the upstream side of the outlet in the mounting direction. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 14 or 15, characterized by the above. (Composition 17) The air inlet is aligned with the outlet in the mounting direction. An image forming apparatus according to any one of the configurations 14 to 16 characterized by the above. (Composition 18) The frame constituting the developer storage chamber is provided with an air passage that communicates with the air inlet and extends toward the air chamber. An image forming apparatus according to any one of the configurations 14 to 17 characterized by the above. (Composition 19) The first direction is a direction that intersects the mounting direction and the removal direction, The air inlet is provided on the upstream side of the outlet in the mounting direction. At least a portion of the air passage is provided in the part of the frame that is upstream of the developer storage chamber in the mounting direction. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 18, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 20) A groove is provided in the frame, A sealing member attached to the frame so as to seal the side of the opening of the groove, the sealing member having a sealing member that together with the groove constitutes the air passage, The image forming apparatus according to configuration 18 or 19, characterized by the above. (Composition 21) The groove is provided on the front surface, which is the upstream end face of the frame in the mounting direction. The sealing member is a label affixed to the front surface, and the label contains information regarding the developer container. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 20, characterized in that... (Composition 22) A shutter that is movable relative to the end face between a closed position that closes both the discharge port and the air inlet, and an open position that opens both the discharge port and the air inlet, A biasing member that applies a biasing force to the shutter in a direction that moves the shutter from the open position to the closed position, Having, An image forming apparatus according to any one of the configurations 14 to 21 characterized by the above. (Composition 23) The first direction is a direction that intersects the mounting direction and the removal direction, The direction of movement of the shutter from the closed position to the open position relative to the end face is toward the upstream side in the mounting direction. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 22, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 24) The aforementioned shutter is, An elastic part that slides against the end face and is capable of elastic deformation, A portion aligned downstream of the elastic portion in the mounting direction and facing the end face, The elastic portion has an air communication hole that penetrates in the first direction, It has, The closed position is the position in which the elastic portion blocks the outlet and the opposing portion faces the air inlet. The open position is a position in which the elastic portion does not block the outlet and the air communication hole communicates with the air inlet. The first direction includes a third direction from the developer storage chamber toward the air chamber and a fourth direction from the air chamber toward the developer storage chamber, The elastic portion is configured to be compressible and deformable in the third direction between the shutter and the end face when the shutter is in the open position. When the shutter is in the open position, the elastic portion is compressed in the third direction, thereby shortening the distance from the end face in the fourth direction to at least the region of the shutter that includes the air communication hole. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 23, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 25) When the shutter is in the open position, In a state where the elastic portion is not compressed in the third direction, the air inlet is connected to the air supply port of the device body via the air communication hole, When the elastic portion is compressed in the third direction, the air communication hole moves away from the air supply port in the third direction, and the connection between the air inlet and the air supply port is released, thus taking on a second posture. It is structured in such a way. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 24, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 26) The shutter has a second elastic portion provided on the side opposite to the elastic portion in the first direction, through which the air communication hole penetrates in the first direction. The second elastic portion contacts the end face in the third direction in which the air supply port opens in the device body, so that when the shutter is in the open position, the air communication hole is airtightly connected to the air supply port. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 25, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 27) The aforementioned outlet and the aforementioned air inlet are provided on the end face of the developer container in the fourth direction, The mounting portion has a recessed engagement portion in the fourth direction, The developer container is integrally provided with the shutter and has an engaging portion that protrudes in the fourth direction and engages with the engaged portion when the developer container is mounted in the predetermined position of the mounting portion. The engaging portion is configured to move from an engaging position, where it engages with the engaged portion, to a disengaged position, where it retracts in the third direction relative to the engaged portion when the shutter is in the open position, as the elastic portion is compressed in the third direction. The air inlet is configured such that when the engaging portion is in the engaged position, it is connected to the air supply port, and when the engaging portion is in the released position, it is disconnected from the air supply port. The developer container is configured to be movable in the detachment direction from the predetermined position of the mounting portion when the engaging portion is in the release position. An image forming apparatus according to any one of the configurations 24 to 26 characterized by the above. (Composition 28) The air chamber is located below the developer storage chamber when the developer container is mounted in the predetermined position of the mounting part. An image forming apparatus according to any one of the configurations 14 to 27 characterized by the above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 100…Main unit, 1…Toner container, 1a…Toner storage chamber, 1b…Air chamber, 1c, 1d, 1e…Air passage, 1f…Label, 2…Toner container replacement door, 3…Pump, 4…Air transport path, 4a…Air transport tube, 4b…Air supply connection port, 5…Air supply unit, 5a…Air supply port, 5b…O-ring, 6…Filter floor, 7…Toner discharge path, 8…Toner discharge port, 8a…Toner transport port, 8b…O-ring, 8c…Toner connection port, 9…Toner transport path, 9a…Toner transport tube, 9b…Toner transport connection port

Claims

1. A container for a developer, A developer storage chamber is provided for storing the developer and for discharging the stored developer to the outside of the developer container. A filter that allows air to pass through but prevents the developer from passing through, An air chamber, separated from the developer storage chamber by the filter and provided with an air inlet for receiving air, wherein the air chamber is aligned with the developer storage chamber in a first direction, Equipped with, Both the discharge port and the air inlet are provided on the end face of the developer container in the first direction, in the direction from the air chamber toward the developer storage chamber. A developer container characterized by the following features.

2. Both the discharge port and the air inlet are open toward the first direction. The developer container according to feature 1.

3. The developer container is configured to be attachable by moving it in the attachment direction in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The air inlet is provided on the upstream side of the outlet in the mounting direction. The developer container according to feature 2.

4. The air inlet is aligned with the outlet in a second direction that intersects the first direction. The developer container according to feature 1.

5. The frame constituting the developer storage chamber is provided with an air passage that communicates with the air inlet and extends toward the air chamber. The developer container according to feature 1.

6. The developer container is configured to be attachable by moving it in the attachment direction in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The air inlet is provided on the upstream side of the outlet in the mounting direction. At least a portion of the air passage is provided in the part of the frame that is upstream of the developer storage chamber in the mounting direction. The developer container according to feature 5.

7. A groove is provided in the frame, A sealing member attached to the frame so as to seal the side of the opening of the groove, the sealing member having a sealing member that together with the groove constitutes the air passage, The developer container according to feature 6.

8. The groove is provided on the front surface, which is the upstream end face of the frame in the mounting direction. The sealing member is a label affixed to the front surface, and the label contains information regarding the developer container. The developer container according to feature 7.

9. A shutter that is movable relative to the end face between a closed position that closes both the discharge port and the air inlet, and an open position that opens both the discharge port and the air inlet, A biasing force is applied to the shutter in the direction that moves it from the open position to the closed position. The biasing member to be added, Having, The developer container according to feature 1.

10. The developer container is configured to be attachable by moving it in the attachment direction in a second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The direction of movement of the shutter from the closed position to the open position relative to the end face is the direction toward the upstream side of the mounting direction in the second direction. The developer container according to feature 9.

11. The aforementioned shutter is, An elastic part that slides against the end face and is capable of elastic deformation, A portion aligned downstream of the elastic portion in the mounting direction and facing the end face, The elastic portion has an air communication hole that penetrates in the first direction, It has, The closed position is the position in which the elastic portion blocks the outlet and the opposing portion faces the air inlet. The open position is a position in which the elastic portion does not block the outlet and the air communication hole communicates with the air inlet. The first direction includes a third direction from the developer storage chamber toward the air chamber and a fourth direction from the air chamber toward the developer storage chamber, The elastic portion is configured to be compressible and deformable in the third direction between the shutter and the end face when the shutter is in the open position. When the shutter is in the open position, the elastic portion is compressed in the third direction, thereby shortening the distance from the end face in the fourth direction to at least the region of the shutter that includes the air communication hole. The developer container according to feature 10.

12. When the shutter is in the open position, When the elastic portion is not compressed in the third direction, the air inlet takes a first position in which it is connected to the air supply port of the main body of the device via the air communication hole. When the elastic portion is compressed in the third direction, the air communication hole moves away from the air supply port in the third direction, and the connection between the air inlet and the air supply port is released, thus taking on a second posture. It is structured in such a way. The developer container according to feature 11.

13. The shutter has a second elastic portion provided on the side opposite to the elastic portion in the first direction, through which the air communication hole penetrates in the first direction. The second elastic portion contacts the end face in the third direction in which the air supply port opens in the device body, so that when the shutter is in the open position, the air communication hole is airtightly connected to the air supply port. The developer container according to feature 12.

14. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, The apparatus has a main body containing a developer housing section and a mounting section, A developer container configured to be attached by moving it in the attachment direction relative to the attachment portion, and to be detached by moving it in the detachment direction opposite to the attachment direction, Equipped with, The aforementioned developer container is A developer storage chamber is provided for storing the developer and for discharging the stored developer to the outside of the developer container. A filter that allows air to pass through but prevents the developer from passing through, An air chamber, separated from the developer storage chamber by the filter and provided with an air inlet for receiving air, wherein the air chamber is aligned with the developer storage chamber in a first direction, It has, The main body of the aforementioned device is A developer transport path is provided, with one end configured to communicate with the inside of the main body housing, and the other end having a developer receiving port, the developer receiving port being configured to communicate with the discharge port of the developer container mounted at a predetermined position in the mounting section, An air supply path provided with an air supply port, configured to communicate with the air inlet of the developer container mounted at the predetermined position of the mounting portion, An air supply unit that supplies air from the air inlet of the developer container to the air chamber via the air supply passage, Equipped with, Both the discharge port and the air inlet are provided on the end face of the developer container in the first direction, in the direction from the air chamber toward the developer storage chamber. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

15. Both the discharge port and the air inlet are open toward the first direction. The image forming apparatus according to feature 14.

16. The first direction is a direction that intersects the mounting direction and the removal direction, The air inlet is provided on the upstream side of the outlet in the mounting direction. The image forming apparatus according to feature 15.

17. The air inlet is aligned with the outlet in the mounting direction. The image forming apparatus according to feature 14.

18. The frame constituting the developer storage chamber is provided with an air passage that communicates with the air inlet and extends toward the air chamber. The image forming apparatus according to feature 14.

19. The first direction is a direction that intersects the mounting direction and the removal direction, The air inlet is provided on the upstream side of the outlet in the mounting direction. At least a portion of the air passage is provided in the part of the frame that is upstream of the developer storage chamber in the mounting direction. The image forming apparatus according to feature 18.

20. A groove is provided in the frame, A sealing member attached to the frame so as to seal the side of the opening of the groove, the sealing member having a sealing member that together with the groove constitutes the air passage, The image forming apparatus according to feature 18.

21. The groove is provided on the front surface, which is the upstream end face of the frame in the mounting direction. The sealing member is a label affixed to the front surface, and the label contains information regarding the developer container. The image forming apparatus according to the feature described in 20.

22. A shutter that is movable relative to the end face between a closed position that closes both the discharge port and the air inlet, and an open position that opens both the discharge port and the air inlet, A biasing member that applies a biasing force to the shutter in a direction that moves the shutter from the open position to the closed position, Having, The image forming apparatus according to feature 14.

23. The first direction is a direction that intersects the mounting direction and the removal direction, The direction of movement of the shutter from the closed position to the open position relative to the end face is toward the upstream side in the mounting direction. The image forming apparatus according to feature 22.

24. The aforementioned shutter is, An elastic part that slides against the end face and is capable of elastic deformation, A portion aligned downstream of the elastic portion in the mounting direction and facing the end face, The elastic portion has an air communication hole that penetrates in the first direction, It has, The closed position is the position in which the elastic portion blocks the outlet and the opposing portion faces the air inlet. The open position is a position in which the elastic portion does not block the outlet and the air communication hole communicates with the air inlet. The first direction includes a third direction from the developer storage chamber toward the air chamber and a fourth direction from the air chamber toward the developer storage chamber, The elastic portion is configured to be compressible and deformable in the third direction between the shutter and the end face when the shutter is in the open position. When the shutter is in the open position, the elastic portion is compressed in the third direction, thereby shortening the distance from the end face in the fourth direction to at least the region of the shutter that includes the air communication hole. The image forming apparatus according to feature 23.

25. When the shutter is in the open position, When the elastic portion is not compressed in the third direction, the air inlet takes a first position in which it is connected to the air supply port of the main body of the device via the air communication hole. When the elastic portion is compressed in the third direction, the air communication hole moves away from the air supply port in the third direction, and the connection between the air inlet and the air supply port is released, thus taking on a second posture. It is structured in such a way. The image forming apparatus according to feature 24.

26. The shutter has a second elastic portion provided on the side opposite to the elastic portion in the first direction, through which the air communication hole penetrates in the first direction. The second elastic portion contacts the end face in the third direction in which the air supply port opens in the device body, so that when the shutter is in the open position, the air communication hole is airtightly connected to the air supply port. The image forming apparatus according to feature 25.

27. The aforementioned outlet and the aforementioned air inlet are provided on the end face of the developer container in the fourth direction, The mounting portion has a recessed engagement portion in the fourth direction, The developer container is integrally provided with the shutter and has an engaging portion that protrudes in the fourth direction and engages with the engaged portion when the developer container is mounted in the predetermined position of the mounting portion. The engaging portion is configured to move from an engaging position, where it engages with the engaged portion, to a disengaged position, where it retracts in the third direction relative to the engaged portion when the shutter is in the open position, as the elastic portion is compressed in the third direction. The air inlet is configured such that when the engaging portion is in the engaged position, it is connected to the air supply port, and when the engaging portion is in the released position, it is disconnected from the air supply port. The developer container is configured to be movable in the detachment direction from the predetermined position of the mounting portion when the engaging portion is in the release position. The image forming apparatus according to feature 24.

28. The air chamber is located below the developer storage chamber when the developer container is mounted in the predetermined position of the mounting part. The image forming apparatus according to feature 14.

Images