toner cartridge

Abstract

A toner cartridge (2) includes a case (10) having a toner discharge port (15); a conveying member (20) rotatable about a first shaft (A1) inside the case (10); an opener (16) rotatable about the first shaft (A1) between a closed position and an open position relative to the case (10); a toner coupler (321) rotatable about the first shaft (A1); a carrier (322) rotatable together with the toner coupler (321) about the first shaft (A1); a planetary gear (33a) rotatable about a pin (323a) of the carrier (322) and rotatable about the first shaft (A1) with rotation of the carrier (322); and a ring gear (34) engaged with the planetary gear (33a) and rotatable together with the opener (16) about the first shaft (A1). When the opener (16) is moved from the closed position to the open position, the planetary gear (33a) is rotatable together with the ring gear (34) about the first shaft (A1) and is not rotatable about the pin (323a). In a state where the opener (16) is positioned at the open position, the planetary gear (33a) is rotatable about the pin (323a) and rotatable about the first shaft (A1) relative to the ring gear (34).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a toner cartridge. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic type such as a laser printer, an LED printer, and the like is known. The image forming apparatus has a toner cartridge and a drum cartridge. The toner cartridge is attachable to the drum cartridge. In addition, the drum cartridge to which the toner cartridge is attached is attachable to a main body of the image forming apparatus. Patent Literature 1 discloses such a conventional image forming apparatus.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE 1

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-186067

[0007] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0008] The toner cartridge includes an opener for opening and closing a toner supply port. In the image forming apparatus according to Patent Literature 1, after the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the opener is moved from its closed position to its open position by the user's operation. In order to reduce the user's labor, it is preferable that the opener is moved from the closed position to the open position by a driving force supplied from the main body of the image forming apparatus. In this case, if the driving force for rotating a conveyance member for conveying toner in the toner cartridge and the driving force for moving the opener from the closed position to the open position are supplied separately, a plurality of couplers can be required. SUMMARY

[0009] In view of the above, an object of the present application is to provide a structure capable of achieving both rotation of a conveyance member and movement of an opener from a closed position to an open position by a driving force supplied from a coupler, and further capable of maintaining the rotation of the conveyance member after the movement of the opener from the closed position to the open position.

[0010] TECHNICAL SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0011] (First aspect) To achieve the above and other objects, according to a first aspect, there is provided a toner cartridge including a housing, a conveying member, an opener, a toner coupler, a carrier, a first planetary gear, and a ring gear. The housing is configured to accommodate toner and has a toner discharge port. The conveying member is located inside the housing and is rotatable about a first shaft extending in a first direction. The conveying member has a shaft extending in the first direction. The opener is rotatable about the first shaft relative to the housing between a closed position in which the opener closes the toner discharge port and an open position in which the opener opens the toner discharge port. The toner coupler is rotatable about the first shaft and configured to rotate the conveying member. The carrier is rotatable about the first shaft together with the toner coupler. The carrier has a first planetary pin extending in the first direction. The first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary pin relative to the carrier. The first planetary gear is rotatable about the first shaft with rotation of the carrier about the first shaft. The ring gear is rotatable about the first shaft together with the opener. The ring gear is in mesh with the first planetary gear. When the opener moves from the closed position to the open position, the first planetary gear is not rotatable about the first planetary pin but is rotatable about the first shaft together with the ring gear. In a state where the opener is in the open position, the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft relative to the ring gear.

[0012] (Second aspect) Preferably, the toner cartridge according to the first aspect further includes a first stopper configured to contact the opener to prevent movement of the opener from the closed position to the open position in a first rotational direction in a state where the opener is in the open position.

[0013] (Third aspect) Preferably, the toner cartridge according to the second aspect further includes a second stopper configured to contact the opener to prevent movement of the opener from the open position to the closed position in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in a state where the opener is in the closed position.

[0014] (Fourth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to any one of the first to third aspects, preferably, in a state where the opener is in the closed position, the first planetary gear is not rotatable about the first planetary pin but is rotatable about the first shaft with rotation of the ring gear.

[0015] (Fifth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to the fourth aspect, it is preferable that, in a state where the shutter is located at the closed position, the first planetary gear is capable of rotating around the first shaft with rotation of the ring gear without rotating around the first planetary pin.

[0016] (Sixth aspect) It is preferable that the toner cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect further include a sun gear capable of rotating around the first shaft and engaged with the first planetary gear.

[0017] (Seventh aspect) It is preferable that the toner cartridge according to the sixth aspect further include a rotation plate capable of rotating around the first shaft with the sun gear, the rotation plate having a groove, and a boss capable of moving with rotation of the shutter, the boss being capable of moving between a first position where the boss is located inside the groove and a second position where the boss is located outside the groove. In a state where the shutter is located at the closed position, the boss is located at the first position, and in a state where the shutter is located at the open position, the boss is located at the second position.

[0018] (Eighth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect, it is preferable that the toner cartridge be attachable to and detachable from a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum and a relay coupler, and the toner coupler be configured to receive a driving force from the relay coupler and transmit the driving force to the conveyance member in a state where the toner cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge.

[0019] (Ninth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the eighth aspect, it is preferable that the planetary carrier be integrally formed with the toner coupler.

[0020] (Tenth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to the seventh aspect, it is preferable that, in a state where the boss is located at the first position, with rotation of the toner coupler, the sun gear and the rotation plate be capable of rotating around the first shaft, the first planetary gear be capable of rotating around the sun gear without rotating around the first planetary pin, and the ring gear be capable of moving with the shutter relative to the case. It is preferable that, in a state where the boss is located at the second position, with rotation of the toner coupler, the sun gear and the rotation plate be capable of rotating around the first shaft, the first planetary gear be capable of rotating around the first planetary pin and around the sun gear, and the ring gear and the shutter be incapable of moving relative to the case.

[0021] (In the eleventh aspect) In the toner cartridge according to the second aspect, it is preferable that the housing have a recess in a peripheral surface of the housing, the shutter be located in the recess, the recess have a first surface having the toner discharge port and a first stop surface extending from the first surface in a radial direction of the shaft, and the first stop surface be the first stopper.

[0022] (In the twelfth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to the third aspect, it is preferable that the housing have a recess in a peripheral surface of the housing, the shutter be located in the recess, the recess have a first surface having the toner discharge port and a second stop surface extending from the first surface in a radial direction of the shaft, and the second stop surface be the second stopper.

[0023] (In the thirteenth aspect) It is preferable that the toner cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the twelfth aspect further have a lid covering at least a portion of the shutter.

[0024] (In the fourteenth aspect) It is preferable that the toner cartridge according to the seventh aspect further have a lid covering at least a portion of the shutter. It is preferable that the lid have a guide groove into which the boss is inserted, the guide groove extend in a moving direction of the shutter, the guide groove have one end and the other end in the moving direction, and the one end be located closer to the first shaft than the other end.

[0025] (In the fifteenth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to the fourteenth aspect, it is preferable that, in a state where the boss is located at the first position, the boss be located at the one end of the guide groove, and, in a state where the boss is located at the second position, the boss be located at the other end of the guide groove.

[0026] (In the sixteenth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to any one of the thirteenth aspect to the fifteenth aspect, it is preferable that the lid have a communication port communicating with the toner discharge port.

[0027] (In the seventeenth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to any one of the fourteenth aspect to the sixteenth aspect, it is preferable that the lid cover at least a portion of the boss.

[0028] (In the eighteenth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the seventeenth aspect, it is preferable that the ring gear have a gear tooth meshing with the first planetary gear and an arm extending in a direction away from the first planetary gear with respect to the gear tooth. It is preferable that the shutter have a shutter plate configured to cover the toner discharge port and a retainer retaining the ring gear and having a recess into which the arm is inserted.

[0029] (Nineteenth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to the seventh aspect, it is preferable that the sun gear be integrally formed with the rotation plate.

[0030] (Twentieth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to the seventh aspect, it is preferable that the rotation plate have a plurality of the grooves.

[0031] (Twenty-first aspect) In the toner cartridge according to the twentieth aspect, it is preferable that the plurality of the grooves be located at an entire outer circumferential surface of the rotation plate.

[0032] (Twenty-second aspect) It is preferable that the toner cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the twentieth aspect further have a shutter elastic member configured to apply a force to the shutter from the open position to the closed position.

[0033] (Twenty-third aspect) In the toner cartridge according to the twenty-second aspect, it is preferable that the shutter elastic member be configured to be compressed and stretched between a first state in which the shutter is located at the closed position and a second state in which the shutter is located at the open position, the length of the shutter elastic member in the second state being longer than the length of the shutter elastic member in the first state.

[0034] (Twenty-fourth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to the twenty-third aspect, it is preferable that, in response to rotation of the shutter from the closed position to the open position, the shutter elastic member be stretched from the first state to the second state.

[0035] (Twenty-fifth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to the twenty-third aspect or the twenty-fourth aspect, it is preferable that, in response to a stop of rotation of the toner coupler, the shutter elastic member be compressed from the second state to the first state, the shutter moving from the open position to the closed position when the shutter elastic member is compressed from the second state to the first state.

[0036] (Twenty-sixth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to any one of the twenty-second aspect to the twenty-fifth aspect, it is preferable that the shutter elastic member be a spring.

[0037] (Twenty-seventh aspect) In the toner cartridge according to any one of the twenty-second aspect to the twenty-sixth aspect, it is preferable that the toner coupler be located at an end portion of the housing in the first direction.

[0038] (Twenty-eighth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect, it is preferable that the sun gear be located at an end portion of the housing in the first direction.

[0039] (In the twenty-ninth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect, it is preferable that the sun gear have a circular hole centered on the first shaft, and the toner coupler be inserted in the circular hole.

[0040] (In the thirtieth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the twenty-ninth aspect, it is preferable that the first planetary gear be located at an end portion in the first direction of the housing.

[0041] (In the thirty-first aspect) In the toner cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the thirtieth aspect, it is preferable that the ring gear be located at an end portion in the first direction of the housing.

[0042] (In the thirty-second aspect) In the toner cartridge according to the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect, it is preferable that the toner coupler, the sun gear, the first planetary gear, and the ring gear be located in a plane extending perpendicularly to the first shaft.

[0043] (In the thirty-third aspect) In the toner cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the thirty-second aspect, it is preferable that the carrier have a second planetary pin extending in the first direction. It is preferable that the toner cartridge further have a second planetary gear rotatable relative to the carrier about the second planetary pin. The second planetary gear is rotatable with the carrier about the first shaft.

[0044] (In the thirty-fourth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the thirty-third aspect, it is preferable that the carrier have a third planetary pin extending in the first direction. It is preferable that the toner cartridge further have a third planetary gear rotatable relative to the carrier about the third planetary pin. The third planetary gear is rotatable with the carrier about the first shaft.

[0045] (In the thirty-fifth aspect) In the toner cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the thirty-fourth aspect, it is preferable that the carrier have a fourth planetary pin extending in the first direction. It is preferable that the toner cartridge further have a fourth planetary gear rotatable relative to the carrier about the fourth planetary pin. The fourth planetary gear is rotatable with the carrier about the first shaft.

[0046] (In the thirty-sixth aspect) It is preferable that the toner cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the thirty-fifth aspect further have a clutch configured to prevent the conveyance member from rotating with the toner coupler in response to movement of the shutter from the open position to the closed position.

[0047] (Part 37) In the toner cartridge according to part 36, preferably, the toner coupling member has a clutch hole having a circular arc shape centered on the first axis, the clutch hole having a length in a circumferential direction of the toner coupling member around the first axis. Preferably, the conveyance member has a clutch pawl inserted into the clutch hole, the length of the clutch hole in the circumferential direction around the first axis being longer than a length of the clutch pawl in the circumferential direction around the first axis. Preferably, the clutch hole and the clutch pawl in combination constitute the clutch.

[0048] (Part 38) In the toner cartridge according to any one of parts 1 to 37, preferably, the toner discharge port is located at an end portion of the housing in the first direction, and the shutter is located at the end portion of the housing in the first direction.

[0049] (Part 39) In the toner cartridge according to any one of parts 1 to 38, preferably, the shutter is configured to open the toner discharge port by moving in a circumferential direction of the housing around the first axis.

[0050] (Part 40) Preferably, the toner cartridge according to any one of parts 13 to 16 further has a lock member movable in the first direction between a lock position and a release position. Preferably, when the lock member is in the lock position, the shutter is unable to move from the closed position to the open position, and when the lock member is in the release position, the shutter is able to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0051] (Part 41) In the toner cartridge according to part 40, preferably, the lock member has a lock protrusion and a lock elastic member. The lock protrusion is configured to contact the cover when the lock member is in the lock position and to be separated from the cover when the lock member is in the release position. The lock elastic member exerts a force on the lock protrusion from the release position to the lock position.

[0052] (Part 42) In the toner cartridge according to part 41, preferably, the cover has a through hole extending through a thickness of the cover in the first direction, and the lock protrusion is configured to be inserted into the through hole.

[0053] (Part 43) In the toner cartridge according to part 41 or 42, preferably, the lock elastic member is a spring.

[0054] (Portion 44) Preferably, the toner cartridge according to any one of the first aspect to the twenty-first aspect, the twenty-eighth aspect, the twenty-ninth aspect, and the forty-first to the forty-fourth aspects is attachable to and detachable from a main frame of an image forming apparatus. Preferably, the shutter has a lever that is contactable with the main frame. The shutter is configured to move from the open position to the closed position by contact of the lever with the main frame.

[0055] (Portion 45) In the toner cartridge according to the forty-first aspect to the forty-fourth aspect, preferably, the conveying member is an agitator.

[0056] Advantages of the Invention

[0057] According to the above-described first aspect to the forty-fourth aspect of the present application, the rotation of the conveying member and the movement of the shutter from the closed position to the open position are achieved by the driving force supplied from the coupling. In addition, after the movement of the shutter from the closed position to the open position, the conveying member can continue to rotate.

[0058] In addition, according to the second aspect of the present application, when the shutter moves from the closed position to the open position, the shutter abuts against the first stopper, thereby stopping the movement of the shutter. Thus, the rotation of the ring gear is also stopped. However, the conveying member can be kept rotating by the first planetary gear and the sun gear while the shutter is maintained in the open position.

[0059] According to the seventh aspect of the present application, when the shutter is in the closed position, the boss is in the first position. In this state, the boss and the shutter rotate with the rotation of the rotation plate. Thus, the first planetary gear, the sun gear, the rotation plate, the boss, the ring gear, and the shutter rotate around the first axis with the rotation of the toner coupling. The shutter thus moves from the closed position to the open position. Further, when the shutter moves from the closed position to the open position, the boss moves from the first position to the second position. As a result, the boss is separated from the rotation plate, and the first planetary gear and the sun gear are idling. In this way, the conveying member can rotate while the shutter is maintained in the open position.

[0060] According to the eleventh aspect of the present application, the toner discharge port and the first stopper face are located in the same housing. The shutter can be accurately positioned with respect to the toner discharge port.

[0061] According to the twelfth aspect of the present application, the toner discharge port and the second stopper face are located in the same housing. The shutter can be accurately positioned with respect to the toner discharge port.

[0062] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present application, the user is restricted from touching the shutter.

[0063] According to the fourteenth and fifteenth aspects of the present application, the boss is stably movable between the first position and the second position.

[0064] According to the seventeenth aspect of the present application, the user is restricted from touching the boss.

[0065] According to the eighteenth aspect of the present application, the driving force of the ring gear is stably transmitted to the shutter.

[0066] According to the twenty-first aspect of the present application, the boss is able to be fitted into the groove of the rotary plate regardless of the rotational position of the rotary plate.

[0067] According to the twenty-second aspect of the present application, when the driving force to the toner coupler is stopped, the shutter is able to return to the closed position by the pushing force of the shutter force applying member.

[0068] According to the thirty-second aspect of the present application, the size of the toner cartridge is able to be reduced in the first direction.

[0069] According to the thirty-third aspect of the present application, a single carrier is able to support the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear. With this structure, the positioning of the second planetary gear with respect to the first planetary gear is able to be accurately performed.

[0070] According to the thirty-fourth aspect of the present application, a single carrier is able to support the first planetary gear and the third planetary gear. With this structure, the positioning of the third planetary gear with respect to the first planetary gear is able to be accurately performed.

[0071] According to the thirty-fifth aspect of the present application, a single carrier is able to support the first planetary gear and the fourth planetary gear. With this structure, the positioning of the fourth planetary gear with respect to the first planetary gear is able to be accurately performed.

[0072] According to the thirty-sixth aspect of the present application, when the shutter moves from the open position to the closed position, the conveying member is restricted from rotating with the toner coupler.

[0073] According to the thirty-seventh aspect of the present application, no special parts for the clutch are required in addition to the toner coupler and the conveying member.

[0074] According to the fortieth aspect of the present application, the movement of the shutter is able to be locked by the locking member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0075] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an image forming apparatus.

[0076] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing four toner cartridges, a drum cartridge, and a part of a main body frame, each of the four toner cartridges being according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0077] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to the above-described embodiment.

[0078] Figure 4 is another perspective view of a toner cartridge according to the above-described embodiment.

[0079] Figure 5 is a view of a toner cartridge according to the above-described embodiment, viewed from one side in a first direction.

[0080] Figure 6 is a view of a toner cartridge according to the above-described embodiment, viewed from the other side in a first direction.

[0081] Figure 7 is a partial exploded perspective view showing components at a first end of a housing of a toner cartridge according to the above-described embodiment.

[0082] Figure 8 is another partial exploded perspective view showing components at a first end of a housing of a toner cartridge according to the above-described embodiment.

[0083] Figure 9 is a sectional view of a toner cartridge according to the above-described embodiment along the line IX-IX in Figure 5 .

[0084] Figure 10 is a sectional view of a toner cartridge according to the above-described embodiment along the line X-X in Figure 9 .

[0085] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a cover of a toner cartridge according to the above-described embodiment, viewed in a first direction.

[0086] Figure 12 is a sectional view of a toner cartridge according to the above-described embodiment along the line XII-XII in Figure 9 , and in particular shows a closed position of the shutter.

[0087] Figure 13 is another sectional view of a toner cartridge according to the above-described embodiment along the line XII-XII in Figure 9 , and in particular shows an open position of the shutter.

[0088] Figure 14 is a sectional view of a coupling portion of an agitator shaft and a toner coupler in a toner cartridge according to the above-described embodiment along the line XIV-XIV in Figure 9 , and in particular shows a state in which the shutter is in the open position.

[0089] Figure 15 is another sectional view of a coupling portion of an agitator shaft and a toner coupler in a toner cartridge according to the above-described embodiment along the lineFigure 9 The cross-sectional view along line XIV-XIV shows the opener / closer in the closed position.

[0090] Figure 16 It is a 3D diagram of the drum box.

[0091] Figure 17 This is another three-dimensional view of the drum box.

[0092] Figure 18 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus, showing the state in which the drum attached to the toner cartridge according to the above embodiment is inserted into the main frame of the image forming apparatus.

[0093] Figure 19 This is another cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus, showing the state in which the drum attached to the toner cartridge according to the above embodiment is inserted into the main frame.

[0094] Figure 20 It is a partially exploded perspective view of the toner box based on the first modified example.

[0095] Figure 21 This is a diagram showing the state of the modified main frame of the image forming apparatus in the first modified example, to which the drum with the toner cartridge according to the first modified example is attached.

[0096] Figure 22 This diagram shows the state in which the drum with the toner cartridge attached according to the first modified example is removed from the main frame of the modified image forming apparatus in the first modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0097] Hereinafter, a toner cartridge 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0098] In the following description, the stirrer 20 of the color powder box 2 ( Figure 3 The direction in which the light-sensitive drums extend is called the "first direction". Additionally, in the drum housing 3, multiple photosensitive drums 70 ( Figure 1 The direction in which the toner cartridge 2 is arranged is called the "second direction". The direction in which the toner cartridge 2 is inserted into the drum cartridge 3 is called the "third direction". The first direction and the second direction intersect each other, preferably orthogonal to each other. The second direction and the third direction intersect each other, preferably orthogonal to each other. The third direction intersects each other, preferably orthogonal to each other.

[0099] 1. Structure of the image forming apparatus

[0100] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of image forming apparatus 1. Image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic printer. Specifically, image forming apparatus 1 is a laser printer or an LED printer. Figure 1As shown, the image forming apparatus 1 has four toner cartridges 2, a drum cartridge 3, a main body frame 4, and a controller 5.

[0101] As shown, the four toner cartridges 2 can be attached to or detached from the drum cartridge 3. In addition, the drum cartridge 3 (to which the four toner cartridges 2 are attached) is a drawer that can be attached to or detached from the main body frame 4. In the present embodiment, the number of toner cartridges 2 that can be attached to the drum cartridge 3 is four. However, the number of toner cartridges 2 can also be one to three, or five or more. Figure 1

[0102] The four toner cartridges 2 each contain toner of a different color (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) from one another. The image forming apparatus 1 is configured to form an image on a print sheet using toner supplied from the four toner cartridges 2.

[0103] The controller 5 is located in the main body frame 4 of the image forming apparatus 1. The controller 5 has a processor 501, such as a CPU, and a built-in memory 502. The built-in memory 502 is a storage medium that can read and write information. The processor 501 is configured to be able to read information from and write information to the built-in memory 502. The controller 5 is configured to realize printing in the image forming apparatus 1 by causing the processor 501 to act in accordance with a program stored in the built-in memory 502.

[0104] The four toner cartridges 2 each have an IC chip 41. The IC chip 41 is a readable / writable storage medium. The drum cartridge 3 has four drum contacts 91a, 91b, 91c, 91d, a drum wire harness 92, and a drum connector 93. The four drum contacts 91a to 91d are electrically connected to the drum connector 93 via the drum wire harness 92. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 has a built-in connector 403 and a built-in wire harness 404 that are built into the main body frame 4. The built-in connector 403 is electrically connected to the controller 5 via the built-in wire harness 404.

[0105] In a case where the toner cartridges 2 are attached to the drum cartridge 3, the IC chips 41 come into contact with the drum contacts 91a, 91b, 91c, and 91d, respectively. As a result, the IC chips 41 are electrically connected to the drum contacts 91a to 91d. In addition, in a case where the drum cartridge 3 (to which the toner cartridges 2 are attached) is attached to the main body frame 4, the drum connector 93 comes into contact with the built-in connector 403, and as a result, the drum connector 93 is electrically connected to the built-in connector 403. As a result, the IC chips 41 are electrically connected to the controller 5 via the drum contacts 91a to 91d, the drum wire harness 92, the drum connector 93, the built-in connector 403, and the built-in wire harness 404. As a result, the controller 5 is able to read information from and write information to the IC chips 41.

[0106] Figure 2 ​is a perspective view showing a part of the four toner cartridges 2, the drum cartridge 3, and the main frame 4. As shown in Figure 2 the main frame 4 has a first side plate 401 and a second side plate 402. The first side plate 401 and the second side plate 402 have a substantially flat plate shape extending perpendicular to the first direction. The first side plate 401 and the second side plate 402 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The drum cartridge 3 to which the four toner cartridges 2 are attached is capable of being inserted into a space between the first side plate 401 and the second side plate 402 in the second direction.

[0107] 2. Toner cartridge

[0108] Next, the structure of the toner cartridge 2 will be described.

[0109] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 2. Figure 5 is a view of the toner cartridge 2 as viewed in the first direction from the side of the first end portion 11 described later. Figure 6 is a view showing the toner cartridge 2 as viewed in the first direction from the side of the second end portion 12 described later. Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge 2. Figure 9 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge 2 along the IX-IX line in Figure 5 .

[0110] As shown in Figures 3-9 , the toner cartridge 2 has a housing 10, an opener 16, a stirrer 20, two return springs 31a, 31b, a toner coupling 321, a carrier 322, a first planetary gear 33a, a second planetary gear 33b, a third planetary gear 33c, a fourth planetary gear 33d, a ring gear 34, a sun gear 351, a rotating plate 352, a cover 36, two bosses 37a, 37b (, two lock members 38a, 38b, and an IC chip assembly 40. Figure 10

[0111] ​The housing 10 is a container for containing toner as a developer. The housing 10 extends in a first direction. The housing 10 has a first end portion 11, a second end portion 12, and a sleeve-like peripheral surface 13. The first end portion 11 is distal from the second end portion 12 in the first direction. An open-and-close member 16, two return springs 31a, 31b, a toner coupler 321, a carrier 322, a first planetary gear 33a, a second planetary gear 33b, a third planetary gear 33c, a fourth planetary gear 33d, a ring gear 34, a sun gear 351, a rotating plate 352, a lid 36, two bosses 37a, 37b, and two locking members 38a, 38b are located at the first end portion 11. An IC chip assembly 40 is located at the second end portion 12. The peripheral surface 13 extends in the first direction to connect the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12. The peripheral surface 13 is a cylinder shape centered on a first axis Al extending in the first direction.

[0112] The housing 10 defines an accommodation chamber 14 inside. The toner is accommodated in the accommodation chamber 14. As shown, the housing 10 has a toner discharge port 15. The toner discharge port 15 is located at an end portion of the peripheral surface 13 in the first direction. Figure 8

[0113] The open-and-close member 16 is located at the first end portion 11 of the housing 10. The open-and-close member 16 has a holder 161 and an open-and-close plate 162. The holder 161 is a substantially disc shape with a center coinciding with the first axis Al. The open-and-close plate 162 extends from a portion of the holder 161 toward the second end portion 12 of the housing 10 in the first direction. The open-and-close plate 162 has an open-and-close opening 163.

[0114] The open-and-close member 16 is rotatable relative to the housing 10 about the first axis Al between a closed position in which the open-and-close member 16 closes the toner discharge port 15 and an open position in which the open-and-close member 16 opens the toner discharge port 15. When the open-and-close member 16 is in the closed position, the open-and-close plate 162 covers the toner discharge port 15. Thus, the open-and-close member 16 closes the toner discharge port 15. When the open-and-close member 16 is in the open position, the open-and-close opening 163 of the open-and-close plate 162 coincides with the toner discharge port 15. Thus, the open-and-close member 16 opens the toner discharge port 15. That is, the accommodation chamber 14 communicates with the outside of the housing 10 via the toner discharge port 15, the open-and-close opening 163, and a communication port 363 (described later) of the lid 36. As a result, the toner accommodated in the accommodation chamber 14 is allowed to move toward the drum cartridge 3.

[0115] The peripheral surface 13 of the housing 10 has a recess 19. The open-and-close plate 162 of the open-and-close member 16 is located inside the recess 19. The recess 19 has a first surface 191, a first stop surface 18, and a second stop surface 17. The first surface 191 has the toner discharge port 15. The first stop surface 18 extends outward from the first surface 191 in a radial direction of a stirrer shaft 21 (described later) of a stirrer 20. The second stop surface 17 also extends outward from the first surface 191 in the radial direction.​

[0116] The first stop surface 18 is configured to stop the rotational movement of the opener / closer 16 from the closed position to the open position. In the open position, the opener / closer 16 (opening / closing plate 162) is in contact with the first stop surface 18. The second stop surface 17 is configured to stop the rotational movement of the opener / closer 16 from the open position to the closed position. In the closed position, the opener / closer 16 (opening / closing plate 162) is in contact with the second stop surface 17. Thus, the rotational movement of the opener / closer 16 is limited to the range between the closed and open positions.

[0117] Furthermore, the first stop surface 18 may not be configured to completely stop the rotational movement of the opener / closer 16. For example, the opener / closer 16 may be able to move slightly while in contact with the first stop surface 18. Similarly, the second stop surface 17 may not be configured to completely stop the rotational movement of the opener / closer 16. For example, the opener / closer 16 may be able to move slightly while in contact with the second stop surface 17.

[0118] In this embodiment, both the toner outlet 15 and the first stop surface 18 are provided on the housing 10. Therefore, precise positioning of the opener / closer 16 relative to the toner outlet 15 can be achieved. Additionally, in this embodiment, both the toner outlet 15 and the second stop surface 17 are provided on the housing 10. Therefore, precise positioning of the opener / closer 16 relative to the toner outlet 15 can be achieved. Alternatively, the cover 36 may also have a first stop surface 18 and a second stop surface 17. Alternatively, the first stop surface 18 and the second stop surface 17 may not be integrally formed with the housing 10 or the cover 36.

[0119] The retainer 161 has a circular hole 167. The hole 167 extends through the central portion of the retainer 161 in a first direction. The toner coupler 321, planet carrier 322, gear ring 34, sun gear 351, and rotating plate 352 are located in the hole 167.

[0120] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view along the XX line. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the retainer 161 has a first recess 164a, a second recess 165a, a third recess 166a, a fourth recess 164b, a fifth recess 165b, and a sixth recess 166b. These recesses 164a, 165a, 166a, 164b, 165b, and 166b are recessed towards the second end 12 of the housing 10 in a first direction. These recesses 164a, 165a, 166a, 164b, 165b, and 166b are arranged sequentially around the hole 167 in the circumferential direction.

[0121] The agitator 20 is a conveying component configured to agitate and convey the pigment powder inside the housing 10. The agitator 20 is located inside the housing 10.Figure 3 As shown by the dashed line, the stirrer 20 has a stirrer shaft 21 and stirrer blades 22. The stirrer shaft 21 extends along a first axis A1 in a first direction. The stirrer shaft 21 has one end and another end in the first direction. One end of the stirrer shaft 21 is located at the first end 11 of the housing 10. The other end of the stirrer shaft 21 is located at the second end 12 of the housing 10.

[0122] The agitator blades 22 extend radially outward from the agitator shaft 21. That is, the agitator blades 22 extend from the agitator shaft 21 toward the inner circumferential surface of the housing 10. The toner coupler 321 is connected to one end of the agitator shaft 21 in a first direction. As the toner coupler 321 rotates about the first axis A1, the agitator shaft 21 and the agitator blades 22 also rotate together with the toner coupler 321 about the first axis A1. The toner inside the housing 10 is agitated due to the rotation of the agitator blades 22.

[0123] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, the stirrer 20 also has a sleeve component 23. The sleeve component 23 is fixed to the stirrer shaft 21. The sleeve component 23 is located in a first direction closer to one end than to the other end of the stirrer shaft 21. The sleeve component 23 has an outer peripheral surface formed by a helical groove.

[0124] Two return springs 31a and 31b, a pigment coupler 321, a planetary carrier 322, a first planetary gear 33a, a second planetary gear 33b, a third planetary gear 33c, a fourth planetary gear 33d, a gear ring 34, a sun gear 351, a rotating plate 352, a cover 36, two bosses 37a and 37b, and two locking components 38a and 38b are components of the mechanism for operating the opening / closing device 16 and the stirrer 20. These components are located at the first end 11 of the housing 10.

[0125] The two return springs 31a and 31b are elastic components that apply force to the open / close device 16 from the open position to the closed position. The two return springs 31a and 31b are tension springs. Return spring 31a is housed in a first recess 164a formed in the retainer 161. Return spring 31b is housed in a fourth recess 164b formed in the retainer 161.

[0126] The first recess 164a is an arc shape whose central axis coincides with the first axis A1. The return spring 31a has one end and another end in the circumferential direction around the first axis A1. One end of the return spring 31a is connected to the retainer 161. The other end of the return spring 31a is connected to the spring seat 366a of the cover 36 (described later). The return spring 31b has one end and another end in the circumferential direction around the first axis A1. One end of the return spring 31b is connected to the retainer 161. The other end of the return spring 31b is connected to the spring seat 366b of the cover 36 (described later). With this structure, the lengths of the return springs 31a and 31b in the rotational direction of the opener 16 can vary according to the movement between the closed and open positions of the opener 16.

[0127] Specifically, the lengths of the return springs 31a and 31b in the rotational direction of the opener 16 can vary between a first state and a second state. When the opener 16 is in the closed position, the return springs 31a and 31b are in the first state, and when the opener 16 is in the open position, the return springs 31a and 31b are in the second state. The lengths of the return springs 31a and 31b in the rotational direction of the opener 16 in the second state are longer than the lengths of the return springs 31a and 31b in the rotational direction of the opener 16 in the first state. In addition, the lengths of the return springs 31a and 31b in the rotational direction of the opener 16 in the second state are longer than their natural lengths in the rotational direction of the opener 16.

[0128] The toner coupler 321 can be connected to the relay coupler 82 of the drum cassette 3 (described later). The toner coupler 321 is configured to receive driving force from the relay coupler 82 when connected. The toner coupler 321 can rotate about the first axis A1 by receiving driving force from the relay coupler 82. The toner coupler 321 is connected to one end of the stirrer shaft 21 in the first direction. Therefore, when the toner coupler 321 rotates, the stirrer 20 can rotate together with the toner coupler 321 about the first axis A1.

[0129] The toner coupler 321 has one end and another end. One end of the toner coupler 321 is farther away from the other end of the toner coupler 321 in a first direction. One end of the toner coupler 321 is farther away from the first end 11 of the housing 10 than the other end of the toner coupler 321. In other words, the other end of the toner coupler 321 is closer to the first end 11 of the housing 10 in a first direction than one end of the toner coupler 321.

[0130] The planet carrier 322 expands toward the radially outer side from the other end portion of the toner coupling 321 in the first direction. In the present embodiment, the toner coupling 321 and the planet carrier 322 are integrally configured with each other. However, the toner coupling 321 and the planet carrier 322 can be provided as different parts from each other as long as the planet carrier 322 can rotate together with the toner coupling 321 around the first shaft Al.

[0131] The first planet pin 323a, the second planet pin 323b, the third planet pin 323c, and the fourth planet pin 323d are provided to the planet carrier 322 in a manner of extending outward in the direction away from the first end portion 11 of the housing 10 in the first direction. These pins 323a, 323b, 323c, 323d are solid cylindrical. These pins 323a, 323b, 323c, 323d are arranged at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction of the planet carrier 322 around the first shaft Al. It is preferable that these pins 323a, 323b, 323c, 323d are arranged at a constant 90-degree interval from each other in the circumferential direction from the adjacent pin.

[0132] The first planet gear 33a, the second planet gear 33b, the third planet gear 33c, and the fourth planet gear 33d are arranged at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction around the first shaft Al. It is preferable that these planet gears 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d are arranged at a constant 90-degree interval from each other in the circumferential direction from the adjacent planet gear.

[0133] Specifically, the first planet gear 33a has a first hole 331a in the center thereof. The first planet pin 323a extends through the first hole 331a. The first planet gear 33a is supported by the first planet pin 323a. In a state where the first planet pin 323a is inserted into the first hole 331a, the first planet gear 33a can rotate around the first planet shaft 332a with respect to the planet carrier 322. The first planet gear 33a has a plurality of gear teeth 333a on the outer peripheral surface.

[0134] The second planet gear 33b has a second hole 331b in the center thereof. The second planet pin 323b extends through the second hole 331b. The second planet gear 33b is supported by the second planet pin 323b. In a state where the second planet pin 323b is inserted into the second hole 331b, the second planet gear 33b can rotate around the second planet shaft 332b with respect to the planet carrier 322. The second planet gear 33b has a plurality of gear teeth 333b on the outer peripheral surface.

[0135] The third planetary gear 33c has a third hole 331c in the center thereof. A third planetary pin 323c extends through the third hole 331c. The third planetary gear 33c is supported by the third planetary pin 323c. In a state where the third planetary pin 323c is inserted in the third hole 331c, the third planetary gear 33c is rotatable with respect to the carrier 322 about a third planetary axis 332c. The third planetary gear 33c has a plurality of gear teeth 333c on an outer peripheral surface.

[0136] The fourth planetary gear 33d has a fourth hole 331d in the center thereof. A fourth planetary pin 323d extends through the fourth hole 331d. The fourth planetary gear 33d is supported by the fourth planetary pin 323d. In a state where the fourth planetary pin 323d is inserted in the fourth hole 331d, the fourth planetary gear 33d is rotatable with respect to the carrier 322 about a fourth planetary axis 332d. The fourth planetary gear 33d has a plurality of gear teeth 333d on an outer peripheral surface.

[0137] In the present embodiment, one carrier 322 supports the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d. Thereby, accurate positioning of the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d with respect to the first planetary gear 33a is obtained.

[0138] Further, in response to rotation of the toner coupler 321 about the first axis Al, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d rotate about the first axis Al with rotation of the toner coupler 321 and the carrier 322. In this way, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d are rotatable about their planetary axes 332a, 332b, 332c, 332d, respectively, and are also rotatable about the sun gear 351 described later.

[0139] The ring gear 34 is an annular body that surrounds the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d. The ring gear 34 has a central axis coinciding with the first axis Al. The ring gear 34 has a plurality of gear teeth 342 on an inner peripheral surface. The gear teeth 333a of the first planetary gear 33a, the gear teeth 333b of the second planetary gear 33b, the gear teeth 333c of the third planetary gear 33c, and the gear teeth 333d of the fourth planetary gear 33d are engaged with the gear teeth 342 of the ring gear 34, respectively.

[0140] The ring gear 34 has two arms 341a, 341b. The two arms 341a, 341b extend from the outer circumferential surface of the ring gear 34 toward the radially outer side. That is, the two arms 341a, 341b extend in a direction away from the gear teeth 342 of the ring gear 34, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d. The arm 341a is embedded in the second recess 165a of the holder 161. The arm 341b is embedded in the fifth recess 165b of the holder 161. Thereby, the shutter 16 can rotate together with the ring gear 34. Therefore, in response to the rotation of the ring gear 34 around the first axis Al, the shutter 16 also rotates around the first axis Al together with the ring gear 34.

[0141] The sun gear 351 is rotatable around the first axis Al. The first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d are located around the sun gear 351. The outer circumferential surface of the sun gear 351 has a plurality of gear teeth 354. The gear teeth 333a of the first planetary gear 33a, the gear teeth 333b of the second planetary gear 33b, the gear teeth 333c of the third planetary gear 33c, and the gear teeth 333d of the fourth planetary gear 33d are engaged with the gear teeth 354 of the sun gear 351. The sun gear 351 has a circular hole 351A whose center coincides with the first axis Al. The toner coupler 321 is inserted into the hole 351A of the sun gear 351.

[0142] The toner coupler 321, the sun gear 351, the four planetary gears 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, and the ring gear 34 are located on the same plane extending in a direction orthogonal to the first axis Al. Specifically, in the radial direction of the stirrer shaft 21 orthogonal to the first axis Al, the sun gear 351 is located farther from the first axis Al than the toner coupler 321. In the radial direction of the stirrer shaft 21, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d are located farther from the first axis Al than the sun gear 351. In the radial direction of the stirrer shaft 21, the ring gear 34 is located farther from the first axis Al than the planetary gears 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d. In other words, the toner coupler 321, the sun gear 351, the planetary gears 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, and the ring gear 34 are arranged in this order in the radial direction of the stirrer shaft 21. With this structure, the toner cartridge 2 can reduce the size in the first direction.

[0143] The sun gear 351 has one end portion and the other end portion. The one end portion is distanced from the other end portion in the first direction. The one end portion of the sun gear 351 is located at a position farther from the first end portion 11 of the housing 10 than the other end portion of the sun gear 351 in the first direction. In other words, the other end portion of the sun gear 351 is located at a position closer to the first end portion 11 of the housing 10 than the one end portion of the sun gear 351 in the first direction.

[0144] The rotation plate 352 extends toward the radially outer side from the one end portion of the sun gear 351. The rotation plate 352 is rotatable with the sun gear 351 about the first shaft Al. In the present embodiment, the sun gear 351 is integrally formed with the rotation plate 352. However, the rotation plate 352 can be a separate member from the sun gear 351 as long as the rotation plate 352 is rotatable with the sun gear 351 about the first shaft Al. The outer circumferential surface of the rotation plate 352 has a plurality of grooves 353. The plurality of grooves 353 are arranged at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotation plate 352. It is preferable that the plurality of grooves 353 are arranged at equal intervals from each other in the circumferential direction. Each groove 353 is recessed toward the radially inner side from the outer circumferential surface of the rotation plate 352. When viewed in the first direction, the groove 353 has a circular arc shape.

[0145] The cover 36 is attached to the first end portion 11 of the housing 10. The cover 36 has a gear cover portion 361 and an opener cover portion 362. The gear cover portion 361 has a substantially disc shape with the first shaft Al as the center. The opener cover portion 362 extends from a part of the outer circumferential portion of the gear cover portion 361 toward the housing 10 in the first direction. The return springs 31a, 31b, the toner coupling 321, the carrier 322, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, the fourth planetary gear 33d, the ring gear 34, the sun gear 351, the rotation plate 352, and the two bosses 37a, 37b are located between the first end portion 11 of the housing 10 and the gear cover portion 361 in the first direction. The opener cover portion 362 covers at least a part of the opening plate 162 of the opener 16.

[0146] The opener cover portion 362 has a communication port 363. The communication port 363 overlaps with the toner discharge port 15 regardless of whether the opener 16 is located at the open position or at the closed position. When the opener 16 is located at the closed position, the communication port 363 is closed by the opening plate 162. When the opener 16 is located at the open position, the opening port 163 becomes aligned with the toner discharge port 15 and the communication port 363. Thus, the accommodation chamber 14 and the outside of the housing 10 communicate with each other via the toner discharge port 15, the opening port 163, and the communication port 363.

[0147] Figure 11 The cover 36 is viewed in the first direction, particularly from the second end portion 12 toward the first end portion 11 of the housing 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the gear cover portion 361 is located at a position farther from the first end portion 11 of the housing 10 than the opener cover portion 362 in the first direction. In other words, the opener cover portion 362 is located at a position closer to the first end portion 11 of the housing 10 than the gear cover portion 361 in the first direction.Figure 11 As shown, the cover 36 has a central through-hole 364, two side through-holes 365a and 365b, two spring seats 366a and 366b, and two guide grooves 367a and 367b.

[0148] The central through-hole 364 and the two side through-holes 365a and 365b pass through the thickness of the gear cover portion 361 in the first direction. The central through-hole 364 is located in the central portion of the gear cover portion 361. The central through-hole 364 has a circular shape when viewed in the first direction. The toner coupler 321 extends through the central through-hole 364 to be exposed to the outside of the cover 36. The two side through-holes 365a and 365b are located around the central through-hole 364, so that the two side through-holes 365a and 365b are located on opposite sides of each other with respect to the central through-hole 364 in the radial direction. The side through-holes 365a and 365b have a rectangular shape when viewed in the first direction. As shown, the lock member 38a described later extends through the side through-hole 365a to be exposed to the outside of the cover 36, and the lock member 38b described later extends through the side through-hole 365b to be exposed to the outside of the cover 36. Figure 12

[0149] The two spring seats 366a and 366b protrude from the gear cover portion 361 toward the shutter 16 (inward) in the first direction. The two spring seats 366a and 366b are located on opposite sides of each other across the central through-hole 364. The spring seat 366a is connected to the other end of the return spring 31a described above. The spring seat 366b is connected to the other end of the return spring 31b described above.

[0150] The guide groove 367a is configured to guide the boss 37a. The guide groove 367b is configured to guide the boss 37b. The two guide grooves 367a and 367b are located on the surface of the gear cover portion 361 that faces the shutter 16 in the first direction. The two guide grooves 367a and 367b are located on opposite sides of each other with respect to the central through-hole 364. Each of the two guide grooves 367a and 367b extends substantially in the rotation direction of the shutter 16. Each of the two guide grooves 367a and 367b has a circular arc shape when viewed in the first direction. Each of the two guide grooves 367a and 367b has one end portion 367C and the other end portion 367F in the rotation direction of the shutter 16. The one end portion 367C is located closer to the first shaft Al than the other end portion 367F.

[0151] ​Two protrusions 37a and 37b are positioned around the rotating plate 352. Protrusion 37a is movably located in the second recess 165a of the retainer 161. Protrusion 37b is movably located in the fifth recess 165b of the retainer 161. Therefore, by means of the rotation of the opening / closing device 16 about the first axis A1, protrusion 37a moves circumferentially in the retainer 161 about the first axis A1 along with the second recess 165a, and protrusion 37b moves circumferentially in the retainer 161 about the first axis A1 along with the fifth recess 165b.

[0152] Boss 37a has a guide protrusion 371a. The guide protrusion 371a protrudes from boss 37a toward guide groove 367a in a first direction. Boss 37b has a guide protrusion 371b. The guide protrusion 371b protrudes from boss 37b toward guide groove 367b in a first direction. Figure 12 and Figure 13 It is along Figure 9 A sectional view of line XII-XII in the diagram. Figure 12 This indicates the closed position of the switch 16, and Figure 13 This indicates the open position of the switch 16. For example... Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the top end of the guide protrusion 371a is inserted into the guide groove 367a of the cover 36. Additionally, the top end of the guide protrusion 371b is inserted into the guide groove 367b of the cover 36.

[0153] The second recess 165a of the opener / closer 16 extends radially about the first axis A1. Therefore, as the guide protrusion 371a moves along the guide groove 367a, the boss 37a can be in the first position ( Figure 12 ) and the second position located radially outside the first position ( Figure 13 The boss 37a moves along the second recess 165a between the two sides. When the boss 37a is in the first position, the radially inner end 372a of the boss 37a is located inside a slot 353 of the rotating plate 352. When the boss 37a is in the second position, the boss 37a is entirely located outside any slot 353 of the rotating plate 352. Since multiple slots 353 are arranged on the entire outer peripheral surface of the rotating plate 352, the boss 37a can be inserted into the slot 353 regardless of the rotational position of the rotating plate 352.

[0154] The fifth recess 165b extends radially about the first axis A1. Therefore, as the guide protrusion 371b moves along the guide groove 367b, the boss 37b can be in the first position ( Figure 12 ) and the second position located radially outside the first position ( Figure 13It moves along the fifth recess 165b between the two. When the boss 37b is in the first position, the radially inner end 372b of the boss 37b is located inside a slot 353 of the rotating plate 352. When the boss 37b is in the second position, the boss 37b is entirely located outside any slot 353 of the rotating plate 352. Regardless of the rotational position of the rotating plate 352, the boss 37b can be inserted into the slot 353.

[0155] When the relay coupler 82 is not connected to the toner coupler 321 (described later), i.e., when no driving force is supplied to the toner coupler 321, the return springs 31a and 31b are in a first state due to their elasticity, and therefore, the switch 16 is in the closed position. Thus, the toner outlet 15 is closed by the switch plate 162.

[0156] At this time, as Figure 12 As shown, the guide protrusion 371a of the boss 37a is located at one end 367C of the guide groove 367a, and the guide protrusion 371b of the boss 37b is located at one end 367C of the guide groove 367b. Thus, the bosses 37a and 37b are in the first position ( Figure 12 Therefore, the radially inner ends 372a and 372b of the bosses 37a and 37b are respectively inserted into the two slots 353 of the rotating plate 352.

[0157] That is, the boss 37a is embedded in both the second recess 165a of the opener / closer 16 and a slot 353 of the rotating plate 352. Additionally, the boss 37b is embedded in both the fifth recess 165b of the opener / closer 16 and another slot 353 of the rotating plate 352. Thus, the opener / closer 16 and the gear ring 34 can rotate together with the sun gear 351, the rotating plate 352, and the bosses 37a and 37b.

[0158] In this state, the ring gear 34 cannot rotate relative to the sun gear 351. That is, the ring gear 34 can rotate together with the sun gear 351. Therefore, the first planetary gear 33a, which meshes with both the ring gear 34 and the sun gear 351, cannot rotate relative to the first planetary axis 332a. Similarly, the second planetary gear 33b cannot rotate relative to the second planetary axis 332b, the third planetary gear 33c cannot rotate relative to the third planetary axis 332c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d cannot rotate relative to the fourth planetary axis 332d.

[0159] When a driving force is supplied to the toner coupler 321 in this state, the shutter 16 rotates together with the carrier 322, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, the fourth planetary gear 33d, the sun gear 351, the rotation plate 352, the two bosses 37a, 37b, and the ring gear 34 by the rotation of the toner coupler 321 about the first shaft Al. As a result, the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position, and thus the toner discharge port 15 opens.

[0160] With the rotation of the shutter 16, the return springs 31a, 31b are stretched and change from the first state to the second state. The movement of the shutter 16 stops when the shutter plate 162 abuts against the first stop face 18. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the guide protrusion 371a of the boss 37a moves from one end portion 367C to the other end portion 367F of the guide groove 367a, and the guide protrusion 371b of the boss 37b moves from one end portion 367C to the other end portion 367F of the guide groove 367b. Figure 13

[0161] In response to the movement of the guide protrusions 371a and 371b, the boss 37a moves along the second recess 165a from the first position to the second position, and the boss 37b moves along the fifth recess 165b from the first position to the second position. Thus, the bosses 37a, 37b move away from the grooves 353 of the rotation plate 352. That is, the boss 37a is engaged in the second recess 165 of the shutter 16 but disengaged from any of the grooves 353 of the rotation plate 352, and the boss 37b is engaged in the fifth recess 165b of the shutter 16 but disengaged from any of the grooves 353 of the rotation plate 352. Thus, the sun gear 351 and the rotation plate 352 become rotatable relative to the shutter 16 and the ring gear 34.

[0162] As described above, the abutment of the shutter plate 162 of the shutter 16 against the first stop face 18 stops the rotation of the shutter 16 and the ring gear 34. However, since the bosses 37a, 37b are separated from the grooves 353 of the rotation plate 352, the sun gear 351 becomes rotatable relative to the ring gear 34. Therefore, the first planetary gear 33a engaged with the ring gear 34 and the sun gear 351 rotates about the first planetary shaft 332a. Likewise, the second planetary gear 33b engaged with the ring gear 34 and the sun gear 351 rotates about the second planetary shaft 332b, the third planetary gear 33c engaged with the ring gear 34 and the sun gear 351 rotates about the third planetary shaft 332c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d engaged with the ring gear 34 and the sun gear 351 rotates about the second planetary shaft 332d.

[0163] ​Thus, the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gears 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d move in the circumferential direction around the sun gear 351 while rotating around their planetary shafts 332a, 332b, 332c, and 332d, respectively. In addition, the sun gear 351 rotates around the first axis Al due to engagement with the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gears 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d. Here, the rotational speed of the sun gear 351 is faster than the rotational speed of the toner coupling 321.

[0164] Thus, in the state where the bosses 37a, 37b are in the second position, the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gears 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d, and the sun gear 351 are rotatable relative to the ring gear 34. Therefore, as the toner coupling 321 rotates, the planetary gears 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d are in a rotatable state, but the ring gear 34 is in a non-rotatable state. Thus, the shutter 16 is maintained in the open position regardless of whether the toner coupling 321 further rotates after the shutter 16 moves to the open position.

[0165] In addition, as described above, the toner coupling 321 is connected to one end of the stirrer shaft 21. Therefore, the stirrer 20 is rotatable around the first axis Al along with the rotation of the toner coupling 321 around the first axis Al. Thus, even after the shutter 16 is maintained in the open position as described above, the stirrer 20 can continue to rotate by the rotation of the toner coupling 321. Therefore, the toner in the housing 10 can be stirred by the stirrer 20.

[0166] Thus, the toner cartridge 2 realizes both the movement of the shutter 16 and the rotation of the stirrer 20 in response to the rotation of the toner coupling 321. Specifically, the rotation of the toner coupling 321 causes the rotation of the stirrer 20 and the movement of the shutter 16 from the closed position to the open position. In addition, as the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position, the bosses 37a, 37b move from the first position to the second position. Therefore, the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gears 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d, and the sun gear 351 become idle, but the ring gear 34 becomes non-rotatable. As a result, the stirrer 20 can continue to rotate while the shutter 16 is maintained in the open position.

[0167] After that, when the supply of driving force to the toner coupling 321 is stopped, the return springs 31a, 31b are compressed due to their elasticity and change from the second state to the first state. Thus, the shutter 16 moves from the open position to the closed position, thereby causing the toner discharge port 15 to be closed again by the shutter plate 162.

[0168] The two locking members 38a, 38b are configured to lock the rotation of the shutter 16. The locking member 38a is configured to be inserted into the third recess 166a of the holder 161. The locking member 38b is configured to be inserted into the sixth recess 166b of the holder 161.

[0169] Specifically, the locking member 38a has a base 383a, a locking protrusion 381a, and a locking spring 382a. The locking protrusion 381a protrudes from the base 383a toward the side through-hole 365a of the cover 36. The locking member 38a is movable in the first direction between a locked position and a released position. In the locked position of the locking member 38a, the locking protrusion 381a is located outside the second recess 165a of the shutter 16, and the base 383a is located in the second recess 165a. In the released position of the locking member 38a, the locking protrusion 381a is located inside the second recess 165a of the shutter 16, and the base 383a is located in the second recess 165a.

[0170] The locking spring 382a is located between the base 383a and the holder 161. The locking spring 382a is an elastic member, more specifically, a compression spring. The length of the locking spring 382a in the first direction is changeable between a stretched state and a compressed state. The length of the locking spring 382a in the first direction in the stretched state is longer than that in the compressed state. In the stretched state of the locking spring 382a, the locking member 38a is located in the locked position. In the compressed state of the locking spring 382a, the locking member 38a is located in the released position. The locking protrusion 381a is normally urged by the elastic force of the locking spring 382a in the first direction toward the locked position (inserted into the side through-hole 365a of the cover 36).

[0171] Likewise, the locking member 38b has a base 383b, a locking protrusion 381b, and a locking spring 382b. The locking protrusion 381b protrudes from the base 383b toward the side through-hole 365b of the cover 36. The locking member 38b is movable in the first direction between a locked position and a released position. In the locked position of the locking member 38b, the locking protrusion 381b is located outside the sixth recess 165b but the base 383a is located in the sixth recess 165b. In the released position of the locking member 38b, the locking protrusion 381b is located inside the sixth recess 165b, and the base 383b is located in the sixth recess 165b.

[0172] The lock spring 382b is located between the base 383b and the holder 161. The lock spring 382b is an elastic member, more specifically a compression spring. The length of the lock spring 382b in the first direction is variable between a stretched state and a compressed state. The length of the lock spring 382b in the first direction in the stretched state is longer than the length in the compressed state. In the case where the lock spring 382b is in the stretched state, the lock member 38b is in the locked position. In the case where the lock spring 382b is in the compressed state, the lock member 38b is in the released position. The lock protrusion 381b is normally urged by the elastic force of the lock spring 382b in the first direction toward the locked position (inserted in the side through-hole 365b of the cover 36).

[0173] When the lock member 38a is in the locked position, for example, when the lock spring 382a is in the stretched state, the lock protrusion 381a is inserted in the side through-hole 365a. When the lock member 38b is in the locked position, for example, when the lock spring 382b is in the stretched state, the lock protrusion 381b is inserted in the side through-hole 365b.

[0174] In the state where the lock protrusion 381a is inserted in the side through-hole 365a, the lock member 38a is in contact with both the cover 36 and the holder 161. Likewise, in the state where the lock protrusion 381b is inserted in the side through-hole 365b, the lock member 38b is in contact with both the cover 36 and the holder 161. In this state, the shutter 16 cannot be rotated relative to the case 10 and the cover 36 about the first axis Al. Therefore, the shutter 16 cannot be moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0175] As described later, the drum cartridge 3 has a corresponding unlocking member 81 configured to push both the lock protrusion 381a and the lock protrusion 381b in the first direction toward the holder 161. When the lock protrusion 381a and the lock protrusion 381b are pushed by the unlocking member 81, the lock spring 382a and the lock spring 382b contract from the stretched state to the compressed state. Thereby, the lock members 38a, 38b are moved from the locked position to the released position. That is, the lock protrusions 381a, 381b are respectively withdrawn from the side through-holes 365a, 365b of the cover 36, so that the lock members 38a, 38b are separated from the cover 36. Therefore, the lock members 38a, 38b and the shutter 16 become rotatable relative to the case 10 and the cover 36 about the first axis Al. Therefore, the shutter 16 can be moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0176] According to the present embodiment, the shutter 16 cannot be unlocked unless both the lock protrusions 381a, 381b are depressed at the same time. This structure can prevent the shutter 16 from being accidentally unlocked due to a user's misoperation in the state where the toner cartridge 2 is not attached to the drum cartridge 3.

[0177] Figure 14 and Figure 15 is a sectional view along the line XIV-XIV in Figure 9 Fig. 21, showing the connecting portion of the stirrer shaft 21 to the toner coupling 321. As shown in Figure 14 and Figure 15 , the toner coupling 321 has two clutch holes 324a, 324b. The two clutch holes 324a, 324b are through holes extending through the length of the toner coupling 321 in the first direction, or recesses recessed in the first direction. The clutch holes 324a, 324b have a circular arc shape centered on the first axis Al.

[0178] The stirrer shaft 21 has two clutch claws 211a, 211b. The clutch claws 211a, 211b are located at one end portion of the stirrer shaft 21 in the first direction. The clutch claws 211a and 211b are respectively inserted into the clutch holes 324a and 324b. The length of the clutch hole 324a in the circumferential direction around the first axis Al is greater than the length of the clutch claw 211a in the circumferential direction around the first axis Al. The length of the clutch hole 324b in the circumferential direction around the first axis Al is greater than the length of the clutch claw 211b in the circumferential direction around the first axis Al. In addition, the central angle of each clutch hole 324a, 324b around the first axis Al is substantially equal to or greater than the angle of rotation of the shutter 16 around the first axis Al between the closed position and the open position.

[0179] When the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position, the toner coupling 321 rotates around the first axis Al in the same direction of rotation as the direction of movement of the shutter 16 from the closed position to the open position (as shown by the arrow Rl in Figure 14 Fig. 21). At this time, as shown in Figure 14 , the clutch claw 211a contacts one end in the circumferential direction of the clutch hole 324a, and the clutch claw 211b contacts one end in the circumferential direction of the clutch hole 324b. Thereby, the rotation of the toner coupling 321 is transmitted to the stirrer 20. Therefore, the stirrer 20 rotates in the same direction of rotation Rl as the shutter 16 from the closed position to the open position, together with the toner coupling 321. In addition, even after the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position, the stirrer 20 rotates by the rotation of the toner coupling 321.

[0180] When the shutter 16 moves from the open position to the closed position, the toner coupling 321 rotates around the first axis Al in the same direction of rotation as the direction of movement of the shutter 16 from the open position to the closed position (as shown by the arrow R2 in Figure 15(As indicated by arrow R2 in the diagram) Rotation. That is, when the open / close device 16 moves from the open position to the closed position, the rotation direction R2 of the toner coupler 321 is opposite to the rotation direction R1 of the toner coupler 321 when the open / close device 16 moves from the closed position to the open position. At this time, one circumferential end of the clutch hole 324a separates from the clutch pawl 211a, and one circumferential end of the clutch hole 324b separates from the clutch pawl 211b.

[0181] However, the other end of the clutch hole 324a in the circumferential direction does not contact the clutch pawl 211a, and the other end of the clutch hole 324b in the circumferential direction also does not contact the clutch pawl 211b. Therefore, the rotation of the toner coupler 321 is not transmitted to the stirrer 20. This prevents the stirrer 20 from rotating in the same direction as the rotation direction of the on / off switch 16 from the open position to the closed position.

[0182] Thus, in this embodiment, the clutch holes 324a, 324b and the clutch claws 211a, 211b constitute a clutch that prevents the agitator 20 from rotating together with the toner coupler 321 when the open / closer 16 moves from the open position to the closed position.

[0183] The IC chip assembly 40 is located at the second end 12 of the housing 10. The IC chip assembly 40 has an IC chip 41 and a chip holder 42 that holds the IC chip 41. The IC chip 41 is fixed to the outer surface of the chip holder 42. The IC chip 41 is configured to store various information about the toner cartridge 2, such as the capacity of the toner contained in the toner cartridge 2 or the remaining amount of toner. The IC chip 41 may further store other information indicating the specifications of the toner cartridge 2. For example, the IC chip 41 may store the following information: the type of toner, the manufacturing serial number of the toner cartridge 2, an identification code for verifying authenticity, and the device or model compatible with the toner cartridge 2.

[0184] IC chip 41 has an electrical contact surface 411 (see...) Figure 6 The electrical contact surface 411 is made of a conductive material such as metal. The electrical contact surface 411 is exposed to the outside on the outer surface of the second end 12 of the housing 10. Alternatively, in the IC chip 41, only the electrical contact surface 411 can be exposed to the outside, but the portion of the IC chip 41 other than the electrical contact surface 411 can be arranged in the portion of the housing 10 other than the second end 12.

[0185] The chip holder 42 is movable relative to the housing 10 in a first direction. The electrical contact surface 411 of the IC chip 41 is also movable relative to the housing 10 in the first direction as the chip holder 42 moves.

[0186] In addition, such as Figure 4As shown by a dotted line in FIG. 1, the toner cartridge 2 further has an IC chip spring 43. The IC chip spring 43 is located between the second end portion 12 of the housing 10 and the chip holder 42. In a case where the drum cartridge 3 to which the toner cartridge 2 is attached is attached to the main body frame 4, the electrical contact surface 411 of each IC chip 41 comes into contact with a corresponding one of the drum contacts 91a, 91b, 91c, 91d. At this time, the IC chip spring 43 exerts a force in the first direction to the chip holder 42 to force the electrical contact surface 411 into contact with the corresponding drum contact 91a, 91b, 91c, 91d. Thereby, stable electrical contact between the electrical contact surface 411 and the corresponding drum contact 91a, 91b, 91c, 91d can be obtained.

[0187] 3. Drum cartridge

[0188] Next, the structure of the drum cartridge 3 will be described.

[0189] Figure 16 and Figure 17 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge 3. The drum cartridge 3 has a drum frame 50, four developing rollers 60, four photosensitive drums 70, four unlocking members 81, four relay couplers 82, four contact members 83, a plurality of tension springs 84, and a wiring portion 90.

[0190] The four toner cartridges 2 can be attached to the drum frame 50. The drum frame 50 has a first side frame 51, a second side frame 52, and a third frame 53. The first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52 are substantially plate-shaped and extend perpendicular to the first direction. The first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The third frame 53 connects the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52 in the first direction. The four toner cartridges 2 are inserted into portions between the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52.

[0191] Each developing roller 60 is rotatable about a rotation axis (developing axis) extending in the first direction. The developing roller 60 of the present embodiment is a magnetic roller. The developing roller 60 has one end portion in the first direction supported by the first side frame 51 and the other end portion in the first direction supported by the second side frame 52. The four developing rollers 60 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0192] As a result of attaching the toner cartridge 2 to the drum frame 50, the toner discharge port 15 of each toner cartridge 2 faces the outer peripheral surface of the corresponding developing roller 60. In addition, as a result of attaching the drum cartridge 3 to which the toner cartridge 2 is attached to the main body frame 4, the developing roller 60 becomes rotatable by a driving force supplied from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. With the movement of the shutter 16 from the closed position to the open position, the toner discharge port 15 opens so that the toner in each toner cartridge 2 is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the corresponding developing roller 60.

[0193] Each photosensitive drum 70 is rotatable about a rotation axis (drum shaft) extending in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 70 has one end portion in the first direction supported by the first side frame 51 and the other end portion in the first direction supported by the second side frame 52. The four photosensitive drums 70 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The photosensitive drum 70 has an outer peripheral surface covered with a photosensitive material. A gap is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 60 and the outer peripheral surface of the corresponding photosensitive drum 70.

[0194] As a result of attaching the drum cartridge 3 having the toner cartridge 2 attached thereto to the main body frame 4, the photosensitive drum 70 becomes rotatable by a driving force supplied from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, in the print processing, light is irradiated from a light source (not shown) located in the main body frame 4 to the outer peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum 70, whereby the outer peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum 70 is partially exposed. Then, toner carried on the outer peripheral surface of the corresponding developing roller 60 is supplied to the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 70. Thereafter, the toner is transferred from each photosensitive drum 70 to the print sheet to form a toner image on the print sheet.

[0195] Figure 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1, showing a state in which the drum cartridge 3 having the toner cartridge 2 attached thereto is being inserted into the main body frame 4. As shown in Figure 18 the unlocking member 81, the relay coupler 82, the contact member 83, and the tension spring 84 are located in the first side frame 51.

[0196] Each unlocking member 81 is configured to act on both of the locking members 38a, 38b of the corresponding toner cartridge 2 to release the locked state of the shutter 16. The unlocking member 81 is movable in the first direction between a retracted position and an advanced position. The advanced position of the unlocking member 81 is closer to the second side frame 52 in the first direction than the retracted position of the unlocking member 81.

[0197] Each unlocking member 81 has a first pressing portion 811 and a second pressing portion 812. The first pressing portion 811 and the second pressing portion 812 protrude toward the second side frame 52. In a case where the toner cartridge 2 is attached to the drum frame 50 and the unlocking member 81 is located in the advanced position, the first pressing portion 811 presses the locking protrusion 381a of the toner cartridge 2 and the second pressing portion 812 presses the locking protrusion 381b of the toner cartridge 2.

[0198] The relay coupler 82 is configured to supply driving force to the toner coupler 321 of the corresponding toner cartridge 2. The relay coupler 82 is rotatable about a rotation axis (coupler shaft) extending in the first direction. In addition, the relay coupler 82 is movable together with the corresponding unlocking member 81 in the first direction between the retreated position and the advanced position. The advanced position of the relay coupler 82 is closer to the second side frame 52 in the first direction than the retreated position of the relay coupler 82. In a state where the toner cartridge 2 is attached to the drum frame 50 and the relay coupler 82 is located at the advanced position, the relay coupler 82 is connectable with the toner coupler 321.

[0199] The contact member 83 is configured to be in contact with the first side plate 401 of the main body frame 4 in a case where the drum cartridge 3 is attached to the main body frame 4. The contact member 83 is movable together with the corresponding unlocking member 81 and the relay coupler 82 in the first direction between the retreated position and the advanced position. The advanced position of the contact member 83 is closer to the second side frame 52 in the first direction than the retreated position of the contact member 83. Each contact member 83 has an inclined surface 831 inclined with respect to the second direction.

[0200] The extension spring 84 exerts a force on the corresponding unlocking member 81, the relay coupler 82, and the contact member 83 in the first direction toward the respective retreated positions. Each extension spring 84 has one end in the first direction connected to the first side frame 51 and the other end in the first direction connected to the corresponding unlocking member 81. The length of the extension spring 84 in the first direction is changeable between an extended state and a contracted state. The length of the extension spring 84 in the first direction in the extended state is longer than the length of the extension spring 84 in the first direction in the contracted state. In addition, the length of the extension spring 84 in the first direction in the extended state is longer than the natural length of the extension spring 84. Due to the contractive nature of the extension spring 84, the unlocking member 81, the relay coupler 82, and the contact member 83 are normally urged by the extension spring 84 from the advanced position toward the respective retreated positions.

[0201] In a case where the drum cartridge 3 is not attached to the main body frame 4, the extension spring 84 is in the contracted state. Accordingly, the unlocking member 81, the relay coupler 82, and the contact member 83 are in the retreated positions. In this case, the unlocking member 81 is located away from the locking members 38a, 38b of the corresponding toner cartridge 2 in the first direction. Specifically, the first pressing portion 811 is spaced apart from the locking member 38a of the toner cartridge 2 in the first direction, and the second pressing portion 812 is spaced apart from the locking member 38b of the toner cartridge 2 in the first direction. Each locking member 38a, 38b of the toner cartridge 2 is thus located at the locking position. In addition, at this time, the relay coupler 82 is located away from the toner coupler 321. Accordingly, no driving force is supplied to the toner coupler 321.

[0202] When attaching the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 attached thereto to the main frame 4, a portion of the contact member 83 comes into contact with the inner surface of the main frame 4. Specifically, the inclined surface 831 of the contact member 83 comes into contact with the first side plate 401 of the main frame 4. As a result, the contact member 83 moves from the retreated position to the advanced position against the urging force of the extension spring 84, and thus the unlocking member 81 also moves to the advanced position together with the contact member 83. Thereby, the first pressing portion 811 of the unlocking member 81 presses the lock protrusion 381a in the first direction, and the second pressing portion 812 of the unlocking member 81 presses the lock protrusion 381b in the first direction. As a result, the lock protrusions 381a, 381b move from the locked position to the released position, thereby allowing the opening and closing shutter 16 to be unlocked.

[0203] In addition, the relay coupler 82 also moves in the first direction from the retreated position to the advanced position together with the contact member 83. Thereby, the relay coupler 82 becomes connected to the toner coupler 321. Thus, by the driving force from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, the toner coupler 321 is allowed to rotate along with the rotation of the relay coupler 82.

[0204] As described above, the unlocking member 81 that presses the lock members 38a, 38b of the toner cartridge 2 is not provided to the main frame 4 of the image forming apparatus 1 but to the drum cartridge 3. Thus, compared to a comparative structure in which the unlocking member 81 is provided to the main frame 4, the precise positioning of the unlocking member 81 with respect to the lock members 38a, 38b can be more achieved. Thus, the unlocking member 81 can precisely press the corresponding lock members 38a, 38b of the toner cartridge 2.

[0205] In addition, the unlocking member 81 moves from the retreated position to the advanced position in conjunction with the attaching operation of the drum cartridge 3 to the main frame 4. That is, the unlocking member 81 can move from the retreated position to the advanced position independently of the driving force from the motor in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0206] In addition, when the drum cartridge 3 is not attached to the main frame 4, the unlocking member 81 is positioned at the retreated position. Thus, the unlocking member 81 does not interfere with the attaching operation of the toner cartridge 2 to the drum cartridge 3.

[0207] In addition, the relay coupler 82 for supplying the driving force to the toner coupler 321 of the toner cartridge 2 is not provided to the main frame 4 of the image forming apparatus 1 but to the drum cartridge 3. Thus, compared to the case where the relay coupler 82 is provided to the main frame 4, the precise positioning of the relay coupler 82 with respect to the toner coupler 321 can be more achieved. Thus, the reliable connection of the relay coupler 82 to the toner coupler 321 can be achieved.

[0208] The wiring portion 90 is configured to electrically connect the IC chip 41 of each toner cartridge 2 and the built-in connector 403 of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1, showing a case where the drum cartridge 3 to which the toner cartridge 2 is attached is being inserted into the main body frame 4.

[0209] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 19 , the wiring portion 90 has four drum contact points 91a, 91b, 91c, 91d, a drum wire harness 92, a drum connector 93, four contact point holders 94a, 94b, 94c, 94d (contact point holders 94c and 94d are shown in Figure 16 and Figure 17 ), and eight contact point springs 95a to 95h (contact point springs 95f to 95h are not shown).

[0210] Each of the four drum contact points 91a, 94b, 94c, 91d is electrically connected to the drum connector 93 via the drum wire harness 92. The drum connector 93 is located at the third frame 53. In a case where the drum cartridge 3 to which the toner cartridge 2 is attached is attached to the main body frame 4, the drum connector 93 is in contact with the built-in connector 403 of the main body frame 4. Thereby, the drum connector 93 and the built-in connector 403 are electrically connected to each other.

[0211] The four drum contact points 91a to 91d are located at the second side frame 52. The four drum contact points 91a to 91d are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The four contact point holders 94a to 94d are located at the second side frame 52. The four contact point holders 94 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0212] Specifically, the drum contact point 91a is supported by the contact point holder 94a. The drum contact point 91a is located at a surface of the contact point holder 94a that faces the first side frame 51. The drum contact point 91b is supported by the contact point holder 94b. The drum contact point 91b is located at a surface of the contact point holder 94b that faces the first side frame 51. The drum contact point 91c is supported by the contact point holder 94c. The drum contact point 91c is located at a surface of the contact point holder 94c that faces the first side frame 51. The drum contact point 91d is supported by the contact point holder 94d. The drum contact point 91d is located at a surface of the contact point holder 94d that faces the first side frame 51.

[0213] The contact point holder 94a has an inclined surface 941. The inclined surface 941 is inclined with respect to the second direction. In a case where the drum cartridge 3 is attached to the main body frame 4, the inclined surface 941 is in contact with the second side plate 402 of the main body frame 4. The contact point holder 94a has two protrusions 942. The two protrusions 942 protrude from a surface of the contact point holder 94a that faces the first side frame 51 toward the first side frame 51 in the first direction. Likewise, each of the contact point holders 94b to 94d has the inclined surface 941 and the two protrusions 942.

[0214] The drum contact points 91a to 91d and the contact point holders 94a to 94d are movable in the first direction between a separation position and a contact position. The contact position of the drum contact points 91a to 91d is closer to the first side frame 51 in the first direction than the separation position of the drum contact points 91a to 91d. In addition, the contact position of the contact point holders 94a to 94d is closer to the first side frame 51 in the first direction than the separation position of the contact point holders 94a to 94d.

[0215] The two contact springs 95a, 95b are biasing members (extension springs) configured to apply a force to the drum contact point 91a and the contact point holder 94a in a direction from the contact position toward the separation position. The two contact springs 95c, 95d are biasing members (extension springs) configured to apply a force to the drum contact point 91b and the contact point holder 94b in a direction from the contact position toward the separation position. The two contact springs 95e, 95f are biasing members (extension springs) configured to apply a force to the drum contact point 91c and the contact point holder 94c in a direction from the contact position toward the separation position. The two contact springs 95g, 95h are biasing members (extension springs) configured to apply a force to the drum contact point 91d and the contact point holder 94d in a direction from the contact position toward the separation position.

[0216] Each of the contact springs 95a, 95b has one end in the first direction connected to the contact point holder 94a and the other end in the first direction connected to the second side frame 52. Each of the contact springs 95c, 95d has one end in the first direction connected to the contact point holder 94b and the other end in the first direction connected to the second side frame 52. Each of the contact springs 95e, 95f has one end in the first direction connected to the contact point holder 94c and the other end in the first direction connected to the second side frame 52. Each of the contact springs 95g, 95h has one end in the first direction connected to the contact point holder 94d and the other end in the first direction connected to the second side frame 52.

[0217] The length of each of the contact springs 95a to 95h in the first direction is changeable between a stretched state and a contracted state. The length of each of the contact springs 95a to 95h in the first direction in the stretched state is longer than the length of each of the contact springs 95a to 95h in the first direction in the contracted state. In addition, the length of each of the contact springs 95a to 95h in the first direction in the stretched state is longer than the natural length of each of the contact springs 95a to 95h.

[0218] Due to the contracting nature of the contact springs 95a, 95b, the drum contact 91a and the contact holder 94a are normally urged from the contact position to the separation position. Likewise, due to the contracting nature of the contact springs 95c, 95d, the drum contact 91b and the contact holder 94b are normally urged from the contact position to the separation position. Due to the contracting nature of the contact springs 95e, 95f, the drum contact 91c and the contact holder 94c are normally urged from the contact position to the separation position. Due to the contracting nature of the contact springs 95g, 95h, the drum contact 91d and the contact holder 94d are normally urged from the contact position to the separation position.

[0219] In a case where the drum cartridge 3 is not attached to the main frame 4, the contact springs 95a to 95h are in the contracted state. Therefore, the drum contacts 91a to 91d and the contact holders 94a to 94d are in the separation position. In this case, the drum contacts 91a to 91d are located in the first direction at positions separated from the electrical contact surfaces 411 of the IC chips 41 of the respective toner cartridges 2.

[0220] According to the present embodiment, as the drum cartridge 3 to which the toner cartridge 2 is attached is attached to the main frame 4, a portion of each of the contact holders 94a to 94d comes into contact with the inner surface of the main frame 4. Specifically, the inclined surface 941 of each of the contact holders 94a to 94d comes into abutment with the second side plate 402. Then, the contact holders 94a to 94d are moved from the separation position to the contact position against the urging force of the contact springs 95a to 95h. By this, the drum contacts 91a to 91d are also moved from the separation position to the contact position by the movement of the contact holders 94a to 94d.

[0221] By this, the drum contacts 91a to 91d come into contact with the electrical contact surfaces 411 of the IC chips 41 of the respective toner cartridges 2. As a result, the information stored in each of the IC chips 41 can be transmitted to the controller 5 via the drum contacts 91a to 91d, the drum wiring harness 92, the drum connector 93, the built-in connector 403, and the built-in wiring harness 404.

[0222] As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the drum contacts 91a to 91d are arranged in the first direction on the drum wiring harness 92. The drum contacts 91a to 91d are arranged in the first direction on the drum wiring harness 92. The drum contacts 91a to 91d are arranged in the first direction on the drum wiring harness 92. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the drum contacts 91a to 91d are arranged in the first direction on the drum wiring harness 92. The drum contacts 91a to 91d are arranged in the first direction on the drum wiring harness 92. The drum contacts 91a to 91d are arranged in the first direction on the drum wiring harness 92. Figure 4 and Figure 6). This engagement with the recess 121 can provide accurate positioning of the contact retainers 94a to 94d with respect to the toner cartridge 2. As a result, accurate electrical contact of the drum contacts 91a to 91d with the electrical contact surfaces 411 of the IC chip 41 of each toner cartridge 2 can be obtained.

[0223] As described above, according to the operation of attaching the drum cartridge 3 to the main body frame 4, the drum contacts 91a to 91d are moved in the first direction from the separation position to the contact position. Therefore, the movement of the drum contacts 91a to 91d from the separation position to the contact position can be performed without depending on the driving force of the motor located in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, the frictional loss between the electrical contact surfaces 411 of the IC chip 41 and the drum contacts 91a to 91d when the toner cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3 can be suppressed.

[0224] In addition, before the drum cartridge 3 is attached to the main body frame 4, the drum contacts 91a to 91d and the contact retainers 94a to 94d are located at the separation position. With this structure, the drum contacts 91a to 91d and the contact retainers 94a to 94d do not obstruct the attachment of the toner cartridge 2 to the drum frame 50.

[0225] 4. Modification

[0226] Although a detailed description has been given with reference to the embodiments, many modifications and changes can be made thereto apparent to those skilled in the art. In the following description, the structure of each modification different from the structure of the above-described embodiments will be particularly described.

[0227] 4-1. First Modification

[0228] Figure 20 is a partial exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge 2A according to the first modification. The toner cartridge 2A according to the first modification is different from the toner cartridge 2 of the above-described embodiment in that the toner cartridge 2A does not have the return springs 31a, 31b, and the shutter 16 further has a rod 168. The rod 168 extends from the outer peripheral surface of the retainer 161 toward the outside. The rod 168 is located at a position opposite to the shutter plate 162 with respect to the first axis Al.

[0229] Figure 21 is a view for describing the attachment of the drum cartridge 3 (to which the toner cartridge 2A according to the first modification is attached) to the main body frame 4A of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in Figure 21 , the main body frame 4A has a third plate 405. The third plate 405 is located between the first side plate 401 and the second side plate 402 in the first direction. In addition, in a state where the drum cartridge 3 having the toner cartridge 2A is attached to the main body frame 4A, the third plate 405 faces the rod 168 of the toner cartridge 2A in the third direction.

[0230] Figure 22is a view for describing the drum cartridge 3 (to which the toner cartridge 2A according to the first modification example is attached) being detached from the main body frame 4A. As shown in the drawing, the drum cartridge 3 is moved in the third direction toward the third plate 405. At this time, the shutter 16 is moved from the open position to the closed position by the abutment of the rod 168 against the third plate 405. As a result, each toner discharge port 15 is closed by the shutter plate 162 in each toner cartridge 2A. Thereafter, the drum cartridge 3 can be pulled out in the second direction. Figure 22

[0231] With this arrangement of the first modification example, the shutter 16 can be moved from the open position to the closed position without the return springs 31a, 31b, with the pulling-out operation of the drum cartridge 3 from the main body frame 4A. Therefore, the number of parts of each toner cartridge 2 can be reduced.

[0232] 4-2. Second Modification Example

[0233] In the above-described embodiment, the shutter 16 is moved from the open position to the closed position by the contraction force of the return springs 31a, 31b generated by the change in the length of the return springs 31a, 31b (extension springs) from the second state (providing a length longer than the natural length) to the first state. However, instead of the extension springs, compression springs can be used, so that the shutter 16 can be moved from the open position to the closed position by the expansion force of the return springs 31a, 31b generated by the change in the length of the return springs 31a, 31b from the third state (providing a length shorter than the natural length) to the fourth state (providing a length returning to the natural length).

[0234] 4-3. Third Modification Example

[0235] In the above-described embodiment, the toner cartridge 2 has four planetary gears 33a to 33d. However, the number of planetary gears need not be four, but can be one to three, or can be not less than five.

[0236] 4-4. Fourth Modification Example

[0237] In the above-described embodiment, four toner cartridges 2 can be attached to a single drum cartridge 3. However, one to three toner cartridges 2 or not less than five toner cartridges 2 can be attached to a single drum cartridge 3. Depending on the number of toner cartridges 2 that can be attached to the drum cartridge 3, the drum cartridge 3 can have one to three developing rollers 60 or not less than five developing rollers 60. Also, the drum cartridge 3 can have one to three photosensitive drums 70 or not less than five photosensitive drums 70. Also, the drum cartridge 3 can have one to three relay couplers 82 or not less than five relay couplers 82. The drum cartridge 3 can have one to three drum contacts or not less than five drum contacts.

[0238] 4-5. Fifth Modification Example

[0239] ​The color toner coupler and the relay coupler can be provided as a gear.

[0240] 4-6. Sixth Modification

[0241] The sun gear, the planetary gear, and the ring gear can not have gear teeth, but can have, for example, instead of gear teeth, a frictional power transmission member made of rubber.

[0242] 4-7. Seventh Modification

[0243] The color toner cartridge 2 according to the above-described embodiment has the agitator 20 as the conveyance member. However, an auger having a helical shape can also be used as the conveyance member.

[0244] 4-8. Other Modifications

[0245] The shapes of the respective parts constituting the color toner cartridge and the image forming apparatus need not be limited to those shown in the drawings. In addition, the respective parts appearing in the embodiments and the above-described modifications can be appropriately replaced with each other, as long as no technical conflicts and contradictions arise.

[0246] <Notes>

[0247] The color toner cartridge 2, 2A is an example of a color toner cartridge. The casing 10 is an example of a casing. The agitator 20 is an example of a conveyance member. The shutter 16 is an example of a shutter. The color toner coupler 321 is an example of a color toner coupler. The carrier 322 is an example of a carrier. The first planetary gear 33a is an example of a first planetary gear. The ring gear 34 is an example of a ring gear. The sun gear 351 is an example of a sun gear. The rotating plate 352 is an example of a rotating plate. The bosses 37a, 37b are examples of bosses. The first stop surface 18 is an example of a first stop member. The second stop surface 17 is an example of a second stop member. The cover 36 is an example of a cover. The guide grooves 367a, 367b are examples of guide grooves. The communication port 363 is an example of a communication port. The return springs 31a, 31b are examples of shutter elastic members. The clutch holes 324a, 324b are examples of clutch holes. The clutch claws 211a, 211b are examples of clutch claws. The lock members 38a, 38b are examples of lock members. The lock protrusions 381a, 381b are examples of lock protrusions. The lock springs 382a, 382b are examples of lock elastic members.

[0248] List of Reference Signs

[0249] 1: Image forming apparatus

[0250] 2: Color toner cartridge

[0251] 3: Drum cartridge

[0252] 4: Main body frame

[0253] 5: Controller

[0254] 10: housing

[0255] 15: toner discharge port

[0256] 16: shutter

[0257] 20: stirrer

[0258] 31a, 31b: return spring

[0259] 33a-33d: first to fourth planetary gears

[0260] 34: ring gear

[0261] 36: cover

[0262] 37a, 37b: boss

[0263] 38a, 38b: locking member

[0264] 41: IC chip

[0265] 50: drum frame

[0266] 60: developing roller

[0267] 70: photosensitive drum

[0268] 81: unlocking member

[0269] 82: relay coupler

[0270] 83: contact member

[0271] 84: tension spring

[0272] 91a-91d: drum contact

[0273] 94a-94d: contact holder

[0274] 95a-95h: contact spring

[0275] 321: toner coupler

[0276] 322: carrier

[0277] 352: rotating plate

[0278] A1: first shaft

Claims

1. A powder box, characterized in that, have: A housing configured to contain color powder, the housing having a color powder outlet; A conveying component located inside the housing and rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; the conveying component has an axis extending in the first direction. An opener / closer is rotatable about a first axis relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position, wherein the closed position is when the opener / closer closes the toner outlet and the open position is when the opener / closer opens the toner outlet. A toner coupler that is rotatable about the first axis and configured to rotate the conveying component; A planetary carrier, which is rotatable together with the toner coupler about the first axis, the planetary carrier having a first planetary pin extending in the first direction; A first planetary gear, which is rotatable about the first planetary pin relative to the planet carrier, and which rotates about the first axis as the planet carrier rotates about the first axis; as well as A gear ring, which is rotatable together with the opening / closing device about the first axis, meshes with the first planetary gear. Specifically, when the opening / closing device moves from the closed position to the open position, the first planetary gear cannot rotate around the first planetary pin but can rotate together with the gear ring around the first axis. When the opener is in the open position, the first planetary gear can rotate around the first planetary pin and can rotate relative to the gear ring around the first axis.

2. The color powder box according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first stop, which is configured such that, when the open / close device is in the open position, the first stop contacts the open / close device to prevent the open / close device from moving from the closed position to the open position along a first rotational direction.

3. The color powder box according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a second stop, which is configured such that, when the opener / closer is in the closed position, the second stop contacts the opener / closer to prevent the opener / closer from moving from the open position to the closed position along a second rotational direction, which is opposite to the first rotational direction.

4. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in, When the opener / closer is in the closed position, the first planetary gear does not rotate around the first planetary pin but can rotate around the first axis as the gear ring rotates.

5. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also has a sun gear that can rotate about the first axis and mesh with the first planetary gear.

6. The color powder box according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also has: A rotating plate, rotatable together with the sun gear about the first axis, the rotating plate having a groove; and A boss is movable as the opening / closing device rotates. The boss can move between a first position, where the boss is inside the groove, and a second position, where the boss is outside the groove. Specifically, when the opener / closer is in the closed position, the boss is in the first position; when the opener / closer is in the open position, the boss is in the second position.

7. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in, The toner cartridge can be attached to and detached from the drum housing, which includes a photosensitive drum and a relay coupler. The toner coupler is configured such that, when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum, the toner coupler receives driving force from the relay coupler and transmits the driving force to the conveying component.

8. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in, The planetary carrier and the toner coupler are integrally formed.

9. The color powder box according to claim 6, characterized in that, in, With the boss in the first position, As the toner coupler rotates The sun gear and the rotating plate are rotatable about the first axis, the first planetary gear cannot rotate about the first planetary pin but can rotate about the sun gear, and the gear ring can move relative to the housing together with the opening / closing device. Wherein, when the boss is in the second position, As the toner coupler rotates The sun gear and the rotating plate are rotatable about the first axis, the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary pin and about the sun gear, and the gear ring and the opening / closing device are not movable relative to the housing.

10. The color powder box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing has a recess on its circumferential surface. The opener / closer is located in the recess. The recess has a first surface and a first stop surface, the first surface having the pigment outlet, and the first stop surface extending radially from the first surface along the axis. The first stop surface is the first stop element.

11. The color powder box according to claim 3, characterized in that, in, The housing has a recess on its circumferential surface. The opening / closing device is located in the recess. The recess has a first surface and a second stop surface, the first surface having the pigment outlet, and the second stop surface extending radially from the first surface along the axis. The second stop surface is the second stop element.

12. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also has a cover that covers at least a portion of the opener / closer.

13. The color powder box according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also has a cover that covers at least a portion of the opener / closer. The cover has a guide groove for the protrusion to be inserted into, the guide groove extends in the moving direction of the opener, the guide groove has one end and another end in the moving direction, the one end being located closer to the first axis than the other end.

14. The color powder box according to claim 13, characterized in that, in, With the boss in the first position, the boss is located at one end of the guide groove. In the state where the boss is in the second position, the boss is located at the other end of the guide groove.

15. The color powder box according to claim 12, characterized in that, in, The cover has a communication port that communicates with the pigment discharge port.

16. The color powder box according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, in, The cover covers at least a portion of the boss.

17. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in, The gear ring has: Gear teeth that mesh with the first planetary gear; and An arm that extends relative to the gear teeth in a direction away from the first planetary gear. The opening and closing device has the following features: An opening and closing plate, configured to cover the pigment discharge port; and A retainer that holds the toothed ring and has a recess for insertion of the arm.

18. The color powder box according to claim 6, characterized in that, in, The sun gear is integrally formed with the rotating plate.

19. The color powder box according to claim 6, characterized in that, in, The rotating plate has a plurality of the slots.

20. The color powder box according to claim 19, characterized in that, in, The plurality of slots are located on the entire outer circumferential surface of the rotating plate.

21. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also has an opening / closing resilient member configured to apply force to the opening / closing device from the open position to the closed position.

22. The color powder box according to claim 21, characterized in that, in, The opening / closing device elastic member is configured to be compressed and stretched between a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is the state in which the opening / closing device is in the closed position and the second state is the state in which the opening / closing device is in the open position, and the length of the opening / closing device elastic member in the second state is longer than the length in the first state.

23. The color powder box according to claim 22, characterized in that, in, In response to the rotation of the opener from the closed position to the open position, the elastic member of the opener is stretched from the first state to the second state.

24. The color powder box according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, in, In response to the cessation of rotation of the toner coupler, the resilient element of the on / off switch is compressed from the second state to the first state. When the elastic component of the opener / closer is compressed from the second state to the first state, the opener / closer moves from the open position to the closed position.

25. The color powder box according to claim 21, characterized in that, in, The elastic component of the opening / closing device is a spring.

26. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in, The toner coupler is located at one end of the housing in the first direction.

27. The color powder box according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, The sun gear is located at one end of the housing in the first direction.

28. The color powder box according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, The sun gear has a circular hole centered on the first shaft. The colorant coupler is inserted into the circular hole.

29. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in, The first planetary gear is located at one end of the housing in the first direction.

30. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in, The gear ring is located at one end of the housing in the first direction.

31. The color powder box according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, The toner coupler, the sun gear, the first planetary gear, and the gear ring are located in a plane extending perpendicular to the first axis.

32. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in, The planet carrier has a second planetary pin extending in the first direction. The toner cartridge also has a second planetary gear that is rotatable relative to the planet carrier about the second planetary pin, and the second planetary gear is rotatable together with the planet carrier about the first axis.

33. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in, The planetary carrier has a third planetary pin extending in the first direction. The toner cartridge also has a third planetary gear that is rotatable relative to the planet carrier about the third planetary pin, and the third planetary gear is rotatable together with the planet carrier about the first axis.

34. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in, The planet carrier has a fourth planetary pin extending in the first direction. The toner cartridge also has a fourth planetary gear that is rotatable relative to the planet carrier about the fourth planetary pin, and the fourth planetary gear is rotatable together with the planet carrier about the first axis.

35. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It also has a clutch configured to prevent the conveying component from rotating with the toner coupler in response to movement of the open / close device from the open position to the closed position.

36. The color powder box according to claim 35, characterized in that, in, The toner coupler has a clutch hole with an arc shape centered on the first axis, and the clutch hole has a length in the circumferential direction of the toner coupler about the first axis. The conveying component has a clutch pawl inserted into the clutch hole, wherein the length of the clutch hole in the circumferential direction about the first axis is longer than the length of the clutch pawl in the circumferential direction about the first axis. The clutch is formed by the combination of the clutch hole and the clutch pawl.

37. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in, The color powder outlet is located at one end of the housing in the first direction. The opening / closing device is located at one end of the housing in the first direction.

38. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in, The opening / closing device is configured to open the pigment outlet by moving circumferentially about the first axis of the housing.

39. The color powder box according to claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes a locking component that is movable between a locked position and a released position in the first direction. Specifically, when the locking component is in the locked position, the opener / closer cannot move from the closed position to the open position; when the locking component is in the released position, the opener / closer can move from the closed position to the open position.

40. The color powder box according to claim 39, Its features are, in, The locking component has: A locking protrusion is configured such that when the locking member is in the locked position, the locking protrusion contacts the cover, and when the locking member is in the released position, the locking protrusion separates from the cover. as well as A locking elastic member applies force to the locking protrusion from the released position to the locked position.

41. The color powder box according to claim 40, characterized in that, in, The cover has a through hole that extends through the thickness of the cover in the first direction. The locking protrusion is configured to be inserted into the through hole.

42. The color powder box according to claim 40 or 41, characterized in that, in, The locking elastic component is a spring.

43. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in, The toner cartridge can be attached to the main frame of the image forming apparatus, and the toner cartridge can be detached from the main frame of the image forming apparatus. The opening / closing device has a rod that can contact the main frame, and the opening / closing device is configured to move from the open position to the closed position through the contact between the rod and the main frame.

44. The color powder box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in, The conveying component is a stirrer.

Images