Toner cartridge and image forming apparatus

Abstract

[Task] Further development of a conventional structure. [Solution] A toner cartridge includes a case that contains toner and is provided with a toner discharge port, a fan, a closing member that is displaceable between a closed position and an open position for opening a passage, and a drive receiving member for receiving a driving force from the outside and for transmitting the driving force toward the fan and the closing member by rotation thereof, and the closing member is cyclically moved between the closed position and the open position by receiving the driving force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material and a toner cartridge that can be used in the image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, there is a known structure in which a developer supply container containing the toner is detachably disposed in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus in response to consumption during imaging operations.

[0003] Conventionally, a method has been proposed for providing a pump in a developer supply container and using said pump to supply toner from the developer supply container to the main components of an image forming apparatus (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-256894). Furthermore, a method for properly operating the pump provided in the developer supply container has been proposed (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-256893). Summary of the Invention

[0004] [Unresolved Issues]

[0005] This invention provides a further development of conventional structures.

[0006] [Solutions to the problem]

[0007] This specification discloses a toner cartridge comprising: a housing containing toner and having a toner outlet, the contained toner being able to be discharged through the toner outlet; a fan configured to supply air by rotating thereon; a closing member displaceable between a closed position and an open position, the closed position for closing a passage for air supplied by the fan, the open position for opening the passage; and a drive receiving member configured to receive a drive force from an external source to transmit the drive force toward the fan and the closing member by rotating thereon, wherein the closing member is configured to periodically displace between the closed position and the open position.

[0008] This specification also discloses a toner cartridge comprising: a housing containing toner and having a toner outlet, the contained toner being able to be discharged through the toner outlet; a fan for supplying air by rotating therethrough; a feeding portion rotatably supported in the housing for feeding toner; a toner blocking member displaceable between a toner blocking position and a toner release position, the toner blocking position for closing the feeding channel of toner supplied by the feeding portion, the toner release position for opening the feeding channel; and a drive receiving member configured to receive a driving force from an external source to transmit the driving force toward the fan and the toner blocking member by rotation therethrough, wherein the toner blocking member is configured to periodically displace between the toner blocking position and the toner release position.

[0009] This specification also discloses a toner cartridge comprising: a housing containing toner and having a toner outlet, the contained toner being able to be discharged through the toner outlet; a cylinder capable of ejecting gas; and a drive receiving member configured to receive a drive force from an external source and to transmit the drive force toward the cylinder by rotation thereon, wherein the cylinder is configured to periodically eject gas by receiving the drive force.

[0010] This specification also discloses a toner cartridge, comprising: a receiving chamber for containing toner; a toner outlet through which toner contained in the receiving chamber is discharged; a gas feed section configured to feed gas; and a conduit configured to guide the gas fed by the gas feed section, wherein the conduit has an exhaust port adjacent to the toner outlet through which the gas fed by the gas feed section can be discharged.

[0011] This specification also discloses a toner cartridge comprising: a receiving chamber for containing toner; a toner outlet through which toner contained in the receiving chamber is discharged; a gas feed section configured to feed gas; an exhaust port arranged adjacent to the toner outlet, through which gas fed by the gas feed section can be discharged; and a drive receiving member configured to receive a driving force from an external source and to transmit the driving force toward the gas feed section by rotation therethrough, wherein the gas flow path from the gas feed section to the exhaust port and the toner feed path from the receiving chamber to the toner outlet are substantially separate from each other.

[0012] [The effects of the invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, existing technologies can be developed. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a toner feeding device installed in an image forming apparatus.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the processing box.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the entire processing box when viewed from the front.

[0018] Figure 5 Part (a) is a perspective view of the entire processing box when viewed from the rear. Figure 5 Part (b) is another overall perspective view of the processing box when viewed from the rear.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the toner box.

[0020] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the toner box.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the toner discharge chamber of the toner cartridge.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the rear end of the toner cartridge.

[0023] Figure 10 Part (a) is a front view showing the transmission system. Figure 10 Part (b) is a perspective view of the transmission system.

[0024] Figure 11 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the acceleration mechanism. Figure 11 Part (b) is another perspective view of the acceleration mechanism.

[0025] Figure 12 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the airflow fed by the fan. Figure 12 Part (b) is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing the airflow fed by the fan.

[0026] Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view showing the sliding baffle and its surrounding structure.

[0027] Figure 14 Part (a) is a bottom view of the toner box. Figure 14 Part (b) is a bottom view of the toner box.

[0028] Figure 15 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view of the toner box according to Example 2. Figure 15 Part (b) is another exploded perspective view of the toner box according to Example 2.

[0029] Figure 16 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating baffle in the open position. Figure 16 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating baffle in the closed position.

[0030] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view showing a variant of Example 2.

[0031] Figure 18 It is a perspective view showing the baffle component and its surrounding structure.

[0032] Figure 19 Part (a) is a bottom view of the baffle component in the open position. Figure 19 Part (b) is a bottom view of the baffle member in the closed position.

[0033] Figure 20 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the baffle member in the closed position. Figure 20 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the baffle member in the open position.

[0034] Figure 21 This is a perspective view showing the lifting baffle according to Embodiment 3.

[0035] Figure 22 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view of the lifting baffle and its surrounding structure. Figure 22 Part (b) is an exploded perspective view of the lifting baffle and its surrounding structure.

[0036] Figure 23 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the lifting baffle in the closed position. Figure 23 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the lifting baffle in the closed position. Figure 23 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view of the lifting baffle in the open position. Figure 23 Part (d) is a cross-sectional view of the lifting baffle in the open position.

[0037] Figure 24 This is a perspective view showing the gear baffle according to Embodiment 4.

[0038] Figure 25 Part (a) is a perspective view of the gear baffle in the closed position. Figure 25 Part (b) is a perspective view of the gear baffle in the open position.

[0039] Figure 26 This is a perspective view showing the toner box according to Example 5.

[0040] Figure 27 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the rotating baffle in the closed position. Figure 27 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotating baffle in the closed position. Figure 27 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view of the rotating baffle in the open position. Figure 27 Part (d) is a cross-sectional view showing the movable baffle, and Figure 27 Part (d) is a cross-sectional view showing the lifting baffle in the rotating position.

[0041] Figure 28 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view showing the toner cartridge according to Example 6. Figure 28 Part (b) is another exploded perspective view of the toner box according to Example 6. Figure 28 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view of the toner box according to Example 6.

[0042] Figure 29 Part (a) is a perspective view of the toner box. Figure 29 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the toner box.

[0043] Figure 30 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the sealing member in the closed position. Figure 30 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the sealing member in the open position.

[0044] Figure 31 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the sealing member in the closed position. Figure 31 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the sealing member in the open position.

[0045] Figure 32 Part (a) is a perspective view of the toner box according to Example 7. Figure 32 Part (b) is a perspective view of the toner box.

[0046] Figure 33 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view showing the toner cartridge according to Example 8. Figure 33 Part (b) is another exploded perspective view of the toner box according to Example 8.

[0047] Figure 34 Part (a) is a front view showing the drive structure of the pipe baffle. Figure 34 Part (b) is a front view of the drive structure of the pipe baffle.

[0048] Figure 35 Part (a) is a rear view of the pipe baffle and its surrounding structure in the closed position. Figure 35 Part (b) is a rear view of the pipe baffle and its surrounding structure in the open position.

[0049] Figure 36 This is a perspective view showing the pipes in Embodiment 9.

[0050] Figure 37 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of toner and air. Figure 37 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the pipe.

[0051] Figure 38 It is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of toner and air.

[0052] Figure 39 Part (a) is a bottom view of the pipe. Figure 39 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the pipe.

[0053] Figure 40 This is an exploded perspective view showing the pipes in Embodiment 10.

[0054] Figure 41 Part (a) is a bottom view showing the exhaust port. Figure 41 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the toner outlet and vent.

[0055] Figure 42 This is a perspective view showing the third conduit component when the toner cartridge is installed into the image forming apparatus.

[0056] Figure 43 Part (a) is a front view showing the third pipe component in the closed position. Figure 43 Part (b) is a bottom view of the third pipe component in the closed position. Figure 43 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view of the third pipe member in the closed position.

[0057] Figure 44 Part (a) is a front view of the third pipe component in the open position. Figure 44 Part (b) is a bottom view of the third pipe component in the open position. Figure 44 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view of the third pipe component in the open position.

[0058] Figure 45 This is a schematic diagram of the toner box according to Example 11.

[0059] Figure 46 Part (a) is an exploded perspective view of the toner box according to Example 12. Figure 46Part (b) is another exploded perspective view of the toner box according to Example 12.

[0060] Figure 47 Part (a) is a side view showing the cylinder unit in the off state. Figure 47 Part (b) is a side view showing the cylinder unit in the open position.

[0061] Figure 48 Part (a) is a side view of the cylinder unit in the closed state. Figure 48 Part (b) is a side view of the cylinder unit in the open position.

[0062] Figure 49 This is a perspective view showing the toner box according to Example 13.

[0063] Figure 50 This is a cross-sectional view of the toner box.

[0064] Figure 51 Part (a) is a side view showing the transmission system. Figure 51 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the transmission system. Figure 51 Part (c) is another cross-sectional view of the transmission system.

[0065] Figure 52 This is a perspective view showing the toner box according to Example 14.

[0066] Figure 53 This is an exploded perspective view of the toner box.

[0067] Figure 54 This is a perspective view showing the transmission system.

[0068] Figure 55 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the action of the feed member 820 as it moves along the Z2 direction. Figure 55 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the action of the feed member 820 as it moves along the Z2 direction. Figure 55 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the action of the feed member 820 as it moves along the Z1 direction. Figure 55 Part (d) is a cross-sectional view showing the action of the feed member 820 as it moves along the Z1 direction.

[0069] Figure 56 This is a diagram showing the dimensions of vents, etc.

[0070] Figure 57 This is a perspective view showing the toner box.

[0071] Figure 58 This is an exploded perspective view of the toner box.

[0072] Figure 59 This is a cross-sectional view showing the toner cartridge.

[0073] Figure 60 Part (a) is a perspective view of the rear end of the toner cartridge when viewed from the bottom. Figure 60 Part (b) is a perspective view of the rear end of the toner cartridge when viewed from the top side.

[0074] Figure 61 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the pump in its expanded state. Figure 61 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the pump in its contracted state.

[0075] Figure 62 This is a cross-sectional view showing the toner discharge chamber.

[0076] Figure 63 This is a perspective view showing the sheet material component.

[0077] Figure 64 This is a cross-sectional view showing the sheet material component.

[0078] Figure 65 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge. Figure 65 Part (b) is a perspective view of the toner cartridge taken along a plane including the center of rotation of the screw.

[0079] Figure 66 This is a bottom view showing the toner box.

[0080] Figure 67 This is a perspective view showing the pipes being assembled to the supply frame.

[0081] Figure 68 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the second and third pipe components. Figure 68 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the second and third pipe components. Figure 68 Part (c) is a perspective view showing the vent and hole provided on the third pipe member.

[0082] Figure 69 This is a bottom view showing the toner box.

[0083] Figure 70 This is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge when viewed from the bottom.

[0084] Figure 71 Part (a) is a bottom view showing the baffle member in the closed position. Figure 71 Part (b) is a bottom view of the baffle component in the open position.

[0085] Figure 72This is a perspective view showing the receiving portion of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0086] Figure 73 This is a cross-sectional view showing the toner feeding device and the toner cartridge.

[0087] Figure 74 This is a cross-sectional view showing the tube portion of the image forming apparatus.

[0088] Figure 75 It is a cross-sectional view showing the toner feed path and exhaust path.

[0089] Figure 76 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the toner feed path and exhaust path.

[0090] Figure 77 It is a bottom view showing the exhaust port and orifice.

[0091] Figure 78 This is an exploded perspective view showing the toner box according to Example 16.

[0092] Figure 79 Part (a) is a bottom view showing the third pipe component. Figure 79 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the toner outlet and vent.

[0093] Figure 80 This is a perspective view showing the third conduit component when the toner cartridge is installed into the image forming apparatus.

[0094] Figure 81 Part (a) is a front view of the third pipe member in the closed position. Figure 81 Part (b) is a bottom view of the third pipe component in the closed position. Figure 81 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the third pipe member in the closed position.

[0095] Figure 82 Part (a) is a front view showing the third pipe component in the open position. Figure 82 Part (b) is a bottom view showing the third pipe member in the open position, and Figure 82 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the third pipe member in the open position.

[0096] Figure 83 This is a schematic diagram of the toner box according to Example 17.

[0097] Figure 84 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the pipes in Embodiment 18. Figure 84 Part (b) is an exploded perspective view showing the toner box according to Example 18.

[0098] Figure 85 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the pipes. Figure 85 Part (b) is a bottom view showing the second pipe component. Figure 85 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the toner outlet and exhaust port.

[0099] Figure 86 Part (a) is a bottom view showing the toner outlet and vent according to another embodiment. Figure 86 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the toner outlet and exhaust port. Figure 86 Part (c) is a bottom view of the toner outlet and vent. Figure 86 Part (d) is a cross-sectional view of the toner outlet and exhaust port. Detailed Implementation

[0100] <Example 1>

[0101] Embodiment 1 will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the embodiments should be appropriately varied depending on the structure of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to the following embodiments.

[0102] [Overall structure of the image forming apparatus]

[0103] Reference Figure 1 The overall structure of the image forming apparatus 100 (hereinafter also referred to as imaging apparatus 100) according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus 100 according to Embodiment 1, which is an electrophotographic printer. In this embodiment, the processing cartridge 1 and the toner cartridge 13 are both mountable to and detachable from the main assembly 100B of the image forming apparatus 100. Note that the portion of the image forming apparatus 100 other than the cartridges (1, 13) may be referred to as the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100 or the main assembly 100B. The main assembly 100B is configured to receive toner discharged from the toner cartridge 13.

[0104] In this embodiment, the structures and operations of the first to fourth image forming units are basically the same, differing only in the color of the formed image. Therefore, in the following description, the suffixes Y to K will be omitted, and a general description will be given unless otherwise specified.

[0105] The first to fourth processing cartridges 1 are arranged horizontally. Each processing cartridge 1 includes a cleaning unit 4 and a developing unit 6. The cleaning unit 4 includes a photosensitive drum 7 as an image-carrying member, a charging roller 8 as a charging device for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 7, and a cleaning blade 10 as a cleaning device. The developing unit 6 includes a developing roller 11 and a developing device containing a developer (hereinafter referred to as toner) T for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 7. The cleaning unit 4 and the developing unit 6 are supported so that they can swing relative to each other. The first processing cartridge 1Y contains a yellow (Y) toner in the developing unit 6. Similarly, the second processing cartridge 1M contains a magenta (M) toner, the third processing cartridge 1C contains a cyan (C) toner, and the fourth processing cartridge 1K contains a black (K) toner.

[0106] The processing cartridge 1 can be installed into and removed from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100 via mounting devices, such as mounting guides (not shown) and positioning members (not shown) provided in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100. A scanner unit 12 for forming an electrostatic latent image is provided below the processing cartridge 1. Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus, a waste toner feeding unit 23 is provided behind the processing cartridge 1 (downstream of the processing cartridge 1 along its insertion direction).

[0107] The first to fourth toner cartridges 13 are arranged horizontally below the processing box 1 in order of color corresponding to the toner contained in each processing box 1. In the following description, the toner cartridge 13, which is a toner cartridge, may be simply referred to as cartridge 13.

[0108] The first box 13Y contains yellow (Y) toner, the second box 13M contains magenta (M) toner, the third box 13C contains cyan (C) toner, and the fourth box 13K contains black (K) toner. Each box 13 supplies toner to the processing box 1, which contains toner of the same color.

[0109] When the remaining amount detection section (not shown) in the main assembly 100B of the image forming apparatus 100 detects that the remaining toner dose in the processing cartridge 1 is insufficient, a toner supply operation (supply operation) is performed, in which toner is supplied by cartridge 13. Cartridge 13 can be installed on and removed from the image forming apparatus 100 by mounting devices such as mounting guides (not shown) and positioning members (not shown) provided on the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0110] Furthermore, to distinguish between the toner box 13 and the processing box 1, one may be referred to as the first box and the other as the second box. The processing box 1 and box 13 will be described in detail later.

[0111] Inside the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100, the first to fourth toner feeding devices 14 are disposed below the first to fourth cartridges 13 corresponding to each of the cartridges 13. An intermediate transfer unit 19 is disposed above the processing cartridge 1 as an intermediate transfer component. The intermediate transfer unit 19 is disposed approximately horizontally with the primary transfer portion S1 facing downwards. The intermediate transfer belt 18 facing each photosensitive drum 7 is a rotatable annular belt and is mounted around a plurality of tension rollers. On the inner surface of the intermediate transfer belt 18, primary transfer rollers 20, serving as primary transfer components, are arranged in positions where they cooperate with the associated photosensitive drums 7 and the intermediate transfer belt 18 is placed between them to form the primary transfer portion S1. Secondary transfer rollers 21, serving as secondary transfer components, contact the intermediate transfer belt 18 and form a secondary transfer portion S2 with rollers located on opposite sides of the intermediate transfer belt 18. In addition, the cleaning unit 4 is arranged on the side opposite to the secondary transfer section S2 along the left-right direction (the direction in which the secondary transfer section S2 and the intermediate transfer belt are set up).

[0112] A fixing unit 25 is disposed above an intermediate transfer unit 19. The fixing unit 25 includes a heating unit 26 and a pressure roller 27 that presses against the heating unit 26. A discharge tray 32 is disposed on the upper surface of the main assembly 100B, and a waste toner collection container 24 is disposed between the discharge tray 32 and the intermediate transfer unit. Furthermore, a sheet feed tray 2 for holding the recording material 3 is disposed at the bottom of the main assembly.

[0113] Figure 2 The structure of the toner feeding device 14 in the image forming apparatus is schematically shown. Furthermore, Figure 2 It is partially cut in section to show the internal structure of the toner feeding device 14. Furthermore, in Figure 2 In this text, pipe 230, which will be described below, is omitted. The toner feeding device 14, which serves as the supply section, is generally divided into an upstream feeding section 110 and a downstream feeding section 120.

[0114] A supply port (receiver port, not shown) is located on the upper surface of the upstream feed section 110. The toner supplied from the toner cartridge 13 (i.e., from the source described below)... Figure 8 The toner discharged from the frame opening 52 passes through the supply port and is supplied to the storage container 109 inside the upstream feed section 110.

[0115] The toner supplied to the storage container 109 is conveyed by the upstream screw 105 covered by the storage container 109. The upstream screw 105 is driven to rotate by the upstream drive gear 103, and the upstream screw 105 conveys the toner toward the downstream feed section 120.

[0116] The downstream feed section 120 has a downstream side wall 123, and a downstream screw 124 is provided inside the downstream side wall 123. The upstream portion of the downstream feed section 120 is connected to the downstream portion of the upstream feed section 110, and the toner conveyed by the upstream feed section 110 is fed by the downstream screw 124.

[0117] The downstream screw 124 is driven to rotate by the downstream drive gear 122 to deliver toner in the direction opposite to gravity. Figure 1 The processing box 1 shown supplies toner that is fed in the opposite direction to gravity.

[0118] More specifically, the toner discharged from the main outlet 121 is processed through a system set up... Figure 5 The receiving port 40 in the developing unit 6 of the processing box 1 shown in part (b) is supplemented to the developing unit 6.

[0119] In this manner, the main component of the image forming apparatus temporarily receives the toner discharged from the toner cartridge 13 in the storage container 109, and then supplies the toner to the processing cartridge 1 using the upstream screw 105 and the downstream screw 124. Thus, toner is transported between the different cartridges 13 and 1.

[0120] [Image Formation Process]

[0121] Next, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The image forming operation in the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. During the image forming operation, the photosensitive drum 7 moves along a predetermined speed... Figure 3 The direction of arrow A is driven by rotation. The intermediate transfer belt 18 is driven by rotation along the direction of arrow B (in the same direction as the circular motion of the photosensitive drum 7).

[0122] First, the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 8. Next, an electrostatic latent image based on image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 7 by scanning the surface of the exposed photosensitive drum 7 with a laser beam emitted from the scanner unit 12. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 is developed into a toner image by the developing unit 6. At this time, the developing unit 6 is pressurized by a developing pressure unit (not shown) provided in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 is initially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 18 by the primary transfer roller 20.

[0123] For example, during the full-color image formation operation, the above-described processing operations are sequentially performed in the image formation sections S1Y to S1K, which are the first to fourth initial transfer sections, so that the toner images of the corresponding colors are sequentially superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 18.

[0124] On the other hand, the recording material 3 contained in the sheet feed tray 2 is fed at a predetermined control time and is fed to the secondary transfer section S2 in sync with the movement of the intermediate transfer belt 18. Then, the four-tone toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 18 is transferred onto the recording material 3 in a second transfer by the secondary transfer roller 21 contacting the intermediate transfer belt 18 and placing the recording material 3 therebetween.

[0125] Subsequently, the recording material 3 on which the toner image has been transferred is fed to the fixing unit 25. By heating and pressurizing the recording material 3 in the fixing unit 25, the toner image is fixed onto the recording material 3. Then, the recording material 3 on which the toner image is fixed is fed to the discharge tray 32 to complete the image forming operation.

[0126] Furthermore, the residual toner (waste toner) left on the photosensitive drum 7 after the initial transfer process is removed by the cleaning blade 10. The residual toner (waste toner) left on the intermediate transfer belt 18 after the secondary transfer process is removed by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 22. The waste toner removed by the cleaning blade 10 and the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 22 is fed by the waste toner feeding unit 23 located in the main assembly of the apparatus and accumulated in the waste toner collection container 24. The image forming apparatus 100 can also form monochrome or multicolor images using only one or more (but not all) desired image forming sections.

[0127] [Processing Box]

[0128] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 5 Part (b) will describe the overall structure of the processing box 1, which can be installed on the main component of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the processing box 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the processing box 1 as viewed from the upstream side in the direction of the processing box installation. Figure 5 Part (a) and Figure 5 Part (b) is a perspective view of the processing box 1 as viewed from the downstream side in the processing box mounting direction.

[0129] The processing cartridge 1 includes a cleaning unit 4 and a developing unit 6. The cleaning unit 4 and the developing unit 6 are pivotally connected around a rotating support pin 30.

[0130] The cleaning unit 4 includes a cleaning frame 5 that supports various internal components. In addition to the photosensitive drum 7, charging roller 8, and cleaning blade 10, the cleaning unit 4 also includes a waste toner feed screw 15 extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 7. The cleaning frame 5 has cleaning bearings 33 at its longitudinally opposite ends to rotatably support the photosensitive drum 7. A cleaning gear train 31 for transmitting drive from the photosensitive drum 7 to the waste toner feed screw 15 is mounted on the cleaning bearing 33 on the upstream side in the processing cartridge mounting direction.

[0131] The charging roller 8, located in the cleaning unit 4, is pushed toward the photosensitive drum 7 in the direction of arrow C by charging roller pressure springs 36 located at opposite ends. The charging roller 8 is driven by the photosensitive drum 7 and is rotated in the direction of arrow A during image formation by the photosensitive drum 7, while the charging roller 8 rotates in the direction of arrow D (in the same direction as the rotation of the photosensitive drum 7).

[0132] The cleaning blade 10, located in the cleaning unit 4, includes an elastic member 10a and a support member 10b. The elastic member 10a removes untransferred residual toner (waste toner) remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 after the initial transfer, and the support member 10b supports the elastic member 10a. The waste toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 by the cleaning blade 10 is stored in a waste toner receiving chamber 9, which includes the cleaning blade 10 and the cleaning frame 5. The waste toner stored in the waste toner receiving chamber 9 is conveyed towards the rear of the image forming apparatus 100 (downstream along the loading / unloading direction of the processing cartridge 1) by a waste toner feed screw 15 located in the waste toner receiving chamber 9. The fed waste toner is discharged from the waste toner discharge section 35 and transferred to a waste toner feeding unit 23 located in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100 (see...). Figure 1 )superior.

[0133] The developing unit 6 includes a developing frame 16, which supports various components within the developing unit 6. The developing frame 16 is divided into a developing chamber 16a and a toner storage chamber 16b. The developing chamber 16a contains a developing roller 11 and a supply roller 17, while the toner storage chamber 16b stores toner and contains a stirring member 29.

[0134] The developing roller 11, supply roller 17, and developing blade 28 are disposed in the developing chamber 16a. The developing roller 11 carries toner and rotates in the direction of arrow E during image formation to feed the toner to the photosensitive drum 7 through contact. The developing roller 11 is rotatably supported by the developing frame 16, and more specifically by developing bearing units 34 at opposite ends in the longitudinal direction (rotation axis direction). The supply roller 17 is rotatably supported by the developing bearing units 34 of the developing frame 16 while in contact with the developing roller 11, and rotates in the direction of arrow F during image formation operation. Furthermore, the developing blade 28, as a layer thickness control member for controlling the thickness of the toner layer formed on the developing roller 11, is disposed to contact the surface of the developing roller 11.

[0135] The toner storage chamber 16b is provided with a stirring member 29 for stirring the stored toner T and feeding the toner to the supply roller 17 through the developing chamber connection port 16c. The stirring member 29 includes a rotating shaft 29a extending parallel to the rotation axis of the developing roller 11 and a flexible stirring blade 29b. One end of the stirring blade 29b is mounted to the rotating shaft 29a, and the other end of the stirring blade 29b is a free end, so that the stirring blade 29b is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow G by the rotation of the rotating shaft 29a to stir the toner.

[0136] The developing unit 6 is provided with a developing chamber communication port 16c, which provides fluid communication between the developing chamber 16a and the toner storage chamber 16b. In this embodiment, in the normal operating position (operational position) of the developing unit 6, the developing chamber 16a is located above the toner storage chamber 16b. Toner drawn from the toner storage chamber 16b by the stirring member 29 is supplied to the developing chamber 16a through the developing chamber communication port 16c.

[0137] Furthermore, the developing unit 6 has a receiving port 40 at one end downstream of the insertion direction of the cartridge 1. A receiving port sealing member 45 and a receiving port baffle 41 movable in the front-rear direction are provided above the receiving port 40. When the processing cartridge 1 is not installed to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100, the receiving port 40 is closed by the receiving port baffle 41. The receiving port baffle 41 is configured to be opened by being pushed by the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100 in association with the installation / removal operation of the processing cartridge 1.

[0138] The developing unit 6 is provided with a receiving and feeding passage 42 communicating with the receiving port 40, and a receiving and feeding screw 43 is disposed within the receiving and feeding passage 42. In addition, a storage chamber connection port 44 for supplying toner to the toner storage chamber 16b is disposed near the longitudinal center of the developing unit 6, and the storage chamber connection port 44 provides fluid communication between the receiving and feeding passage 42 and the toner storage chamber 16b.

[0139] In this embodiment, a processing cartridge 1 includes both a photosensitive drum 7 and a developing roller 11, but the structure is not limited to this example. For instance, the cleaning unit 4, which includes the photosensitive drum 7, and the developing unit 6, which includes the developing roller 11, may not be connected and may be separate cartridges. In such a case, the cartridge including the cleaning unit 4 may be called a drum cartridge, and the cartridge including the developing unit 6 may be called a developing cartridge. In this case, toner is supplied from cartridge 13 to the developing cartridge of the developing unit 6.

[0140] [Toner Kit]

[0141] Next, refer to Figures 6 to 8 The overall structure of the toner cartridge 13 installed in the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge 13. Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of toner box 13. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the toner discharge chamber 57 of the toner cartridge 13.

[0142] The toner cartridge 13 contains toner (developer) in its internal space 51 and is mounted to the main assembly 100B of the image forming apparatus 100 in order to supply (replenish) toner to the main assembly 100B.

[0143] In describing the toner cartridge 13, unless otherwise stated, it is assumed that the toner cartridge 13 is in a normal orientation, that is, the orientation it takes when it is placed in the main assembly of the device, and the orientations (X1, X2, Y1, Y2, Z1, Z2) are defined as follows.

[0144] The vertical direction is represented by the Y-axis. Arrow Y1 indicates the upward direction, and arrow Y2 indicates the downward direction. The surface located at the end of the toner cartridge 13 along the Y1 direction is called the top surface (upper surface), and the surface located at the end along the Y2 direction is called the bottom surface (bottom, lower part, lower end). The top surface of the toner cartridge 13 faces upward (Y1 direction), and the bottom surface faces downward (Y2 direction). The Y1 and Y2 directions can be collectively referred to as the up-down direction, height direction, vertical direction, gravity direction, Y direction, or Y-axis direction.

[0145] The forward and backward directions are represented by the Z-axis. Regarding the direction in which the toner cartridge 13 is mounted to the main component of the image forming apparatus 100, arrow Z1 indicates the upstream direction, and arrow Z2 indicates the downstream direction. For ease of explanation, Z1 is forward and Z2 is backward. That is, the surface provided at the end of the toner cartridge 13 along the Z1 direction is called the front surface (front, front end) of the toner cartridge 13, and the surface provided at the end along the Z2 direction is called the rear surface (back, rear, rear part).

[0146] The front surface of the toner cartridge 13 faces forward (Z1 direction), and the rear surface faces backward (Z2 direction). The longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 13 extends from the front surface to the rear surface (extending in the Z-axis direction). The Z1 direction and the Z2 direction can be collectively referred to as the front-back direction, the longitudinal direction, the length direction, the Z direction, and the Z-axis direction.

[0147] Furthermore, the left and right directions are represented by the X-axis. For ease of explanation, when the toner cartridge 13 is installed in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100, viewed along the installation direction (i.e., the Z2 direction), the left direction is represented by arrow X1, and the right direction is represented by arrow X2. The surface located at the end of the toner cartridge 13 along the X1 direction is referred to as the left side (left surface, left end, left portion), and the surface located at the end along the X2 direction is referred to as the right side (right surface, right portion, right end). The left side surface of the toner cartridge 13 faces the left direction (X1 direction), and the right side surface faces the right direction (X2 direction). The direction from left to right (i.e., the X-axis direction) is the width direction of the toner cartridge 13. The X1 direction and the X2 direction can be collectively referred to as the left and right direction, the width direction, the lateral direction, the X direction, the X-axis direction, etc.

[0148] In other words, the distance between the front and rear surfaces of the toner cartridge 13 is greater than the distance between the right and left surfaces, and also greater than the distance between the top and bottom surfaces. Furthermore, the distance between the right and left sides is less than the distance between the top and bottom surfaces. However, the structure is not limited to this example. For instance, the distance between the right and left sides of the toner cartridge 13 may be the longest, or the distance between the top and bottom may be the longest. The distance between the top and bottom surfaces may be the shortest.

[0149] The X, Y, and Z axes are perpendicular to each other. For example, the X-axis is perpendicular to both the Y and Z axes. A plane perpendicular to the X-axis can be called the YZ plane, a plane perpendicular to the Y-axis can be called the ZX plane, and a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis can be called the XY plane. For example, the ZX plane is a horizontal plane. The X and Z directions are along the horizontal ZX plane, i.e., horizontal directions.

[0150] In this embodiment, the following description will be based on the first to third boxes (13Y, 13M, 13C) that contain yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) toners respectively, which are boxes other than the black toner box.

[0151] The fourth box (13K) containing black (K) toner differs only in that it has a larger toner capacity compared to the first through third boxes (13Y, 13M, 13C); otherwise, its structure is essentially the same. Therefore, a description of the fourth toner box 13K is omitted.

[0152] As described above, the toner supplied from the toner cartridge 13 to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100 is delivered via the toner feeding device 14 (see toner feeding device 14). Figure 2 The toner is supplied to the processing box 1. That is, the toner box 13 contains the toner to be supplied (replenished) to the processing box 1.

[0153] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the toner cartridges 13 (13Y, 13M, 13C) of this embodiment each have a supply frame 50 serving as a housing. The supply frame 50 has a container portion 50a and a lid portion 50b, and is assembled by attaching the lid portion 50b to the container portion 50a. An internal space 51 is provided inside the supply frame 50 by the container portion 50a and the lid portion 50b. The lid portion 50b is located at the end of the toner cartridge 13 along the Y1 direction and provides the top surface of the toner cartridge 13 and the supply frame 50.

[0154] The supply frame 50 has a partition member 155 in its internal space 51. The partition member 155 divides the internal space 51 into multiple areas. That is, as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the internal space 51 is divided into multiple chambers by the partition member 155, such as a toner receiving chamber 49, a connecting passage 48, and a toner discharge chamber 57. The toner receiving chamber 49 is a chamber (storage chamber) for storing toner. The toner discharge chamber 57 has a frame opening 52, which will be described below, and is in fluid communication with the outside of the toner cartridge 13 through the frame opening 52. The connecting passage 48 is a toner path that allows fluid communication between the toner receiving chamber 49 and the toner discharge chamber 57. The partition member 155 can be considered as part of the supply frame 50, and the partition member 155 can actually be integrally formed with the supply frame 50. It should be noted that the division of the internal space 51 of the supply frame 50 as described above is merely an example, and the layout can be appropriately changed as needed.

[0155] A transmission system 160 is provided at the end (rear end, rear surface) of the supply frame 50 along the Z2 direction, including a drive input gear 59, a fan input gear 260, a screw gear 164, an acceleration mechanism 161, and a fan 158. The transmission system 160 and the fan 158 are covered by a side cover 162 mounted to the supply frame 50. Specifically, the fan input gear 260, the acceleration mechanism 161, and the fan 158 are restricted by the side cover 162 and the supply frame 50 to prevent movement along the Z1 and Z2 directions.

[0156] The stirring member 53 and the screw 54 are rotatably supported by the supply frame 50. The stirring member 53 and the screw 54 are rotatable about axes extending parallel to each other in the Z direction, with the screw 54 positioned downstream of the stirring member 53 in the X2 direction. The stirring member 53 is disposed in the toner receiving chamber 49 and has a rotating shaft 53a and a stirring blade (not shown), one end of which is mounted to the rotating shaft 53a and the other end is free. The stirring member 53 rotates to agitate the toner in the toner receiving chamber 49 by the stirring blade, thereby feeding the toner toward the screw 54.

[0157] Inside the toner receiving chamber 49, a wall 50a1 is disposed between the stirring member 53 and the screw 54, and the wall 50a1 protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the toner receiving chamber 49. The wall 50a1 is disposed close to the screw 54 and extends along the axial direction (Z direction) of the screw 54, which is the toner feeding direction. By being positioned between the wall 50a1 and the side surface of the toner receiving chamber 49, the screw 54, as the feeding part, can stably feed the toner present therein. A space is provided between the wall 50a1 and the cover portion 50b of the supply frame 50. Therefore, the stirring member 53 can deliver the toner to the screw 54 through the space between the wall 50a1 and the cover portion 50b.

[0158] The connecting path 48 is a space or opening connecting the toner receiving chamber 49 to the toner discharge chamber 57, as will be described below, and is the channel through which the toner moves. The connecting path 48 is formed by the partition member 155 and the supply frame 50. At least a portion of the screw 54 is disposed in the connecting path 48. A portion of the screw 54 is exposed to the toner receiving chamber 49 and, by its rotation, conveys the toner in the toner receiving chamber 49 along the axis of rotation of the screw 54.

[0159] The connecting path 48 extends along the toner feeding direction of the screw 54 and has a tunnel shape. Furthermore, the screw 54 is disposed within the connecting path 48 by a partition member 155 that partially covers the screw 54. The tunnel shape of the connecting path 48 is formed to correspond to the shape of the screw 54. In other words, the connecting path 48 has the function of scraping away the toner fed by the screw 54 and feeding it in a metered manner.

[0160] A portion of the toner fed by the screw 54 can enter the connecting channel 48 and move to the toner discharge chamber 57, but the remaining toner cannot enter the connecting channel 48 and cannot move to the toner storage chamber, and remains in the toner receiving chamber 49. By appropriately selecting the ratio between the size of the tunnel opening formed by the connecting channel 48 and the size of the screw 54, the amount of toner entering the connecting channel 48 can be appropriately determined. In other words, by extending the screw 54 through the connecting channel 48, only the desired amount of toner can be supplied to the toner discharge chamber 57.

[0161] The screw 54 delivers toner in a direction (Z2 direction) from the front surface (front end) to the rear surface (rear end) of the toner cartridge 13. That is, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the screw 54 (i.e., the toner feeding direction of the screw 54) is the same as the longitudinal direction (Z direction, front-to-back direction) of the toner cartridge 13.

[0162] like Figure 8 As shown, the toner discharge chamber 57 is a space defined by the partition member 155 and the supply frame 50, and is located downstream of the connecting channel 48 in the toner feed direction that conveys the toner along the screw 54.

[0163] A screw gear 164 is disposed near the toner discharge chamber 57, that is, near the rear surface (end in the Z2 direction) of the supply frame 50, as a gear member for receiving the rotational force of the rotating screw 54. The toner discharge chamber 57 also has a frame opening 52 for discharging toner (developer) from the internal space 51 of the supply frame 50 to the outside. The frame opening 52 is an opening (toner discharge port) configured to connect the inside and outside of the supply frame 50 and discharge toner to the outside of the toner cartridge 13.

[0164] A frame opening 52 is formed in the bottom surface of the toner cartridge 13 (i.e., the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50) and opens downwards into the toner cartridge 13. That is, toner is discharged downwards from the frame opening 52. The frame opening 52 is located downstream of the toner cartridge 13 along the toner feed direction of the screw 54. Specifically, the distance between the frame opening 52 and the rear surface (end in the Z2 direction) of the toner cartridge 13 is less than the distance between the frame opening 52 and the front surface (end in the Z1 direction) of the toner cartridge 13.

[0165] A fan (blower section, blower, blower, airflow generating mechanism) 158 is located near the rear surface of the toner cartridge 13 (the end in the direction of arrow Z2). The fan 158 can transport gas, i.e., the air present around the fan 158, by its rotation. The air supplied by the fan 158 is fed into the toner discharge chamber 57 of the supply frame 50 via a conduit 163 and is used to transport the toner. The fan 158 and the toner discharge chamber 57 are connected to each other via the conduit 163, and a connection hole 57a is formed in the side surface of the supply frame 50 constituting the toner discharge chamber 57. The conduit 163 is a tubular cylindrical component and constitutes a gas flow path (ventilation path, air supply path).

[0166] The fan 158 can be rotated by a driving force input from the fan input gear 260 (described below) via the acceleration mechanism 161. Thus, the fan 158 can feed air into the toner discharge chamber 57.

[0167] [Drive system for rotary fans and screws]

[0168] Next, refer to Figures 9 to 11 Part (b) will describe the drive system 160 for the rotating fan 158 and the screw 54. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the rear end of the toner cartridge 13 as viewed from above. Figure 9 In the middle, the side cover 162 is shown shifted rearward to show the rotation drive transmission path. Figure 10 Part (a) is a front view showing the transmission system 160. Figure 10 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the transmission system 160. Figure 11 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the acceleration mechanism 161. Figure 11 Part (b) is another perspective view showing the acceleration mechanism 161.

[0169] like Figures 9 to 10 As shown in part (b), the transmission system 160 is arranged on the rear side of the toner cartridge 13, i.e., near the rear surface. The transmission system 160, as the drive transmission part of this embodiment, includes a drive input gear 59, a fan input gear 260, an acceleration mechanism 161, and a screw gear 164. The drive input gear 59 includes a drive receiving portion 59a and a gear portion 59b. The fan input gear 260 includes a large gear portion 260a and a small gear portion 260b. The axial directions of the drive input gear 59, the fan input gear 260, the gear of the acceleration mechanism 161, and the screw gear 164 are parallel to the Z-axis.

[0170] The drive input gear 59 is operably connected to the fan 158 and the screw 54 via the transmission system 160. The fan 158 and the screw 54 are configured to operate according to the rotation of the drive input gear 59. The drive input gear 59 is able to transmit the driving force input to the drive receiving section 59a toward the fan 158 and the screw 54 via the transmission system 160.

[0171] Side cover 162 is a cover member used to cover and protect fan 158. Side cover 162 can also be considered as part of the frame (housing) of toner cartridge 13 together with supply frame 50. In such a case, supply frame 50 can be specifically referred to as frame body (housing body). Fan 158 is rotated by driving force output from acceleration mechanism 161.

[0172] This will describe the rotational drive transmission path. For example... Figure 10 As shown in section (b), the rotational drive is input from the drive output member (connecting member on the main component side) 100a provided in the main component of the image forming apparatus 100 to the toner cartridge 13. That is, the drive receiving part 59a receives the rotational force (driving force) through the connection between the drive force receiving part (connecting part) 59a of the drive input gear 59 provided on the cartridge and the drive output member 100a. As a result, the drive input gear 59 rotates, and the driving force is transmitted from the drive input gear 59 to the corresponding member of the toner cartridge 13.

[0173] When the toner cartridge 13 is installed into the image forming apparatus 100 Figure 9 The first engagement portion 71 and the second engagement portion 72 of the side cover 162 shown engage with the engaged portion (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 100. This determines the position of the cartridge 13 within the image forming apparatus 100.

[0174] A storage element 70 is disposed on the side cover 162, and the storage element 70 stores information about the toner cartridge 13. Examples of information include the driving state of the toner cartridge 13 and the color of the toner stored in the toner cartridge 13. In this embodiment, the storage element 70 is an IC chip and has conductive contacts on its surface for electrical connection to contacts (not shown) disposed on the main component of the image forming apparatus 100. When the toner cartridge 13 is mounted to the image forming apparatus 100, the storage element 70 is electrically connected to the contacts disposed on the image forming apparatus 100.

[0175] When viewed along the axis of rotation of the fan 158, the axis of rotation of the fan 158 and the storage element 70 are positioned on opposite sides of a straight line passing through the first and second joint portions. The fan 158 and the storage element 70 should be kept separate to suppress the transmission of vibrations caused by the rotation of the fan 158 to the storage element 70.

[0176] like Figure 7 As shown, the drive input gear 59 is connected to the rotation shaft 53a of the stirring member 53, and the rotation of the drive input gear 59 causes the stirring member 53 to rotate. Figure 9 As shown, the gear portion 59b of the drive input gear 59 meshes with the large gear portion 260a of the fan input gear 260 to transmit rotational drive to the fan input gear 260. Furthermore, the fan input gear 260 is a stepper gear including a large gear portion 260a and a small gear portion 260b, and the small gear portion 260b rotates integrally with the large gear portion 260a. The small gear portion 260b is drivably connected to the acceleration mechanism 161, and the large gear portion 260a meshes with the screw gear 164. The screw 54 (see...) Figure 8 It is connected to the screw gear 164, and the screw 54 is driven by the rotational drive transmitted from the screw gear 164 to the screw 54.

[0177] Therefore, the drive input gear 59 is a drive input member (drive receiving member, rotational force receiving member), and the driving force (rotational force) is input to this drive input member from outside the toner cartridge 13 (i.e., the main component of the image forming apparatus 100). In other words, the drive input gear 59 is a connecting member on the toner cartridge 13 side, configured to connect with the drive output member (the connecting member on the main component side) 100a.

[0178] The drive input gear 59 also serves as a drive transmission member (gear member) for transmitting drive force to a corresponding member of the cartridge. In other words, the drive input gear 59 is provided with a drive force receiving portion (connecting portion) 59a to which drive force is input and a gear portion 59b for outputting drive force to another member of the toner cartridge 13. The gear portion 59b is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the drive input gear 59.

[0179] The rotational force (driving force) input to the drive input gear 59 is used not only to drive the screw 54 and the stirring member 53, but also to drive the fan 158. Next, the structure of the acceleration mechanism 161 for accelerating the output of the driving force received by the fan input gear 260 to the fan 158 will be described.

[0180] like Figure 11 Part (a) and Figure 11 As shown in section (b), the acceleration mechanism 161 includes a support unit 79, a sun gear unit 96, and a ring gear 99. The support unit 79 is an input element to which driving force is input from the pinion portion 260b of the fan input gear 260. The sun gear unit 96 is an output element that outputs the driving force transmitted from the support unit 79 to the fan 158. The ring gear 99 is a stationary element whose rotation is restricted.

[0181] The gear ring 99 is configured to be generally cylindrical, and an internal gear 99a is formed on its inner circumferential surface. Furthermore, the gear ring 99 has flange portions 99b and 99c that project radially outward from its outer circumferential surface, and these flange portions 99b and 99c are fixed to the side surface of the supply frame 50. That is, the gear ring 99 is non-rotatably fixed to the supply frame 50.

[0182] The flange portions 99b and 99c can be secured to the supply frame 50 by any method such as bonding or screwing. Furthermore, even if the gear ring 99 is not secured to the supply frame 50, it is sufficient to control the gear ring 99 to prevent rotation. For example, when the gear ring 99 is clamped between the supply frame 50 and the side cover 162, a stop (not shown) provided on the supply frame 50 or the side cover 162 abuts against the flange portions 99b and 99c to limit rotation.

[0183] The support unit 79 has a first unit 80, a second unit 90A, and a third unit 90B. The first unit 80 includes a support 81 and planetary gears 82, 83, 84, and 85. The support 81 includes a mating portion 81a and shaft portions 81b, 81c, 81d, and 81e, and a pinion portion 260b of the fan input gear 260 (see...). Figure 10 Part (a) of the bracket 81 is splinedly engaged with the engaged portion 81a, and shaft portions 81b, 81c, 81d, and 81e are disposed on the side surfaces of the bracket 81 opposite to the engaged portion 81a. Planetary gears 82, 83, 84, and 85 are rotatably supported by shaft portions 81b, 81c, 81d, and 81e. Planetary gears 82, 83, 84, and 85 mesh with the internal gear 99a of the gear ring 99 and the input gear 95A of the second unit 90A.

[0184] The second unit 90A includes a support 91A, planetary gears 92A, 93A, 94A, 95A, and an input gear 95A. The input gear 95A is fixed relative to the support 91A. That is, the input gear 95A and the support 91A rotate together with each other. The planetary gears 92A, 92A, 93A, and 94A are rotatably supported by four shafts mounted on the support 91A and mesh with the internal gear 99a of the gear ring 99 and the input gear 95B of the third unit 90B.

[0185] The third unit 90B has the same structure as the second unit 90A, so its detailed description is omitted, but it includes a support 91B, planetary gears 92B, 93B, 94B and 95B, and an input gear 95B.

[0186] The sun gear unit 96 includes an output member 97 and a sun gear 98 fixed to a shaft portion 97a of the output member 97. The output member 97 has an output shaft 97b that protrudes in the Z direction toward the opposite side of the shaft portion 97a, and the output shaft 97b outputs driving force to the impeller 158b of the fan 158.

[0187] When driving force is input from the pinion portion 260b of the fan input gear 260 to the support 81 of the first unit 80, the support 81 rotates, and because the gear ring 99 is stationary, the planetary gears 82, 83, 84, and 85 revolve and rotate. In the following description, the circular motion of the planetary gears about the rotation axis ZZ of the impeller 158b is called revolution, while the rotation of the planetary gears about the axis of their own support shaft is called rotation. Furthermore, the rotation axis ZZ is parallel to the Z direction.

[0188] The rotation of planetary gears 82, 83, 84, and 85 is transmitted to the input gear 95A of the second unit 90A. Therefore, the rotation input to the support 81 is accelerated by the planetary gears 82, 83, 84, and 85 and output to the input gear 95A of the second unit 90A. In other words, the input gear 95A serves as the sun gear that outputs driving force to the planetary gears 82, 83, 84, and 85.

[0189] Similarly, the rotation of the support 91A, which rotates together with the input gear 95A, is accelerated by the planetary gears 92A, 93A, 94A, and 95A and output to the input gear 95B of the third unit 90B. Furthermore, the rotation of the support 91B, which rotates integrally with the input gear 95B, is accelerated by the planetary gears 92B, 93B, 94B, and 95B and output to the sun gear 98 of the sun gear unit 96.

[0190] The output shaft 97b of the output member 97 rotates due to the rotation of the sun gear 98. The output shaft 97b has a D-shaped cross-section, and the impeller 158b of the fan 158 is fixed to the output shaft 97b. Therefore, the impeller 158b rotates integrally with the output shaft 97b. As described above, the acceleration mechanism 161 accelerates the rotation input from the pinion portion 260b of the fan input gear 260 and outputs it to the impeller 158b. In this embodiment, for example, the rotational speed of the drive input gear 59, which receives driving force from the outside of the toner cartridge 13, is 89.5 rpm, while the rotational speed of the impeller 158b is approximately 5000 rpm. Ideally, the rotational speed of the impeller 158b is higher than the rotational speed of the drive input gear 59. The rotational speed of the impeller 158b is preferably 10 times or more than the rotational speed of the drive input gear 59, more preferably 20 times or more, and even more preferably 40 times or more. In this embodiment, the rotational speed of the impeller 158b is selected to be 50 times or more than the rotational speed of the drive input gear 59. Considering the load required for rotating the input gear 59 and the durability of the impeller 158b, the rotational speed of the impeller 158b was chosen to be less than 500 times the rotational speed of the input gear 59. Here, rotational speed is defined as the number of revolutions an object makes per unit time. The [rpm] mentioned earlier refers to the number of times an object rotates per minute.

[0191] The acceleration mechanism (acceleration section, speed change section) 161 is composed of a so-called planetary gear mechanism, which is small in size but can provide a large speed change (acceleration) ratio. Furthermore, while a planetary gear mechanism is used in the acceleration mechanism 161 in this embodiment, the invention is not limited to this structural example. For example, other speed change mechanisms such as harmonic gear drive mechanisms can be used.

[0192] The number of teeth of the screw gear 164 is selected to be less than the number of teeth of the large gear portion 260a of the fan input gear 260, and the rotational speed of the screw gear 164 is selected to be faster than the rotational speed of the fan input gear 260 and slower than the rotational speed of the impeller 158b.

[0193] [Air movement]

[0194] Next, we will refer to Figure 11 Part (a) to Figure 12 Part (b) describes the airflow fed by fan 158. For example... Figure 11 Part (a) and Figure 11 As shown in section (b), the fan 158 includes a fan housing 158a and an impeller 158b, with the impeller 158b rotatably supported by the fan housing 158a. The fan housing 158a has an intake port 158c and an exhaust port 158d, and a duct 163 (see [reference]). Figure 9It is connected to the exhaust port 158d. When the impeller 158b rotates by receiving the driving force from the output shaft 97b of the acceleration mechanism 161, the fan 158 draws in air through the intake port 158c and delivers air through the exhaust port 158d.

[0195] like Figure 12 As shown in parts (a) and (b), air discharged from the exhaust port 158d of the fan 158 passes through the duct 163 and is fed into the toner discharge chamber 57 through the connection hole 57a. A vent filter 164 is provided on the toner discharge chamber 57 side of the connection hole 57a, and the vent filter 164 has a venting characteristic that allows air to pass through but prevents toner from passing through. Therefore, toner can be prevented from flowing back from the toner discharge chamber 57 to the duct 163. The air fed into the toner discharge chamber 57 through the vent filter 164, together with the toner fed by the screw 54, is discharged through the frame opening 52. Therefore, the frame opening 52 is both an opening for discharging toner (toner outlet) and an opening for discharging air to the outside of the toner cartridge 13 (exhaust port).

[0196] [Sliding baffle]

[0197] Next, refer to Figure 8 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 Part (a) and Figure 14 Part (b) will describe a sliding baffle 141 mounted to the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50. The sliding baffle 141 is a baffle member (shielding member, airflow shielding member, valve) that periodically shields the airflow generated by the fan 158 by periodically closing the air passage. Figure 8 and Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 Part (a) and Figure 14 As shown in part (b), the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50 is provided with baffle support portions 50m1 and 50m2 for supporting the sliding baffle 141, and a spring support portion 50m3. These baffle support portions 50m1, 50m2 and support portion 50m3 are integrally formed.

[0198] Baffle support portions 50m1 and 50m2 support the sliding baffle 141 to allow it to slide in the Z direction, and engage with the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50 to clamp the sliding baffle 141, thereby fixing the position of the sliding baffle 141 in the Y direction. The sliding baffle 141, as a shielding member, has an abutment portion 141a, an inclined surface 141b, and a toner outlet 141c. The abutment portion 141a faces the flat portion 164a of the screw gear 164, and the inclined surface 141b is inclined relative to both the X and Z directions. The toner outlet 141c is a through hole (opening) extending in the Y direction.

[0199] A leaf spring (elastic member) 142, serving as the first biasing component, is arranged between a sliding baffle 141 supported by baffle support portions 50m1 and 50m2 and a spring support portion 50m3. In this embodiment, the leaf spring 142 comprises an elastic leaf spring, but other springs such as coil springs and leaf springs, or other elastic members such as rubber, may also be used.

[0200] The sliding baffle 141 is pushed by the baffle spring 142 in the direction of arrow Z2, and the abutting portion 141a of the sliding baffle 141 abuts against the flat portion 164a of the screw gear 164. Thus, the sliding baffle 141 is positioned in the shielded position (closed position). A baffle seal 143 is attached to the surface of the sliding baffle 141 on the downstream side in the Y1 direction. The baffle seal 143 is an elastic, generally plate-shaped sealing member and has a toner outlet 143a. The baffle seal 143 is installed to the sliding baffle 141 such that the toner outlets 143a and 141c of the sliding baffle 141 overlap. The sliding baffle 141 is positioned downstream of the frame opening 52 in the discharge direction (Y2 direction) for discharging toner through the frame opening 52.

[0201] like Figure 14 As shown in part (a), when the sliding baffle 141 is in the shielded position, the sliding baffle 141 and the baffle seal 143 close the frame opening 52. Therefore, no toner is discharged through the frame opening 52 and no air is discharged through the frame opening 52. When the toner cartridge 13 is not installed in the main assembly 100B of the image forming apparatus 100, the sliding baffle 141 is positioned in the shielded position by the pushing force of the baffle spring 142. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 13 is in the free state, toner will not be discharged from the frame opening 52.

[0202] like Figure 14 As shown in part (b), the screw gear 164 is provided with a cam 164b, and the cam 164b protrudes as a cam portion from the flat portion 164a in the Z1 direction, that is, protrudes toward the sliding baffle (141). The cam 164b extends in the circumferential direction about the rotation axis of the screw gear 164 and has a ramp 164c that is inclined relative to the circumferential direction and the Z direction.

[0203] As the cam 164b rotates along with the screw gear 164, the inclined surface 164c of the cam 164b contacts the inclined surface 141b of the sliding baffle 141 located in the shielded position. When the cam 164b rotates further, the inclined surface 141b is pressed by the inclined surface 164c of the cam 164b, causing the sliding baffle 141 to slide in the Z1 direction against the pushing force of the baffle spring 142.

[0204] like Figure 14As shown in section (b), the sliding baffle 141 is in the open position where its abutment portion 141a abuts against the cam 164b. That is, the sliding baffle 141 is pressed by the cam 164b of the screw gear 164 to move between a shielded position and an open position. When the sliding baffle 141 is in the open position, the toner outlet 141c of the sliding baffle 141 and the frame opening 52 of the supply frame 50 are aligned with each other. That is, the frame opening 52 is open, and toner and air are discharged through the frame opening 52. In other words, the frame opening 52 is the passage for air supplied from the fan 158 to the supply frame 50 and is shielded or released by the sliding baffle 141.

[0205] As the cam 164b rotates further and separates from the abutment portion 141a of the sliding baffle 141, the sliding baffle 141 moves to the shielded position under the pushing force of the baffle spring 142. In this way, as the screw gear 164 rotates, the sliding baffle 141 repeatedly moves between the shielded position and the open position. As a result, the frame opening 52 is periodically opened and closed by the sliding baffle 141, and the closed and open states are repeated.

[0206] Similar to the fan 158 and screw 54 described above, the sliding baffle 141 is also operatively connected to the drive input gear 59. That is, the sliding baffle 141 is driven and slides according to the rotation of the drive input gear 59, thereby repeatedly opening and closing the frame opening 52. In other words, the sliding baffle 141 reciprocates between a closed position and an open position. The sliding baffle 141 receives the driving force from the drive input gear 59 via a drive transmission portion 160, such as a screw gear 164. The cam 164b of the screw gear 164 is a drive conversion portion (drive conversion mechanism) for converting the rotational motion of the screw gear 164 into the reciprocating motion of the sliding baffle 141. In other words, the cam 164b converts the rotational force transmitted from the drive input gear 59 toward the sliding baffle 141 into a driving force (translational force) for driving the baffle 141 to move the baffle 141.

[0207] Cam 164b is an example of a drive conversion part for switching rotary motion, and for a drive conversion part that uses the rotational force transmitted from drive input gear 59 to move sliding baffle 141, known mechanical elements such as cranks, connecting rods, etc. can be appropriately used.

[0208] [Operation in Example 1]

[0209] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100, the drive output member 100a (see above) Figure 10When the toner cartridge 13 is driven (part (b)), air is continuously supplied to the toner cartridge discharge chamber 57 by the fan 158 through the duct 163. On the other hand, the frame opening 52 of the toner discharge chamber 57 is periodically opened and closed by the sliding baffle 141 moving between a covered position and an open position.

[0210] As a result, the internal pressure (internal air pressure) of the toner discharge chamber 57 changes periodically, creating a pressure difference between the external pressure of the toner cartridge 13 and the internal pressure of the toner discharge chamber 57. When the frame opening 52 is blocked by the sliding baffle 141, the internal pressure of the toner discharge chamber 57 is positive, which is higher than the external pressure of the toner cartridge 13, because air is supplied to the toner discharge chamber 57 by the fan 158.

[0211] Subsequently, when the sliding baffle 141 moves from the shielded position to the open position, the frame opening 52 opens, and compressed air is discharged through the frame opening 52, thereby reducing the internal pressure of the toner discharge chamber 57. At this time, the toner in the toner discharge chamber 57 is forcefully ejected through the frame opening 52 along with the compressed air, so that the toner can be discharged into the main assembly 100B of the image forming apparatus.

[0212] In a structure where toner is conveyed along with air, the toner can be easily conveyed in narrow channels, or the toner discharged from the frame opening 52 can easily travel to a distance with the airflow. This is beneficial for improving the conveying efficiency of toner discharged from the toner cartridge 13. Furthermore, even if the frame opening 52 is small, the toner can still be discharged, thus preventing the toner from accidentally scattering outside the cartridge 13 through the frame opening 52.

[0213] Specifically, because the sliding baffle 141 periodically blocks airflow, air is intermittently discharged through the frame opening 52 of the toner cartridge 13. By periodically and intermittently discharging air, the flowability of the toner discharged through the frame opening 52 to the outside of the cartridge 13 is also enhanced. This prevents the discharged toner from blocking the path inside the main assembly B of the device, thereby achieving a smoother delivery of the toner.

[0214] In this embodiment, the fan 158 and the sliding baffle 141 are driven to periodically change the air pressure within the toner discharge chamber 57, thus enabling the toner to be agitated. Specifically, in this embodiment, the pressure near the frame opening 52 changes significantly when the sliding baffle 141 opens and closes. Therefore, the toner near the frame opening 52 can be easily agitated, which is beneficial for improving the toner's flowability and efficient feeding.

[0215] When the fan 158 is driven, the smaller the pressure difference between the toner receiving chamber 49 and the toner discharge chamber 57, the more stable the toner discharge can be. Therefore, in this embodiment, in its normal operating posture (the posture during use), the vent 46 for venting the toner discharge chamber 57 and the toner receiving chamber 49 is located above the frame opening 52 and the connecting hole portion 57a ​​(see...). Figure 8 ).

[0216] In other words, when the fan 158 and the sliding baffle 141 are driven, the air pressure (internal pressure) in the toner discharge chamber 57 periodically increases and decreases. Furthermore, as the toner moves from the toner receiving chamber 49 toward the toner discharge chamber 57, the air pressure (internal pressure) in the toner receiving chamber 49 decreases. If a large pressure difference occurs between the toner receiving chamber 49 and the toner discharge chamber 57, as a result of these pressure changes, the toner dosage through the connecting channel 48 may fluctuate, or the toner may flow back through the connecting channel 48, resulting in fluctuations in the toner dosage supplied to the toner discharge chamber 57. This may lead to instability in the toner dosage discharged through the frame opening 52.

[0217] Therefore, in this embodiment, the vent 46 is located at a different position than the connecting channel 48 to allow fluid communication between the toner receiving chamber 49 and the toner discharge chamber 57, thereby allowing airflow between them. This helps to suppress the increase in the pressure difference between the toner receiving chamber 49 and the toner discharge chamber 57.

[0218] In other words, the toner is stably discharged from the frame opening 52 by raising and lowering the internal pressure of the toner discharge chamber 57 by the fan 158, and the increase in the pressure difference between the toner receiving chamber 49 and the toner discharge chamber 57 is suppressed, both of which are achieved by providing the vent 46.

[0219] Vent 46 can be configured to allow not only air to pass through but also toner. However, in such a case, it is ideal that the amount of toner entering and leaving the toner discharge chamber 57 through vent 46 is sufficiently less than the amount of toner supplied to the toner discharge chamber 57 through the connecting channel 48. By doing so, even if a certain amount of toner passes through vent 46, the amount of toner in the toner discharge chamber 57 will not fluctuate significantly. The effect of the amount of toner discharged through frame opening 52 can be reduced or eliminated.

[0220] Therefore, it is ideal to position the vent 46 in a location where toner is unlikely to pass through (i.e., a location where there is no toner nearby). For example, it is conceivable to position the vent 46 as high as possible within the toner discharge chamber 57 or the toner storage chamber. By doing so, the amount of toner passing through the vent 46 can be reduced. Furthermore, it prevents the vent 46 from being blocked by toner. In other words, the toner will not impede the movement of air through the vent 46.

[0221] According to this viewpoint, the lower end of the vent 46 is located above the upper end of the connecting channel 48 and above the screw 54 within the toner receiving chamber 49. This is to reduce the amount of toner passing through the vent 46 compared to the amount of toner passing through the connecting channel 48 via the screw 54. Furthermore, it is preferable to limit the amount of toner contained in the toner receiving chamber 49 such that the upper surface of the toner is located below the lower end of the vent 46, and by doing so, the toner within the toner receiving chamber 49 is less likely to reach the vent 46.

[0222] Here, the upper surface of the toner in the toner receiving chamber 49 is the upper surface of the toner powder before the user begins to use the toner cartridge 13, that is, the surface of the toner stored in the cartridge 13 before it begins to be consumed. When determining the height of the upper surface of the toner, the toner cartridge 13 is set in a normal use position. In this embodiment, this is the position with the frame opening 52 facing downwards, that is, the surface with the frame opening 52 is the bottom surface. Then, the upper surface of the toner powder is made parallel to the horizontal plane so that the toner is evenly contained within the toner receiving chamber 49. Then, the height of the upper surface of the toner is determined after an appropriate period of time until the state of the toner stabilizes.

[0223] By providing a vent 46 within the toner receiving chamber 49 and appropriately setting the toner dosage stored in this manner, the flow of toner from the toner receiving chamber 49 into the toner discharge chamber 57 through the vent 46 can be prevented. Furthermore, blockage of the vent 46 by the toner in the toner receiving chamber 49 is prevented.

[0224] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive output member 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 (see...) Figure 10The driving force input to the drive input gear 59 (part (b)) is output to the fan 158 and the sliding baffle 141 while the speed of the driving force is changed by the transmission system 160. By setting the gear ratio of the transmission system 160, the rotational speed of the fan 158 and the opening / closing frequency of the sliding baffle 141 can be changed. In doing so, the rotational speed of the fan 158 and the opening / closing frequency of the sliding baffle 141 can be adjusted independently of the drive output member 100a of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, by changing the opening / closing frequency of the sliding baffle 141, the toner dosage discharged through the frame opening 52 can be easily adjusted. The sliding baffle 141 opens and closes according to the rotation of the drive input gear 59 (drive input member, drive receiving member). In this embodiment, the number of times the sliding baffle 141 opens per unit time (that is, the number of times air is discharged per unit time) is selected to be greater than the number of times the drive input gear 59 rotates per unit time. The drive input gear 59 rotates at 89.5 rpm, and as described above, the sliding baffle 141 is set to open and vent more than 89.5 times per minute. This increases the number of times the toner is vented.

[0225] Furthermore, when comparing the number of revolutions per unit time of the impeller 158b of the fan 158 with the number of times the frame opening 52 is opened per unit time by the sliding baffle 141, it is ideal for the fan 158 to have a higher rotational speed. This is because the impeller 158b of the fan 158 generates sufficient airflow. The number of revolutions per unit time of the fan 158 is preferably more than 10 times, more preferably more than 20 times, and more preferably 40 times, the number of times the frame opening 52 is opened by the sliding baffle 141. More preferably, considering the durability of the fan 158, the rotational speed of the fan 158 is selected to be less than 500 times the number of times the sliding baffle 141 moves to the open position.

[0226] Furthermore, when driving force is input from the drive output member 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 to the toner cartridge 13, the fan 158 continues to be driven, and the airflow from the fan 158 to the toner discharge chamber 57 via the duct 163 is always unidirectional. An air filter 164 is provided in the connection hole portion 57a. Therefore, the fan 158 does not draw toner into the toner discharge chamber 57 via the duct 163, and toner loss in the toner discharge chamber 57 is reduced.

[0227] The drive input gear 59 is operably connected to the sliding baffle 141, fan 158, screw 54, etc. That is, the drive input gear 59 transmits the driving force (rotational force) input from the drive output member 100a through the drive transmission part (transmission system 160) towards components such as the sliding baffle 141, fan 158, and screw 54. The transmission path of the driving force input from the drive output member 100a of the main assembly 100B to the toner cartridge 13 branches into multiple paths within the cartridge 13. This simplifies the structure of the drive connection mechanism between the toner cartridge 13 and the main assembly 100B.

[0228] In this embodiment, specifically, only one drive input member (drive receiving member), namely drive input gear 59, is provided in the toner cartridge 13, which is operatively connected to all drive members within the toner cartridge 13. Therefore, all drive components provided in the toner cartridge 13 can be driven simply by rotating drive input gear 59 by drive output member 100a. However, it is also possible to provide multiple drive input members (drive receiving members) and multiple drive output members for a single toner cartridge 13 in the main assembly 100B of the device.

[0229] In this embodiment, the sliding baffle 141 serves as an airflow shielding member to prevent airflow and also as a shielding member to prevent toner from moving outside the toner cartridge 13 through the outlet. However, the airflow baffle member and the toner shielding member can be separately disposed in the toner cartridge 13. Such an embodiment will be described below.

[0230] <Example 2>

[0231] Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described, wherein a rotating baffle (rotary valve) 600 is used to open and close the frame opening 52 instead of the sliding baffle 141 in Embodiment 1. Therefore, structures similar to those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted from the figures or given the same reference numerals in the figures. In addition, the structure for delivering air to the toner discharge chamber 57 by the fan 158 is the same as that in Embodiment 1.

[0232] like Figure 15 Part (a) to Figure 16 As shown in section (b), the toner cartridge 4113 according to Embodiment 2 includes a supply frame 50 and a screw 54B rotatably supported by the supply frame 50. The screw 54B delivers toner toward a toner discharge chamber 57 separated by a separating member 155. The screw gear 164B is rotatably supported by a bearing integrally formed with the supply frame 50, and a toner sealing member 601 is provided in the gap between the supply frame 50 and the screw gear 164B to prevent toner leakage. As in Embodiment 1, the driving force is from the fan input gear 260 (see...). Figure 10 (a) part) is input into screw gear 164B.

[0233] The rotating baffle 600 and the screw 54B are fixed to the screw gear 164B, so that the rotating baffle 600 and the screw 54B rotate integrally with the screw gear 164B. The rotating baffle 600 includes a cylindrical portion 600a having an outer peripheral surface centered on the rotation axis of the screw 54, a screw insertion hole 600b in which the screw 54 is inserted, and two holes 600c and 600d formed in the cylindrical portion 600a. As a shielding member, the rotating baffle 600 is disposed upstream of the frame opening 52 in the discharge direction (Y2 direction) of the toner discharge through the frame opening 52, and is capable of rotating about a rotation axis extending in the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the toner cartridge 4113. As with the sliding baffle 141 described in Embodiment 1, the rotating baffle 600 is a baffle member (shielding member, airflow shielding member) that periodically shields the airflow generated by the fan 158 by periodically closing the air passage.

[0234] The cylindrical portion 600a is configured to slide on a circumferential surface 50r, and the frame opening 52 of the supply frame 50 is formed in the circumferential surface 50r. The inner diameter of the screw insertion hole 600b is larger than the outer diameter of the screw 54B, so that the toner in the toner discharge chamber 57, the toner fed from the connecting channel 48, and the air can pass through.

[0235] Holes (openings) 600c and 600d formed in the cylindrical portion 600a open in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation axis of the rotating baffle 600 (i.e., radial direction), and they are arranged with a phase difference of 180 degrees. Toner in the toner discharge chamber 57 can pass through holes 600c and 600d, and as... Figure 16 As shown in part (a), when the frame opening 52 is aligned with either of the holes 600c and 600d, toner and air are discharged through the frame opening 52. That is, toner and air are discharged through the frame opening 52 every half-turn of the rotating baffle 600. In this way, the rotating baffle 600 switches between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the frame opening 52 is closed by the cylindrical portion 600a; in the open position, the frame opening 52 is opened by the overlap between the frame opening 52 and the holes 600c and 600d. When the rotating baffle 600 is in the open position, airflow is allowed through the frame opening 52 and the holes 600c and 600d by the overlap between the frame opening 52 and the holes 600c and 600d.

[0236] The rotation axis of the rotating baffle 600 intersects the direction of movement of the air and toner through holes 600c and 600d and the frame opening 52. In this embodiment, the rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement.

[0237] In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 600a and the circumferential surface 50r of the supply frame 50 are configured to rub against each other. For example... Figure 16 As shown in part (b), when neither hole 600c nor 600d overlaps (aligns) with the frame opening 52, toner and air will not escape through the frame opening 52. In this embodiment, the space between the cylindrical portion 600a and the circumferential surface 50r is sealed so that toner does not enter the space. However, the sealing effect can be further enhanced by using an elastic material such as rubber as the material of the circumferential surface 50r, or by attaching an elastic sealing member to the circumferential surface 50r.

[0238] As described above, in this embodiment, the screw 54B and the rotating baffle 600 rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the drive input gear 59 and the screw gear 164B. The frame opening 52 of the supply frame 50 is periodically opened and closed by the rotating baffle 600. Therefore, the internal pressure (internal air pressure) of the toner discharge chamber 57 changes periodically, creating a pressure difference between the external atmospheric pressure of the toner cartridge 4113 and the internal pressure of the toner discharge chamber 57. When the rotating baffle 600 closes the frame opening 52, the internal pressure of the toner discharge chamber 57 is positive, i.e., higher than the external pressure of the toner cartridge 4113, because air is supplied to the toner discharge chamber 57 by the fan 158.

[0239] Subsequently, when the rotating baffle 600 moves from the closed position to the open position, the frame opening 52 opens, and compressed air is discharged through the frame opening 52, causing the internal pressure of the toner discharge chamber 57 to drop. At this time, the toner in the toner discharge chamber 57 is forcefully discharged through the frame opening 52 along with the compressed air.

[0240] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive output member 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 (see...) Figure 10 (b) The driving force input to the drive input gear 59 is transmitted through the transmission system 160 (see part b). Figure 10 The speed of (a) is changed while being output to the fan 158 and the rotating baffle 600. By appropriately selecting the gear ratio in the transmission system 160, the rotational speed of the fan 158 and the opening / closing frequency of the rotating baffle 600 can be changed. Therefore, the rotational speed of the fan 158 and the opening / closing frequency of the rotating baffle 600 can be adjusted in a manner independent of the drive output member 100a of the image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, by changing the opening / closing frequency of the rotating baffle 600, the toner dose discharged from the frame opening 52 can be easily controlled.

[0241] <Variation of Example 2>

[0242] Next, refer to Figures 17 to 20A variation of Embodiment 2 will now be described. In the preceding description, two holes 600c and 600d are formed in the rotating baffle 600, but the invention is not limited to this example. For example, as... Figure 17 As shown, only one hole 600d can be formed in the cylindrical portion 600a of the rotating baffle 600B. Even in this case, toner and air can pass through the screw insertion holes 600b and 600d and be discharged through the frame opening 52. Of course, the cylindrical portion 600a can have three or more holes instead of one or two.

[0243] also, Figure 15 Part (a) to Figure 17 The described toner cartridge 4113 does not have a mechanism for holding the rotating baffles 600 and 600B in the closed position when the toner cartridge 4113 is outside the main assembly 100B of the image forming apparatus 100. In such cases, for example, when the toner cartridge 4113 is outside the main assembly 100B of the image forming apparatus 100 and the rotating baffle 600 is in the open position, the frame opening 52 remains open.

[0244] Therefore, a structure will be described in which a baffle member 241 is further added downstream of the frame opening 52 of the supply frame 50 along the toner discharge direction. Preferably, such a baffle member 241 is provided when the toner cartridge does not have a structure for pushing the rotating baffle 600 to the closed position.

[0245] [Baffle Component]

[0246] like Figures 17 to 19 As shown in part (b), the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50 is provided with a first support portion 50g, a second support portion 50h, a guide portion 50i, and a spring seat 50j. A folded-back portion 50g1 extending in the horizontal direction (X direction) is formed at the free end, that is, a folded-back portion 50h1 extending in the horizontal direction (X direction) is formed at the lower end of the first support portion 50g.

[0247] The first support portion 50g and the second support portion 50h support the baffle member 241 so that it can move in the mounting direction (Z direction) of the toner cartridge 4113. The baffle member 241 is guided in the mounting direction (Z direction) of the toner cartridge 4113 by a recessed guide portion 50i extending in the mounting direction (Z direction) of the toner cartridge 4113. The baffle member 241 is held in place by the folded-back portions 50g1 and 50h1 so as not to detach from the supply frame 50.

[0248] The baffle member 241 includes a sealing portion 241a, a spring support portion 241b, fold-back portions 241c1 and 241c2, and a engaged portion 241d. The sealing portion 241a extends in the horizontal direction (Z direction) and is configured to close the frame opening 52. The sealing portion 241a has a hole 241e that opens in the Y direction. The spring support portion 241b extends in the Z1 direction and supports the baffle spring 243 at its base.

[0249] The baffle spring 243 is gently pressed around the spring support portion 241b and compressed between the baffle member 241 and the spring seat 50j of the supply frame 50. The baffle member 241 is pressed by the pushing force of the baffle spring 243 in the mounting direction (Z2 direction) of the toner cartridge 4113. By abutting against the first support portion 50g and the second support portion 50h through the folded-back portions 241c1 and 241c2, the baffle member 241, pressed by the baffle spring 243, is positioned as follows: Figure 19 The closed position shown in part (a) is the second closed position.

[0250] When the toner cartridge 4113 is installed into the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100, the engaged portion 241d of the baffle member 241 is pressed by the engaged portion (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, the baffle member 241 moves from the closed position to the open position, which is the second open position, overcoming the pushing force of the baffle spring 243.

[0251] Figure 19 Part (a) is a bottom view showing the baffle member 241 in the closed position, and Figure 19 Part (b) is a bottom view showing the baffle member 241 in the open position. Figure 20 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the baffle member 241 in the closed position. Figure 20 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the baffle member 241 in the open position. Figure 20 part (a) and Figure 20 Part (b) shows a rotating baffle 600B with only one hole 600d in the cylindrical part 600a, but a rotating baffle 600 with two holes 600c and 600d can be used instead of the rotating baffle 600B.

[0252] like Figure 19 part (a) and Figure 20As shown in part (a), when the toner cartridge 4113 is not installed in the main assembly 100B of the image forming apparatus 100, the baffle member 241 is positioned in the closed position by the pushing force of the baffle spring 243. At this time, the sealing portion 241a of the baffle member 241 seals the frame opening 52 and restricts the discharge of toner and air from the toner cartridge 4113. In other words, when the baffle member 241 is in the closed position, the hole 241e of the sealing portion 241a is arranged so as not to overlap with the frame opening 52 in the bottom view.

[0253] like Figure 20 As shown in part (a), an elastic sealing member 602 can be provided between the sealing portion 241a of the baffle member 241 and the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50. The sealing member 602 has a hole 602a at a position corresponding to the frame opening 52, through which toner and air can be discharged. Thus, a seal can be achieved between the baffle member 241 and the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50.

[0254] When the toner cartridge 4113 is installed into the image forming apparatus 100, the engaged portion 241d is pressed by an engaged portion (not shown) provided in the main assembly 100B of the image forming apparatus 100, thereby moving the baffle member 241 from the closed position to the open position. The engaged portion 241d has a tapered end shape at its upstream end in the mounting direction (Z2 direction) of the toner cartridge 4113. Because the baffle member 241 is not driven by the transmission system 160, even if the drive input gear 59 is driven, the baffle member 241 will not move between the closed and open positions.

[0255] By moving the baffle member 241 to the open position, the sealing portion 241a opens the frame opening 52, allowing toner and air to escape from the toner cartridge 4113. In other words, the arrangement is such that when the baffle member 241 is in the open position, the hole 241e of the sealing portion 241a overlaps with the frame opening 52 in a bottom view.

[0256] As described above, by providing a baffle member 241 on the outer side of the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50, the frame opening 52 can be closed by the baffle member 241 regardless of the position of the rotating baffles 600 and 600B. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 4113 is outside the main assembly 100B of the image forming apparatus 100, toner can be prevented from being discharged to the outside through the frame opening 52 of the supply frame 50.

[0257] In addition, by installing the toner cartridge 4113 in the main assembly 100B of the device, the baffle member 241 is moved to the open position, allowing the toner to be quickly discharged through the frame opening 52.

[0258] In Embodiment 1 described above, when the toner cartridge 13 is not installed in the main assembly 100B of the device, the sliding baffle 141 closes the frame opening 52. That is, the sliding baffle 141 has the function of blocking air movement and preventing toner from leaking from the toner cartridge 13.

[0259] However, similarly to Embodiment 1, the baffle member 241 in this embodiment can be provided separately. By doing so, toner leakage through the frame opening 52 can be more reliably suppressed when the toner cartridge 13 is not installed to the main assembly 100B of the device. Alternatively, a structure can be adopted in which the sliding baffle 141 does not close the frame opening 52 when the toner cartridge 13 is not installed to the main assembly B of the device. Another embodiment of the toner cartridge will be described below. Baffle member 241 is also available if desired. Unlike the rotating baffle 600 and the sliding baffle 141 described above, baffle member 241 is not a baffle member (shielding member, airflow shielding member) driven to periodically shield the airflow from the fan 158. It is merely a baffle member used to prevent the toner cartridge from scattering or leaking by covering the frame opening 52 of the toner cartridge when the toner cartridge is removed or before the toner cartridge is installed to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

[0260] When a structure is provided for pushing the rotating baffle 600 to the closed position, the baffle member 241 is unnecessary. For example, the coil portion of a torsion helical spring can be wound around any one of the screw gear 164B, the rotating baffle 600, and the screw 54B, so that the rotating baffle 600 is positioned in the shielded position by the pushing force of the torsion helical spring. Furthermore, a stop can be provided that pushes the rotating baffle 600 in the opposite direction to the rotation of the rotating baffle 600 by the driving force of the screw gear 164B via the torsion helical spring, thereby placing only the rotating baffle 600 rotating in the opposite direction in the shielded position.

[0261] When the screw gear 164B is driven, the coil portion of the torsion spring is released, thereby interrupting the drive transmission from the rotating baffle 600 to the torsion spring. Therefore, the rotating baffle 600 can rotate. On the other hand, when the toner cartridge is removed from the main assembly 100B of the device and no driving force is applied from the screw gear 164B, for example, the pushing force of the torsion spring causes the rotating baffle 600 to abut against the stop and position it in a shielded position.

[0262] <Example 3>

[0263] Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described, wherein instead of the rotating baffle 600 in Embodiment 2, a lifting baffle 624 is used to open and close the frame opening 52. Therefore, structures similar to Embodiment 2 will be omitted from the figures or given the same reference numerals in the drawings. The structure for delivering air to the toner discharge chamber 57 via the fan 158 is the same as in Embodiment 1. Similar to the rotating baffle 600 described above, the lifting baffle 624 in this embodiment is a baffle member (shielding member, airflow shielding member, valve) driven to periodically shield the airflow generated by the fan 158 by periodically shielding the air passage.

[0264] According to Embodiment 3, the toner cartridge 5113 includes a supply frame 50 and a screw 54C rotatably supported by the supply frame 50. The screw 54C delivers toner toward a toner discharge chamber 57 separated by a partition member 155. The screw gear 164C is rotatably supported by the supply frame 50 and is connected to a fan input gear 260 (see...). Figure 10 Part (a) of the drive inputs to the screw gear 164C, as in Example 1.

[0265] The screw gear 164C has an insertion portion 621, and this insertion portion 621 is provided with a pin hole 621a. Furthermore, the screw 54C has a receiving portion 622, into which the insertion portion 621 is inserted, and the receiving portion 622 is provided with a pin hole 622a. The insertion portion 621 has a cross-sectional shape with chamfered sides, and the receiving portion 622 has an opening shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the insertion portion 621.

[0266] The insertion portion 621 of the screw gear 164C is inserted into the receiving portion 622 of the screw 54C so that the pin holes 621a and 622a are aligned with each other. By fitting the pin 623 into the pin holes 621a and 621b, the screw gear 164C and the screw 54C are connected so that they can rotate as a single unit.

[0267] Above the frame opening 52, a lifting baffle 624 is provided as a shielding member. In other words, the lifting baffle 624 is located upstream of the frame opening 52 in the discharge direction (Y2 direction) of the toner discharge from the frame opening 52. The lifting baffle 624 is a baffle member that opens and closes the frame opening 52 with the rotation of the screw 54C. The lifting baffle 624 includes a cover portion 624a, a square frame portion 624b extending upward from the cover portion 624a, a rib 624c protruding from the top surface of the cover portion 624a, and a cylindrical portion 624d protruding downward from the bottom surface of the cover portion 624a.

[0268] The square frame portion 624b has a square hole inside, and the screw 54C is inserted into the square hole. Ribs 624c are positioned differently from the square frame portion 624b along the axial direction (Z direction) of the screw 54C. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 624d is smaller than the outer diameter of the cover portion 624a and is inserted into the frame opening 52 with almost no clearance. A plurality of (four in this embodiment) hole portions 624e are formed in the cylindrical portion 624d, and these hole portions 624e are formed at positions 90 degrees out of phase with each other.

[0269] The screw 54C has a rotating shaft 54a with an upward pushing protrusion 625a and a downward pushing protrusion 625b protruding radially outward from the rotating shaft 54a. In the Z1 direction, the upward pushing protrusion 625a and the downward pushing protrusion 625b are located downstream of the receiving portion 622, and the downward pushing protrusion 625b is located downstream of the upward pushing protrusion 625a. The upward pushing protrusion 625a is located at a position 90 degrees downstream of the downward pushing protrusion 625b along the rotation direction RD1 of the screw 54C.

[0270] More specifically, the upward-pushing protrusion 625a is positioned where it can contact the square frame portion 624b of the lifting baffle 624, but cannot contact the rib 624c. That is, the upward-pushing protrusion 625a is positioned along the axial direction (Z direction) of the screw 54C, overlapping with the square frame portion 624b and offset from the rib 624c. The downward-pushing protrusion 625b is positioned where it can contact the rib 624c of the lifting baffle 624, but cannot contact the square frame portion 624b. That is, the downward-pushing protrusion 625b is positioned along the axial direction (Z direction) of the screw 54C, overlapping with the rib 624c and offset from the square frame portion 624b.

[0271] Figure 23 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the lifting baffle 624 located at the shielding position, taken along a line parallel to the axial direction of the screw 54C. Figure 23 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the lifting baffle 624 located at the shielding position, taken along a line perpendicular to the axial direction of the screw 54C. Figure 23 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view of the lifting baffle 624 positioned in the open position, taken along a line parallel to the axial direction of the screw 54C. Figure 23 Part (d) is a cross-sectional view of the lifting baffle 624 located in the open position, taken along a line perpendicular to the axial direction of the screw 54C.

[0272] like Figure 23 part (a) and Figure 23As shown in part (b), the lifting baffle 624 is positioned in a shielded position where the rib 624c contacts the downward-pushing protrusion 625b. At this time, the frame opening 52 is closed by the cover portion 624a and the cylindrical portion 624d of the lifting baffle 624.

[0273] In addition, such as Figure 23 Part (c) and Figure 23 As shown in part (d), the lifting baffle 624 is positioned in the open position where the square frame portion 624b contacts the upward protrusion 625a. At this time, the frame opening 52 is in fluid communication with the hole 624e of the lifting baffle 624 and is open and not closed by the lifting baffle 624.

[0274] When screw 54C from Figure 23 part (a) and Figure 23 When the lifting baffle 624 shown in part (b) is rotated 90 degrees in the rotation direction RD1 in the shielded position, the lifting baffle 624 reaches... Figure 23 The open position is shown in parts (c) and (d). That is, when the screw 54C rotates in the rotation direction RD1 and the lifting baffle 624 is in the shielded position, the upward protrusion 625a approaches the square frame part 624b.

[0275] Then, the upward-pushing protrusion 625a presses upward against the square frame portion 624b, thereby raising the lifting baffle 624 upward (along the Y1 direction). Figure 23 Part (c) and Figure 23 As shown in part (d), when the upward protrusion 625a is positioned directly above, the lifting baffle 624 is at its highest position, at which point the connecting area between the frame opening 52 and the hole 624e is at its maximum.

[0276] As the screw 54C rotates further in the rotation direction RD1, the upward-pushing protrusion 625a separates from the square frame portion 624b, and the lifting baffle 624 contacts the rotation axis 54a of the screw 54C by gravity. At this time, the frame opening 52 is essentially closed by the lifting baffle 624, and the lifting baffle 624 is considered to be in the closed position. Furthermore, as the screw 54C rotates in the rotation direction RD1, the downward-pushing protrusion 625b pushes the rib 624c downward, and the lifting baffle 624 shifts to the shielded position where the frame opening 52 is closed. That is, the lifting baffle 624 is configured to reciprocate by moving up and down along a predetermined direction (Y direction) parallel to the discharge direction of the toner from the frame opening 52.

[0277] To more reliably move the lifting baffle 624 to the position covering the frame opening 52, a pushing member such as a spring can be used to push the baffle 624 toward the frame opening 52.

[0278] As described above, in this embodiment, the screw 54C and the lifting baffle 624 are driven by the rotation of the drive input gear 59 and the screw gear 164C. The frame opening 52 of the supply frame 50 is periodically opened and closed by the lifting baffle 624. Through this operation, the internal pressure (internal air pressure) of the toner discharge chamber 57 changes periodically, and a pressure difference is generated between the external atmospheric pressure of the toner cartridge 5113 and the internal air pressure of the toner discharge chamber 57. When the lifting baffle 624 blocks the frame opening 52, the internal pressure of the toner discharge chamber 57 becomes positive pressure, that is, higher than the external atmospheric pressure of the toner cartridge 5113, by supplying air to the toner discharge chamber 57 by the fan 158.

[0279] Subsequently, when the lifting baffle 624 moves from the shielded position to the open position, the frame opening 52 opens, allowing compressed air to be discharged through the frame opening 52, thereby reducing the internal pressure of the toner discharge chamber 57. At this time, the toner in the toner discharge chamber 57 is forcefully discharged through the frame opening 52 along with the compressed air, thus enabling the toner to be efficiently discharged into the main component 100B of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0280] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive output member 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 (see...) Figure 10 The driving force input to the drive input gear (drive input member, drive receiving member) 59 of (b) passes through the transmission system 160 (see part (b)). Figure 10 The speed of (a) portion is changed while being output to the fan 158 and the lifting baffle 624. By setting the gear ratio of the transmission system 160, the rotational speed of the fan 158 and the opening / closing frequency of the lifting baffle 624 can be changed. Thus, the rotational speed of the fan 158 and the opening / closing frequency of the lifting baffle 624 can be adjusted in a manner independent of the drive output member 100a of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, by changing the opening / closing frequency of the lifting baffle 624, the toner dosage discharged through the frame opening 52 can be easily controlled.

[0281] In this embodiment, the upper push protrusion 625a is positioned at a 90-degree phase downstream of the lower push protrusion 625b along the rotation direction RD1 of the screw 54C, but the invention is not limited to this example. The phase difference between the upper push protrusion 625a and the lower push protrusion 625b can be arbitrary; for example, the upper push protrusion 625a can be positioned at a 180-degree phase downstream of the lower push protrusion 625b along the rotation direction RD1 of the screw 54C.

[0282] Furthermore, the downward pushing protrusion 625b and rib 624c can be omitted, and the lifting baffle 624 can move solely by its own weight when moving from the open position to the closed position. Additionally, the number of upward pushing protrusions 625a and downward pushing protrusions 625b is not limited to one; multiple protrusions can be provided.

[0283] Furthermore, similar to Embodiment 2, the lifting baffle 624 does not have a mechanism for maintaining a shielded position when the toner cartridge 5113 leaves the main assembly 100B of the device. Therefore, the toner cartridge 5113 may be provided with the baffle member 241 described in Embodiment 2.

[0284] The screw 54c, equipped with an upward push protrusion 625a and a downward push protrusion 625b, can be considered a cam (camshaft) for converting the rotational motion of the screw 54c into the reciprocating motion of the lifting baffle 624 via the vertical motion of the lifting baffle 624. In other words, the screw 54c is a drive converter for converting the rotational motion of the drive input gear 59 input to the toner cartridge 13 into the lifting motion (reciprocating motion) of the lifting baffle 624. The drive conversion part is not limited to the screw 54c, the upward push protrusion 625a, or the downward push protrusion 625b, and can appropriately use known mechanical elements such as cranks and connecting rods.

[0285] <Example 4>

[0286] Next, Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described, wherein a gear baffle 630 is used to open and close the frame opening 52 instead of the rotating baffle 600 in Embodiment 2. In the drawings, structures similar to those in Embodiments 1 and 2 will be omitted from the illustrations or given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the structure for supplying air to the toner discharge chamber 57 via the fan 158 is the same as in Embodiment 1. Similar to the rotating baffle 600, the gear baffle 630 is a baffle member (shielding member, airflow shielding member, valve) for periodically shielding the airflow generated by the fan 158.

[0287] like Figure 24 and Figure 25 As shown in part (a), the toner cartridge 6113 according to embodiment 4 includes a supply frame 50 and a screw 54 rotatably supported by the supply frame 50 (see section (a)). Figure 8 The screw gear 164D, as a gear component, is rotatably supported by the supply frame 50, and, as in Embodiment 1, is fed from the fan input gear 260 (see...). Figure 10 (a) portion) supplies drive to screw gear 164D.

[0288] Screw 54 (see) Figure 8The screw 54 is fixed to the screw gear 164D so that the screw gear 164D and the screw 54 rotate together as a unit. The screw gear 164D is provided with a plurality of (six in this embodiment) protrusions 631, which are arranged in a circumferential direction and protrude in a direction opposite to the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 6113 (Z1 direction).

[0289] A resilient sealing member 632, positioned around the frame opening 52, is attached to the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50. A gear baffle 630 is rotatably supported on the bottom surface 50d near the frame opening 52 by a pin 633 extending in the Y direction. That is, the pin 633, serving as a rotation axis, is the rotation center of the gear baffle 630, passing through the sealing member 632 and supported by the bottom surface 50d. The gear baffle 630, serving as a closing member, is formed in a generally disc-shaped manner and is positioned downstream of the frame opening 52 in the discharge direction (Y2 direction) for discharging the toner through the frame opening 52.

[0290] The gear baffle 630 has an elongated hole (opening) 634 extending circumferentially around the pin 633, and a plurality of (six in this embodiment) radially outwardly projecting protrusions 635. The elongated hole 634 is formed to be larger than the frame opening 52. The protrusions 635 are configured to engage with the protrusions 631 respectively provided on the screw gear 164D.

[0291] Figure 25 Part (a) is a bottom view showing the gear baffle 630 in the closed position, and Figure 25 Part (b) is a bottom view showing the gear baffle 630 in the open position. Figure 25 As shown in part (a), when the frame opening 52 and the elongated hole 634 are in a phase relationship where they do not overlap, the gear baffle 630 is in the closed position. At this time, the frame opening 52 is sealed by the gear baffle 630. Furthermore, as... Figure 25 As shown in section (b), when the frame opening 52 and the elongated hole 634 are in an overlapping phase, the gear baffle 630 is positioned in the open position. At this time, the frame opening 52 communicates with the elongated hole 634 and is open without being blocked by the gear baffle 630. Furthermore, air is allowed to pass through the frame opening 52.

[0292] The gear baffle 630 rotates in 60-degree increments through the engagement between the protrusion 635 on the screw gear 164D and the protrusion 631 on the gear baffle 630. This is because six protrusions 631 and six protrusions 635 are provided, and the number of protrusions 631 and 635 can be selected as needed. For example, by engaging the screw gear 164D from... Figure 25 Rotate approximately 240 degrees from the position shown in part (a), and the gear baffle 630 reaches... Figure 25The position shown in section (b). In this way, as the screw gear 164D rotates, the gear baffle 630 rotates alternately between the closed position and the open position.

[0293] The rotation axis of the gear baffle 630 extends along the direction of movement of air and toner through the elongated hole 634 and the frame opening 52. In this embodiment, the rotation axis is approximately parallel to the direction of movement.

[0294] As described above, in this embodiment, the screw 54 and gear baffle 630 rotate with the rotation of the drive input gear 59 and the screw gear 164D. The frame opening 52 of the supply frame 50 is periodically opened and closed by the gear baffle 630. Through this operation, the internal pressure (internal air pressure) in the toner discharge chamber 57 changes periodically, and a pressure difference is generated between the external atmospheric pressure of the toner cartridge 6113 and the internal air pressure of the toner discharge chamber 57. When the frame opening 52 is closed by the gear baffle 630, air is supplied to the toner discharge chamber 57 by the fan 158, and the internal pressure of the toner discharge chamber 57 is positive, that is, higher than the external atmospheric pressure of the toner cartridge 6113.

[0295] Subsequently, when the gear baffle 630 moves from the closed position to the open position, the frame opening 52 opens, and compressed air is discharged through the frame opening 52, causing the internal pressure of the toner discharge chamber 57 to decrease. At this time, the toner in the toner discharge chamber 57 is forcefully discharged through the frame opening 52 along with the compressed air, so that the toner can be properly discharged into the main component 100B of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0296] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive output member 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 (see...) Figure 10 (b) The driving force input to the drive input gear 59 is transmitted through the transmission system 160 (see part b). Figure 10 The speed of (a) portion is changed while being output to the fan 158 and the gear baffle 630. By setting the speed ratio of the transmission system 160 as needed, the rotational speed of the fan 158 and the opening / closing frequency of the gear baffle 630 can be changed. Therefore, the rotational speed of the fan 158 and the opening / closing frequency of the gear baffle 630 can be adjusted in a manner independent of the drive output member 100a of the image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, by changing the opening / closing frequency of the gear baffle 630, the toner dose discharged through the frame opening 52 can be easily controlled.

[0297] Similar to Embodiment 2, the gear baffle 630 does not have a mechanism for maintaining the closed position when the toner cartridge 6113 leaves the main assembly 100B of the device. For this purpose, the toner cartridge 6113 may be provided with the baffle member 241 described in Embodiment 2.

[0298] <Example 5>

[0299] Next, Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described, wherein instead of the lifting baffle 620 in Embodiment 3, a rotating baffle 640 opens and closes the frame opening 52. Therefore, structures similar to Embodiment 3 will be omitted from the figures or given the same reference numerals in the drawings. Furthermore, the structure for supplying air to the toner discharge chamber 57 via the fan 158 is the same as that in Embodiment 1. Similar to the lifting baffle 620, the rotating baffle 640 is a baffle member (closing member, airflow shielding member, valve) that periodically stops the airflow generated by the fan 158 by periodically closing the air passage.

[0300] like Figure 26 As shown, the toner cartridge 7113 according to Embodiment 5 has a supply frame 50 and a screw 54E rotatably supported by the supply frame 50. The screw 54E delivers toner toward the toner discharge chamber 57 separated by the separating member 155. The screw gear 164E is rotatably supported by the supply frame 50 and is connected to the fan input gear 260 (see...). Figure 10 Part (a) inputs drive to the screw gear 164E, as in Example 1.

[0301] The screw gear 164E has an insertion portion 641, and the insertion portion 641 has a pin hole 641a. Furthermore, the screw 54E has a receiving portion 642, into which the insertion portion 641 is inserted, and the receiving portion 642 also has a pin hole 642a. The insertion portion 641 has a cross-sectional shape with chamfered sides, and the receiving portion 642 has an opening shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the insertion portion 641.

[0302] The insertion portion 641 of the screw gear 164E is inserted into the receiving portion 642 of the screw 54E, and the pin holes 641a and 642a are aligned with each other. By fitting the pin 643 into the pin holes 641a and 641b, the screw gear 164E and the screw 54E are connected to each other so that they can rotate as a whole.

[0303] A rotating baffle (swinging baffle) 640, serving as a closing component, is disposed above the frame opening 52. In other words, the rotating baffle 640 is positioned upstream of the frame opening 52 in the discharge direction (Y2 direction) of the toner discharge through the frame opening 52. The rotating baffle 640 is a baffle component used to open and close the frame opening 52 as the screw 54E rotates. The rotating baffle 640 includes a rotating shaft 640a, a channel-shaped groove portion 640b disposed at the downstream end of the rotating shaft 640a along the Z2 direction, and a first wall portion 640c and a second wall portion 640d protruding radially outward from the rotating shaft 640a.

[0304] The two opposite ends of the rotating shaft 640a are rotatably supported by two shaft support portions 646 (one of which is not shown) provided on the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50. In particular, a channel-shaped groove portion 640b provided on the rotating shaft 640a engages with one of the two shaft support portions 646 in order to restrict the movement of the rotating shaft 640a in the axial direction (Z direction).

[0305] The second wall portion 640d is positioned 90 degrees downstream of the first wall portion 640c along the rotation direction RD1 of the screw 54E. The second wall portion 640d is provided with a spring seat 640e, which engages with one end of a baffle spring 644. The coil portion of the baffle spring 644 is inserted into the rotation shaft 640a of the rotating baffle 640, and the other end of the baffle spring 644 engages with the supply frame 50. The rotating baffle 640 is pushed by the pushing force of the baffle spring 644 in the direction of the second wall portion 640d near the frame opening 52.

[0306] The rotating shaft 54a of the screw 54E is provided with a protrusion 645 that protrudes radially outward from the rotating shaft 54a. The protrusion 645 is disposed downstream of the receiving portion 622 along the Z1 direction and is configured to contact the first wall portion 640c.

[0307] Figure 27 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the screw 54E taken along a plane parallel to the axial direction of the screw 54e, showing the rotating baffle 640 in the closed position. Figure 27 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the rotating baffle 640 in the closed position, taken along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the screw 54E. Figure 27 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane parallel to the axial direction of the screw 54E, showing the rotating baffle 640 in the open position. Figure 27 Part (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the screw 54E, showing the rotating baffle 640 in the open position.

[0308] like Figure 27 part (a) and Figure 27 As shown in part (b), the rotating baffle 640 is in the closed position, separated from the protrusion 645 of the screw 54E by the first wall portion 640c. At this time, the rotating baffle 640 is pushed by the pushing force of the baffle spring (elastic member) 644 in the direction of arrow PD1, and the frame opening 52 is closed by the second wall portion 640d.

[0309] In addition, such as Figure 27 Part (c) and Figure 27As shown in part (d), with the first wall portion 640c pressed down by the protrusion 645 of the screw 54E, the rotating baffle 640 is in the open position. At this time, a gap is provided between the second wall portion 640d of the rotating baffle 640 and the frame opening 52, and the frame opening 52 is open.

[0310] When the screw 54E is located at the position of the rotating baffle 640 Figure 27 part (a) and Figure 27 When the state at the closed position shown in part (b) is rotated 270 degrees along the rotation direction RD1, the rotating baffle 640 reaches... Figure 23 Part (c) and Figure 23 The open position is shown in part (d). At this time, when the protrusion 645 is directly below the rotation shaft 54a, the protrusion 645 and the second wall portion 640d are closest to each other, but the protrusion 645 does not contact the second wall portion 640d. Therefore, the protrusion 645 will not collide with the second wall portion 640d, and thus the rotation of the screw 54E will not be hindered.

[0311] As the screw 54E rotates further in the rotation direction RD1 from the position where the protrusion 645 is directly below the rotation axis 54a, the protrusion 645 approaches the first wall portion 640c. The first wall portion 640c of the rotating baffle 640, located in the closed position, is positioned to overlap with the movement trajectory of the protrusion 645. Therefore, as the screw 54E rotates, the protrusion 645 presses against the first wall portion 640c, causing the rotating baffle 640 to rotate in the direction of arrow PD2. Thus, the rotating baffle 640 moves into the open position, opening the frame opening 52. The protrusion 645, or the screw 54E with the protrusion 645, can be considered as a cam (camshaft) that converts the rotational motion of the screw 54E into reciprocating motion caused by the oscillating movement of the rotating baffle 640. In other words, the protrusion 645, or the screw 54E with the protrusion 645, is a drive conversion part that converts rotational motion into another type of motion. The screw 54E is an example of a drive conversion part, and known mechanical components can be used.

[0312] As described above, in this embodiment, the screw 54E and the rotating baffle 640 are driven by the rotation of the drive input gear 59 and the screw gear 164E. The frame opening 52 of the supply frame 50 is periodically opened and closed by the rotating baffle 640, which rotates periodically between a closed position and an open position. That is, the rotating baffle 640 reciprocates in the directions of arrows PD1 and PD2 and oscillates about the rotation axis of the rotating baffle 640.

[0313] The opening and closing of the rotating baffle 640 periodically changes the internal pressure (internal air pressure) of the toner discharge chamber 57, creating a pressure difference between the external atmospheric pressure of the toner cartridge 7113 and the internal air pressure of the toner discharge chamber 57. When the frame opening 52 is closed by the rotating baffle 640, the fan 158 supplies air into the toner discharge chamber 57, causing the internal pressure of the toner discharge chamber 57 to become positive pressure, which is higher than the external atmospheric pressure of the toner cartridge 7113.

[0314] Subsequently, when the rotating baffle 640 moves from the closed position to the open position, the frame opening 52 opens, allowing compressed air to be discharged through the frame opening 52, thereby reducing the internal pressure of the toner discharge chamber 57. At this time, the toner in the toner discharge chamber 57 is forcefully discharged through the frame opening 52 along with the compressed air.

[0315] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive output member 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 (see...) Figure 10 (b) The driving force input to the drive input gear 59 is transmitted through the transmission system 160 (see part b). Figure 10 The speed of (a) is changed while being output to the fan 158 and the rotating baffle 640. By appropriately selecting the gear ratio of the transmission system 160, the rotational speed of the fan 158 and the opening / closing frequency of the rotating baffle 640 can be changed. Therefore, the rotational speed of the fan 158 and the opening / closing frequency of the rotating baffle 640 can be adjusted in a manner independent of the drive output member 100a of the image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, by changing the opening / closing frequency of the rotating baffle 640, the toner dose discharged through the frame opening 52 can be easily controlled.

[0316] In this embodiment, the baffle spring 644 pushes the rotating baffle 640 to the closed position, but the invention is not limited to this example. For instance, the center of gravity of the rotating baffle 640 can be set such that the rotating baffle 640 is pushed to the closed position by its own weight without the baffle spring 644. Alternatively, the rotating baffle 640 can be moved to the closed position by pressing the second wall portion 640d with the protrusion 645.

[0317] Furthermore, similar to Embodiment 2, when the toner cartridge 7113 is removed from the main assembly 100B of the device, the rotating baffle 640 does not have a mechanism for maintaining the closed position. Therefore, the toner cartridge 7113 may be provided with the baffle member 241 described in Embodiment 2.

[0318] <Example 6>

[0319] Next, Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described, wherein the sliding baffle (airflow shielding member) 141 of Embodiment 1 is omitted, and a sealing wall 650 is provided on the screw 54F. Therefore, structures similar to Embodiment 1 will be omitted from the figures or given the same reference numerals in the figures. Furthermore, the structure for supplying air to the toner discharge chamber 57 via the fan 158 is the same as the structure in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, instead of a baffle member (closing member, airflow shielding member) that periodically shields the airflow generated by the fan 158, a sealing wall (toner shielding member) 650 is used to control the toner supply.

[0320] like Figure 28 Part (a) to Figure 29 As shown in section (b), the toner cartridge 8113 according to embodiment 6 includes a supply frame 50 and a screw 54F rotatably supported by the supply frame 50. The screw 54F delivers toner to the communication path 48 and into the toner discharge chamber 57 separated by the partition member 155. The screw gear 164F is rotatably supported by the supply frame 50 and is connected to the fan input gear 260 (see [link]). Figure 10 Part (a) of the drive is input to the screw gear 164F, as in Example 1.

[0321] The screw 54F is fixed to the screw gear 164F, and the screw 54F rotates integrally with the screw gear 164F. The outlet portion of the connecting channel 48 (i.e., the boundary between the connecting channel 48 and the toner discharge chamber 57) is formed by a lower wall 651 formed on the supply frame 50 and an upper wall 652 formed on the partition member 155. A semi-circular shaft support portion 651a is formed on the lower wall 651, and the shaft support portion 651a rotatably supports the rotating shaft 54a of the screw 54F. The rotating shaft 54a is provided with a spiral portion 54b for conveying toner in the Z2 direction.

[0322] The upper wall 652 has a semi-circular opening 652a. For example... Figure 28 As shown in part (c), with the screw 54F omitted, the connecting channel 48 and the toner discharge chamber 57 are in fluid communication with each other in the space SP6 between the lower wall 651 and the upper wall 652, that is, in the space SP6 surrounded by the shaft support portion 651a and the opening 652a.

[0323] Figure 30 Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the sealing wall 650 in the closed position, taken along a plane parallel to the axial direction of the screw 54F. Figure 30 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the sealing wall 650 in the open position, taken along a plane parallel to the axial direction of the screw 54F. Figure 31Part (a) is a cross-sectional view of the sealing wall 650 in the closed position, taken along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the screw 54F. Figure 31 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view of the sealing wall 650 in the open position, taken along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the screw 54F.

[0324] like Figure 30 As shown in part (a), a cylindrical portion 653 connected to the screw gear 164F is provided at the downstream end of the screw 54F along the Z2 direction, and a sealing wall 650 is provided at the downstream end of the cylindrical portion 653 along the Z1 direction. Figure 30 As shown in part (a), the cylindrical portion 653 includes a sheet portion 654 disposed at a position overlapping the frame opening 52 in the Z direction, and a spiral portion 653a for feeding toner in the Z2 direction.

[0325] like Figure 31 As shown in part (a), the sealing wall 650, which serves as a toner masking member, is formed into a fan shape (semi-circle) that protrudes radially outward beyond the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 653 and is capable of rotating together with the screw 54F. Furthermore, the sealing wall 650 is disposed downstream of the upper wall 652 of the separating member 155 along the Z2 direction and is located at a position where the sealing wall 650 can rub against the upper wall 652.

[0326] like Figure 30 part (a) and Figure 31 As shown in part (a), when the sealing wall 650 contacts the upper wall 652, the sealing wall 650 is in the toner closed position. A fluid communication space SP6 is established between the connecting channel 48 and the toner discharge chamber 57 (see...). Figure 28 Part (c) is sealed by the rotating shaft 54a of the screw 54F and the sealing wall 650. Therefore, the toner in the communication channel 48 will not be fed into the toner discharge chamber 57.

[0327] like Figure 30 Part (b) and Figure 31 As shown in part (b), when the sealing wall 650 is in the open position, which is the toner release position, the contact between the sealing wall 650 and the upper wall 652 is released. At this time, the sealing wall 650 faces the lower wall 651 along the Z direction, and there is a space between the opening 652a of the upper wall 652, the rotating shaft 54a, and the sealing wall 650. That is, since the connecting channel 48 and the toner discharge chamber 57 are in communication with each other, the toner in the connecting channel 48 can be fed into the toner discharge chamber 57.

[0328] As described above, in this embodiment, the screw 54F and the sealing wall 650 rotate with the rotation of the screw gear 164F. The space SP6, which is the boundary between the communication path 48 and the toner discharge chamber 57, is periodically opened and closed by the sealing wall 650. Thus, a predetermined amount of toner can be fed from the communication channel 48 into the toner discharge chamber 57. Regardless of whether the sealing wall 650 is in the closed or open position, the frame opening 52 remains open.

[0329] Furthermore, the toner fed from the connecting channel 48 into the toner discharge chamber 57 is discharged into the frame opening 52 through the spiral portion 653a and the sheet portion 654 provided on the cylindrical portion 653. The sheet portion 654 is configured to enter the frame opening 52 and push the toner out of the frame opening 52 while loosening the toner present near the frame opening 52.

[0330] Air is supplied to the toner discharge chamber 57 by fan 158 through duct 163, and the toner in the toner discharge chamber 57 is forcefully discharged through the frame opening 52 together with the air supplied by fan 158. As a result, the toner can be satisfactorily discharged into the interior of the main assembly 100B of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0331] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive output member 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 (see...) Figure 10 (b) The driving force input to the drive input gear 59 is transmitted through the transmission system 160 (see part b). Figure 10 The speed of (a) portion is changed while being output to the fan 158 and the screw 54F. By selecting the gear ratio of the transmission system 160, the rotational speed of the fan 158 and the opening / closing frequency of the sealing wall 650 provided on the screw 54F can be changed. Thus, the rotational speed of the fan 158 and the opening / closing frequency of the sealing wall 650 can be adjusted in a manner independent of the drive output member 100a of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, by changing the opening / closing frequency of the sealing wall 650, the amount of toner discharged into the toner discharge chamber 57 through the connecting channel 48 can be easily controlled.

[0332] Furthermore, by changing the shape of the sealing wall 650, the amount of toner discharged into the toner discharge chamber 57 through the connecting channel 48 can be easily controlled without changing the rotational speed of the screw 54F. In other words, the sealing wall 650 is a baffle member (toner shielding member) used to shield the flow of toner by periodically closing the toner channel.

[0333] Furthermore, the sealing wall 650 is integrally molded with the screw 54F, resulting in a simple structure. This reduces the number of parts and assembly time, thereby lowering costs.

[0334] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the frame opening 52 remains open regardless of the phase of the sealing wall 650. Therefore, even when air is supplied to the toner discharge chamber 57 by the fan 158, the internal pressure of the toner discharge chamber 57 does not increase significantly. Consequently, the airtightness (sealing degree) of the toner discharge chamber 57 can be set relatively low, and no sealing member is required to increase the airtightness (sealing degree) of the toner discharge chamber 57. This reduces the number of parts and assembly time, thereby lowering costs.

[0335] In this embodiment, unlike the embodiments described above, the air pressure within the toner cartridge 13 and the airflow exiting the toner cartridge 13 do not change periodically. However, the flow of toner moving outward from the toner cartridge 13 is periodically altered by the sealing wall 650. As a result, the fluidity of the toner increases, and toner clogging can be suppressed.

[0336] Furthermore, similar to Embodiment 2, the sealing wall 650 does not have a mechanism for maintaining the closed position when the toner cartridge 8113 is removed from the main assembly 100B of the device. Therefore, the toner cartridge 8113 may be provided with the baffle member 241 described in Embodiment 2.

[0337] <Example 7>

[0338] Next, Embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described, in which pipe 663 is used instead of pipe 163 in Embodiment 6. Therefore, structures similar to those in Embodiment 6 will be omitted from the figures or given the same reference numerals in the figures for illustration.

[0339] The toner cartridge 9113 according to embodiment 7 includes a conduit 663 connecting the fan 158 and the supply frame 50, such as Figure 32 As shown in portions (a) and (b), conduit 663 connects to the toner receiving chamber 49 rather than the discharge chamber 57. That is, a connection hole portion 664 connecting to conduit 663 is formed in the side surface of the supply frame 50 defining the toner receiving chamber 49. This conduit constitutes a gas feed path (ventilation path).

[0340] Air supplied from fan 158 passes through pipe 663 and enters toner receiving chamber 49 through connection hole portion 664. Toner receiving chamber 49 is connected to toner discharge chamber 57 via connecting channel 48, but as in embodiment 7, the space SP6 at the boundary between connecting channel 48 and toner discharge chamber 57 is periodically opened and closed by sealing wall 650, which rotates integrally with screw 54F. Thus, a predetermined amount of toner can be fed into toner discharge chamber 57 through connecting channel 48.

[0341] In this embodiment, air is supplied from the fan 158 through the pipe 663 into the toner container 49. Therefore, when the sealing wall 650 is in the closed position, the internal pressure of the toner container 49 and the connecting channel 48 is positive, which is higher than the atmospheric pressure outside the toner cartridge 9113.

[0342] Subsequently, when the sealing wall 650 moves from the closed position to the open position, the space SP6 opens, thus connecting the communication path 48 and the toner discharge chamber 57 to each other, thereby discharging compressed air into the toner discharge chamber 57, thereby reducing the internal pressure of the toner receiving chamber 49 and the communication path 48. At this time, the toner in the communication channel 48, together with the compressed air, forcefully enters the toner discharge chamber 57 and agitates the toner in the toner discharge chamber 57. In addition, the toner mixed with the compressed air and forcefully fed into the toner discharge chamber 57 from the communication channel 48 pushes out the toner near the frame opening 52 and satisfactorily pushes the toner into the main assembly 100B of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0343] In this embodiment, the sealing wall 650 can be considered as a baffle member (closing member, airflow shielding member, valve), which not only blocks the movement of the toner but also blocks the airflow generated by the fan 158. In this embodiment, the connecting path 48 is not only the path through which the toner moves but also the path through which air moves. Therefore, the sealing wall 650 serves as both a toner shielding member and an airflow shielding member.

[0344] <Example 8>

[0345] Next, Embodiment 8 of the present invention will be described, wherein, instead of the sliding baffle 141 in Embodiment 1, the connection between the pipe 163 and the supply frame 50 is opened and closed by the pipe baffle 670. Therefore, structures similar to Embodiment 1 will be omitted from the figures or given the same reference numerals in the figures. Furthermore, the structure for supplying air to the toner discharge chamber 57 by the fan 158 is the same as the structure in Embodiment 1.

[0346] like Figure 33 part (a) and Figure 34 As shown in part (b), the toner cartridge 10113 according to Embodiment 8 includes a supply frame 50, a fan 158, a pipe baffle 670, a baffle spring 671, a pipe connecting member 672, and a connecting rod member 673. Baffle support portions 675a ​​and 675b, wall portion 675c, and through hole 675d are provided on the side surface 50n of the supply frame 50 at the downstream end in the Z2 direction.

[0347] Baffle support portions 675a ​​and 675b are arranged facing each other with a gap between them along the Y direction, and support the pipe baffle 670 so that it can slide in the X direction. The pipe baffle 670 has a plate-shaped sealing portion 670a and a cut-out portion 670b. A baffle spring 671 is compressed between the pipe baffle 670 and the wall portion 675c, and the pipe baffle 670 is biased in the X1 direction by the baffle spring 671.

[0348] The pipe connecting member 672 is fixed to the baffle support portions 675a ​​and 675b facing the through hole 675d, and the pipe connecting member 672 has a cylindrical portion 672a. The cylindrical portion 672a extends in the Z2 direction and has a through hole 672b at its center. The pipe 163 is connected to the cylindrical portion 672a. When viewed along the Z1 direction, the through hole 672b is positioned to overlap with the through hole 675d of the side surface 50n, and the pipe baffle 670 is positioned in the Z direction by the pipe connecting member 672 and the side surface 50n.

[0349] The connecting rod member 673 is rotatably supported on the side surface 50n of the supply frame 50 by a pin 674. The connecting rod member 673 has an elongated rod shape and a protrusion 673a extending in the Z1 direction is formed at one end. The protrusion 673a engages with the cutout portion 670b of the pipe baffle 670 and is configured such that the pipe baffle 670 and the connecting rod member 673 slide in the X direction in conjunction with the rotation of the pin 674.

[0350] The transmission system 160G, which is the drive transmission part of this embodiment, includes a drive input gear 59, a fan input gear 260G, an acceleration mechanism 161, and a screw gear 164. The fan input gear 260G meshes with the drive input gear 59 and the screw gear 164, and rotates by receiving a driving force from the drive input gear 59.

[0351] Linkage drive ribs 676 and 677 are disposed downstream in the Z1 direction on the side surface of the fan input gear 260G. Both linkage drive ribs 676 and 677 extend in the circumferential direction of the fan input gear 260G and are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0352] Figure 34 Part (a) is a side view of the toner cartridge 10113 as viewed along the Z1 direction, with the pipe baffle 670 in the closed position. Figure 34 Part (b) is a side view of the toner cartridge 10113 as viewed along the Z1 direction when the pipe baffle 670 is in the release position. Figure 35 Part (a) is a side view of the pipe baffle 670 and its surrounding structure in the closed position, viewed along the Z2 direction. Figure 35Part (b) is a side view of the pipe baffle 670 and its surrounding structure in the open position, viewed along the Z2 direction.

[0353] like Figure 34 part (a) and Figure 35 As shown in part (a), the pipe baffle 670, as a closing member, is pressed along the X1 direction by a baffle spring 671 to be positioned in the closed position by abutting against the pipe connection member 672 or the supply frame 50. At this time, the sealing portion 670a of the pipe baffle 670 blocks the communication between the through hole 672b of the pipe connection member 672 and the through hole 675d of the supply frame 50. Therefore, air supplied from the pipe 163 to the pipe connection member 672 cannot enter the toner discharge chamber 57 of the supply frame 50. In other words, the through hole 672b is the connection portion between the pipe 163 and the supply frame 50, and is also the passage for air supplied to the supply frame 50 by the fan 158, which is closed or opened by the pipe baffle 670.

[0354] Furthermore, when the pipe baffle 670 is in the closed position, the other end 673b of the connecting rod member 673 opposite to the protrusion 673a contacts the downstream end 676a of the connecting rod drive rib 676 in the direction of rotation RD3.

[0355] As the fan input gear 260G rotates further in the direction of rotation RD3, the other end 673b of the connecting rod member 673 is pressed by the downstream end 676a of the connecting rod drive rib 676, causing the connecting rod member 673 to rotate around the pin 675. Figure 34 Part (b) and Figure 35 As shown in part (b), in conjunction with the rotation of the connecting rod member 673, the pipe baffle 670 slides in the X2 direction against the pushing force of the baffle spring 671. As a result, the pipe baffle 670 moves to the open position.

[0356] At this time, the sealing portion 670a of the pipe baffle 670 allows the through hole 672b of the pipe connection member 672 and the through hole 675d of the supply frame 50 to communicate with each other. That is, in the open position, the pipe baffle 670 opens the through hole 672b of the pipe connection member 672 and the through hole 675d of the supply frame 50. As a result, air supplied from the pipe 163 to the pipe connection member 672 can enter the toner discharge chamber 57 of the supply frame 50.

[0357] When the pipe baffle 670 is in the open position, the other end 673b of the connecting rod member 673 contacts the upstream end 676b of the connecting rod drive rib 676 in the rotational direction RD3. When the fan input gear 260G rotates further in the rotational direction RD3, the other end 673b of the connecting rod member 673 separates from the upstream end 676b of the connecting rod drive rib 676, and the pipe baffle 670 moves to the closed position by the pushing force of the baffle spring 671.

[0358] As the pipe baffle 670 moves to the closed position, the linkage member 673 rotates and comes into contact with the linkage drive rib 677. The linkage drive rib 677 drives the pipe baffle 670 in the same way as the linkage drive rib 676, so its description is omitted.

[0359] As described above, in this embodiment, as the fan input gear 260G rotates, the pipe baffle 670 reciprocates between a closed position and an open position. The through hole 672b of the pipe connection member 672 and the through hole 675d of the supply frame 50 are periodically opened and closed by the pipe baffle 670.

[0360] Through this operation, the internal pressure (internal air pressure) of pipe 163 changes periodically, and a pressure difference appears between the external air pressure of toner cartridge 10113 and the internal air pressure of pipe 163. With the pipe baffle 670 in the closed position and the through hole 672b of pipe connection member 672 in the closed position, air is supplied to pipe 163 by fan 158, so the internal pressure of pipe 163 is positive pressure, that is, higher than the external atmospheric pressure.

[0361] Subsequently, when the pipe baffle 670 moves from the closed position to the open position, the through hole 672b of the pipe connecting member 672 opens, allowing compressed air to be discharged through the pipe 163, thereby reducing the internal pressure of the pipe 163. As a result, the toner discharge chamber 57 also temporarily becomes under positive pressure, and the toner in the toner discharge chamber 57, along with the compressed air, is forcefully discharged through the frame opening 52. In this way, the toner can be satisfactorily discharged into the interior of the main assembly 100B of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0362] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive output member 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 (see...) Figure 10 (b) The driving force input to the drive input gear 59 changes speed simultaneously through the transmission system 160 (see part 160). Figure 10(a) The toner is applied to the fan 158 and the duct baffle 670. By setting the gear ratio of the transmission system 160, the rotational speed of the fan 158 and the opening / closing frequency of the duct baffle 670 can be selected. Thus, the rotational speed of the fan 158 and the opening / closing frequency of the duct baffle 670 can be adjusted in a manner independent of the drive output member 100a of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, by changing the opening / closing frequency of the duct baffle 670, the toner dose discharged through the frame opening 52 can be controlled.

[0363] In this embodiment, the fan input gear 260G is provided with connecting rod drive ribs 676 and 677, and the driving force of the connecting rod drive ribs 676 and 677 is used to drive the pipe baffle 670. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, gears other than the fan input gear 260G may be provided with connecting rod drive ribs 676 and 677 to drive the pipe baffle 670. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the number and shape of the connecting rod drive ribs 676 and 677.

[0364] In this embodiment, the duct baffle 670 is a baffle member (shielding member, airflow shielding member, valve) that periodically shields the airflow generated by the fan 158 by periodically closing the air passage. A sliding baffle 141, etc., serving as the aforementioned baffle member, is provided near the frame opening 52, and by closing the frame opening 52, it not only blocks the airflow but also the movement and discharge of the toner. In other words, the sliding baffle 141 can be simultaneously considered as an airflow shielding member and a toner blocking member. On the other hand, the duct baffle 670 according to this embodiment is characterized in that it shields the airflow (air movement) but does not obstruct the movement of the toner. Furthermore, the duct baffle 670 is provided upstream of the frame opening 52, which serves as the toner outlet, along the direction of airflow movement (air feed path), and is not provided near the frame opening 52. The structure of this embodiment is particularly efficient when there is no space near the frame opening 52 for arranging a baffle member. Furthermore, since there is no toner around the pipe baffle 670, the operation of the pipe baffle 670 can be prevented from being hindered by the toner.

[0365] <Example 9>

[0366] Next, Embodiment 9 of the present invention will be described, wherein, instead of the pipe 163 in Embodiment 1, a pipe 680 comprising a first pipe member 681 and a second pipe member 682 is provided. Therefore, in the drawings, structures similar to those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted from the figures or given the same reference numerals.

[0367] The toner cartridge 11113 according to Example 9 includes a supply frame 50, a fan 158, and a conduit 680, as shown below. Figure 36As shown. Duct 680 forms a feed path for supplying air from fan 158 toward exhaust port 235, as will be described below. That is, the interior of duct 680 is the path along which air moves. Duct 680 includes a first duct member 681 and a second duct member 682, the first duct member 681 being connected to fan 158. The first duct member 681 is connected to the second duct member 682, and the air generated by fan 158 is supplied to the second duct member 682 through the first duct member 681.

[0368] The second pipe component 682 is a hollow square tube and has an exhaust port 235 and a hole 236 in fluid communication with the frame opening 52. The second pipe component 682 is attached to the supply frame 50. The exhaust port 235 is disposed in the bottom surface 682a of the second pipe component 682, and the hole 236 is a circular through hole extending from the top surface of the second pipe component 682 to the bottom surface 682d. The exhaust port 235 is configured as an annular hole surrounding the hole 236 and opens downward.

[0369] In this embodiment, the end faces of the outlet 235 and the outlet 236 are flush with each other, but the invention is not limited to this example. For example, either of these end faces may protrude downward relative to the other. That is, in a coordinate system parallel to the Y-axis (vertical direction), the two end faces may be located at different positions.

[0370] like Figure 37 As shown in part (a), the vent 235 and the hole 236 are arranged adjacent to the frame opening 52 in the discharge direction (Y2 direction) of the toner discharge from the frame opening 52. Furthermore, the vent 235 and the hole 236 are located downstream of the frame opening 52 along the toner discharge direction (Y2 direction). Therefore, the toner discharged through the frame opening 52 passes through the hole 236 and is discharged into the image forming apparatus 100. Air is discharged through the vent 235, thereby surrounding the toner.

[0371] In this embodiment, the toner that has fallen through the frame opening 52 is discharged through the hole 236, so the hole 236 can be regarded as the toner discharge outlet. Alternatively, the frame opening 52 and the hole 236 can be regarded together as a single element referred to as the toner discharge outlet. In the above embodiment, not only the toner but also the air is discharged through the frame opening 52, which serves as the toner discharge outlet. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the air is not discharged through the hole 236, which serves as the toner discharge outlet. That is, compared with the above embodiment, this embodiment is characterized in that the exhaust port 235 and the toner discharge outlet (hole 236) are different openings.

[0372] although Figure 37Part (a) is not shown, but in this embodiment, the exhaust port 235 and the hole 236 are periodically opened and closed by one of the aforementioned baffle members (shielding members, airflow shielding members). The exhaust of the fan 158 is periodically cut off by opening and closing the exhaust port 235.

[0373] [Toner and exhaust]

[0374] Next, refer to Figure 37 part (a) and Figure 37 Part (b) will describe in more detail the discharge of toner and air from the toner cartridge 11113. As described above, the driving force originates from the drive output member 100a provided in the image forming apparatus 100 (see [link to image processing unit]). Figure 10 (b) portion) is supplied to the toner cartridge 11113 so that the fan 158 and screw 54 are driven. Figure 37 In part (a), the solid line represents the toner feed path, and the dashed line represents the exhaust path.

[0375] The rotation of screw 54 feeds the toner in toner cartridge 11113 into toner discharge chamber 57 through connecting channel 48. Then, the toner fed into toner discharge chamber 57 moves downward toward hole 236 through frame opening 52 formed in bottom surface 50d of supply frame 50.

[0376] Fan 158 operates to continuously supply air from fan 158 into duct 680. Duct 680 includes a first duct member 681 and a second duct member 682, and air supplied from fan 158 is fed into the second duct member 682 via the first duct member 681. The air supplied to the second duct member 682 is then discharged to the outside through an exhaust port 235 located at the end of the second duct member 682. The exhaust port 235 is formed in an annular shape around and adjacent to the hole 236. That is, the exhaust port 235 is adjacent to the toner outlet (hole 236) in the horizontal direction (X direction, Z direction).

[0377] In this embodiment, the exhaust port 235 and the orifice 236 are periodically opened and closed by one of the aforementioned baffle structures. This causes the internal pressure (internal air pressure) of the pipe 680 to change periodically, creating a pressure difference between the external atmospheric pressure of the toner cartridge 11113 and the internal air pressure of the pipe 680. When the exhaust port 235 is closed by the baffle mechanism in the closed position, the fan 158 supplies air into the pipe 680, making the internal pressure of the pipe 680 positive, i.e., higher than the external atmospheric pressure of the toner cartridge 11113.

[0378] Subsequently, when the baffle mechanism moves from the closed position to the open position, the exhaust port 235 opens, and compressed air is discharged through the exhaust port 235, thereby reducing the internal pressure of the pipe 680. At this time, the toner discharged from the frame opening 52 is propelled by the compressed air discharged through the exhaust port 235, so that the toner can be satisfactorily discharged into the main assembly 100B of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0379] Furthermore, the air forcefully expelled through the exhaust port 235 creates negative pressure around the frame opening 52, thereby providing the effect of drawing toner from the frame opening 52. Additionally, in the toner cartridge 11113, the air supply path from the fan 158 is separated from the toner supply path, ensuring that the toner does not obstruct the air blown from the fan 158. Therefore, airflow malfunctions within the toner cartridge 11113 can be suppressed.

[0380] Furthermore, since the toner feed path and air feed path are separate, the operation test of the fan 158 can be easily performed when assembling the toner cartridge 11113. This is because even when air passes through the interior of the duct 230 during the operation test of the fan 158, the air does not directly act on the toner stored in the toner receiving chamber 49. In other words, if the operation test of the fan 158 is performed without operating the screw 54, the toner is prevented from escaping through the frame opening 52 and the hole 236. Therefore, the operation test of the fan 158 can be performed while suppressing toner scattering, and the assembly operability of the toner cartridge 11113 can be improved.

[0381] In this embodiment, the air feed path from the fan 158 is separated from the toner feed path, so the air does not directly act on the toner in the toner discharge chamber 57. Therefore, it is particularly preferred to facilitate the delivery of the toner stored inside the toner discharge chamber 57 by using the following structure.

[0382] In other words, such as Figure 37 As shown in section (a), the flexible sheet member 210 is mounted to the screw 54. The sheet member 210 enters the frame opening 52 while rotating together with the screw 54. This loosens the toner remaining near the frame opening 52, allowing it to be pushed out through the frame opening 52. For example, if the screw 54 of the toner cartridge 11113 is not driven for an extended period, the toner in the toner cartridge 11113 may become compacted and difficult to fall out of the frame opening 52. Even in such cases, the toner can be loosened by the sheet member 210, thus allowing it to be satisfactorily discharged through the frame opening 52.

[0383] <Variation of Example 9>

[0384] The shape and arrangement of the second pipe component 682 are not limited to those described above. For example, such as Figures 38 to 39 As shown in part (b), the duct 680B connected to the fan 158 has a first duct member 681 and a second duct member 682B.

[0385] The second conduit member 682B is constructed in the shape of a hollow square tube and has a hole 685. The second conduit member 682B is attached to the supply frame 50. The hole 685 is provided in the bottom surface of the second conduit member 682B and opens downward. The upper surface of the second conduit member 682B is in fluid communication with the frame opening 52, and the hole 685 is located in the Z direction at a position different from the frame opening 52.

[0386] like Figure 38 As shown, the toner falling from the frame opening 52 enters the second conduit component 682B and, together with air, exits from the toner cartridge through the hole 685. In this embodiment, the hole 685 is both the toner outlet and the air outlet (vent).

[0387] [Toner and exhaust]

[0388] Next, refer to Figure 38 The discharge of toner and air from the toner cartridge 11113 will be described in more detail. As described above, the driving force originates from the drive output member 100a provided in the image forming apparatus 100 (see [link to image processing equipment]). Figure 10 (b) portion) supplies toner cartridge 11113, causing fan 158 and screw 54 to operate. Figure 38 In the diagram, the solid line represents the toner feeding path, and the dashed line represents the exhaust path.

[0389] As the screw 54 rotates, the toner in the toner cartridge 11113 is fed into the toner discharge chamber 57 through the connecting channel 48. Then, the toner fed into the toner discharge chamber 57 is discharged downward from the frame opening 52 formed in the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50.

[0390] At this time, the sheet member 210, fixed to the screw 54, enters the frame opening 52 while rotating together with the screw 54. As a result, the toner remaining near the frame opening 52 can be loosened and pushed out through the frame opening 52. For example, if the screw 54 of the toner cartridge 11113 is not driven for a long time, the toner in the toner cartridge 11113 may become compacted and difficult to fall through the frame opening 52. Even in such a case, since the toner can be loosened by the sheet member 210, the toner can be satisfactorily discharged through the frame opening 52.

[0391] The toner discharged through the frame opening 52 flows into the internal space of the second duct member 682B. Air is continuously supplied to the duct 680B by the operation of the fan 158. The duct 680B includes a first duct member 681 and a second duct member 682B, and the air supplied from the fan 158 is fed into the second duct member 682B via the first duct member 231.

[0392] In this variant, the orifice 685 is periodically opened and closed by any of the aforementioned baffle structures. This operation of the baffle causes the internal pressure (internal air pressure) of the pipe 680B to change periodically, creating a pressure difference between the external atmospheric pressure of the toner cartridge 11113 and the internal air pressure of the pipe 680B. When the orifice 685 is blocked by the baffle mechanism in the closed position, air is supplied to the pipe 680B by the fan 158, resulting in a positive pressure inside the pipe 680B, which is higher than the external atmospheric pressure of the toner cartridge 11113.

[0393] Subsequently, when the baffle mechanism moves from the closed position to the open position, the orifice 685 opens, and thus compressed air is discharged through the orifice 685, thereby reducing the internal pressure of the pipe 680B. At this time, the toner discharged through the orifice 685 mixes with the compressed air and is forced out in a satisfactory manner into the interior of the main assembly 100B of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0394] In addition, the toner box 11113 may be provided with the baffle member 241 described in Embodiment 2.

[0395] Here, the frame opening 52, vent 235, hole 236, and receiver 246 on the main assembly 100B side of the device will be considered (see Figure 42 The dimensions and arrangement of the receiving port 246 of the image forming apparatus 100. The inner diameter of the receiving port 246 is D3 (see...). Figure 42 The inner diameter of frame opening 52 is D4 (see...). Figure 37 (a) of the, and as Figure 56 As shown, the inner diameter of hole 236 is D5, the inner diameter (diameter of the inner circle) of exhaust port 235 is D6, and the outer diameter (diameter of the outer circle) of exhaust port 235 is D7.

[0396] In this embodiment, the following relationship is satisfied:

[0397] D3>D6>D5...(1)

[0398] D4>1.0[mm]...(2)

[0399] D5>1.0[mm]...(3)

[0400] D7-D6>0.5[mm]...(4)

[0401] Equations (1) to (4) are relationships designed to allow the toner and air to be smoothly discharged through the frame opening 52, the hole 236, and the exhaust port 235. For example, in order for the toner to pass smoothly, the inner diameter D4 of the frame opening 52 through which the toner passes and the inner diameter D5 of the hole 236 need to be 1.0 mm or more. In addition, the difference (D7-D6) between the inner and outer diameters of the exhaust port 235 needs to be 0.5 mm or more. This is because if the difference (D7-D6) is less than this value, the air velocity will be higher, but this will result in a greater torque being required to compensate for the corresponding pressure loss.

[0402] From the above inequality (1), it can be understood that the inner diameter (D5) of the hole 236 is smaller than the outer diameter (D7) of the exhaust port 235. Based on the above inequalities (1) to (4), the areas of the frame opening 52, the hole 236, and the exhaust port 235 are preferably each 0.78 mm. 2 The above. Considering the dispersion of toner and airflow velocity, the area of ​​the frame opening 52, hole 236, and exhaust port 235 is preferably 117 mm. 2 ]the following.

[0403] In this embodiment, the dimensions are D3 = 6.0 mm, D4 = 6.5 mm, D5 = 3.0 mm, D6 = 4.5 mm, and D7 = 6.5 mm. At this time, the toner that passes through the frame opening 52 and exits through the hole 236, as well as the air that exits through the vent 235, need to be supplied to the receiving port 246 on the main assembly (100B) side. Therefore, considering the receiving port 246 as a reference, the closest distance between the hole 236 and the vent 235 in the horizontal direction (X direction, Z direction) perpendicular to the toner exit direction (Y2 direction) is 6 mm. That is, the minimum thickness measured in the horizontal direction separating the hole 236 and the vent 235 is within 6 mm.

[0404] In other words, when the diameter (inner diameter) of the receiving port 246 is D [mm], the vent 235 is adjacent within D [mm] when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction (Y2 direction) of the toner discharged through the frame opening 52. In other words, when viewed in the toner discharge direction (Y2 direction), the frame opening 52 and the vent 235 can be considered adjacent to each other as long as they are within a distance D [mm], which is the diameter (inner diameter) of the receiving port 246. The opening 236 and the vent 235 are positioned very close to each other so that toner and air can be discharged into the same inlet 246.

[0405] Through this arrangement of the exhaust port 235 and the hole 236, toner and air can be supplied to the receiving port 246 of the image forming apparatus 100 while they are mixed together. As a result, the toner discharged from the toner cartridge 13 can be fed by the air generated by the fan 158, and the discharge and feeding characteristics of the toner can be improved.

[0406] More preferably, the vent 235 is configured such that, when viewed in the discharge direction (Y2 direction) in which the toner is discharged through the hole 236, at least a portion of the vent 235 overlaps with the frame opening 52.

[0407] <Example 10>

[0408] Next, Embodiment 10 of the present invention will be described, wherein the pipe structure of Embodiment 9 is modified, and the pipe is configured to function as a baffle member 241. Therefore, structures similar to Embodiment 1 will be omitted from the figures or given the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0409] The toner cartridge 12113 according to embodiment 10 includes a conduit 330 that directs the toner from a fan 158 (see [link]). Figure 36 The supplied air. For example... Figure 40 As shown, the conduit 330 includes a first conduit member 231, a second conduit member 332, and a third conduit member 333. The first conduit member 231 is connected to the fan 158 and extends inside the supply frame 50.

[0410] The second pipe member 332 is flexible and elastic, and is formed in a tubular shape, extending in a substantially vertical direction (Y direction). One end of the second pipe member 332 is connected to the external connection portion 231c of the first pipe member 231, and the other end is connected to the pipe connection portion 333b of the third pipe member 333.

[0411] A guide member 334 is fixed to the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50. The guide member 334 includes a horizontally extending flat plate portion 334a, a first support wall 334b ​​erected from the downstream end of the flat plate portion 334a in the X2 direction, and a second support wall 334c erected from the downstream end of the flat plate portion 334a in the X1 direction. A third conduit member 333 is supported by the supply frame 50 and the guide member 334 to be movable in the Z direction. More specifically, the movement of the third conduit member 333 in the Y direction is restricted by the bottom surface 50d and the flat plate portion 334a of the supply frame 50. Furthermore, the third conduit member 333 is restricted to movement in the X direction by the first support wall 334b ​​and the second support wall 334c of the guide member 334, and is guided to be movable in the Z direction.

[0412] The third conduit member 333 includes a hollow square tubular portion 333a, a conduit connection portion 333b connected to the second conduit member 332, a sealing portion 333c, a stepped portion 333d, an exhaust port 336, and a joined portion 341d. An elastic sealing member 335 is attached to the sealing portion 333c. A spring 343 is compressed between the third conduit member 333 and the supply frame 50, and pushes the third conduit member 333 in the Z2 direction by the pushing force of the spring 343, which is a second pushing portion.

[0413] The third pipe component 333, pushed by the spring 343, is positioned in the closed position by abutting the abutment surface 50k of the supply frame 50 through the stepped portion 333d. Figure 41 part (a) and Figure 41 As shown in part (b), the vent 336 is located at the downstream end of the third pipe member 333 along the mounting direction (Z2 direction) of the toner cartridge 12113, and is a circular through-hole extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. That is, the vent 336 opens downwards. Furthermore, the pipe portion 333a is in fluid communication with the vent 336 through the connecting hole 337.

[0414] like Figure 42 As shown, when the toner cartridge 12113 is installed into the image forming apparatus 100, the engaged portion 341d of the third conduit member 333 is pressed by the engaged portion 245 in the image forming apparatus 100. Consequently, the third conduit member 333 moves from the closed position to the open position against the pushing force of the spring 343. With the third conduit member 333 in the open position, the vent 336 is in fluid communication with the receiving portion of the image forming apparatus.

[0415] Furthermore, the pipe 330 is in a closed position when the third pipe member 333 is in the closed position and in an open position when the third pipe member 333 is in the open position; the pipe 330 can change between the closed and open positions. Additionally, the pipe 330 is configured to move relative to the supply frame 50, blocking the frame opening 52 in the closed position and opening the frame opening 52 in the open position. That is, in this embodiment, the pipe 330 can also be considered as a baffle member for opening and closing the frame opening 52, which serves as a toner outlet.

[0416] Figure 43 Part (a) is a front view showing the third pipe member 333 in the closed position. Figure 43 Part (b) is a bottom view showing the third pipe member 333 in the closed position, and Figure 43 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the third pipe member 333 in the closed position. Figure 44Part (a) is a front view showing the third pipe member 333 in the open position. Figure 44 Part (b) is a bottom view showing the third pipe member 333 in the open position, and Figure 44 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the third pipe member 333 in the open position.

[0417] like Figure 43 Part (a) to Figure 43 As shown in section (c), when the toner cartridge 12113 is not installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the third conduit member 333 is positioned in the closed position by the action of the spring 343. At this time, the frame opening 52 is closed by the sealing portion 333c and the sealing member 335 of the third conduit member 333. Therefore, toner will not be discharged from the frame opening 52 to the outside. Furthermore, when the conduit 330 is in the second closed position, the vent 336 is not adjacent to the frame opening 52.

[0418] like Figure 41 Part (b) and Figure 44 As shown in portions (a) to (c), when the toner cartridge 12113 is installed into the image forming apparatus 100, the third conduit member is moved to an open position by being pressed by the engagement portion 245 of the image forming apparatus 100. At least a portion of the conduit 330 (i.e., the second conduit member 332) is flexible and elastic. The second conduit member 332 deforms as the third conduit member 333 moves.

[0419] At this point, the vent 336 is adjacent to the frame opening 52 along the toner discharge direction (Y2 direction). In other words, the vent 336 is located downstream of the frame opening 52 along the discharge direction (Y2 direction) so that it overlaps with the frame opening 52 when viewed along the discharge direction (Y2 direction).

[0420] Therefore, the toner discharged from the frame opening 52 is discharged into the main component of the image forming apparatus 100 through the exhaust port 336. In addition, the air supplied by the fan 158 passes through the pipe portions 333a of the first pipe member 231, the second pipe member 332 and the third pipe member 333 and merges into the exhaust port 336 through the connecting hole 337.

[0421] In this embodiment, the exhaust port 336 is periodically opened and closed by one of the aforementioned baffle structures (closing member, airflow shielding member). This operation causes the internal pressure (internal air pressure) of the pipe 330 to change periodically, creating a pressure difference between the external air pressure of the toner cartridge 12113 and the internal air pressure of the pipe 330. When the exhaust port 336 is closed by the baffle mechanism in the closed position, the fan 158 supplies air into the pipe 330, resulting in a positive pressure inside the pipe 330, which is higher than the atmospheric pressure outside the toner cartridge 12113.

[0422] Subsequently, as the baffle mechanism moves from the closed position to the open position, the exhaust port 336 opens, allowing compressed air to be discharged through it, thereby reducing the internal pressure of the conduit 330. At this time, the toner discharged through the exhaust port 336 mixes with the compressed air and is thus propelled, allowing the toner to be satisfactorily discharged into the main component 100B of the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the frame opening 52 can be considered as a toner outlet for discharging the toner stored in the toner receiving chamber 49. In this embodiment, when the exhaust port 336 of the conduit 330 and the frame opening (toner outlet) 52 of the supply frame 50 are adjacent to each other, they can be considered to be practically connected. Similarly, in this embodiment, the toner feed path (movement path) from the toner receiving chamber 49 to the toner outlet (frame opening 52) and the air feed path (travel path) from the pump 58 to the exhaust port 336 are substantially separate. Therefore, the same effect as in Embodiment 9 can be provided.

[0423] Preferably, the sheet component 210 described in Example 9 (see Example 9) is used in the toner cartridge 12113 of this embodiment. Figure 37 (a) This is because, as the screw 54 rotates, the toner is conveyed from the toner discharge chamber 57 toward the frame opening 52 by the sheet component 210.

[0424] <Example 11>

[0425] Next, Embodiment 11 of the present invention will be described, in which the structure of the pipe 680 of Embodiment 9 has been modified. Therefore, structures similar to those of Embodiment 9 will be omitted from the figures or given the same reference numerals for illustration.

[0426] like Figure 45As shown, the toner cartridge 13113 according to Embodiment 11 includes a supply frame 50C as a housing and a conduit 430 for discharging air supplied from a fan 158 through an exhaust port 435. The supply frame 50C rotatably supports a screw 54, and the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50C has a frame opening 52C for discharging toner from the interior of the supply frame 50C to the exterior. The screw 54 delivers toner along a first direction DR1.

[0427] The conduit 430 includes a fixed conduit 431 in fluid communication with the fan 158, and a screw conduit 432 in fluid communication with the fixed conduit 431 and provided with an exhaust port 435. The screw conduit 432 is supported by the supply frame 50C and is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction (Y direction). The screw conduit 432 includes a hollow tube portion 432a and a screw portion 432b fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion 432a. As a second feed portion, the screw portion 432b, by its rotation, delivers toner toward the frame opening 52C along a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1.

[0428] The rotation of the screw 54 is transmitted to the screw conduit 432 via a bevel gear or worm gear (not shown). Therefore, the feed direction of the toner, which is fed by the rotating screw 54 along a first direction DR1 parallel to the Z2 direction, is switched by the rotating screw conduit 432 to a second direction DR2 parallel to the Y2 direction. Viewed along the toner discharge direction (Y2 direction) of the frame opening 52C, the vent 435 overlaps with the frame opening 52C. More specifically, the vent 435 is located inside the frame opening 52C. Therefore, the toner fed by the screw conduit 432 along the Y2 direction is discharged through the frame opening 52C into the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the frame opening 50C can be considered as the toner vent.

[0429] As described above, in this embodiment, the toner is smoothly fed into the frame opening 52C by the driving force of the screw 54 through the screw conduit 432, thereby improving the toner discharge performance (feeding performance). In addition, the toner discharged from the frame opening 52C is pushed by the air intermittently discharged from the exhaust port 435, so that the toner can be satisfactorily discharged into the interior of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0430] Furthermore, since the duct 430 is housed only inside the supply frame 50C, the size of the toner cartridge 13113 can be reduced. Additionally, in this embodiment, any of the aforementioned baffle components (closing components, airflow shielding components) can be used to periodically shield the airflow generated by the fan 158.

[0431] <Example 12>

[0432] Next, Embodiment 12 of the present invention will be described, in which a cylinder unit 800 is used instead of the fan 158 of Embodiment 2. Therefore, structures similar to those of Embodiment 1 will be omitted from the figures or will be given the same reference numerals in the figures for illustration.

[0433] like Figure 46 Part (a) to Figure 47 As shown in section (b), the toner cartridge 14113 according to Embodiment 12 includes a supply frame 50, a cylinder unit 800, and a transmission system 160H. The transmission system 160H, as a drive transmission component, includes a drive input gear 59, a cylinder operating gear 790, and a screw gear 164. Driving force is input from the image forming apparatus 100 to the drive input gear 59. The cylinder operating gear 790 meshes with the drive input gear 59 and with the screw gear 164.

[0434] A cylindrical cam 801 is integrally mounted to a cylinder operating gear 790. The cylinder unit 800 includes a cylindrical cam 801, a cylinder 802 inserted into and held by the cylindrical cam 801, and a connecting rod member 803.

[0435] The cylindrical cam 801 has a first groove 801a and a second groove 801b extending in a circumferential direction. The second groove 801b is located downstream of the first groove 801a in the Z1 direction, and the first groove 801a and the second groove 801b are smoothly connected to each other. In this embodiment, the two first grooves 801a and the two second grooves 801b are arranged with a 180-degree phase difference.

[0436] The connecting rod member 803 has a connecting portion 803a that connects to a connecting portion 802e of the cylinder 802, and the cylinder 802 is held between the cylindrical cam 801 and the connecting rod member 803. Furthermore, the connecting rod member 803 is provided with protrusions 803b and 803c, which can engage with the first groove 801a and the second groove 801b, respectively. In this embodiment, the two first grooves 801a and the two second grooves 801b are arranged with a phase difference of 180 degrees from each other; therefore, the two protrusions 803b and 803c always engage with only one of the first grooves 801a and the second groove 801b.

[0437] The rotation of the connecting rod member 803 is restricted by the side cover 162. In addition, the connecting rod member 803 can press the cylinder 802 by rotating the cylindrical cam 801.

[0438] like Figure 48 part (a) and Figure 48As shown in section (b), cylinder 802 includes a gas container 802a, a spring seat 802b, a nozzle 802c, and a spring 802d. Gas container 802a contains a safety gas such as nitrogen. Nitrogen is preferred because it is non-flammable and does not adversely affect equipment, but other gases may also be used. Spring seat 802b is fixed to gas container 802a inside gas container 802a. Nozzle 802c is supported to extend and retract relative to gas container 802a. Furthermore, the pressure inside the cylinder is set to be higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0439] Spring 802d is compressed between nozzle 802c and spring seat 802b, and in the free state of the housing, nozzle 802c is pushed in the Z1 direction by the pushing force of spring 802d. The stepped portion 802f of nozzle 802c abuts against gas container 802a, thereby providing a blockage between nozzle 802c and gas container 802a. At this time, cylinder 802 is considered to be in the closed state. When cylinder 802 is closed, the protrusions 803b and 803c of connecting rod member 803 engage with the first groove 801a, as... Figure 47 As shown in part (a).

[0440] When the cylinder operating gear 790 rotates from the closed state of the cylinder 802, the protrusions 803b and 803c of the connecting rod member 803 are guided to the second groove 801b, as... Figure 47 As shown in part (b), the connecting rod member 803 moves in the Z1 direction and presses the gas container 802a of the cylinder 802.

[0441] The gas container 802a is pressed by the connecting rod member 803, causing it to move relative to the nozzle 802c in the Z1 direction against the pushing force of the spring 802b. This creates a gap SP7 between the gas container 802a and the nozzle 802c, through which gas is fed into the toner discharge chamber 57. In other words, the cylinder 802 is configured to eject gas into the toner discharge chamber 57 through the relative movement between the gas container 802a and the nozzle 802c. At this time, the cylinder 802 is considered to be in the open state.

[0442] Gas container 802a and nozzle 802c constitute the valve of cylinder 802. As the drive input gear 59 rotates, driving force is transmitted to gas container 802a via cylinder operating gear 790, cylindrical cam 801, and connecting rod member 803. This transmission of driving force causes gas container 802a to reciprocate, causing gas container 802a and nozzle 802c to move relative to each other. Thus, the valve formed by gas container 802a and nozzle 802c opens and closes periodically, causing gas to be ejected from cylinder 802, and the gas ejection stops. Cylindrical cam 801 and connecting rod member 803 constitute a cam mechanism serving as a drive conversion part, for converting the rotational motion of cylinder operating gear 790 into translational and reciprocating motion of gas container 802a. That is, cylindrical cam 801 and connecting rod member 803 convert rotational force into force for opening and closing the valve. These are examples of drive converters, and known mechanical elements can also be used as drive converters.

[0443] As described above, by rotating the cylinder to operate the gear 790, the cylinder 802 periodically repeats the closed and open states. When the cylinder 802 is open, the gas in the cylinder 802 is ejected into the toner discharge chamber 57. Then, the toner in the toner discharge chamber 57 is fed into the frame opening 52 by these gases, and the toner, along with the gas and air in the toner discharge chamber 57, is forcefully discharged through the frame opening 52. The pressure of the gas discharged from the cylinder 802 is sufficient to satisfactorily discharge the toner into the main assembly 100B of the image forming apparatus 100 and feed the toner into the interior of the main assembly 100B.

[0444] Furthermore, since gas is intermittently fed from cylinder 802 into toner discharge chamber 57, the toner in toner discharge chamber 57 can be stirred and the toner can be pushed out through frame opening 52.

[0445] Furthermore, even with a small relative movement between the nozzle 802c and the gas container 802a in the Z direction, the cylinder 802 can forcefully deliver gas into the toner discharge chamber 57. Therefore, the size of the cylinder unit 800 in the Z direction can be reduced.

[0446] The cylinder 802 opens and closes according to the rotation of the drive input gear (drive input member, drive receiving member) 59. In this embodiment, the number of times the cylinder 802 opens per unit time (i.e., the number of times gas is discharged per unit time) is selected to be greater than the number of times the drive input gear 59 rotates per unit time.

[0447] In this embodiment, instead of periodically blocking the airflow from the fan 158 with a baffle member (closing member, airflow shielding member), the high-pressure gas contained in the cylinder 802 is periodically supplied, thereby generating a periodically changing airflow. However, similarly, various baffle structures described in the above embodiments can be provided in this embodiment.

[0448] In this embodiment, the cylinder 802, or the cylinder unit 800 including the cylinder 802, is a blower section (fan, blower, airflow generating mechanism) configured to deliver gas and generate airflow. The fan 158, as the aforementioned blower unit, is configured to blow surrounding gas (i.e., air). On the other hand, the cylinder 802 has a structure in which gas (e.g., nitrogen) contained inside the cylinder is ejected to the outside.

[0449] <Example 13>

[0450] Next, Embodiment 13 of the present invention will be described, in which the toner is fed in a manner different from that of Embodiment 1. Therefore, structures similar to Embodiment 1 will be omitted from the figures or given the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0451] like Figure 49 As shown, the toner cartridge 15113 according to Embodiment 13 includes a supply frame 50J, a rotatable container rotatably supported by the supply frame 50J, and a side cover 162. The rotatable container 810 has a spiral groove 811 on its outer peripheral surface, and as shown... Figure 50 As shown, by rotating, the groove 811 can feed the toner into the rotatable container 810 along the direction Z2. Thus, the toner in the rotatable container 810 can be discharged through the frame opening 52.

[0452] Figure 51 Part (a) is a side view of the drivetrain 160J of the toner cartridge 15113. Figure 51 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the transmission system 160J of the toner cartridge 15113. Figure 51 Part (c) is another cross-sectional view showing the transmission system 160J of the toner cartridge 15113.

[0453] like Figure 51 As shown in parts (a) to (c), the transmission system 160J includes a drive input gear 812, a fan input gear 813, an idler gear 814, and a container rotation gear 815. From the drive output member 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 (see...) Figure 10 (b) of the drive input gear 812 inputs drive. The drive input gear 812 meshes with the pinion 813a of the fan input gear 813 and with the idler gear 814.

[0454] As the drive input gear 812 rotates, the fan input gear 813 rotates. The drive of the fan input gear 813 is transmitted to the fan 158 via the acceleration mechanism 161. In addition, the idler gear 814 meshes with the container rotation gear 815 fixed to the rotatable container 810. Therefore, the driving force of the drive input gear 812 is transmitted to the fan 158 and the rotatable container 810, respectively.

[0455] <Example 14>

[0456] Next, Embodiment 14 of the present invention will be described, in which the toner is fed in a manner different from that of Embodiment 1. Therefore, structures similar to Embodiment 1 will be omitted from the figures or given the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0457] like Figure 52 and Figure 53 As shown, the toner cartridge 16113 according to Embodiment 14 includes a supply frame 50, a slatted feed member 820, and a crank 821. The crank 821 includes a rotating shaft 821a rotatably supported by the supply frame 50 and an arm portion 821b eccentrically located from the rotating shaft 821a. One end 820a of the feed member 820 is mounted to the arm portion 821b.

[0458] The feed member 820 has a shaft portion 820b on the side opposite to one end 820a, and the shaft portion 820b engages with a guide groove 827 of the guide member 826 fixed to the inside of the supply frame 50.

[0459] The drive input gear 59 and the fan input gear 260 meshing with the drive input gear 59 are rotatably supported on the downstream side surface of the supply frame 50 along the mounting direction (Z2 direction) so that the driving force from the fan input gear 260 drives the fan 158.

[0460] A first gear 823 and a second gear 824 meshing with the first gear 823 are rotatably supported on the side surface of the supply frame 50 (downstream side in the X2 direction). The first gear 823 and the second gear 824 are clamped and held between the supply frame 50 and the plate member 825. The rotation axis 821a of the crank 821 is fixed to the axis of the second gear 824, and the crank 821 rotates about the rotation axis 821a as the second gear 824 rotates.

[0461] like Figure 54 As shown, the first gear 823 has a plurality of peak-shaped teeth 823a, and the teeth 823a are configured to mesh with the drive input gear 59 and the second gear 824. That is, when the drive input gear 59 rotates, the feed member 820 moves with the rotation of the crank 821.

[0462] Next, refer to Figure 55 Part (a) to Figure 55 Part (d) will describe the operation of the feed member 820. The shaft portion 820b of the feed member 820 is inserted into and guided in the guide groove 827. The guide groove 827 has a first groove 827a extending parallel to the Z direction, and a second groove 827b and a third groove 827c inclined relative to the first groove 827a. The first groove 827a, the second groove 827b, and the third groove 827c have a triangular shape as a whole, and the length of the first groove 827a is less than the sum of the lengths of the second groove 827b and the third groove 827c. The connection between the first groove 827a and the second groove 827b is provided with a pressure spring 828 that can rotate about the rotation axis 828a.

[0463] like Figure 55 As shown in part (a), the shaft portion 820b of the feed member 820 is located at the connection between the first groove 827a and the third groove 827c. When the crank 821 rotates clockwise from this state, as... Figure 55 Part (a) to Figure 55 As shown in section (c), the shaft portion 820b is guided by the first groove 827a while moving. By pressing the pressure spring 828, the shaft portion 820b can cause the pressure spring 828 to rotate upward about the rotation axis 828a and pass through.

[0464] like Figure 55 part (a) and Figure 55 As shown in part (b), when the shaft portion 820b is guided in the first groove 827a, the feed member 820 moves in the Y2 direction, that is, in the direction close to the frame opening 52.

[0465] On the other hand, when the shaft portion 828 passes the pressure spring 828, the pressure spring 828 prevents the shaft portion 820b from returning to the first groove 827a and guides the shaft portion 820b to the second groove 827b. When the crank 821 rotates clockwise from this state, the shaft portion 820b is guided by the second groove 827b and the third groove 827c to return to... Figure 55 The state shown in part (a) is as follows: Figure 55 As shown in parts (c) and (d), when the shaft part 820b is guided along the second groove 827b and the third groove 827c, the feed member 820 moves in the Z1 direction, that is, in a direction away from the frame opening 52.

[0466] Here, as described above, the length of the first groove 827a is less than the sum of the lengths of the second groove 827b and the third groove 827c. Furthermore, by rotating the crank 821 approximately 180 degrees, the shaft portion 820b moves from the starting end to the ending end of the first groove 827a. Similarly, by rotating the crank 821 approximately 180 degrees, the shaft portion 820b moves from the starting end of the second groove 827b to the ending end of the third groove 827c.

[0467] With this structure, the feed member 820 travels relatively slowly when the shaft portion 820b passes along the first groove 827a and moves in the Z2 direction, and travels relatively quickly when the shaft portion 820b moves along the second groove 827b and the third groove 827c in the Z1 direction. Using this structure, when the feed member 820 moves slowly in the Z2 direction, the toner in the supply frame 50 remains on the feed member 820 and is fed in the Z2 direction. More specifically, the feed member 820 is provided with walls 820c forming multiple grooves, and the toner T is pushed by the walls 820c to move in both the Z2 and X2 directions. In this way, the toner T in the toner receiving chamber 49 moves toward the discharge port 52.

[0468] Furthermore, when the feed member 820 travels rapidly along the Z1 direction, the toner in the supply frame 50 does not remain on the feed member 820, but passes through the grid holes of the slatted member and is barely fed along the Z1 direction. Due to the difference between the feed speed of the toner in the Z1 direction and the feed speed in the Z2 direction, the toner is conveyed by the feed member 820 in the Z2 direction.

[0469] In this embodiment, a slatted feed member 820 driven by a crank 821 has been described as an example. However, the invention is not limited to this example. For instance, a pendulum-type feed member that travels slowly in the Z2 direction and rapidly in the Z1 direction can be used. In other words, the feed member 820 can have any structure, as long as the toner feed speed in the Z1 direction and the toner feed speed in the Z2 direction are utilized. Furthermore, the various embodiments described above can be appropriately combined.

[0470] <Example 15>

[0471] Next, Embodiment 15 will be described. In this embodiment, as in Embodiment 9 described above, the toner cartridge has conduits (gas path, ventilation path, air supply path), and the conduits provide separate air paths and toner paths. In Embodiment 9 described above, air is intermittently exhausted by a fan periodically blocking the airflow using a baffle member. On the other hand, the toner cartridge 13 disclosed in this embodiment includes a pump 58 that generates periodic airflow (see...). Figure 58(to replace the fan)

[0472] [Toner Kit]

[0473] Reference Figures 57 to 59 The overall structure of the toner cartridge 13 installed in the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 57 This is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge 13. Figure 58 This is an exploded perspective view showing the toner cartridge 13. Figure 59 This is a cross-sectional view showing the toner cartridge 13.

[0474] like Figures 57 to 59 As shown, the toner cartridge 13 (13Y, 13M, 13C) of this embodiment includes a supply frame 50 as a housing. The supply frame 50 includes a container portion 50a and a lid portion 50b, and is constructed by attaching the lid portion 50b to the container portion 50a. An internal space 51 is formed inside the supply frame 50 by the container portion 50a and the lid portion 50b. The lid portion 50b is located at one end of the toner cartridge 13 along the Y1 direction and forms the top side of the toner cartridge 13 and the supply frame 50.

[0475] The supply frame 50 includes a partition member 55 disposed within its interior space 51. The partition member 55 further divides the interior space 51 into multiple zones. That is, as... Figure 58 and Figure 59 As shown, the interior space 51 is divided into multiple chambers by partition members 55, including a toner receiving chamber 49, a connecting passage 48, and a toner discharge chamber 57. The toner receiving chamber 49 is a chamber (storage chamber) for storing toner. The toner discharge chamber 57 is provided with a frame opening 52 (described below), and is connected by the frame opening 52 described below and the hole 236 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 68 Part (c) and Figure 74 The toner container 13 is in fluid communication with the outside. Communication path 48 is a toner path that allows fluid communication between the toner receiving chamber 49 and the toner discharge chamber 57. The partition member 55 can be considered part of the supply frame 50, and the partition member 55 can actually be integrally formed with the supply frame 50. The partitioning of the internal space 51 of the supply frame 50 as described above is merely an example, and the layout can be appropriately changed as needed.

[0476] At the Z2 direction side end (rear end, rear surface) of the supply frame 50, a transmission system 160 including a drive input gear 59, a cam gear 60, and a screw gear 64, and a pump 58 serving as a blower (fan, blower device, airflow generating mechanism) are mounted. The transmission system 160 and the pump 58 are covered by a side cover 62 mounted to the supply frame 50. Specifically, the cam gear 60 is restricted to move in the Z1 and Z2 directions by the side cover 62 and the supply frame 50.

[0477] The stirring member 53 and the screw 54 are rotatably supported by the supply frame 50. The stirring member 53 and the screw 54 are rotatable about a parallel axis extending in the Z direction, and the screw 54 is positioned downstream of the stirring member 53 in the X2 direction. The stirring member 53 is disposed in the toner receiving chamber 49 and includes a rotating shaft 53a and a stirring blade (not shown), one end of which is mounted to the rotating shaft 53a and the other end of which is free. The stirring member 53 rotates to agitate the toner in the toner receiving chamber 49 using the stirring blade and to feed the toner to the screw 54.

[0478] Within the toner receiving chamber 49, a wall 50a1 is provided between the stirring member 53 and the screw 54, and the wall 50a1 protrudes upward from the bottom surface of the toner receiving chamber 49. The wall 50a1 is located close to the screw 54 and extends along the axial direction (Z direction) of the screw 54, that is, along the toner feeding direction. By being clamped between the wall 50a1 and the side surface of the toner receiving chamber 49, the screw 54 can stably feed the toner around it. A space is provided between the wall 50a1 and the cover portion 50b of the supply frame 50. Therefore, the stirring member 53 can deliver toner to the screw 54 through the space between the wall 50a1 and the cover portion 50b.

[0479] The connecting path 48 is a space or opening providing fluid communication between the toner receiving chamber 49 and the toner discharge chamber 57, which will be described below, and is a channel through which the toner moves. The connecting path 48 is formed by a partition member 55 and a supply frame 50. At least a portion of the screw 54 is disposed in the connecting path 48. A portion of the screw 54 is exposed to the toner receiving chamber 49 and, by rotation therein, delivers the toner in the toner receiving chamber 49 along the axis of rotation of the screw 54.

[0480] The connecting path 48 extends along the direction of toner feeding from the screw 54 and has a tunnel shape. Furthermore, the screw 54 is positioned within the connecting path 48 by partially covering it with a partition member 55. The tunnel shape of the connecting path 48 corresponds to the shape of the screw 54. In other words, the function of the connecting path 48 is to scrape away the toner fed by the screw 54, thereby metering the toner to a predetermined amount.

[0481] A portion of the toner fed by the screw 54 can enter the connecting channel 48 and the toner discharge chamber 57, but the remaining toner cannot enter the connecting channel 48 and therefore cannot enter the toner storage chamber, thus remaining in the toner receiving chamber. The amount of toner entering the connecting channel 48 can be appropriately determined by appropriately selecting the ratio between the size of the tunnel opening formed by the connecting channel 48 and the size of the screw 54. In other words, by extending the screw 54 through the connecting channel 48, only the desired amount of toner can be supplied to the toner discharge chamber 57.

[0482] The screw 54 delivers toner in a direction from the front (front end) to the rear (rear end) of the toner cartridge 13 (Z2 direction). That is, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the screw 54 (i.e., the toner feeding direction of the screw 54) is the same as the longitudinal direction (Z direction, front-to-back direction) of the toner cartridge 13.

[0483] The toner discharge chamber 57 is a space defined by the partition member 55 and the supply frame 50, and is located downstream of the connecting channel 48 along the toner feed direction of the screw 54.

[0484] The screw gear 64 is positioned adjacent to the toner discharge chamber 57, that is, adjacent to the rear surface (end in the Z2 direction) of the supply frame 50. The toner discharge chamber 57 has a frame opening 52 for discharging toner (developer) from the interior space 51 of the supply frame 50 to the outside. Although details will be described below, the frame opening 52 allows passage between the interior and exterior of the supply frame 50 through a hole 236 (see...). Figure 68 Part (c) and Figure 74 A fluid-connected opening. The toner can be discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge through the frame opening 51 and the hole 236.

[0485] A frame opening 52 is formed in the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50 and opens downward toward the toner cartridge 13. That is, the toner moves downward through the frame opening 52. The frame opening 52 is located downstream of the toner cartridge 13 along the toner feed direction of the screw 54. In other words, the distance between the frame opening 52 and the rear surface (end in the Z2 direction) of the toner cartridge 13 is shorter than the distance between the frame opening 52 and the front surface (end in the Z1 direction) of the toner cartridge 13.

[0486] The separator 55 has a cutout portion 55a on the downstream side of the screw 54 in the toner feeding direction, and the toner discharge chamber 57 opens partially upward through the cutout portion 55a. That is, the toner discharge chamber 57 is not a space sealed by the separator 55 and the supply frame 50. For example, when the amount of toner fed from the screw 54 through the connecting channel 48 is greater than the amount of toner discharged from the frame opening 52, the toner in the toner discharge chamber 57 flows through the cutout portion 55a, allowing the toner to escape into the toner receiving chamber 49. This prevents toner clogging in the toner discharge chamber 57.

[0487] When the toner dose fed from the connecting channel 48 by the screw 54 is set to be less than the toner dose discharged from the frame opening 52, the cutout portion 55a may not be provided in the partition member 55, and the toner discharge chamber 57 may be sealed.

[0488] Pump 58 is positioned adjacent to the rear surface of toner cartridge 13 (end in the direction of arrow Z2). Pump 58 has a retractable and expandable or reciprocating bellows 58a. The bellows portion 58a is flexible and can deform by expansion and contraction (reciprocating motion). The bellows portion 58a has a variable volume due to deformation by expansion and contraction. The interior of pump 58 connects to the pump connection hole 231b1 of the first conduit member 231, which will be described below (see...). Figure 67 Fluid connectivity.

[0489] Pump 58 can change the internal volume of bellows section 58a by reciprocating motion (i.e., by expanding and contracting the bellows section 58a via transmission system 160 and connecting rod member 61), as will be described below. This allows pump 58 to act on first pipe member 231 (see...). Figure 67 ).

[0490] [The expansion and contraction, reciprocating motion of the pump]

[0491] Next, refer to Figure 60 Part (a) to Figure 61 Part (b) will describe the expansion / contraction and reciprocating motion of pump 58. Figure 60 Part (a) is a perspective view of the rear end of the toner cartridge 13 from below. Figure 60 Part (b) is a perspective view of the rear end of the toner cartridge 13 viewed from above. Figure 61 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the expanded state of pump 58. Figure 61 Part (b) is a perspective view showing the state of pump 58 in contraction. Figure 60 Part (a) to Figure 61 In part (b), the side cover 62 is shown to be rearwardly offset in order to show the rotation drive transmission path.

[0492] like Figure 60 Part (a) to Figure 61 As shown in part (b), the transmission system 160 is located on the rear side of the toner cartridge 13, i.e., near the rear surface. In this embodiment, the transmission system 160 includes a drive input gear 59, a cam gear 60, and a screw gear 64. The drive input gear 59 includes a drive receiving portion 59a and a gear portion 59b. The cam gear 60 is provided with a cam groove 60a. The cylindrical portion of the cam gear 60 (in which the cam groove 60a is formed) is sometimes referred to as the cam portion. The cam groove 60a is formed in a serpentine manner and has a rearwardly shifted peak portion 60b and a forwardly shifted valley portion 60c. The axial direction of the cam gear 60 is parallel to the Z-axis.

[0493] The connecting rod member 61, serving as a reciprocating motion component, has a cam protrusion 61a, which is configured to engage with a cam groove 60a. Additionally, the connecting rod member 61 has a sliding protrusion 61b, which is configured to engage with a sliding groove 62b of the side cover 62. Therefore, the connecting rod member 61, supported by the side cover 62, is capable of moving in the longitudinal direction (Z direction), while its movement about the axis Z, which is the central axis of the pump 58, in the rotational direction is restricted. In other words, the connecting rod member 61 can reciprocate in the direction of the axis Z of the cam gear 60 (Z direction).

[0494] The side cover 62 is a cover member that covers and protects the pump 58 and is located at the end of the toner cartridge 13 along the Z2 direction. The side cover 62 can be considered as part of the frame (housing) of the toner cartridge 13 having a supply frame 50. In this case, the supply frame 50 can be specifically referred to as the frame body (housing body). The pump 58 described above is provided with a connecting portion 58b, and the connecting rod member 61 and the pump 58 are connected to each other at the connecting portion 58b.

[0495] This will describe the rotational drive transmission path. For example... Figure 60 As shown in part (a), rotational drive is input from the drive output member (connecting member on the main component side) 100a provided in the main component of the image forming apparatus 100 to the toner cartridge 13. That is, the drive force receiving portion (connecting portion) 59a of the drive input gear 59 provided on the cartridge is connected to the drive output member 100a, so that the drive receiving portion 59a receives rotational force (driving force). As a result, the drive input gear 59 rotates to transmit the driving force from the drive input gear 59 to the various components of the toner cartridge 13.

[0496] When the toner cartridge 13 is installed into the image forming apparatus 100 Figure 61The first engagement portion 71 and the second engagement portion 72 of the side cover 62 shown in part (a) engage with the part to be engaged (not shown). This determines the position of the cartridge 13 within the image forming apparatus 100.

[0497] A storage element 70 is disposed on the side cover 62, and the storage element 70 is an element that stores information about the toner cartridge 13. Examples of information include the driving state of the toner cartridge 13 and the color of the toner stored in the toner cartridge 13. In this embodiment, the storage element 70 is an IC chip and has conductive contacts on its surface for electrical connection with contacts (not shown) disposed on the main component of the image forming apparatus 100. When the toner cartridge 13 is mounted to the image forming apparatus 100, the storage element 70 is electrically connected to the contacts disposed on the image forming apparatus 100.

[0498] like Figure 58 As shown, the drive input gear 59 is connected to the rotation shaft 53a of the stirring member 53, and the stirring member 53 is rotated by the rotation of the drive input gear 59. Figure 60 As shown in part (a), gear portion 59b of the drive input gear 59 engages with gear portion 60d of the cam gear 60 to transmit rotary drive to the cam gear 60. Furthermore, gear portion 60d of the cam gear 60 engages with the screw gear 64 to rotate the screw gear 64. Screw 54 (see...) Figure 59 The screw 54 is connected to the screw gear 64, and the screw 54 is driven by the rotational drive transmitted from the screw gear 64 to the screw 54. The diameter of the gear portion 60d of the cam gear 60 is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion (cam portion) of the cam gear 60 in which the cam groove 60a is formed.

[0499] In this way, the drive input gear 59 is a drive input member (drive receiving member, rotational force receiving member, rotational input member), and the driving force (rotational force) is input from outside the toner cartridge 13 (i.e., the main component of the image forming apparatus 100) to this drive input member. In other words, the drive input gear 59 is a connecting member on the toner cartridge (13) side, which is configured to connect with the drive output member (the connecting member on the main component side) 100a.

[0500] The drive input gear 59 also serves as a drive transmission member (gear member) for transmitting drive force to the various components of the cartridge. Specifically, the drive input gear 59 has a drive receiving portion 59a (to which drive force is input) and a gear portion 59b for outputting drive force to another component of the toner cartridge 13. The gear portion 59b is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the drive input gear 59.

[0501] The rotational force (driving force) input to the drive input gear 59 is used not only to drive the screw 54 and the stirring member 53, but also to drive the pump 58. Next, the structure for converting the rotational force (driving force) received by the drive input gear 59 into reciprocating motion and for causing the pump 58 to expand, contract and reciprocate will be described.

[0502] like Figure 61 part (a) and Figure 61 As shown in section (b), the sliding protrusion 61b of the connecting rod member 61 and the sliding groove 62b of the side cover 62 allow the connecting rod member 61 to move in the Z-axis direction, while rotational movement about the Z-axis is restricted. Therefore, when the cam gear 60 is rotated by being driven by rotation, the cam protrusion 61a of the connecting rod member 61 alternately passes through the peak 60b and valley 60c of the cam groove 60a of the cam gear 60, causing the connecting rod member 61 to move back and forth reciprocally.

[0503] In other words, Figure 61 The state of part (a) and Figure 61 The state of part (b) repeats alternately. In conjunction with the reciprocating motion of the connecting rod member 61, the connecting portion 58b connected to the connecting rod member 61 also reciprocates. The reciprocating motion of the connecting portion 58b causes the bellows portion 58a of the pump 58 to expand and contract, and the internal volume of the pump 58 changes periodically. The connecting portion 58b is a force-receiving portion that receives forces from the connecting rod member 61 for expanding and contracting the pump 58.

[0504] In the manner described above, the rotational force received by the drive input gear 59 is converted by the connecting rod member 61 and the cam gear 60 into a force for expanding and contracting the bellows portion 58a of the pump 58 to drive the pump 58. The pump 58 is positioned radially inside the rotating cam gear 60. That is, the pump 58 is located inside and surrounded by the cam gear 60. Therefore, the space required for the pump 58 to expand and contract can be reduced, and the amount of expansion and contraction (movement) of the pump 58 can be made larger within a limited space. The cam gear 60 and the connecting rod member 61 that engages with it constitute a cam mechanism that serves as a drive conversion part for converting the rotational force into a force that causes the pump 58 to reciprocate. Other known mechanical elements such as cranks and connecting rods can also be used as drive converters.

[0505] [Sheet Components]

[0506] Next, we will refer to Figures 62 to 64 The sheet member 210 fixed to the screw 54 will be described. As described above, the sheet member 210 is fixed to the screw 54 driven by the screw gear 64, such as... Figure 62As shown. The sheet member 210 is disposed in the toner discharge chamber 57 and is configured to face the frame opening 52 formed in the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50.

[0507] More specifically, such as Figure 63 As shown, the screw 54 has a rotating shaft 54a and a helical portion 54b integrally formed with the rotating shaft 54a for feeding toner, and the rotating shaft 54a is provided with a radially outwardly projecting sheet support portion 54c. In this embodiment, two sheet members 210 are fixed to the screw 54, thus providing two sheet support portions 54c. These two sheet support portions 54c project in opposite directions relative to the rotating shaft 54a, and the sheet members 210 are fixed to each sheet support portion 54c. Therefore, the sheet members 210 rotate integrally with the screw 54.

[0508] The sheet component 210 is a sheet component made of a resin material (e.g., polycarbonate) and has tapered free ends 210a and 210b on corresponding sides. Figure 64 As shown, when the screw 54 rotates, the ends 210a and 210b of the sheet member 210 can enter the frame opening 52. In other words, the length D2 of the sheet member 210 is greater than twice the distance D1 between the rotation center 54z of the screw 54 and the frame opening 52 (D2>D1×2). Therefore, the sheet member 210 can push the toner into the frame opening 52 while loosening the toner near the frame opening 52. Thus, toner clogging near the frame opening 52 can be prevented. The toner pushed out by the sheet member 210 toward the frame opening 52 passes through the hole 236 (see...). Figure 74 (etc.) are discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge 13, which will be described below.

[0509] Although two sheet members 210 are fixed to the screw 54 in this embodiment, the invention is not limited to this example. That is, the number of sheet members fixed to the screw 54 can be one or more. In addition, multiple sheet members can be stacked and mounted to a sheet support portion 54c. Furthermore, the material and shape of the sheet members 210 are not particularly limited.

[0510] [pipeline]

[0511] The following will refer to Figure 65 Part (a) to Figure 69 Describe the pipe 230 set on the toner cartridge 13. Figure 65 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge 13. Figure 65 Part (b) is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 13 taken along a plane including the center of rotation of the screw 54. Figure 66 This is a bottom view of toner cartridge 13. Figure 67This is a perspective view showing the components of pipe 230 assembled to supply frame 50. Figure 68 Part (a) is a perspective view showing the second pipe member 232 and the third pipe member 233. Figure 68 Part (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the second pipe member 232 and the third pipe member 233. Figure 68 Part (c) is a perspective view showing the vent 235 and the hole 236 provided in the third pipe member 233.

[0512] like Figure 65 Part (a) to Figure 69 As shown, the toner cartridge 13 is provided with a conduit 230 in fluid communication with the pump 58. The conduit 230 forms a feed path for supplying air from the pump 58 toward the exhaust port 235, as will be described below. That is, the interior of the conduit 230 is the path along which air moves. The conduit 230 includes a first conduit member 231, a second conduit member 232, and a third conduit member 233, and is positioned relative to the supply frame 50. The first conduit member 231 is connected to the pump 58 (see [reference]) via an air inlet 50c provided in the supply frame 50. Figure 62 The internal space is connected.

[0513] The third conduit component 233 is provided with an exhaust port 235 for venting air and an opening 236 in fluid communication with the frame opening 52, and the third conduit component 233 is mounted on the bottom surface 50d of the toner cartridge 13 (see...). Figure 62 The toner falling from the frame opening 52 is discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge 13 through the hole 236, although details will be described below. The hole 236 is the toner outlet through which the toner contained in the toner cartridge 13 can be discharged to the outside. The second conduit member 232 is connected to the first conduit member 231 and the third conduit member 233. That is, the air supplied from the pump 58 to the first conduit member 231 through the air inlet 50c of the supply frame 50 is guided by the first conduit member 231, the second conduit member 232 and the third conduit member 233, and then discharged through the exhaust port 235.

[0514] like Figure 67As shown, the first pipe member 231 includes a hollow cylindrical tubular portion 231a, a pump connection portion 231b disposed at one end of the tubular portion 231a, and an external connection portion 231c disposed at the other end of the tubular portion 231a. The tubular portion 231a extends substantially in the Z direction. The pump connection portion 231b is formed in a flange shape and has a pump connection hole 231b1 communicating with the tubular portion 231a. The external connection portion 231c is configured to face a side surface 50e in the X1 direction of the supply frame 50 and has an external communication hole 231c1 communicating with the tubular portion 231a. A rectangular hole 50f is formed in the side surface 50e.

[0515] The first piping component 231 is attached to the supply frame 50 with the pump connection hole 231b1, air inlet 50c, external communication hole 231c1, and hole portion 50f aligned with each other. More specifically, the first piping component 231 is installed in the internal space 51 of the supply frame 50 by attaching the pump connection portion 231b and the external connection portion 231c to the inner surface of the supply frame 50.

[0516] like Figure 67 , Figure 68 part (a) and Figure 68 As shown in part (b), the second pipe member 232 includes a hollow square tubular portion 232a, a rectangular frame connecting portion disposed at one end of the tubular portion 232a, and a pipe connecting portion 232c disposed at the other end of the tubular portion 232a. The tubular portion 232a extends in the vertical direction (Y direction). The frame connecting portion 232b has a connecting hole 232b1 in fluid communication with the tubular portion 232a and protrudes in the X1 direction. The pipe connecting portion 232c has a connecting hole 232c1 in fluid communication with the tubular portion 232a.

[0517] The second pipe member 232 is connected to the supply frame 50 by engaging the frame connection portion 232b with the hole 50f of the supply frame 50. At this time, the external communication hole 231c1 of the first pipe member 231 and the communication hole 232b1 of the second pipe member 232 are in fluid communication with each other.

[0518] like Figures 67 to 68 As shown in section (c), the third pipe component 233 includes a hollow square tubular portion 233a, a pipe connection portion 233b disposed at one end of the tubular portion 233a, and an exhaust port 235 and a hole 236 disposed at the other end of the tubular portion 233a. The tubular portion 233a extends in the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the toner cartridge 13. The pipe connection portion 233b is provided with a communication hole 233b1 in fluid communication with the tubular portion 233a.

[0519] The third pipe member 233 is connected to the supply frame 50 by means of pipe connection portion 232c of the second pipe member 232 and pipe connection portion 233b of the third pipe member 233 being interconnected. At this time, the connecting hole 232c1 of the second pipe member 232 and the connecting hole 233b1 of the third pipe member 233 are in fluid communication with each other.

[0520] Vent 235 and hole 236 are provided on the downstream end side of the pipe portion 233a of the third conduit member 233 along the mounting direction (Z2 direction) of the toner cartridge 13. Vent 235 is provided in the bottom surface 233d of the third conduit member 233, and hole 236 is a circular through hole passing through the bottom surface 233d from the top surface of the third conduit member 233. Vent 235 is an annular hole in fluid communication with the pipe portion 233a and surrounding hole 236, and it opens downward.

[0521] In this embodiment, the end face 235a of the edge of the exhaust port 235 and the end face 236a of the edge of the hole 236 are flush with each other. Specifically, end faces 235a and 236a are on the same plane perpendicular to the Y-axis. That is, end faces 235a and 236a are at the same position in a coordinate system parallel to the Y-axis. In other words, end faces 235a and 236a are at the same height in the vertical direction. However, the arrangement of end faces 235a and 236a is not limited to this example. For example, one of end faces 235a and 236a may be positioned downward relative to the other. That is, end faces 235a and 236a may be located at different positions in a coordinate system parallel to the Y-axis (vertical direction).

[0522] like Figure 65 As shown in section (b), the vent 235 and the hole 236 are arranged adjacent to the frame opening 52 in the discharge direction (Y2 direction) through which toner is discharged. Furthermore, the vent 235 and the hole 236 are arranged downstream of the frame opening 52 along the toner discharge direction (Y2 direction). Therefore, toner falling from the frame opening 52 is discharged into the image forming apparatus 100 through the hole 236. Thus, the hole 236 is a toner outlet for discharging toner to the outside of the toner cartridge 13. Since the frame opening 52 and the hole 236 are openings communicating with each other, the frame opening 52 and the hole 236 can be considered as a whole as a toner outlet. In this case, the frame opening 52 is part of the toner outlet formed by the supply frame 50, and the hole 236 is part of the toner outlet formed by the conduit 230. Additionally, the vent 235 is adjacent to the hole 236, which serves as a toner outlet, in the horizontal direction (X direction, Z direction). More specifically, the outlet 235 is configured to surround the hole 236. Therefore, air is discharged through the outlet 235, thereby surrounding the toner discharged from the hole 236.

[0523] The second pipe component 232 and the third pipe component 233 may be constituted by a single component, or by three or more components. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first pipe component 231, the second pipe component 232, and the third pipe component 233 are installed by adhesive bonding to the supply frame 50, but the invention is not limited to this example. For instance, the first pipe component 231, the second pipe component 232, and the third pipe component 233 may be joined to the supply frame 50 using other methods such as welding or fusion. Moreover, the connection positions of the first pipe component 231, the second pipe component 232, and the third pipe component 233 to the supply frame 50 can be suitably selected.

[0524] [Baffle Component]

[0525] Next, we will refer to Figures 69 to 72 Describes the baffle member 241 installed on the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50. For example... Figures 69 to 70 As shown, the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50 is provided with a first support portion 50g, a second support portion 50h, a guide portion 50i, and a spring seat 50j. A folded-back portion 50g1 extending in the horizontal direction (X direction) is formed at the free end, which is the lower end of the first support portion 50g, and a folded-back portion 50h1 extending in the horizontal direction (X direction) is formed at the free end, which is the lower end of the second support portion 50h.

[0526] The baffle member 241 is supported by a first support portion 50g and a second support portion 50h, enabling it to move in the mounting direction (Z direction) of the toner cartridge 13. The baffle member 241 is guided along the mounting direction (Z direction) of the toner cartridge 13 by a groove-shaped guide portion 50i extending in that direction. The baffle member 241 is held in place by fold-back portions 50g1 and 50h1 to prevent it from falling off the supply frame 50.

[0527] The baffle member 241 includes a sealing portion 241a, a spring support portion 241b, a fold-back portion 241c, and an engaged portion 241d. The sealing portion 241a extends in the horizontal direction (X direction) and is configured to close the vent 235, the toner outlet 52, and the hole 236 (toner outlet). A flat, resilient baffle seal 242 is attached to the sealing portion 241a. The spring support portion 241b extends in the Z1 direction and supports the baffle spring 243 at its base.

[0528] The baffle spring 243 is gently pressed into the spring support portion 241b and compressed between the baffle member 241 and the spring seat 50j of the supply frame 50. The baffle member 241 is pushed by the pushing force of the baffle spring 243, which serves as the first pushing part, in the mounting direction (Z2 direction) of the toner cartridge 13. The baffle member 241, pushed by the baffle spring 243, abuts against the guide rib 62a of the side cover 62, thereby being positioned in the closed position.

[0529] During assembly or maintenance of the toner cartridge 13, when the side cover 62 is removed from the supply frame 50, the folded-back portion 241c of the baffle member 241 abuts against the first support portion 50g. Therefore, even when the side cover 62 is removed from the supply frame 50, the baffle member 241 does not detach from the supply frame 50, thus improving the ease of assembly and maintenance of the toner cartridge 13.

[0530] When the toner cartridge 13 is installed into the image forming apparatus 100, the engaged portion 241d of the baffle member 241 is engaged by the engaged portion 245 provided in the image forming apparatus 100 (see...). Figure 72 Pressing down causes the baffle member 241 to move from the closed position (first closed position) to the open position (first open position) against the pushing force of the baffle spring 243.

[0531] Figure 71 Part (a) is a bottom view showing the baffle member 241 in the closed position. Figure 71 Part (b) is a bottom view showing the baffle member 241 in the open position. Figure 71 As shown in part (a), when the toner cartridge 13 is not installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the baffle member 241 is positioned in the closed position by the pushing force of the baffle spring 243. At this time, the sealing portion 241a of the baffle member 241 covers the frame opening 52, the vent 235, and the hole 236 to restrict the discharge of toner and air from the toner cartridge 13. In other words, when the baffle member 241 is in the closed position, the sealing portion 241a is configured to overlap with the toner outlet 52, the vent 235, and the hole 236 in the bottom view.

[0532] When the toner cartridge 13 is installed into the image forming apparatus 100, it is connected by the engagement portion 245 (see...). Figure 72Pressing the engaged portion 241d moves the baffle member 241 from the closed position to the open position. At this time, the guide ribs 62a provided on the side cover 62 of the toner cartridge 13 guide the engaged portion 245. That is, the guide ribs 62a, 62a guide the engaged portion 245 to the engaged portion 241d, and also serve as guides when the toner cartridge 13 is mounted to the image forming apparatus 100. The engaged portion 241d has a tapered shape at its upstream end along the mounting direction (Z2 direction) of the toner cartridge 13.

[0533] By moving the baffle member 241 to the open position, the sealing portion 241a opens the frame opening 52, the vent 235, and the hole 236, thereby allowing toner and air to escape from the toner cartridge 13. In other words, the sealing portion 241a is configured not to overlap with the frame opening 52, the vent 235, and the hole 236 in a bottom view when the baffle member 241 is in the open position.

[0534] [Toner receiving structure of the image forming apparatus]

[0535] Next, we will refer to Figures 72 to 74 Describes a toner receiving structure for an image forming apparatus 100 that receives toner discharged from toner cartridge 13. For example... Figure 72 As shown, inside the image forming apparatus 100, a cylindrical receiving portion 246 is positioned opposite the toner cartridge 13 to be installed. The receiving portion 246 includes a resilient sealing member and is provided with a receiving port 247 for receiving toner and air discharged from the toner cartridge 13.

[0536] like Figure 73 and Figure 74 As shown, the toner that has fallen through the frame opening 52 of the toner cartridge 13 is discharged through the hole 236 (i.e., the toner outlet) of the third conduit member 233 toward the receiving port 247. The toner that has passed through the receiving port 247 mixes with the air discharged through the exhaust port 235 and flows into the L-shaped bend section 248 provided in the image forming apparatus 100. Then, the toner is supplied from the tube section 248 to the processing cartridge 1 through the upstream feed section 110 and the downstream feed section 120. That is, the toner feeding device 14, as the supply section, includes the bend section 248.

[0537] In this embodiment, the toner discharged from the hole 236, which serves as the toner outlet, can flow forcefully into the tube portion 248 via the air discharged from the vent 235. Thus, the toner can smoothly pass through the interior of the tube portion 248. Such a tube portion 248 is an example of the layout of a toner supply channel within the main assembly 100B. The tube portion 248 can be constructed as a thin tubular shape without bending into an L-shape, or it can be constructed to extend along a complex curve. Even when such a toner supply channel is provided inside the main assembly 100B, the toner discharged through the frame opening 52 can be smoothly delivered by the air discharged through the vent 235 of the toner cartridge 13. By using the toner cartridge 13, which discharges air from the vent 235, the layout freedom of the toner supply path within the main assembly 100B can be increased, thereby correspondingly making it easier to increase the design freedom of the main assembly 100B.

[0538] [Toner and air removal]

[0539] Next, we will refer to Figures 75 to 77 The discharge of toner and air from the toner cartridge 13 will be described in more detail. As described above, the driving force is supplied from the drive output member 100a provided in the image forming apparatus 100 (see [link to image processing equipment]). Figure 60 (a) portion) is supplied to toner cartridge 13, thereby as Figure 54 The pump 58 and screw are driven to operate as shown. Figure 75 and Figure 76 In the diagram, the solid line represents the toner feeding path, and the dashed line represents the exhaust path.

[0540] like Figure 75 and 76 As shown, the toner in the toner cartridge 13 is fed into the toner discharge chamber 57 through the connecting channel 48 by rotating the screw 54. Then, the toner fed into the toner discharge chamber 57 moves downward from the frame opening 52 formed in the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50 toward the hole 236.

[0541] At this time, at least a portion of the sheet member 210 (i.e., the free end of the sheet member 210) fixed to the screw 54 enters the frame opening 52 while rotating together with the screw 54. This causes the toner to move from the frame opening 52 toward the hole 236, while simultaneously loosening the toner retained near the frame opening 52. For example, if the screw 54 of the toner cartridge 13 is not driven for an extended period, the toner in the toner cartridge 13 may tighten and become difficult to fall into the hole 236 through the frame opening 52. Even in such a case, since the toner can be loosened by the sheet member 210, the toner can be satisfactorily discharged through the frame opening 52. The toner that has passed through the frame opening 52 flows into the main assembly (tube portion 248) of the image forming apparatus 100 through the hole 236 of the third conduit member 233.

[0542] On the other hand, compressed air is intermittently delivered from pump 58 to pipe 230 through operation of pump 58. Pipe 230 includes a first pipe member 231, a second pipe member 232, and a third pipe member 233 to supply air fed from the pump. In other words, at least a portion of pipe 230 extends through the interior of supply frame 50. Furthermore, the second pipe member 232 and the third pipe member 233 are disposed along the outer surface of supply frame 50. Therefore, by providing pipe 230, the toner cartridge 13 can be prevented from becoming too large, and the toner cartridge 13 can be constructed compactly.

[0543] Air supplied from the outside of the supply frame 50 by the second conduit member 232 and the third conduit member 233 is discharged to the outside through an exhaust port 235 located at the end of the third conduit member 233. The exhaust port 235 is formed in annular shape to surround the hole 236 and is adjacent to the hole 236 in the horizontal direction (X direction, Z direction). Therefore, when the toner falls and is discharged through the hole 236, the toner is promoted by the intermittently discharged air through the exhaust port 235, so that the toner can be satisfactorily discharged into the image forming apparatus 100. The airflow intermittently discharged from the exhaust port 235 by the reciprocating pump 58 varies periodically. Therefore, the toner in the hole 236 is drawn out and loosened by the periodically varying airflow. In addition, the toner discharged from the hole 236 is pushed into the interior of the image forming apparatus 100 by the intermittently discharged air through the exhaust port 235.

[0544] Furthermore, the air forcefully expelled through the vent 235 creates a negative pressure around the hole 236, which has the effect of drawing the toner out of the hole 236. Since the end face 235a of the vent 235 edge and the end face 236a of the hole 236 edge are flush with each other, the toner can be efficiently discharged through the hole 236.

[0545] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 100, the toner is first discharged into the aforementioned tube portion 248, where the toner and air mixed together reach the tube portion 248, thereby preventing the tube portion 248 from being blocked by the toner.

[0546] Furthermore, in the toner cartridge 13, the air supply path from the pump 58 through the inside of the pipe to the exhaust port 235 and the toner supply path (movement path) from the toner receiving chamber 49 to the toner discharge port (hole 236) are separated from each other. Therefore, the toner will not obstruct the airflow from the pump 58, and airflow failures inside the toner cartridge 13 can be suppressed.

[0547] Specifically, pump 58 periodically alternates airflow in different directions. Pump 58 is configured to repeatedly exhaust air to the outside and draw air in to the inside. If the gas (air) feed path (ventilation path) of the duct is separated from the toner movement path, toner will not enter the interior of pump 58 even if pump 58 draws air into it. Therefore, toner retention in pump 58 can be suppressed.

[0548] Furthermore, since the toner supply path and the air supply path are separate from each other, the operation test of the pump 58 can be easily performed during the assembly of the toner cartridge 13. This is because even if air passes through the interior of the pipe 230 during the operation test of the pump 58, the air will not directly act on the toner stored in the toner receiving chamber 49. That is, if the operation test of the pump 58 is performed without moving the screw 54, the toner is restricted from being discharged through the frame opening 52 and the hole 236. Therefore, the operation test of the pump 58 can be performed in a state that suppresses toner scattering, and the assembly operability of the toner cartridge 13 can be improved.

[0549] Reference Figure 74 and Figure 77 Consider the dimensions and arrangement of the frame opening 52, vent 235, hole 236, and receiving port 247. For example... Figure 74 and Figure 77 As shown, the inner diameter of the receiving port 247 of the image forming apparatus 100 is D3, the inner diameter of the frame opening 52 is D4, the inner diameter of the hole 236 is D5, the inner diameter (diameter of the inner circle) of the exhaust port 235 is D6, and the outer diameter (diameter of the outer circle) of the exhaust port 235 is D7.

[0550] In this embodiment, the following relationship is satisfied:

[0551] D3>D6>D5…… (1)

[0552] D4>1.0 [mm]... (2)

[0553] D5>1.0 [mm]... (3)

[0554] D7-D6>0.5 [mm]... (4)

[0555] Inequalities (1) to (4) are relationships that must be satisfied to allow the toner and air to be smoothly discharged through the frame opening 52, the hole 236, and the exhaust port 235. For example, to allow the toner to pass smoothly, the inner diameter D4 of the frame opening 52 and the inner diameter D5 of the hole 236 through which the toner passes need to be 1.0 mm or more. In addition, the difference (D7-D6) between the inner and outer diameters of the exhaust port 235 needs to be 0.5 mm or more. This is because if the difference (D7-D6) becomes smaller, the air velocity increases, but the increased pressure drop will lead to an increase in the torque required for operation.

[0556] From the above inequality (1), it can be understood that the inner diameter (dimension D5) of the hole 236 is smaller than the outer diameter (dimension D7) of the exhaust port 235. Based on the above inequalities (1) to (4), the area of ​​the frame opening 52, the hole 236, and the exhaust port 235 is preferably 0.78 mm². 2 The above. Considering the dispersion of toner and airflow velocity, the area of ​​the frame opening 52, hole 236, and exhaust port 235 is preferably 117 mm. 2 ]the following.

[0557] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, D3 = 6.0 mm, D4 = 6.5 mm, D5 = 3.0 mm, D6 = 4.5 mm, and D7 = 6.5 mm. At this time, the toner passing through the frame opening 52 and exiting from the hole 236, and the air exiting from the exhaust port 235, both need to be supplied to the receiving port 247 on the image forming apparatus 100 side. For this purpose, considering the inlet opening 247 as a reference, in the horizontal directions (X and Z directions) intersecting and perpendicular to the toner exit direction (Y2 direction), the hole 236 and the exhaust port 235 are adjacent to each other, and the closest distance between them does not exceed 6 mm. That is, for the thickness of the wall separating the hole 236 and the exhaust port 235, the minimum distance measured along the horizontal direction is not greater than 6 mm.

[0558] In other words, assuming the diameter (inner diameter) of the receiving port 247 is D [mm], and the shortest distance between the hole 236 and the vent 235 measured in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction (horizontal direction) is DMIN, then when viewed along the discharge direction (Y2 direction) through the frame opening 52 where the toner is discharged, the following condition is satisfied: DMIN ≤ D [mm]. When this relationship is satisfied, it can be said that the hole 236 and the vent 235 are adjacent to each other. The hole 236 and the vent 235 are adjacent to each other so that the toner and air are discharged into the common inlet 247.

[0559] When the exhaust port 235 and the hole 236 are arranged in this manner, the mixed toner and air can flow into the receiving port 247 of the image forming apparatus 100 while the toner and air are mixed together. As a result, the toner discharge capacity can be improved.

[0560] More preferably, the vent 235 is arranged such that, when viewed in the discharge direction (Y2 direction) in which the toner is discharged through the hole 236, at least a portion of the vent 235 overlaps with the frame opening 52.

[0561] <Example 16>

[0562] Next, Embodiment 16 of the present invention will be described, wherein the third pipe member 233 of Embodiment 15 is given the function of the baffle member 241. Therefore, structures similar to Embodiment 15 will be omitted from the figures or given the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0563] The toner cartridge 2013 according to Example 16 includes a conduit 330 for guiding the toner from pump 58 (see...) Figure 59 The supplied air. For example... Figure 78 As shown, pipe 330 includes a first pipe component 231, a second pipe component 332, and a third pipe component 333. The first pipe component 231 is the same as in embodiment 15, so its description is omitted.

[0564] The second pipe member 332 is flexible and elastic, formed into a tube, and extends in a substantially vertical direction (Y direction). One end of the second pipe member 332 is connected to the external connection portion 231c of the first pipe member 231, and the other end is connected to the pipe connection portion 333b of the third pipe member 333.

[0565] The guide member 334 is fixed to the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50. The guide member 334 includes a horizontally extending flat plate portion 334a, a first support wall 334b ​​erected from the downstream end of the flat plate portion 334a in the X2 direction, and a second support wall 334c erected from the downstream end of the flat plate portion 334a in the X1 direction. The third pipe member 333 is supported by the supply frame 50 and the guide member 334 to be movable in the Z direction. More specifically, the movement of the third pipe member 333 in the Y direction is restricted by the bottom surface 50d and the flat plate portion 334a of the supply frame 50. Furthermore, the third pipe member 333 is restricted to movement in the X direction by the first support wall 334b ​​and the second support wall 334c of the guide member 334, and is guided to be movable in the Z direction.

[0566] The third conduit member 333 includes a hollow square tubular portion 333a, a conduit connection portion 333b connected to the second conduit member 332, a sealing portion 333c, a stepped portion 333d, an exhaust port 336, and a joined portion 341d. An elastic sealing member 335 is attached to the sealing portion 333c. A spring 343 is compressed between the third conduit member 333 and the supply frame 50, and the third conduit member 333 is pushed in the Z2 direction by the pushing force of the spring 343, which serves as the second pushing portion.

[0567] The third pipe member 333, pressed by the spring 343, is positioned in the closed position by abutting its stepped portion 333d against the abutment surface 50k of the supply frame 50. (Example) Figure 79 part (a) and Figure 79 As shown in part (b), the vent 336 is located at the downstream end of the third pipe member 333 along the mounting direction (Z2 direction) of the toner cartridge 2013, and it is a circular through-hole extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. That is, the vent 336 opens downwards. In addition, the pipe part 333a is connected to the vent 336 through the connecting hole 337.

[0568] like Figure 80 As shown, when the toner cartridge 2013 is installed on the image forming apparatus 100, the engaged portion 341d of the third conduit member 333 is pressed by the engaged portion 245 in the image forming apparatus 100. As a result, the third conduit member 333 moves from the closed position to the open position against the pushing force of the spring 343. With the third conduit member 333 in the open position, the vent 336 is in fluid communication with the receiving portion of the image forming apparatus.

[0569] Furthermore, when the third conduit member 333 is in the closed position, the conduit 330 is in the second closed position, and when the third conduit member 333 is in the open position, the conduit 330 is in the second open position, the conduit 330 can shift between the second closed position and the second open position. Additionally, the conduit 330 is configured to move relative to the frame 50, blocking the frame opening 52 in the second closed position and opening the frame opening 52 in the second open position.

[0570] Figure 81 Part (a) is a front view showing the third pipe member 333 in the closed position. Figure 81 Part (b) is a bottom view showing the third pipe member 333 in the closed position. Figure 81 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the third pipe member 333 in the closed position. Figure 82 Part (a) is a front view showing the third pipe member 333 in the open position. Figure 82Part (b) is a bottom view showing the third pipe member 333 in the open position. Figure 82 Part (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the third pipe member 333 in the open position.

[0571] like Figure 81 Part (a) to Figure 81 As shown in section (c), when the toner cartridge 2013 is not installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the third conduit member 333 is positioned in the closed position by the action of the spring 343. At this time, the frame opening 52 is closed by the sealing portion 333c and the sealing member 335 of the third conduit member 333. Therefore, toner will not be discharged to the outside through the frame opening 52. Furthermore, when the conduit 330 is in the second closed position, the vent 336 is not adjacent to the frame opening 52.

[0572] like Figure 79 Part (b) and Figure 82 As shown in portions (a) to (c), when the toner cartridge 2013 is installed into the image forming apparatus 100, the third conduit member 333 is moved to an open position by being pressed by the engagement portion of the image forming apparatus 100. At least a portion of the conduit 330 (i.e., the second conduit member 332) is flexible and elastic. As the third conduit member 333 moves, the second conduit member 332 deforms.

[0573] At this point, the vent 336 is adjacent to the frame opening 52 in the toner discharge direction (Y2 direction). In other words, the vent 336 is positioned downstream of the frame opening 52 in the discharge direction (Y2 direction) so that it overlaps with the frame opening 52 when viewed in the discharge direction (Y2 direction).

[0574] Therefore, the toner discharged from the frame opening 52 is discharged to the main component of the image forming apparatus 100 through the exhaust port 336. Air supplied by the pump 58 passes through the pipe portions 333a of the first conduit member 231, the second conduit member 332, and the third conduit member 333 and merges with the exhaust port 336 through the connecting hole 337. Thus, the toner discharged through the frame opening 52 is pushed by the intermittently discharged air through the connecting hole 337, allowing the toner to be satisfactorily discharged within the image forming apparatus 100. In this embodiment, the frame opening 52 can be considered as a toner outlet for discharging the toner stored in the toner receiving chamber 49. In this embodiment, the exhaust port 336 of the conduit 330 and the frame opening (toner outlet) 52 supplying the frame 50 are considered to be connected to each other when they are adjacent to each other. In any case, similarly, in this embodiment, the toner feed path (movement path) from the toner receiving chamber 49 to the toner outlet (frame opening 52) and the air feed path (travel path) from the pump 58 to the exhaust port 336 are substantially separated from each other. Therefore, the same effect as in Embodiment 15 can be provided.

[0575] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the baffle component 241 of Embodiment 15 can be omitted, thereby reducing the cost of the toner box 2013.

[0576] <Example 17>

[0577] Next, Embodiment 17 of the present invention will be described, in which the structure of the pipe 230 of Embodiment 15 is modified. Therefore, structures similar to those of Embodiment 15 will be omitted from the figures or given the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0578] like Figure 83 As shown, the toner cartridge 3013 according to Embodiment 17 includes a supply frame 50C as a housing and a conduit 430 for discharging air supplied by the pump 58 through an exhaust port 435. The supply frame 50C rotatably supports a screw 54 as a feed portion, and a frame opening 52C for discharging toner from the interior of the supply frame 50C to the exterior is formed in the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50C. In this embodiment, the frame opening 50C can be considered as a toner discharge port. Additionally, the screw 54, as a first feed portion, conveys toner along a first direction DR1.

[0579] The conduit 430 includes a fixed conduit 431 communicating with the pump 58 and a screw conduit 432 communicating with the fixed conduit 431 and having an exhaust port 435. The screw conduit 432 is supported by the supply frame 50C and is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction (Y direction). The screw conduit 432 includes a hollow tube portion 432a and a screw portion 432b fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion 432a. As a second feed portion, the screw portion 432b, through its rotation, feeds toner toward the frame opening 52C along a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1.

[0580] The rotation of the screw 54 is transmitted to the screw conduit 432 via a bevel gear or worm gear (not shown). Therefore, the feed direction of the toner, which is fed by the rotating screw 54 in a first direction DR1 parallel to the Z2 direction, is switched by the rotating screw conduit 432 to a second direction DR2 parallel to the Y2 direction. Viewed along the toner discharge direction (Y2 direction) of the frame opening 52C, the vent 435 overlaps with the frame opening 52C. More specifically, the vent 435 is located inside the frame opening 52C. Therefore, the toner fed by the screw conduit 432 in the Y2 direction is discharged through the frame opening 52C into the main assembly of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0581] As described above, in this embodiment, the toner can be smoothly delivered to the frame opening 52C by the screw pipe 432 rotated by the driving force of the screw 54, thereby improving the toner discharge performance (feed performance). In addition, the toner discharged through the frame opening 52C by the intermittently discharged air from the exhaust port 435 allows the toner to be satisfactorily discharged into the interior of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0582] Furthermore, since the conduit 430 is only located within the supply frame 50C, the size of the toner cartridge 3013 can be reduced.

[0583] <Example 18>

[0584] Next, embodiment 18 of the present invention will be described, in which the pipe 230 of embodiment 15 has been modified. Therefore, structures similar to those of embodiment 15 will be omitted from the figures or given the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0585] like Figure 84 Part (a) to Figure 85 As shown in section (c), the toner cartridge 4013 according to embodiment 18 includes a supply frame 50 and a conduit 530 for discharging air supplied from the pump 58 through an exhaust port 235. The supply frame 50 rotatably supports the screw 54, and the bottom surface 50d of the supply frame 50 is provided with a frame opening 52 for discharging toner from the interior of the supply frame 50 to the exterior.

[0586] The conduit 530 has a first conduit member 531 in fluid communication with the pump 58 and a second conduit member 532 in fluid communication with the first conduit member 531. The second conduit member 532 has an exhaust port 235 and an orifice 236. The orifice 236 is in fluid communication with the frame opening 52. In this embodiment, the orifice 236 is a toner discharge port for discharging toner that has passed through the frame opening 52 to the outside of the toner cartridge 4013. The first conduit member 531 is disposed outside the supply frame 50 and does not penetrate the interior of the supply frame 50. The second conduit member 532 is supported by a bottom surface 50d, which is the outer surface of the supply frame 50, and is arranged such that the exhaust port 235 is adjacent to the frame opening 52.

[0587] Therefore, the toner discharged through the frame opening 52 is pushed by the air intermittently discharged from the exhaust port 235, so that the toner can be satisfactorily discharged into the interior of the image forming apparatus 100. Furthermore, since the conduit 530 is only located outside the supply frame 50, assembly operability is improved.

[0588] <Other Embodiments>

[0589] The frame opening (toner outlet) and vent can be formed as follows: Figure 86 Parts (a) to (d) are shown. That is, as... Figure 86 part (a) and Figure 86 As shown in section (b), when viewed along the toner discharge direction (Y2 direction), the frame opening (toner outlet) 52 and the vent 235D can be offset, i.e., they are not concentric. The vent 235D is a circular opening. When viewed along the toner discharge direction (Y2 direction), the frame opening 52 and the vent 235D at least partially overlap each other. Here, the diameter (inner diameter) of the receiving port 247 is D [mm], and when viewed along the toner discharge direction (Y2 direction), the shortest distance between the exposed portion of the frame opening 52 and the vent 235D is DMIN. DMIN is the shortest distance between the frame opening 52 and the vent 235D measured along the horizontal direction (X direction, Z direction). Then, in the distance measured along the horizontal direction intersecting the Y2 direction, DMIN ≤ D [mm]. In this case, the frame opening 52 and the vent 235D can be considered to be adjacent to each other.

[0590] like Figure 86 Part (c) and Figure 86As shown in section (d), the structure allows the toner discharged from the frame opening 52 and the hole 236E to pass around the air discharged from the vent 235E. The vent 235E is a normal circular opening, and the hole 236E is a generally C-shaped opening. In this embodiment, the hole 236E corresponds to the toner discharge outlet. The hole 236E (toner discharge outlet) and the vent 235E are adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction (X direction, Z direction). More specifically, the hole 236E, as the toner discharge outlet, is arranged to surround the vent 235E. Here, the diameter (inner diameter) of the inlet 247 is D [mm], and the closest distance between the hole 236E and the vent 235E when viewed along the toner discharge direction (Y2 direction) is DMIN. Then, in the distance measured along the direction perpendicular to the Y2 direction (X direction and Z direction), DMIN ≤ D [mm]. Furthermore, in this structure, the toner discharged through the frame opening 52 and the hole 236E is propelled by air intermittently discharged from the outlets 235D and 235E, and the toner is smoothly discharged into the interior of the image forming apparatus 100. That is, toner and air can be supplied from the toner cartridge to the receiving port 247. When viewed along the toner discharge direction (Y2 direction), the frame opening 52 and the exhaust port 235E at least partially overlap each other.

[0591] Furthermore, the shape and location of the frame openings, as well as the vents and holes formed in the pipe, are not limited to the examples described above. That is, the frame openings, vents, and holes can have any shape and arrangement, as long as the toner discharged from the frame opening is pushed by the air discharged from the vent.

[0592] Furthermore, in embodiment 15, the sheet member 210 is configured to enter the interior of the frame opening 52 but not the interior of the hole 236. However, the sheet member 210 can be configured to enter the hole 236.

[0593] In this embodiment, pump 58 is a mechanism (blower, airflow generating mechanism, air pump) that draws in gas (i.e., air) around the toner cartridge and applies pressure to or moves the gas, thereby generating a gas flow (airflow) toward the outlet. In any of the above examples, pump 58 is a bellows pump that alternately discharges and draws in air and is a positive displacement pump with volumetric variation, more specifically a reciprocating pump. Other examples of reciprocating pumps include diaphragm pumps, piston pumps, and plunger pumps. A bellows pump can be considered a type of diaphragm pump. Such pumps can be suitably used because they can intermittently discharge high-pressure air suitable for feeding toner using a simple structure. However, in addition to using a positive displacement pump or a reciprocating pump as a blower (airflow generating mechanism, air pump), other structural types can also be used. As an example, a blower (airflow generating mechanism) such as a fan can be used instead of the pump 58 described above. A fan is configured to move gas (air) by driving (rotating) an impeller and can be considered a non-displacement pump. When a fan is used instead of the positive displacement pump 58, the toner discharged through the toner outlet is compressed by the air discharged from the exhaust port 235, and the toner discharge performance (toner feed performance) is improved. Furthermore, the various embodiments described above can be appropriately combined.

[0594] [Industrial Applicability]

[0595] According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material and a toner cartridge that can be used in the image forming apparatus are provided.

[0596] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the appended claims disclose the scope of the invention.

[0597] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-042969, filed on March 16, 2021, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-042970, filed on March 16, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A toner cartridge, comprising: A housing that contains toner and has a toner outlet, through which the toner can be discharged; A fan configured to feed gas into its surroundings by rotating thereon; The closing component is movable between a closed position and an open position different from the closed position, wherein the closed position is used to close the flow path of the gas fed by the fan, and the open position is used to open the flow path; as well as A drive receiving component is configured to receive an external driving force to transmit the driving force toward the fan and the shut-off component through its rotation. The closing member is configured to periodically shift between the closed position and the open position by receiving a driving force.

2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein when the closing member moves from the closed position to the open position, the toner is discharged together with the gas fed by the fan through the toner outlet.

3. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the flow path is the toner outlet.

4. The toner cartridge according to claim 3, wherein, in the discharge direction of the toner being discharged through the toner outlet, the closing member is disposed downstream of the toner outlet.

5. The toner cartridge of claim 1, wherein the closing member is configured to slide periodically between the closed position and the open position by receiving a driving force.

6. The toner cartridge of claim 5, further comprising a first pressing portion for pressing the closing member to the closed position.

7. The toner cartridge of claim 4, further comprising a feed portion rotatably supported in the housing and configured to feed toner, and a gear member configured to transmit a driving force toward the feed portion, wherein the gear member includes a cam portion that presses the closing member in a direction from the closed position toward the open position.

8. The toner cartridge of claim 4, wherein the closing member is rotatable about a rotation axis extending along the discharge direction of toner discharged through the toner outlet, and the closing member is configured to rotate periodically between the closed position and the open position by receiving a driving force.

9. The toner cartridge of claim 8, further comprising a feed portion rotatably supported in the housing and configured to feed toner, and a gear member for transmitting a driving force toward the feed portion, wherein the gear member includes a plurality of protrusions for unidirectionally rotating the closing member to periodically rotate the closing member between the closed position and the open position.

10. The toner cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the closing member is disposed upstream of the toner outlet in the discharge direction of discharging toner through the toner outlet.

11. The toner cartridge of claim 10, wherein the closing member is supported to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending along the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge and to rotate periodically between the closed position and the open position by receiving a driving force.

12. The toner cartridge of claim 10, wherein the closing member is supported to be movable in a predetermined direction parallel to the discharge direction of toner discharged through the toner outlet, and the closing member is capable of periodically reciprocating between the closed position and the open position along the predetermined direction by receiving a driving force.

13. The toner cartridge of claim 10, wherein the closing member is capable of periodically rotating between the closed position and the open position by receiving a driving force.

14. The toner cartridge of claim 2, further comprising a conduit connecting the fan and the housing to each other, the conduit being configured to guide gas fed from the fan, wherein the flow path is a connection portion between the conduit and the housing.

15. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a toner discharge chamber, the toner discharge chamber having a toner receiving chamber for receiving toner and having the toner discharge outlet.

16. The toner cartridge of claim 15, wherein the air pressure in the toner discharge chamber changes periodically when the fan and the shut-off member are driven.

17. The toner cartridge of claim 15, wherein the gas fed by the fan is introduced into the toner discharge chamber.

18. The toner cartridge of claim 1, wherein the closing member is configured to reciprocate between the closed position and the open position.

19. The toner cartridge of claim 1, wherein the closing member is configured to reciprocate between the closed position and the open position by sliding movement.

20. The toner cartridge of claim 1, wherein the closing member is configured to reciprocate between the closed position and the open position by means of lifting and lowering.

21. The toner cartridge of claim 1, wherein the closing member is configured to reciprocate between the closed position and the open position by oscillating movement.

22. The toner cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a cam configured to move the closing member.

23. The toner cartridge according to claim 1 further includes a drive conversion section.

24. The toner cartridge of claim 1, wherein the closing member is configured to move to the closed position and the open position by rotation.

25. The toner cartridge of claim 1, wherein the closing member is configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending along the direction of movement of the gas passing through the flow path.

26. The toner cartridge of claim 1, wherein the closing member is configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the gas through the flow path.

27. The toner cartridge of claim 1, wherein the closing member is provided with an orifice allowing gas flow, and when the closing member is in the open position, the closing member causes the orifice of the closing member to overlap with the flow path.

28. The toner cartridge of claim 1, further comprising an elastic member for pressing the closing member.

29. The toner cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a conduit for guiding gas supplied by the fan, wherein the conduit is configured adjacent to the toner outlet and has an exhaust port for discharging the gas supplied by the fan.

30. The toner cartridge according to claim 29, wherein the discharge direction of the toner discharged through the toner outlet is parallel to the discharge direction of the gas discharged through the exhaust port.

31. The toner cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a baffle member displaceable between a second closed position for closing the toner outlet and a second open position for opening the toner outlet, and a second pressing portion for pressing the baffle member to the second closed position, wherein the baffle member does not displace between the second closed position and the second open position even when the drive receiving member is driven.

32. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the number of revolutions per unit time of the fan is more than 10 times the number of revolutions per unit time of the drive receiving member.

33. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the number of revolutions per unit time of the fan is less than 500 times the number of revolutions per unit time of the drive receiving member.

34. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the number of revolutions per unit time of the closing member is greater than the number of revolutions per unit time of the driving receiving member.

35. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the number of revolutions per unit time of the fan is more than 10 times the number of revolutions per unit time of the shut-off member.

36. The toner cartridge of claim 1, wherein the number of revolutions per unit time of the fan is less than 500 times the number of revolutions per unit time of the shut-off member.

37. The toner cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a drive transmission portion for transmitting drive force, wherein the drive receiving member transmits drive force to the fan and the shut-off member through the drive transmission portion.

38. A toner cartridge capable of being detachably mounted to a main component of an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus having a main component-side connecting member, the toner cartridge comprising: A housing that contains toner and has a toner outlet, through which the toner can be discharged; A fan configured to feed gas into its surroundings by rotating thereon; The closing component is movable between a closed position and an open position, the closed position being used to close the flow path of the gas fed by the fan, and the open position being used to open the flow path; as well as A box-side connecting member, configured to receive driving force from the main component side by being connected to the main component-side connecting member. The closing member is configured to periodically shift between the closed position and the open position by receiving a driving force from the box-side connecting member.

39. The toner cartridge of claim 38, wherein the fan is configured to rotate about a rotation axis substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the main component-side connecting member.

40. The toner cartridge according to claim 38, further comprising: A feed portion rotatably supported within the housing, the feed portion being configured to feed toner; A gear component configured to transmit driving force toward the feed section. The gear component is capable of rotating coaxially with the box-side connecting component.

Images