Toner cartridge, developing cartridge, image forming apparatus, and toner discharge member

Abstract

A cartridge includes a frame, a drive input member, a toner feeding member driven based on a drive force received by a coupler, and a toner discharge member having a discharge port for discharging toner fed by the toner feeding member to an outside of the cartridge. The discharge port can be oriented in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge on the opposite side from the side on which the drive input member is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a toner cartridge (cartridge) usable for an image forming apparatus, and particularly to a cartridge including a toner discharge member and usable for an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic process. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser (light beam) printers are known. Also known are cartridges (toner cartridges) that are detachable (replaceable) from the image forming apparatus and contain toner to be supplied to developing devices such as developing rollers.

[0003] Toner is supplied from a cartridge to a toner supply destination through interaction between a supply path and a supply port (discharge port) provided on both sides. For example, JP 2017-72703 proposes a shutter that is movable between an open position for opening the cartridge's toner discharge port and a closed position for closing the toner discharge port. Summary of the Invention Technical problems to be solved

[0004] The object of the present invention (this disclosure) is to further develop the prior art.

[0005] Means of solving the problem

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the representative structure of the present application is a colorant box that can be detachably mounted on the device body of an imaging device on which a developer box can be mounted, and the colorant box can be mounted to the device body by inserting it into the device body along a first direction, the colorant box comprising: a frame; a box side connector that can be engaged with a main body side connector provided on the device body, wherein, in a state where the colorant box is mounted to the device body with the developer box already mounted to the device body, the box side connector is engaged with the main body side connector to receive a driving force from the device body; a colorant feeding member that can operate based on the driving force received by the box side connector; and a colorant discharge member that is provided with a discharge port for discharging the colorant fed by the colorant feeding member to the outside of the colorant box; wherein the box side connector is capable of rotating around a first axis intersecting the first direction; and wherein, in a state where the colorant box is mounted to the developer box, the discharge port is capable of discharging the colorant to the developer box side in a direction parallel to the first axis and away from the box side connector.

[0007] Effects of the Invention

[0008] The present invention (this disclosure) provides a further development of the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1is a cross-sectional view showing a laser printer as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 is a front view of the process box B of embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing Figure 1 The state when the processing box B is viewed from the X1 direction shown.

[0011] Figure 3 is a main sectional view (along the direction of the process box B) of the embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 Section taken along the mid-cc line).

[0012] Figure 4 is a sectional view showing the supply port of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention (along the Figure 2 Section taken along line bb).

[0013] Figure 5 is a sectional view showing the second waste toner feeding path 10c of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention (along the Figure 2 (section taken along the mid-dd line).

[0014] Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge B according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 7 1 and 2 are views illustrating examples of a contact state and a separation state of the developing unit 15 with respect to the photosensitive drum 11 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 8 1 is a side view showing the non-driving side of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 9 1 is a front view of a state in which the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is installed in the printer body A. FIG.

[0018] Figure 10 is a main sectional view (along the direction of the toner container 30) of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 9 (section taken along line ee in FIG).

[0019] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, viewed from the driving side.

[0020] Figure 12 is a side view of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, viewed from the driving side.

[0021] Figure 13This is a cross-sectional view (along the direction of rotation of the toner container screw member 35) of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 12 (section taken along line ii in FIG).

[0022] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view (along the line 24) for explaining an example of the flattened portion 33a1 of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 9 (section taken along the midline hh).

[0023] Figure 15 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view (along the direction of rotation of the shutter member 34 of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention) taken as a reference. Figure 9 ff shown in the cross section).

[0025] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view (along the direction of rotation of the shutter member 34 of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention) taken as a reference. Figure 12 (a cross section taken along line jj shown in FIG. 1 ).

[0026] Figure 18 1 and 2 are a front view, a left side view, a right side view, a bottom view, and cross-sectional views of a nozzle member 33b according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view (along the line 24) of an example of the waste toner storage portion 40 of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 9 (section taken along line gg in FIG).

[0028] Figure 20 1 is a cross-sectional view of the shutter member 34 for explaining an example of the feed path CP of the shutter member 34 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 21 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method of mounting the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C to the printer body A according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 22 1 is a side view illustrating an example of a method of mounting the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C to the printer body A according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 23 1 is a sectional perspective view for explaining an example of a supply port of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 241 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a driving device for a developing operation of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 25 is a schematic sectional view of a process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 26 1 and 2 are a side view and a cross-sectional view (a cross section taken along line kk in the figure) for explaining a state in which the shutter member 34 of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention blocks toner.

[0035] Figure 27 1 is an exploded perspective view of the shutter member 34 and its surroundings of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 28 1 and 2 are a front view, a left side view, a right side view, a bottom view and a cross-sectional view of the shutter member 34 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 29 1 is a front view of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in a state where the shutter member 34 blocks the toner.

[0038] Figure 30 A front view, a left side view, a right side view, a bottom view, and a cross-sectional view of a gate protection member 210 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention are shown.

[0039] Figure 31 1 is a view showing a structural example of the reception-side shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 32 1 and 2 are views illustrating an operation example of the reception-side shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 33 1 is a partial sectional view of the vicinity of the receiving-side shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 34 1 is an exploded perspective view of the receiving-side shutter member 206 and its surrounding parts according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 35 1 is an exploded perspective view of the shutter member 206 and the surrounding portion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing the communication hole 206 a of the reception-side shutter member 206 .

[0044] Figure 36 It is a partially enlarged view of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, as viewed from the mounting direction of the toner cartridge C.

[0045] Figure 37 1 is a view showing an example of a mounting locus of the rough guide rib 210 d to the rough guide 21 f according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 38 3 is a view showing an example of a mounting locus of the free end 34h1 of the arm of the shutter member 34 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 39 1 and 2 are views showing an operation example in which the actuating protrusion 34 f of the shutter member 34 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is mounted to the actuating protrusion receiving portion 206 b of the receiving-side shutter member 206 .

[0048] Figure 40 This is a schematic diagram for explaining a state in which the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is in the process of being installed, as viewed from the installation direction of the toner cartridge C.

[0049] Figure 41 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of the shutter member 34 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 42 is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, viewed from the non-driving side.

[0051] Figure 43 : is a diagram showing an example of a toner feeding direction of the shutter member 2034 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 44 20 is a perspective view of the appearance of a gate member 2034 according to Example 2 of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 45 10 is a partial side view of a mounting portion of the shutter member 2034 in the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 46 1 and 2 are views showing an operation example of the shutter member 2034 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 47 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a state in which the shutter member 2034 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is mounted to the process cartridge B. FIG.

[0056] Figure 48 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a toner cartridge C2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 49 1 is a sectional view taken along the axis G2 when the toner cartridge C2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is completely mounted on the process cartridge B. FIG.

[0058] Figure 50It is a diagram for explaining an example of the attachment 2071 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 51 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation when the accessory 2071 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is mounted on the process cartridge B.

[0060] Figure 52 2072 is a diagram showing a structural example of a shutter member 2072 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 53 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining an example of the mounting operation of the shutter member 2072 to the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 54 30 is a diagram showing an example of a toner feeding attachment 3034 constituting a part of a toner feeding member according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 55 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a process cartridge B according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 56 It is a sectional view taken along the XZ plane passing through the center of the through hole 3034k in a state where the colorant feeding accessory 3034 is mounted on the process cartridge B.

[0065] Figure 57 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C3 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 58 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of attaching the toner feeding accessory 3034 to the toner cartridge C3 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 59 4 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a toner feeding pipe 4034 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 60 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the toner feeding pipe 4034 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 61 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a process cartridge B equipped with a toner feed tube 4034 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 62 FIG4 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C4 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 63 10 is an illustrative diagram of a state in which the toner cartridge C4 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is mounted on the process cartridge B via the toner feed pipe 4034.

[0072] Figure 64 5 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a shutter member 5034 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 65 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge C6, a first toner feeding portion 6034, and a second toner feeding portion 6072 according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 66 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a structural example of the first toner feeding portion 6034 and the second toner feeding portion 6072 according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 67 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a toner feeding path from the toner cartridge C6 to the process cartridge B via the first toner feeding portion 6034 and the second toner feeding portion 6072 according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 68 7 is a diagram showing an example of a first shutter member (first toner feeding member) 7034 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 69 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the first shutter member 7034 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention is mounted on the process cartridge B.

[0078] Figure 70 7 is a diagram showing an example of a second shutter member (second toner feeding member) 7070 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 71 7 is a diagram showing an example of a third shutter member (third toner feeding portion) 7071 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 72 : is a side view of the first shutter member (toner feeding member) 8034 according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention, viewed from the side facing the toner discharge port 8034a.

[0081] Figure 73 It is along Figure 72 The cross-sectional view of the first gate member 8034 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention is shown taken along line S8a-S8a.

[0082] Figure 74 : is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane passing through the centers of a toner feeding portion 8070 b and a toner discharge port 8070 a of a second shutter member (second toner feeding member) 8070 according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

[0083] Figure 75FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a first toner containing unit 9030 and a first waste toner unit 9070 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

[0084] Figure 76 1 is an exploded perspective view of various components including and adjacent to the shutter member 9034 according to Example 9 of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 77 It is an enlarged perspective view of the first waste toner unit 9070 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention, viewed from the first toner housing unit (9030) side.

[0086] Figure 78 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of a toner discharge port 9030 a of a first toner accommodating unit 9030 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 79 FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the first toner containing unit 9030 before the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is connected to the first toner containing unit 9030 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 80 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along an XY plane passing through a rotation axis R3 of a shutter member 9034 in a state in which a first waste toner storage unit 9070 is connected to a first toner containing unit 9030 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

[0089] Figure 81 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for transmitting a driving force from the first toner containing unit 9030 to the first waste toner storage unit 9070 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

[0090] Figure 82 It is a perspective view of the appearance of the second toner containing unit 9072 and the second waste toner storing unit 9073 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention, as viewed from the front side of each unit.

[0091] Figure 83 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the second toner containing unit 9072 and the second waste toner storage unit 9073 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention, as viewed from the Z1 direction.

[0092] Figure 84 9072 is a diagram for explaining a method of transmitting the driving force from the second toner containing unit 9072 to the second waste toner storing unit 9073 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

[0093] Figure 85 : is a perspective view showing the appearance of a third toner containing unit 9076 and a third waste toner unit 9077 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

[0094] Figure 86 FIG1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C10 according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention.

[0095] Figure 87 is a perspective view of the appearance of a process cartridge B11 according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention.

[0096] Figure 88 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a driving force receiving member 11070 according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention.

[0097] Figure 89 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along a YZ plane passing through the center of the rotation axis of the driving force receiving member 11070 according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention.

[0098] Figure 90 FIG1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C11 according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention.

[0099] Figure 91 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of connecting the driving input portion 11039 and the driving force receiving member 11070 according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention.

[0100] Figure 92 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining an example of a method of mounting each drive transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention.

[0101] Figure 93 110 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a drive transmission accessory 12115 according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention is mounted to the first main body side coupling 110 .

[0102] Figure 94 Detailed view of the drive transmission accessory 12115 according to embodiment 12 of the present invention.

[0103] Figure 95 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a drive transmission mechanism for transmitting drive from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C12 according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention.

[0104] Figure 96 FIG. 1 is a detailed view of an accessory gear 13115 according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention mounted on the first body-side coupling 110 .

[0105] Figure 97 is a side view of a toner cartridge C13 according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention.

[0106] Figure 98 Detailed view of the accessory gear 13115 according to embodiment 13 of the present invention.

[0107] Figure 99FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a drive transmission mechanism for transmitting drive from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C12 according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention.

[0108] Figure 100 1 and 2 are views showing examples of mounting methods of respective drive transmission mechanisms according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention.

[0109] Figure 101 Detailed view of the accessory gear 13115 according to embodiment 13 of the present invention.

[0110] Figure 102 FIG1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C13 according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention.

[0111] Figure 103 is a side view of a toner cartridge C14 according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention.

[0112] Figure 104 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a drive transmission mechanism for transmitting drive from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C14 according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention.

[0113] Figure 105 FIG1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C14 according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention.

[0114] Figure 106 14 is an illustrative diagram of a method of engaging the first main body side pump coupler 110 and the pump-screw drive input portion 14039 according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention.

[0115] Figure 107 is a side view of a toner cartridge C15 according to Embodiment 15 of the present invention.

[0116] Figure 108 FIG. 1 is a diagram for exemplarily explaining a drive transmission mechanism for transmitting drive from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C15 according to Embodiment 15 of the present invention.

[0117] Figure 109 FIG1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C15 according to Embodiment 15 of the present invention.

[0118] Figure 110 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of engaging the first main body side pump coupler 110 and the pump-screw drive input portion 15039 according to Embodiment 15 of the present invention.

[0119] Figure 111 16 is a diagram for exemplifying a shutter member 16034 as a toner feeding member according to Embodiment 16 of the present invention.

[0120] Figure 112FIG1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C17 according to Embodiment 17 of the present invention.

[0121] Figure 113 17 is a perspective view of the appearance of an accessory component 17070 according to Example 17 of the present invention.

[0122] Figure 114 is a view showing an example of a process cartridge B17 according to Embodiment 17 of the present invention.

[0123] Figure 115 Detailed view of accessory component 17070 according to embodiment 17 of the present invention.

[0124] Figure 116 17 is a diagram for explaining an example of operation when the toner cartridge C17 according to Embodiment 17 of the present invention is mounted on the process cartridge B17.

[0125] Figure 117 FIG1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C18 according to Embodiment 18 of the present invention.

[0126] Figure 118 is a sectional view of a main portion of a toner cartridge C18 according to Embodiment 18 of the present invention.

[0127] Figure 119 Detailed view of the drive transmission accessory 18115 according to embodiment 18 of the present invention.

[0128] Figure 120 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a drive transmission mechanism for transmitting drive from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C18 according to Embodiment 18 of the present invention.

[0129] Figure 121 FIG1 is a partial perspective view of the external appearance of a toner cartridge C19 according to Embodiment 19 of the present invention.

[0130] Figure 122 It is an exploded perspective view of the accessory unit 19115 according to embodiment 19 of the present invention.

[0131] Figure 123 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a drive transmission mechanism for transmitting drive from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C19 according to Embodiment 19 of the present invention.

[0132] Figure 124 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a driving force transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 19 of the present invention, taken along the XY plane.

[0133] Figure 125 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main portion of an accessory unit 19115 according to Embodiment 19 of the present invention mounted on a printer body A. FIG.

[0134] Figure 126 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C20 according to Embodiment 20 of the present invention.

[0135] Figure 127 : is a cross-sectional view (XY plane) of the toner cartridge C20 and the first body-side coupling 110 according to Embodiment 20 of the present invention, taken in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the pump-screw coupling portion 20039 a .

[0136] Figure 128 2 is a diagram showing an example of a drive transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 20 of the present invention.

[0137] Figure 129 FIG2 is a partial perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C21 according to Embodiment 21 of the present invention.

[0138] Figure 130 is an exploded perspective view of a drive transmission mechanism including a toner cartridge C21 according to Embodiment 21 of the present invention.

[0139] Figure 131 21 is a diagram showing an example of a driving force transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 21 of the present invention, illustrating the relative positional relationship between the pump-screw coupling portion 21039a and the first main body-side coupling 110.

[0140] Figure 132 10 is a partial side view showing a portion including the pump-screw drive transmission portion 21039 as viewed from a direction facing the first main body-side coupling 110 .

[0141] Figure 133 It is a three-dimensional appearance diagram of the gate component 22034 according to embodiment 22 of the present invention.

[0142] Figure 134 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane passing through the rotation axis R3 of the shutter member 22034 according to Example 22 of the present invention and parallel to the X-axis.

[0143] Figure 135 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane parallel to the X-axis, the plane passing through the rotation axis R3 of the shutter member 22034 and the second toner discharger 22073, according to Embodiment 22 of the present invention.

[0144] Figure 136 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a state in which the opening operation of the shutter member 34 and the reception-side shutter member 206 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is completed.

[0145] Figure 137 1 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention and an enlarged perspective view of a shutter protection member 210 and a sheet-like member 212 .

[0146] Figure 138 1 is a perspective view showing an attachment position of a sheet-like member 212 mounted on a shutter protection member 210 according to a modification of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0147] Figure 139 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an arrangement example of the shutter protection member 210 , the reception-side shutter member 206 , the sheet-like member 212 , and the shutter member 34 according to a modification of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0148] Figure 140 1 is a diagram showing an example of an attachment position of the sheet-like member 212 to the shutter protection member 210 according to a modification of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0149] Figure 141 1 is a front view showing an attachment position of a sheet-like member 212 to a shutter protection member 210 according to a modification of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0150] Figure 142 1 is a side view showing an attachment position of the sheet-like member 212 to the shutter protection member 210 according to a modification of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0151] Figure 143 1 is a diagram showing a structural example of a sealing member 211 according to a modification of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0152] Figure 144 1 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention during installation in the printer body A, illustrating the shape of the discharge port seal contact surface.

[0153] Figure 145 23 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C231 according to embodiment 23 of the present invention.

[0154] Figure 146 FIG2 is a partially exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge C231 according to Embodiment 23 of the present invention.

[0155] Figure 147 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a receiving frame 23031 according to Embodiment 23 of the present invention.

[0156] Figure 148 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first inner shutter member 23071 according to Embodiment 23 of the present invention.

[0157] Figure 149 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a switch member 23070 according to Embodiment 23 of the present invention.

[0158] Figure 150 14 is a view showing an example of a housing portion cover 23032 according to Embodiment 23 of the present invention.

[0159] Figure 151 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attached state of the first inner shutter member 23071 and the opening and closing member 23070 according to Embodiment 23 of the present invention.

[0160] Figure 152 23 is a view showing an example of mounting positions of the partition member 23046 and the nozzle member 33b to the receiving frame 23031 according to Embodiment 23 of the present invention.

[0161] Figure 153 14 is a diagram showing an example of a mounting position of a accommodating portion cover 23032 relative to a accommodating frame 23031 according to Embodiment 23 of the present invention.

[0162] Figure 154 107 is a diagram showing an example of a structure in which an opening and closing member 23070 according to Embodiment 23 of the present invention is operated by an opening and closing door 107 provided in the printer body A.

[0163] Figure 155 23 is a diagram showing an example of the open and closed state of the first inner shutter member 23071 according to Example 23 of the present invention.

[0164] Figure 156 24 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C241 according to embodiment 24 of the present invention.

[0165] Figure 157 It is an exploded perspective view of the colorant box C241 of embodiment 24 of the present invention.

[0166] Figure 158 24 is an exemplary diagram of a receiving frame 24031 according to embodiment 24 of the present invention.

[0167] Figure 159 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second inner shutter member 24071 according to Embodiment 24 of the present invention.

[0168] Figure 160 24 is an enlarged perspective view of a receiving frame 24031 on which a second inner shutter member 24071 is installed according to Embodiment 24 of the present invention.

[0169] Figure 161 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the opening and closing operation of the second inner shutter member 24071 according to Embodiment 24 of the present invention.

[0170] Figure 162 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a toner discharge path in the second inner shutter member 24071 according to Embodiment 24 of the present invention.

[0171] Figure 163FIG25 is an exploded perspective view of an example of portions of a housing frame 25031 connected to a toner cartridge C251 according to Embodiment 25 of the present invention.

[0172] Figure 164 Detailed view of the screw gear 25072 according to embodiment 25 of the present invention.

[0173] Figure 165 : is a diagram showing a structural example of a toner accommodating portion screw member 25035 according to Embodiment 25 of the present invention.

[0174] Figure 166 25 is a perspective view of a second gate member 25074 according to embodiment 25 of the present invention.

[0175] Figure 167 25 is a perspective view of a brake member 25071 according to Example 25 of the present invention.

[0176] Figure 168 15 is a view showing an example of a method of mounting the braking member 25071 to the receiving frame 25031 according to Embodiment 25 of the present invention.

[0177] Figure 169 25 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the braking member 25071 according to Embodiment 25 of the present invention.

[0178] Figure 170 This is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C251 according to Embodiment 25 of the present invention, as viewed from above.

[0179] Figure 171 2 is a diagram showing an operation example of a driving unit according to Embodiment 25 of the present invention.

[0180] Figure 172 14 is a diagram showing an example of a structure in which a screw gear 25072 and a toner accommodating portion screw member 25035 are linked to each other according to Embodiment 25 of the present invention.

[0181] Figure 173 is a diagram showing an example of a toner cartridge C261 according to Embodiment 26 of the present invention.

[0182] Figure 174 27 is a view showing an example of a discharge valve 27071 according to Embodiment 27 of the present invention.

[0183] Figure 175 27 is a diagram showing a structural example of a shutter member 27034 according to Embodiment 27 of the present invention.

[0184] Figure 176 It is a perspective view of the appearance of the accessory component 28071 according to Example 28 of the present invention.

[0185] Figure 177 28 is a view illustrating an example of a method of mounting the accessory member 28071 to the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 28 of the present invention.

[0186] Figure 178 It is a perspective view of the appearance of a gate component 28034 according to Example 28 of the present invention.

[0187] Figure 179 29 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C291 according to embodiment 29 of the present invention.

[0188] Figure 180 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for mounting the toner cartridge C291 to the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 29 of the present invention.

[0189] Figure 181 1 is a schematic diagram of the main parts when the colorant cartridge C291 is installed in the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 29 of the present invention.

[0190] Figure 182 FIG3 is a perspective view of the appearance of a driving side end portion of a toner cartridge C300 according to Embodiment 30 of the present invention.

[0191] Figure 183 3D is an exploded perspective view of an air cylinder 30071 according to embodiment 30 of the present invention.

[0192] Figure 184 It is a diagram for explaining the assembly method of the gas cylinder 30071 according to the embodiment 30 of the present invention.

[0193] Figure 185 1 and 2 are external perspective views of a main portion of a driving side end portion of a toner cartridge C300 before and after the air cylinder 30071 is driven according to Embodiment 30 of the present invention.

[0194] Figure 186 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a gas cylinder 30071 and its vicinity according to Example 30 of the present invention.

[0195] Figure 187 3 is an exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge C310 according to Embodiment 31 of the present invention.

[0196] Figure 188 31 is an exploded perspective view showing the driving side of the toner cartridge C310 according to Embodiment 31 of the present invention.

[0197] Figure 189 31 is a perspective view of a driving side end portion of a toner cartridge C310 according to Embodiment 31 of the present invention.

[0198] Figure 190 It is an exploded stereoscopic view of the side cover 31050 according to embodiment 31 of the present invention observed along the Z2 direction.

[0199] Figure 191 31 is a diagram showing an example of a toner cartridge C310 provided with a fan 31080 as a modification of Embodiment 31 of the present invention.

[0200] Figure 192 FIG3 is an external perspective view of a driving force receiving portion and its vicinity of a toner cartridge C320 according to Embodiment 32 of the present invention.

[0201] Figure 193 3D is a perspective view of the appearance of a driving side cover 32050 according to embodiment 32 of the present invention.

[0202] Figure 194 32 is a structural example diagram of a movable cover 32071 according to embodiment 32 of the present invention.

[0203] Figure 195 32 is an example diagram of the arrangement of the stirring drive receiving portion 32038 and the pump-screw drive receiving portion 32039 in the movable cover 32071 according to embodiment 32 of the present invention.

[0204] Figure 196 3D is a perspective view of a pump-screw drive receiving portion 32039 according to embodiment 32 of the present invention.

[0205] Figure 197 FIG3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the driving side of the toner cartridge C320 according to Embodiment 32 of the present invention.

[0206] Figure 198 32 is a diagram showing an example of a drive transmission member of a toner cartridge C320 according to Embodiment 32 of the present invention.

[0207] Figure 199 32 is a view illustrating an example of a method of mounting the movable cover 32071 to the receiving frame 32031 according to Embodiment 32 of the present invention.

[0208] Figure 200 32 is a partial side view showing an example of an engagement state among a pump-screw drive receiving portion 32039, a drive receiving coupling 32076, and a drive transmission gear member 32074 according to Embodiment 32 of the present invention.

[0209] Figure 201 3D is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C320 according to Embodiment 32 of the present invention, in which a movable cover 32071 is attached to the end portion on the driving side (Z1 direction).

[0210] Figure 202 32 is an illustrative diagram of a method for mounting the driving side cover 32050 to the receiving frame 32031 according to embodiment 32 of the present invention.

[0211] Figure 20332 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for engaging the pump-screw drive receiving portion 32039 and the first main body-side coupling 110 with each other according to Embodiment 32 of the present invention.

[0212] Figure 204 32 is a diagram showing an example in which the positions of the first main body side coupling 110 and the pump-screw drive receiving portion 32039 change according to the open / close state of the opening / closing door 107 according to Embodiment 32 of the present invention.

[0213] Figure 205 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the state of engagement between the first main body side coupling 110 and the pump-screw drive receiving portion 32039 according to Embodiment 32 of the present invention.

[0214] Figure 206 32 is an illustrative diagram of the relationship between the toner discharge direction and the rotation axis of the pump-screw drive receiving portion 32039 according to Embodiment 32 of the present invention.

[0215] Figure 207 FIG3 is a perspective view of a portion of the driving side of a toner cartridge C330 according to Embodiment 33 of the present invention.

[0216] Figure 208 33 is an exemplary diagram of a movable cover 33071 according to embodiment 33 of the present invention.

[0217] Figure 209 33 is an illustrative diagram of a method for mounting various components to a movable cover 33071 according to embodiment 33 of the present invention.

[0218] Figure 210 It is a stereoscopic appearance diagram of the advance and retreat connector 33072 according to embodiment 33 of the present invention.

[0219] Figure 211 33 is a view showing an example of a state in which various parts related to the movable cover 33071 according to Embodiment 33 of the present invention are installed.

[0220] Figure 212 33 is a view illustrating an example of a method of mounting various components for transmitting driving force to a receiving frame 33031 according to Embodiment 33 of the present invention.

[0221] Figure 213 FIG3 is an exploded perspective view of the driving side of the toner cartridge C330 according to Embodiment 33 of the present invention.

[0222] Figure 214 33 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a driving side cover 33050 according to embodiment 33 of the present invention is mounted to a receiving frame 33031.

[0223] Figure 2153D is a perspective view of the engagement state between the conversion gear 33074 and the second idler gear 33082 according to embodiment 33 of the present invention.

[0224] Figure 216 33 is an illustrative diagram of a drive transmission method between the advance / retract coupler portion 33072 and the first body-side coupler 110 according to Embodiment 33 of the present invention.

[0225] Figure 217 FIG3 is a partial perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C340 according to Embodiment 34 of the present invention.

[0226] Figure 218 It is a partial perspective view of the appearance of the process box B100 according to embodiment 34 of the present invention.

[0227] Figure 219 3D is a perspective view of the appearance of a first connecting member 34079 according to embodiment 34 of the present invention.

[0228] Figure 220 3D is a perspective view of the appearance of a second connecting member 34080 according to embodiment 34 of the present invention.

[0229] Figure 221 34 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the toner cartridge C340 according to Embodiment 34 of the present invention is mounted (connected) to the process cartridge B100.

[0230] Figure 222 100 and the toner cartridge C340 are connected to each other in a state where the unit is attached to and detached from the printer body A according to Embodiment 34 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0231] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a laser printer as an example of an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components of the imaging device described in the following embodiments may be appropriately modified depending on the structure and various conditions of the device to which the present invention is applied. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0232] (Basic structure of a laser printer)

[0233] like Figure 1 As shown, a laser printer 1 as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment includes a printer body A as an apparatus body, and a process cartridge B and a toner cartridge C are detachably mounted to the printer body. A method for mounting and removing the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C relative to the printer body A will be described in detail below.

[0234] The printer body A includes a sheet feeding section 103, a transfer roller 104, a fixing section 105, and a laser scanner 101. The process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C can be mounted in the printer body A so that they are located on the upper and front sides of the laser printer 1.

[0235] Here, the upper side of the laser printer 1 is Figure 1 The downstream side of the laser printer 1 is Figure 1 The front side of the laser printer 1 is the downstream side of the Y2 direction opposite to the Y1 direction. Figure 1 The downstream side in the X1 direction. The rear side (back side) of the laser printer 1 is Figure 1 The downstream side is shown in the direction X2, which is opposite to the direction X1 described above. In the laser printer 1's set state (normal posture), the sheet S storage section is located on the lower side of the device, and the opening and closing door 107 is located on the upper side of the device. In this state, the bottom side of the laser printer 1 (the side of the sheet S storage section) faces the direction of gravity.

[0236] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The process cartridge B is described in detail. Figure 2 is a front view of the process box B of embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing Figure 1 The state of the processing box B when viewed from the X1 direction is shown. Figure 3 is a main sectional view (along the line 20) showing the structure of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 (section taken along line cc in FIG).

[0237] like Figure 3 As shown, the process cartridge B according to this embodiment includes a cleaning unit 10 (first unit) including a photosensitive drum (drum unit) 11 as an image bearing member and a developing unit 15 (second unit). The developing unit 15 includes a developing roller 16 as a developing device for carrying a developer (toner).

[0238] The cleaning unit 10 includes a cleaning blade 17, a charging roller 12, a charging roller cleaner 14, a waste toner primary storage portion 10a, a first waste toner feeding path 10b, and a second waste toner feeding path 10c (see FIG. Figure 5), and the photosensitive drum 11 is rotatably supported. The cleaning blade 17 is used as a cleaning device for the photosensitive drum 11. The charging roller 12 is used as a charging device for the photosensitive drum 11. The charging roller cleaner 14 is used as a cleaning device for the charging roller 12. In this embodiment, the axis parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11 is called the Z axis, and the directions related to the Z axis are defined as the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction. The Z axis is perpendicular to the X axis (X1 direction, X2 direction) and the Y axis (Y1 direction, Y2 direction). In addition, when the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C are installed in the printer body A, the X axis (X1, X2 directions), the Y axis (Y1, Y2 directions), and the Z axis (Z1, Z2 directions) of the printer body A, the process cartridge B, and the toner cartridge C are respectively the same.

[0239] The charging roller 12 is provided in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 11 , and charges the photosensitive drum 11 by applying a voltage (charging bias) from the printer body A. The charging roller 12 is rotated by the photosensitive drum 11 .

[0240] The cleaning blade 17 is an elastic member arranged to contact the outer peripheral surface of the photoconductive drum 11. The cleaning blade 17 has a free end that elastically contacts the photoconductive drum 11 to remove residual toner from the photoconductive drum 11 after a sheet S (described below) passes between the photoconductive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104. The removed toner (hereinafter referred to as waste toner) is conveyed from the waste toner primary storage portion 10a (described below) to the toner cartridge C via a first waste toner feed path 10b and a second waste toner feed path 10c.

[0241] The charging roller cleaner 14 is a roller provided in contact with the surface (outer peripheral surface) of the charging roller 12 , and is rotated by the charging roller 12 to clean the charging roller.

[0242] Figure 4 is a sectional view showing a supply port of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention (along the Figure 2 The cross section is taken along the bb line. Figure 4 As shown, the developing unit 15 has a developing chamber 151 in which the developing roller 16 is arranged, a developer storage portion 152 that supplies toner to the developing chamber 151 , a toner receiving chamber 153 that receives toner supplied from the toner cartridge C, and a stirring member 154 .

[0243] The developing roller 16 is a developing member (developing device) that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 11 and uses the supplied toner to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11. The developing blade 18 contacts the surface of the developing roller 16 and regulates the amount of toner deposited on the surface of the developing roller 16. It also applies triboelectric charge to the toner. In other words, the developing blade 18 is a regulating device for regulating the toner amount in the present invention.

[0244] The stirring member 154 is a stirring device for stirring the toner supplied to the inside of the developing unit 15 to uniformly disperse the toner. The rotation of the stirring member 154 feeds the toner contained in the developer storage portion 152 into the developing chamber 151 and is supplied to the developing roller 16.

[0245] The amount of toner remaining in the developer storage portion 152 is detected by a remaining amount detecting device (not shown), and when the amount of toner in the developer storage portion 152 becomes lower than a predetermined amount, toner is supplied from the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B. The toner supplied to the developing unit 15 is supplied to the developer storage portion 152 via the supply port 21 c and the delivery port 21 d of the holder 21 and the toner receiving chamber 153.

[0246] Next, we will refer to Figure 1 The operation of the laser printer 1 will be described below. The photosensitive drum 11 is rotated by a drive source (not shown) and uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roller 12. After charging, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is exposed to light according to image information by the laser scanner 101, and the charge in the exposed areas is removed, forming an electrostatic latent image. Toner is supplied from the developing roller 16 to the electrostatic latent image thus formed on the photosensitive drum 11, forming a toner image.

[0247] At this time, in parallel with the toner image forming operation, the sheet S is fed along the sheet feeding section 103. Specifically, the feed roller 103b rotates to feed the sheet S. Thereafter, the sheet S is fed between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104 in synchronization with the timing of forming the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11. As the sheet S passes between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104, a voltage for image transfer is applied to the transfer roller 104, causing the toner image to be transferred onto the sheet S as an unfixed image.

[0248] The sheet S, onto which the toner image has been transferred, is conveyed to the fixing section 105. As the sheet S fed to the fixing section 105 passes through it, the unfixed image is heated and pressurized, becoming fixed to the surface of the sheet S. In other words, in the imaging apparatus of the present invention, the fixing section 105 serves as the fixing device. The sheet S is then fed by the sheet feeding section 103 and ejected, stacked on the ejection tray 106. The front surface of the printer body A is provided with an opening and closing door 107 that is rotatable about a rotation axis (not shown). When the door is open, the user can install and remove the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C from the interior of the printer body A.

[0249] (Basic Structure of Process Cartridge B)

[0250] Next, we will refer to Figure 3-Figure 8The structure of the process cartridge B in this embodiment will be described in detail. Although the process cartridge B in this embodiment is a cartridge provided with the photosensitive drum 11, for example, the photosensitive drum 11 may be provided in a separate cartridge that can be connected to the process cartridge B. In this embodiment, the process cartridge B may be any cartridge that can be mounted with the toner cartridge C and includes the developing roller 16, regardless of whether it includes the photosensitive drum 11. In other words, in this embodiment, the process cartridge B is synonymous with the developing cartridge.

[0251] Figure 5 is a sectional view showing the second waste toner feeding path 10c of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention (taken along Figure 2 (section taken along the mid-dd line). Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b) is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein: Figure 6 (a) shows the process cartridge B viewed from the drive side, Figure 6 (b) shows the process cartridge B viewed from the non-driving side. Figure 7 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a contact state and a separation state of the developing unit 15 relative to the photosensitive drum 11 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , the side cover 7 is omitted for explaining the separation mechanism 100 of the printer body A. Figure 7 (a) shows a state in which the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 16 are in contact with each other, Figure 7 (b) shows a state where the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 16 are separated from each other. Figure 7 (a) and (b) are side views of the process cartridge B as viewed from the driving side in the axial direction of the developing roller 16. Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a side view of the non-driving side of the process box B in embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, in the developing unit 15, a first bearing member 4 and a second bearing member 5 are respectively provided at the axial ends of the developing roller 16 and support the developing roller 16. The first bearing member 4 is located on the non-driving side of the process cartridge B, and the second bearing member 5 is located on the driving side of the process cartridge B.

[0252] like Figures 6 to 8As shown, the cylindrical shape 5a of the second bearing member 5 is supported in the cylindrical hole shape 7a provided in the side cover 7 of the cleaning unit 10. The pin 6 is inserted through the cylindrical hole 20a of the cleaning frame 20 and the cylindrical hole 4a of the bearing member 4. The first support shaft 8a is defined by the common axis of the cylindrical hole shape 7a of the side cover 7 and the cylindrical shape 5a of the bearing member 5. The second support shaft 8b is defined by the common axis of the pin 6 and the cylindrical hole shape 4a of the bearing member 4. The developing unit 15 is connected to the cleaning unit 10 so as to be rotatable about the swing axis 8 defined by the straight line including the first support shaft 8a and the second support shaft 8b. In other words, the developing unit 15 is supported so as to be rotatable about the pivot axis 8 relative to the cleaning unit 10. The pivot axis 8 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis 11b of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0253] On both side surfaces of the process cartridge B (on both longitudinal end sides of the process cartridge B), pressure springs 19 are provided as urging means for urging the developing unit 15 against the cleaning unit 10. A first pressure spring 19a is provided on the driving side of the process cartridge B, and a second pressure spring 19b is provided on the non-driving side of the process cartridge B. The developing unit 15 is urged by the first and second pressure springs 19, 19b so that the developing roller 16 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 11.

[0254] Next, refer to Figure 7 , the operation of bringing the developing unit 15 into contact with and separating from the cleaning unit 10 will be described. Figure 7 As shown in (a), the bearing member 5 is provided with a protrusion 5b. Figure 7 As shown in (a), the developing roller 16 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 11 at a position where the protrusion 5b is not in contact with the separation mechanism 100. In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, Figure 7 The position shown in (a) is an image forming position (contact position, developing position) where the developing roller 16 and the photoconductor drum 11 are in contact with each other and can develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 11 .

[0255] like Figure 7 As shown in (b), the separation mechanism 100 provided in the printer body A abuts against the protrusion 5b and receives a force, causing the developing unit 15 to rotate in the direction of arrow R2 with the swing axis 8 as the rotation center, and the photosensitive drum 11 and the developing roller 16 to separate from each other. At this time, the separation mechanism 100 presses the developing unit 15 against the urging force of the first and second pressure springs 19a and 19b. In the imaging apparatus according to this embodiment, Figure 7 The position shown in (b) is a non-image forming position (separated position) where the developing roller 16 is retracted (separated) from the image forming position.

[0256] When the separating mechanism 100 returns to its original position, the separating mechanism 100 moves away from the protruding portion 5b, and due to the urging force of the first pressing spring 19a and the second pressing spring 19b, the developing roller 16 and the photosensitive drum 11 move to the original position again. Figure 7 The imaging position is shown in (a).

[0257] That is, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment is provided with a separation mechanism 100, which makes it possible to switch the process cartridge B between a contact position (image forming position) and a separation position (non-image forming position). With this structure, the process cartridge B in this embodiment can change (switch) the position of the developing unit 15 relative to the photosensitive drum 11 between the contact position and the separation position, thereby suppressing toner degradation and toner consumption when no image is being formed.

[0258] Next, if Figure 6 As shown, the cleaning unit 10 includes a cleaning frame 20, a bracket 21, and a side cover 7. The cleaning frame 20 supports the cleaning blade 17, the charging roller 12, and the charging roller cleaner 14. The photosensitive drum 11 is mounted to the cleaning frame 20 at one longitudinal end portion via a drum pin 22 and is rotatably supported at the other (opposite) end portion by a photosensitive drum support portion 7b provided in the side cover 7.

[0259] like Figure 5 As shown, the cleaning unit 10 has a second waste toner feeding path 10c for conveying the waste toner recovered in the cleaning frame 20 to the toner box C. The feeding direction of the second waste toner feeding path 10c is Figure 5 The feeding direction L2 is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 11b of the photosensitive drum 11. Figure 4 As shown, as described above, the process cartridge B is provided with the supply port 21c for receiving toner from the toner cartridge C. The relationship between the supply port 21c and the first and second waste toner feeding paths 10b and 10c will be described below.

[0260] (Basic Structure of Toner Cartridge C)

[0261] Next, refer to Figures 9-20 , the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 9 FIG10 is a front view of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing the toner cartridge C installed in the printer body A. FIG11 is a front cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken along line ee in FIG11 ) showing the toner containing portion 30 of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, viewed from the driving side. Figure 42 is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, viewed from the non-driving side. Figure 12 is a side view of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, viewed from the driving side. Figure 13 1 is a cross-sectional view of the toner accommodating portion screw member 35 of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, with the center of the rotation axis as a reference (along the Figure 12 (section taken along line ii in FIG). Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view (along the line 24) for explaining an example of the flattened portion 33a1 of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 9 (section taken along the midline hh). Figure 15 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, taken along the longitudinal direction. Figure 16 : is a cross-sectional view of the shutter member 34 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the center of the rotation axis as a reference ( Figure 9 Section ff shown). Figure 17 1 is a cross-sectional view of the shutter member 34 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the center of the rotation axis as a reference (along the Figure 12 ). Figure 18 1 and 2 are a front view, a left side view, a right side view, a bottom view, and cross-sectional views of the nozzle member 33b in Example 1 of the present invention. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view (along the line 24) of an example of the waste toner storage portion 40 of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 9 (section taken along line gg in the figure). Figure 20 1 is a cross-sectional view of the shutter member 34 for explaining an example of the feed path CP of the shutter member 34 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0262] like Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 19 As shown, the toner cartridge C of this embodiment includes a toner container 30 for storing toner to be supplied to the process cartridge B and a waste toner storage portion 40 for collecting waste toner from the process cartridge B. Furthermore, the toner cartridge C includes a drive-side toner cartridge side cover 50 disposed on one side, parallel to the rotational drive axis G of the pump-screw drive input portion 39 described later, sandwiching the toner container 30 and the waste toner storage portion 40. Furthermore, a non-drive-side toner cartridge side cover 60 is disposed on the other side of the toner cartridge C, parallel to the rotational drive axis G, sandwiching the toner container 30 and the waste toner storage portion 40. In other words, the toner container 30, the waste toner storage portion 40, the drive-side toner cartridge side cover 50, and the non-drive-side toner cartridge side cover 60 form the outer frame defining the toner cartridge C. In other words, the toner cartridge C is an assembly of separate frames each including a plurality of accommodating portions and a side cover.

[0263] In this embodiment, the axis parallel to the rotational drive axis G of the pump-screw drive input portion 39 is referred to as the Z axis. When the toner cartridge C is mounted on the printer body A, the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis of the toner cartridge C itself coincide with the X axis (X1, X2 directions), Y axis (Y1, Y2 directions), and Z axis (Z1, Z2 directions) of the printer body A and the process cartridge B.

[0264] The toner containing portion 30 will now be described in detail. Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 42 As shown, the toner accommodating portion 30 is formed by an accommodating portion frame 31 and an accommodating portion cover 32. The toner accommodating chamber 30a includes a toner accommodating portion screw member 35 for feeding toner toward the toner discharge port 34a and a toner accommodating portion stirring / feeding unit 36 ​​for feeding toner toward the toner accommodating portion screw member 35.

[0265] Here, as Figure 10 As shown, the horizontal direction of the installation completion position of the toner cartridge C in the printer body A is inclined 4.6 degrees relative to the straight line connecting the rotation center of the toner accommodating portion screw member 35 and the rotation center of the toner accommodating portion stirring / feeding unit 36 ​​.

[0266] like Figure 13 As shown, the container frame 31 is provided with a supply port 31a on the downstream side in the feeding direction of the toner container screw member 35. The portion of the container frame 31 corresponding to the screw portion 35a of the toner container screw member 35 has a bent portion 31d having a diameter substantially the same as the screw diameter.

[0267] like Figure 10 As shown, a partition wall 31c is provided upstream of the toner container screw member 35 in the feeding direction. The partition wall 31c is arranged to continuously oppose the curved portion 31d. The space between the partition wall 31c and the curved portion 31d is open upward in the direction of gravity. The curved portion 31d of the container frame 31 and the partition wall 31c form a toner reservoir 31a1. The height of the partition wall 31c is higher than the apex of the toner container screw member 35, and the shape of the toner reservoir 31a1 is formed so that the upper side in the direction of gravity is open when the toner cartridge C is in the installed position.

[0268] like Figure 13 and Figure 15 As shown, the partition wall 31c does not extend continuously to the upstream end of the colorant accommodating portion screw member 35 in the feeding direction, so the partition wall 31c does not exist near the upstream end of the colorant accommodating portion screw member 35, but due to the feeding force of the colorant accommodating portion screw member 35, the colorant can be stored in the colorant accumulation portion 31a1.

[0269] like Figure 11 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the toner container stirring / feeding unit 36 ​​is driven by a stirring drive input portion 38 rotatably supported on a longitudinal end side of the toner container 30 (i.e., outside the toner container 30), thereby enabling the stirring portion to rotate. The method of inputting driving force from the printer body A to the stirring drive input portion 38 will be described in detail below. The toner feeding capacity of the toner container stirring / feeding unit 36 ​​varies depending on the amount of toner present in the toner container 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, the toner reservoir 31a1 is provided in an area where a partition wall 31c is provided near the toner container screw member 35. This structure allows the toner container screw member 35 to suppress pressure changes in the toner powder in the toner reservoir 31a1, regardless of the amount of toner present in the toner container 30. That is, since the toner cartridge C according to the present embodiment is provided with the toner reservoir 31 a 1 , variations in the amount of toner fed by the toner accommodating portion screw member 35 can be suppressed.

[0270] In addition, if Figure 14 As shown, the toner accommodating portion 30 is provided with a leveling portion 33a1 for adjusting the toner feeding amount to be constant. The leveling portion 33a1 is formed on the partition member 33a provided between the partition wall 31c and the supply port 31a in the feeding direction of the toner accommodating portion screw member 35.

[0271] The flattening portion 33a1 is curved, with a diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the toner container screw member 35. As mentioned above, the container frame 31 also has a curved portion 31d. In the cartridge C of this embodiment, the toner container screw member 35 is positioned along the feed direction within the space formed by the combination of the curved portion of the flattening portion 33a1 and the curved portion 31d of the container frame 31 (i.e., the area enclosed by the two curved portions). Therefore, within the area defined by the two curved portions, the amount of toner delivered to the supply port 31a by the toner container screw member 35 can be maintained constant. The space formed by the combination of the flattening portion 33a1 and the curved portion 31d of the container frame 31 (the area enclosed by the two curved portions) is referred to as the feed path 30c.

[0272] Furthermore, the length of the flattened portion 33a1 measured in the feeding direction is preferably equal to or greater than two pitches (two consecutive threads) of the screw portion of the toner accommodating portion screw member 35. This is to prevent the toner from flowing back relative to the feeding operation of the toner accommodating portion screw member 35 due to air supplied by a pump 37a (to be described later).

[0273] As described above, the toner cartridge C of the present embodiment can reduce variations in the amount of toner fed to the supply port 31 a of the toner storage frame 31 by providing the partition wall 31 c and the leveling portion 33 a 1 .

[0274] Next, a structure for inputting a driving force from an external source provided to the toner cartridge C will be described. Figure 11 As shown, the toner cartridge C includes a pump unit 37, an agitation drive input 38, a pump-screw drive input 39, and a drive-side toner cartridge side cover 50 that covers the pump 37a of the pump unit 37. These components are arranged on the side of the toner cartridge C (the drive side) where the agitation drive input 38 is located. In contrast, the waste toner storage 40 is arranged on the non-drive side, which is the opposite side of the toner cartridge C from the drive side (in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge C). The various components of the waste toner storage 40 will be described in detail below.

[0275] like Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 15 As shown, the pump unit 37 includes a pump 37a as a volume changing device of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, a cam gear 37b for expanding and contracting the pump 37a, and a link arm 37c. The stirring drive input portion 38 is a driving device for driving the toner container stirring / feeding unit 36. The pump-screw drive input portion 39 is a driving device for driving the pump 37a and the toner container screw member 35.

[0276] like Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 15 As shown, the pump unit 37, the stirring drive input portion 38, and the pump-screw drive input portion 39 are all provided outside the toner accommodating portion 30. Of these components, the stirring drive input portion 38 and the pump-screw drive input portion 39 are rotatably supported outside the toner accommodating portion 30.

[0277] The pump-screw drive input portion 39 is a first driving force receiving member in the present embodiment, and includes a pump-screw coupling portion 39 a having a protruding shape exposed via the driving-side toner cartridge side cover 50. In the present embodiment, the pump-screw coupling portion 39 a is a driving force receiving portion (a first driving force receiving portion).

[0278] The stirring drive input portion 38 is the second driving force receiving portion in this embodiment and includes a driving / stirring coupling portion 38a having a protruding shape that is exposed through the driving-side toner cartridge side cover 50. In this embodiment, the driving / stirring coupling portion 38a is the driving force receiving portion (second driving force receiving portion). That is, the toner cartridge C according to this embodiment is provided with two coupling members at one longitudinal end of the toner cartridge C as toner cartridge-side coupling members.

[0279] When the pump-screw coupling portion is engaged with the first main body side coupling 110 (first main body side coupling member) of the printer main body A, the pump-screw coupling portion 39a can receive driving force from the printer main body A side. In addition, when the driving / stirring coupling portion is engaged with the second main body side coupling (second main body side coupling member) of the printer main body A, the driving / stirring coupling portion 38a can obtain driving force from the printer main body A. Figure 15 As shown, the rotational drive axis of the pump-screw drive input portion 39 is indicated by an axis G. The axis G is set substantially parallel to the rotational drive axis 11b of the photosensitive drum 11 and the rotational drive axis of the stirring drive input portion 38 of the process cartridge B.

[0280] like Figure 15 As shown, the pump unit 37 includes a pump 37a, which serves as the volume changing device in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment; a cam gear 37b for expanding and contracting the pump 37a; and a link arm 37c. The cam gear 37b includes a gear portion 37b1 that receives the rotational driving force output from the pump-screw coupling portion 39a. Therefore, the gear portion 37b1 (i.e., the cam gear 37b) rotates in response to the driving force transmitted from the pump-screw coupling portion 39a. As the cam gear 37b rotates, the link arm 37c, connected to the cam gear 37b, reciprocates in the direction of the axis G. The contact surface of the link arm 37c with the pump 37a is located further outward of the toner container 30 than the pump 37a in the direction of the axis G. Therefore, the reciprocating motion of the link arm 37c causes the pump 37a to expand and contract along the axis G. In other words, the expansion and contraction directions of the pump 37a are generally parallel to the axis G.

[0281] Although not shown in the drawings, the gear portion 37b1 of the cam gear 37b also meshes with a drive gear (not shown) provided at the Z1-direction end of the toner accommodating section screw member 35, thereby transmitting driving force to the toner accommodating section screw member via the drive gear. The drive gear and the toner accommodating section screw member 35 are coaxially rotatable, so that when the drive gear rotates, the toner accommodating section screw member 35 also rotates in the same direction.

[0282] like Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown, the toner container 30 includes a nozzle member 33b connected to a pump 37a. Furthermore, a toner discharge port 34a of a shutter member 34 is provided below the supply port 31a. The shutter member 34 is a toner discharge member of the toner cartridge C in this embodiment and is rotatably mounted to the toner cartridge C. The toner discharge port 34a opens toward the exterior of the toner cartridge C. In other words, the shutter member 34 functions as a feeding member for feeding toner from the container frame 31 toward the process cartridge B, and also functions as a discharge member for discharging toner toward the process cartridge B.

[0283] like Figure 16 and Figure 18 As shown, the nozzle member 33b is provided with a pump side opening 33b1 and a toner side opening 33b2. The shape of the nozzle member 33b defines an internal space formed by connecting a space extending from the toner side opening 33b1 in the direction of the axis G to a space extending from the toner side opening 33b1 in a direction intersecting the axis G (i.e., a direction intersecting the feeding direction of the toner container screw member 35). Figure 18 As shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​the toner-side opening 33b2 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the pump-side opening 33b1.

[0284] like Figure 16 As shown, the toner side opening 33b2 is provided at a position higher than the supply port 31a. The toner side opening 33b2 is provided between the rotation center of the toner accommodating portion screw member 35 and the supply port 31a in the height direction of the toner cartridge C. Figure 16 As shown, when the toner cartridge C is viewed from the rotation axis direction of the shutter member 34 , the nozzle member 33 b is arranged so that a portion of the supply port 31 a overlaps with an extension line of the toner-side opening 33 b 2 .

[0285] The contraction of pump 37a generates an airflow from pump-side opening 33b1 to toner-side opening 33b2. At this point, because the cross-sectional area of ​​toner-side opening 33b2 is smaller than that of pump-side opening 33b1, the air flowing through toner-side opening 33b2 has a higher velocity (flow rate). The air flowing through toner-side opening 33b2 mixes with the toner fed into supply port 31a by toner container screw member 35. The toner mixed with the air is then fed from supply port 31a through gate inlet 34g to toner discharge port 34a and supplied to process cartridge B.

[0286] As described above, in the toner cartridge C of the imaging device according to this embodiment, the toner-side opening 33b2 of the nozzle member 33b is located away from the supply port 31a and faces a direction intersecting the feeding direction of the toner container screw member 35. This structure prevents toner from entering the pump 37a even when the user orients the toner cartridge C so that the pump 37a of the toner cartridge C is positioned downward. When toner enters the interior of the pump 37a, the force required to expand and contract the pump 37a increases. To address this issue, the imaging device of this embodiment employs the above-described structure, thereby reducing the amount of toner entering the pump 37a and suppressing an increase in the torque applied to the pump-screw coupling portion 39a.

[0287] In the toner cartridge C according to this embodiment, a supply chamber 30b is provided along the feeding direction of the toner accommodating screw member 35 to efficiently supply air generated by the contraction of the pump 37a to the toner discharge port 34a. Specifically, the supply chamber 30b is provided downstream of the flattening portion 33a1 in the feeding direction of the toner accommodating screw member 35. This supply chamber 30b is separated from the toner accommodating portion 30a and is partitioned by a partition member 33a, a nozzle member 33b, a accommodating portion cover 32, and an accommodating portion frame 31. The cross-sectional areas of the toner accommodating portion 30a, the supply portion 30b, and the feed passage 30c are designed so that the toner accommodating portion 30a is the largest, the supply portion 30b is the second largest, and the feed passage 30c is the smallest.

[0288] The shutter member 34 is provided with a feed passage CP and a discharge portion. It serves as a toner feeding device, including the toner feed nozzle (toner feeding member) of the toner cartridge C in this embodiment, and is used when supplying toner from the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B. The shutter member 34 is rotatable in response to the installation of the toner cartridge C into the printer body A. This rotation opens and closes a toner discharge port 34a, described later. Specifically, by rotating the shutter member 34, according to this embodiment, the shutter member 34 can be switched between a state in which toner can be discharged (open) and a state in which toner is sealed (closed). By switching between the open and closed states, the shutter member 34 controls whether toner is supplied to the process cartridge B. The closed state of the shutter member 34 blocks access from the supply port 31a of the housing frame 31 to the feed passage 34b of the shutter member 34.

[0289] like Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown, the shutter member 34 includes a shutter inlet 34g for receiving toner from the supply port 31a, a toner discharge port 34a, a feed portion 34b for feeding toner between the shutter inlet 34g and the toner discharge port 34a, and an edge portion 34d. The shutter inlet 34g serves as a toner receiving port for receiving toner from the toner storage portion 30. The toner discharge port 34a serves as the toner discharge portion of the toner cartridge according to this embodiment and is an opening formed by the edge portion 34d. In other words, the edge portion 34d forms the free end of the cylindrical portion formed by the feed portion 34b and the opening of the toner discharge port 34a.

[0290] Figure 17 The illustrated state shows the shutter member 34 in its open state. In this embodiment, the direction in which toner is discharged from the toner discharge port 34a is referred to as the discharge direction E, indicated by a dashed arrow in the figure. The direction in which toner is fed by the feed portion 34b is referred to as the feed direction CV, indicated by a dashed arrow in the figure. In this embodiment, as described below, the feed portion 34b is curved midway, so the feed direction CV is shown as being divided into multiple components (a first feed direction CV1 and a second feed direction CV2).

[0291] like Figure 17 As shown, when the toner cartridge C is mounted on the printer body A, a portion of the feed portion 34 b intersects the axis G (i.e., the rotational drive axis of the pump-screw drive input portion 39) and extends in a direction away from the axis G. That is, a first feeding direction (first direction) CV1 in which the feed portion 34 b feeds toner intersects the axis G of the pump-screw drive input portion 39 and includes a component in a direction away from the axis G.

[0292] In addition, if Figure 17 As shown, the other portion of the feed portion 34b extends in a direction parallel to the axis G (i.e., the rotational drive axis of the pump-screw drive input portion 39) and in a direction away from the pump-screw coupling portion 39a. That is, the second feeding direction CV2 in which the feed portion 34b feeds toner is parallel to the axis G of the pump-screw drive input portion 39 and includes a component in a direction away from the pump-screw coupling portion 39a for receiving the driving force for feeding toner.

[0293] like Figure 17As shown, the toner discharged from the toner discharge port 34a is discharged in a discharge direction E parallel to the axis G and away from the pump-screw coupling portion 39a. In other words, the toner discharge direction (second direction) E of the toner discharge port 34a is parallel to the axis G of the pump-screw drive input portion 39. The toner discharge direction E is parallel to the central axis of the circular toner discharge port 34a and away from the toner discharge port 34a. Alternatively, the toner discharge direction E is the normal direction (away from the toner discharge port 34a) of the two-dimensional projection plane (circle) of the toner discharge port 34a onto a plane perpendicular to the axis G. The toner discharge direction E includes a component in a direction away from the pump-screw coupling portion 39a, which receives the driving force for feeding the toner. At least a portion of the component included in the toner discharge direction at the toner discharge portion 34 a and the component included in the second feeding direction on the path from the feeding portion 34 b to the toner discharge portion 34 a coincide with each other.

[0294] Next, refer to Figure 20 , the toner feeding path CP in the shutter member 34 will be described in detail. The toner feeding path CP is a path along which the toner moves when the toner moves in the feeding portion 34b of the shutter member 34. Figure 20 As shown, in the cross section of the feed portion 34b perpendicular to the feed path CP indicated by the solid arrow, the center of gravity g of the cross section is regarded as an arbitrary position of the feed path CP. However, in a portion where the cross section of the feed portion 34a is partially missing, it is difficult to define the exact position of the center of gravity g. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the most upstream point and the most downstream point of the feed portion 34b where there is no missing part in the cross section are defined as the starting point and the end point of the feed path CP, respectively. The cross-sectional shape of the feed portion 34b in relation to the toner feed path CP is not limited to a circle. For example, the cross-sectional view of the feed portion 34b may have any shape as long as it is not difficult to calculate or estimate the center of gravity g, as in the case where the outer edge of the cross section of the feed portion 34b is interrupted or the cross-sectional shape includes a sudden change.

[0295] In this embodiment, a line connecting the centers of gravity of successive sections of the toner feed path CP is defined as the toner feed line. This line represents the main path of the toner feed path CP and generally passes through the center of each section, except for areas where the shape of the feed portion 34b exhibits abrupt angular changes. The direction of the toner feed line represents the toner feed direction at each point. The toner feed direction CV2 at the end point of the toner feed path CP is the same as the toner discharge direction E.

[0296] As described above, the toner discharged from the toner discharge port 34a is discharged in the discharge direction E which is parallel to the axis G and has a component in a direction away from the pump-screw drive input portion 39 (see FIG. Figure 17). With this structure, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment can prevent the coupling portion of the printer body A, which engages with the pump-screw coupling portion 39a of the toner cartridge C, from being contaminated by toner.

[0297] like Figure 11 As shown, the shutter member 34 is provided on one side of the toner container 30, in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge (a direction parallel to the aforementioned Z-axis), where the pump-screw drive input portion 39 is located. More specifically, the shutter member 34 in this embodiment is located on the one side of the pump-screw drive input portion 39 relative to the center position of the toner container 30, at least along the Z-axis. Therefore, in the toner cartridge C according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the loss of discharge force when discharging toner due to volume fluctuations in the pump 37a, and prevent an increase in the size of the discharge mechanism.

[0298] In addition, if Figure 11 As shown, in the longitudinal direction of the colorant box C, a storage medium (electric substrate) 203 is provided on the same side as the shutter member 34, and the storage medium 203 includes an electric contact portion 203a as an electrode for electrically connecting to the printer body A. The storage medium 203 is a recording device in which the colorant box C stores various information related to itself. The electric contact portion 203a is connected to a main body side contact portion (not shown) provided in the printer body A to establish communication between the printer body A and the colorant box C, so that information can be exchanged between them. When the colorant box C is mounted on the printer body A, the electric contact portion 203a is located above the toner discharge port 34a of the shutter member 34 in the direction of gravity approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner box C. Therefore, the toner box C according to the present embodiment is constructed so that the electric contact portion 203a is not easily affected by flying toner. The electric contact portion 203a is provided on the drive side toner box side cover 50 described later. As shown Figure 11 、 Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the housing cover 32 is provided with a shutter opening and closing rib 200, which serves as a shutter opening and closing member. The shutter opening and closing rib 200 is used to open and close the laser shutter RS, which covers the laser scanner 101 located within the laser printer 1. Specifically, in conjunction with the insertion of the toner cartridge C, the shutter opening and closing rib 200 moves the mechanism for opening the laser shutter RS ​​in the opening direction, thereby enabling the laser scanner 101 to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. In other words, in conjunction with the insertion of the toner cartridge C into the printer body A, the laser shutter RS ​​transitions from a closed state to an open state. At this point, the process cartridge B has already been inserted into the printer body A before the toner cartridge C is inserted, but the shutter opening and closing rib 200 does not open and close the laser shutter RS ​​via the process cartridge B.

[0299] Incidentally, the laser shutter RS ​​is closed when the toner cartridge C is not installed in the printer body A. Therefore, even if laser light is mistakenly emitted from the laser scanner 101 with the toner cartridge C installed, the laser light can be prevented from leaking outside the printer body A.

[0300] like Figure 13 As shown, when viewing the toner cartridge C from the rear, the shutter opening and closing rib 200 is preferably positioned above the toner feed screw member 35 so as to overlap with the supply portion 30b and / or the feed path 30c. In other words, the shutter opening and closing rib 200 is positioned at the same position as the supply portion 30b and / or the feed path 30c in a direction parallel to the Z-axis. When the toner cartridge C is mounted on the printer body A placed on a horizontal surface, the side opposite to the direction of gravity is the upper side of the toner cartridge C.

[0301] To determine the cross-sectional area of ​​the toner accommodating section 30 in the toner feeding direction so as to satisfy the aforementioned order: toner accommodating section 30a > supply chamber 30b > feed passage 30c, the area overlapping the supply chamber 30b and feed passage 30c must be smaller than the toner reservoir 31a1. Specifically, the dimensions of the toner accommodating section 30 on the side opposite to the direction of gravity (i.e., the upper side) must be limited so that the supply chamber 30b and feed passage 30c are smaller than the toner reservoir 31a1. Therefore, in the imaging apparatus according to this embodiment, as described above, the shutter opening and closing rib 200 is positioned upstream in the installation direction of the toner cartridge C, in a position that minimizes its impact on the volume of the toner cartridge C. Furthermore, by positioning the shutter opening and closing rib 200 upstream in the installation direction, a mechanism for opening and closing the laser shutter in conjunction with the installation of the toner cartridge C into the printer body A can be easily implemented.

[0302] Furthermore, in an image forming apparatus employing a removable cartridge, a cartridge whose compatibility with the printer body A is unknown may be mistakenly installed in the printer body. In consideration of this situation, in this embodiment, a plurality of slits 32c are provided in the housing cover 32 for selectively receiving the shutter opening and closing ribs 200. This structure prevents incompatible cartridges from interfering with the shutter opening and closing ribs 200, thereby preventing incompatible cartridges from being mistakenly installed in the printer body A.

[0303] Next, the waste toner storage unit 40 will be described in detail. Figure 19 As shown, the waste toner storage unit 40 includes a waste toner storage unit frame 41, a waste toner storage cover 42, and a waste toner shutter member 43. The outer shape of the waste toner main portion 40 is defined by the waste toner storage frame 41 and the waste toner storage cover 42. Figure 15As shown, the drive side toner cartridge side cover 50 is mounted on the drive side of the toner cartridge C (i.e., the side of the toner accommodating portion 30). In addition, the non-drive side toner cartridge side cover 60 is mounted on the waste toner storage portion (40) side of the toner cartridge C (i.e., the side of the waste toner storage portion 40).

[0304] The waste toner storage cover 42 is provided with a waste toner receiving port 42a. The waste toner shutter member 43 serves as a shutter device for opening and closing the waste toner receiving port 42a. The waste toner shutter member 43 is connected to the waste toner receiving port 42a in conjunction with the loading and unloading operation of the toner cartridge C relative to the printer body A. Figure 19 The waste toner receiving port 42a is opened and closed by moving in the direction J shown in FIG. Figure 19 A state in which the waste toner shutter member 43 is in an open state is shown.

[0305] like Figure 11 and Figure 42 As shown, within the waste toner storage portion 40, a first waste toner storage screw 44, a waste toner storage gear train 45, a partition member 46, and a second waste toner storage screw 47 are provided. The first waste toner storage screw 44 feeds waste toner received (dropped) via the waste toner receiving port 42a in the direction of the rotation axis 11b of the photosensitive drum 11. The second waste toner storage screw 47 is driven by the first waste toner storage screw 44 to feed the waste toner fed by the first waste toner storage screw 44 to the upper side of the toner cartridge C. In other words, according to this embodiment, the first waste toner storage screw 44 and the second waste toner storage screw 47 serve as waste toner feeding members.

[0306] As for the driving force for the waste toner storage section 40, the driving force input from the above-mentioned stirring drive input section 38 is first transmitted via the toner storage section stirring / feeding unit 36 ​​to the toner storage section non-driving side gear 48 provided on the non-driving side of the toner containing section 30. Then, the driving force is transmitted from the toner storage section non-driving side gear 48 via the waste toner storage section gear train 45 to the first waste toner storage screw 44.

[0307] With the above-described structure, the toner cartridge C of this embodiment can drive the agitation drive input 38 even when the pump / screw drive input 39 is not driven. In other words, in the toner cartridge C of this embodiment, the pump / screw drive input 39 and the agitation drive input 38 can be driven independently of each other. Therefore, even when the toner cartridge C of this embodiment is not supplying toner to the process cartridge B, the first waste toner storage screw 44 and the second waste toner storage screw 47 in the waste toner storage section 40 can be driven. In other words, even when the toner cartridge C is not supplying toner, the toner cartridge C can still recover waste toner (keeping it in a recoverable state).

[0308] Furthermore, the components (driving force receiving portion) for receiving driving force input from the printer body A are centrally located on one end side (in the longitudinal direction) of the toner cartridge C. This prevents the gear train of the printer body A from becoming complex. Furthermore, by transmitting the driving force for each component of the toner cartridge C from one end to the other using the toner storage agitation / feeding unit 36, driving force can be transmitted to the waste toner storage portion 40 without increasing the number of components for transmitting driving force. By adopting this structure, the imaging apparatus of this embodiment can efficiently accommodate waste toner in the toner cartridge C while suppressing an increase in its longitudinal dimension (a direction parallel to the drive axis of the toner cartridge C and the rotational axis 11b of the photosensitive drum 11).

[0309] (Installation and removal methods of process cartridge B and toner cartridge C)

[0310] Next, we will refer to Figure 21 and Figure 22 A method of attaching and detaching the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C relative to the printer main body A is described in detail. Figure 21 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method of mounting the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C to the printer body A according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 21 (a) shows a method of installing the process cartridge B, Figure 21 (b) shows a method of installing the toner cartridge C. Figure 22 1 is a side view illustrating an example of a method of mounting the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C into the printer body A according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 22 (a) shows how to install the process cartridge B, Figure 22 (b) shows how to install the toner cartridge C, Figure 22 (c) shows a state in which the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C are installed in the printer main body A.

[0311] like Figure 21 As shown in (a), the internal space of the printer body A is used as the installation portion of the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C. The door 107 is rotatable relative to the printer body A around the rotation axis R5; Figure 21 In the state shown in (a), the door 107 is in the open state.

[0312] The printer body A is provided with a first guide portion 108 and a second guide portion 109. Figure 6 As shown, the processing box B is provided with an upper boss 93, an upper boss 94, a lower boss 95 and a lower boss 96 on the left and right sides in the longitudinal direction, respectively.

[0313] The following will describe the process of installing the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C into the printer body A. First, install the process cartridge B into the printer body A. Figure 21 As shown in (a), the first guide portion 108 is sandwiched between the upper boss 93 and the lower boss 95, and the second guide portion 109 is sandwiched between the upper boss 94 and the lower boss 96. Guided by these guide portions, the process cartridge B is inserted in the direction of arrow D. When the insertion of the process cartridge B is completed, the position of the process cartridge B relative to the printer body A is determined.

[0314] Next, the toner cartridge C is installed in the printer body A. The user can insert or remove the toner cartridge C while holding the entire toner cartridge C with fingers placed on the surface 32a and the opposing surface 31b of the container cover 32. Figure 22 As shown in (b), the colorant cartridge C is provided with positioning bosses 50a and 60a at both longitudinal ends, on the front side in the installation direction. The guided portions 50b and 60b are arranged downstream of the positioning bosses 50a and 60a in the installation direction. The positioning boss 60a is arranged on the non-driven side of the colorant cartridge C and, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axis G, is in the same position (overlapping) as the positioning boss 50a on the driven side. In addition, the guided portion 60b is arranged on the non-driven side of the colorant cartridge C and, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axis G, is in the same position (overlapping position) as the guided portion 50b on the driven side.

[0315] like Figure 6 As shown, the process cartridge B is provided with a first positioning portion 21 a and a second positioning portion 21 b on a frame 21 , each of which is recessed for positioning the toner cartridge C.

[0316] like Figure 21 (b) and Figure 22 As shown in FIG. 5( b ), the toner cartridge C is inserted in the direction D with the guided portions 50 b and 60 b positioned on the first guide portion 108 and the second guide portion 109 , respectively. Figure 22 The state shown in (c) is a state where the installation of the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C is completed. Figure 22As shown in (c), when the toner cartridge C is inserted into the installation-completed state, the positioning bosses 50a and 60a fit into the first positioning portion 21a and the second positioning portion 21b, respectively. At this point, the front ends of the guided portions 50b and 60b in the insertion direction move away from the first guide portion 108 and the second guide portion 109, and the rear ends contact the first guide portion 109 and the second guide portion 108, respectively. In this state, the toner cartridge C is positioned relative to the process cartridge B. Furthermore, the rear ends of the guided portions 50b and 60b contact the first guide portion 108 and the second guide portion 109, respectively, thereby securing the position of the toner cartridge C within the printer body A. In this state, the installation of the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C in the printer body A is complete. The door 107 is then closed, and the laser printer 1 according to this embodiment is ready for image formation. When removing the toner cartridge C and process cartridge B from the printer body A, the order of operation of the various components is reversed from the order described above during the installation process.

[0317] (Toner supply path from toner cartridge C to process cartridge B).

[0318] Next, refer to Figure 7 、 Figure 23 and Figure 24 , the toner supply path from the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B will be described in detail. Figure 23 1 is a sectional perspective view showing an example of a supply port of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 24 1 is an exploded perspective view of a driving device for explaining a developing operation of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 25 1 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing a section parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis and passing through the center of the supply port 21 c.

[0319] As described above, toner is supplied (replenished) from the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B. This will be described in detail. Figure 23 As shown, the holder 21 is provided with a supply port 21c for receiving toner supplied from the toner cartridge C. The toner received by the supply port 21c is fed into the toner receiving chamber 153 of the developing unit 15 via the interface 21d and the receiving port 153a. The toner supplied to the toner receiving chamber 153 is supplied to the developer storage portion 152 via the developer storage chamber receiving port 152a by the receiving chamber feeding member 153b. A receiving port sealing member 153c is mounted around the receiving port 153a to seal the receiving port 153a so that no gap is formed between the interface 21d of the holder 21 and the receiving port 153a, thereby preventing toner leakage.

[0320] like Figure 7 and Figure 24As shown, the process cartridge B is provided with a developing coupling 155 in the developing unit 15 as a drive input member for receiving a drive from the printer body A. The developing coupling 155 in this embodiment can transmit a rotational force to the above-mentioned developing roller gear 16a for transmitting the rotational force to the developing roller 16, and to the stirring gear 154a for transmitting the rotational force to the stirring member 154, and so on.

[0321] In the direction of the rotation axis 11b, the development contact 16b and the development blade contact 18a are provided at the end opposite to the end where the development coupling 155 is provided. The development contact 16b is a member (power supply member) that supplies the voltage to be applied to the development roller 16 from the printer body A. The development blade contact 18a is a member (power supply member) that supplies the voltage to be applied to the development blade 18 from the printer body A.

[0322] like Figure 25 As shown, in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B (the left-right direction in the figure), the supply port 21c of the process cartridge B is closer to the developing coupling 155 than the developing junction 16b. The toner supplied from the supply port 21c is fed in a direction away from the developing coupling 155 and then fed into the developing unit 15. With this structure, in the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the toner is fed in a direction away from the developing coupling 155, thereby preventing the developing coupling 155 from being contaminated by the toner. In addition, in the process cartridge B, the toner supply port 21c is provided at a position away from the developing junction 16b, thereby preventing the developing junction 16b from being contaminated by the toner.

[0323] (Structure of Gate Member 34)

[0324] Next, we will refer to Figure 16 、 Figure 26 、 Figure 27 、 Figure 28 、 Figure 29 、 Figure 30 and Figure 41 The structure of the shutter member 34 provided in the toner cartridge C will be described in detail. Figure 26 1 and 2 are a side view and a cross-sectional view (section kk in the figure) for explaining a state in which the shutter member 34 of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is sealed to block toner. Figure 27 1 is an exploded perspective view of the shutter member 34 and its surroundings of the toner cartridge C in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 28 1 and 2 are a front view, a left side view, a right side view, a bottom view and a cross-sectional view of the gate member 34 in embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 29 1 is a front view of the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, showing a state in which the shutter member 34 performs sealing. Figure 301 and 2 are a front view, a left view, a right view, a bottom view and a cross-sectional view of the gate protection member 210 in Example 1 of the present invention. Figure 41 3D is a perspective view of the appearance of the shutter member 34 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0325] like Figure 26 and Figure 41 As shown, the shutter member 34 is rotatably supported about the rotation axis R1 relative to the toner housing portion 30. Figure 41 As shown, by rotating in the direction H around the rotation axis R1, the toner discharge port 34a of the shutter member 34 is turned into an open state (opening direction). Although the cross section is different, Figure 26 The state of the shutter member 34 shown is the closed state, and by rotating in the above-mentioned direction H from this state, Figure 17 The state of the shutter member 34 shown is changed to the open state.

[0326] When the toner cartridge C is mounted on the printer body A, the toner discharge port 34a of the shutter member 34 is kept urged by a coil spring (to be described later) to face the upper side of the toner cartridge C, at least until it comes into contact with the process cartridge B. In other words, the toner discharge port 34a is urged by the coil spring 213 so that the opening is located on the side opposite to the direction of gravity ( Figure 41 When the orientation of the toner cartridge C installed in the printer body A is used as a reference, the upper side of the toner cartridge C is synonymous with the upper side of the printer body A.

[0327] like Figure 26 and Figure 31 As shown, the shutter protection member 210 is a member (protection member) provided around the shutter member 34 and protecting the shutter member 34, and includes a discharge port seal contact surface 210a and a first shutter support portion 210b. The discharge port seal contact surface 210a contacts the shutter seal member 216 installed around the toner discharge port 34a, closing the toner discharge port 34a, thereby preventing toner from leaking through the toner discharge port 34a.

[0328] Next, if Figure 27 As shown, the shutter member 34 includes a third shutter support portion 34e and a shutter support shaft 34j, which are supported by the first shutter support portion 210b and the second shutter support portion 209a of the shutter support member 209. With this structure, the shutter member 34 is mounted on the toner cartridge C in a rotatable manner relative to the toner accommodating portion 30.

[0329] like Figure 27As shown, coil spring 213 is an urging means that urges shutter member 34 about rotation axis R3 in the direction opposite to arrow H. As described above, coil spring 213 can maintain shutter member 34 in a state where toner discharge port 34a faces upward in the apparatus.

[0330] like Figure 28 As shown, the gate member 34 includes an arm portion 34h as an abutment member, which is provided on the pump unit (37) side relative to the rotation center of the gate member 34 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis R1 of the gate member 34. In addition, the gate member 34 includes an actuating protrusion (actuating member) 34f, which is provided on the side opposite to the pump unit 37 (non-pump side) relative to the rotation center of the gate member 34 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis R1 of the gate member 34. That is, the arm portion 34h and the actuating protrusion 34f are provided at point-symmetrical positions relative to the rotation axis R1 of the gate member 34.

[0331] With this structure, when the arm portion 34h and the actuating protrusion 34f, which are independent of each other, and the various parts on the process cartridge B side operate in conjunction, they do not interfere with the operation of other parts. When the shutter member 34 is viewed from the side facing the toner discharge port 34a, the toner discharge port 34a and the arm portion 34h are located at a position away from the rotation axis R1 of the shutter member 34. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R1 of the shutter member 34, the feed portion 34b from the toner discharge port 34a to the shutter inlet 34g is L-shaped when the toner discharge port 34a is at the top. The opening of the shutter inlet 34g faces Figure 28 In other words, the angle between the toner feeding direction from the gate inlet 34g to the feeding portion 34b and the toner discharging direction E of the toner discharging port 34a is approximately 90 degrees.

[0332] like Figure 26 As shown, the electrical contact portion 203a of the storage medium 203 of the toner cartridge C is provided downstream in the installation direction of the toner cartridge C. Figure 17 and Figure 26 As shown, the electrical contact portion 203a is closer to the pump-screw coupling portion 39a than the shutter member 34 in the direction along the rotational drive axis G. That is, similar to the pump-screw coupling portion 39a described above, when the toner cartridge C is mounted in the printer body A, the toner discharged from the toner discharge port 34a is discharged in a direction away from the electrical contact portion 203a of the storage medium 203. This structure can prevent the electrical contact portion 203a of the storage medium 203 from being contaminated by the toner.

[0333] The gate protection member 210 is provided with an arm opening 210c. Figure 29As shown, the arm opening 210c is formed so as to expose the free end 34h1 of the arm portion 34h of the shutter member 34 when viewed along the rotation axis R1 of the shutter member 34. The arm opening 210c in this embodiment is open in the direction of and below the rotation axis R1 of the shutter member 34. When the shutter member 34 is in the closed state, the arm portion 34h abuts against the open end 210c1 of the arm opening 210c, and the urging force of the coil spring 213 holds the shutter member 34 in the closed state. As described above, when the shutter member 34 is closed (closed state), the passage from the supply port 31a to the feed passage 34b is blocked.

[0334] As will be described in detail later, Figure 28 As shown, the shutter member 34 has a positioning surface 34i that determines the position of the toner cartridge C when the toner cartridge C is installed in the printer body A. When the toner cartridge C is installed in the printer body A, the positioning surface 34i contacts the positioning surface 214e of the toner flow path member 214 of the process cartridge B and regulates the position of the shutter member 34 in the rotational direction.

[0335] like Figure 30 As shown, in the shutter protection member 210, during the installation of the toner cartridge C in the printer body A, the shutter member 34 begins to rotate. Here, a rough guide rib 210d is provided for guiding (roughly guiding) the toner cartridge C so as to roughly determine the position of the toner cartridge relative to the process cartridge B in advance. Incidentally, the rough guide in this embodiment is used not only to position the toner cartridge C relative to the process cartridge B, but also to guide the toner cartridge C during insertion into the printer body A. The operation of inserting the rough guide rib 210d into the rough guide 21f will be described in detail below.

[0336] (Gate structure of process cartridge B (receiving side)).

[0337] Next, we will refer to Figure 23 、 Figure 31 、 Figure 32 、 Figure 33 、 Figure 34 、 Figure 35 and Figure 36 Describe the shutter structure in the process box B. Figure 31 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the receiving-side shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 31 (a) is a perspective view of the appearance of the process cartridge B including the receiving-side shutter member 206 , Figure 31 (b) is a local enlarged view. Figure 32 1 and 2 are views illustrating an operation example of the reception-side shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 331 is a partial sectional view of the vicinity of the receiving-side shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 33 The cross section of the illustrated view is a plane parallel to the process cartridge B insertion direction (direction B) and the Z axis and passing through the center of the communication hole 206a. Figure 34 This is an exploded perspective view of the receiving-side gate member 206 and its peripheral components in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 35 1 is an exploded perspective view of the receiving-side shutter member 206 and peripheral components facing the communication port 206 a of the receiving-side shutter member 206 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 36 It is a partially enlarged view of the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, as viewed from the mounting direction of the toner cartridge C.

[0338] like Figure 21 、 Figure 32 and Figure 33 As shown, the process cartridge B is provided with a receiving-side shutter member 206. The receiving-side shutter member 206 can cover the supply port 21c provided in the bracket 21 and can slide in the installation direction D of the toner cartridge C. The receiving-side shutter member 206 also has a communication port 206a for fluid communication with the supply port 21c to receive toner when the toner cartridge C and the process cartridge B are installed in place in the printer body A. The receiving shutter member 206 also includes an operating protrusion receiving portion 206b. The details of each component will be described below.

[0339] like Figure 34 As shown, a compression spring 217 for pressing the receiving side shutter member 206 in the closing direction is provided between the shutter member 206 and the toner flow path member 214. The receiving side shutter member 206 is supported in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (parallel to the direction of the receiving side shutter member 206). Figure 36 Therefore, when the receiving-side shutter member 206 is opened, the openings of the communication port 206a and the supply port 21c communicate with each other with high precision.

[0340] like Figure 31 (b) and Figure 36 As shown, the bracket 21 is provided with a guide surface 21e having an inclined surface shape, which guides the arm free end 34h1 in a direction of opening the shutter member 34 when the toner cartridge C is mounted to the process cartridge B. The guide surface 21e and a guide side surface 21g to be described later form a continuous surface that contacts the arm free end 34d1, and an abutment surface that contacts the arm free end 34h1 is twisted between the guide surface 21f and the guide side surface 21g.

[0341] like Figure 35As shown, the holder 21 includes a toner flow path member 214 having a supply port 21c. In addition to the supply port 21c, the toner flow path member 214 is further provided with an interface port 21d.

[0342] The toner flow path member 214 includes a rail portion 214c that slidably supports the receiving-side shutter member 206 and a spring fixing portion 214d that fixes the compression spring 217. The rail portion 214c is provided with a restricting portion 214c1 that abuts against the rail member 214c to restrict the position of the receiving-side shutter member 206 when the receiving-side shutter member 206 moves in the closing direction.

[0343] like Figure 33 and Figure 35 As shown, a shutter seal member 216 having an opening 216a is provided around the supply port 21c. The shutter seal member 216 is a sealing member provided around the supply port 21c and fills the gap between the receiving-side shutter member 206 and the surface on which the auxiliary toner flow path member 21c is provided. The diameter of the opening 216a of the shutter seal member 216 is larger than the diameter of the supply port 21c.

[0344] like Figure 31 As shown in (b) of FIG. 2 , the actuation receiving portion 206b of the receiving-side shutter member 206 is provided downstream of the communication port 206a in the installation direction D of the toner cartridge C. The actuation receiving portion 206b is a groove-shaped portion into which the actuation protrusion 34f is inserted, and extends in a direction intersecting the installation direction (direction D) and having a Y2 direction component. In addition, in the Y2 direction, the upstream end of the actuation receiving portion 206b is open so that the actuation protrusion 34f can enter the groove-shaped portion. Figure 36 As shown, the bracket 21 has a rough guide 21 f for receiving the rough guide rib 210 d of the shutter protection member 210 .

[0345] (Interlocking Operation of the Shutter Member 34 and the Receiving-Side Shutter Member 206)

[0346] refer to Figure 21 、 Figure 37 、 Figure 38 、 Figure 39 and Figure 40 , the interlocked opening and closing operations of the shutter member 34 of the toner cartridge C and the receiving-side shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B will be described. Figure 37 is a view showing an example of the mounting trajectory of the rough guide rib 210d to the rough guide 21f in this embodiment, Figure 37 (a) to Figure 37 (e) shows a continuous change in the insertion of the rough guide rib 210 d into the rough guide 21C. Figure 37 (a) to Figure 37(e) shows a cross-sectional view taken along a plane passing through the center of the rough guide 21 f and parallel to the X-axis and the Y-axis. Figure 38 34 is a diagram showing an example of a mounting locus of the arm free end 34h1 of the shutter member 34 in this embodiment. Figure 38 (a) to Figure 38 (e) shows a continuous change in the relative position (or contact state) between the arm free end 34h1 and the guide surface 21e. Figure 38 (a) to Figure 38 (e) shows a cross-sectional view taken along a plane that passes substantially through the center of the guide surface 21 e and is parallel to the X-axis and the Y-axis. Figure 39 1 and 2 are views showing an example of the mounting operation of the actuating protrusion 34 f of the shutter member 34 and the actuating protrusion receiving portion 206 b of the receiving-side shutter member 206 in the present embodiment. Figure 39 (a) to Figure 39 (e) show the continuous changes in the relative positions (or connection states) between the gate member 34 and the receiving gate member 206. Figure 39 (a) to Figure 39 (e) shows a cross-sectional view taken along a plane that substantially passes through the center of the actuating protrusion receiving portion 206 b and is parallel to the X-axis and the Y-axis. Figure 40 1 and 2 are views of a state in which the toner cartridge C according to the present embodiment is in the process of being mounted, as viewed in the mounting direction of the toner cartridge C. FIG.

[0347] As described above, in the laser printer 1 of this embodiment, when the process cartridge B is installed in the printer body A and the toner cartridge C is also installed, toner can be replenished from the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B. At this time, the receiving-side shutter member 206 provided in the process cartridge B and the replenishing-side shutter member 34 provided in the toner cartridge C are interlocked with the installation of the toner cartridge C into the process cartridge B. In other words, in the laser printer 1 of this embodiment, by inserting (installing) the toner cartridge C into the process cartridge B, the receiving-side shutter member 206 and the shutter member 34 are opened in conjunction with each other, enabling toner replenishment and image formation.

[0348] First, the operation of opening the shutter members provided in the respective cassette units (opening operation) will be described in detail. Figure 37 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , during installation of the toner cartridge C into the process cartridge B, the rough guide rib 210 d of the shutter protection member 210 on the toner cartridge C side enters the rough guide 21 f of the holder 21 provided on the process cartridge B side. Figure 37 (a) is a view showing an example of a state in which the rough guide rib 210d begins to enter the rough guide 21f. Figure 37In the state shown in (a), the shutter protection member 210 and the shutter member 34 are roughly regulated (positioned) relative to the bracket 21 in a direction perpendicular to the installation direction D. That is, the insertion range of the toner cartridge C is first limited in the height direction (vertical direction) VD of the printer body A in which the process cartridge B is installed.

[0349] Here, the reason for roughly positioning the shutter protection member 210 (and the shutter member 34) relative to the bracket 21 will be described. If the positioning accuracy between the positioning bosses 50a, 60a and the colorant box positioning portions 21a, 21b is high, then if the insertion posture of the processing box B and the colorant box C is even slightly offset, they cannot be correctly positioned. In this case, if the boxes are positioned only by the positioning bosses 50a, 60a and the positioning portions 21a, 21b, the positions of the shutter member 34 and the bracket 21 will be offset, resulting in difficulty in stably opening the shutter member 34. Therefore, by roughly determining the relative positions between the boxes using the rough guide ribs 210d and the rough guides 21f, the positioning accuracy of the processing box B and the colorant box C is improved, so that stable operation of the shutter member 34 can be achieved. At this time, as Figure 38 As shown in (a), the arm free end 34h1 of the shutter member 34 does not contact the guide surface 21e of the bracket 21. That is, the toner discharge port 34a of the shutter member 34 faces upward (closed state). Figure 39 As shown in (a), the receiving-side gate 206 is in a closed state.

[0350] Next, if Figure 37 When the rough guide rib 210d is further inserted into the rough guide member 21f as shown in (b) of Figure 38 As shown in (b), the arm free end 34h1 begins to contact the guide surface 21e, and the shutter member 34 begins to rotate in the H direction. In addition, when viewed along the Z axis, the guide surface 21e is inclined relative to the rotation axis R3 of the shutter member 34, so the shutter member 34 rotates in response to the change in the contact position between the guide surface 21e and the arm free end 34h1. Figure 39 As shown in (b), when the arm free end 34h1 comes into contact with the guide surface 21e, the reception-side shutter member 206 is closed.

[0351] Next, if Figure 37 When the rough guide rib 210d is further inserted into the rough guide member 21f as shown in (c) Figure 38 The contact position between the arm free end 34h1 and the guide surface 21e shown in (c) moves upward in the device. Then, the shutter member 34 further rotates in the H direction. At this time, as shown in FIG. Figure 39As shown in (c), the actuating protrusion 34f of the shutter member 34 enters the actuating protrusion receiving portion 206b of the receiving side shutter member 206. At this stage, the actuating protrusion 34f only enters the actuating protrusion receiving portion 206b, and the receiving side shutter member 206 does not move at all. That is, at Figure 39 In the state shown in (c), the receiving-side shutter member 206 is still in the closed state. In addition, it is preferable that the upper side of the actuating protrusion receiving portion 206b has a tapered shape that opens toward the upper side of the device so as to easily receive the insertion of the actuating protrusion 34f.

[0352] Next, if Figure 37 When the rough guide rib 210d is further inserted into the rough guide member 21f as shown in (d) Figure 38 (d) and Figure 40 The arm free end 34h1 is shown to be in contact with the guide side surface 21g, which is a side surface of the guide surface 21e. In the bracket 21, the guide surface 21e and the guide side surface 21g are formed continuously, and in the device, the guide side surface 21c is located at a higher position than the guide surface 21e. The guide side surface 21g is parallel to the installation direction of the toner cartridge C. Therefore, with the arm free end 34h1 of the shutter member 34 in contact with (riding on) the guide side surface 21g, the shutter member 34 stops rotating in the H direction, and the rotation angle of the shutter member 34 becomes approximately constant.

[0353] At this time, the rotation position of the shutter member 34 about the rotation axis R3 is a position slightly moved in the opposite direction of the H direction from the position when the installation is completed. Figure 39 As shown in (d), the actuating protrusion 34f and the actuating protrusion receiving portion 206b engage with each other, pressing the actuating protrusion receiving portion, causing the receiving-side shutter member 206 to begin moving in the opening direction (direction D). Specifically, when the toner cartridge C is inserted into the printer body A, the engagement position between the actuating protrusion 34f and the actuating protrusion receiving portion 206b changes, the receiving-side shutter member 206 opens, and the positions of the respective openings of the replenishing port 21c and the communication port 206a change to an open state in which they are substantially aligned with each other.

[0354] Next, if Figure 37 As shown in (e), the rough guide rib 210d is further inserted into the rough guide member 21f. When the insertion is completed, as shown in FIG. Figure 38 As shown in (e), the arm free end 34h1 of the shutter member 34 is separated from the guide side surface 21g. Figure 28 and Figure 41The positioning surface 34i of the shutter member 34 shown contacts and is pressed by the positioning surface 214e of the toner flow path member 214, so that the shutter member 34 rotates slightly in the direction H. In this state, the rotation of the shutter member 34 is completed, and the installation of the toner cartridge C relative to the process cartridge B is completed.

[0355] At this time, if Figure 39 As shown in (e), the opening operation of the receiving-side shutter member 206 is completed (the receiving-side shutter member 206 is open). In this case, if the width of the actuation protrusion receiving portion 206 is approximately the same as the width of the actuation protrusion 34f, the positioning of the shutter member 34 and the receiving-side shutter member 206 can be adjusted with high precision. The above describes the operation for opening the shutter members provided in each cassette unit (opening operation). Regarding the closing operation (closing operation), the shutter members provided in each cassette unit can be operated in the reverse order of the above-described opening operation.

[0356] Figure 136 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which the opening operation of the shutter member 34 and the receiving side shutter member 206 is completed in the embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 136 Only the shutter member 34 , the receiving-side shutter member 206 , and the toner flow path member 214 are shown.

[0357] like Figure 136 As shown, the position of the receiving-side shutter member 206 in the mounting direction D is determined by the actuating protrusion 34 f of the shutter member 34 coming into contact with the downstream surface of the actuating protrusion receiving portion 206 b in the mounting direction D against the reaction force of the compression spring 217. With this structure, the communication port 206 a of the receiving-side shutter member 206 is accurately positioned relative to the toner discharge port 34 a of the shutter member 34 in the mounting direction D.

[0358] Furthermore, the shutter member 34 is rotationally positioned by contacting the positioning surface 214e of the toner flow path member 214 against the reaction force of the coil spring 213. This structure allows the communication port 206a of the receiving-side shutter member 206 to be precisely positioned rotationally via the toner discharge port 34a of the shutter member 34 and the toner flow path member 214. With this structure, when the toner cartridge C is mounted on the process cartridge B, the shutter member 34 provided on the toner cartridge C is precisely positioned toward the process cartridge B with reference to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, as well as the rotation axis.

[0359] As described above, the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C of this embodiment are configured so that the shutter members provided therein respectively open and close the respective toner supply ports, thereby preventing unnecessary toner leakage. Furthermore, the shutter member 34 of this embodiment rotates only in a direction such that the toner discharge port 34a faces upward or laterally, relative to the up, down, left, and right directions of the printer body A. Therefore, the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention can prevent toner from accidentally flowing out of the toner discharge port 34a due to the opening and closing operation of the shutter member 34 or due to gravity.

[0360] Furthermore, as described above, in the toner cartridge C according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, toner is discharged through the toner discharge port 34a in a direction parallel to the rotational drive axis G of the pump-screw drive input portion 39 and away from the pump-screw drive input portion 39. With this structure, the laser printer 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention can prevent the printer body A and the pump-screw input / output portion of the toner cartridge C from being contaminated by toner.

[0361] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, in addition to the structure of the above embodiment, a structure that suppresses the scattering of toner when feeding toner from the toner cartridge C side to the process cartridge B side can also be adopted. Figures 137 to 143 , a structure will be described in which the toner cartridge C1 is detachably mountable to the above-mentioned printer body A. In addition, the same reference numerals (or symbols) are given to components having the same structure as in the above-mentioned embodiment 1.

[0362] Figure 137 is a diagram of an example of a toner cartridge C1 according to a modification of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 137 (a) is a perspective view of the appearance of the toner cartridge C1. Figure 137 (b) is Figure 137 An enlarged stereogram of the area enclosed by the solid line in (a). Figure 138 1 is a perspective view showing an attachment position of a sheet-like member 212 mounted to a shutter protection member 210 according to a modification of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 139 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an arrangement example of the shutter protection member 210 , the reception-side shutter member 206 , the sheet-like member 212 , and the shutter member 34 in a modification of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 139 The toner cartridge C1 according to the present modification is shown in the process of being mounted on the process cartridge B. Figure 140 1 and 2 are views showing an example of an attachment position of the sheet-like member 212 to the shutter protection member 210 in a modification of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 140 FIG. 2 is a top view of the gate protection member 210 viewed from the top of the device. Figure 140 1 is a front view showing an attachment position of a sheet-like member 212 to a shutter protection member 210 according to a modification of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 141 1 is a side view showing an attachment position of the sheet-like member 212 to the shutter protection member 210 according to a modification of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0363] like Figure 137 As shown in (b), in this modification, a sheet-like member 212 is provided between the shutter member 34 and the shutter protection member 210 of the toner cartridge C1 to prevent the toner from scattering from the inside of the toner cartridge C1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 138 and Figure 139 As shown, the sheet member 212 is installed at a position partially overlapping with the discharge port seal contact surface 210a provided on the inner surface side of the shutter protection member 210. Another portion of the sheet member 212 (the area not overlapping with the discharge port seal contact surface 210a) protrudes from the shutter protection member 210 according to the shape of the shutter member 34.

[0364] Here, as Figure 138 As shown, when the toner cartridge C1 is mounted on the process cartridge B, there is a gap J (about 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm) in the Z-axis direction to prevent the receiving-side shutter member 206 and the shutter protection member 210 from interfering with each other. For example, when the user tightly grips the toner holding portion 30, the volume of the toner holding portion 30 changes slightly. Therefore, for example, in the toner cartridge C of the above-mentioned embodiment 1 that does not have the sheet-like member 212, when the toner discharge port 34a passes through the gap J, due to the above-mentioned slight change in the volume of the toner holding portion 30, the toner may fly to the outside through the gap J. In view of this, in this modification, as Figure 139 As shown, the sheet-like member 212 is provided to cover the gap J, thereby preventing the toner from accidentally scattering through the toner discharge port 34a. The specific structure of the sheet-like member 212 will be described.

[0365] like Figure 137 、 Figure 138 and Figure 140As shown, the sheet-like member 212 includes a protective portion 212a and an attachment portion 212b. The attachment portion 212b corresponds to the area of ​​the sheet-like member 212 corresponding to the discharge port seal contact surface 210a of the gate protection member 210. In other words, the attachment portion 212b is the portion of the sheet-like member 212 corresponding to the discharge port seal contact surface 210a of the gate protection member 210. Although not described in Example 1, a flexible sealing member 211 including a circular through hole is mounted to the toner discharge port 34a side of the gate member 34 by an adhesive or the like. The details of the sealing member 211 will be described below. Therefore, in the toner cartridge C1 in this modification, when the gate member 34 is in a closed state, the attachment portion 212b of the sheet-like member 212 and the sealing member 211 contact each other to achieve a seal that prevents toner leakage.

[0366] The protection portion 212a is an area protruding from the gate protection member 210 in a direction in which the toner discharge port 34a is exposed by the rotation of the gate member 34 around the rotation axis R3. Here, the sheet-like member 212 in this modification is a sheet material having a thickness of about 0.1 mm. The sheet-like member 212 is formed of a material such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, for example, and can be mounted to the gate protection member 210 at the attachment portion 212b by a double-sided tape. Therefore, when the attachment portion 212b is mounted to the discharge port seal contact surface 210a, the sheet-like member 212 is deformed to conform to the shape of the discharge port seal contact surface 210a. In this case, as Figure 141 As shown, the protection portion 212a protrudes outwardly beyond the outer shape of the shutter protection member 210 along the extension line of the shape of the discharge port seal contact surface 210a. The size and material of the sheet-like member 212 are not limited to the above examples, and any flexible material can be used as long as its size allows the shutter member 34 to move and can effectively prevent toner from scattering.

[0367] like Figure 140 As shown, the sheet-like member 212 of this modification is formed so that the protecting portion 212a forms an acute angle M with a line parallel to the mounting direction (X1 direction) of the toner cartridge C1 to the process cartridge B. With this structure, when the toner cartridge C1 is mounted to the process cartridge B, the protecting portion 212a can be prevented from contacting the receiving-side shutter member 206 and being broken (deformed).

[0368] As described above, it is necessary to cover the gap J with the sheet-like member 212 to prevent the toner from scattering. Figure 140 As shown, the protection portion 212 a of the present modification is provided at a position corresponding to the gap J on the rotation trajectory of the toner discharge port 34 a of the shutter member 34 (a position covering the toner discharge port 34 a ).

[0369] By adopting the above-described structure, in the toner cartridge C1 of the present modification, the sheet-like member 212 is provided so that unintended scattering of the toner can be suppressed without increasing the rigidity of the toner containing portion 30 .

[0370] Here, we will refer to Figure 143 The structure of the above-mentioned sealing member 211 is described. Figure 143 1 and 2 are diagrams showing a structural example of a sealing member 211 in a modification of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 143 (a) is a side view of various parts around the gate member 34 observed along the Z axis, Figure 143 (b) is along Figure 143 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA. Figure 143 (b) is a cross section taken along a plane passing through the feed portion 34b of the shutter member 34. As described above, it is a flexible sealing member provided with a circular through hole 211a corresponding to the toner discharge port 34a and provided around the toner discharge port 34a (see FIG. Figure 27 and Figure 143 The sealing member 211 is provided at a position where the sealing member can slide on the discharge port seal contact surface 210a and the periphery of the communication port 206a in response to the opening and closing of the shutter member 34 when the colorant cartridge C1 is mounted or dismounted relative to the process cartridge B (see Figure 27 Therefore, if there is toner on the surface of the sealing member 211, there is a possibility that the toner may be released due to the opening direction side end portion 210a1 (see FIG. 2 ) located at the opening end of the discharge port seal contact surface 210a in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the shutter member 34. Figure 143 ), the toner on the surface of the sealing member 211 falls down.

[0371] The sealing member 211 also needs to be configured so that it is compressed when the toner cartridge C1 is mounted to the process cartridge B, thereby preventing toner leakage even in the presence of airflow caused by expansion and contraction of the pump unit 37 .

[0372] Therefore, it is desirable that the sealing member 211 of the present embodiment has high resilience and high surface sliding properties so that even if a rebound force is applied, the rotational movement of the shutter member 34 can be smoothly performed. Figure 143As shown in (b), the surface layer 211a of the sealing member 211 is formed by weaving 0.1 dtex ultrafine fibers using a composite yarn of polyester and nylon. This reduces the amount of toner present on the surface of the sealing member 211 while achieving high sliding properties. A buffer layer 211b is provided beneath the surface layer 211a, using polyurethane foam. When the shutter member 34 is open, the sealing member 211 with this buffer layer 211b allows the surface layer 211a to contact the periphery of the communication opening 206a of the receiving-side shutter member 206. Furthermore, when the shutter member 34 is closed, the surface layer 211a can contact the discharge port seal contact surface 210a of the shutter protection member 210. With this structure, the toner cartridge C1 according to this embodiment can prevent accidental toner leakage, regardless of whether the shutter member 34 is open or closed. Therefore, the amount of toner accumulated on the surface of the sealing member 211 can be reduced, and scattering of toner caused by the opening and closing operation of the shutter member 34 can be suppressed.

[0373] By adjusting the shape of the discharge port seal contact surface 210a, it is also possible to prevent toner from accidentally leaking from the toner cartridge C1 regardless of whether the shutter member 34 is open or closed. Figure 144 This modified example will be described in detail. As described above, the shutter member 34 is held in the closed state by the urging force of the coil spring 213. At this time, the toner outlet 34a remains facing the outlet seal contact surface 210a (i.e., in the Y1 direction). The amount of twisting of the coil spring 213 is greater when the toner outlet 34a faces the communication hole (206a) than when the toner outlet 34a faces the outlet seal contact surface (210a). Therefore, the urging force of the coil spring 213 is greater when the toner outlet 34a faces the communication hole 206a than when the toner outlet 34a faces the outlet seal contact surface 210a.

[0374] On the other hand, when the toner discharge port 34a faces the discharge port seal contact surface 210a, there is no need to discharge the toner. Therefore, if the pump unit 37 is not driven in this state, the compression amount of the sealing member 211 when it is pressed against the gate protection member 210 can be made smaller than the compression amount when the toner discharge port 34a is in fluid communication with the opening 216a and the communication port 206a. Therefore, in this modification, the shape of the discharge port seal contact surface 210a is optimized to ensure the sealing performance of the gate member 34 without increasing the load required when the toner cartridge C1 is installed in the process cartridge B. Figure 144 , this structure will be described in detail.

[0375] Figure 144This is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the discharge port seal contact surface 210a in the modified example of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and shows a cross-sectional view (XZ cross-section) of the toner cartridge C1 in this modified example during the process of being installed in the process cartridge B. Figure 143 It shows the distance from the surface (including the imaginary surface) of the shutter member 34 where the toner discharge port 34a is formed to the inner surface of the shutter protection member 210 or the receiving-side shutter member 206. Among them, the distance L1 is the distance to the opening-direction side end 210a1 of the discharge port seal contact surface 210a. In addition, the distance L2 is the distance to the closing-direction end of the periphery of the communication port 206a of the receiving-side shutter member 206 in the closing direction. In addition, by making the distance L1 and the distance L2 substantially the same (that is, L1 / L2 is almost equal to 1), sudden changes in the compression state (compression ratio) of the seal member 211 in response to the opening and closing operations of the shutter member 34 are prevented.

[0376] In addition, when the distance L3 is defined as the distance from the opening-direction side end 210a1 of the discharge port seal contact surface 210a to the discharge port seal contact surface 210a on the closing direction side, the size of the distance L3 varies according to the position. Specifically, in this modified example, with respect to the opening-direction side end 210a1 of the discharge port seal contact surface 210a, the closer to the opposite side end (opposite end) 210a2, the larger the distance L3. For example, when comparing the distance L31 at the position corresponding to the toner discharge port 34a with the distance L32 closer to the opposite end 210a2 than the toner discharge port 34a, L31 < L32 is satisfied. However, even in the region corresponding to the distance L3, in order to achieve stable toner discharge, it is desirable that the distance of the portion corresponding to the toner discharge port 34a is constant.

[0377] By adopting the above structure, considering the opening and closing state of the shutter member 34 (that is, the pushing force of the spiral spring 213), the spiral spring 213 can effectively push the shutter member 34 without increasing the compression state of the shutter seal member 211. In other words, even if the pushing force of the spiral spring 213 is weak, the shutter member 34 can open and close while preventing toner scattering, thereby reducing the load on the toner cartridge C1. In the above example, a structure has been described in which the distance L3 increases as it gets closer to the opposite side end 210a2 from the opening-direction side end 210a1 of the discharge port seal contact surface 210, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a structure in which the distance from the opening-direction side end 210a1 to the opposite side end 210a2 gradually increases with respect to L2 can be used. (Embodiment 2)

[0378] In Embodiment 1, the shutter member 34 is provided in the toner cartridge C. However, the shutter member 34 may be provided as a component separate from the toner cartridge C. Figure 44 and Figure 43 In this embodiment, the shutter member (toner feeding member) 2034 will be described. It includes an attachment mechanism that can be connected to the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C2 (described below). Components identical to those in Example 1 are given the same reference numerals and symbols as in Example 1. Furthermore, regarding the toner cartridge and the shutter member, components having the same functions and effects as in Example 1 are given the same names and similar part numbers and symbols. The following description will use an example in which the process cartridge B, with the shutter member 2034 attached, is installed in the printer body A, followed by the toner cartridge C2. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the shutter member 2034 may be installed in the process cartridge B after only the process cartridge B is installed in the printer body A. Alternatively, the process cartridge B, shutter member 2034, and toner cartridge C2 may be installed in the printer body A in a combined state.

[0379] Figure 43 : is a diagram showing an example of a toner feeding direction of the shutter member 2034 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 43 (a) is a side view of the gate member 2034, Figure 43 (b) is along Figure 43 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line S2a-S2a. Figure 44 : is a perspective view of the appearance of the gate member 2034 of embodiment 2 of the present invention, wherein: Figure 44 (a) is a perspective view from the perspective of observing the discharge port 2034a. Figure 44 (b) is a perspective view from a perspective of observing the sealing member 2070 .

[0380] like Figure 43 As shown in (b), the shutter member 2034 is a cylindrical member having a generally L-shaped through-hole. This through-hole comprises a first toner feed tube 2034b extending in a first feed direction CV1 and a second toner feed tube 2034p extending in a second feed direction CV2. The first feed direction CV1 is generally parallel to the axis G2 passing through the center of the first toner feed tube 2034b. Here, the first and second feed directions CV1 and CV2 represent the directions in which toner passes through the first and second toner feed tubes 2034b and 2034p, and are not uniquely defined directions. Therefore, in this embodiment, the direction along each toner feed tube from the toner cartridge C2 side toward the process cartridge B side is defined as the toner feed direction.

[0381] A toner inlet 2034g is provided at the end of the first toner feed pipe 2034b opposite to the first feed direction CV1, parallel to the axis G2. Furthermore, a toner outlet 2034a is provided at the end of the second toner feed pipe 2034p along the second feed direction CV2, perpendicular to the axis G2.

[0382] A flange portion 2034k having a larger diameter than the toner feed tube 2034b is coaxially provided on the toner inlet 2034g side of the shutter member 2034. A cylindrical flexible seal member 2070 is attached to the shutter member 2034 using an adhesive or the like, surrounding the toner inlet 2034g and located on the opposite side of the flange portion 2034k in the first feeding direction CV1. Furthermore, a flexible seal member 211 having a circular through-hole is attached to the toner discharge port 2034a side of the shutter member 2034 using an adhesive or the like.

[0383] like Figure 43 As shown in (a), the shutter member 2034 has a claw portion 2034n at one end portion in the first feeding direction CV1. This end portion is perpendicular to the central axis G1 of the first toner feed tube 2034b and the central axis G2 of the second toner feed tube 2034p. In this embodiment, the direction perpendicular to the axes G1 and G2 is substantially parallel to the vertical direction of the shutter member 2034. When the shutter member 2034 is viewed from a direction facing the toner discharge port 2034a along the axis G1, the claw portion 2034n protrudes in a direction away from the axis G2 and has a first engagement surface 2034r substantially perpendicular to the axis G2.

[0384] When the shutter member 2034 is viewed from a direction facing the toner discharge port 2034a along the axis G1, the shutter member 2034 is provided with an engaging portion 2034m that protrudes toward the side opposite to the claw portion 2034n with respect to the axis G2. The engaging portion 2034m is provided at its end portion in the first feeding direction CV1 with a first adhesive surface 2034s that is substantially perpendicular to the axis G2 and a second adhesive surface 2034t that is substantially parallel to the axis G2.

[0385] The shutter member 2034 is provided with a protrusion 2034u that protrudes in the second toner feeding direction CV2 from the surface provided with the toner discharge port 2034a. The protrusion 2034u is provided between the toner discharge port 2034a and the flange portion 2034k in a direction substantially parallel to the axis G2 and is provided on the opposite side of the toner discharge port 2034a in the first feeding direction CV1.

[0386] In addition, if Figure 44As shown in (b), a first inclined surface 2034v is provided at the end of the toner discharge port 2034a in the direction opposite to the second feeding direction CV2. The first inclined surface 2034v is inclined relative to the axis G2 and is inclined so as to approach the axis G2 along the first feeding direction CV1. The operation of each component of the shutter member 2034 will be described in detail later.

[0387] Next, we will refer to Figure 45 and Figure 46 The process cartridge B is described. Figure 45 10 is a partial side view of an attachment portion where the shutter member 2034 and the process cartridge B are attached according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 46 1 and 2 are views showing an operation example of the shutter member 2034 in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 46 (a) to Figure 46 (i) shows the Figure 45 The cross-sectional views taken along the lines S2c-S2c and S2d-S2d are shown in FIG. Figure 46 (a) to Figure 46 The order of (i) is arranged in time series. Here, Figure 46 (a) Figure 46 (d) and Figure 46 (g) shows the S2b-S2b cross-sectional view, Figure 46 (b) Figure 46 (e) and Figure 46 (h) shows the S2c-S2c cross-sectional view, Figure 46 (c) Figure 46 (f) and Figure 46 (i) shows the S2d-S2d cross-sectional view. Figure 46 (a) Figure 46 (b) and Figure 46 (c) is a sectional view of the process cartridge B before the shutter member 2034 is mounted. Figure 46 (d) Figure 46 (e) and Figure 46 (f) is a sectional view of the process cartridge B during installation of the shutter member 2034 (before installation is completed). Figure 46 (g), Figure 46 (h) and Figure 46 (i) is a sectional view of the process cartridge B after the shutter member 2034 is mounted.

[0388] like Figure 46 As shown in (b), similar to embodiment 1, the processing box B is provided with a receiving shutter member 206 and a bracket 21. At the end of the receiving shutter member 206 in the direction opposite to the mounting direction D, a second engaging surface 206c perpendicular to the mounting direction D is provided. Figure 46As shown in (b), in the direction facing the mounting direction D, a second inclined surface 153u inclined relative to the mounting direction D is provided in the toner receiving chamber 153. The second inclined surface 153u is inclined upward along the mounting direction D of the shutter member 2034 to the process cartridge B.

[0389] In addition, if Figure 46 As shown in (b), the third engaging surface 21h is provided on the upper rear side of the bracket 21 along the mounting direction D, wherein the third engaging surface 21h extends downward (X2 direction), is perpendicular to the mounting direction D, and faces in a direction opposite to the mounting direction D.

[0390] like Figure 46 (d) Figure 46 (e) and Figure 46 As shown in FIG. 5( f ), the shutter member 2034 is moved in the mounting direction D and mounted on the process cartridge B. Here, when the shutter member 2034 is in the process of being mounted on the process cartridge B (before the mounting is completed), the axis G2 of the shutter member 2034 is inclined relative to the mounting direction D.

[0391] like Figure 46 As shown in (d), when the shutter member 2034 moves (is inserted) relative to the process cartridge B in the mounting direction D, the projection 2034u contacts the second engagement surface 206c of the receiving shutter member 206. By this action, the shutter member 2034 and the receiving shutter member 206 move together.

[0392] In addition, if Figure 46 As shown in (e), the first inclined surface 2034v of the shutter member 2034 abuts against the second inclined surface 153u of the process cartridge B, so that the shutter member 2034 rotates in the rotation direction K perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (the direction of the arrow Z1). Figure 46 The longitudinal direction (Z1 direction) in (e) is a direction perpendicular to the drawing, and the shutter member 2034 can rotate in the direction of arrow K around a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0393] like Figure 46 (g), Figure 46 (h) and Figure 46 As shown in (i), when the shutter member 2034 is further pushed in the installation direction D, the installation of the shutter member 2034 to the process cartridge B is completed. Figure 46As shown in (h), the first adhesive surface 2034s and the second adhesive surface 2034t of the shutter member 2034 are in contact with the colorant receiving chamber 153 and are fixed thereto with adhesive tape or the like. The adhesive tape may be attached to each adhesive surface on the shutter member 2034 side, or may be attached to the toner receiving chamber 153 side. Alternatively, an adhesive gel or the like may be used as an intermediate material instead of the adhesive tape to fix the shutter member 2034 and the toner receiving chamber 153 together. In addition, magnets or the like may be provided on each contact surface and the corresponding portion of the process cartridge B that contacts the contact surface, and the shutter member 2034 and the process cartridge B may be fixed together by magnetic attraction.

[0394] In addition, Figure 46 In the state shown in (h), the shutter member 2034 rotates in the rotation direction K, and the first engagement surface 2034r of the claw portion 2034n contacts the third engagement surface 21h of the bracket 21. Figure 47 As shown, the installation of the shutter member 2034 to the processing box B is completed. Figure 47 20 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the shutter member 2034 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is mounted to the process cartridge B.

[0395] By adopting the above structure, the shutter member 2034 of this embodiment can be maintained in the installed state in the process cartridge B. More specifically, by the compression spring 217 (see Figure 34 ), the shutter member 2034 receives an urging force from the receiving shutter member 206 in the direction opposite to the mounting direction D. The claw portion 2034n engages with the process cartridge B against the urging force, and the process cartridge B adheres to the first adhesive surface 2034s and the second adhesive surface 2034t, thereby maintaining the shutter member 2034 in a mounted state mounted to the process cartridge B.

[0396] Next, description will be made of the toner cartridge C2 to which the shutter member 2034 can be connected. Here, with respect to the toner cartridge C2 in this embodiment, description of the same structure as that of the toner cartridge C in the above-described embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0397] Figure 48 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 49 1 is a sectional view taken along the axis G2 in a state where the toner cartridge C2 and the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention have been mounted.

[0398] like Figure 48 and Figure 49As shown, the toner container 2030 is provided with a cylindrical toner supply port 2030d that protrudes in the installation direction D (i.e., toward the process cartridge P). A toner seal 2080 is provided between the toner supply port 2030d and the toner storage chamber 2030a. The toner seal 2080 is configured so that when the toner cartridge C2 receives driving force from the printer body A, it is pulled open and the toner supply port 2030d communicates with the toner storage chamber 2030a.

[0399] like Figure 49 As shown in FIG. 2 , when the toner cartridge C2 is mounted on the process cartridge B, the sealing member 2070 is compressed in the mounting direction D. In this state, the toner supply port 2030 d enters the interior of the cylindrical portion of the sealing member 2070 and faces the toner inlet 2034 g. When the toner is discharged from the toner supply port 2030 d, the gap between the toner cartridge C2 and the shutter member 2034 is sealed by the sealing member 2070, and the toner is supplied to the process cartridge B via the shutter member 2034.

[0400] As described above, by employing shutter member 2034, toner can be supplied from toner cartridge C2 to process cartridge B via a toner feed member (shutter member 2034) separate from toner cartridge C2. This structure eliminates the need to replace shutter member 2034, which feeds and discharges toner toward process cartridge B, when replacing the toner cartridge after it has run out of toner. Furthermore, with this structure, only toner cartridge C2 can be replaced while process cartridge B includes shutter member 2034 already installed. Therefore, when replacing toner cartridge C2, the durability of process cartridge B is not degraded, as there is no need for coordinated operation with toner cartridge C2.

[0401] In the above example, the shutter member 2034 is mounted while rotating in the rotation direction K. Alternatively, similar to Example 1, when the shutter member is mounted relative to the process cartridge B in the mounting direction D, the shutter member may be configured to rotate about the axis G2. Below, as an example different from the above-described shutter member 2034, an example will be described in which the toner feed member is (indirectly) mounted to the process cartridge B via an accessory separate from the toner feed member. In other words, a structure will be described in which the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C2 are connected via the toner feed member, an auxiliary mounting member, and two separate accessories. Details will be explained below.

[0402] Figure 50 This is a diagram of an example of attachment 2071 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 50 (a) Figure 50 (b) and Figure 50 (c) is a perspective view of the external appearance of the accessory 2071 as viewed from different directions.

[0403] like Figure 50 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the attachment 2071 is an auxiliary mounting member for assisting the mounting of a shutter member 2072 (described later) to the process cartridge B. The shutter member 2072 is mounted to the attachment 2071 in a state where the attachment 2071 is mounted to the process cartridge B. Therefore, the operation of aligning the shutter member 2071 relative to the process cartridge B can be eliminated.

[0404] The attachment 2071 is partially plate-shaped and has a first through-hole 2071a located in the center. Through-hole 2071a is formed by combining a semicircular portion 2071b and a rectangular hole 2071c. A cutout 2071u is provided at the bottom (in the Y2 direction) of through-hole 2071a, continuing from semicircular portion 2071b.

[0405] like Figure 50 As shown in (c), the surface of the attachment 2071 facing the first feed direction CV1 (i.e., the X2 direction) is provided with a semicircular recess 2071s, the center of which is located at the center of the semicircular portion 2071b. A flat portion 2071t is provided at one end of the semicircular edge portion forming the semicircular recess 2071s.

[0406] A rectangular through hole (second through hole) 2071d having a short side extending in the Z1 direction is provided on the second feed direction CV2 side (i.e., the Z1 direction) of the attachment 2071. The through hole 2071d is provided with a first rib 2071e and a second rib 2071f formed to extend toward the inside of the through hole 2071d in the Z1 direction. Figure 50 As shown in (a), a fourth joint surface 2071 g having a thickness in the X1-X2 direction and a flat plate shape parallel to the YZ plane is provided in the through hole 2071 d.

[0407] like Figure 50 As shown in (b), in the attachment 2071, a plate-shaped portion 2071h extending in the X2 direction is provided on the side of the through-hole 2071a opposite the through-hole 2071d. Furthermore, a protrusion 2071n is provided, projecting from the plate-shaped portion 2071h in the Z2 direction. Furthermore, a surface 2071p is provided, extending in the X2 direction, from the protrusion 2071n. Furthermore, similar to the plate-shaped portion 2071h, the attachment 2071 is provided with a claw portion 2071k extending in the X2 direction.

[0408] Next, refer to Figure 51 , the method of installing accessory 2071 to processing box B will be described. Figure 51 2 is a diagram showing an example of operation when the accessory 2071 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is mounted on the process cartridge B. Figure 51 (a) and Figure 51 (d) are detailed side views of the process cartridge B before and after attachment 2071 is installed, respectively. Figure 51 (b) and Figure 51 The (e) is along Figure 51 (a) and Figure 51 (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line S2e-S2e. Figure 51 (c) and Figure 51 (f) is along Figure 51 (a) and Figure 51 (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line S2f-S2f.

[0409] like Figure 51 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , similarly to Embodiment 1, the process cartridge B is provided with a holder 21 , a toner flow path member 214 , and a receiving shutter member 206 .

[0410] like Figure 51 As shown in (b), the receiving gate member 206 compresses the spring 217 (see Figure 34 ) is pressed in the direction opposite to the mounting direction D and comes into contact with the restriction portion 214c1 of the toner flow path member 214.

[0411] like Figure 51 As shown in (c), the bracket 21 is provided with a guide surface 21e and a recess 21j recessed upward in the guide surface. In addition, a protrusion 21k is provided to protrude upward beyond the guide surface 21e of the bracket 21 toward the mounting direction D side.

[0412] like Figure 51 As shown in (d), when the accessory 2071 is mounted on the processing box B, the rail member 214c of the colorant flow path member 214 fits into the space defined by the through hole 2071d and the two rib-shaped portions 2071e and 2071f of the accessory 2071. At this time, the accessory 2071 contacts the receiving shutter member 206 and moves integrally therewith in the mounting direction D. As the accessory 2071 further moves in the mounting direction D, the restricting portion 214c1 of the colorant flow path member 214 is deformed and moves over the fourth engaging surface 2071g. With this structure, due to the urging force of the compression spring 217, the fourth engaging surface 2071g of the accessory 2071 abuts against the restricting portion 214c1 of the colorant flow path member 214 in the mounting direction D. At this time, the supply port 21c on the processing box B side and the communication port 206a of the receiving shutter member 206 are in fluid communication with each other. In addition, at this time, as shown Figure 51As shown in (f), the claw 2071k provided on the attachment 2071 deforms in the Y2 direction and enters the recess 21j of the holder 21, thereby pressing the attachment 2071 downward (in the Y2 direction). The protrusion 2071n of the attachment 2071 abuts against the protrusion 21k of the holder 21 in the X2 direction (i.e., the mounting direction D). Furthermore, the surface 2071p abuts against the protrusion 21k in the Y1 direction. In other words, the attachment 2071 is mounted on the process cartridge B such that the holder 21 is sandwiched between the claw 2071k and the surface 2071p in both the Y1 and Y2 directions (the vertical direction).

[0413] Next, the shutter member 2072 will be described. Figure 52 This is a structural example diagram of the gate component 2072 of Example 2 of the present invention. Figure 52 (a) is a side view of the gate member 2072, Figure 52 (b) is along Figure 51 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line S2h-S2h. Figure 52 (c) is a perspective view of the appearance of the shutter member 2072 .

[0414] like Figure 52 As shown, the shutter member 2072 includes a cylindrical portion and a toner feed pipe 2072b extending along a first feed direction CV1. Furthermore, a free end portion 2072s is provided at the free end on the first feed direction CV1 side. A toner discharge port 2072a is provided on the free end portion 2072s side of the shutter member 2072, in a direction perpendicular to the axis G2. In other words, the opening of the toner discharge port 2072a faces a direction perpendicular to the axis G2. The direction in which toner is discharged from the toner discharge port 2072a is illustrated in the figure as discharge direction E. Furthermore, a toner receiving port 2072m, which is an opening centered on the axis G2, is provided at the end of the shutter member 2072 opposite the bottom portion 2072s, in a direction parallel to the axis G2.

[0415] Furthermore, a flange portion 2072k having a diameter greater than that of the toner feed pipe 2072b is provided around the axis G2 to surround the toner receiving port 2072m. A cylindrical sealing member 2070 is attached to the flange portion 2072k on the upstream side of the first feeding direction CV1. A contact portion 2073, which contacts the attachment 2071, is attached to the side of the shutter member 2072 where the toner discharge port 2072a is provided. The contact portion 2073 is a rectangular toner discharge member having a through-hole 2073a and surrounding the toner discharge port 2072a. In this embodiment, a flexible member such as a sponge is used as an example.

[0416] A first protrusion 2072t and a second protrusion 2072u are provided between the toner discharge port 2072a and the flange portion 2072k in the direction of the axis G2 of the shutter member 2072. The first protrusion 2072t is provided to extend from the toner feed pipe 2072b toward the side where the contact portion 2073 is provided, and the second protrusion 2072u is provided to extend in the opposite direction.

[0417] Here, refer to Figure 53 , a method of mounting the shutter member 2072 to the processing box B to which the attachment 2071 has been mounted will be described. Figure 53 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating an example of the mounting operation of the shutter member 2072 to the process cartridge B according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 53 (a) shows a state before the shutter member 2072 is mounted to the process cartridge B. Figure 53 (b) shows a state in which the shutter member 2072 is in the process of being mounted to the process cartridge B. Figure 53 (c) shows the state after the shutter member 2072 has been completely mounted to the process cartridge B. Figure 53 (d) Figure 53 (e) and Figure 53 The (f) are respectively along Figure 53 (a) Figure 53 (b) and Figure 53 (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line S2g-S2g. Figure 53 (a) Figure 53 (b) and Figure 53 (c) shows the process box B viewed from the installation direction D (ie, X2 direction), wherein the direction toward the back of the drawing is the X2 direction (ie, installation direction D), and the opposite direction is the X1 direction.

[0418] With the toner discharge port 2072a facing upward (Y1 direction), the shutter member 2072 is inserted into the through hole 2071a of the attachment 2071 along the mounting direction D (X2 direction). At this time, the second protrusion 2072u of the shutter member 2072 is inserted into the through hole 2071u of the attachment 2071. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 53 As shown in (e), the flange portion 2072 k is in contact with the attachment 2071 .

[0419] Thereafter, while the contact portion 2073 is deformed, the shutter member 2072 rotates in the direction of the arrow H, and as shown in FIG. Figure 53As shown in (f), the installation of the processing box B side is completed. At this time, the recessed portion 2071s of the attachment 2071 is sandwiched between the first protrusion 2072t and the second protrusion 2072u of the shutter member 2072 and the flange portion 2072k, and is in a slightly pressed state. In addition, by rotating the shutter member 2072 in the direction of arrow H, the first protrusion 2072t contacts the flat portion 2071t of the attachment 2071, and the rotation stops in this state. At this time, as shown in FIG. Figure 53 As shown in FIG. 2( f ), the toner discharge port 2072 a of the shutter member 2072 is positioned to face the toner supply port 21 c . The shutter member 2072 is attached to the process cartridge B via the attachment 2071 .

[0420] The order in which the shutter member 2072 and the accessory 2071 are installed is not limited to the order described above. For example, the shutter member 2072 can be installed on the process cartridge B after the accessory 2071 is installed on the shutter member 2072. The timing of installing the process cartridge B into the printer body A does not depend on whether the accessory 2071 or the shutter member 2072 is installed. The above describes the installation of the toner feed member into the process cartridge B in this embodiment. The toner cartridge C is installed onto the process cartridge B already having the shutter member 2072 installed. However, the structure thereof is the same as when the shutter member 2034 is used, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0421] In the above example, attachment 2071 is used as an example of a structure in which a shutter member, separate from the toner cartridge, is mounted to the process cartridge B while rotating about axis G2. However, the shutter member according to this embodiment can be configured so that the shutter member itself can be mounted to the process cartridge B while rotating about axis G2 without using attachment 2071. In this case, the shape of the shutter member's end in the X2 direction (mounting direction D) is the same as that of the shutter member 34 in Example 1, and the shape of the shutter member's end in the X1 direction (the side connected to the toner cartridge) is the same as that of the shutter member 2034. In other words, as long as the shape of the shutter member (toner feed member) is the same as that of Example 1 and the shutter member serves as an attachment separate from the toner cartridge, it can be mounted to the toner cartridge and / or process cartridge. In this case, the protrusion on the toner cartridge side is configured to be inserted into the interior of the sealing member that constitutes the cylindrical portion of the shutter member (toner feed tube, etc.).

[0422] Furthermore, in the above example, when connecting the shutter member and the toner cartridge, a structure has been described in which the toner cartridge side has a protruding shape, and the shutter member side receives the protruding portion. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the structure may also be such that the protruding portion on the shutter member side is inserted into the sealing member on the cylindrical portion (such as the toner feed tube) on the toner cartridge side. Although the sealing member is described as cylindrical, it can be any shape (e.g., rectangular) to accommodate the protruding portion. In the above example, a structure has been described in which the protruding portions of the shutter member and the toner cartridge enter the sealing member, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. In any case, as long as the gap between the shutter member and the toner cartridge is sealed, any structure can be used as the sealing member. (Example 3)

[0423] The shutter member (toner feeding member) described in Example 2 is formed of a resin material such as ABS resin by resin molding, for example, and is conceived as a member having high rigidity. In contrast, this embodiment adopts a toner feeding member made of a flexible material such as rubber, and will refer to Figures 54-58 The same reference numerals and symbols as those in Embodiment 1 will be used to describe the same components as those in Embodiment 1. Regarding the toner cartridge side and the shutter member, components having the same functions and effects as those in Embodiment 1 are given the same names and the same part numbers and symbols.

[0424] Figure 54 30 is a diagram showing an example of a toner feeding attachment 3034 forming a part of a toner feeding member according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 54 (a) is a perspective view of the toner feeding attachment 3034. Figure 54 (b) is a side view of the toner feeding accessory 3034, Figure 54 (c) is along Figure 54 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line S3a-S3a. Figure 55 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a process cartridge B according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 56 is a sectional view taken along the XZ plane passing through the center of the through hole 3034k when the toner feeding accessory 3034 is mounted on the process cartridge B, showing the Figure 55 A cross-sectional view taken along line S3b-S3b shown in FIG.

[0425] like Figure 54 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the toner feeding attachment 3034 is a toner feeding member in a substantially rectangular block shape, at least a portion of which is formed of a flexible material. Figure 54As shown in (c), the toner feeding attachment 3034 has a curved toner feeding passage. In this embodiment, it is provided with L-shaped through-holes 3034k that are substantially perpendicular to each other. One of the exposed portions (openings) of the through-holes 3034k, which are exposed to the outside of the toner feeding attachment 3034, is a toner receiving port 3034k1, and the other is a toner discharge port 3034k2. The shape of the toner feeding passage is not limited to an L-shape; any shape can be used as long as the internal curvature does not impede the flow of toner. Furthermore, the toner receiving port 3034k1 and the toner discharge port 3034k2 can be shaped other than circular (e.g., polygonal).

[0426] The above-mentioned toner feeding accessory 3034 is mounted on the process cartridge B in a posture in which the opening direction of the toner receiving port 3034k1 faces the X1 direction and the opening direction of the toner discharge port 3034k2 faces the Z2 direction. In other words, when the toner feeding accessory 3034 is mounted on the process cartridge B, of the two toner feeding paths constituting the through hole 3034k, the toner feeding path passing through the toner receiving port 3034k1 is approximately parallel to the X1 direction. In addition, the toner feeding path passing through the toner discharge port 3034k2 is approximately parallel to the Z2 direction. Figure 55 As shown, the colorant feeding accessory 3034 is configured to be mountable to the processing box B along the mounting direction D.

[0427] like Figure 56 As shown, the toner feeding accessory 3034 is inserted into a gap formed between the guide surface 21 e provided on the holder 21 of the process cartridge B and the receiving-side shutter member 206 while at least a portion thereof is elastically deformed. The toner feeding accessory 3034 is attached to the process cartridge B by pressure when inserted into the above-mentioned gap or by separate adhesion.

[0428] When the toner feeding accessory 3034 is inserted into the process cartridge B in the mounting direction D, the resilient force and frictional force generated by the elastic deformation of the toner feeding accessory 3034 are applied to the receiving-side shutter member 206 against the urging force of the compression spring 217. Then, the toner feeding accessory 3034 is pushed into the process cartridge B in the X1 direction until the end of the guide surface 21e and the toner receiving port 3034k1 are roughly aligned, thereby completing the mounting of the toner feeding accessory 3034.

[0429] When the toner feeding attachment 3034 is mounted on the process cartridge B, the toner discharge port 3034k2 communicates with the communication port 206a of the receiving-side shutter member 206 and the supply port 21a of the holder 21. In this state, in this embodiment, toner can be supplied from the toner cartridge C3 to the process cartridge B.

[0430] Next, an operation of mounting the toner cartridge C3 on the toner feeding accessory 3034 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 57 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C3 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 58 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of mounting the toner feeding accessory 3034 to the toner cartridge C3 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 58 (a) is a partial side view of the process cartridge B with the toner feeding accessory 3034 mounted thereon, facing the toner receiving port 3034k1. Figure 58 (b) is a sectional view taken along line S3c-S3c, showing the toner cartridge C3 being installed in the Figure 58 (a) shows the state of the process cartridge B during the process. Figure 58 (c) is a sectional view taken along line S3c-S3c, showing the toner cartridge C3 having been installed in the Figure 58 (a) shows the state of the process cartridge B.

[0431] like Figure 57 As shown, the toner container 3030 is provided with a toner supply portion 3030e for supplying toner to the process cartridge B via the toner feeding accessory 3034. The toner supply portion 3030e has a hollow cylindrical shape that protrudes in the installation direction D (i.e., the X2 direction) and communicates with the toner container 3030. A toner supply port 3030d is provided at the free end of the toner supply portion 3030e that protrudes in the installation direction D. The toner supply portion 3030e can have a shape other than a cylinder, as long as the interior is hollow and suitable for supplying toner and the shape fits into the toner receiving port 3034k1 of the toner feeding accessory 3034. For example, the toner supply portion 3030e can be shaped like a polygonal prism with a rectangular cross-section.

[0432] As in Embodiment 2, a toner seal (not shown) is provided between the toner supply portion 3030e and the toner storage portion 3030. When the toner cartridge C3 receives a driving force from the printer body A to which the process cartridge B is mounted, the toner seal is pulled open, allowing the toner supply port 3030d and the toner storage portion 3030 to communicate with each other.

[0433] like Figure 58As shown in (b), when the toner cartridge C3 is mounted on the process cartridge B side, the toner supply portion 3030e is inserted into the toner receiving port 3034k1 along the mounting direction D. At this time, the toner supply portion 3030e is inserted while expanding the toner receiving port 3034k1 and the through hole 3034k. Then, when the mounting of the toner cartridge C3 on the process cartridge B side is completed, the toner can be delivered to the communication port 206a (and the replenishing port 21a) through the toner supply port 3030d via the toner feeding attachment 3034, as shown in FIG. Figure 58 In this state, the outer wall of the toner supply portion 3030e is in pressure contact with the inner wall of the through hole 3034k, thereby preventing toner from leaking between the toner cartridge and the toner feeding accessory 3034.

[0434] With the above structure, the toner feeding attachment 3034 as the toner feeding member is a component separate from the toner cartridge C3, and the structure of the frequently replaced toner cartridge can be simplified while making the toner cartridge smaller (compared to Embodiment 1).

[0435] Furthermore, the toner feeding attachment 3034 of this embodiment is flexible, so it can be connected to the supply port of the process cartridge B or the toner supply portion of the toner cartridge C3 while being elastically deformed. Therefore, even if the design tolerance of the toner feeding attachment 3034 according to this embodiment is degraded, the degraded effect on the toner feeding is minimal, and the cost of manufacturing the toner feeding attachment 3034 can be reduced.

[0436] The toner feeding accessory 3034 according to the present embodiment can be mounted to the process cartridge B before or after the process cartridge B is mounted to the printer body A. Alternatively, the structure may be configured such that the toner cartridge C3 is mounted without the toner feeding accessory 3034 being completely mounted to the process cartridge B, thereby completing the attachment of the toner feeding accessory 3034 to the process cartridge B.

[0437] In this embodiment, the toner feeding accessory 3034 is constructed to be flexible, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the portion of the process cartridge B or the toner cartridge C3 that is connected to the toner feeding accessory can be flexible. For example, if the receiving side shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B side or the toner supply portion 3030e of the toner cartridge C3 is constructed to be flexible, the same effect as the above-mentioned structure can be achieved through the elastic deformation of these flexible members. For example, a structure can be considered in which a flexible cylindrical seal is provided to surround the openings of the toner receiving port 3034k1 and the toner discharge port 3034k2. Alternatively, the toner supply portion 3030e of the toner cartridge C3 can be made of a flexible material and inserted into the toner receiving port 3034k1. As described above, when a structure is adopted in which a member other than the toner feeding attachment 3034 has flexibility, it is preferable that the rigidity of the portion around the relevant toner receiving port 3034k1 and / or toner discharge port 3034k2 is high. (Example 4)

[0438] For example, the shutter member (toner feeding member) described in Embodiment 2 may be configured so that the toner feeding tube is inserted into the receiving-side shutter member 206 on the process cartridge B side. Figures 59-63 , the structure of this embodiment will be described, in which an L-shaped toner feed pipe 4034 is used as a toner feeding member. The same components as in Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals and symbols as in Embodiment 1. In addition, with respect to the toner cartridge side and the toner feeding member, components having the same functions and effects as in Embodiment 1 are given the same names and the same reference numerals and symbols.

[0439] Figure 59 4 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a toner feeding pipe 4034 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 59 (a) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the toner feeding tube 4034 . Figure 59 (b) shows a side view of the toner feeding tube 4034 . Figure 59 (c) is along Figure 59 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the toner feeding tube 4034 taken along line S4a-S4a.

[0440] like Figure 59 (a) and Figure 59As shown in (c), the toner feed pipe 4034 includes a first toner feed pipe 4034b extending in a direction substantially parallel to the X1 direction and a second toner feed pipe 4034p extending in a direction substantially parallel to the Z2 direction. The first toner feed pipe 4034b and the second toner feed pipe 4034p are continuously formed, with a toner receiving port 4034g provided at the end of the first toner feed pipe 4034b and a toner discharge port 4034a provided at the end of the second toner feed pipe 4034p. Furthermore, the toner feed pipe 4034 in this embodiment is flexible, allowing the relative position of the toner discharge port 4034a relative to the toner receiving port 4034g to be changed. In other words, the toner feed pipe 4034 according to this embodiment can be bent in the middle. In this embodiment, the toner feed pipe 4034 will be described based on its connection to the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C4 according to this embodiment.

[0441] Next, we will refer to Figure 60 and Figure 61 A method of mounting the toner feed pipe 4034 on the process cartridge B will be described. Figure 60 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of the toner feeding pipe 4034 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 60 (a) is a side view of the process cartridge B viewed from the direction X2 when the toner feed tube 4034 is not mounted. Figure 60 (d) is a side view of the process cartridge B viewed in the X2 direction in a state ready for mounting the toner feed tube 4034 . Figure 60 (g) is a side view of the process box B with the toner feed pipe 4034 installed, viewed along the X2 direction. That is, Figure 60 (a) Figure 60 (d) and Figure 60 (g) shows the time sequence of mounting the toner feed pipe 4034 to the process cartridge B. Figure 60 (b) Figure 60 (e) and Figure 60 The (h) are respectively along Figure 60 (a) Figure 60 (d) and Figure 60 (g) is a cross-sectional view of the S4b-S4b section. Figure 60 (c) Figure 60 (f) and Figure 60 The (i) are respectively along Figure 60 (a) Figure 60 (d) and Figure 60 (g) is a cross-sectional view taken along line S4c-S4c. Figure 61 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a process cartridge B to which a toner feed tube 4034 is mounted according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0442] like Figure 60 As shown in (c), since the receiving-side shutter member 206 is movable, the communication port 206a and the supply port 21c of the process cartridge B are arranged at different positions in the YZ plane. With this structure, the supply port 21c is closed by the receiving-side shutter member 206, thereby blocking the toner in the process cartridge B and preventing it from leaking to the outside.

[0443] In this embodiment, the operator causes the receiving-side shutter member 206 to resist the compression spring 217 (see FIG. Figure 34 ) is pushed along the installation direction D (X2 direction), thereby moving the communication port 206a to a position facing the supply port 21c. Figure 60 (d) Figure 60 (e) and Figure 60 As shown in (f), the state in which the toner feed pipe 4034 is ready to be installed in the process box B is shown. Starting from the completed installation preparation state, the operator further inserts the toner discharge port 4034a of the toner feed pipe 4034 into the communication port 206a and the supply port 21c. Figure 60 (g), Figure 60 (h) and Figure 60 (i) shows a state where the toner feed pipe 4034 is completely mounted on the process cartridge B.

[0444] like Figure 60 As shown in (g), when the toner feed pipe 4034 is inserted into the supply port 21c as the fixed portion, the toner feed pipe 4034 is also inserted into the communication port 206c, thereby restricting the movement of the receiving-side shutter member 206. In this state, the toner feed pipe 4034 is clamped by the receiving-side shutter member 206 while being inserted into the supply port 21c, and the toner feed pipe 4034 is maintained in the mounted state to the process cartridge B. More specifically, in Figure 60 In the state shown in (g), in the XY plane, an urging force acts from the receiving-side shutter member 206 on the side surface of the toner feeding tube 4034 in the closing direction of the receiving-side shutter member 206 .

[0445] like Figure 61 As shown, when the toner feeding pipe 4034 is mounted to the process cartridge B, the toner receiving port 4034g of the toner feeding pipe 4034 faces the direction opposite to the mounting direction D (ie, the X1 direction).

[0446] Next, a method of mounting the toner cartridge C4 according to the present embodiment to the process cartridge B will be described. Figure 62 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C4 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 62As shown, the toner containing portion 4030 is provided with a toner supply port 4030d, and a circular sealing member 4070 is attached to the cylindrical interior of the toner supply port 4030d by adhesive, etc. The shape of the toner supply port 4030d may be a shape other than a cylindrical shape, and may adopt any shape as long as the toner receiving port 4034g of the toner feeding pipe 4034 can be connected thereto.

[0447] Sealing member 4070 is a flexible valve having a cross-shaped slit at the center of a circular portion. Sealing member 4070 can prevent toner from leaking through toner supply port 4030d. The material of sealing member 4070 is preferably polyurethane rubber, and the thickness is preferably 1 to 3 mm. Regarding the structure of sealing member 4070, for example, a flexible, movable valve may be used instead of the cross-shaped slit, as long as sealing performance is ensured.

[0448] Figure 63 4 is a diagram showing an example in which the toner cartridge C4 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is mounted to the process cartridge B via the toner feed pipe 4034. Figure 63 (a) is a partial side view of the process cartridge B and the toner feed pipe 4034 to which the toner cartridge C4 is not yet mounted, as viewed from the X2 direction. Figure 63 (b) is along Figure 63 (a) is a sectional view of the process cartridge B taken along line S4d-S4d in a state where the toner cartridge C4 is mounted.

[0449] like Figure 63 As shown in (b), one end (toner receiving port 4034g side) of the toner feed pipe 4034 mounted on the process cartridge B is inserted into the cylindrical shape of the sealing member 4070 of the toner cartridge C4. At this time, the toner feed pipe 4034 is inserted by pushing open the cross slit of the sealing member 4070 to seal the gap between the outer periphery of the toner feed pipe 4034 and the sealing member 4070, thereby preventing toner leakage. The toner receiving port 4034g of the toner feed pipe 4034 enters the interior of the toner cartridge C4 and abuts against a contact surface (not shown). Figure 63 In the state shown in (b), toner can be fed from the toner cartridge C4 to the process cartridge B side via the toner feeding pipe 4034 .

[0450] With this structure, the toner feed tube 4034, which serves as a toner feeding member, is a separate component from the toner cartridge C4. This allows the toner cartridge to be made smaller (compared to Example 1) while simplifying the structure of the frequently replaced toner cartridge. Furthermore, by employing a flexible toner feed tube 4034, the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C4 can be easily connected via the toner feed tube 4034. This increases the degree of freedom in designing the toner feeding-related components of the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C4 according to this embodiment.

[0451] Although the above description is directed to the case where the toner cartridge C4 is connected to the process cartridge B in the state where the toner feed pipe 4034 is already mounted on the process cartridge B, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the toner receiving port 4034g of the toner feed pipe 4034 may be connected to the sealing member 4070 of the toner cartridge C4, and then the toner discharge port 4034a may be connected to the process cartridge B side.

[0452] Furthermore, although the toner feed tube 4034 is described as being flexible, the shape of the toner feed tube 4034 may be as follows: Figure 59 In this case, the movement of the receiving-side shutter member 206 on the process cartridge B side may be configured to be manually performed by an operator as described above, or may be configured to be semi-automatically performed by the toner discharge port 4034a acting on the receiving-side shutter member 206. (Example 5)

[0453] Reference Figure 64 In addition to the structure of the above-described embodiment 1, the structure of this embodiment for effectively preventing toner leakage will be described. Furthermore, the same reference numerals and symbols as in embodiment 1 will be used to describe the same components as in embodiment 1. Furthermore, with respect to the shutter member (toner feeding member), members having the same functions and effects as in embodiment 1 are given the same names and the same reference numerals and symbols.

[0454] Figure 64 : is a view showing an example of the structure of the shutter member 5034 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Figure 64 As shown, the shutter member 5034 according to this embodiment is provided with a filter 5070 at the opening of the toner discharge port 5034a. The filter 5070 has a gap large enough to allow the toner to pass through. For example, the filter 5070 is made of a material such as polyurethane foam having open cells inside.

[0455] Therefore, when the pump unit 37 provided in the toner cartridge C is driven, the shutter member 5034 in this embodiment can feed an appropriate amount of toner to the process cartridge B side by the airflow caused by the change in air pressure. On the other hand, when the pump unit 37 is not driven, the amount of toner leaking from the toner discharge port 5034a can be reduced. In other words, the amount of toner discharged through the filter 5070 when the pump unit 37 is driven is greater than when the pump unit 37 is not driven.

[0456] With the above-described structure, the shutter member 5034 in this embodiment can reduce the amount of toner leakage when, for example, the printer body A is in a non-operating state or when the toner cartridge is subjected to external impact.

[0457] The filter 5070 may be attached to the end portion of the shutter member 5034 where the toner discharge port 5034 a is formed, or may be sealed within the toner discharge port 5034 a . (Example 6)

[0458] In the above-described embodiment 1, it has been described that the shutter member 34 is L-shaped and the feeding portion 34b is capable of feeding toner in the first toner feeding direction CV1 and the second toner feeding direction CV2 perpendicular to each other with respect to the toner discharge direction E. In contrast, in the case where the shutter member 34 is L-shaped, the feeding portion 34b is capable of feeding toner in the first toner feeding direction CV1 and the second toner feeding direction CV2 perpendicular to each other with respect to the toner discharge direction E. Figures 65 to 67 In the present embodiment described, the toner feeding member for feeding toner from the toner cartridge C6 to the process cartridge B is formed of a plurality of members having different toner feeding directions. The same reference numerals and symbols as in Embodiment 1 will be used to describe the same components as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, with respect to the toner cartridge side and the toner feeding member, the same names and the same reference numerals and symbols are given to the same components having the same functions and effects as in Embodiment 1.

[0459] Figure 65 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge C6, a first toner feeding portion 6034, and a second toner feeding portion 6072 according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. Figure 66 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a structural example of the first toner feeding portion 6034 and the second toner feeding portion 6072 according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

[0460] like Figure 65 and Figure 66As shown, a hollow cylindrical first toner feed section 6034 is connected to a toner container 6030 provided in a toner cartridge C6 along a first toner feed direction CV1. The first toner feed section 6034 is provided with a first toner discharge port 6034a at the end opposite the connection point with the toner container 6030. Therefore, toner contained in the toner container 6030 is fed along the first toner feed direction CV1 via the first toner feed section 6034 and discharged through the first toner discharge port 6034a. In other words, the toner discharge direction of the toner discharged from the first toner discharge port 6034a is substantially parallel to the first toner feed direction CV1. The structure of the connection between the first toner feed section 6034 and the toner container 6030 is substantially the same as that of the toner cartridge C of Example 1.

[0461] like Figure 65 and Figure 66 As shown, the second toner feeding portion 6072 is mounted on the toner containing portion 6030 coaxially with the first toner feeding portion 6034. The second toner feeding portion 6072 is a unit composed of a shutter member 6070, a torsion coil spring 6213, and a shutter support member 6071.

[0462] The shutter member 6070 is provided with a screw portion 6070k at an X1 direction end portion located on the side where the shutter member 6070 is attached to the toner containing portion 6030. The X2 direction end portion of the shutter member 6070 on the side that interlocks with the receiving-side shutter member 206 provided in the process cartridge B has substantially the same shape as that of the shutter member 34 of the above-described first embodiment.

[0463] The threaded portion (6070k) of the shutter member 6070 is inserted into the cylindrical torsion coil spring 6213 (X1 direction).

[0464] In this embodiment, the threaded portion 6070k and the thread groove portion 6071k are simply screwed together, but after the threaded portion 6070k is screwed to the thread groove portion 6071k, the threaded portion 6070k and the thread groove portion 6071k may be bonded together using an adhesive or the like. In this embodiment, the threaded portion 6070k has an external thread shape and the thread groove portion 6071k has an internal thread shape formed inside the cylindrical portion, but the thread shapes may be reversed.

[0465] When the shutter member 6070 and the shutter support member 6071 are screwed together via the torsion coil spring 6213, the central axes of the components constituting the second toner feed portion 6072 are substantially aligned with one another. When the second toner feed portion 6072 is completely mounted in the toner container 6030, the central axis of the second toner feed portion 6072 becomes substantially parallel to the X1 and X2 directions and coincides with the rotation axis R3 of the shutter member 6071. In this state, the shutter member 6070 and the torsion coil spring 6213 are rotatable about the rotation axis R3 for the second toner feed portion 6072.

[0466] In this state, one end of the torsion coil spring 6123 engages with the arm portion 6070 h of the shutter member 6070 , and the other end engages with the protrusion 6031 e provided on the accommodating frame 6031 of the toner accommodating portion 6030 .

[0467] By the spring force of the torsion coil spring 6213, an urging force is generated in the shutter member 6070 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction indicated by the arrow H. Similar to the above-described embodiment 1, when the toner cartridge C6 is mounted in the printer body A, the second toner feeding portion 6072 rotates in the direction of the arrow H in conjunction with the receiving shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B.

[0468] Next, refer to Figure 67 , the toner feeding path formed when the toner cartridge C6 is installed in the process cartridge B will be described. Figure 67 6034 and the second toner feeding portion 6072 according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. Figure 67 It is a cross-sectional view of the toner containing portion 6030 , the first toner feeding portion 6034 , and the second toner feeding portion 6072 , taken along an XZ plane passing through the rotation axis R3 .

[0469] like Figure 67As shown, the toner contained in the toner cartridge C6 passes through the first toner feed section 6034 and is fed from the first toner discharge port 6034a in a first toner feed direction CV1. The toner discharged from the first toner discharge port 6034a passes through the interior of the second toner feed section 6072 and is discharged from the second toner discharge port 6070a in a discharge direction E perpendicular to the first toner feed direction CV1 (and the second toner feed direction CV2). The interior of the shutter member 6070 is curved into an L-shape. When the toner cartridge C6 is mounted in the process cartridge B, the second toner discharge port 6070a is in fluid communication with the replenishment port 21c via the communication port 206a of the receiving-side shutter member 206. Therefore, in this state, similar to Example 1, the toner discharged from the second toner discharge port 6070a is replenished to the developing unit 15.

[0470] Here, the first toner feed section 6034 is installed so as to be inserted into the interior of the second toner feed section 6072 (more specifically, the shutter member 6070) along the rotation axis R3. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first toner discharge port 6034a is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the toner feed passage within the cylindrical portion of the shutter member 6070 and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second toner discharge port 6070a. In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first toner discharge port 6034a is the smallest in the toner feed passage (discharge path) from the toner cartridge C6 to the second toner feed section 6072. In other words, in the toner cartridge C6 of this embodiment, the toner feed passage is constructed so that the amount of toner that can be fed (discharged) through the first toner discharge port 6034a is smaller than the amount of toner that can be fed (discharged) through the other portions.

[0471] In particular, it is preferable that the toner discharge force caused by the airflow generated when the pump unit 37 is driven is required to discharge the toner through the first toner discharge port 6034a. By adopting this structure, it is possible to prevent toner leakage caused by vibration that may occur when the toner cartridge C6 is carried.

[0472] Furthermore, by reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the first toner feeding portion 6034 upstream of the second toner feeding portion in the toner feeding path, the toner feeding amount can be stabilized.

[0473] The optimal cross-sectional area of ​​the toner feed passage for conveying toner varies depending on the physical properties and size of the toner, the material of the toner cartridge, etc. Therefore, the structure can be constructed so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the first toner feed portion 6034 (particularly the first toner discharge port 6034a) can be appropriately adjusted as needed.

[0474] With the above-described structure, the toner cartridge C6 (more specifically, the toner feeding member) of this embodiment can more efficiently feed toner to the process cartridge B side than the toner cartridge C described in Example 1. In this embodiment, a portion of the toner feeding path from the toner cartridge C6 to the shutter member, which operates in conjunction with the receiving-side shutter member 206 on the process cartridge B side, is formed by a member separate from the shutter member. With this structure, the toner cartridge C6 according to this embodiment can be maintained and repaired more easily than the toner cartridge C according to Example 1 described above. (Example 7)

[0475] In the first embodiment described above, the shutter member 34 is curved into an L-shape, and the first and second toner feeding directions CV1 and CV2 are substantially perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the configuration has been described in which the first toner feeding direction CV1 is substantially perpendicular to the axis G of the pump-screw drive input portion 39. In contrast, in the present embodiment described below, the curved shape of the shutter member (toner feeding device) differs from that in the first embodiment. Components identical to those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals and symbols. Furthermore, components having the same functions and effects as those in the toner cartridge and the toner feeding member are given the same names and reference numerals and symbols as those in the first embodiment.

[0476] Figure 68 7 is a diagram showing an example of a first shutter member (first toner feeding member) 7034 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. Figure 68 (a) and Figure 68 (b) is a side view of the first gate member 7034 viewed from a different angle, wherein: Figure 68 (a) shows a state facing the toner receiving port 7034g, Figure 68 (b) shows a state facing the toner discharge port 7034 a . Figure 68 (c) passes through the center of the toner feeding portion 7034b along Figure 68 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line S7a-S7a.

[0477] like Figure 68 As shown in (c), the first shutter member 7034 according to this embodiment is different from the shutter member 34 of Example 1 in that a portion of the toner feeding portion 7034b is inclined relative to the rotation axis R3. As described in Example 1, the rotation axis R3 of the first shutter member 7034 is substantially perpendicular to the axis G of the pump-screw drive input portion 39 (see FIG. Figure 17), therefore, a portion of the toner feeding portion 7034b is inclined relative to the axis G. In the toner feeding portion 7034b, a region including one end in the X1 direction is a parallel region 7034b1, and a region including the other end is an inclined region 7034b2.

[0478] like Figure 68 As shown in (c), the parallel region 7034b1 of the toner feed portion 7034b can feed toner along the first feed direction CV1. In contrast, the inclined region 7034b2 can feed toner along a third feed direction CV3, which includes a component of the second feed direction CV2. The toner conveyed along the third feed direction CV3 is then discharged through the toner discharge port 7034a along the feed direction E. The third feed direction CV3 is inclined at any predetermined angle relative to both the rotation axis R3 and the axis G.

[0479] Next, refer to Figure 69 , the state in which the first shutter member 7034 is mounted on the process cartridge B will be described. Figure 69 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of a state in which the first shutter member 7034 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention is mounted on the process cartridge B. Figure 69 (a) is a partial side view of the process cartridge B before the first shutter member 7034 is mounted, as viewed in the X2 direction. Figure 69 (b) is along Figure 69 A sectional view of the process cartridge B to which the first shutter member 7034 is mounted, taken along line S7b-S7b in (a).

[0480] The method of attaching the first shutter member 7034 to the process cartridge B is the same as the method of attaching the shutter member 34 to the process cartridge B in the above-described embodiment 1, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Figure 69 In the state shown in (b), the toner discharged from the toner cartridge C7 of this embodiment passes through the toner feeding portion 7034b of the first shutter member 7034 and is supplied to the supply port 21c of the process cartridge B. That is, even with the use of the first shutter member 7034 according to this embodiment, toner can be fed from the toner cartridge C7 to the process cartridge B side similarly to the above-described embodiment 1.

[0481] Furthermore, the first shutter member 7034 according to this embodiment feeds toner in the inclined region 7034b2 of the toner feeding portion 7034b along the third feeding direction CV3 that forms an obtuse angle with respect to the second feeding direction CV2. Therefore, compared with the case where toner is fed via the L-shaped curved shutter member 34 in Embodiment 1, pressure loss and local pressure drop of air passing through the feeding passage can be reduced, thereby enabling stable discharge of toner.

[0482] Next, refer to Figure 70, a case where toner is fed using the second shutter member 7070 having a shape different from that of the above-described first shutter member 7034 will be described. Figure 70 : is a diagram for illustrating a second shutter member (second toner feeding member) 7070 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. Figure 70 (a) and Figure 70 (b) is a side view of the second gate member 7034 viewed from a different angle, wherein Figure 70 (a) shows the state facing the toner receiving port 7070g, Figure 70 (b) shows a state facing the toner discharge port 7070 a . Figure 70 (c) passes through the center of the toner feeding portion 7070b along Figure 70 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line S7c-S7c.

[0483] like Figure 70 As shown in (c), the second shutter member 7070 according to this embodiment differs from the shutter member 34 of Example 1 in that a portion of the toner feed portion 7070b is curved into an S-shape. Furthermore, the second shutter member 7070 differs from the shutter member 34 of Example 1 and from the first shutter member 7034 in the number of curved points in the middle of the toner feed portion 7070b. Furthermore, in some areas, the second shutter member 7070 can feed toner in a direction opposite to the discharge direction E and the second feed direction CV2, or in a direction opposite to the first feed direction CV1.

[0484] When the second shutter member 7070 is employed, the same effects as those achieved when the shutter member 34 in Example 1 is used to feed toner can be achieved. Furthermore, as described above, in the toner feed portion 7070 of this embodiment, a portion of the toner feed portion 7070 has a directional component facing in a direction opposite to the first feed direction CV1 and the second feed direction CV2. Therefore, the toner cartridge C7 according to this embodiment can suppress toner leakage from the shutter member 7070 due to vibrations that may occur during transportation of the toner cartridge C7. Although the second shutter member 7070 is described as including a generally S-shaped toner feed portion 7070b having two inflection points (nodes), the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a case will be described in which the toner feed portion may have three or more inflection points at positions different from those described above. Figure 71 7 is a diagram showing an example of a third shutter member (third toner feeding portion) 7071 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. Figure 71 (a) is a side view of the third gate member 7071 . Figure 71 (b) passes through the center of the toner feeding portion 7071b along Figure 71 A cross-sectional view taken along line S7d-Sd in (a).

[0485] Reference Figure 71 , a case where the position of the bending point is different from that in the above-mentioned second gate member 7070 will be described. Figure 71 7 is a diagram showing an example of a third shutter member (third toner feeding portion) 7071 according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. Figure 71 (a) is a side view of the third gate member 7071 . Figure 71 (c) passes through the center of the toner feeding portion 7071b along Figure 71 A cross-sectional view taken along line S7d-Sd in (a).

[0486] like Figure 71 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the third gate member 7071 includes a curved portion 7071k located in the feed path of the toner feed portion 7071b, which includes a directional component of the second feed direction CV2. Although the curved position (curved portion) in the toner feed portion is different from that in the second gate member 7070 described above, the third gate member 7071 according to this embodiment can provide the same effects.

[0487] According to the above structure, the shape of the shutter member (toner feeding member) is different from that of the above-mentioned embodiment 1, but toner can also be fed from the toner cartridge side to the process cartridge B side as in embodiment 1. In addition, the second shutter member 7070 and the third shutter member 7071 of this embodiment include passages that convey toner in directions opposite to each other in the toner feeding portion, so that toner leakage can be reduced compared to the shutter member 34 of embodiment 1. (Example 8)

[0488] The shutter member (toner feeding member) 34 in Embodiment 1 has been described above in which the opening area of ​​the toner discharge port 34a and the cross-sectional area of ​​the feeding portion 34b are substantially the same. Figure 72-74 In the present embodiment described, the cross-sectional area of ​​the toner feeding portion and the area of ​​the toner discharge port are different. Furthermore, the same reference numerals and symbols as in Embodiment 1 will be used to describe the same components as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, regarding the toner cartridge side and the toner feeding member, components having the same functions and effects as in Embodiment 1 are given the same names and the same reference numerals and symbols.

[0489] Figure 72 : is a side view of the first shutter member (first toner feeding member) 8034 according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention, viewed from the side facing the toner discharge port 8034a. Figure 73 It is along Figure 72 The cross-sectional view of the first gate member 8034 according to embodiment 7 of the present invention is taken along line S8a-S8a. Figure 72 and Figure 73 As shown, a wall portion 8034k is provided in a portion of the toner discharge port 8034a of the first shutter member 8034. Therefore, the flow of toner (air containing toner powder) from the toner feed portion 8034b to the toner discharge port 8034a is blocked by the wall portion 8034k, whereby a portion of the toner flows in the opposite direction E of the toner discharge extending from the toner discharge port 8034a. The size of the wall portion 8034k (in other words, the area of ​​the toner discharge port 8034a) is preferably adjusted according to the amount of toner to be supplied to the process cartridge B side.

[0490] With the above-described structure, the first shutter member 8034 according to the present embodiment can supply a necessary amount of toner to the process cartridge B side while reducing the amount of toner consumption and the amount of toner leakage.

[0491] By adopting a shutter member having a wall portion having a shape different from the shape of the wall portion 8034k provided in the above-mentioned first shutter member 8034, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned first shutter member 8034 can be provided. Figure 74 , will illustrate this point. Figure 74 : is a cross-sectional view passing through the centers of a toner feeding portion 8070 b and a toner discharge port 8070 a of a second shutter member (second toner feeding member) 8070 according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

[0492] In the above-described first shutter member 8034, the wall portion 8034k is provided substantially parallel to the first feeding direction CV1 of the toner feeding portion 8034b and the rotation axis R3 of the shutter member 8034. Figure 74 As shown, the second shutter member 8070 is provided with a wall portion 8070k inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the first feeding direction CV1 of the toner feeding portion 8070b and the rotation axis R3 of the shutter member 8070. In addition, the structure of the second shutter member 8070 can provide the same effect as the first shutter member 8034.

[0493] In this embodiment, the shutter member and the wall portion are formed integrally, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the wall portion separate from the shutter member may be mounted on the shutter member.

[0494] In this embodiment, the toner discharge port and the wall portion are formed on the same plane outside the shutter member, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the wall portion may be provided inside the shutter member (i.e., midway in the toner feeding portion) relative to the toner discharge port.

[0495] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the toner discharge port has a semicircular shape provided by the wall portion, but the shape of the toner discharge port is not limited thereto and may be any shape.

[0496] Furthermore, while this embodiment employs a structure in which a wall portion is provided near the toner discharge outlet to limit the amount of toner discharged, a structure in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the passage from the toner feed section to the toner discharge outlet changes in stages may also be employed. For example, the shutter member may be constructed such that the wall portion is removed from the shutter member, and the feed passage of the toner feed section, which is continuous with the toner discharge outlet, may be tapered so that the cross-sectional area decreases as it approaches the toner discharge outlet. This structure can also limit the amount of toner discharged from the toner discharge outlet. (Example 9)

[0497] In the above-described embodiment 1, the shutter member 34 is provided in the toner containing portion 30. In contrast, in the reference Figures 75-85 In this embodiment, a shutter member (toner feeding member) is provided (or supported) in a housing (unit) separate from the toner accommodating portion. Components identical to those in Embodiment 1 will be described using the same reference numerals and symbols. Furthermore, components having the same functions and effects as those in Embodiment 1 are given the same names and reference numerals and symbols as those in the toner cartridge and toner feeding member. The structure of the shutter member 9034 itself, described below, is identical to that of the shutter member 34 described above, but different reference numerals are used for illustrative purposes.

[0498] Figure 75 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a first toner containing unit 9030 and a first waste toner storage unit 9070 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. Figure 75 (a) and Figure 75 (b) is a perspective view of the first toner containing unit 9030 and the first waste toner storage unit 9070 before being connected together, as viewed from a different direction.

[0499] like Figure 75 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the shutter member 9034 of this embodiment is supported by the first waste toner storage unit 9070. Specifically, in the shutter member 9034, the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is provided with a waste toner storage portion 9040 in the Z2 direction. The shutter member 9034 is provided near the end of an extension portion 9070b extending from the waste toner storage portion 9040 in the Z1 direction.

[0500] Furthermore, in the XY plane, when the first toner storage unit 9030 and the first waste toner storage unit 9070 are connected, the shutter member 9034 is positioned offset relative to the first toner storage unit 9030 in the installation direction D (the X2 direction). In contrast, the waste toner storage portion 9040 and other components of the first waste toner storage unit 9070 are positioned so as to overlap with the first toner storage unit 9030.

[0501] Figure 76 1 is an exploded perspective view of various components including and adjacent to the shutter member 9034 according to Example 9 of the present invention. Figure 77 This is an enlarged perspective view of the first waste toner storage unit 9070 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention as viewed from the side of the first toner storage unit 9030. Figure 76 As shown, in the first waste toner storage unit 9070, similar to the toner cartridge C of the above-described embodiment 1, a shutter member 9034, a coil spring 213, and a shutter support member 209 are provided coaxially with respect to the rotation axis R3. Furthermore, the shutter member 9034 is rotatably supported by the shutter support member 209 and the first shutter support portion 9210b of the shutter protection member 9210.

[0502] like Figure 77 As shown, the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is provided with a toner receiving port 9070a, which is an opening facing the Y2 direction. A sealing member 9080 is provided to protrude in the Y2 direction (having a certain thickness) to surround the toner receiving port 9070a. The sealing member 9080 is made of a flexible foam material or the like.

[0503] The shutter protection member 9210 is provided with a through hole 9210e and a rectangular hole 9210f in the mounting direction D (ie, the X2 direction). In addition, a toner receiving port 9070a is provided between the through hole 9210e and the rectangular hole 9210f in the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction.

[0504] Next, the structure of the first toner containing unit 9030 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 78 FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the toner supply port 9030a of the first toner accommodating unit 9030 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. Figure 78As shown, the first toner storage unit 9030 is provided with a toner supply port 9030a, which opens in the Y1 direction. Furthermore, a first cylindrical portion 9030b is positioned downstream of the toner supply port 9030a in the Z2 direction, and a second cylindrical portion 9030c is positioned downstream of the toner supply port 9030a in the Z1 direction. In other words, the cylindrical portions are positioned on opposite sides of the toner supply port 9030a in a direction parallel to the Z1 and Z2 directions (the longitudinal direction of the first toner storage unit 9030). Both the first cylindrical portion 9030b and the second cylindrical portion 9030c protrude in the installation direction D (i.e., the X2 direction).

[0505] A toner seal (not shown) is provided inside the container at the toner supply port 9030a. When the first toner housing unit 9030 receives driving force from the printer body A, the toner seal is torn open, so that the toner stored in the first toner housing unit 9030 can be discharged through the toner supply port 9030a.

[0506] Next, a method of connecting the first toner containing unit 9030 and the first waste toner storing unit 9070 to each other will be described. Figure 79 FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the first toner containing unit 9030 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention before the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is connected to the first toner containing unit 9030 . Figure 80 1 is a cross-sectional view in the XY plane passing through the rotation axis R3 of the shutter member 9034 in a state where the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is connected to the first toner containing unit 9030 in Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

[0507] like Figure 79 As shown, in this embodiment, the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is first mounted on the printer body A. Thereafter, the first toner housing unit 9030 is mounted in the mounting direction D (X2 direction) to the printer body A to which the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is mounted. At this time, the first cylindrical portion 9030b and the second cylindrical portion 9030c of the first toner housing unit 9030 are inserted into the through-hole 9210e and the rectangular hole 9210f provided in the shutter protection member 9210, thereby positioning the first toner housing unit 9030.

[0508] At this time, the toner supply port 9030a of the first toner accommodating unit 9030 and the toner receiving port 9070a of the first waste toner storage unit 9070 face each other (see FIG. Figure 80Then, the sealing member 9080 surrounding the toner receiving port 9070a is compressed in a direction parallel to the Y1 direction and the Y2 direction, sealing the gap between the toner supply port 9030a and the toner receiving port 9070a, thereby preventing toner from leaking to the outside.

[0509] Here, a method of transmitting the driving force in the first toner containing unit 9030 and the first waste toner storing unit 9070 will be described. Figure 81 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for transmitting a driving force from the first toner containing unit 9030 to the first waste toner storage unit 9070 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. Figure 81 (a) is a diagram showing the first waste toner storage unit 9070 connected to the first toner containing unit 9030 as viewed from the X2 direction. Figure 81 (b) is in the process of connecting the first waste toner storage unit 9070 to the first toner containing unit 9030 along Figure 81 A cross-sectional view taken along line S9a-S9a in (a). Figure 81 (c) is along Figure 81 A cross-sectional view taken along line S9 a - S9 a in (a) shows a state in which the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is connected to the first toner accommodation unit 9030 .

[0510] The driving force for supplying toner in the first toner containing unit 9030 is transmitted from the printer body A in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, in the first waste toner storage unit 9070, similarly to Embodiment 1, the driving force for feeding toner to the process cartridge B side is transmitted to the first waste toner storage unit 9070 via the first toner containing unit 9030.

[0511] like Figure 81 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , a gear-shaped drive input member 9071 is supported at the end of the first waste toner storage unit 9070 in the Z1 direction (front side of the drawing) for rotation about its axis in the Z direction. At the end of the first toner storage unit 9030 in the Z2 direction (back side of the drawing) a gear-shaped toner storage unit non-drive-side gear 48 is supported for rotation about its axis in the Z direction. As in Example 1, the driving force of the printer body A is transmitted to the toner storage unit non-drive-side gear 48 via the toner storage unit stirring / feeding unit 36.

[0512] like Figure 81As shown in (c) of FIG. 1 , when the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is connected to the first toner storage unit 9030, the toner storage unit non-drive side gear 48 and the drive input member 9071 are engaged with each other. In this state, the driving force received by the first toner storage unit 9030 from the printer body A can be transmitted to the first waste toner storage unit 9070. The first waste toner storage unit 9070 transmits the driving force received from the first toner storage unit 9030 to the toner feeding mechanism within the first waste toner storage unit 9070. In other words, the driving force required for the first waste toner storage unit 9070 to feed toner is transmitted from the printer body A via the first toner storage unit 9030.

[0513] With the above-described structure, the structure of the first toner containing unit 9030 of the present embodiment is similar to that of the toner cartridge C of the above-described embodiment 1, except for the waste toner storage portion 40, the shutter member 34, and the like. Therefore, compared with the toner cartridge C of the above-described embodiment 1, the first toner containing unit 9030 of the present embodiment can reduce the manufacturing cost of the toner containing unit, which is a frequently replaced component, and can also reduce the size of the toner containing unit.

[0514] Here, it is also possible to adopt a structure in which the waste toner storage unit receives the driving force from the printer body A and transmits it to the toner storage unit side. Figure 82 and Figure 83 , this structure will be described. Figure 82 It is an external perspective view of the second toner containing unit 9072 and the second waste toner storage unit 9073 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention as viewed from the front side. Figure 83 This is a perspective view of the exterior appearance of a second toner storage unit 9072 and a second waste toner storage unit 9073 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention, as viewed from the Z1 direction. Regarding the second toner storage unit 9072 and the second waste toner storage unit 9073, descriptions of structures substantially identical to those of the first toner storage unit 9030 and the first waste toner storage unit 9070, respectively, will be omitted. Hereinafter, the drive input member 9039 provided in the second waste toner storage unit 9073 will be primarily described.

[0515] like Figure 82 and Figure 83As shown, the second waste toner storage unit 9073 is provided with a drive input member 9039. The drive input member 9039 has a cylindrical shape extending from the waste toner storage portion (9040) side along the Z1 direction, and a drive input portion 9039a for receiving a driving force from the printer body A is coaxially provided at the Z1 direction end, and a gear-shaped drive transmission portion 9039b is coaxially provided at the Z2 direction end. The drive input member 9039 is supported by the second waste toner storage unit 9073 so as to be rotatable around the rotation center axis. By receiving the driving force from the printer body A through the drive input member 9039, the driving force can be transmitted to the waste toner feeding mechanism in the second waste toner storage unit 9073. As shown Figure 82 As shown, the second toner storage unit 9072 can be connected to the second waste toner storage unit 9073 along the installation direction D (X2 direction). The driving force input portion 9039 is provided at a position that does not interfere with the second toner storage unit 9072 when the second toner storage unit 9072 is connected. The remaining structure is the same as that of the first waste toner storage unit 9070 described above, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0516] Here, a method for transmitting the driving force in the second toner containing unit 9072 and the second waste toner storing unit 9073 will be described. Figure 84 FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of transmitting driving force from the second toner containing unit 9072 to the second waste toner storage unit 9073 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. Figure 84 (a) is a diagram of a state in which the second waste toner storage unit 9073 is connected to the second toner containing unit 9072 as viewed in the X2 direction. Figure 84 (b) is in the process of connecting the second waste toner storage unit 9073 to the second toner containing unit 9072. Figure 84 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line S9b-S9b. Figure 84 (c) is along Figure 84 A cross-sectional view taken along line S9 b - S9 b shown in (a) of FIG. 1 shows a state in which the second waste toner storage unit 9073 is connected to the second toner accommodation unit 9072 .

[0517] like Figure 84As shown in (c) of FIG. 2 , when the second waste toner storage unit 9073 is connected to the second toner storage unit 9072, the toner storage section non-driving side gear 48 of the second toner storage unit 9072 engages with the drive input member 9039 of the second waste toner storage unit 9073. In this state, the driving force received by the second waste toner storage unit 9073 from the printer body A can be transmitted to the second toner storage unit 9072 via the toner storage section stirring / feeding unit 36 ​​and the drive transmission unit (not shown). In other words, the second toner storage unit 9072 receives the driving force required to supply toner from the printer body A via the second waste toner storage unit 9073. This structure provides the same advantages as the case of employing the first toner storage unit 9030 and the first waste toner storage unit 9070 described above.

[0518] A structure may also be adopted in which: the toner housing unit has a shutter member as in Embodiment 1, and the driving force from the printer body A is received by the waste toner housing unit and transmitted to the toner housing unit. Figure 85 , the structure will be described. Figure 85 : is a perspective view showing the appearance of a third toner containing unit 9076 and a third waste toner unit 9077 according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

[0519] like Figure 85 As shown, the third toner storage unit 9076 is provided with a shutter member 9034. Like the second waste toner storage unit 9073 described above, the third waste toner storage unit 9077 is provided with a drive input member 9039. Aside from the shutter member 9034 being provided in the toner storage unit 9076, the toner storage unit 9076 has the same structure and operates in the same manner as the second toner storage unit 9072 and the second waste toner storage unit 9073 described above, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted. With this structure, the manufacturing cost of the toner storage unit can be reduced compared to the toner cartridge C of Example 1, and the toner storage unit can be made smaller.

[0520] In addition to the three examples of this embodiment described above, a structure in which the waste toner storage portion 40 is separated from the toner containing portion 30 of Embodiment 1 may also be adopted, and since the structure and operation of each part are substantially the same as those of the above examples, detailed description will be omitted.

[0521] In the above example of the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which either the toner storage unit or the waste toner storage unit is first mounted on the printer body A and then the other is connected, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the toner storage unit and the waste toner storage unit may be mounted on the printer body A while being connected.

[0522] In the above example according to this embodiment, the connection direction between the toner storage unit and the waste toner storage unit is parallel to the X-axis, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, by changing the support structure of the toner storage unit and the waste toner storage unit, the two units can be connected in a direction parallel to an axis different from the X-axis (e.g., the Z-axis). (Example 10)

[0523] In the above-described embodiment 1, the toner cartridge C including the toner containing portion 30 includes the shutter member 34 as the toner feeding member. In contrast, in the following, reference will be made to Figure 86 In this embodiment, the toner container is separated from the unit including the toner feeding member, and the toner container can be replaced as a separate member such as a bag. The same reference numerals and symbols as in Embodiment 1 will be used to describe the same components as in Embodiment 1. In addition, with respect to the toner cartridge, components having the same functions and effects as in Embodiment 1 are given the same names and the same reference numerals and symbols.

[0524] Figure 86 FIG1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C10 according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. Figure 86 (a) is a perspective view of the appearance of the toner cartridge C10 before the toner container unit 10070 is attached to the toner cartridge C10 . Figure 86 (b) is a perspective view of the appearance of the toner cartridge C10 after the toner container unit 10070 is mounted on the toner cartridge C10 .

[0525] The toner cartridge C10 of this embodiment is the same as the toner cartridge C of the aforementioned embodiment 1 except for the mounting portion 10030 provided on the top of the cartridge and the structure for receiving the toner from the mounting portion 10030, and thus description thereof will be omitted. Figure 86 As shown in FIG. 1 , the toner cartridge C10 has a mounting portion 10030 at the top (in the Y2 direction) of the cartridge. The mounting portion 10030 is provided with a mounting frame 10030 d to which the toner container unit 10070 can be mounted.

[0526] In this embodiment, the shape of the mounting frame 10030d is rectangular in the XZ plane to match the shape of the bag-type toner container unit 10070, which is rectangular in the XZ plane. However, the shape of the mounting frame 10030d is not limited to this example. The shape of the mounting frame 10030d can be appropriately changed to match the shape of the toner container unit 10070. In addition, the mounting frame 10030d itself may not be provided. In this case, it is preferable to fix the toner container unit 10070 using a mounting member or a sealing member after the toner container unit 10070 is completely installed in the toner cartridge C10 to prevent the toner container unit 10070 from moving or falling.

[0527] A toner receiving port 10030e is provided approximately in the center of the mounting frame 10030d. This toner receiving port is an opening that connects to the interior of the toner cartridge C10. As in the first embodiment described above, toner received through the toner receiving port 10030e can be moved toward the shutter member (toner feeding member) 34 via a supply chamber (not shown) provided within the toner cartridge C10.

[0528] The toner container unit 10070 contains toner inside, and as Figure 86 As shown in (b), when mounted on the toner cartridge C10, a portion of the upper surface side (Y2 direction) is exposed above the mounting frame 10030d. When replacing the toner container unit 10070, the operator can grasp this exposed portion to perform mounting and removal operations relative to the toner cartridge C10.

[0529] A cylindrical toner supply portion 10070d is provided at the lower portion (Y1 direction) of the toner container unit 10070, projecting in the Y1 direction. This portion is aligned with the toner receiving port 10030e provided in the mounting portion 10030. A toner supply port 10070a is provided at the free end of the toner supply portion 10070d. This toner supply port is used to supply toner to the toner cartridge (C10). After the toner container unit 10070 is mounted on the toner cartridge C10, the cylindrical toner supply portion 10070b is inserted into the toner receiving port 10030e. In this state, toner can be supplied from the toner container unit 10070 to the toner cartridge C10.

[0530] With the above-described structure, according to this embodiment, the toner container unit 10070 can be attached to and detached from the toner cartridge C10, eliminating the need to replace the toner cartridge itself when the toner runs out. Consequently, the toner cartridge can be made smaller. In particular, the toner cartridge C10, which includes the shutter member 34 that operates in conjunction with the process cartridge B, does not need to be replaced when the toner runs out. Consequently, fatigue on the shutter member 34 and the receiving-side shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B caused by attaching and detaching the toner cartridge C10 can be reduced.

[0531] The toner container unit applicable to this embodiment is a bag-shaped unit made of polypropylene, formed into a flexible box shape by bonding sheet-like members having a thickness of approximately 0.18 mm. The toner supply unit 10070b is made of a known rigid plastic material such as ABS resin. The toner container unit 10070 can be constructed as a frame formed of a plastic material or the like.

[0532] Furthermore, when using the toner cartridge C10 according to the present embodiment, the user can mount the toner cartridge to the printer body A with the toner container unit 10070 mounted thereon. Furthermore, a configuration is also possible in which, after the toner in the toner container unit 10070 is supplied to the toner cartridge C10, the toner container unit 10070 is removed and then the toner cartridge C10 is mounted on the printer body A. (Example 11)

[0533] In the above-described embodiment 1, the pump-screw drive input portion 39 provided in the toner cartridge C is used to feed the toner based on the driving force received from the printer body A. In contrast, in the embodiment 1 described above, Figures 87 to 91 In this embodiment, components other than the toner cartridge C are provided with a member for receiving a driving force from the printer body A, wherein the driving force for feeding the toner to the toner cartridge side is transmitted via this member. The same reference numerals and symbols as in Embodiment 1 will be used to describe the same components as in Embodiment 1. In addition, for the toner cartridge, process cartridge, and printer body, components having the same functions and effects as in Embodiment 1 are given the same names and the same reference numerals and symbols.

[0534] Figure 87 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a process cartridge B11 according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention. Figure 87As shown, the process cartridge B11 is equipped with a cleaning unit 11010. On the side of the process cartridge B11 (referred to as the drive side) parallel to the Z axis, where the developing coupling 155 is provided, an extension portion 11021 is provided, extending from the cleaning unit 1101 in the X1 direction. A driving force receiving member 11070 is provided at the free end (X1 direction) of the extension portion 11021. The method of engaging the driving force receiving member 11070 with the first main body-side coupling 110 provided in the printer main body A will be described in detail below.

[0535] Next, we will refer to Figure 88 and Figure 89 The supporting mechanism of the driving force receiving member 11070 will be described. Figure 88 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a driving force receiving member 11070 according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention. Figure 88 (a) is an exploded perspective view showing details of the driving force receiving member 11070 as viewed substantially along the Z1 direction, Figure 88 (b) is an exploded perspective view showing the driving force receiving member 11070 in detail, as viewed substantially along the Z2 direction. Figure 89 It is a cross-sectional view taken along the YZ plane passing through the center of the rotation axis of the driving force receiving member 11070 according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention.

[0536] like Figure 88 and Figure 89 As shown, the extension portion 11021 of the process cartridge B11 is provided with a first circular recess 11021a recessed in the Z1 direction. The driving force receiving member 11070 has a hollow cylindrical shape and is provided with a driving force receiving portion 11070b protruding toward the printer body A side (Z1 direction). A flange portion 11070c is provided at the base of the driving force receiving portion 11070b. The flange portion 11070c is formed with an outer peripheral surface 11070a along the thickness of the flange portion in the Z-axis direction. A cylindrical portion 11070d, having a smaller diameter than the flange portion 11070c, is provided on the Z2 side of the flange portion 11070c, coaxial with the flange portion 11070c, and protrudes from the flange portion 11070c in the Z2 direction. A drive transmission portion 11070e is provided at the Z2 end of the cylindrical portion 11070d. This drive transmission portion has multiple recesses formed toward the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion.

[0537] The cover 11071 has a flat plate shape and is provided with a through hole 11071a extending parallel to the Z axis. The cover 11071 is provided with a second circular recess 11071b that is recessed in the Z2 direction and coaxial with the through hole 11071a.

[0538] Next, we will describe a method for assembling the driving force receiving member 11070. The driving force receiving member 11070 is attached to the extension 11021 in the Z2 direction, with the outer peripheral surface 11070a of the flange portion 11070c supported by the first circular recess 11021a provided in the extension 11021. The cover portion 11071 is secured to the extension 11021 with an adhesive or the like, sandwiching the flange portion 11070c of the driving force receiving member 11070 between opposite sides in the rotational axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0539] In addition, a compression spring 11072 is provided between the flange portion 11070c of the driving force receiving member 11070 and the cover portion 11071. The compression spring 11072 pushes the driving force receiving member 11070 toward the printer body A (Z1 direction). Figure 89 As shown, the drive transmitting portion 11070 e of the drive force receiving member 11070 is configured not to protrude from the bracket cover member 11071 in the Z2 direction.

[0540] Next, we will refer to Figure 90 The toner cartridge C11 according to the present embodiment is described. Figure 90 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C11 according to embodiment 11 of the present invention. Figure 90 As shown, the drive side colorant box side cover 11050 is set at the Z1 direction end of the colorant box C11. The drive side colorant box side cover 11050 is provided with a recessed portion 11050c recessed along the Z2 direction. The recessed portion 11050c is provided with a through hole 11050d. The drive input portion 11039 is mounted to the through hole 11050d so as to be rotatable coaxially with the central axis of the through hole 1150c. Except for the above structure, the structure of the drive side colorant box side cover 11050 is the same as that of the drive side colorant box side cover 50 of Example 1, and therefore the description will be omitted.

[0541] Next, refer to Figure 91 The operation of the driving force receiving member 11070 when the toner cartridge C11 is mounted to the process cartridge B11 will be described. Figure 91 It is a diagram of an example of a connection method between the drive input portion 11039 and the drive force receiving member 11070 in Example 11 of the present invention, and shows a sectional view taken along the XZ plane passing through the rotation axis of the drive input portion 11039 and the drive force receiving member 11070. Figure 91 (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner cartridge C11 is being mounted to the process cartridge B11 . Figure 91 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner cartridge C11 has been completely mounted to the process cartridge B11 . Figure 91(c) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which both the process cartridge B11 and the toner cartridge C11 are completely installed in the printer body A. For simplicity of description, as components on the printer body A side, Figure 91 (c) shows only the first body-side coupler 110 .

[0542] like Figure 91 (a) and Figure 91 As shown in (b), the colorant cartridge C11 can be moved relative to the process cartridge B11 along the installation direction D (X2 direction). When the colorant cartridge C11 is completely installed in the process cartridge B11, the drive input portion 11039 and the drive force receiving member 11070 face each other, and their axes are approximately coaxial in the X-axis direction. At this time, as shown in FIG. Figure 91 As shown in FIG. 2( b ), the extension portion 11021 of the process cartridge B11 overlaps with the recessed portion 11050 c of the drive-side toner cartridge side cover 11050 in the Z-axis direction.

[0543] like Figure 91 As shown in (c), when the process cartridge B11 and toner cartridge C11 are installed in the printer body A, the rotation axis of the driving force receiving portion 11070 is coaxially positioned with the rotation axis of the main body-side coupling 110 of the printer body A. When driving force is transmitted from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C11, the main body-side coupling 110 moves in the Z2 direction, pressing the driving force receiving member 11070 in the Z2 direction against the urging force of the compression spring 11072. Consequently, the drive transmitting portion of the main body-side coupling 110 and the driving force receiving portion 11070b of the driving force receiving member 11070 can rotationally engage with each other. The drive transmitting portion 11070e protrudes beyond the cover portion 11071 in the Z2 direction and engages with the drive input portion 11039 of the toner cartridge C11. The first main body-side coupling 110 can be configured to move in the Z2 direction in response to the closing of the opening and closing door 107 of the printer body A.

[0544] The above-described structure provides the same effects as those described in Example 1, even when the driving force associated with toner feeding in the toner cartridge C11 is received via a member provided in the process cartridge B11. Generally, toner cartridges are replaced more frequently than process cartridges (developer cartridges). Therefore, by providing a member for receiving driving force from the printer body A on the side of the process cartridge (which is replaced less frequently), fatigue and damage to the member involved in transmitting driving force from the printer body A to other parts when the toner cartridge is replaced can be reduced. (Example 12)

[0545] In the above-described embodiment 1, the structure has been described in which the rotational drive of the printer body A is transmitted to the toner cartridge C through the engagement between the first main body side pump coupling 110 and the pump-screw coupling portion 39a. In contrast, in the embodiment 1 described with reference to FIG. Figures 92 to 95 In the present embodiment described, the driving force is transmitted via the drive transmission attachment 12115 provided between the first main body-side pump coupler 110 and the pump-screw coupler portion 12039a. The same reference numerals and symbols as in Embodiment 1 will be used to describe the same components as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, with respect to the toner cartridge, process cartridge, and printer body, components having the same functions and effects as in Embodiment 1 are given the same names and the same reference numerals and symbols.

[0546] Figure 92 1 and 2 are diagrams for exemplifying a method of installing each drive transmission mechanism according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention. Figure 92 (a) is an exploded perspective view showing the main portion of the printer body A to which the drive transmission accessory 12115 is mounted. Figure 92 (b) is Figure 92 FIG1 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG1 and illustrates an exemplary position where the drive transmission accessory 12115 is installed on the printer body A. To simplify the description, Figure 92 (a) omits some parts of the printer body A such as the opening and closing door 107 . Figure 93 110 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a drive transmission accessory 12115 according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention is mounted to the first main body side coupling 110 . Figure 94 Detailed view of the drive transmission accessory 12115 according to embodiment 12 of the present invention. Figure 95 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a drive transmission mechanism for transmitting drive from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C12 according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention. Figure 95 1 is a cross-sectional view of the first main body side coupling 110 , the drive transmission attachment 12115 , and the pump-screw coupling portion 12039 a taken along a line perpendicular to the direction of the axis G (taken along the XY plane).

[0547] First, the first main body side coupling 110 is arranged so as to be able to advance and retreat in the second guide portion 109, and in this embodiment, it advances and retreats according to the opening and closing of the opening and closing door 107 (moves toward the interior of the device when the opening and closing door 107 is closed). In addition, except for the pump-screw coupling 12039, the toner cartridge C12 according to this embodiment adopts a structure substantially similar to that of the toner cartridge C according to the above-described embodiment 1.

[0548] like Figure 92 (a) Figure 92 (b) and Figure 93As shown, the drive transmission accessory 12115 is a driving force transmission member according to this embodiment, used when transmitting driving force from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C12. The drive transmission accessory 12115 can be mounted to the main body side coupling recess 110a of the first main body side coupling 110 in a direction parallel to the Z axis.

[0549] Next, if Figure 94 As shown, the drive transmission accessory 12115 has a disengagement prevention shape 12115f. The disengagement prevention shape 12115f of the drive transmission accessory 12115 can engage with a hole 110d provided in the first body-side coupling 110. When the drive transmission accessory 12115 is mounted in the first body-side coupling recess 110a, the disengagement prevention shape 12115f elastically deforms and snaps into the hole 110d. However, the method of securing the drive transmission accessory 12115 to the first body-side coupling 110 is not limited to this example; for example, the drive transmission accessory 12115 can also be secured by bonding or press-fitting.

[0550] Next, if Figure 93 and Figure 94 As shown, the drive transmission accessory 12115 has a first drive receiving surface 12115b for receiving the driving force by abutting against the first drive transmission surface 110b of the first main body side coupling. The drive transmission accessory 12115 also has a second drive receiving surface 121115c for receiving the driving force by abutting against the second drive transmission surface 110c of the first main body side coupling 110. Figure 93 , when the main body side coupling 110 rotates clockwise, the first drive receiving surface 12115b abuts the first drive transmitting surface 110b. Furthermore, when the main body side coupling 110 rotates counterclockwise, the second drive receiving surface 12115c abuts the second drive transmitting surface 110c. Here, in this embodiment, when the first main body side coupling 110 is viewed from the side to which the drive transmitting attachment 12115 is mounted, clockwise rotation is defined as positive rotation, and counterclockwise rotation is defined as negative rotation within the XY plane.

[0551] Next, if Figure 95 As shown, the drive transmitting attachment 12115 has a third drive transmitting surface 12115d for transmitting the driving force to the pump-screw coupling portion 12039a during forward rotation and a fourth drive transmitting surface 121115e for transmitting the driving force during reverse rotation.

[0552] When the toner cartridge C12 is installed in the printer body A and the opening and closing door 107 is closed, the first main body side coupling 110 and the drive transmission accessory 12115 engage with each other and project integrally toward the interior of the device. At this time, the pump-screw coupling portion 12039a of the toner cartridge C12 enters the drive transmission accessory recess 12115a of the drive transmission accessory 12115.

[0553] Drive transmission accessory 12115 mounted on first main body-side coupling 110 receives driving force from first main body-side coupling 110 via first drive receiving surface 12115b or second drive receiving surface 12115c, causing it to rotate. Furthermore, driving force is transmitted to pump-screw coupling portion 12039a via third drive force transmission surface 12115d or fourth drive force transmission surface 121115e. This structure allows the driving force for feeding toner to be transmitted from printer body A to toner cartridge C12 via drive transmission accessory 12115. In other words, drive transmission accessory 12115 of this embodiment functions as a coupling (accessory-side coupling portion) engageable with first main body-side coupling 110 and functions to transmit driving force to toner cartridge C12.

[0554] Through this structure, similar to Example 1, driving force can be transmitted from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C12. By adopting this structure, according to this embodiment, the various components of the driving force transmission mechanism engage with the toner cartridge C12 via an attachment. Consequently, the printer body according to this embodiment reduces the number of parts that come into direct contact with the frequently replaced toner cartridge, and can prevent fatigue and damage to the driving force transmission mechanism, such as the coupling, caused by toner cartridge replacement. (Example 13)

[0555] In the above-described embodiment 1, the rotational drive of the printer body A is transmitted to the toner cartridge C by the engagement between the first main body side pump coupling 110 and the pump-screw coupling portion 39a. In contrast, in the embodiment 1 described above, the rotational drive of the printer body A is transmitted to the toner cartridge C by the engagement between the first main body side pump coupling 110 and the pump-screw coupling portion 39a. Figures 96 to 102 In the present embodiment, an accessory gear 13115 is attached to the first main body-side coupling 110, which is used to transmit driving force to the pump-screw input gear portion 13039a. The same reference numerals and symbols as in Embodiment 1 will be used to describe the same components as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, with respect to the toner cartridge, process cartridge, and printer body, components having the same functions and effects as in Embodiment 1 are given the same names and the same reference numerals and symbols.

[0556] Figure 96 13 is a detailed view showing an accessory gear 13115 according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention, which is mounted on the first body-side coupling 110. Figure 97is a side view of a toner cartridge C13 according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention, viewed from a direction parallel to the Z axis. Figure 98 Detailed view of the accessory gear 13115 according to embodiment 13 of the present invention. Figure 99 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a drive transmission mechanism for transmitting drive from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C12 according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention. Figure 99 13039 a is a cross-sectional view (XY plane) of the first main body side coupling 110 , the accessory gear 13115 , and the pump-screw coupling portion 13039 a taken in a direction perpendicular to the axis G. Figure 100 1 and 2 are views showing examples of mounting methods of respective drive transmission mechanisms according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention. Figure 101 Detailed view of the accessory gear 13115 according to embodiment 13 of the present invention. Figure 102 FIG1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C13 according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention.

[0557] like Figure 100 As shown, the accessory gear 13115 is a driving force transmission member according to this embodiment, used when transmitting driving force from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C13. The accessory gear 13115 can be mounted in the first main body side coupling recess 110a of the first main body side coupling 110 in a direction parallel to the Z axis.

[0558] like Figure 99 and Figure 101 As shown, the accessory gear 13115 has a first drive receiving surface 13115b that abuts against the first drive transmitting surface 110b of the first main body side coupling 110 to receive the driving force. The accessory gear 13115 also has a second drive receiving surface 131115c that receives the driving force by abutting against the second drive transmitting surface 110c of the first main body side coupling 110. Figure 99 , when the main body-side coupling 110 rotates clockwise, the first drive receiving surface 13115b abuts the first drive transmitting surface 110b. Furthermore, when the main body-side coupling 110 rotates counterclockwise, the second drive receiving surface 13115c abuts the second drive transmitting surface 110c. In this embodiment, when the first main body-side coupling 110 is viewed from the side to which the drive transmitting attachment 13115 is mounted, clockwise rotation is defined as positive rotation, and counterclockwise rotation is defined as negative rotation within the XY plane.

[0559] like Figure 98 and Figure 101As shown, the accessory gear 13115 has an anti-detachment shape 13115f. The anti-detachment shape 13115f of the accessory gear 13115 can be engaged with the hole portion 110d provided in the first body-side coupling 110. When the accessory gear 13115 is installed in the first body-side coupling recess 110a, the anti-detachment shape 13115f elastically deforms and snap-fits into the hole portion 110d, securing it. However, the method of securing the accessory gear 13115 to the first body-side coupling 110 is not limited to this example, and for example, it can also be secured by bonding or press-fitting.

[0560] Next, a method of transmitting the driving force from the first main body side coupling 110 to the toner cartridge C13 will be described. Figure 97 and Figure 99 As shown, the toner cartridge C13 is provided with a pump-screw input gear 13039a, which is a driving force input member in the toner cartridge C13 of this embodiment. Figure 102 As shown, the pump-screw input gear 13039a is provided with a driving side toner cartridge side cover 13050 on the outside in the Z-axis direction. A hole 13050c is provided in a portion of the driving side toner cartridge side cover 13050 to expose a portion of the pump-screw input gear 13039a in the circumferential direction.

[0561] When the toner cartridge C13 is installed in the printer body A and the opening and closing door 107 is closed, the first main body side coupling 110 and the accessory gear 13115 engage with each other and project integrally toward the interior of the device. At this time, the gear portion 13115g of the accessory gear 13115 meshes with the pump-screw input gear 13039a of the toner cartridge C13.

[0562] When the first drive receiving surface 13115b or the second drive receiving surface 13115c receives the driving force from the first main body side coupling 110, the accessory gear 13115 mounted to the first main body side coupling 110 rotates. In addition, the gear portion 13115g of the accessory gear 13115 meshes with the pump-screw input gear portion 13039a of the toner cartridge C13, thereby transmitting the driving force from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C13.

[0563] like Figure 97 and Figure 99 As shown, the drive side toner cartridge side cover 13050 is provided with a positioning boss 13050d for positioning the accessory gear. The distance between the center of the positioning boss 13050d and the center of the pump-screw input gear portion 13039a is set to be equal to the distance between the center of the accessory gear 13115 and the center of the pump-screw input gear portion 13039a after engagement. Figures 98 to 100As shown, the accessory gear 13115 has a central contact surface 13115h and a central hole portion 13115e. More specifically, in this embodiment, when viewed along the rotation axis of the accessory gear 11039, the triangular prism-shaped central hole portion 13115e is formed as an area surrounded by a plurality of central abutment surfaces 13115b. The center of the central hole portion 13115e is aligned with the rotation center axis of the accessory gear portion 13115g.

[0564] When the accessory gear 13115 meshes with the pump-screw input gear 13039a, the central hole 13115e abuts the positioning boss 13050d. Consequently, the rotation center of the accessory gear 13115 and the positioning boss 13050d are coaxially positioned. This structure maintains the axial distance between the accessory gear 13115 and the pump-screw input gear 13039a with high precision, stabilizing the meshing accuracy of the gears and improving drive transmission accuracy.

[0565] Next, if Figure 96 and Figure 100 As shown, the outer periphery of the hole portion 109a of the second guide portion 109 has a recess 109c whose height in the direction parallel to the Z axis is one step lower than the reference surface 109d of the second guide portion 109 in the direction of the rotation axis of the first body-side coupling 110.

[0566] like Figure 100 As shown, when the opening and closing door 107 is opened and the first body side coupling 110 is retracted in the Z1 direction, the first body side coupling 110 protrudes beyond the recess 109 c and retracts beyond the reference surface 109 d of the second guide portion 109 in the Z1 direction.

[0567] Here, it is desirable that the outer periphery of the gear portion 13115g of the accessory gear 13115 is smaller than the inner periphery of the recess 109c when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and that a portion of the accessory gear 13115 is accommodated within the recess 109c when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis. Details will be described below.

[0568] like Figure 97 and Figure 99 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pump-screw input gear 13039a is provided upstream of the accessory gear 13115 in the mounting direction D of the toner cartridge C13. With this structure, even if the accessory gear 13115 protrudes beyond the second guide portion 109 toward the outside of the apparatus when the opening and closing door 107 is open, the accessory gear 13115 does not interfere with the toner cartridge C13, and the toner cartridge C13 can be mounted and removed.

[0569] Furthermore, as described above, since the outer diameter of the gear portion 13115g is smaller than the inner diameter of the recess 109c, a portion of the accessory gear 13115 that retracts when the door 107 is opened can be accommodated within the recess 109c. This structure reduces the amount of protrusion of the accessory gear 13115 through the second guide 109 toward the toner cartridge C13 (i.e., toward the interior of the printer body A). Therefore, in this embodiment, interference between the process cartridge B and the accessory gear 13115 is prevented, and the process cartridge B can be installed and removed without removing the accessory gear 13115 from the first main body-side coupling 110.

[0570] The timing for installing the accessory gear 13115 into the printer body A is not limited to this example. For example, the accessory gear 13115 can be installed after the process cartridge B is installed in the printer body A, and then the toner cartridge C13 can be installed. In this case, the interference with the accessory gear 13115 when the process cartridge B is installed or removed from the printer body A, as described above, does not occur, and the accessory gear 13115 can be made larger. In other words, according to this embodiment, the printer body A and the accessory gear 13115 do not necessarily need to be configured so that a portion of the accessory gear 13115 is accommodated within the recess 109c. For example, the accessory gear 13115b and the first body-side coupling 110 can be configured to engage with each other at a position closer to the interior of the device than the reference surface 109d of the second guide portion 109.

[0571] This structure allows driving force to be transmitted from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C13, similar to Example 1. Furthermore, similar to Example 12, in this embodiment, the various components of the driving force transmission mechanism engage with the toner cartridge C13 via an attachment. Consequently, the printer body according to this embodiment reduces the number of areas that come into direct contact with the frequently replaced toner cartridges, and can prevent fatigue and damage to the driving force transmission mechanism, such as the coupling, caused by toner cartridge replacement. (Example 14)

[0572] In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the structure in which the driving force is transmitted by the engagement between the respective engagement surfaces of the pump-screw coupling portion 39a and the first main body side coupling 110 has been described. In contrast, in this embodiment, the pump-screw coupling portion 14039a formed of a material including rubber elasticity as a driving input member contacts the first main body side coupling 110 on the printer main body A side to receive the driving force. Figures 103 to 106The same reference numerals and symbols as those in Embodiment 1 will be used to describe the same components as those in Embodiment 1. In addition, with respect to the toner cartridge, process cartridge, and printer body, components having the same functions and effects as those in Embodiment 1 are given the same names and the same reference numerals and symbols.

[0573] Figure 103 14 is a side view of the toner cartridge C14 according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention, showing the toner cartridge C14 viewed from the side facing the pump-screw coupling portion 14039a along the Z axis. Figure 104 This is an exemplary diagram of the drive transmission mechanism from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C14 side in Embodiment 14 of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the XY plane perpendicular to the rotation axis G of the pump-screw coupling portion 14039a. Figure 105 FIG1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C14 according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention. Figure 106 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of engaging the first main body side pump coupler 110 and the pump-screw drive input portion 14039 according to Embodiment 14 of the present invention.

[0574] like Figure 103 、 Figure 105 and Figure 106 As shown, the pump-screw drive input portion 14039 includes a pump-screw coupling portion 14039a and a drive transmission portion 14039b. According to this embodiment, the pump-screw coupling portion 14039a is formed from an elastic material such as rubber or an elastomer, exhibiting so-called rubber elasticity. Due to this rubber elasticity, the pump-screw coupling portion 14039a deforms upon contact with the first body-side coupling 110, and the contact between the two is maintained by the frictional force of the respective contact surfaces.

[0575] like Figure 105 As shown, a drive-side cover 1450 is provided on the side surface (Z1 direction) of the toner cartridge C14. The pump-screw drive input portion 14039a has a cylindrical shape protruding from the drive-side cover 1450. The shape of the pump-screw drive input portion 14039a is not limited to a cylindrical shape, but may also have a polygonal cross-section, for example, and the free end may be pointed rather than flat.

[0576] The drive transmission portion 14039 b is made of a material such as a resin material or a metal material, and transmits the driving force received by the pump-screw coupling portion 14039 a to the pump unit 37 and the toner accommodating portion screw member 35 .

[0577] The pump-screw coupling portion 14039a and the drive transmission portion 14039b may be fixed to each other by two-color molding, clamping, press fitting, or the like, as long as they are configured to be integrally rotatable to transmit the rotational drive force.

[0578] Next, we will refer to Figure 104 and Figure 106 A method of transmitting driving force using the pump-screw drive input portion 14039 and the first body side coupling 110 is described. Figure 104 As shown, in a state where the pump-screw coupling portion 14039a is inserted into the main body side coupling recess 110a, the pump-screw coupling portion 14039a contacts the side wall 110a1 of the main body side coupling recess 110a. Alternatively, as shown Figure 105 and Figure 106 As shown, a structure in which the free end portion 14039a2 of the pump-screw coupling portion 14039a and the bottom portion 110a2 of the first main body-side coupling 110 are in contact with each other may be used.

[0579] Here, the outer diameter of pump-screw coupling portion 14039a is selected to provide a slight press-fit with sidewall 110a1. In this embodiment, pump-screw coupling portion 14039a is made of polyurethane rubber with a diameter of 8.6 mm, main body pump coupling 110 is made of polyacetal resin, and main body-side coupling recess 110a has an inscribed circle with a diameter of 8.38 mm. The materials and dimensions of pump-screw coupling 14039a and main body pump coupling 110 are not limited to these examples, as long as they are capable of transmitting the rotational drive of printer body A to toner cartridge C.

[0580] According to the above structure, the driving force can be transmitted from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C14 similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment 1. In addition, in this embodiment, since the pump-screw coupling 14039a has rubber elasticity, it is possible to prevent the pump-screw coupling 14039a from being damaged, for example, when the toner cartridge C14 is installed or removed. (Example 15)

[0581] In the above-described embodiment 14, the case where the pump-screw coupling portion 14039a having rubber elasticity is inserted into the main body side coupling recess 110a provided in the printer main body A has been described. In contrast, referring to Figures 107 to 110 This embodiment is described in which the toner cartridge C15 is provided with a pump-screw drive input portion 15039 whose inner surface is larger than the outer periphery of the first main body-side coupling 110. The same reference numerals and symbols as in Embodiment 1 will be used to describe the same components as those in the above-described Embodiment 14. Furthermore, for the toner cartridge, process cartridge, and printer main body, components having the same functions and effects as in Embodiment 1 are given the same names and the same reference numerals and symbols.

[0582] Figure 10715 is a side view of the toner cartridge C15 according to Embodiment 15 of the present invention, showing the toner cartridge C15 viewed from the side facing the pump-screw coupling portion 15039a along the Z axis. Figure 108 This is an exemplary diagram of a drive transmission mechanism for transmitting power from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C15 side in Embodiment 15 of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the XY plane perpendicular to the rotation axis G of the pump-screw coupling portion 15039a. Figure 109 FIG1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C15 according to Embodiment 15 of the present invention. Figure 110 15 is a diagram for exemplarily explaining a method of engaging the first main body side pump coupler 110 and the pump-screw drive input portion 15039 according to Embodiment 15 of the present invention.

[0583] like Figure 107 、 Figure 109 and Figure 110 As shown, the pump-screw drive input portion 15039 includes a pump-screw coupling portion 15039a and a drive transmission portion 15039b. According to this embodiment, the pump-screw coupling portion 15039a is formed of an elastic material such as rubber or an elastomer having so-called rubber elasticity. Due to the rubber elasticity, the first main body side coupling 110 can be inserted into the pump-screw coupling portion 15039a while being deformed. In the inserted state, the contact state between the inner peripheral portion 15039a1 of the pump-screw coupling 15039a and the outer peripheral portion 110e of the first main body side coupling 110 is maintained by the friction between the respective contact surfaces.

[0584] like Figure 109 As shown, the drive side cover 1550 is disposed on the side surface (Z1 direction) of the toner cartridge C15. The pump-screw drive input portion 15039a is formed as a circular portion that is exposed from the drive side cover 1550. The shape of the pump-screw drive input portion 15039a is not limited to a circular shape and can be, for example, a member having a polygonal cross-section. In addition, the cross-section of the pump-screw drive input portion 15039a can be such that the free end that protrudes inward only at the contact point with the first main body side coupling 110 is pointed rather than flat. In addition, the pump-screw drive input portion 15039a can be cylindrical and protrude from the drive side cover 1550.

[0585] The drive transmission portion 15039 b is made of a material such as a resin material or a metal material, and transmits the driving force received by the pump-screw coupling portion 15039 a to the pump unit 37 and the toner accommodating portion screw member 35 .

[0586] The pump-screw coupling portion 15039a and the drive transmission portion 15039b may be fixed to each other by two-color molding, clamping, press fitting, or the like, as long as they are configured to be integrally rotatable and transmit a rotational drive force.

[0587] Next, refer to Figure 108 and Figure 110 , a method of transmitting driving force using the pump-screw drive input portion 15039 and the first main body side coupling 110 will be described. Figure 108 As shown, when the driving force is transmitted from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C15, the outer peripheral portion 110e of the first body-side coupling 110 is inserted into the inner peripheral portion 15039a1 of the pump-screw coupling portion 15039a. In this state, as described above, the contact state between the first body-side coupling 110 and the pump-screw drive input portion 15039 is maintained. To achieve this structure, the inner diameter size of the inner peripheral portion 15039a1 of the pump-screw coupling portion 15039a in this embodiment provides a slight press-fit relationship with the outer peripheral portion 110e of the first body-side coupling 110.

[0588] In this embodiment, the pump-screw coupling portion 15039a is made of polyurethane rubber, with an inner peripheral portion 15039a1 having a diameter of 15.3 mm, and the first main body-side coupling 110 is made of polyacetal resin, with an outer peripheral portion 110e having a diameter of 15.6 mm. The materials and dimensions of the pump-screw coupling 15039a and the main body pump coupling 110 are not limited as long as they can transmit the rotational drive of the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C.

[0589] With the above structure, the driving force can be transmitted from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C15, similar to Embodiment 1. In addition, in this embodiment, since the pump-screw coupling 15039a has rubber elasticity, it is possible to prevent damage to the pump-screw coupling 15039a, for example, when the toner cartridge C15 is mounted or removed. (Example 16)

[0590] In Embodiment 1, the shutter member (toner feeding member) 34 is provided with a toner discharge port 34a for discharging toner. In contrast, in this embodiment, for example, the toner discharge port is formed in the toner feeding member by a user operation, and the toner discharge port is referred to as Figure 111 The same reference numerals and symbols as those in Embodiment 1 will be used to describe the same components as those in Embodiment 1. In addition, for the shutter member 16034 according to this embodiment, components including the same functions and effects as those in Embodiment 1 are given the same names and the same reference numerals and symbols.

[0591] Figure 111 16 is a diagram for exemplifying a shutter member 16034 as a toner feeding member according to Embodiment 16 of the present invention. Figure 111(a) is a perspective view of the appearance of the shutter member 16034 before the toner discharge port 16034 a is formed (ie, before the pull-tab portion 16034 k is removed). Figure 111 (b) is a perspective view of the appearance of the shutter member 16034 after the toner discharge port 16034 a is formed (ie, after the pull-tab portion 16034 k is removed).

[0592] like Figure 111 As shown in FIG. 1 (a), the shutter member 16034 according to this embodiment is provided with a tab portion (detachment member) 16034k that can be removed from the shutter member 16034 by manual operation of the user. At the base of the shutter member 16034 provided with the tab portion 16034k, a groove portion 16034m is provided so as to surround the tab portion 16034k.

[0593] like Figure 111 As shown in (a), the user can hook a finger or the like on the tab portion 16034k of the shutter member 16034. Then, from this state, by pulling the tab portion 16034k in a direction away from the shutter member 16034, the tab portion 16034k can be disconnected from the shutter member 16034 at the groove portion 16034m and removed.

[0594] Then, if Figure 111 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the pull tab portion 16034 k is removed from the shutter member 16034 , thereby providing the toner discharge port 16034 a as a rupture surface in the shutter member 16034 .

[0595] With the above-described structure, the shutter member 16034 according to this embodiment forms a toner discharge port when toner is to be discharged, and can discharge toner in the same manner as the shutter member 34 according to Embodiment 1. Before the toner cartridge is used, the toner discharge port is closed by the pull tab portion 16034k, thereby maintaining the seal of the toner cartridge. (Example 17)

[0596] In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the case where toner is fed from the toner cartridge side to the process cartridge side by using the shutter member (toner feeding member) 34 that operates in conjunction with the receiving-side shutter member provided on the process cartridge side has been described. In contrast, in this embodiment, the flexible toner feeding member 17034 provided on the toner cartridge C17 is capable of conveying toner by deforming in conjunction with the attachment member 17070 that can be attached to the process cartridge B17. Figures 112 to 116The same reference numerals and symbols as those in Embodiment 1 will be used to describe the same components as those in Embodiment 1. In addition, with respect to the toner cartridge, process cartridge, and printer body, components having the same functions and effects as those in Embodiment 1 are given the same names and the same reference numerals and symbols.

[0597] Figure 112 FIG1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C17 according to embodiment 17 of the present invention. Figure 112 As shown, the toner cartridge C17 is equipped with a toner feeding member 17034. This is a flexible cylindrical member that protrudes from the toner cartridge C17 in the installation direction D (i.e., the X2 direction), with its cylindrical opening facing outward. Toner feeding member 17034 is made of flexible silicone rubber. While any elastically deformable material can be used, a material that is less susceptible to temperature deformation is preferred.

[0598] A toner discharge port 17034a is provided at the end of the toner feeding member 17034 along the mounting direction D (i.e., the X2 direction). Furthermore, a toner seal (not shown) is mounted within the container of the toner feeding member 17034. When the toner seal is pulled open by the driving force from the printer body A, the toner contained in the toner cartridge C17 can be discharged through the toner discharge port 17034a.

[0599] Next, the structure of the process cartridge B17 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 113 17 is a perspective view of the appearance of an accessory component 17070 according to Example 17 of the present invention. Figure 113 (a) is a perspective view of the external appearance of the attachment member 17070 as viewed along the X2 direction from the side facing the first opening 17070 c. Figure 113 (b) is an external perspective view of the attachment member 17070 as viewed along the Z2 direction from the side facing the second opening 17070 d . Figure 114 1 and 2 are views for exemplifying a process cartridge B17 according to Embodiment 17 of the present invention. Figure 114 (a) is a perspective view of the appearance of the processing box B17 after the attachment member 17070 is installed. In addition, Figure 114 (b) is an enlarged view of the accessory member 17070 mounted to the process cartridge B17. Figure 115 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing details of an accessory component 17070 according to Example 17 of the present invention. Figure 115 (a) is a side view of the vicinity of the accessory member 17070 of the process cartridge B17 after the accessory member 17070 is mounted. Figure 115 (b) is Figure 117 (a) is a cross-sectional view of the S17a-S17a section.

[0600] like Figure 113 (a) and Figure 113 As shown in (b), the attachment member 17070 is provided with a first through-hole 17070b extending from the X1 side to the X2 side. The first through-hole 17070b has a first opening 17070c opening in the X1 direction and a second opening 17070d opening in the Z2 direction. Furthermore, the first through-hole 17070b has a generally arcuate inclined portion 17070a at the X2 end of the opening 17070c. More specifically, the inclined portion 17070a is formed into an arc shape connecting the first opening 17070c and the second opening 17070d. Furthermore, the attachment member 17070 is provided with a second through-hole 11070e opening in the mounting direction D on the Z2 side of the first opening 17070c.

[0601] like Figure 114 As shown, the accessory member 17070 can be mounted on the process cartridge B17 along the mounting direction D (ie, the X2 direction). When the accessory member 17070 is removed from the process cartridge B17, the accessory member 17070 can be removed from the process cartridge B17 in the X1 direction.

[0602] like Figure 115 As shown in (b), the rail portion 214c of the toner flow path member 214 provided in the process cartridge B17 is inserted into the second through-hole 17070e of the attachment member 17070. At this point, the attachment member 17070 pushes the receiving-side shutter member 206, which is fitted into the rail portion 214c, in the installation direction D against the urging force of the coil spring 213 described in Example 1, thereby moving integrally therewith. As the attachment member 17070 is further pushed in, the urging force of the coil spring 213 causes the attachment member 17070 to be pressed in the direction X1 until it abuts the restricting portion 214c1, completing the installation of the process cartridge B17.

[0603] In this state, the receiving-side gate member 206 abuts against the attachment member 17070 in the X1 direction due to the urging force of the coil spring 213, and the communication port 206a is positioned to face the feed port 21c of the bracket 21. That is, in this state, the communication port 206a of the receiving-side gate member 206 is in fluid communication with the feed port 21c of the bracket 21. Furthermore, in this state, the second opening 17070d of the attachment member 17070 is positioned to face the feed port 21c.

[0604] Next, an operation of mounting the toner cartridge C17 according to the present embodiment into the process cartridge B17 will be described. Figure 116 17 is a diagram for exemplarily explaining the operation when the toner cartridge C17 according to Embodiment 17 of the present invention is mounted on the process cartridge B17. Figure 116(a) is a sectional view taken along the XZ plane during installation of the toner cartridge C17 to the process cartridge B17, and is a sectional view taken along the XZ plane. Figure 115 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line S17b-S17b. Figure 116 (b) is a sectional view taken along the XZ plane, showing a state where the toner cartridge C17 is mounted on the process cartridge B17, and is taken along Figure 115 A cross-sectional view taken along line S17b-S17b shown in (a).

[0605] like Figure 116 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , when the toner cartridge C17 is moved and installed relative to the process cartridge B17 in the installation direction D, the toner feeding member 17034 is deformed while contacting the arc portion 17070a of the attachment member 17070. Then, when the installation of the toner cartridge C17 into the process cartridge B17 is completed, as shown in FIG. Figure 116 As shown in (b), the toner feed member 17034 deforms, and the toner discharge port 17034a faces the Z2 direction. In other words, the direction (the central axis of the opening) facing the toner discharge port 17034a when the toner cartridge C17 is initially installed in the process cartridge B17 is perpendicular to the direction facing the toner discharge port 17034a when the installation is complete. The toner discharge port 17034a then enters the communication port 206a of the receiving-side toner feed member 206 of the process cartridge B17.

[0606] With the above-described structure, the toner cartridge of this embodiment can feed toner to the process cartridge side even if the toner discharge port of the toner cartridge C17 of this embodiment faces a direction different from the direction of the toner supply port formed on the process cartridge B17 side before installation is completed. Specifically, the toner cartridge C17 of this embodiment is installed on the process cartridge B17 while the flexible toner feeding member 17034 deforms along the shape provided on the process cartridge side. With this structure, the size of the toner cartridge can be reduced without complicating the shape of the toner feeding member.

[0607] The timing of attaching the accessory member 17070 to the process cartridge B17 is not limited to the above example. For example, the process cartridge B17 with the accessory member 17070 already attached can be attached to the printer body A, or the accessory member 17070 can be attached to the process cartridge B17 already attached to the printer body A. (Example 18)

[0608] In the above-described embodiment 1, the two couplings provided on the toner cartridge C are directly engaged with the coupling provided on the printer body A to transmit the driving force from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C. In contrast, in the embodiment 1 described above, the two couplings provided on the toner cartridge C are directly engaged with the coupling provided on the printer body A to transmit the driving force from the printer body A to the toner cartridge C. Figures 117 to 120The present embodiment is described in which the driving force is transmitted by the drive transmission attachment 18115 provided between the printer body A and the toner cartridge C18.

[0609] FIGMU1801 is a perspective view illustrating a method of attaching the drive transmission accessory 18115 to the toner cartridge C. Components identical to those in Embodiment 1 are described using the same reference numerals and symbols as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, for the toner cartridge, process cartridge, and printer body, components having the same functions and effects as those in Embodiment 1 are given the same names and the same reference numerals and symbols.

[0610] Figure 117 18 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C18 according to Embodiment 18 of the present invention, and shows a state in which two drive transmission accessories 18115 have been removed from the toner cartridge C18 for the purpose of explanation. Figure 118 18 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a toner cartridge C18 according to Embodiment 18 of the present invention, taken along an XZ plane passing through the rotation center of the shutter member 18034. Figure 119 Detailed view of the drive transmission accessory...

Claims

1. A toner cartridge, which can be detachably mounted on a device body of an image forming device to which a developing cartridge can be mounted, the toner cartridge being mountable to the device body by being inserted into the device body in a first direction, the toner cartridge comprising: frame; a cartridge side coupling engageable with a main body side coupling provided on the apparatus main body, wherein in a state where the toner cartridge is mounted to the apparatus main body with the developing cartridge already mounted to the apparatus main body, the cartridge side coupling engages with the main body side coupling to receive a driving force from the apparatus main body; a toner feeding member operable based on a driving force received by the cartridge-side coupling; and a toner discharge member provided with a discharge port for discharging the toner fed by the toner feeding member to the outside of the toner cartridge, wherein the cartridge side coupling is rotatable about a first axis intersecting the first direction, and Here, when the toner cartridge is mounted to the developer cartridge, the discharge port can discharge the toner to the developer cartridge side in a direction parallel to the first axis and away from the cartridge side coupling.

2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The toner discharge member includes a hollow feed passage through which the toner passes between the frame side and the discharge port.

3. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component in a direction away from the first axis.

4. The toner cartridge according to claim 3, wherein: The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component in a first direction.

5. The toner cartridge according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

6. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component in a direction parallel to the first axis.

7. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The central axis of the feed passage extends at least in a direction away from the first axis.

8. The toner cartridge according to claim 7, wherein: The direction parallel to the central axis of the feed passage includes at least a component along the first direction.

9. The toner cartridge according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The direction parallel to the central axis of the feed passage includes at least a component in the direction perpendicular to the first axis.

10. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The direction parallel to the central axis of the feed passage includes at least a component in the direction parallel to the first axis.

11. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The feed passage includes a first region and a second region between the frame and the discharge port, and a direction parallel to a central axis of the second region is different from a direction parallel to a central axis of the first region.

12. The toner cartridge according to claim 11, wherein: The second region is provided to be continuous with the discharge port of the feed passage.

13. The toner cartridge according to claim 12, wherein: In the first region, the feed passage extends in a direction away from the first axis.

14. The toner cartridge according to claim 13, wherein: The first region extends at least along a first direction.

15. The toner cartridge according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The first region extends along a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

16. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: The second region extends in a direction away from the coupling.

17. The toner cartridge according to claim 16, wherein: The second region extends in a direction including at least a component parallel to the first axis.

18. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein: The first area of ​​the toner discharge member is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the second area.

19. The toner cartridge according to claim 18, wherein: In the feeding path, the second region of the toner discharge member is substantially perpendicular to the first region.

20. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein: A normal direction of the discharge port with respect to a two-dimensional projection plane perpendicular to the first axis is parallel to a central axis of the feed passage corresponding to the second region.

21. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 11 to 20, wherein: The cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge port is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion of the feed passage.

22. The toner cartridge according to claim 21, wherein The discharge port has a wall portion which is disposed in a direction intersecting the central axis of the feed passage also corresponding to the second region and which provides a sectional area smaller than that of the hollow portion of the feed passage.

23. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 22, wherein: The toner discharging member is L-shaped.

24. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein: The toner discharging member includes a flexible tube.

25. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 24, wherein: The toner is discharged through the discharge port in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis.

26. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 25, wherein: The toner discharge member is rotatable about a second axis that intersects the first axis.

27. The toner cartridge according to claim 26, wherein: The second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.

28. The toner cartridge according to claim 26 or 27, wherein: The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component in a direction parallel to the first axis and a component in a direction parallel to the second axis.

29. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein: The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component in a second direction parallel to the first axis and facing away from the coupling.

30. The toner cartridge according to claim 29, wherein: The direction of the region of the feed passage communicating with the discharge port includes a component in the second direction.

31. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein: The first axis is substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the toner feeding member.

32. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein: In the region extending in a direction including a component in a direction parallel to the second axis, the feeding path extends in a direction including a component in a direction away from the rotation axis of the toner feeding member.

33. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 28, wherein: The frame is provided with a supply port for supplying toner to the toner discharge member, and the toner discharge member is provided with a receiving port for receiving toner from the frame side, the direction faced by the receiving port being changeable according to the movement of the toner discharge member.

34. The toner cartridge according to claim 33, wherein: The toner discharge member is movable between a first position where the discharge port faces a second direction and a second position where the discharge port faces a third direction different from the second direction, and the discharge port faces the second direction when the toner cartridge is mounted to the developing cartridge.

35. The toner cartridge according to claim 34, wherein: When the toner discharging member is located at the first position, the receiving port faces the supply port.

36. The toner cartridge according to claim 34 or 35, wherein: When the toner discharge member is located at the second position, the receiving port faces a direction different from a direction facing the supply port.

37. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein: In the posture when the toner cartridge is mounted to the apparatus main body, when the toner discharge member is located at the second position, the discharge port faces in a direction toward the top side of the toner cartridge as a third direction.

38. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein: In the posture when the toner cartridge is mounted to the apparatus main body, when the toner discharge member is located at the second position, the discharge port faces in a direction different from the direction of gravity.

39. The toner cartridge according to claim 37 or 38, wherein: In the posture when the toner cartridge is mounted to the apparatus main body, when the toner discharge member is located at the first position, the supply port is opened in the direction of gravity.

40. The toner cartridge according to claim 39, wherein: In the posture when the toner cartridge is mounted to the apparatus main body, when the toner discharge member is located at the second position, the supply port is opened in a direction different from the direction of gravity.

41. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 33 to 40, wherein: In a state where the toner cartridge is mounted to the developing cartridge, the toner discharging member is in the first position.

42. The toner cartridge according to claim 41, wherein: When the toner cartridge is removed from the developing cartridge, the toner discharge member is in the second position.

43. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 42, further comprising an electrical contact portion exposed to the outside of the cartridge, wherein: The electrical contact portion is provided between the coupling and the discharge port of the toner feeding member in a direction parallel to the first axis.

44. The toner cartridge according to claim 43, wherein: The electrical contact portion is located above the discharge port in a vertical direction of the toner cartridge perpendicular to the first axis.

45. The toner cartridge according to claim 43 or 44, wherein: The electrical contact portion is provided at a position closer to the coupling than the toner discharge member in a direction parallel to the first axis.

46. ​​A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 43 to 45, wherein: The outlet port can be oriented away from the electrical contact portion in a direction parallel to the first axis.

47. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 46, wherein: The toner discharge member is provided with a protrusion that protrudes in a direction away from the first axis, and the toner discharge member is movable by an external force applied to the protrusion.

48. A toner cartridge according to claim 47, wherein: The protrusion is movable in a direction including a component parallel to the first axis by an external force.

49. A toner cartridge according to claim 48, wherein: The protrusion is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the first axis by an external force.

50. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 47 to 49, wherein: In a state where the toner cartridge is mounted to the developing cartridge, the protrusion is engageable with a receiving member provided on the developing cartridge.

51. A toner cartridge according to claim 50, wherein: The developer box is provided with an opening for receiving colorant from the colorant box side, and the receiving member is capable of moving between a closed position for closing the opening and an open position for exposing the opening, and when the colorant box is installed on the developer box, the receiving member moves from the closed position to the open position by engaging with the protrusion.

52. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 50, further comprising a pump unit for feeding the toner, the pump unit being driven based on a driving force received by the coupling.

53. A toner cartridge according to claim 52, wherein: The discharge port is provided with a filter, and the toner passes through the filter when the pump unit is driven.

54. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 53, wherein: The frame is provided with a mounting portion to which the toner container unit is detachably mountable, and the toner feeding member feeds the toner supplied from the toner container unit.

55. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 54, further comprising a waste toner storage portion for storing waste toner, wherein The discharge port of the toner discharge member is disposed between the coupling and the waste toner storage portion in a direction parallel to the first axis.

56. A toner cartridge according to claim 55, wherein: The waste toner storage portion includes a waste toner feeding member for feeding the waste toner from the developing cartridge to the toner cartridge, and the waste toner feeding member is driven by a driving force received by a coupling other than the cartridge-side coupling.

57. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 56, wherein: The discharge port is formed by removing the manually removable portion.

58. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 57, wherein: The toner discharge member is movable between a retracted position in which a portion of the toner discharge member having the discharge port is retracted inside the feed passage and an operating position in which the portion of the toner discharge member having the discharge port protrudes from the feed passage.

59. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 58, further comprising a shutter opening and closing member for opening and closing a shutter covering a laser scanner provided in the apparatus main body, wherein The shutter opening and closing member is operable to open the shutter from a closed state in conjunction with the insertion of the toner cartridge into the apparatus main body, not via the developing cartridge.

60. A toner cartridge, which can be detachably mounted on a device body of an image forming device to which a developing cartridge can be mounted, the toner cartridge being mountable to the device body by being inserted into the device body along a first direction, the toner cartridge comprising: frame; a cartridge side coupling engageable with a main body side coupling provided on the apparatus main body, wherein in a state where the toner cartridge is mounted to the apparatus main body with the developing cartridge already mounted to the apparatus main body, the cartridge side coupling engages with the main body side coupling to receive a driving force from the apparatus main body; a toner feeding member operable based on a driving force received by the cartridge-side coupling; and a toner discharge member provided with a discharge port for discharging the toner fed by the toner feeding member to the outside of the toner cartridge, wherein the cartridge-side coupling is rotatable about a first axis intersecting the first direction, and Among them, when the colorant box is installed on the developer box, the discharge port is connected to the opening set in the developer box, and the orientation of the box side connector exposed outside the frame is the same as the orientation of the opening of the developer box when the colorant box is installed on the developer box.

61. A toner cartridge according to claim 60, wherein: The toner discharge member includes a hollow feed passage through which the toner passes between the frame side and the discharge port.

62. A toner cartridge according to claim 61, wherein: The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component in a direction away from the first axis.

63. A toner cartridge according to claim 62, wherein: The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component in a first direction.

64. A toner cartridge according to claim 62 or 63, wherein: The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

65. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 62 to 64, wherein: The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component in a direction parallel to the first axis.

66. A toner cartridge according to claim 61, wherein: The central axis of the feed passage extends at least in a direction away from the first axis.

67. A toner cartridge according to claim 66, wherein: The direction parallel to the central axis of the feed passage includes at least a component along the first direction.

68. A toner cartridge according to claim 66 or 67, wherein: The direction parallel to the central axis of the feed passage includes at least a component in the direction perpendicular to the first axis.

69. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 66 to 68, wherein: The direction parallel to the central axis of the feed passage includes at least a component in the direction parallel to the first axis.

70. The toner cartridge according to claim 61, wherein: The feed passage includes a first region and a second region between the frame and the discharge port, and a direction parallel to a central axis of the second region is different from a direction parallel to a central axis of the first region.

71. A toner cartridge according to claim 70, wherein: The second region is provided to be continuous with the discharge port of the feed passage.

72. A toner cartridge according to claim 71, wherein: In the first region, the feed passage extends in a direction away from the first axis.

73. A toner cartridge according to claim 72, wherein: The first region extends at least along a first direction.

74. A toner cartridge according to claim 72 or 73, wherein: The first region extends along a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

75. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 72 to 74, wherein The second region extends in a direction away from the coupling.

76. A toner cartridge according to claim 75, wherein: The second region extends in a direction including at least a component parallel to the first axis.

77. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 70 to 76, wherein: The first area of ​​the toner discharge member is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the second area.

78. A toner cartridge according to claim 77, wherein: In the feeding path, the second region of the toner discharge member is substantially perpendicular to the first region.

79. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 70 to 78, wherein: A normal direction of the discharge port with respect to a two-dimensional projection plane perpendicular to the first axis is parallel to a central axis of the feed passage corresponding to the second region.

80. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 70 to 79, wherein: The cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge port is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion of the feed passage.

81. A toner cartridge according to claim 80, wherein: The discharge port has a wall portion which is disposed in a direction intersecting the central axis of the feed passage also corresponding to the second region and which provides a sectional area smaller than that of the hollow portion of the feed passage.

82. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 61 to 81, wherein: The toner discharging member is L-shaped.

83. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 61 to 69, wherein: The toner discharging member includes a flexible tube.

84. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 61 to 83, wherein: The toner is discharged through the discharge port in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis.

85. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 61 to 84, wherein: The toner discharge member rotates about a second axis that intersects the first axis.

86. A toner cartridge according to claim 85, wherein: The second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.

87. A toner cartridge according to claim 85 or 86, wherein: The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component in a direction parallel to the first axis and a component in a direction parallel to the second axis.

88. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 85 to 87, wherein: The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component in a second direction parallel to the first axis and facing away from the coupling.

89. A toner cartridge according to claim 88, wherein: The direction of the region of the feed passage communicating with the discharge port includes a component in the second direction.

90. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 85 to 89, wherein: The first axis is substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the toner feeding member.

91. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 87 to 90, wherein: In the region extending in a direction including a component in a direction parallel to the second axis, the feeding path extends in a direction including a component in a direction away from the rotation axis of the toner feeding member.

92. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 61 to 87, wherein: The frame is provided with a supply port for supplying toner to the toner discharge member, and the toner discharge member is provided with a receiving port for receiving toner from the frame side, the direction faced by the receiving port being changeable according to the movement of the toner discharge member.

93. A toner cartridge according to claim 92, wherein: The toner discharge member is movable between a first position where the discharge port faces in a first direction and a second position where the discharge port faces in a second direction different from the first direction.

94. A toner cartridge according to claim 93, wherein: When the toner discharging member is located at the first position, the receiving port faces the supply port.

95. A toner cartridge according to claim 93 or 94, wherein: When the toner discharge member is located at the second position, the receiving port faces a direction different from a direction facing the supply port.

96. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 93 to 95, wherein: In the posture when the toner cartridge is mounted to the apparatus main body, when the toner discharge member is located at the second position, the discharge port faces upward.

97. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 93 to 96, wherein: In the posture when the toner cartridge is mounted to the apparatus main body, when the toner discharge member is located at the second position, the discharge port faces in a direction different from the direction of gravity.

98. A toner cartridge according to claim 96 or 97, wherein: In the posture when the toner cartridge is mounted to the apparatus main body, when the toner discharge member is located at the first position, the supply port is opened in the direction of gravity.

99. A toner cartridge according to claim 98, wherein: In the posture when the toner cartridge is mounted to the apparatus main body, when the toner discharge member is located at the second position, the supply port is opened in a direction different from the direction of gravity.

100. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 92-99, wherein: In a state where the toner cartridge is mounted to the developing cartridge, the toner discharging member is in the first position.

101. A toner cartridge according to claim 100, wherein: When the toner cartridge is removed from the developing cartridge, the toner discharge member is in the second position.

102. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 61 to 101, further comprising an electrical contact portion exposed to the outside of the cartridge, wherein: The electrical contact portion is provided between the coupling and the discharge port of the toner feeding member in a direction parallel to the first axis.

103. A toner cartridge according to claim 102, wherein: The electrical contact portion is located above the discharge port in a vertical direction of the toner cartridge perpendicular to the first axis.

104. A toner cartridge according to claim 102 or 103, wherein: The electrical contact portion is provided at a position closer to the coupling than the toner discharge member in a direction parallel to the first axis.

105. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 102 to 104, wherein: The outlet port can be oriented away from the electrical contact portion in a direction parallel to the first axis.

106. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 61 to 105, wherein The toner discharge member is provided with a protrusion that protrudes in a direction away from the first axis, and the toner discharge member is movable by an external force applied to the protrusion.

107. A toner cartridge according to claim 106, wherein: The protrusion is movable in a direction including a component parallel to the first axis by an external force.

108. A toner cartridge according to claim 107, wherein: The protrusion is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the first axis by an external force.

109. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 106 to 108, wherein: In a state where the toner cartridge is mounted to the developing cartridge, the protrusion is engageable with a receiving member provided on the developing cartridge.

110. A toner cartridge according to claim 109, wherein: The developing box is provided with an opening for receiving the toner from the toner box side, wherein the receiving member is movable between a closed position for closing the opening and an open position for exposing the opening, and, When the toner cartridge is mounted on the developing cartridge, the receiving member moves from the closed position to the open position by engaging with the protrusion.

111. The colorant box according to any one of claims 61 to 110 further includes a pump unit for feeding the colorant, the pump unit being driven based on a driving force received by the connector.

112. A toner cartridge according to claim 111, wherein: The discharge port is provided with a filter, and the toner passes through the filter when the pump unit is driven.

113. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 61 to 112, wherein: The frame is provided with a mounting portion to which the toner container unit is detachably mountable, and the toner feeding member feeds the toner supplied from the toner container unit.

114. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 61 to 113, further comprising a waste toner storage portion for storing waste toner, in, The discharge port of the toner discharge member is disposed between the coupling and the waste toner storage portion in a direction parallel to the first axis.

115. A toner cartridge according to claim 114, wherein: The waste toner storage portion includes a waste toner feeding member for feeding the waste toner from the developing cartridge to the toner cartridge, and Here, the waste toner feeding member is driven by a driving force received by a coupling other than the cartridge-side coupling.

116. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 61 to 115, wherein: The discharge port is formed by removing the manually removable portion.

117. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 61 to 116, wherein: The toner discharge member is movable between a retracted position in which a portion of the toner discharge member having the discharge port is retracted inside the feed passage and an operating position in which the portion of the toner discharge member having the discharge port protrudes from the feed passage.

118. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 60 to 117, further comprising a shutter opening and closing member for opening and closing a shutter covering a laser scanner provided in the apparatus main body, in, The shutter opening and closing member is operable to open the shutter from a closed state in conjunction with the insertion of the toner cartridge into the apparatus main body, not via the developing cartridge.

119. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 60 to 118, wherein The first axis is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge, and the frame has a first surface on which the toner discharge member is disposed and a second surface substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to which the cartridge-side coupling is exposed.

120. A toner cartridge according to claim 119, wherein: The cartridge-side coupling is provided with an engaging portion protruding in the longitudinal direction, and a direction in which the engaging portion protrudes is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

121. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 60 to 120, wherein: From the start of mounting the toner cartridge to the developing cartridge until the mounting is completed, the discharge port faces a direction different from the direction of the cartridge-side coupling exposed from the frame.

122. An imaging device, wherein the colorant box according to any one of claims 1-121 can be detachably mounted on the imaging device.

123. A developing cartridge, wherein the toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 121 can be detachably mounted on the developing cartridge, the developing cartridge comprising: an opening, the opening facing the discharge port of the toner cartridge when the toner cartridge is mounted on the developer cartridge; as well as The developing unit carries the toner supplied through the opening.

124. A box comprising: frame; a coupling rotatable about a first axis; a toner feeding member operable based on a driving force received by the coupling; as well as a toner discharge member provided with a discharge port through which the toner fed by the toner feeding member is discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge, wherein the toner discharge member is movable relative to the frame to change the orientation of the discharge port, and the discharge port is capable of facing in a first direction away from the coupling in a direction parallel to the first axis.

125. A box according to claim 123, wherein The toner discharge member includes a hollow feed passage through which toner passes between the frame side and the discharge port.

126. A box according to claim 125, wherein The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component in a direction away from the first axis.

127. A box according to claim 126, wherein The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

128. A box according to claim 126 or 127, wherein The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component in a direction parallel to the first axis.

129. The cartridge of claim 125, wherein: The feed passage extends at least in a direction away from the first axis.

130. The cartridge of claim 129, wherein: The direction parallel to the central axis of the feed passage includes at least a component in the direction perpendicular to the first axis.

131. A cartridge according to claim 129 or 130, wherein The direction parallel to the central axis of the feed passage includes at least a component in the direction parallel to the first axis.

132. The cartridge of claim 125, wherein: The feed passage includes a first region and a second region between the frame and the discharge port, a central axis of the second region being different from a central axis of the first region.

133. A box according to claim 132, wherein The second region is provided to be continuous with the discharge port of the feed passage.

134. A box according to claim 133, wherein In the first region, the feed passage extends in a direction away from the first axis.

135. A cartridge according to claim 134, wherein The first region extends along a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

136. A cartridge according to any one of claims 133 to 135, wherein The second region extends in a direction away from the coupling.

137. A box according to claim 136, wherein The second region extends in a direction including at least a component parallel to the first axis.

138. A cartridge according to any one of claims 132 to 137, wherein The first area of ​​the toner discharge member is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the second area.

139. A box according to claim 136, wherein In the feeding path, the second region of the toner discharge member is substantially perpendicular to the first region.

140. A cartridge according to any one of claims 132 to 139, wherein A normal direction of the discharge port with respect to a two-dimensional projection plane perpendicular to the first axis is parallel to a central axis of the feed passage corresponding to the second region.

141. A cartridge according to any one of claims 132 to 140, wherein The cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge port is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion of the feed passage.

142. A box according to claim 141, wherein The discharge port has a wall portion which is arranged in a direction intersecting the central axis of the feed passage also corresponding to the second region and which provides a sectional area smaller than that of the hollow portion of the feed passage.

143. A cartridge according to any one of claims 125 to 142, wherein The toner discharging member is L-shaped.

144. A cartridge according to any one of claims 125 to 131, wherein The toner discharging member includes a flexible tube.

145. A cartridge according to any one of claims 125 to 144, wherein The toner is discharged through the discharge port in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis.

146. A cartridge according to any one of claims 125 to 145, wherein The toner discharge member rotates about a second axis that intersects the first axis.

147. A box according to claim 146, wherein The second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.

148. A cartridge according to claim 146 or 147, wherein The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component in a direction parallel to the first axis and a component in a direction parallel to the second axis.

149. A cartridge according to any one of claims 146 to 148, wherein The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component along a first direction parallel to the first axis and facing away from the coupling.

150. The cartridge of claim 149, wherein The direction of the region of the feed passage communicating with the discharge port includes a component in the first direction.

151. A cartridge according to any one of claims 148 to 150, wherein The first axis is substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the toner feeding member.

152. A cartridge according to any one of claims 148 to 151, wherein In the region extending in a direction including a component in a direction parallel to the second axis, the feeding path extends in a direction including a component in a direction away from the rotation axis of the toner feeding member.

153. A cartridge according to any one of claims 125 to 148, wherein The frame is provided with a supply port for supplying toner to the toner discharge member, and the toner discharge member is provided with a receiving port for receiving toner from the frame side, the direction faced by the receiving port being changeable according to the movement of the toner discharge member.

154. A box according to claim 153, wherein The toner discharge member is movable between a first position where the discharge port faces in a first direction and a second position where the discharge port faces in a second direction different from the first direction.

155. A cartridge according to claim 153 or 154, wherein When the toner discharging member is located at the first position, the receiving port faces the supply port.

156. A cartridge according to any one of claims 153 to 155, wherein When the toner discharge member is located at the second position, the receiving port faces a direction different from a direction facing the supply port.

157. The box according to any one of claims 125-156 further comprises an electrical contact portion exposed to the outside of the box, wherein: The electrical contact portion is provided between the coupling and the discharge port of the toner discharge member in a direction parallel to the first axis.

158. A box according to claim 157, wherein The electrical contact portion is located above the discharge port in a vertical direction of the toner cartridge perpendicular to the first axis.

159. A cartridge according to claim 157 or 158, wherein The electrical contact portion is provided at a position closer to the coupling than the toner discharge member in a direction parallel to the first axis.

160. A cartridge according to any one of claims 157-159, wherein The outlet port can be oriented away from the electrical contact portion in a direction parallel to the first axis.

161. A cartridge according to any one of claims 125-160, wherein The toner discharge member is provided with a protrusion that protrudes in a direction away from the first axis, and the toner discharge member is movable by an external force applied to the protrusion.

162. A box according to claim 161, wherein The protrusion is movable in a direction including a component parallel to the first axis by an external force.

163. A box according to claim 162, wherein The protrusion rotates around an axis perpendicular to the first axis when receiving an external force.

164. A box according to any one of claims 125 to 163, further comprising a pump unit for feeding colorant, the pump unit being driven based on a driving force received by the connector.

165. A box according to claim 164, wherein The discharge port is provided with a filter, and the toner passes through the filter when the pump unit is driven.

166. A cartridge according to any one of claims 125-164, wherein The frame is provided with a mounting portion to which the toner container unit is detachably mountable, and the toner feeding member feeds the toner supplied from the toner container unit.

167. A cartridge according to any one of claims 125 to 164, further comprising a waste toner storage portion for storing waste toner, wherein The discharge port of the toner discharge member is disposed between the coupling and the waste toner storage portion in a direction parallel to the first axis.

168. A cartridge according to any one of claims 125-164, wherein The discharge port is formed by removing the manually removable portion.

169. A cartridge according to any one of claims 125-164, wherein The toner discharge member is movable between a retracted position in which a portion of the toner discharge member having the discharge port is retracted inside the feed passage and an operating position in which the portion of the toner discharge member having the discharge port protrudes from the feed passage.

170. A box comprising: frame; a drive input member; a toner feeding member operable based on a driving force received by the coupling; as well as a toner discharging member provided with a discharge port through which the toner conveyed by the toner feeding member is discharged to the outside of the cartridge, The discharge port can be oriented in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge in a direction away from the side where the drive input member is provided.

171. A box according to claim 170, wherein The toner discharge member includes a hollow feed passage between the frame side and the discharge port through which the toner passes.

172. A box according to claim 171, wherein The drive input member is rotatable about a first axis generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge.

173. A box according to claim 172, wherein The direction of the feed passage includes at least a component in a direction away from the first axis.

174. A cartridge according to any one of claims 171-173, wherein The direction of the feed path includes at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the box.

175. A cartridge according to claim 173 or 174, wherein The direction of the feed path includes at least a component in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the box.

176. A box according to claim 172, wherein The central axis of the feed passage extends at least in a direction away from the first axis.

177. A box according to claim 176, wherein The direction parallel to the central axis of the feed passage includes at least a component perpendicular to the first axis.

178. A box according to claim 176 or 177, wherein The direction parallel to the central axis of the feed passage includes at least a component in the direction parallel to the first axis.

179. A box according to claim 171, wherein The feed passage includes a first region and a second region between the frame and the discharge port, and a direction parallel to a central axis of the second region is different from a direction parallel to a central axis of the first region.

180. A cartridge according to claim 179, wherein The second region is provided to be continuous with the discharge port of the feed passage.

181. A box according to claim 180, wherein The first region is aligned in a direction of the feed passageway away from the axis of rotation of the drive input member.

182. A box according to claim 181, wherein The first region extends along a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

183. A cartridge according to any one of claims 180-182, wherein The second region is aligned in a direction away from the drive input member.

184. A box according to claim 183, wherein The second region extends in a direction including at least a component parallel to the longitudinal direction of the box.

185. A cartridge according to any one of claims 179-184, wherein The first area of ​​the toner discharge member is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the second area.

186. A box according to claim 185, wherein In the feeding path, the second region of the toner discharge member is substantially perpendicular to the first region.

187. A cartridge according to claim 181 or 182, wherein A normal direction of the discharge port with respect to a two-dimensional projection plane perpendicular to the first axis is parallel to a central axis of the feed passage corresponding to the second region.

188. A cartridge according to any one of claims 179-187, wherein The cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge port is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion of the feed passage.

189. A box according to claim 188, wherein The discharge port has a wall portion which is disposed in a direction intersecting the central axis of the feed passage also corresponding to the second region and which provides a sectional area smaller than that of the hollow portion of the feed passage.

190. A cartridge according to any one of claims 171-189, wherein The toner discharging member is L-shaped.

191. A cartridge according to any one of claims 171-178, wherein The toner discharging member includes a flexible tube.

192. A cartridge according to any one of claims 171 to 191, wherein The toner is discharged through the discharge port in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis.

193. A cartridge according to any one of claims 171-192, wherein The toner discharging member is rotatable about a second axis intersecting the longitudinal direction of the cartridge.

194. A box according to claim 192, wherein The second axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the box.

195. A cartridge according to claim 193 or 194, wherein The direction of the feed path includes at least a component in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the box and a component in a direction parallel to the second axis.

196. A box according to any one of claims 193-195, wherein The direction of the feed path includes at least a component in a first direction away from the drive input member in the longitudinal direction of the box.

197. A box according to claim 198, wherein The direction of the region of the feed passage communicating with the discharge port includes a component in the first direction.

198. A box according to any one of claims 195-197, wherein The longitudinal direction of the cartridge is substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the toner feeding member.

199. A box according to any one of claims 195-198, wherein In the region extending in a direction including a component in a direction parallel to the second axis, the feeding path extends in a direction including a component in a direction away from the rotation axis of the toner feeding member.

200. A cartridge according to any one of claims 171-195, wherein The frame is provided with a supply port for supplying toner to the toner discharge member, and the toner discharge member is provided with a receiving port for receiving toner from the frame side, the direction faced by the receiving port being changeable according to the movement of the toner discharge member.

201. A box according to claim 200, wherein The toner discharge member is movable between a first position where the discharge port faces in a first direction and a second position where the discharge port faces in a second direction different from the first direction.

202. A box according to claim 201, wherein When the toner discharging member is located at the first position, the receiving port faces the supply port.

203. A box according to claim 201 or 203, wherein When the toner discharge member is located at the second position, the receiving port faces a direction different from a direction facing the supply port.

204. The box according to any one of claims 171-203 further includes an electrical contact portion exposed to the outside of the box, wherein: The electrical contact portion is provided between the drive input member and the discharge port of the toner feeding member in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge.

205. A box according to claim 204, wherein The electrical contact portion is located above the discharge port in a vertical direction of the toner cartridge perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge.

206. A box according to claim 204 or 205, wherein The electric contact portion is provided at a position closer to the drive input member than toner discharge member in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge.

207. A box according to any one of claims 204-206, wherein The discharge opening can be oriented away from the electrical contact portion in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge.

208. A box according to any one of claims 171-207, wherein The toner discharge member is provided with a protrusion that protrudes in a direction away from a first axis that is a rotation axis of the drive input member, and the toner discharge member is movable by an external force applied to the protrusion.

209. A box according to claim 208, wherein The protrusion is movable in a direction including a component parallel to the first axis by an external force.

210. A box according to claim 209, wherein The protrusion is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the first axis by an external force.

211. A box according to any one of claims 171-210, further comprising a pump unit for feeding colorant, the pump unit being driven based on a driving force received by a driving input member.

212. A box according to claim 211, wherein The discharge port is provided with a filter, and the toner passes through the filter when the pump unit is driven.

213. A box according to any one of claims 171-212, wherein The frame is provided with a mounting portion to which the toner container unit is detachably mountable, and the toner feeding member feeds the toner supplied from the toner container unit.

214. A cartridge according to any one of claims 171 to 213, further comprising a waste toner storage portion for storing waste toner, wherein The discharge port of the toner discharge member is provided between the drive input member and the waste toner storage portion in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge.

215. A box according to any one of claims 171-214, wherein The discharge port is formed by removing the manually removable portion.

216. A box according to any one of claims 171-215, wherein The toner discharge member is movable between a retracted position in which a portion of the toner discharge member having the discharge port is retracted inside the feed passage and an operating position in which the portion of the toner discharge member having the discharge port protrudes from the feed passage.

217. The cartridge of claim 170, wherein: A free end portion of the drive input member in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge has rubber elasticity and is deformable.

218. The cartridge of claim 170 further comprising a shutter member movable relative to the frame, wherein: The frame is provided with a supply port for supplying toner to the toner discharge member, and wherein the toner discharge member is provided with a receiving port for receiving toner from the frame side, The shutter member is movable between a closed state for closing the supply port and an open state for opening the supply port.

219. A box according to claim 218, wherein The shutter member includes a flat plate-shaped member parallel to a frame surface provided with the supply port, and the shutter member is movable between a closed state and an open state by the flat plate-shaped member moving relative to the supply port.

220. A box according to claim 218 or 219, wherein The shutter member is provided with an actuating portion, and the shutter member is movable in conjunction with the actuating portion.

221. A box according to claim 220, wherein The cartridge can be detachably mounted on the device body of the imaging device, wherein, when the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus body, the actuating portion contacts an abutment surface provided in the apparatus body, and In which, in the open state of the shutter member, the actuating portion abuts against the abutment surface.

222. A box according to claim 221, wherein The actuating portion of the gate member is separated from the abutment surface in the closed state.

223. A box according to claim 222, wherein The actuating portion is capable of abutting against an abutment surface on a movable door provided on the apparatus body.

224. A box according to claim 220, wherein The cartridge is a toner cartridge that can be detachably mounted to the developing cartridge, wherein, when the toner cartridge is mounted on the developer cartridge, the actuating portion can abut against a contact portion provided on the developer cartridge, and Wherein, in the open state, the actuating portion abuts against the abutting portion.

225. A box according to claim 224, wherein In the closed state, the actuating portion is separated from the abutting portion.

226. A box according to claim 225, wherein The actuating portion has an inclined surface inclined in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge, and when the toner cartridge is mounted on the developing cartridge, the abutting portion abuts against the inclined surface of the actuating portion to move the shutter member in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge.

227. A box according to claim 226, wherein The shutter member is provided with a hole portion which communicates with the supply port in an open state of the shutter member.

228. A cartridge according to claim 218, further comprising a driving force transmitting member engaged with the driving force input member to transmit the driving force to the toner feeding member, in, The toner feeding member is rotatable about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge in a state of being engaged with the driving force transmitting member, and Among them, the shutter member operates in conjunction with the rotation of the toner feeding member.

229. A box according to claim 228, wherein The shutter member is in a closed state when the driving force transmitting member does not transmit the driving force to the toner feeding member, and is in an open state when the driving force transmitting member transmits the driving force to the toner feeding member.

230. A cartridge according to claim 218, wherein The shutter member is driven by a battery mounted on the box.

231. The cartridge of claim 230 further comprising a depressible switch portion, wherein: When the switch portion is pressed, the shutter member is opened.

232. The cartridge of claim 170, further comprising: a pump unit for feeding toner; as well as an openable and closable discharge valve inside the toner discharge member, wherein the pump unit is driven based on a driving force received by the driving input member, and Here, the gap formed in the discharge valve when the pump unit is driven is larger than when the pump unit is not driven.

233. The cartridge of claim 170, wherein: The cartridge is a toner cartridge that can be detachably mounted on the developing cartridge, and the developing cartridge is provided with: a communication port that can be communicated with the discharge port when the toner cartridge is mounted; and a gate member that can move in a closing direction to close the connecting port and can move in an opening direction to open the connecting port; wherein, when the toner cartridge is mounted on the developing cartridge via an accessory member, the gate member is moved in an opening direction by the accessory member, and the discharge port is connected to the connecting port by moving the gate member in the opening direction.

234. The cartridge of claim 170, wherein: The cartridge is a toner cartridge that can be detachably mounted on the developing cartridge, The cartridge includes a connecting portion protruding from the frame in the same direction as the toner discharge member; The developing cartridge is provided with: a communication port which can communicate with the discharge port when the toner cartridge is installed; and a shutter member which can move in a closing direction to close the communication port and can move in an opening direction to open the communication port; and When the toner cartridge is mounted on the developing cartridge, the connecting portion moves the shutter member in an opening direction, and the shutter member moves in the opening direction so that the discharge port communicates with the communication port.

235. A box according to claim 233 or 234, wherein The shutter member is movable in a direction substantially the same as a mounting direction of the toner cartridge relative to the developing cartridge.

236. The cartridge of claim 170, further comprising: a link member rotatable in response to a driving force received by the driving force input member; as well as a gas cylinder capable of moving in the longitudinal direction of the box in response to the rotation of the link member, Among them, the toner discharging member uses an air cylinder to discharge air and toner from a discharge port.

237. The cartridge of claim 26, wherein: The air cylinder is arranged at one end of the frame along the longitudinal direction of the box, and the air cylinder can move toward the inside of the frame along the longitudinal direction of the box to communicate with the inside of the frame and discharge compressed air into the frame.

238. The cartridge of claim 170, further comprising: a pump unit for feeding toner; Battery; as well as A motor that can be driven based on power provided by a battery, wherein the driving force input member is provided with a gear portion capable of meshing with a motor-side gear provided on the motor drive shaft, and The pump unit is driven by receiving a driving force inputted by the rotation of the motor-side gear via the gear portion.

239. A box according to claim 238, wherein The cartridge can be detachably mounted on the device body of the imaging device, wherein the cartridge includes a cartridge-side coupling engageable with a main body-side coupling provided in the apparatus main body, wherein the detection member is operable in conjunction with the rotation of the cartridge-side coupling, and The motor is driven in response to the detection member detecting the rotation of the main body-side coupling.

240. The cartridge of claim 170, wherein: The cartridge is detachably mountable to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, the cartridge including a driving force receiving portion engageable with the driving force input member, wherein the driving force receiving portion is engageable with a main body side coupling provided on the apparatus main body and rotatable about a first rotation axis inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge, and Wherein, the driving force input member rotates about a second rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the box in response to the rotation of the driving force receiving portion.

241. A box according to claim 240, wherein The driving force receiving portion includes a coupling portion engageable with the main body side coupling at one end in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis and a gear portion engageable with the driving force input member at the other end.

242. The cartridge of claim 170, wherein: The driving force input member includes a coupling movable in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge.

243. The cartridge of claim 242, comprising: connecting rod member, and a conversion gear connected to a drive input member via a connecting rod member, When the coupling reciprocates in the longitudinal direction of the cassette, the conversion gear is continuously rotated in one direction via the link member.

244. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1-121, wherein The toner cartridge is detachably mountable to the apparatus main body in a state where the toner cartridge is mounted to the developing cartridge, and the toner cartridge includes a connecting portion for connecting a connecting member for connecting the developing cartridge to the toner cartridge.

245. A cartridge capable of being detachably mounted on a device body of an imaging device, the imaging device comprising a main body side coupling member, the cartridge being detachably mounted in a direction perpendicular to a driving axis of the main body side coupling member, the cartridge comprising: frame; a first driving force receiving member rotatably supported by the frame, the first driving force receiving member including a first driving force receiving portion rotatable about a first rotation axis and engageable with the main body side coupling member to receive a driving force for feeding toner; as well as a toner discharge member supported by the frame, the toner discharge member comprising: a feeding portion capable of feeding toner in a first direction intersecting the first rotation axis and having a component in a direction away from the first rotation axis; and a discharge portion capable of discharging the fed toner, The discharge portion is capable of discharging the toner in a second direction, the second direction including a component in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis.

246. A cartridge capable of being detachably mounted on a device body of an imaging device, the imaging device comprising a main body side coupling member, the cartridge being detachably mounted in a direction perpendicular to a driving axis of the main body side coupling member, the cartridge comprising: frame; a first driving force receiving member rotatably supported by the frame, the first driving force receiving member including a first driving force receiving portion rotatable about a first rotation axis and engageable with the main body side coupling member to receive a driving force for feeding toner; as well as a toner discharge member supported by the frame, the toner discharge member including a feeding portion capable of feeding toner in a first direction and a discharge portion capable of discharging the fed toner, wherein the discharge portion is capable of discharging the toner in a second direction including a component in a direction away from the first driving force receiving member, the second direction being different from a direction in which the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus body.

247. A box according to claim 245 or 26, wherein The opening of the discharge portion opens toward the second direction.

248. A box according to any one of claims 245-247, wherein The feeding portion includes a first region parallel to the first direction and a second region parallel to the second direction.

249. A box according to claim 248, wherein The feed portion is L-shaped.

250. A cartridge according to any one of claims 243-249, wherein The toner discharge member is rotatable about a second rotation axis substantially parallel to the first direction in conjunction with insertion of the cartridge into the apparatus body.

251. A box according to claim 250, wherein The first direction is substantially the same as the direction in which the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus body.

252. A box according to claim 250 or 251, wherein When the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main body mounted with the bottom surface facing the direction of gravity, the discharge portion faces a direction different from the direction of gravity by the rotation of the toner discharge member.

253. A box according to claim 252, wherein The discharge portion faces the direction opposite to the gravity direction before the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main body with the bottom surface arranged facing the gravity direction, and faces the direction perpendicular to the gravity direction by rotation of the toner discharge member when the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main body.

254. A box according to any one of claims 250-253, wherein The cartridge is a toner cartridge, and the cartridge can be mounted in the apparatus main body in a state where a developing cartridge including a developing unit is already mounted in the apparatus main body, wherein the toner discharge member is provided with an abutment member capable of abutting against a guide surface provided adjacent to a supply port for supplying toner into the developing cartridge, Wherein, when the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus body, the toner discharge member is rotated about the second rotation axis by changing the abutment state between the abutment member and the guide surface.

255. A box according to claim 254, wherein The abutment member is provided downstream of the discharge portion in the insertion direction when the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main body.

256. A box according to claim 254 or 255, wherein The toner discharge member is disposed adjacent to the replenishing port of the main body of the developing cartridge, and the toner discharge member is provided with an actuating member for opening and closing the shutter member for the replenishing port, and When the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus body, the actuating member engages with a receiving portion provided on the developing cartridge, thereby bringing the supply port into an open state.

257. A box according to claim 256, wherein When the toner discharging member is viewed in the axial direction of the second rotation axis, the abutment member and the actuating member are arranged at positions that are point-symmetrical with respect to the second rotation axis.

258. A box according to any one of claims 245-253, wherein The cartridge is a toner cartridge, and the cartridge can be mounted in the apparatus main body in a state where a developing cartridge including a developing unit is already mounted in the apparatus main body, wherein the toner discharge member is disposed adjacent to a replenishing port of a main body of the developing cartridge, and the toner discharge member is provided with an actuating member for opening and closing a shutter member for the replenishing port, and When the cartridge is inserted into the apparatus body, the actuating member engages with a receiving portion provided on the developing cartridge, thereby bringing the supply port into an open state.

259. A box according to claim 258, wherein The first driving force receiving member is engageable with the main body side coupling at a first end side of the first rotation axis, and the discharge portion faces an opening corresponding to the feeding port at a second end side opposite to the first end of the first rotation axis.

260. According to any one of claims 254 to 259, the box further includes a waste colorant storage portion for receiving waste colorant from the developing box, and the waste colorant storage portion is supported at a position opposite to the first driving force receiving member of the frame in a direction parallel to the axis of the first rotation axis.

261. According to claim 260, the box further includes a second driving force receiving member, the second driving force receiving member includes a second driving force receiving portion, the second driving force receiving portion can be engaged with a coupling member different from a main body side coupling member provided on the device body to receive a driving force for stirring the colorant in the box, wherein, The second driving force receiving portion is supported on the same side of the frame as the first driving force receiving portion in a direction of an axis parallel to the first rotation axis.

262. A box according to claim 261, wherein The waste toner storage portion has a waste toner feeding member for feeding the waste toner from the developing cartridge to the cartridge, and the waste toner feeding member is driven by a driving force received by the second driving force receiving portion.

263. A cartridge according to any one of claims 254 to 262, comprising a shutter opening and closing member provided on a second surface of the frame intersecting the first surface, for opening and closing a shutter covering a laser scanner provided in the apparatus body, in, The shutter opening and closing member can be operated to open the shutter from the closed state in conjunction with the action of inserting the cartridge into the apparatus main body, not via the developing cartridge.

264. A box according to any one of claims 245 to 263, comprising a first contact capable of being electrically connected to a main body side contact arranged on the device main body, the first contact facing a direction different from the second direction.

265. A box according to claim 264, wherein The first contact point is provided between the first driving force receiving portion and the discharge portion in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis.

266. An imaging device, to which a box according to any one of claims 245 to 265 can be removably mounted.

267. A developing box, comprising a developing unit, the developing unit is used to carry the colorant supplied from the box according to any one of claims 245 to 265, and the developing box is provided with a supply port for receiving the colorant supply from the discharge portion.

268. A box comprising: frame; a driving force input member rotatable about a first rotation axis to input a driving force for feeding toner from inside the frame; as well as a toner discharge member for discharging the toner from the inside of the frame to the outside in response to the driving force received by the driving force input member, wherein the toner discharge member includes a feeding portion having at least a portion protruding in a direction intersecting the first rotation axis, wherein the feeding portion is capable of feeding toner in a first direction intersecting the first rotation axis and including a component in a direction away from the first rotation axis and is capable of feeding toner in a second direction including a component in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis, and The toner fed in the second direction is discharged to the outside.

269. A box according to claim 268, wherein The feeding portion includes a first feeding portion extending in a first direction and a second feeding portion extending in a second direction.

270. A box according to claim 269, wherein The first direction is a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis, and the second direction is a direction parallel to the first rotation axis.

271. A box according to claim 268, wherein The feed portion includes a flexible tube that is bendable in a first direction and a second direction.

272. A box according to claim 268, wherein The feeding portion can feed the toner in a third direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the first rotation axis, the third direction being different from the first direction and the second direction.

273. A box according to claim 268, wherein The feeding portion can be divided into a first feeding portion and a second feeding portion, the first feeding portion can feed the toner supplied from the inside of the frame in a first direction, and The second feeding portion can be connected to the first feeding portion at a side opposite to the frame and can feed toner in a first direction and a second direction.

274. A box according to any one of claims 268 to 273, wherein The feeding member is provided with a discharge port for discharging the toner to the outside of the cartridge.

275. A box according to claim 274, wherein The discharge port discharges the toner in the second direction.

276. A box according to claim 272 or 275, wherein The cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge port is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the feed portion.

277. A box according to claim 276, wherein The discharge port has a wall portion disposed in a direction intersecting the second feed direction, and the wall portion provides a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the feed portion.

278. A box according to claim 274, wherein The discharge port is provided with a filter.

279. A box according to claim 278 also includes a pump unit for feeding colorant, and the colorant passes through the filter when the pump unit is driven.

280. A box according to claim 274, wherein The discharge port is formed by removing a detachable portion provided on the feed portion that can be detached by a user.

281. A box according to any one of claims 268 to 273, further comprising a protrusion provided with a discharge port, the protrusion being supported by the feed portion so as to be movable in a second direction of the feed portion between a retracted position retracted inside the feed portion and an operating position protruding from the feed portion.

282. A box according to claim 281, wherein The protrusion is hollow and is capable of feeding toner in a second direction, and the discharge port discharges toner in a direction different from the second direction.

283. A box according to claim 268, wherein The toner discharging member is supported on the frame in a rotatable manner about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

284. The cartridge according to claim 268 further comprising a container for storing toner, wherein: The toner discharge member receives a supply of toner from the accommodating portion and feeds the toner to the outside.

285. A box according to claim 268, wherein The frame is provided with a mounting portion to which the toner container unit is detachably mountable, and the toner discharge member receives a supply of toner from the toner container unit and feeds the toner to the outside.

286. A box according to claim 268, wherein The cartridge is detachably mountable to an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus including a main body-side coupling member, and The driving force input member receives the driving force via an attachment connected to the main body side coupling member.

287. A box according to claim 286, wherein The drive force input member includes a coupling member, and the accessory is provided with an accessory-side coupling member engageable with the coupling member.

288. A box according to claim 287, wherein The coupling member is disposed closer to the interior of the cartridge in a direction parallel to the first axis than a position where the toner feeding member is disposed.

289. A box according to claim 286, wherein The driving force input member includes a gear portion, and the accessory includes an accessory gear portion meshing with the gear portion.

290. A cartridge according to claim 289, wherein The accessory includes an accessory-side coupling portion engageable with the main body-side coupling member, and The accessory-side coupling member has an elastically deformable portion capable of contacting the main body-side coupling member, and the elastically deformable portion has rubber elasticity.

291. A box according to claim 290, wherein The inner diameter of the accessory-side coupling portion is larger than the outer diameter of the main body-side coupling portion centered on the rotation axis.

292. A box according to claim 289, wherein The accessory is provided with a third gear portion capable of meshing with the second gear portion, wherein the second gear portion is rotatable about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, wherein the third gear portion is rotatable about a third axis substantially perpendicular to the second axis, and Among them, an accessory side coupling portion engageable with the main body side coupling portion is provided on the inner periphery of the third gear portion based on the third axis.

293. A box according to claim 268, wherein A free end portion of the drive force input member in a direction parallel to the first axis has rubber elasticity and is deformable.

294. A box according to claim 293, wherein The cartridge is detachably mountable to an apparatus body of an image forming apparatus including a main body side coupling member, and the driving force input member is capable of receiving driving force by contacting a side surface of the free end portion with a side surface of the main body side coupling member.

295. A box according to claim 268, wherein The cartridge is detachably mountable to the developing cartridge, and the developing cartridge is detachably mountable to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus including the main body side coupling member, wherein the developing cartridge is provided with a cartridge-side coupling member which can be connected to the main body-side coupling member when the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus, Among them, the driving force input member is capable of receiving the driving force via the cartridge-side coupling member.

296. A box according to claim 268, wherein The box can be detachably mounted on a device body of an imaging device including a main body side connector member, and the box includes a bevel-toothed drive transmission gear that can engage with the main body side connector portion, wherein the drive transmission gear can rotate around a rotation axis intersecting the first axis, and the drive force input member can engage with the drive transmission gear to receive the driving force.

297. A box comprising: frame; a driving force input member rotatable about a first rotation axis to input a driving force for feeding toner; a toner discharge member for discharging the toner from the inside of the frame to the outside in response to the driving force received by the driving force input member; and A waste toner storage portion for accommodating used toner, wherein the toner discharge member includes at least a protrusion protruding in a direction parallel to a second rotation axis, the second rotation axis being perpendicular to the first rotation axis, wherein the feeding portion is capable of feeding toner in a first direction intersecting the first rotation axis and including a component in a direction away from the first rotation axis, and is capable of feeding toner in a second direction including a component in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis, and The toner fed in the second direction is discharged to the outside.

298. A toner discharge member connectable to a supply port provided on a cartridge for accommodating toner, the toner discharge member comprising: Feeding department; and the discharge port, wherein, when the toner discharge member is mounted to the cartridge, the feeding portion is capable of receiving a driving force from a driving force input member provided on the cartridge to feed the toner, the driving force input member being capable of rotating about a first rotation axis, wherein the feeding portion is capable of feeding toner in a component direction intersecting the first rotation axis and away from the first rotation axis and in a component direction parallel to the first rotation axis, and The discharge port can discharge the toner fed along the feeding portion to the outside.

299. A toner discharge member according to claim 298, wherein: The discharge port is provided at the end of the feed portion, and the feed portion is flexible.

300. A toner discharge member according to claim 298, wherein: The feed portion is a flexible tube that is bendable in a first direction and a second direction.

301. An imaging device, to which a box according to any one of claims 268 to 297 can be removably mounted.

302. A developing box, comprising a developing unit, the developing unit being used to carry the colorant supplied from the box according to any one of claims 268 to 297, and the developing box being provided with a supply port for receiving the colorant supply.

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