Cartridge and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A cartridge includes a first container, a filter, a second container, and a tube. A direction in which the first container and the second container are aligned is defined as a first direction, a long side direction of the second container intersecting the first direction is defined as a second direction, and a short side direction of the second container intersecting the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction. In a case where the cartridge is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the first direction is parallel to the direction of gravity and the second chamber is above the first chamber, the partition portion is inclined downward toward the predetermined region of the filter as it advances toward the predetermined region in the second direction when viewed in the third direction, and the partition portion extends in the third direction over an entire region in the third direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge for accommodating toner and an image forming apparatus including the cartridge. Background Art

[0002] Generally, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image by transferring a toner image formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum onto a transfer material serving as a transfer medium. Examples of known developer replenishment methods include a process cartridge method and a toner replenishment method. The process cartridge method integrates a photosensitive drum and a developer container into a process cartridge, and when the developer is exhausted, the process cartridge is replaced with a new one.

[0003] The toner replenishing method is used to resupply toner to the developer container when the toner is exhausted. An image forming apparatus has been proposed that replenishes the developer container with toner using a toner pack detachable to the developer container (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-154300).

[0004] An image forming apparatus has been proposed, which includes: a developing unit containing toner; a toner container containing toner to be supplied to the developing unit; and an air pump that pumps air to the toner container (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-147884). The image forming apparatus includes an air filter that allows only air in the toner and air supplied from the toner container to the developing unit to be sent to the outside of the developing unit. Summary of the invention

[0005] The cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first container provided with a container opening communicating with the outside of the cartridge; a filter, which together with the first container constitutes a first chamber, the filter being configured to prevent toner from passing through and to allow air to pass through; a second container, which together with the filter constitutes a second chamber for accommodating toner; and a tube provided with a first tube opening and a second tube opening, the first tube opening facing a predetermined area of ​​the filter across a gap and opening toward the predetermined area of ​​the filter, the second tube opening communicating with the outside of the cartridge, the tube extending from the first tube opening to the second tube opening, wherein the filter is included between the first chamber and the second chamber A partition, wherein a direction in which the first container and the second container are aligned is defined as a first direction, a long side direction of the second container intersecting the first direction on a cross section perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, and a short side direction of the second container intersecting the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, and in a case where the box is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the first direction is parallel to the gravity direction and the second chamber is above the first chamber, when viewed along the third direction, the partition is inclined so that the partition advances downward toward a predetermined area of ​​the filter as it advances toward the predetermined area in the second direction, and the partition extends in the third direction over the entire area in the third direction.

[0006] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus.

[0009] Figure 2B is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus with the front door opened.

[0010] Figure 2C is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus with the toner cartridge removed.

[0011] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an image forming unit.

[0012] Figure 3B is a perspective view of the image forming unit with the toner cartridge removed.

[0013] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the image forming unit showing the optical path of a laser beam emitted from a laser scanner.

[0014] Figure 5A is a plan view of a laser scanner and an image forming unit.

[0015] Figure 5B is a plan view of an image forming unit.

[0016] Fig. 6A It is intercepted along VIA-VIA Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of an image forming unit in FIG.

[0017] Figure 6B It is taken along the VIB-VIB line. Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of an image forming unit in FIG.

[0018] Fig. 7A It was taken along line VIIA-VIIA Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of an image forming unit in FIG.

[0019] Figure 7B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the supply pipe.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the image forming unit extracted from the apparatus main body.

[0021] Fig. 9A is a front view of the toner cartridge.

[0022] Fig. 9B It is a plan view of a toner cartridge.

[0023] Fig. 9C This is a bottom view of the toner cartridge.

[0024] Fig.9D is a side view of the toner cartridge.

[0025] Fig.9E is the rear view of the toner cartridge.

[0026] Fig. 10A It is taken along the XA-XA line. Fig. 9B sectional view of the toner cartridge in FIG.

[0027] Fig. 10B It is a perspective view of the toner cartridge taken on the Y1-Z1 plane.

[0028] Fig. 10C This is an exploded view of the toner cartridge.

[0029] Fig. 10D It is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge.

[0030] Fig.11 It is an enlarged view of a joint portion between the first frame and the second frame.

[0031] Fig. 12A It is taken along the XIIA-XIIA line Fig.9E Cross-sectional view of the exhaust pipe.

[0032] Fig. 12B is a perspective view of the exhaust pipe taken on the X1-Z1 plane.

[0033] Fig.13A is a plan view of a toner cartridge according to a second embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 13B It is taken along line XIIIB-XIIIB Fig.13A sectional view of the toner cartridge in FIG.

[0035] Fig. 13C It is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge taken along the Y1-Z1 plane.

[0036] Fig.14A is a plan view of a toner cartridge according to a third embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 14B It is taken along the XIVB-XIVB line Fig.14A sectional view of the toner cartridge in FIG.

[0038] Fig.15A is a plan view of a toner cartridge according to a fourth embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 15B It is intercepted along XVB-XVB Fig.15A Exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge in FIG.

[0040] Fig.16A is a plan view of a toner cartridge according to a fifth embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 16B It is taken along line XVIB-XVIB Fig.16A sectional view of the toner cartridge in FIG.

[0042] Fig. 16C It is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] First embodiment

[0044] Overall structure

[0045] First, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The image forming device 1 according to the first embodiment is an electrophotographic laser beam printer. Examples of image forming devices include printers, copiers, fax machines, and multifunction machines, which form images on paper used as a recording medium based on image information input from an external personal computer (PC) or image information read from a document. In addition to a main body having an image forming function, the image forming device may also include an optional feeder, an image scanner, a sheet processor, and other auxiliary devices connected to them. The entire system connected to such auxiliary devices is also a form of an image forming device.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming device 1 includes: an image forming unit 40 for forming an image on a sheet S, a feeding unit 18, a fixing unit 21, and a pair of discharge rollers 22. The image forming unit 40 includes: four process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK and a laser scanner LB, and the four process boxes respectively form toner images of the following four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K). The laser scanner LB is arranged above the process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK. A light emitting diode (LED) exposure unit can be applied instead of the laser scanner LB.

[0047] The portion of the image forming apparatus 1 other than the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK and the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K (described below) is sometimes referred to as the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 or the apparatus main body 72. In the following description, the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are sometimes simply referred to as cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K. The process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK may be detachably supported by the apparatus main body 72, or may be non-detachably fixed to the apparatus main body 72.

[0048] In this embodiment, components corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners are denoted by symbols with subscripts Y, M, C, and K, respectively. The structures and operations of the components with such subscripts are substantially the same except that the colors of the toners are different. Therefore, unless special distinction is required, the components may be collectively described with the subscripts Y to K omitted.

[0049] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the directions (X, Y, Z) are defined as follows assuming that the process cartridges PY, PM, PC and PK and the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C and 430K are in their normal positions, i.e., their orientations when attached to the device body 72.

[0050] like Figure 2AAs shown, the front-rear direction is represented by the X-axis, and the direction from the rear to the front of the image forming apparatus 1 is defined as the X-direction. The X-direction is sometimes referred to as the forward direction or the front side direction. The downstream side of the image forming apparatus 1 in the X-direction is sometimes referred to as the front side, and the upstream side of the image forming apparatus 1 in the X-direction is sometimes referred to as the rear side.

[0051] The lateral direction is represented by the Y axis, and the direction from the left to the right of the image forming device 1 is defined as the Y direction. The Y direction is sometimes referred to as the right direction. The downstream side of the image forming device 1 in the Y direction is sometimes referred to as the right side, and the upstream side of the image forming device 1 in the Y direction is sometimes referred to as the left side.

[0052] The vertical direction is represented by the Z axis, and a direction from the lower side to the upper side of the image forming apparatus 1 is defined as the Z direction.

[0053] The Z direction is sometimes referred to as an upward direction, a height direction, or a vertical direction. The downstream side of the image forming device 1 in the Z direction is sometimes referred to as an upper side, an upper surface side, or a top side, and the upstream side of the image forming device 1 in the Z direction is sometimes referred to as a lower side, a lower surface side, or a bottom side.

[0054] The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other. For example, the X-axis is perpendicular to the Y-axis and also perpendicular to the Z-axis. The plane perpendicular to the X-axis is sometimes called the YZ plane, the plane perpendicular to the Y-axis is sometimes called the ZX plane, and the plane perpendicular to the Z-axis is sometimes called the XY plane. For example, the XY plane is a horizontal plane. The X direction and the Y direction are directions along the horizontal XY plane, that is, horizontal directions.

[0055] The process box PY includes a drum unit 8Y and a developing unit 9Y. The drum unit 8Y includes a photosensitive drum 4Y and a charging roller 5Y. The photosensitive drum 4Y is formed by applying an organic photoconductive layer around an aluminum cylinder and is rotated by a driving motor (not shown). A photosensitive belt may be used instead of the photosensitive drum 4Y. The developing unit 9Y includes a developer container 3Y containing yellow toner and a developing roller 6Y that develops an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4Y.

[0056] Similarly, the process box PM includes a drum unit 8M and a developing unit 9M. The drum unit 8M includes a photosensitive drum 4M and a charging roller 5M. The photosensitive drum 4M is formed by applying an organic photoconductive layer around an aluminum cylinder and is rotated by a driving motor (not shown). A photosensitive belt can be used instead of the photosensitive drum 4M. The developing unit 9M includes a developer container 3M containing magenta toner and a developing roller 6M that develops an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4M.

[0057] The processing box PC includes a drum unit 8C and a developing unit 9C. The drum unit 8C includes a photosensitive drum 4C and a charging roller 5C. The photosensitive drum 4C is formed by applying an organic photoconductive layer around an aluminum cylinder and is rotated by a driving motor (not shown). A photosensitive belt can be used instead of the photosensitive drum 4C. The developing unit 9C includes a developer container 3C containing cyan toner and a developing roller 6C that develops an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4C.

[0058] The process box PK includes a drum unit 8K and a developing unit 9K. The drum unit 8K includes a photosensitive drum 4K and a charging roller 5K. The photosensitive drum 4K is formed by applying an organic photoconductive layer around an aluminum cylinder and is rotated by a driving motor (not shown). A photosensitive belt can be used instead of the photosensitive drum 4K. The developing unit 9K includes a developer container 3K containing black toner and a developing roller 6K that develops an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4K.

[0059] The four process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK are arranged side by side in the X direction. The image forming unit 40 includes an intermediate transfer belt unit 11 located below the process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK. The intermediate transfer belt unit 11 includes: an intermediate transfer belt 12 wound around a driving roller 14, a tension roller 13 and an auxiliary roller 15; and a secondary transfer roller 17. The intermediate transfer belt 12 is wound around a driving roller 14, a tension roller 13 and an auxiliary roller 15; and a secondary transfer roller 17. Figure 1 The intermediate transfer belt 12 is rotated clockwise by the driving roller 14. Primary transfer rollers 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K are provided inside the intermediate transfer belt 12.

[0060] The primary transfer rollers 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K are in contact with the photosensitive drums 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K, respectively, to form primary transfer portions 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K. The secondary transfer roller 17 is opposed to the drive roller 14, with the intermediate transfer belt 12 located therebetween. The secondary transfer roller 17 and the intermediate transfer belt 12 are in contact with each other to form a secondary transfer portion 31.

[0061] The fixing unit 21 includes a fixing film 21a heated by a heater and a pressure roller 21b in pressure contact with the fixing film 21a. The feeding unit 18 is provided at the lower part of the image forming apparatus 1. The feeding unit 18 includes: a sheet cassette 19 detachable from and attachable to the apparatus main body 72; and a feeding roller 20 that feeds the sheet S accommodated in the sheet cassette 19. The feeding unit 18 includes a manual feeding port 330 into which a sheet is manually inserted. Examples of the sheet include: paper such as envelope paper, plastic film such as an overhead projector (OHP) sheet, and cloth.

[0062] Image forming operation

[0063] Next, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 constructed in this manner will be described. When an image signal is input from a personal computer or the like (not shown) to the laser scanner LB, the laser scanner LB emits laser beams LY, LM, LC, and LK corresponding to the image signal onto the photosensitive drums 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K.

[0064] The surface of the photosensitive drum 4Y is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity / potential in advance by a charging roller 5Y, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface by applying a laser beam LY from a laser scanner LB. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 4Y is developed by a developing roller 6Y, and a yellow (Y) toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4Y.

[0065] Similarly, magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K) toner images are formed on the photosensitive drums 4M, 4C and 4K, respectively. The respective color toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 4Y, 4M, 4C and 4K are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 12 by the primary transfer rollers 16Y, 16M, 16C and 16K, respectively, and are conveyed to the secondary transfer roller 17 by the intermediate transfer belt 12 rotated by the driving roller 14.

[0066] The image forming process for each color is performed when the color toner image is superimposed on the upstream toner image which is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 12. After the toner images of the respective colors are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 12, the toner remaining on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K is removed by a cleaning device (not shown).

[0067] In parallel with the image forming process, the sheets S accommodated in the sheet cassette 19 of the feed unit 18 or the sheets supplied through the manual feed port 330 are conveyed toward the secondary transfer section 31. The full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12 is transferred to each sheet S at the secondary transfer section 31 by the second transfer bias applied to the secondary transfer roller 17. The sheet S on which the toner image is transferred is subjected to a predetermined amount of heat and pressure by the fixing film 21a and the pressure roller 21b of the fixing unit 21, so that the toner is melted and firmly fixed. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing unit 21 is discharged toward the direction along the X direction by the discharge roller pair 22 and is loaded on the discharge tray 23 provided on the upper part of the device body 72.

[0068] Schematic structure of toner cartridge

[0069] Next, we will refer to Figures 2A to 2C A schematic structure of the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K is described. Figure 2A is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 . Figure 2B is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the front door 72 b opened. Figure 2C4 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the toner cartridge 430M removed.

[0070] like Figure 2A As shown, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a front door 72b which is openably and closably supported by the housing of the apparatus body 72. Figure 2A and 2B As shown, the front door 72b covers the opening 72a provided at the front portion (ie, the downstream end in the X direction) of the device body 72 by being located in the closed position. Figure 2B As shown, the front door 72b opens the opening 72a of the device body 72 by being located in the open position. The front door 72b can maintain its orientation in the open position.

[0071] like Figure 2B As shown, when the front door 72b is opened from the closed position to the open position, the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through the opening 72a. This allows a user to access the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K. The toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K can replenish the corresponding developer containers 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK with toner.

[0072] The toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are disposed downstream of the apparatus main body 72 in the X direction and downstream of the apparatus main body 72 in the Z direction, that is, disposed on the front side and the upper side of the apparatus main body 72. In other words, the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are disposed downstream of the apparatus main body 72 in the sheet discharging direction of the discharge roller pair 22. The toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are arranged side by side in the Y direction. In other words, the X direction in which the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are arranged intersects with the Y direction in which the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are arranged.

[0073] like Figure 2C As shown, the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are supported by a cartridge holder 429 provided in the device body 72 so as to be detachable in the X direction. This allows the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K to be replaced without removing the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK from the device body 72. The toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are provided on the front side of the device body 72 and are exposed by opening the front door 72b, which facilitates replacement.

[0074] The cartridge holder 429 is provided at the front side of the apparatus main body 72 and downstream of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK in the X direction. For this reason, even when the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are detached from the cartridge holder 429, the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are covered with the cartridge holder 429 and are not exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through the opening 72a. The toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are accommodated in the apparatus main body 72 with the front door 72b in the closed position.

[0075] like Figure 2A As shown, indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K are provided on the front surface 72c of the device body 72. Indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K are provided to clearly indicate the color of the toner contained in the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K to the user. Indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K are LEDs, seals, and the like. For example, indicator 208Y is made of an LED that lights up or flashes in yellow or a seal that is colored in yellow. Indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K may have a function of displaying the remaining amount of toner contained in the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, respectively.

[0076] In this embodiment, the indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K are provided on the front surface 72c of the apparatus body 72, and are not covered with the front door 72b located in the closed position. In other words, regardless of the position of the front door 72b, the indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K are exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. Alternatively, the indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K may be covered with the front door 72b located in the closed position and may be exposed to the outside by opening the front door 72b.

[0077] Image forming unit

[0078] Next, refer to FIG. 3A to FIG. 8 , the image forming unit 500 including a toner conveying mechanism for conveying toner from the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K to the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, respectively, will be described. Figure 3A is a perspective view of the image forming unit 500 . Figure 3B 4 is a perspective view of the image forming unit 500 with the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K removed.

[0079] Figure 41 is a perspective view of an image forming unit 500 showing respective optical paths LY1, LM1, LC1, and LK1 of laser beams LY, LM, LC, and LK emitted from a laser scanner LB. Figure 4 , Figure 5B and Fig. 7A The optical paths LY1 , ​​LM1 , LC1 and LK1 are shown in a visual manner. Figure 5A is a plan view of the laser scanner LB and the image forming unit 500 . Figure 5B is a plan view of the image forming unit 500 .

[0080] Fig. 6A It is intercepted along VIA-VIA Figure 5B sectional view of the image forming unit 500 in FIG. Figure 6B It is taken along the VIB-VIB line. Figure 5B sectional view of the image forming unit 500 in FIG. Fig. 7A It was taken along line VIIA-VIIA Figure 5A sectional view of the image forming unit 500 in FIG. Figure 7B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of supply pipes 444C and 444K. Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the image forming unit 500 drawn out from the apparatus main body 72 .

[0081] like Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4 As shown, the image forming unit 500 includes: process cartridges PY, PM, PC and PK, toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C and 430K, a cartridge holder 429 and pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C and 80K. The pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C and 80K are arranged side by side below the cartridge holder 429 along the Y direction. The pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C and 80K are positive displacement pumps, such as reciprocating pumps or rotary pumps, but are not limited to the above pumps. For example, the pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C and 80K may be non-positive displacement pumps, such as centrifugal pumps, propeller pumps or viscous pumps.

[0082] A reciprocating pump is a pump that sucks and discharges by the reciprocating motion of a piston or a plunger. Examples include a piston pump, a plunger pump, and a diaphragm pump. A rotary pump is a pump that sucks and discharges by rotating a gear or a rotor. Examples include a gear pump, a screw pump, and a vane pump. The four pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K may be integrated into a single pump unit or two or three pump units. In this embodiment, the pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K are provided in the device body 72, but may also be provided separately for the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K.

[0083] like Figure 3BAs shown, the pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K include ejection ports 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca, and 80Ka, respectively, for ejecting air. These ejection ports 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca, and 80Ka open upward, that is, in the Z direction.

[0084] The cartridge holder 429 includes: openings facing the ejection ports 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca, and 80Ka, respectively; and inlet ports 429Ya, 429Ma, 429Ca, and 429Ka. The opening is provided on the lower surface of the cartridge holder 429. The inlet ports 429Ya, 429Ma, 429Ca, and 429Ka are through holes provided on the back side of the cartridge holder 429. The inlet ports 429Ya, 429Ma, 429Ca, and 429Ka open in the X direction, and therefore intersect with the Z direction, which is the opening direction of the ejection ports 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca, and 80Ka.

[0085] In a state where the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are attached to the cartridge holder 429, air ejected from the ejection ports 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca, and 80Ka is supplied to the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K. Toner discharged from the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K is received by the supply tubes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K together with the air through the inlet ports 429Ya, 429Ma, 429Ca, and 429Ka of the cartridge holder 429, respectively.

[0086] The supply pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C and 444K respectively include upstream ends 444Yu, 444Mu, 444Cu and 444Ku connected to the inlet ports 429Ya, 429Ma, 429Ca and 429Ka and downstream ends 444Yd, 444Md, 444Cd and 444Kd connected to the developer containers 3Y, 3M, 3C and 3K.

[0087] The toner discharged from the toner boxes 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K is supplied together with air to the developer containers 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K through supply pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K, respectively.

[0088] The respective downstream ends 444Yd and 444Md of the supply pipes 444Y and 444M are connected to the upstream end or the left end in the Y direction of the developer containers 3Y and 3M. The respective downstream ends 444Cd and 444Kd of the supply pipes 444C and 444K are connected to the downstream end or the right end in the Y direction of the developer containers 3C and 3K. By arranging the supply pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C and 444K on the left and right sides of the developer containers 3Y, 3M, 3C and 3K, respectively, in this way, the supply pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C and 444K can be shortened. This allows to reduce the pressure loss in the supply pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C and 444K and reduce the size of the image forming unit 500.

[0089] Next, the placement of the toner cartridge 430Y will be described. Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 4 , the toner cartridge 430Y and the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are arranged along an imaginary line VL1 extending in the X direction. Figure 1 and Figure 6B As shown, the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are arranged side by side with the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK in the X direction. In other words, when viewed along the X direction, at least a portion of each of the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K overlaps with the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK in the Z direction. This allows the size of the image forming unit 500 in the Z direction or the vertical direction to be reduced, thereby miniaturizing the image forming apparatus 1.

[0090] Although in this embodiment, the toner boxes 430Y, 430M, 430C and 430K are arranged as described above, this arrangement is only illustrative. In other words, the toner boxes 430Y, 430M, 430C and 430K can be arranged above the process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK in the Z direction.

[0091] Next, the arrangement of the supply pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K will be described.

[0092] like Figure 4 and Figure 5B As shown, the supply tubes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K are arranged so as not to interfere with the optical paths LY1, LM1, LC1, and LK1.

[0093] The supply pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C and 444K are individually arranged on the right and left sides of the process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK. The supply pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C and 444K are provided below the laser scanner LB.

[0094] like Figure 5AAs shown, at least a portion of the supply pipe 444Y does not overlap with the laser scanner LB in a plan view. The entire supply pipe 444M overlaps with the laser scanner LB in a plan view. The supply pipe 444Y is disposed on the left side of the laser scanner LB or upstream in the Y direction. Fig. 7A As shown, supply pipes 444Y and 444M are arranged below the laser scanner LB and above the process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK. In other words, supply pipes 444Y and 444M are arranged in the space between the laser scanner LB and the process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK in the Z direction.

[0095] As the optical paths LY1, LM1, LC1, and LK1 move downward, the optical paths LY1, LM1, LC1, and LK1 become wider in the lateral direction or the Y direction. Figure 5B , Figure 6B and Fig. 7A As shown, the supply pipe 444M is disposed in the space between the laser scanner LB and the optical paths LY1, LM1, LC1 and LK1 in the Z direction. Fig. 7A As shown, when viewed in the X direction, the supply pipe 444M and the optical path LK1 are arranged to be aligned with an imaginary line VL2 extending in the Z direction.

[0096] like Figure 5A As shown, the entirety of the supply pipes 444C and 444K completely overlaps with the laser scanner LB in a plan view. The supply pipe 444C is disposed on the right side of the supply pipe 444K, i.e., downstream in the Y direction. Fig. 7A As shown, supply pipes 444C and 444K are arranged below the laser scanner LB and above the process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK. In other words, supply pipes 444C and 444K are arranged in the space between the laser scanner LB and the process boxes PY, PM, PC and PK in the Z direction.

[0097] like Figure 5B and Fig. 7A As shown, the supply pipe 444K is arranged in the space between the laser scanner LB and the optical path LK1 in the Z direction. Fig. 7A As shown, when viewed in the X direction, the supply pipe 444K and the optical path LK1 are arranged to be aligned with an imaginary line VL3 extending in the Z direction.

[0098] like Figure 7B As shown, the supply pipe 444C is arranged above the supply pipe 444K. When viewed in the X direction, the supply pipe 444C overlaps the supply pipe 444K by a distance ΔY in the Y direction. When viewed in the X direction, the supply pipe 444C overlaps the supply pipe 444K by a distance ΔZ in the Z direction.

[0099] As described above, the supply tubes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K are arranged compactly so as not to interfere with the optical paths LY1, LM1, LC1, and LK1. Therefore, the image forming unit 500 and the image forming apparatus 1 can be miniaturized. The size of the image forming unit 500 can be reduced particularly in the Y direction and the Z direction. The supply tubes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K do not have to be arranged as described above.

[0100] The image forming unit 500 may be constructed so that the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK and the supply tubes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K are accessible for maintenance or replacement. Figure 8 As shown, the image forming unit 500 of this embodiment is configured to be pulled out from the device body 72 including the intermediate transfer belt unit 11 in the X direction. This structure can improve the maintainability of the image forming unit 500. The image forming unit 500 may be configured not to be pulled out from the device body 72 in the X direction.

[0101] Schematic structure of toner cartridge

[0102] Reference 9A to 12B , a schematic structure of the toner cartridge 430Y (cartridge) will be described. Fig. 9A 430Y is a front view of the toner cartridge 430Y. Fig. 9B It is a plan view of the toner cartridge 430Y. Fig. 9C It is a bottom view of the toner cartridge 430Y. Fig.9D It is a side view of the toner cartridge 430Y. Fig.9E is a rear view of the toner cartridge 430Y. Fig. 10A It is taken along the XA-XA line. Fig. 9B 430Y in FIG. Fig. 10B is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 430Y taken on the Y1 -Z1 plane. Fig. 10C It is an exploded view of the toner cartridge 430Y.

[0103] Fig. 10D is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge 430Y. Fig.11 430Ya is an enlarged view of a joint portion between the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb. Fig. 12A It is taken along line X11A-X11A Fig.9E sectional view of the exhaust pipe 85Y of the toner cartridge 430Y. Fig. 12B It is a perspective view of the exhaust pipe 85Y taken on the X1-Z1 plane.

[0104] like Figure 3AAs shown, the toner box 430K has a width La in the Y direction. The width La is greater than the width Lb1 of the toner boxes 430Y, 430M and 430C. Therefore, the volume of the toner box 430K for accommodating toner is greater than the volumes of the toner boxes 430Y, 430M and 430C. Generally, black toner is consumed more than toners of other colors. As described above, the toner box 430K can accommodate more toner than the other toner boxes 430Y, 430M and 430C. This structure allows the replacement frequency of the toner boxes 430Y, 430M, 430C and 430K to be balanced, thereby improving usability.

[0105] In this embodiment, the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are equal in length W in the X direction. The length W in the X direction is smaller than the widths La and Lb1 in the Y direction.

[0106] Since the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K have the same structure except for the width in the Y direction, only the toner cartridge 430Y will be described below, and the description of the toner cartridges 430M, 430C, and 430K will be omitted.

[0107] In the following description, it is assumed that the toner cartridge 430Y is oriented as follows: 9A to 16C The defined directions (X1, Y1, Z1) are shown, unless otherwise stated. In other words, in the direction of gravity G (opposite to the Z1 direction, see Fig. 10A ), the toner box 430Y takes an orientation in which the toner container 430Yc, the filter 83Y and the air chamber 430Yd are arranged in this order from above and the lateral direction (X1 direction, short side direction) and the long side direction (Y1 direction) of the toner box 430Y are parallel to the horizontal direction perpendicular to the gravity direction G. In this orientation, the direction opposite to the Z1 direction is the gravity direction G, and the toner box 430Y is located in a predetermined orientation in which the toner container 430Yc is located above the air chamber 430Yd. In this case, the lateral direction of the toner box 430Y is defined as the X1 direction, the long side direction is defined as the Y1 direction, and the direction opposite to the gravity direction G is defined as the Z1 direction. In other words, the gravity direction G (first direction) is the direction in which the second frame 430Yb and the first frame 430Ya (described below) are aligned. The Y1 direction (second direction) is the long side direction of the first frame 430Ya that intersects the Z1 direction in a cross section perpendicular to the Z1 direction. The X1 direction (third direction) is a lateral direction (short-side direction) of the first frame 430Ya intersecting both the Z1 direction and the Y1 direction.

[0108] The front-rear direction of the toner box 430Y is represented by the X1 axis, and the direction from the rear surface to the front surface is defined as the X1 direction. The X1 direction is sometimes referred to as the front direction or the front side direction. The downstream side of the toner box 430Y in the X1 direction is sometimes referred to as the front side, and the upstream side of the toner box 430Y in the X1 direction is sometimes referred to as the rear side.

[0109] The lateral direction of the toner box 430Y is represented by the Y1 axis, and the direction from the left to the right of the toner box 430Y is defined as the Y1 direction. The Y1 direction is sometimes referred to as the right direction. The downstream side of the toner box 430Y in the Y1 direction is sometimes referred to as the right side, and the upstream side of the toner box 430Y in the Y1 direction is sometimes referred to as the left side.

[0110] The vertical direction of the toner box 430Y is represented by the Z1 axis, and the direction from the bottom to the top of the toner box 430Y is defined as the Z1 direction. The Z1 direction is sometimes referred to as an upward direction, a height direction, or a vertical direction. The downstream side of the toner box 430Y in the Z1 direction is sometimes referred to as an upper side, an upper surface side, or a top side, and the upstream side of the toner box 430Y in the Z1 direction is sometimes referred to as a lower side, a lower surface side, or a bottom side.

[0111] The X1 axis, Y1 axis, and Z1 axis are perpendicular to each other. For example, the X1 axis is perpendicular to the Y1 axis and also perpendicular to the Z1 axis. The plane perpendicular to the X1 axis is sometimes called the Y1-Z1 plane. The plane perpendicular to the Y1 axis is sometimes called the Z1-X1 plane. The plane perpendicular to the Z1 axis is sometimes called the X1-Y1 plane.

[0112] like 9A to 10D As shown, the toner box 430Y includes: a first frame 430Ya (second container), a second frame 430Yb (first container), a filter 83Y and an exhaust pipe 85Y. Although in this embodiment, the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb are made of resin, they can also be made of paper or other materials. The filter 83Y is fixed between the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb (described in detail below).

[0113] The inner space SPY of the toner box 430Y is divided into a toner container 430Yc and an air chamber 430Yd by the filter 83Y. In other words, the toner container 430Yc is formed by the first frame 430Ya and the filter 83Y, and the air chamber 430Yd is formed by the second frame 430Yb and the filter 83Y. The air chamber 430Yd (first chamber) is provided below the filter 83Y. The toner container 430Yc is provided above the filter 83Y.

[0114] The toner container 430Yc (second chamber) is configured to accommodate toner T (see Fig. 12A). The toner T is supported in the toner container 430Yc by the filter 83Y in the gravity direction G. The air chamber 430Yd does not contain the toner T. The filter 83Y is made of a porous member such as resin fiber. The pores of the filter 83Y have a size and density that allow air to pass through and restrict the passage of the toner T. In other words, the filter 83Y is configured to allow air to pass through and restrict the passage of the toner T.

[0115] like Fig.9E As shown, the rear surface 430Ya of the first frame 430Ya has a discharge port 430Ya1 through which the toner T in the toner container 430Yc is discharged to the outside of the toner box 430Y. The discharge port 430Ya1 is a through hole extending through the first frame 430Ya in the X1 direction.

[0116] like Fig. 9A , Fig. 9C and Fig.9E As shown, the bottom surface 4300Yb of the second frame 430Yb has a convex portion 4301 protruding downward. The convex portion 4301 has an inlet port 430Yb1 (container opening) formed as a through hole extending through the second frame 430Yb in the Z direction. The outlet port 430Ya1 and the inlet port 430Yb1 communicate with the outside of the toner box 430Y.

[0117] The discharge port 430Ya1 and the inlet port 430Yb1 may be positioned on the side of the toner box 430Y other than the left and right sides. In other words, the discharge port 430Ya1 and the inlet port 430Yb1 may be positioned on the side of the toner box 430Y other than the side facing the Y1 direction in which the toner boxes 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are aligned. This allows the gaps Gym, Gmc, and Gck in the Y direction (Y1 direction) between the toner boxes 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K to be reduced, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A This structure can increase the width of the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K in the Y direction, thereby increasing the toner volume of the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K.

[0118] The gap Gym is the gap between the toner box 430Y and the toner box 430M in the Y direction. The gap Gmc is the gap between the toner box 430M and the toner box 430C in the Y direction. The gap Gck is the gap between the toner box 430C and the toner box 430K in the Y direction.

[0119] like Fig. 10AAs shown, the bottom surface 4300Yb of the second frame 430Yb is inclined downward (upstream in the Z direction) as the distance to the center in the Y1 direction decreases. In other words, the bottom surface 4300Yb includes a first inclined surface 4302 that is inclined downward as the distance to the downstream side in the Y1 direction decreases, and a second inclined surface 4303 that is inclined downward as the distance to the upstream side in the Y1 direction decreases. The boundary between the first inclined surface 4302 and the second inclined surface 4303 is the lowermost surface 430Yb2 of the bottom surface 4300Yb.

[0120] The convex portion 4301 is provided so as to protrude downward from the second inclined surface 4303 at a position displaced in the Y1 direction from the lowermost surface 430Yb2. Figure 3B As shown, the cartridge holder 429 includes a positioning portion 429a engaged with the convex portion 4301. In this embodiment, the positioning portion 429a is a rib provided at the edge of the opening of the cartridge holder 429 facing the ejection port 80Ya of the pump unit 80Y. The toner cartridge 430Y is positioned relative to the cartridge holder 429 by engaging the convex portion 4301 with the positioning portion 429a. At this time, the inlet port 430Yb1 provided in the convex portion 4301 of the toner cartridge 430Y communicates with the ejection port 80Ya of the pump unit 80Y.

[0121] The convex portion 4301 having the inlet port 430Yb1 is disposed at a position different from the lowermost portion 83Yb of the filter 83Y and the lowermost surface 430Yb2 of the second frame 430Yb in the Y1 direction. In other words, the convex portion 4301 is disposed in the space between the second inclined surface 4303 and the cartridge holder 429. This structure allows the space between the second inclined surface 4303 and the cartridge holder 429 to be effectively utilized, thereby increasing the volume of the toner cartridge 430Y.

[0122] The discharge port 430Ya1 provided at the first frame 430Ya of the toner cartridge 430Y opens upstream in the X1 direction. In other words, the discharge port 430Ya1 opens in the same direction as the direction in which the toner cartridge 430Y is attached to the cartridge holder 429. With this structure, when the toner cartridge 430Y is attached to the cartridge holder 429 upstream in the X1 direction, the discharge port 430Ya1 can be easily engaged with and communicated with the inlet port 429Ya1 of the cartridge holder 429.

[0123] Without being limited to the above arrangement, the discharge port 430Ya1 may be provided on the bottom surface 4300Yb or the upper surface of the toner box 430Y, and the inlet port 430Yb1 may be provided on the rear surface 4300Ya or the upper surface of the toner box 430Y. If there is enough space in the device body 72, the discharge port 430Ya1 and the inlet port 430Yb1 may be provided on the right and left sides of the toner box 430Y.

[0124] The toner cartridge 430Y may include a sealing member (not shown) for sealing the discharge port 430Ya1. Examples of sealing members include seals and gates. When the toner cartridge 430Y is not attached to the cartridge holder 429, the discharge port 430Ya1 is sealed with a sealing member to prevent the toner T in the toner container 430Yc from leaking out of the toner cartridge 430Y. If the sealing member is a sealing member, when the toner cartridge 430Y is attached to the cartridge holder 429, the sealing member is removed from the rear surface 4300Ya of the toner cartridge 430Y. If the sealing member is a gate, when the toner cartridge 430Y is attached to the cartridge holder 429, the sealing member moves relative to the rear surface 4300Ya of the toner cartridge 430Y to open the discharge port 430Ya1.

[0125] like Fig. 9A As shown, a label 430Ys is provided on the front surface 4304 of the toner box 430Y. The label 430Ys is used to indicate the color of the toner T contained in the toner box 430Y. Fig. 9A The label 430Ys is omitted in the drawings other than FIG. The label 430Ys may display a method for attaching the toner cartridge 430Y to the cartridge holder 429 or information related to the toner cartridge 430Y. For example, the label 430Ys may display the toner volume of the toner cartridge 430Y, the toner expiration date, the method for storing the toner cartridge 430Y, and the method for peeling off the sealing member.

[0126] like FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C As shown, the exhaust pipe 85Y is provided in the toner container 430Yc. The exhaust pipe 85Y includes an inlet 85Ya which opens downward in the gravity direction G, and an outlet 85Yb (second pipe opening), wherein the inlet 85Ya opens backward (i.e., upstream in the X1 direction) to communicate with the discharge port 430Ya1 of the toner box 430Y, thereby communicating with the outside of the toner box 430Y. The outlet 85Yb is located above the inlet 85Ya. As shown in FIG. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12BAs shown, the exhaust pipe 85Y includes a first pipe portion 85Y1 and a second pipe portion 85Y2, the first pipe portion 85Y1 includes an inlet 85Ya and extends in the Z1 direction or the gravity direction G, and the second pipe portion 85Y2 includes an outlet 85Yb connected to the discharge port 430Ya1 and extends in the X1 direction. The exhaust pipe 85Y is bent at the middle point. In this way, the exhaust pipe 85Y (pipe) connects the inlet 85Ya and the outlet 85Yb. The inlet 85Ya is opposite to the lowermost 83Yb (the relative area of ​​the filter 83Y), wherein there is a space between the inlet 85Ya and the lowermost 83Yb in the gravity direction G. The relative area of ​​the filter 83Y facing the inlet 85Ya in the gravity direction G can be a part of the lowermost 83Yb. The exhaust pipe 85Y of this embodiment is made of resin, but can also be made of paper, rubber or other materials.

[0127] Toner conveying mechanism

[0128] Next, a mechanism for conveying the toner T contained in the toner container 430Yc of the toner cartridge 430Y to the developer container 3Y of the process cartridge PY will be described. Fig. 6A As shown, the air ejected upward from the ejection port 80Ya of the pump unit 80Y is sucked into the air chamber 430Yd through the inlet port 430Yb1 of the toner cartridge 430Y (see FIG. 43). Fig. 10A ). The air fills the air chamber 430Yd and flows into the toner container 430Yc through the filter 83Y.

[0129] The air flowing into the toner container 430Yc penetrates between the particles of the toner T, fluidizing the toner T. Due to the air flow from the pump unit 80Y, the pressure inside the toner box 430Y becomes positive. The air tries to leave the toner box 430Y through the exhaust pipe 85Y through the exhaust port 430Ya1. At this time, the toner T in the toner container 430Yc moves through the exhaust pipe 85Y together with the air, and is discharged to the outside of the toner box 430Y through the exhaust port 430Ya1. In other words, the exhaust pipe 85Y guides the toner T in the toner container 430Yc together with the air through the inlet 85Ya to the exhaust port 430Ya1. In this embodiment, the exhaust port 430Ya1 opens in the lateral direction (X1 direction) of the toner box 430Y.

[0130] The toner T discharged from the discharge port 430Ya1 moves toward the upstream end 444Yu of the supply pipe 444Y through the inlet port 429Ya of the cartridge holder 429. The toner T is conveyed through the supply pipe 444Y by the air flowing into the supply pipe 444Y together with the toner T and is supplied to the developer container 3Y of the process cartridge PY through the downstream end 444Yd of the supply pipe 444Y. Figure 5BAs shown, since the downstream end 444Yd of the supply pipe 444Y is connected to the upstream end of the developer container 3Y in the Y direction (Y1 direction), the toner T is supplied to the upstream end of the developer container 3Y in the Y direction.

[0131] like Figure 6B As shown, the developer container 3Y includes stirring members SY1 and SY2 that stir the toner T in the developer container 3Y. Similarly, the developer containers 3M, 3C, and 3K include stirring members SM1 and SM2, stirring members SC1 and SC2, and stirring members SK1 and SK2, respectively.

[0132] The toner T in the developer container 3Y is homogenized by the rotation of the stirring members SY1 and SY2, and is transported in the Y direction (Y1 direction). Although in this embodiment, the stirring member is composed of a rotating shaft and a sheet fixed to the rotating shaft, this structure is only illustrative. For example, the stirring member can be a screw configured to transport the toner T in the developer container 3Y along the Y direction. In other words, the stirring members SY1, SY, SM1 and SM2 can be screws that transport the toner T downstream in the Y direction, and the stirring members SC1, SC2, SK1 and SK2 can be screws that transport the toner T upstream in the Y direction.

[0133] Since not only the toner T but also the air flows into the developer container 3Y, the pressure in the developer container 3Y increases. For this reason, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the developer container 3Y has a through hole (not shown), and the through hole is covered with an exhaust filter PYf, such as Figure 3A and 5B As shown. The exhaust filter PYf is made of nonwoven fabric or the like to allow air to pass through and restrict the passage of toner. As a result, the toner T that has flowed into the developer container 3Y is restricted from being discharged to the outside by the exhaust filter PYf, thereby remaining in the developer container 3Y. On the contrary, at least a portion of the air that has flowed into the developer container 3Y passes through the exhaust filter PYf and is discharged to the outside of the developer container 3Y. This can restrict the increase in the internal pressure of the developer container 3Y, thereby allowing the toner to be smoothly replenished into the developer container 3Y.

[0134] Similarly, the upper surfaces of the developer containers 3M, 3C, and 3K include the exhaust filters PMf, PCf, and PKf, and through holes (not shown) covered by the exhaust filters PMf, PCf, and PKf, respectively.

[0135] The exhaust filter PYf and the through hole are positioned at the center of the developer container 3Y in the Y direction. The number of the exhaust filter and the through hole is not limited to one; a plurality of exhaust filters and through holes may be provided for the developer container 3Y. Figure 3A and Figure 5BAs shown, in addition to the exhaust filter PYf, exhaust filters PYfa and PYfb can also be provided for the developer container 3Y. The exhaust filters PYfa and PYfb cover the through-holes (not shown) provided at the developer container 3Y. The exhaust filter PYfa is provided upstream of the exhaust filter PYf in the Y direction. The exhaust filter PYfb is provided downstream of the exhaust filter PYf in the Y direction. Therefore, providing a plurality of exhaust filters and through-holes for one developer container effectively prevents an increase in the internal pressure of the developer container.

[0136] As described above, the toner T contained in the toner box 430Y is conveyed into the developer container 3Y together with the air. In the case of a structure in which the direction of the conveying path is changed midway, as in the supply pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K of this embodiment, and in a structure in which the conveying path is different depending on the color of the toner T, the toner T can be conveyed using air. By conveying the toner T using air, the design flexibility of the toner conveying path is improved, and the need for a member (such as a screw) for conveying the toner T is eliminated, which reduces the number of components and thus reduces costs.

[0137] Detailed structure of the toner cartridge

[0138] Next reference FIG. 10A to FIG. 12B , the detailed structure of the toner cartridge 430Y will be described. Specifically, the engagement of the first frame 430Ya, the second frame 430Yb and the filter 83Y of the toner cartridge 430Y will be described in detail below. FIG. 10A to FIG. 12B As shown, the first frame 430Ya includes a first box portion 4305, which forms a toner container 430Yc together with the bottom surface 83Yd of the filter 83Y, and a first flange 430Ya2, which extends in a substantially horizontal direction from the lower edge of the first box portion 4305 to the outside of the toner container 430Yc. The first box portion 4305 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0139] The first flange 430Ya2 is formed along the entire circumference of the lower edge of the first case 4305 .

[0140] The second frame 430Yb is separated from the first frame 430Ya and includes a second box portion 4306 that forms an air chamber 430Yd together with the bottom surface 83Yd of the filter 83Y, and a second flange 430Yb3 that extends in a substantially horizontal direction from the upper edge of the second box portion 4306 to the outside of the air chamber 430Yd. The second flange 430Yb3 is formed along the entire circumference of the upper edge of the second box portion 4306.

[0141] The filter 83Y is formed into a rectangular sheet shape. The filter 83Y includes: a bottom surface 83Yd serving as a partition for the air chamber 430Yd and the toner container 430Yc; and an outer edge 83Ya (a clamped portion) held between the first flange 430Ya2 and the second flange 430Yb3. The outer edge 83Ya is continuous with the bottom surface 83Yd. The bottom surface 83Yd is formed to approach the lowermost portion 83Yb of the filter 83Y in the long side direction (Y1 direction) as the bottom surface 83Yd is inclined downward in the gravity direction G, thereby constituting the bottom surface of the toner container 430Yc. In other words, when viewed along the X1 direction, as the bottom surface 83Yd approaches the lowermost portion 83Yb of the filter 83Y in the Y1 direction, the bottom surface 83Yd is inclined downward in the gravity direction G toward the lowermost portion 83Yb.

[0142] like Fig. 10C As shown, the bottom surface 83Yd includes a first slope 83Yd1 and a second slope 83Yd1, wherein the first slope 83Yd1 is inclined downward from one end (upstream end) of the bottom surface 83Yd toward the lowermost portion 83Yb in the Y1 direction, and the second slope 83Yd1 is inclined downward from the other end (downstream end) of the bottom surface 83Yd toward the lowermost portion 83Yb in the Y1 direction.

[0143] In other words, when viewed in the X1 direction, the lowermost portion 83Yb of the filter 83Y is disposed between the opposite ends (the first end and the second end) of the toner box 430Y in the Y1 direction. The first inclined surface 83Yd1 (first portion) is inclined downward from the first end toward the lowermost portion 83Yb in the Y1 direction. The second inclined surface 83Yd2 (second portion) is inclined downward from the second end toward the lowermost portion 83Yb in the Y1 direction.

[0144] The bottom surface 83Yd includes a middle portion 457 disposed between the first inclined surface 83Yd1 and the second inclined surface 83Yd2 in the Y1 direction, and the lowermost portion 83Yb is located in the middle portion 457. The middle portion 457 is curved so as to smoothly connect the first inclined surface 83Yd1 and the second inclined surface 83Yd2. The middle portion 457 may be omitted, and the first inclined surface 83Yd1 and the second inclined surface 83Yd2 may be directly connected.

[0145] like Fig. 10D As shown, the first flange 430Ya2 of the first frame 430Ya includes a first engagement surface 431, a second engagement surface 432, a third engagement surface 433, and a fourth engagement surface 434. The second flange 430Yb3 of the second frame 430Yb includes a first engagement surface 441, a second engagement surface 442, a third engagement surface 443, and a fourth engagement surface 445. The outer edge 83Ya of the filter 83Y includes a first edge 451, a second edge 452, a third edge 453, and a fourth edge 454.

[0146] The first joining surface 431 and the second joining surface 432 of the first flange 430Ya2 extend in the X1 direction in a planar shape. The first joining surface 431 and the second joining surface 432 are respectively continuous with the third joining surface 433 and the fourth joining surface 434. The first joining surface 431 is arranged at the left end of the first flange 430Ya2. The second joining surface 432 is arranged at the right end of the first flange 430Ya2. The third joining surface 433 is arranged at the front end of the first flange 430Ya2. The fourth joining surface 434 is arranged at the rear end of the first flange 430Ya2. Since the third joining surface 433 and the fourth joining surface 434 have the same structure, the third joining surface 433 will be mainly described.

[0147] The third joint surface 433 has a first inclined surface 433a inclined downward toward the downstream side of the Y1 direction, a second inclined surface 433b inclined downward toward the upstream side of the Y1 direction, and an intermediate surface 433c. When viewed in the X1 direction, as the first inclined surface 433a approaches the lowermost portion 83Yb in the Y1 direction, the first inclined surface 433a is inclined downward toward the lowermost portion 83Yb in the gravity direction G. When viewed in the X1 direction, the second inclined surface 433b is disposed on a side of the lowermost portion 83Yb opposite to the first inclined surface 433a in the Y1 direction, and as the second inclined surface 433b approaches the lowermost portion 83Yb, the second inclined surface 433b is inclined downward toward the lowermost portion 83Yb in the gravity direction G. When viewed in the X1 direction, the intermediate surface 433c is disposed between the first inclined surface 433a and the second inclined surface 433b in the Y1 direction, and is curved to smoothly connect the first inclined surface 433a and the second inclined surface 433b.

[0148] The intermediate surface 433c can be omitted, and the first inclined surface 433a and the second inclined surface 433b can be directly connected. The intermediate surface 433c can be formed into a plane shape. Not limited to the entire first inclined surface 433a, and a part of the first inclined surface 433a can also constitute an inclined surface or a retaining surface.

[0149] The first joint surface 441 and the second joint surface 442 of the second flange 430Yb3 extend in the X1 direction to form a planar shape. The first joint surface 441 is arranged at the left end of the second flange 430Yb3. The second joint surface 442 is arranged at the right end of the second flange 430Yb3. The third joint surface 443 is arranged at the front end of the second flange 430Yb3. The fourth joint surface 445 is arranged at the rear end of the second flange 430Yb3. Since the third joint surface 443 and the fourth joint surface 445 are similarly constructed, the third joint surface 443 will be mainly described.

[0150] The third engaging surface 443 has a first inclined surface 443a (holding surface or first holding surface) tilted downward toward the downstream of the Y1 direction, a second inclined surface 443b (second holding surface) tilted downward toward the upstream of the Y1 direction, and an intermediate surface 443c (intermediate holding surface). The first inclined surface 443a, the second inclined surface 443b, and the intermediate surface 443c face the first inclined surface 433a, the second inclined surface 433b, and the intermediate surface 433c in the gravity direction G, respectively. In other words, the first inclined surface 443a, the second inclined surface 443b, and the intermediate surface 443c are aligned with the first inclined surface 433a, the second inclined surface 433b, and the intermediate surface 433c in the gravity direction G, respectively. When viewed along the X1 direction, the intermediate surface 443c is arranged between the first inclined surface 443a and the second inclined surface 443b in the Y1 direction, and is curved to smoothly connect the first inclined surface 443a and the second inclined surface 443b. When viewed in the X1 direction, the first inclined surface 443a and the second inclined surface 443b are inclined downwardly toward the lowermost portion 83Yb of the filter 83Y along the first inclined surface 433a and the second inclined surface 433b in the Y1 direction. The intermediate surface 443c may be omitted, and the first inclined surface 443a and the second inclined surface 443b may be directly connected. The intermediate surface 443c may be formed into a planar shape. Not limited to the entire first inclined surface 443a, a portion of the first inclined surface 443a may also constitute an inclined surface or a retaining surface.

[0151] The first edge 451 and the second edge 452 of the outer edge 83Ya of the filter 83Y extend in the X1 direction in a plane shape. The first edge 451 is arranged at the left end of the outer edge 83Ya. The second edge 452 is arranged at the right end of the outer edge 83Ya. The third edge 453 is arranged at the front end of the outer edge 83Ya. The fourth edge 454 is arranged at the rear end of the outer edge 83Ya. Since the third edge 453 and the fourth edge 454 are similarly constructed, the third edge 453 will be mainly described.

[0152] The third edge 453 includes a first inclined surface 453a that is downwardly inclined toward the downstream of the Y1 direction, a second inclined surface 453b that is downwardly inclined toward the upstream of the Y1 direction, and a middle portion 453c. When viewed along the X1 direction, the middle portion 453c is arranged between the first inclined surface 453a and the second inclined surface 453b in the Y1 direction, and is curved to smoothly connect the first inclined surface 453a and the second inclined surface 453b. When viewed along the X1 direction, the first inclined surface 453a and the second inclined surface 453b are inclined downwardly toward the lowest part 83Yb of the filter 83Y in the Y1 direction. When viewed along the gravity direction G, the first inclined surface 453a, the second inclined surface 453b and the middle portion 453c extend in the Y1 direction. The middle portion 453c can be omitted, and the first inclined surface 453a and the second inclined surface 453b can be directly connected. The middle portion 453c can be formed into a plane shape.

[0153] The first edge 451 of the filter 83Y is held between the first engagement surface 431 of the first flange 430Ya2 and the first engagement surface 441 of the second flange 430Yb3. The second edge 452 of the filter 83Y is held between the second engagement surface 432 of the first flange 430Ya2 and the second engagement surface 442 of the second flange 430Yb3. The third edge 453 of the filter 83Y is held between the third engagement surface 433 of the first flange 430Ya2 and the third engagement surface 443 of the second flange 430Yb3. The fourth edge 454 of the filter 83Y is held between the fourth engagement surface 434 of the first flange 430Ya2 and the fourth engagement surface 445 of the second flange 430Yb3.

[0154] More specifically, the first inclined surface 453a (first clamped portion) is held between the first inclined surfaces 433a and 443a along the first inclined surface 433a. The second inclined surface 453b (second clamped portion) is held between the second inclined surfaces 433b and 443b along the second inclined surface 433b. The middle portion 453c (middle clamped portion) is held between the middle surfaces 433c and 443c along the middle surface 433c. When viewed along the gravity direction G, the first edge 451 (third clamped portion) extends in the X1 direction and is held between the first joint surfaces 431 and 441 along the first joint surface 431.

[0155] The first flange 430Ya2 and the second flange 430Yb3 are joined by ultrasonic welding the first joint surfaces 431 and 441, the second joint surfaces 432 and 442, the third joint surfaces 433 and 443, and the fourth joint surfaces 434 and 445 individually. When viewed in the lateral direction (X1 direction), the third joint surfaces 433 and 443 and the fourth joint surfaces 434 and 445 are arranged to be aligned with the bottom surface 83Yd of the filter 83Y. The first flange 430Ya2 and the second flange 430Yb3 may be fixed to each other not only by ultrasonic welding but also by heat welding, adhesives such as double-sided tape and hot melt adhesive, or screws.

[0156] By engaging the first flange 430Ya2 and the second flange 430Yb3 together, the filter 83Y inserted between the first flange 430Ya2 and the second flange 430Yb3 is held. If the holding force for the filter 83Y is insufficient, the entire circumference of the outer edge 83Ya of the filter 83Y may be bonded to at least one of the first flange 430Ya2 and the second flange 430Yb3. This allows the filter 83Y to be held with a high holding force.

[0157] Since the filter 83Y is held by the first flange 430Ya2 and the second flange 430Yb3, the filter 83Y is held along the engagement surfaces of the first flange 430Ya2 and the second flange 430Yb3. In particular, since the third edge 453 of the filter 83Y is held between the third engagement surfaces 433 and 443 formed in a substantially V shape and the fourth edge 454 of the filter 83Y is held between the fourth engagement surfaces 434 and 445 formed in a substantially V shape, the filter 83Y is held in a substantially V-shaped orientation with the lowermost portion 83Yb as the lower end.

[0158] The lowermost portion 83Yb of the filter 83Y extends in the lateral direction (X1 direction), and the bottom surface 83Yd of the filter 83Y extends parallel to the lateral direction (X1 direction) across the entire area in the lateral direction (X1 direction). In other words, the bottom surface 83Yd is equidistant from the outlet 85Yb in the gravity direction G or the Z1 direction across the entire area in the lateral direction (X1 direction) on a predetermined cross section perpendicular to the long side direction (Y1 direction). In other words, as Fig. 12AAs shown, the distance GD in the Z1 direction between the center 430Ya5 of the discharge port 430Ya1 and the bottom surface 83Yd is equal in the X1-Z1 plane across the entire area in the lateral direction (X1 direction). When viewed along the Y1 direction, the first bonding surface 431 (which is a planar surface) of the first flange 430Ya2 extends in the X1 direction so that the distance from the inlet 85Ya in the gravity direction G does not change. Similarly, when viewed along the Y1 direction, the first bonding surface 441 (third retaining surface) of the second flange 430Yb3 extends in the X1 direction so as not to change the distance from the inlet 85Ya in the gravity direction G. The first bonding surface 441 faces the first bonding surface 431 in the gravity direction G. In other words, the first bonding surface 441 is disposed at a position aligned with the first bonding surface 431 in the gravity direction G. As Fig. 10A As shown, the first engagement surfaces 431 and 441 are located above the inlet 85Ya in the direction of gravity G.

[0159] In other words, the filter 83Y has a shape in which a single rectangular sheet is folded into a valley shape at the lowest part 83Yb and does not have any complex three-dimensional irregular shape. This allows the filter 83Y to be formed with a sheet-like nonwoven fabric such as resin fiber, and eliminates the need to form the filter 83Y into a three-dimensional shape by heat pressing or the like. In other words, when the outer edge 83Ya is not held between the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb, the filter 83Y is a flat sheet. This allows the filter 83Y to be maintained in a roughly V shape while being formed at a low cost. The sheet-like filter 83Y can be thinner than a member formed by heat pressing or the like, and the toner volume of the toner cartridge 430Y can be increased.

[0160] The inlet 85Ya (first pipe opening) of the exhaust pipe 85Y is opposite to the lowermost portion 83Yb of the filter 83Y with a gap therebetween. The filter 83Y is oriented in a substantially V shape with the lowermost portion 83Yb as the lower end, so that when the amount of toner T remaining in the toner container 430Yc becomes low, the toner T fluidized by the air moves along the inclination of the filter 83Y and gathers to the lowermost portion 83Yb. In other words, the toner T in the toner container 430Yc can be guided to the inlet 85Ya of the exhaust pipe 85Y.

[0161] The bottom surface 83Yd of the filter 83Y extends parallel to the lateral direction (X1 direction) and is inclined only in the long-side direction (Y1 direction). This allows the toner T to be gathered to the lowermost portion 83Yb of the filter 83Y with a simple structure.

[0162] For this reason, even if the amount of toner T remaining in the toner container 430Yc becomes low, the toner T gathered in the lowermost portion 83Yb can be effectively discharged from the inlet 85Ya of the exhaust pipe 85Y to the outside of the toner box 430Y through the discharge port 430Ya1. Although the discharge port 430Ya1 is provided above the inlet 85Ya and the bottom surface 83Yd of the filter 83Y, the toner T is transported from the inlet 85Ya to the discharge port 430Ya1 by air. Therefore, the amount of toner T that cannot be supplied and remains in the toner container 430Yc can be reduced.

[0163] In order to move the toner T along the inclined plane using only the weight of the toner T itself, the inclination angle θ of the inclined plane relative to the horizontal plane needs to be set to about 70 degrees. However, in this embodiment, since the toner T on the filter 83Y in the toner container 430Yc is fluidized by air, the inclination angle θ of the filter 83Y relative to the horizontal plane is set to about 10 degrees to 20 degrees. Fig. 10A This structure can increase the volume of the toner cartridge 430Y, thereby increasing the amount of toner T that the toner cartridge 430Y can contain.

[0164] In this embodiment, the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb have third engaging surfaces 433 and 443, respectively, which are in contact with the third edge 453 of the outer edge 83Ya of the filter 83Y and are inclined in the longitudinal direction (Y1 direction) and the gravity direction G. This structure is merely illustrative. In other words, at least one of the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb may have a third engaging surface 433, and at least the other of the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb may have a retaining surface that holds the third edge 453 together with the third engaging surface 433. For example, of the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb, only the first frame 430Ya may have a third engaging surface 433 that is in contact with the third edge 453 and is inclined in the long side direction (Y1 direction) and the gravity direction G. In this case, the third joint surface 443 (holding surface) of the second frame 430Yb may be formed parallel to the Y1 -Z1 plane, and a sealing member (not shown) may be provided between the third joint surface 433 and the third joint surface 443 .

[0165] Second embodiment

[0166] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is constructed so that the engaging surfaces of the first flange 430Ya2 and the second flange 430Yb3 of the first embodiment are formed into an arc shape. Therefore, the same structure as the first embodiment will be omitted from the drawings or described with the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0167] Fig.13AIt is a plan view of the toner cartridge 530Y. Fig. 13B It is taken along line XIIIB-XIIIB Fig.13A sectional view of the toner cartridge 530Y in FIG. Fig. 13C 1 is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge 530Y taken along the Y1 -Z1 plane.

[0168] like FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C As shown, the toner cartridge 530Y (cartridge) is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a first frame 530Ya (second container), a second frame 530Yb (first container), a filter 583Y, and an exhaust pipe 85Y.

[0169] The internal space of the toner box 530Y is partitioned into a toner container 530Yc (second chamber) and an air chamber 530Yd (first chamber) by a filter 583Y. The air chamber 530Yd is provided below the filter 583Y, and the toner container 530Yc is provided above the filter 583Y.

[0170] The first frame 530Ya includes a first flange 530Ya2. The second frame 530Yb includes a second flange 530Yb3. The first flange 530Ya2 and the second flange 530Yb3 are formed around the entire circumference of the toner box 530Y. The filter 583Y is formed in a circular sheet shape and has an outer edge 583Ya held between the first flange 530Ya2 and the second flange 530Yb3.

[0171] The first flange 530Ya2 has a joint surface 531 formed in an arc shape in the X1-Y1 section. The second flange 530Yb3 has a joint surface 541 formed in an arc shape and facing the joint surface 531. In other words, the joint surface 541 is provided at a position aligned with the joint surface 531 in the gravity direction G.

[0172] The filter 583Y has a bottom surface 583Yd serving as a partition between the air chamber 530Yd and the toner container 530Yc and an outer edge 583Ya held between the first flange 530Ya2 and the second flange 530Yb3. When the bottom surface 583Yd is inclined downward in the gravity direction G, the bottom surface 583Yd is bent toward the lowermost portion 583Yb (opposite area, predetermined area) of the filter 583Y in the long side direction (Y1 direction).

[0173] The bottom surface 583Yd extends parallel to the lateral direction (X1 direction) over the entire area in the lateral direction (X1 direction). In other words, the bottom surface 583Yd is equidistant from the outlet 85Yb in the gravity direction G or Z1 direction over the entire area in the lateral direction (X1 direction) on a predetermined cross section perpendicular to the long side direction (Y1 direction). Like the bottom surface 583Yd, the joining surface 531 of the first flange 530Ya2 and the joining surface 541 of the second flange 530Yb3 are curved so as to approach the lowermost portion 583Yb of the filter 583Y in the long side direction (Y1 direction) as the joining surface 531 of the first flange 530Ya2 and the joining surface 541 of the second flange 530Yb3 are tilted downward in the gravity direction G.

[0174] More specifically, when viewed along the X1 direction, the joining surface 531 has a first curved surface 531a and a second curved surface 531b, the first curved surface 531a is inclined downward toward the lowermost portion 583Yb in the Y1 direction, and the second curved surface 531b is arranged on the side of the lowermost portion 583Yb opposite to the first curved surface 531a in the Y1 direction and is inclined downward toward the lowermost portion 583Yb. When viewed along the X1 direction, the joining surface 541 also has a first curved surface 541a formed along the first curved surface 531a and a second curved surface 541b formed along the second curved surface 531b. The first curved surface 531a constitutes an inclined surface (first inclined surface). The first curved surface 541a constitutes a retaining surface (first retaining surface). The second curved surface 531b constitutes a second inclined surface. The second curved surface 541b constitutes a second retaining surface. The first curved surfaces 531a and 541a and the second curved surfaces 531b and 541b are curved surfaces. Curved surfaces are included in inclined surfaces.

[0175] The outer edge 583Ya of the filter 583Y is held between the engagement surface 531 of the first flange 530Ya2 and the engagement surface 541 of the second flange 530Yb3. In other words, the outer edge 583Ya has a first curved portion 551a (first clamped portion) held between the first curved surfaces 531a and 541a along the first curved surface 531a and a second curved portion 551b (second clamped portion) held between the second curved surfaces 531b and 541b along the second curved surface 531b.

[0176] The first flange 530Ya2 and the second flange 530Yb3 are joined by ultrasonic welding the joining surfaces 531 and 541. The first flange 530Ya2 and the second flange 530Yb3 may be fixed to each other not only by ultrasonic welding but also by thermal welding, adhesive such as double-sided tape and hot melt adhesive, or screws.

[0177] By engaging the first flange 530Ya2 and the second flange 530Yb3 together, the filter 583Y inserted between the first flange 530Ya2 and the second flange 530Yb3 is held. Since the filter 583Y is held by the first flange 530Ya2 and the second flange 530Yb3, the filter 583Y is held along the corresponding engagement surfaces 531 and 532 of the first flange 530Ya2 and the second flange 530Yb3.

[0178] In other words, the filter 583Y has a shape in which a single circular sheet is bent into an arc shape with the lowermost portion 583Yb as the bottom, and does not have any complicated three-dimensional irregular shape.

[0179] This allows the filter 583Y to be formed with a sheet-like nonwoven fabric such as resin fiber, and eliminates the need to form the filter 583Y into a three-dimensional shape by heat pressing, etc. This allows the filter 583Y to be held in a curved shape while being formed at low cost. The sheet-like filter 583Y can be thinner than a member formed by heat pressing, etc., and the toner capacity of the toner cartridge 530Y can be increased.

[0180] The inlet 85Ya of the exhaust pipe 85Y is opposite to the lowermost portion 583Yb of the filter 583Y with a gap therebetween. The filter 583Y is held in a curved orientation with the lowermost portion 583Yb as the lower end, so that when the amount of toner T remaining in the toner container 530Yc becomes low, the toner T fluidized by the air moves along the arc surface of the filter 583Y and gathers to the lowermost portion 583Yb. In other words, the toner T in the toner container 530Yc can be guided to the inlet 85Ya of the exhaust pipe 85Y.

[0181] Therefore, even if the amount of toner T remaining in the toner container 530Yc becomes low, the toner T gathered in the lowermost portion 583Yb can be effectively discharged from the inlet 85Ya of the exhaust pipe 85Y to the outside of the toner box 530Y. Therefore, the amount of toner T remaining in the toner container 530Yc that cannot be supplied can be reduced.

[0182] Third embodiment

[0183] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment is constructed so that the engaging surfaces of the first flange 430Ya2 and the second flange 430Yb3 of the first embodiment are uniformly inclined. Therefore, the same structure as the first embodiment will be omitted from the drawings or described with the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0184] Fig.14A It is a plan view of the toner cartridge 630Y. Fig. 14B It is taken along the XIVB-XIVB line Fig.14A 630Y in FIG. Fig.14A and Fig. 14B As shown, the toner box 630Y (box) includes a first frame 630Ya (second container), a second frame 630Yb (first container), a filter 683Y and an exhaust pipe 685Y (tube). The internal space of the toner box 630Y is divided into a toner container 630Yc (second chamber) and an air chamber 630Yd (first chamber) by the filter 683Y. The air chamber 630Yd is arranged below the filter 683Y. The toner container 630Yc is arranged above the filter 683Y.

[0185] The first frame 630Ya includes a first flange 630Ya2. The second frame 630Yb includes a second flange 630Yb3. The first flange 630Ya2 and the second flange 630Yb3 are formed around the entire circumference of the toner box 630Y. The filter 683Y is formed in a rectangular sheet shape and has an outer edge 683Ya held between the first flange 630Ya2 and the second flange 630Yb3.

[0186] The first flange 630Ya2 has a uniformly inclined engagement surface 631 that is inclined downward and leftward. The second flange 630Yb3 also has a uniformly inclined engagement surface 641 that is inclined downward and leftward. In other words, as the engagement surfaces 631 and 641 move toward the Z1 direction, the engagement surfaces 631 and 641 are inclined surfaces extending in the Y1 direction.

[0187] The filter 683Y has a bottom surface 683Yd serving as a partition between the air chamber 630Yd and the toner container 630Yc and an outer edge 683Ya held between the first flange 630Ya2 and the second flange 630Yb3. The bottom surface 683Yd extends parallel to the lateral direction (X1 direction) over the entire area in the lateral direction (X1 direction). In other words, the bottom surface 683Yd is equidistant from the outlet 685Yb (second pipe opening) of the exhaust pipe 685Yb in the gravity direction G or Z1 direction over the entire area in the lateral direction (X1 direction) on a predetermined cross section perpendicular to the long side direction (Y1 direction).

[0188] In this embodiment, the lowermost portion 683Yb (the area opposite to the filter 683Y) is located at the upstream end (one end or the left end) of the bottom surface 683Yd in the Y1 direction. The bottom surface 683Yd is formed to be close to the lowermost portion 683Yb in the long side direction (Y1 direction) when the bottom surface 683Yd is inclined downward in the gravity direction G to form the bottom surface of the toner container 630Yc. Fig. 14B As shown, the bottom surface 683Yd includes, in the Y1 direction, an inclined surface 683Yd1 that slopes downward as the inclined surface 683Yd1 moves from the downstream end (the other end or the right end) of the bottom surface 683Yd toward the lowermost portion 683Yb.

[0189] In other words, assuming that the opposite ends of the toner box 630Y in the Y1 direction are the first end and the second end when viewed in the X1 direction, the lowermost portion 683Yb of the filter 683Y is disposed at the second end in the Y1 direction. As the inclined surface 683Yd1 (part) moves from the first end toward the lowermost portion 683Yb, the inclined surface 683Yd1 is inclined downward in the Y1 direction.

[0190] The joining surface 631 of the first flange 630Ya2 is an inclined surface that is inclined downward from one end of the joining surface 631 to the other end of the joining surface 631 in the long side direction (Y1 direction). The joining surface 641 of the second flange 630Yb3 also has the same structure as the joining surface 631. In other words, the joining surface 641 (holding surface) faces the joining surface 631 (inclined surface) in the gravity direction G, and is inclined along the joining surface 631. In other words, the joining surface 641 is provided at a position aligned with the joining surface 631 in the gravity direction G.

[0191] The outer edge 683Ya of the filter 683Y is held between the joint surface 631 of the first flange 630Ya2 and the joint surface 641 of the second flange 630Yb3. In other words, the outer edge has an inclined portion 651 (first clamped portion) held between the joint surfaces 631 and 641 along the joint surface 631. The first flange 630Ya2 and the second flange 630Yb3 are joined by ultrasonic welding the joint surfaces 631 and 641. The first flange 630Ya2 and the second flange 630Yb3 may be fixed to each other not only by ultrasonic welding but also by heat welding, adhesives such as double-sided tape and hot melt adhesive, or screws.

[0192] By joining the first flange 630Ya2 and the second flange 630Yb3 together, the filter 683Y inserted between the first flange 630Ya2 and the second flange 630Yb3 is held. Since the filter 683Y is held by the first flange 630Ya2 and the second flange 630Yb3, the filter 683Y is held along the corresponding joining surfaces 631 and 632 of the first flange 630Ya2 and the second flange 630Yb3.

[0193] In other words, the filter 683Y has a straight shape in which the left end is the lowest in the Z1 direction and the right end is the highest in the Z1 direction, and does not have any complex three-dimensional irregular shape. This allows the filter 683Y to be formed with a sheet-like nonwoven fabric such as resin fiber, and eliminates the need to form the filter 683Y into a three-dimensional shape by heat pressing or the like. This allows the filter 683Y to be maintained in a straight shape while being formed at a low cost. The sheet-like filter 683Y can be thinner than a member formed by heat pressing or the like, and the toner capacity of the toner cartridge 630Y can be increased.

[0194] The inlet 685Ya (first pipe opening) of the exhaust pipe 685Y faces the lowermost portion 683Yb of the filter 683Y with a gap therebetween. The lowermost portion 683Yb is located at the lowest position of the filter 683Y in the toner container 630Yc.

[0195] When the amount of toner T remaining in toner container 630Yc becomes low, toner T fluidized by air moves along the slope of filter 683Y and gathers to the lowermost portion 683Yb. In other words, toner T in toner container 630Yc can be guided to inlet 685Ya of exhaust pipe 685Y.

[0196] Therefore, even if the amount of toner T remaining in the toner container 630Yc becomes low, the toner T gathered in the lowermost portion 683Yb can be effectively discharged to the outside of the toner box 630Y from the inlet 685Ya of the exhaust pipe 685Y. Therefore, the amount of toner T remaining in the toner container 630Yc that cannot be supplied can be reduced.

[0197] Fourth embodiment

[0198] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fourth embodiment is configured such that the width Lb2 of each toner box in the Y direction is shorter than the length W2 of the toner box in the X direction. Therefore, the same structure as the first embodiment will be omitted from the drawings or described with the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0199] In the first embodiment, the widths of the toner boxes 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K in the Y direction (or Y1 direction) are longer than their lengths in the X direction (or X1 direction). For this reason, the third engaging surfaces 433 and 443 and the fourth engaging surfaces 434 and 445 extending in the Y1 direction are inclined in a substantially V shape.

[0200] However, this embodiment is configured so that the width Lb2 of the toner box 730Y in the Y direction is shorter than the length W2 of the toner box 730Y in the X direction. Therefore, the engaging surface of the toner box 730Y extending in the X direction is inclined in a substantially V shape.

[0201] Fig.15AIt is a plan view of the toner cartridge 730Y. Fig. 15B It is intercepted along XVB-XVB Fig.15A Exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge 730Y in FIG. Fig.15A and Fig. 15B As shown, the toner box 730Y (box) includes a first frame 730Ya (second container), a second frame 730Yb (first container), a filter 783Y and an exhaust pipe 785Y (tube). The internal space of the toner box 730Y is divided into a toner container 730Yc (second chamber) and an air chamber 730Yd (first chamber) by the filter 783Y. The air chamber 730Yd is arranged below the filter 783Y. The toner container 730Yc is arranged above the filter 783Y.

[0202] The first frame 730Ya includes a first flange 730Ya2. The second frame 730Yb includes a second flange 730Yb3. The first flange 730Ya2 and the second flange 730Yb3 are formed around the entire circumference of the toner box 730Y. The filter 783Y is formed in a rectangular sheet shape and has an outer edge 783Ya held between the first flange 730Ya2 and the second flange 730Yb3.

[0203] The toner box 730Y of this embodiment has a structure substantially the same as that of the first embodiment in which the first frame 430Ya, the second frame 430Yb and the filter 483Y are rotated 90 degrees around an axis extending in the Z1 direction. In this embodiment, the exhaust pipe 785Y includes a third pipe 785Y1 and a fourth pipe 785Y2, the third pipe 785Y1 includes an inlet 85Ya and extends in the Z1 direction or the gravity direction G, and the fourth pipe 785Y2 includes an outlet connected to the discharge port 430Ya1 and extends in the Y1 direction. The exhaust pipe 785Y is bent at a midpoint. The discharge port 430Ya1 opens in the long side direction (Y1 direction) of the toner box 730Y. The filter 783Y has a bottom surface 783Yd used as a partition between the air chamber 730Yd and the toner container 730Yc and an outer edge 783Ya held between the first flange 730Ya2 and the second flange 730Yb3. The bottom surface 783Yd extends parallel to the lateral direction (X1 direction) over the entire area in the lateral direction (X1 direction).

[0204] Therefore, the outer edge 783Ya of the filter 783Y is held between the joint surface of the first flange 730Ya2 and the joint surface of the second flange 730Yb3. The first flange 730Ya2 and the second flange 730Yb3 are joined by ultrasonic welding the joint surfaces. The first flange 730Ya2 and the second flange 730Yb3 can be fixed to each other not only by ultrasonic welding but also by heat welding, adhesive such as double-sided tape and hot melt adhesive, or screws.

[0205] By joining the first flange 730Ya2 and the second flange 730Yb3 together, the filter 783Y inserted between the first flange 730Ya2 and the second flange 730Yb3 is held. Since the filter 783Y is held by the first flange 730Ya2 and the second flange 730Yb3, the filter 783Y is held along the corresponding joining surfaces of the first flange 730Ya2 and the second flange 730Yb3.

[0206] In other words, the filter 783Y has a shape in which a single rectangular sheet is folded into a valley shape at the lowermost portion 783Yb (opposing area), and does not have any complicated three-dimensional irregular shape.

[0207] This allows the filter 783Y to be formed with a sheet-like nonwoven fabric such as resin fiber, and eliminates the need to form the filter 783Y into a three-dimensional shape by heat pressing or the like.

[0208] The filter 783Y has an inclined surface that is inclined downward toward the upstream or downstream of the Y1 direction (i.e., the long side direction of the toner box 730Y). The inlet 85Ya of the exhaust pipe 785Y is opposite to the lowermost portion 783Yb of the filter 783Y across a gap. When the amount of toner T remaining in the toner container 730Yc becomes low, the toner T fluidized by the air moves along the inclined surface of the filter 783Y and gathers to the lowermost portion 783Yb. In other words, the toner T in the toner container 730Yc can be guided to the inlet 85Ya of the exhaust pipe 785Y. The inclination of the filter 783Y in the long side direction (Y direction) of the toner box 730Y allows the toner T to be effectively gathered to the lowermost portion 783Yb.

[0209] As mentioned above (see Figure 3A ), the width of the black toner cartridge in the Y direction may be longer than that of the toner cartridges of other colors. If the width of the black toner cartridge in the Y direction is greater than the length of the black toner cartridge in the X direction, the filter and the engaging surface in the black toner cartridge may be inclined in the Y direction, as in the first embodiment. On the contrary, if the widths of the yellow toner cartridge, the cyan toner cartridge, and the magenta toner cartridge in the Y direction are less than their lengths in the X direction, the filters and the engaging surfaces in the yellow toner cartridge, the cyan toner cartridge, and the magenta toner cartridge may be inclined in the X direction, as in the fourth embodiment. The toner cartridges of each color may have a combination of the structure of the first embodiment and the structure of the fourth embodiment.

[0210] Fifth embodiment

[0211] Next, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fifth embodiment is constructed so that the joint surface of the first flange 430Ya2 and the second flange 430Yb3 of the first embodiment is formed into a planar shape. Therefore, the same structure as the first embodiment will be omitted from the drawings or described with the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0212] Fig.16A It is a plan view of the toner cartridge 830Y. Fig. 16B It is taken along line XVIB-XVIB Fig.16A A cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 830Y in FIG. Fig. 16C It is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge 830Y.

[0213] like Figures 16A to 16C As shown, the toner box 830Y (box) includes: a first frame 830Ya (second container), a second frame 830Yb (first container), a filter 883Y and an exhaust pipe 885Y. The width Lb3 of the toner box 830Y in the Y direction of this embodiment is greater than the length W3 of the toner box 830Y in the X1 direction. In other words, the long side direction of the toner box 830Y is oriented in the Y direction, and the transverse direction is oriented in the X direction.

[0214] The internal space of the toner box 830Y is divided into a toner container 830Yc (second chamber) and an air chamber 830Yd (first chamber) by a filter 883Y. The air chamber 830Yd is provided below the filter 883Y. The toner container 830Yc is provided above the filter 883Y.

[0215] The first frame 830Ya includes a first flange 830Ya2. The second frame 830Yb includes a second flange 830Yb3. The first flange 830Ya2 and the second flange 830Yb3 are formed around the entire circumference of the toner box 830Y. The filter 883Y is formed into a three-dimensional shape by thermoforming or the like. The filter 883Y has a bottom surface 883Yd serving as a partition between the air chamber 830Yd and the toner container 830Yc, an outer edge 883Ya held between the first flange 830Ya2 and the second flange 830Yb3, and a connecting portion 883Ye. The bottom surface 883Yd extends parallel to the lateral direction (X1 direction) over the entire area of ​​the lateral direction (X1 direction). The connecting portion 883Ye extends in the gravity direction G or Z1 direction to connect the outer edge 883Ya and the bottom surface 883Yd.

[0216] In this embodiment, the first flange 830Ya2 and the second flange 830Yb3 extend in the horizontal direction, ie, parallel to the X1 direction and the Y1 direction. The outer edge 883Ya of the filter 883Y held between the first flange 830Ya2 and the second flange 830Yb3 also extends parallel to the X1 direction and the Y1 direction.

[0217] The first flange 830Ya2 and the second flange 830Yb3 are joined by ultrasonic welding. The first flange 830Ya2 and the second flange 830Yb3 may be fixed to each other not only by ultrasonic welding but also by thermal welding, adhesive such as double-sided tape and hot melt adhesive, or screws.

[0218] By joining the first flange 830Ya2 and the second flange 830Yb3 together, the filter 883Y inserted between the first flange 830Ya2 and the second flange 830Yb3 is held. As described above, the filter 883Y of the present embodiment is formed into a three-dimensional shape by hot pressing or the like. Therefore, the bottom surface 883Yd includes a first inclined surface 883Yd1 and a second inclined surface 883Yd1, the first inclined surface 883Yd1 being inclined downward in the Y1 direction from one end (upstream end) of the bottom surface 883Yd toward the lowermost portion 883Yb (opposite portion), and the second inclined surface 883Yd1 being inclined downward in the Y1 direction from the other end (downstream end) of the bottom surface 883Yd toward the lowermost portion 883Yb.

[0219] The inlet 85Ya of the exhaust pipe 885Y is opposite to the lowermost portion 883Yb of the filter 883Y across a gap. The lowermost portion 883Yb is located at the lowest position of the filter 883Y in the toner container 830Yc. When the amount of toner T remaining in the toner container 830Yc becomes low, the toner T fluidized by the air moves along the first inclined surface 883Yd1 and the second inclined surface 883Yd2 of the filter 883Y, and gathers to the lowermost portion 883Yb. In other words, the toner T in the toner container 830Yc can be guided to the inlet 85Ya of the exhaust pipe 885Y.

[0220] Therefore, even if the amount of toner T remaining in the toner container 830Yc becomes low, the toner T gathered in the lowermost portion 883Yb can be effectively discharged to the outside of the toner box 830Y from the inlet 85Ya of the exhaust pipe 885Y. Therefore, the amount of toner T remaining in the toner container 830Yc that cannot be supplied can be reduced.

[0221] The simple structure of the first flange 830Ya2 and the second flange 830Yb3 can prevent the toner T from leaking from the toner box 830Y.

[0222] Although in this embodiment, the first flange 830Ya2, the second flange 830Yb3 and the outer edge 883Ya extend in the horizontal direction, that is, extend parallel to the X1 direction and the Y1 direction, this configuration is only illustrative. In other words, the first flange 830Ya2, the second flange 830Yb3 and the outer edge 883Ya can have any shape as long as the bottom surface 883Yd extends parallel to the lateral direction (X1 direction) over the entire area of ​​the lateral direction (X1 direction). For example, the first flange 830Ya2, the second flange 830Yb3 and the outer edge 883Ya can have a shape that combines straight lines and curves when viewed in the X1 direction, or can be inclined upward in the Y1 direction as the distance to the lowermost portion 883Yb decreases.

[0223] Other embodiments

[0224] Although the above embodiment is configured so that the filter does not protrude from the first frame and the second frame of the toner box, this configuration is only illustrative. For example, the filter may protrude outward from the first frame and the second frame of the toner box.

[0225] The present disclosure includes the following structural examples and method examples.

[0226] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A box comprising: a first container provided with a container opening communicating with the exterior of the box; a filter, the filter forming a first chamber together with the first container, the filter being configured to prevent toner from passing therethrough and to allow air to pass therethrough; a second container, the second container and the filter forming a second chamber for containing toner; as well as a tube provided with a first tube opening and a second tube opening, the first tube opening facing a predetermined area of ​​the filter across a gap and opening toward the predetermined area of ​​the filter, the second tube opening communicating with the outside of the box, the tube extending from the first tube opening to the second tube opening, wherein the filter comprises a partition between the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the direction in which the first container and the second container are aligned is defined as a first direction, a long side direction of the second container intersecting the first direction on a cross section perpendicular to the first direction is defined as a second direction, and a short side direction of the second container intersecting the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, in a case where the box is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the first direction is parallel to the gravity direction and the second chamber is above the first chamber, When viewed along the third direction, the partition is inclined so that the partition advances downward toward the predetermined area of ​​the filter as it advances toward the predetermined area in the second direction, and The partition extends in the third direction over the entire area in the third direction.

2. The box according to claim 1, wherein With the box oriented in the predetermined direction, the partition is equidistant from the second tube opening in the first direction over the entire area in the third direction on a predetermined cross section perpendicular to the second direction.

3. The box according to claim 1, in, When viewed along the third direction, two ends of the box in the second direction are defined as a first end and a second end, The predetermined area of ​​the filter is located between the first end and the second end in the second direction, and With the box oriented in the predetermined direction, the partition of the filter includes a first portion inclined downward from the first end toward the predetermined area in the second direction and a second portion inclined downward from the second end toward the predetermined area in the second direction.

4. The box according to claim 1, in, When viewed along the third direction, two ends of the box in the second direction are defined as a first end and a second end, The predetermined area of ​​the filter is located at the second end in the second direction, and With the cartridge oriented in the predetermined direction, the partition of the filter includes a portion that slopes downward from the first end toward the predetermined area in the second direction.

5. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein With the box oriented in the predetermined direction, the first tube opening opens downward, and the second tube opening is located above the first tube opening.

6. The box according to claim 5, wherein The tube includes a first tube portion provided with the first tube opening and extending in the first direction, and a second tube portion provided with the second tube opening and extending in the third direction.

7. The box according to claim 6, wherein The second tube opening is open in the third direction.

8. The box according to claim 5, wherein The tube includes a third tube portion provided with the first tube opening and extending in the first direction, and a fourth tube portion provided with the second tube opening and extending in the second direction.

9. The cartridge according to claim 8, wherein The second tube opening opens in the second direction.

10. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The filter includes a clamped portion clamped between the first container and the second container.

11. The cartridge according to claim 10, wherein The clamped portion is continuous with the partition.

12. The cartridge according to claim 10, wherein The filter includes a connecting portion connecting the clamped portion and the partition and extending in the first direction.

13. The cartridge according to claim 10, wherein The filter is a flat sheet in a state where the clamped portion is not clamped between the first container and the second container.

14. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The container opening is disposed at a position different from the predetermined area of ​​the filter in the second direction.

15. The box according to claim 1, in, With the box oriented in the predetermined direction, The predetermined area is located at the lowermost portion of the filter.

16. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The filter includes a sheet of nonwoven fabric.

17. An image forming apparatus, comprising: Device body; The cartridge according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the cartridge is detachably attached to the device body; as well as A process cartridge is configured to supply toner from the cartridge.

Images