Cartridge and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a cartridge and an image forming apparatus. A cartridge includes a toner storage unit and a developing unit. The moving member moves in a second direction intersecting the first direction between a first position and a second position. The first direction includes an attachment direction in which the toner storage unit is attached to the developing unit and a detachment direction in which the toner storage unit is detached from the developing unit. The first position is a position at which an engaging portion engages with an engaged portion such that the toner storage unit moves integrally with the developing unit when the toner storage unit moves in the detaching direction. The second position is a position at which the engaging portion is not engaged with the engaged portion such that the toner storage unit is extracted from the developing unit and moved when the toner storage unit is moved in the detaching direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge that can be detachably attached to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet, and to an image forming apparatus to which the cartridge is attached. Background Art

[0002] Until now, in an image forming apparatus adopting a so-called electrophotographic system (which records an image on a storage medium such as paper using a toner), a configuration has been widely adopted in which a replaceable process cartridge is provided by forming a photosensitive member and a process unit acting on the photosensitive member as an integrated cartridge. In addition, a configuration in which a toner cartridge storing a toner is detachably attached to the above-mentioned process cartridge is also known.

[0003] In this technical field, a box structure has been developed in which a state in which a toner cartridge is attached to a process cartridge and its removal is controlled and a state in which its removal is permitted can be switched by operating a lever provided on the process cartridge (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-185829). According to this box, in a state in which the lever has been operated to attach the toner cartridge to the process cartridge and its removal is controlled, the process cartridge and the toner cartridge are integrally detachably attached to the device body. In addition, according to this box, in a state in which the lever has been operated to permit removal of the toner cartridge attached to the process cartridge, the toner cartridge can be removed separately while the process cartridge remains attached to the device body.

[0004] However, according to the cartridge disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-185829, the lever is designed to be operated in the up-down direction to switch the cartridge between a state in which the toner cartridge is attached to the process cartridge and its removal is controlled and a state in which its removal is allowed. In addition, according to the cartridge, the operability of attaching and detaching the toner cartridge integrally with the process cartridge and attaching and detaching the toner cartridge independently of the process cartridge is not good. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a cartridge includes: a toner storage unit, the toner storage unit including a first toner storage portion, a conveying member, and a moving member, the first toner storage portion being configured to accommodate toner and having an outlet through which the toner is discharged, the conveying member being configured to convey the toner accommodated in the first toner storage portion toward the outlet, the moving member being configured to be movable relative to the first toner storage portion and having an engaging portion; and a developing unit, the developing unit including a developing roller, a second toner storage portion, a developing frame, and an engaged portion, the developing roller being configured to carry toner, the second toner storage portion being configured to accommodate toner and having an inlet configured to communicate with the outlet, the developing frame being configured to rotatably support the developing roller, the toner storage unit being detachably attached along a first direction. The moving member is configured to move between a first position and a second position along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first direction includes an attachment direction in which the toner storage unit is attached to the developing unit and a disassembly direction in which the toner storage unit is disassembled from the developing unit. The first position is a position where the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion so that the toner storage unit moves integrally with the developing unit when the toner storage unit moves in the disassembly direction. The second position is a position where the engaging portion is not engaged with the engaged portion so that the toner storage unit is pulled out of the developing unit and moves when the toner storage unit moves in the disassembly direction.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a cartridge includes: a toner storage unit, the toner storage unit including a first toner storage portion, a conveying member, a moving member, and a coupling portion, the first toner storage portion being configured to accommodate toner and having an outlet through which the toner is discharged, the conveying member being configured to convey the toner accommodated in the first toner storage portion toward the outlet, the moving member being configured to be movable relative to the first toner storage portion; and a developing unit, the developing unit including a developing roller, a second toner storage portion, a developing frame, and a coupled portion, the developing roller being configured to carry toner, the second toner storage portion being configured to accommodate toner and having an inlet configured to communicate with the outlet, the developing frame being configured to rotatably support the developing roller, the toner storage unit being detachably attached along a first direction. The moving member is configured to move between a first position and a second position along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first direction includes an attachment direction in which the toner storage unit is attached to the developing unit and a disassembly direction in which the toner storage unit is disassembled from the developing unit. The first position is a position where the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion so that the toner storage unit moves integrally with the developing unit when the toner storage unit moves in the disassembly direction. The second position is a position where the engaging portion is not engaged with the engaged portion so that the toner storage unit is pulled out of the developing unit and moves when the toner storage unit moves in the disassembly direction.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an imaging device configured to form an image on a sheet includes a device body and a box detachably attached to the device body. The box includes: a toner storage unit, the toner storage unit includes a first toner storage portion, a conveying member, and a moving member, the first toner storage portion is configured to accommodate toner and has an outlet through which the toner is discharged, the conveying member is configured to convey the toner accommodated in the first toner storage portion toward the outlet, the moving member is configured to be movable relative to the first toner storage portion and has an engaging portion; and a developing unit, the developing unit includes a developing roller, a second toner storage portion, a developing frame, and an engaged portion, the developing roller is configured to carry toner, the second toner storage portion is configured to accommodate toner and has an inlet configured to communicate with the outlet, the developing frame is configured to rotatably support the developing roller, and the toner storage unit is detachably attached along a first direction. The moving member is configured to move between a first position and a second position along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first direction includes an attachment direction in which the toner storage unit is attached to the developing unit and a disassembly direction in which the toner storage unit is disassembled from the developing unit. The first position is a position in which the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion so that the toner storage unit moves integrally with the developing unit when the toner storage unit moves in the disassembly direction. The second position is a position in which the engaging portion is not engaged with the engaged portion so that the toner storage unit is pulled out and moved from the developing unit when the toner storage unit moves in the disassembly direction.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an imaging device configured to form an image on a sheet includes a device body and a box detachably attached to the device body. The box includes: a toner storage unit, the toner storage unit includes a first toner storage portion, a conveying member, a moving member, and a coupling portion, the first toner storage portion is configured to accommodate toner and has an outlet through which the toner is discharged, the conveying member is configured to convey the toner accommodated in the first toner storage portion toward the outlet, and the moving member is configured to be movable relative to the first toner storage portion; and a developing unit, the developing unit includes a developing roller, a second toner storage portion, a developing frame, and a coupled portion, the developing roller is configured to carry toner, the second toner storage portion is configured to accommodate toner and has an inlet configured to communicate with the outlet, the developing frame is configured to rotatably support the developing roller, and the toner storage unit is detachably attached along a first direction. The moving member is configured to move between a first position and a second position along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first direction includes an attachment direction in which the toner storage unit is attached to the developing unit and a disassembly direction in which the toner storage unit is disassembled from the developing unit. The first position is a position in which the engaging portion is engaged with the engaged portion so that the toner storage unit moves integrally with the developing unit when the toner storage unit moves in the disassembly direction. The second position is a position in which the engaging portion is not engaged with the engaged portion so that the toner storage unit is pulled out and moved from the developing unit when the toner storage unit moves in the disassembly direction.

[0009] 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

[0010] Figure 1 : is a schematic diagram showing the entirety of the imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view showing the box.

[0012] Figure 2B is a sectional view showing a state in which the toner cartridge is detached from the process cartridge.

[0013] Figure 3A is a perspective view showing a state in which the toner cartridge is viewed from the grip portion side.

[0014] Figure 3B is a perspective view showing a state where the toner cartridge is viewed from the outlet shutter side.

[0015] Figure 4Ais a perspective view showing a state in which the process cartridge is viewed from the inlet shutter side.

[0016] Figure 4B It is omitted Figure 4A Perspective view of a part of.

[0017] Figure 5A is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner cartridge is detached from the process cartridge.

[0018] Figure 5B is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where the toner cartridge is halfway attached to the process cartridge.

[0019] Figure 5C is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner cartridge is attached to the process cartridge.

[0020] Fig. 6A It is a partially omitted perspective view showing a state in which the toner cartridge is attached to the process cartridge and the engaging portion and the engaged portion are not engaged, as viewed from the inlet shutter side.

[0021] Figure 6B The figure shows the situation when viewed from the outlet baffle side. Fig. 6A A perspective view of a state of a toner cartridge.

[0022] Fig. 7A It is a partially omitted perspective view showing a state in which the toner cartridge is attached to the process cartridge and the engaging portion and the engaged portion are engaged, viewed from the inlet shutter side.

[0023] Figure 7B The figure shows the situation when viewed from the outlet baffle side. Fig. 7A A perspective view of a state of a toner cartridge.

[0024] Fig. 8A is a perspective view showing an imaging device.

[0025] Figure 8B is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus in a cover-open state.

[0026] Figure 8C is a cross-sectional view of the box opening.

[0027] Fig. 9A is a perspective view showing a state in which the cartridges are stored in the cartridge storage portion.

[0028] Fig. 9B is a perspective view showing a state in which the cartridges are stored in the cartridge storage portion.

[0029] Fig. 10A is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cartridge is detached from the cartridge storage portion.

[0030] Fig. 10Bis a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where the cartridge is halfway attached to the cartridge storage portion.

[0031] Fig. 10C is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cartridge is attached to the cartridge storage portion.

[0032] Fig.11A is a perspective view showing a state in which a toner cartridge is detached from a process cartridge stored in a cartridge storing portion.

[0033] Fig. 11B is a perspective view showing a state in which the cartridge is detached from the cartridge storage portion.

[0034] Fig. 11C is a perspective view showing a state in which the toner cartridge is detached from the process cartridge.

[0035] Fig. 12A is a perspective view showing the cartridge with the grip portion in a first position.

[0036] Fig. 12B is a perspective view showing the cartridge with the grip portion in the second position.

[0037] Fig.13A is a perspective view showing a grip portion according to a first modification.

[0038] Fig. 13B is a perspective view showing a grip portion according to a second modification.

[0039] Fig. 13C is a perspective view showing a grip portion according to a third modification.

[0040] Fig.13D is a perspective view showing a grip portion according to a fourth modification.

[0041] Fig.14A : is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge according to the second embodiment, in which the grip portion is located at the first position.

[0042] Fig. 14B : is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge according to the second embodiment, in which the grip portion is located at the second position.

[0043] Fig.15A : is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge according to the third embodiment, in which the grip portion is located at the first position.

[0044] Fig. 15B : is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge according to the third embodiment, in which the grip portion is located at the second position.

[0045] Fig.16A: is a perspective view showing a state in which the regulating lever is located at the regulating position in the cartridge according to the fourth embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 16B yes Fig.16A Magnified image of .

[0047] Fig. 16C is a perspective view showing a stopper releasing groove of a box opening according to a fourth embodiment.

[0048] Fig.17A is a sectional view showing a state in which the cartridge according to the fourth embodiment is detached from the apparatus main body.

[0049] Fig. 17B yes Fig.17A Magnified image of .

[0050] Fig. 17C is a sectional view showing a state in which the cartridge according to the fourth embodiment is attached to the apparatus main body.

[0051] Fig.17D yes Fig. 17C Magnified image of .

[0052] Fig.18A is a sectional view showing a state in which the toner cartridge is detached from the process cartridge in the cartridge according to the fifth embodiment.

[0053] Fig.18B is a perspective view showing a toner cartridge according to a fifth embodiment viewed from an outlet shutter side.

[0054] Fig. 18C is a perspective view showing the process cartridge according to the fifth embodiment viewed from the inlet shutter side.

[0055] Fig.19A is a sectional view of the cartridge according to the fifth embodiment, illustrating a state in which the toner cartridge is attached to the process cartridge and the grip portion is located at the second position.

[0056] Fig.19B is a sectional view of the cartridge according to the fifth embodiment, illustrating a state in which the toner cartridge is attached to the process cartridge and the grip portion is located at the first position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] First embodiment

[0058] Overall structure

[0059] First, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The image forming apparatus 10 is a laser beam printer adopting an electrophotographic system that forms a monochrome toner image. Figure 1 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the entirety of the imaging apparatus 10 .

[0060] In the following description, Figure 1 The directions are defined as shown by the arrows above that represent each direction. That is, Figure 1 The upper direction on the paper is called top, the right direction on the paper is called front direction or front, the left direction on the paper is called rear direction or rear, and the rear direction of the paper is called right direction.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the imaging device 10 includes a device body 1, a document reading unit 8, a box 100 and a front cover 11 (refer to Figure 8B ). The device body 1 includes a sheet feeding portion 2 that feeds a sheet S supported thereon, a conveying portion 3 that conveys the sheet S from the sheet feeding portion 2, an imaging unit 4 that forms an image on the sheet S conveyed by the conveying portion 3, and a fixing portion 5 that fixes the image transferred to the sheet S. In addition, the device body 1 includes a sheet discharging portion 6, and a supporting portion 7, and the sheet S having an image fixed thereon is discharged to the outside of the device through the sheet discharging portion, and the imaged sheet S is supported on the supporting portion. According to the present embodiment, the sheet feeding portion 2 is arranged at the lower portion of the device body 1. The conveying portion 3 is arranged in front of the device body 1. The imaging unit 4 is arranged in the central portion of the device body 1. The fixing portion 5 and the sheet discharging portion 6 are arranged at the rear of the device body 1. The supporting portion 7 is arranged in the upper portion of the device body 1. The document reading unit 8 is arranged in the upper portion of the supporting portion 7.

[0062] An imaging device refers to a device that forms an image on a sheet used as a recording medium based on image information input from an external PC or image information read from a document, and includes printers, copiers, fax machines, and multifunction devices. In addition, in addition to a main body having an imaging function, an imaging device may be connected to an auxiliary device (e.g., an optional feeder, an image reading device, and a sheet processing device), but the entire system including the auxiliary device connected to the main body is also regarded as a type of imaging device. In addition, sheets and documents may include paper such as printing paper and envelopes, plastic films such as overhead projector sheets, and cloth.

[0063] Sheet feeding section and conveying section

[0064] Reference Figure 1 The sheet feeding portion 2 and the conveying portion 3 are described. The sheet feeding portion 2 includes a box portion 20 and a pickup portion 21. The box portion 20 accommodates or stores the sheets S in a stacked manner. The pickup portion 21 picks up the sheets S stored in a stacked manner one by one. The conveying portion 3 includes a conveying guide 30 and a conveying roller pair 31. The conveying guide 30 is a guide that regulates the moving trajectory of the sheet S and guides the sheet. The conveying roller pair 31 is a roller pair that conveys the sheet S to the imaging unit 4.

[0065] The pickup portion 21 operates according to the image forming operation to feed the sheet S on the cassette portion 20 to the conveying portion 3 one sheet at a time. The sheet S is conveyed along the conveying guide 30. During the image forming operation, the conveying roller pair 31 is driven by a drive transmission unit not shown, and conveys the sheet S to the image forming unit 4. The conveying roller pair 31 may be composed of an alignment roller pair that corrects the skew of the sheet S. In this case, the conveying roller pair 31 performs an operation of stopping and standing by the sheet S during the image forming operation and an operation of conveying the sheet S to the image forming unit 4 based on a predetermined sequence. Then, during the image forming process as a subsequent process, the positioning of the toner image and the sheet S is performed.

[0066] Imaging unit

[0067] Next, we will refer to Figure 1 The imaging unit 4 is described. The imaging unit 4 includes a laser scanner 40, a cartridge 100, and a transfer roller 43. The cartridge 100 includes a process cartridge 41 and a toner cartridge 42. The laser scanner 40 is a latent image forming unit. The laser scanner 40 irradiates a laser L obtained by processing image information by a processing unit not shown to a photosensitive drum 411. The photosensitive drum 411 irradiated with the laser L carries an electrostatic latent image on its surface.

[0068] The process box 41 includes a photosensitive drum 411, a charging roller 412, a developing portion 413, and a cleaning portion 414. The photosensitive drum 411 is an example of an image bearing member that carries an electrostatic latent image and also carries a toner image. The charging roller 412 is a charging unit that provides a charging process to the photosensitive drum 411. The developing portion 413 is a developing unit that develops a toner image on the electrostatic latent image of the photosensitive drum 411. The cleaning portion 414 is a cleaning unit that cleans residues remaining on the photosensitive drum 411. The transfer roller 43 is a transfer unit that is disposed to face the photosensitive drum 411 and transfers the toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 411 to the sheet S.

[0069] The developing portion 413 includes a developing roller 44, a developing blade 45, a supply roller 46, a stirring member 47, and a developing chamber 62. The developing roller 44 is a toner carrying unit that carries toner and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 411 into a toner image. The developing blade 45 is a control unit that controls the layer thickness of the toner on the surface of the developing roller 44. The supply roller 46 is a supply unit that supplies the toner of the developing portion 413 to the developing roller 44. The stirring member 47 is a stirring unit that stirs the toner in the developing portion 413. The developing chamber 62 is an example of a second toner storage portion, is designed to store toner, and has an inlet 41a designed to communicate with the outlet 42a.

[0070] The toner cartridge 42 includes a toner storage portion 421 and a conveying paddle 422. The toner storage portion 421 is an example of a first toner storage portion, which is constituted by a substantially cylindrical container configured to store toner, and is provided with an outlet 42a through which the toner is discharged. According to the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 42 is configured as a left-right direction, that is, the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 44. The conveying paddle 422 is a thin plate-shaped member that is rotatably disposed inside the toner storage portion 421 and serves as a conveying unit that conveys the toner stored in the toner storage portion 421 to the developing portion 413.

[0071] A predetermined bias is applied to the charging roller 412 from a bias applying unit not shown, and the predetermined bias subjects the surface of the photosensitive drum 411 to a charging process. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 411 by laser light L. The toner stored in the toner storage portion 421 is conveyed to the developing portion 413 by a conveying paddle 422. The toner conveyed to the developing portion 413 is stirred by a stirring member 47 and sent to a supply roller 46. The supply roller 46 supplies the toner to the developing roller 44. The toner supplied by the supply roller 46 is regulated in layer thickness by a developing blade 45 and charged by friction charging. A predetermined bias is applied to the developing roller 44 by a bias applying unit not shown. The toner carried on the developing roller 44 develops an image on the electrostatic latent image based on the potential difference between the applied bias and the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 411. As described, the toner image is carried on the photosensitive drum 411.

[0072] Now, the sheet S conveyed by the conveying section 3 is conveyed to the transfer nip N1 between the photosensitive drum 411 and the transfer roller 43. A predetermined bias is applied to the transfer roller 43 by a bias applying unit not shown. The toner image carried on the photosensitive drum 411 is transferred to the sheet S by the potential difference of the bias applied to the transfer roller 43. The residual toner that has not been transferred is scraped off from the surface of the photosensitive drum 411 by the cleaning section 414, and is cleaned and collected by the collecting section.

[0073] Fixing part

[0074] Next, we will refer to Figure 1 Describe the fixing part 5. The fixing part 5 includes a heating roller 51 and a pressing roller 52. The heating roller 51 is a heating unit. A heating member not shown is incorporated in the heating roller 51, and the heating roller 51 is heated by the heating member. The pressing roller 52 is a pressing unit. The pressing roller 52 is pressed toward the heating roller 51 by a pressing unit not shown. In addition, the heating roller 51 and the pressing roller 52 are driven by a driving unit not shown. The sheet S having a toner image formed on its surface and conveyed from the imaging unit 4 is clamped by the fixing nip N2 formed by the heating roller 51 and the pressing roller 52. Now, the toner image is heated and pressed, and is fixed to the sheet S.

[0075] Discharge section and support section

[0076] Next, we will refer to Figure 1 The sheet discharge portion 6 and the supporting portion 7 are described. The sheet discharge portion 6 includes a sheet discharge guide 60 and a sheet discharge roller pair 61. The supporting portion 7 includes a sheet discharge opening 70 and a sheet discharge tray 71. The sheet discharge guide 60 is a conveying guide unit for the sheet S. The sheet discharge roller pair 61 is an example of a discharge portion that is driven by a driving unit not shown and discharges the sheet toward the sheet discharge direction (i.e., the front direction). The sheet discharge opening 70 is an opening through which the sheet S with the toner image recorded and fixed is discharged to the outside of the device body 1. The sheet discharge tray 71 is a supporting unit for supporting the sheet S with the toner image recorded and fixed. The sheet S with the toner image fixed by the fixing portion 5 is conveyed by the sheet discharge roller pair 61 via the sheet discharge guide 60. The sheet S is discharged through the sheet discharge opening 70 by the sheet discharge roller pair 61. The sheet S is supported by the sheet discharge tray 71 serving as a discharge support unit.

[0077] Document reading unit

[0078] Next, we will refer to Figure 1 The document reading unit 8 is described. The document reading unit 8 is a document reading unit that reads a document having an image recorded thereon, and includes a document reading table 81 and a document holding portion 82. The document reading table 81 includes an image reading sensor not shown, and reads the image and text information recorded on the document. The image being read is converted into electronic data by a control unit not shown. The electronic data can be converted by the control unit to perform an imaging operation, and is recorded onto a sheet S as a toner image. The toner image formed in this manner can be used as a copy image. The control unit can also enlarge or reduce the image based on the electronic data. In addition, the control unit can store and reuse the electronic data. When reading a document, the document is placed on the document reading table 81. Afterwards, the document is held by the document holding portion 82. By holding the document, the document can be attached to the document reading table 81, and it is expected that the reading accuracy can be improved. Then, the operation portion not shown is operated to perform copying or record electronic data.

[0079] Imaging Operation

[0080] When the imaging instruction is output to the imaging device 10, the imaging process performed by the imaging unit 4 is started based on the image information input from the external computer connected to the imaging device 10 or from the document reading unit 8. The laser scanner 40 irradiates the laser to the photosensitive drum 411 based on the input image information. In this state, the photosensitive drum 411 is charged in advance by the charging roller 412, and by irradiating the laser light L on the photosensitive drum, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 411. Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 44, and a monochrome toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 411.

[0081] In parallel with the above-mentioned imaging process, a sheet S is fed from the sheet feeding portion 2. The sheet S conveyed from the sheet feeding portion 2 via the conveying portion 3 has the toner image on the photosensitive drum 411 transferred to the sheet by the electrostatic load bias applied to the transfer roller 43 at the transfer nip N1. The sheet S to which the toner image has been transferred is applied with predetermined heat and pressure by the heating roller 51 and the pressure roller 52 of the fixing portion 5 at the fixing nip N2, thereby melting the toner and fixing it to the sheet. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing portion 5 is guided to the sheet discharge roller pair 61 by the sheet discharge guide 60, and is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 71 by the sheet discharge roller pair 61. Based on the above-mentioned set of operations, a toner image is formed on the sheet S, and the sheet S is discharged to the outside of the device body 1 and supported thereon. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned set of operations will be referred to as an imaging operation.

[0082] Box Overview

[0083] Next, refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , an overview of the cartridge 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The cartridge 100 includes a process cartridge 41 and a toner cartridge 42. Figure 2A 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an overview of the process cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge 42 in a state where the process cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge 42 are connected. Figure 2B 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an overview of the process cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge 42 in a state where the connection between the process cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge 42 is released and they are separated.

[0084] like Figure 2AAs shown, the toner box 42 is an example of a toner storage unit, and includes an outlet 42a, a toner storage portion 421, a conveying paddle 422, and an operating portion 423. The outlet 42a is an opening through which the toner stored in the toner storage portion 421 is discharged. The conveying paddle 422 is an example of a conveying member, and conveys the toner stored in the toner storage portion 421 toward the outlet 42a. The operating portion 423 is a portion through which the toner box 42 is operated. The operating portion 423 includes a gripping portion 48, which is a portion that the user grips when operating the toner box. According to the present embodiment, the gripping portion 48 has a plate-like shape whose front-to-back direction corresponds to the plane direction. Thus, when the user operates the toner box in the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction, the user can easily hold the gripping portion 48 and operate it.

[0085] The process box 41 is an example of a developing unit, which includes a photosensitive drum 411, a developing portion 413, a cleaning portion 414, and an attachment portion 415. In addition, the process box 41 includes a housing 410 as an example of a developing frame, which rotatably supports the developing roller 44 and the photosensitive drum 411. The attachment portion 415 is a portion that can attach and detachably support the colorant box 42. The attachment portion 415 includes an inlet 41a. The inlet 41a is an opening through which the toner discharged through the outlet 42a is received. According to the present embodiment, the process box 41 used as a developing unit includes the photosensitive drum 411, but the present technology is not limited to this, and it can be a unit that does not include the photosensitive drum 411.

[0086] The conveying paddle 422 is supported to be rotatable around the rotation center 42c. The conveying paddle 422 rotates in the clockwise direction in the figure by a drive transmission unit not shown. The toner stored in the toner storage part 421 is conveyed toward the outlet 42a by the conveying paddle 422. The conveyed toner passes through the outlet 42a and the inlet 41a to be conveyed to the developing part 413. The stirring member 47 is supported to be rotatable around the rotation center 41c. The stirring member 47 rotates in the clockwise direction in the figure by a drive transmission unit not shown. The stirring member 47 stirs the toner conveyed from the toner box 42 and the toner already stored in the developing part 413. The stirred toner is conveyed toward the supply roller 46. The conveyed toner is supplied to the developing roller 44 by the supply roller 46. The toner supplied to the developing roller 44 is developed according to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 411. The toner that has not been transferred is removed from the photosensitive drum 411 by a cleaning blade 418 included in the cleaning portion 414 , and is stored in a waste toner storage 419 included in the cleaning portion 414 .

[0087] like Figure 2BAs shown, the toner cartridge 42 includes a connecting portion 424 for connecting to the process cartridge 41. The attachment portion 415 included in the process cartridge 41 includes an inlet shutter 53. The inlet shutter 53 is supported in a manner capable of opening and closing the inlet 41a. The connecting portion 424 is a portion for connecting the toner cartridge 42 to the process cartridge 41. The connecting portion 424 includes an outlet shutter 54. The outlet shutter 54 is provided to open and close the outlet 42a.

[0088] like Figure 2A As shown, in a state where the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 are connected and an image forming operation is performed, the outlet shutter 54 opens the outlet 42a, and the inlet shutter 53 opens the inlet 41a. Figure 2B As shown, in the state where the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 are separated, the outlet baffle 54 closes the outlet 42a, and the inlet baffle 53 closes the inlet 41a. That is, when the toner cartridge 42 is separated from the process cartridge 41, the opening through which the toner passes is closed by the baffle member provided on each cartridge. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 are separated, the toner can be prevented from leaking to the outside. By repeating the image forming operation, the toner stored in the toner storage portion 421 is gradually consumed.

[0089] As described above, the toner cartridge 42 is configured to be detachably attached to the process cartridge 41. When the toner stored in the toner storage portion 421 is exhausted, the user separates the exhausted toner cartridge 42 from the process cartridge 41 and replaces the old toner cartridge 42 with a new toner cartridge 42. Thus, the user can continue to perform the imaging operation of the imaging device 10. By repeatedly performing the imaging operation, the various components of the photosensitive drum 411 and the process cartridge 41 gradually deteriorate. According to the present embodiment, the process cartridge 41 can be attached to the device body 1 and detached from the device body. Thus, the user can perform the imaging operation by replacing the deteriorated process cartridge 41 with a new process cartridge 41.

[0090] Operation and connection parts

[0091] Next, we will refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The operation section 423 and the connection section 424 according to the present embodiment are described. Figure 3A 1 is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge 42 as viewed from the left front. Figure 3B 4 is a perspective view showing the toner cartridge 42 as viewed from the right rear. Figure 3A As shown, the toner cartridge 42 includes a housing 420, an operating portion 423, and a connecting portion 424. The housing 420 includes a positioning pin 42p serving as an example of a second positioned portion. Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown, positioning pins 42p are formed on each of the side end faces on the left and right sides of the housing 420. The positioning pins 42p are members for positioning the toner cartridge 42 to the attachment portion 415.

[0092] like Figure 3A As shown, the operating portion 423 includes a gripping portion 48 and a coupling portion 55. The operating portion 423 is supported in a manner capable of linear movement along the left-right direction (which is an example of the moving direction D2) together with the outlet shutter 54 (refer to Fig. 9A ). The grip portion 48 is a portion gripped by a user. The grip portion 48 is gripped when the operation portion 423 is moved in the left-right direction, or when the toner cartridge 42 or the process cartridge 41 is attached to or detached from the apparatus body 1. The coupling portion 55 is a portion for coupling the grip portion 48 and the connection portion 424.

[0093] like Figure 3B As shown, the toner cartridge 42 further includes an outlet 42a and a connecting portion 424. The outlet 42a is formed on the housing 420. The outlet 42a is an opening for discharging toner. The outlet 42a communicates with the toner storage portion 421 and discharges the toner stored in the toner storage portion 421.

[0094] The connecting portion 424 includes an outlet baffle 54, a communication outlet 56, an engagement hole 57, and an engagement portion 58. The connecting portion 424 is connected to the connecting portion 55, and can be moved in a manner interlocked with the operating portion 423. The outlet baffle 54 is a portion for opening and closing the outlet 42a. The communication outlet 56 is an opening formed on the outlet baffle 54. When the positions of the communication outlet 56 and the outlet 42a correspond, the outlet 42a is opened so that the toner can be discharged. The engagement hole 57 is an example of a baffle engagement portion, and it is an engagement portion that engages with the inlet baffle 53. The engagement portion 58 is a portion that fixes the toner cartridge 42 to the attachment portion 415.

[0095] That is, the outlet shutter 54 is an example of a moving member that is movable relative to the toner storage portion 421, and the engaging portion 58 is provided on the outlet shutter. The outlet shutter 54 is movable relative to the housing 420, and is provided to interlock with the gripping portion 48. In a state where the toner cartridge 42 is attached to the process cartridge 41, when the gripping portion 48 is located at the first position, the outlet shutter 54 is located at the second open position (see FIG. 5 ) in which the outlet 42a is opened. Figure 7B ). That is, the first position is a position where the engaging portion 58 engages with the engaged portion 65 so that the toner cartridge 42 moves integrally with the process cartridge 41 when the toner cartridge 42 moves in the removal direction D1.

[0096] Furthermore, in a state where the toner cartridge 42 is attached to the process cartridge 41, if the grip portion 48 is located at the second position, the outlet shutter 54 is located at the second closing position (refer to Figure 3B ). That is, the second position is a position in which the engaging portion 58 is not engaged with the engaged portion 65 so that the colorant cartridge 42 is pulled out and moved from the process cartridge 41 when the colorant cartridge 42 moves along the disassembly direction D1. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the outlet baffle 54 and the engaging portion 58 are arranged upstream of the housing 420 in the disassembly direction (i.e., the front direction). Therefore, these components can be easily integrated, thereby simplifying the structure. In the case where the outlet baffle 54 and the engaging portion 58 are formed as separate components, the number of components increases and the cost will increase. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the outlet baffle 54 and the engaging portion 58 are integrated, so that the increase in the number of components can be suppressed and the cost can be cut.

[0097] Attachment

[0098] Next, we will refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B The attachment portion 415 is described. Figure 4A 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the process cartridge 41 . Figure 4B 4 is a perspective view showing the attachment portion 415. In the figure, the visible outline of the process cartridge 41 is shown by a two-dot chain line, and the attachment portion 415 is shown by a solid line.

[0099] like Figure 4A As shown, the positioning pin 40p and the guide pin 41p are provided on the left end surface of the process box 41. Although not shown, the positioning pin 40p and the guide pin 41p are also provided on the right end surface of the process box 41, similar to the left end surface. The positioning pin 40p is a member for positioning the process box 41 on the device body 1. The guide pin 41p is an example of a first positioned portion, and they are portions for regulating the orientation of the process box 41. In addition, the attachment portion 415 is provided on the front end side of the process box 41.

[0100] like Figure 4B As shown, the attachment portion 415 includes an inlet 41a, an inlet baffle 53, an engaged portion 65, and a guide 59. The inlet 41a is an opening through which the toner is received. The toner discharged from the toner box 42 is received in the developing chamber 62 via the inlet 41a. The inlet baffle 53 is a portion for opening and closing the inlet 41a. The inlet baffle 53 is supported to be movable in the left and right directions. In the figure, the inlet baffle 53 is in a state of being moved to the left. In this state, the inlet baffle 53 closes the inlet 41a.

[0101] The inlet shutter 53 includes a rib 63 and a communication inlet 64. The rib 63 is an example of a shutter engaged portion, and it is a portion engaged with the engagement hole 57. The inlet 41a is opened by matching the communication inlet 64 with the inlet 41a. By communicating the communication inlet 64 with the inlet 41a, the toner can be received.

[0102] The engaged portion 65 is a portion that is engaged with the engaging portion 58 and fixed to the housing 410. The outlet shutter 54 moves, and the engaged portion 65 is engaged with the engaging portion 58. Thus, the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 are connected. If the engaged portion 65 and the engaging portion 58 are in the disengaged position, the connection of the toner cartridge 42 is released, and the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 can be separated.

[0103] The guide 59 is a groove-shaped portion provided on the inner wall of the right and left sides of the attachment portion 415. The guide 59 includes a push spring 66 (which is an example of a second push portion) and a positioning portion 67 (which is an example of a second positioning portion). The guide 59 is a portion that guides the toner cartridge 42 when the toner cartridge 42 is attached to the attachment portion 415 and removed from the attachment portion. The positioning portion 67 is a portion for positioning the toner cartridge 42 to the attachment portion 415. The positioning portion 67 and the positioning pin 42p are designed to be assembled to each other. By bringing the positioning portion 67 into contact with the positioning pin 42p and thereby positioning it, the toner cartridge 42 can be positioned in a state attached to the process cartridge 41. The push spring 66 is a leaf spring that pushes the positioning pin 42p against the positioning portion 67. When the toner cartridge 42 is attached to the attachment portion 415, the positioning pin 42p is assembled to the positioning portion 67 and is pushed by the push spring 66 so that they are properly positioned. That is, the urging spring 66 urges the positioning pin 42 p to come into contact with the positioning portion 67 .

[0104] That is, the entrance shutter 53 is provided to be movable relative to the housing 410, and is also in a manner interlocked with the grip portion 48. In a state where the toner cartridge 42 is attached to the process cartridge 41, if the grip portion 48 is located at the first position, the entrance shutter 53 is located at the first open position (refer to Fig. 7A ). In a state where the toner cartridge 42 is attached to the process cartridge 41, if the grip portion 48 is located at the second position, the inlet shutter 53 is located at the first closing position (refer to Figure 4B ).

[0105] Attachment and removal of toner cartridge

[0106] Next, refer to FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C , a state in which the toner cartridge 42 is attached to and detached from the attaching portion 415 of the process cartridge 41 will be described. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C1 is a schematic diagram showing a state where the toner cartridge 42 is attached to and detached from the process cartridge 41 . Figure 5A There is shown a state in which the toner cartridge 42 is detached from the attaching portion 415. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as separation of the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41. Figure 5B A state in which the toner cartridge 42 is halfway attached to the attaching portion 415 is shown. Figure 5C There is shown a state in which the toner cartridge 42 is attached to the attaching portion 415. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 being connected.

[0107] like Figure 5A As shown in FIG. 1 , in order to attach the toner cartridge 42 to the attachment portion 415, the user holds the grip portion 48 so that it faces forward, and moves the toner cartridge 42 backward toward the attachment portion 415 so that the positioning pin 42p and the guide 59 correspond. That is, the attachment direction of the toner cartridge 42 is the rear direction. When the toner cartridge 42 is further moved backward, as shown in FIG. Figure 5B As shown in FIG. 4 , the positioning pin 42p engages with the guide 59, and the toner cartridge 42 moves rearward inside the attachment portion 415 while being guided by the guide 59. When the toner cartridge 42 is further moved rearward, the positioning pin 42p moves beyond the urging spring 66, and as shown in FIG. Figure 5C As shown in FIG. 1 , the positioning pin 42p engages with the positioning portion 67 and is positioned by the positioning portion. In this state, the positioning pin 42p is pushed toward the rear side by the push spring 66 (the positioning pin has moved beyond the push spring). Therefore, the colorant cartridge 42 is properly positioned and attached by the attachment portion 415. In order to remove the colorant cartridge 42 from the attachment portion 415, the colorant cartridge 42 should be removed according to the following steps: Figure 5C , Figure 5B and Figure 5A The reverse operation is performed in the order of , by which the positioning pin 42 p moves toward the front side beyond the urging spring 66 and is guided by the guide member 59.

[0108] In the present embodiment, the attachment / detachment direction in which the user attaches / detaches the toner cartridge 42 to / from the process cartridge 41 is referred to as a first direction, and in particular, the direction in which the user removes the toner cartridge 42 from the process cartridge 41 is referred to as a detachment direction D1. That is, the first direction includes an attachment direction in which the toner cartridge 42 is attached to the process cartridge 41 and a detachment direction D1 in which the toner cartridge 42 is detached from the process cartridge 41. In the present embodiment, the attachment / detachment direction is a front-to-back direction, and the detachment direction D1 of the toner cartridge 42 is a front direction (refer to Fig. 9A). In addition, the moving direction D2 of the moving grip portion 48 and the outlet baffle 54 is an example of a second direction, and it intersects with the attachment / detachment direction. In the present embodiment, the moving direction D2 and the detachment direction D1 are orthogonal. In addition, according to the present embodiment, when the box 100 is in a state of being attached to the device body 1, the moving direction D2 is a direction intersecting with the gravity direction.

[0109] Operation of outlet and inlet dampers

[0110] Next, we will refer to 6A to 7B The operations of the outlet baffle 54 and the inlet baffle 53 are described. 6A to 7B 4 is a perspective view showing the attachment portion 415 and the connection portion 424 .

[0111] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A state in which the engagement between the engaged portion 65 and the engaging portion 58 is released is shown. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B A state in which the engaged portion 65 and the engaging portion 58 are engaged is shown. Fig. 6A 4 is a perspective view showing the attachment portion 415 from the left front side. In the figure, the shape of the grip portion 48 and its peripheral area are shown by two-dot chain lines. Figure 6B is a perspective view showing the connection portion 424 . Fig. 6A is a perspective view shown from the left front side, and Figure 6B It is a perspective view shown from the rear right side.

[0112] like Fig. 6A As shown, in a state where the toner cartridge 42 is attached to the attachment portion 415, the engagement hole 57 engages with the rib 63. That is, when the toner cartridge 42 is attached to the process cartridge 41, the rib 63 engages with the engagement hole 57 and causes the outlet baffle 54 to interlock with the inlet baffle 53. Therefore, when the grip portion 48 moves in the left-right direction, the outlet baffle 54 and the inlet baffle 53 interlock and move in the left-right direction. As shown in the figure, when the grip portion 48 is located on the left side, the inlet 41a is closed by the inlet baffle 53. In this state, as shown in FIG. Figure 6B As shown, the outlet baffle 54 moves to the left and closes the outlet 42a. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as the inlet baffle 53 and the outlet baffle 54 being in the closed position. Fig. 6A As shown, the engagement between the engaged portion 65 and the engaging portion 58 is released. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as the engaging portion 58 being in the disengaged position. That is, the disengaged position is a position in which the engagement with the engaged portion 65 is released and the toner cartridge 42 is allowed to be removed from the process cartridge 41. In addition, the position of the gripping portion 48 in which the engaging portion 58 is located in the disengaged position and the inlet shutter 53 and the outlet shutter 54 are located in the closed position is referred to as the second position.

[0113] Fig. 7A 4 is a perspective view showing the attachment portion 415 from the left front side. In the figure, the shape of the grip portion 48 and its peripheral area are shown by two-dot chain lines. Figure 7B is a perspective view showing the connection portion 424 . Fig. 7A is a perspective view shown from the left front side, and Figure 7B This is a perspective view from the right rear side. Fig. 7A As shown, in the state where the grip portion 48 is located on the right side, the inlet shutter 53 opens the inlet 41a. Figure 7B As shown, the outlet baffle 54 moves to the right and opens the outlet 42a. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as the inlet baffle 53 and the outlet baffle 54 being in the open position. Fig. 7A As shown, the engaged portion 65 and the engaging portion 58 are engaged. Hereinafter, this state is referred to as the engaging portion 58 being in the engaged position. That is, the engaging position is a position in which the engaged portion 65 is engaged in a state in which the toner cartridge 42 is attached to the process cartridge 41 and the removal of the toner cartridge 42 from the process cartridge 41 is controlled. In addition, the position of the gripping portion 48 in a state in which the engaging portion 58 is in the engaged position and the inlet baffle 53 and the outlet baffle 54 are in the open position is referred to as the first position.

[0114] That is, the gripping portion 48 is interlocked with the engaging portion 58 and can move along the moving direction D2 between a first position where the engaging portion 58 is located at the engaging position and a second position where the engaging portion 58 is located at the disengaging position. In the present embodiment, the gripping portion 48 is arranged on the downstream end of the housing 420 in the disassembly direction (i.e., the front direction). Therefore, the user can easily approach the gripping portion 48 from the front side of the device body 1. In addition, by moving the gripping portion 48 from the second position to the first position, the housing 410 and the housing 420 are communicated through the outlet 42a and the inlet 41a. By moving the gripping portion 48 from the first position to the second position, the communication between the housing 410 and the housing 420 is blocked.

[0115] As described above, in the state where the gripping portion 48 is located at the first position, the engaging portion 58 moves to the fixed position. Thus, the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 are connected. In this state, since the outlet baffle 54 and the inlet baffle 53 are located at the open position, the outlet 42a and the inlet 41a are opened. Therefore, the toner stored in the toner cartridge 42 can be transferred to the process cartridge 41.

[0116] In addition, in the state where the gripping portion 48 is located at the second position, the engaging portion 58 moves to the disengaged position. Therefore, the connection between the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 is released, and they can be separated. In this state, the outlet baffle 54 and the inlet baffle 53 are located at the closed position, so that the outlet 42a and the inlet 41a are closed. Therefore, even if the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 are separated, the toner is suppressed from leaking to the outside.

[0117] In the present embodiment, the respective baffles of the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 are designed so that they can directly engage with each other. In addition, the engaging hole 57 (which is the engaging portion of the outlet baffle 54) is formed to have a concave shape, and the rib 63 (which is the engaging portion of the outlet baffle 54) is formed to have a protruding shape. By adopting such a shape, as Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 4 , the connecting portion 424 of the toner cartridge 42 will not have a protruding portion. Since no protruding portion is formed on the connecting portion 424 of the toner cartridge 42, the size of the packaging box of the toner cartridge 42 can be reduced. Fig. 6A As shown, the rib 63 is provided at the inner side of the attachment portion 415. Therefore, even if the rib 63 has a protruding shape, the size of the packaging box is not affected.

[0118] In addition, if 6A to 7B As shown, the outlet baffle 54 and the engaging portion 58 are arranged on the same side surface. In addition, the inlet baffle 53 and the engaged portion 65 are arranged on the same side surface facing the outlet baffle 54 and the engaging portion 58. By adopting this arrangement, the outlet baffle 54 and the engaging portion 58 can be integrated. By integration, component costs and assembly costs can be reduced.

[0119] Attachment and removal of process cartridge

[0120] Next, we will refer to FIG. 8A to FIG. 10C Attachment and detachment of the process cartridge 41 are described. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C 1 is a view showing the appearance of the apparatus body 1 together with the front cover 11 and the box opening 12 . Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B It is a perspective view of a state where the process cartridge 41 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1 . FIG. 10A to FIG. 10C 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the process cartridge 41 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1 .

[0121] The device body 1 includes a front cover 11, which is arranged on the downstream side of the device body 1 in the front direction (which is the discharge direction), and opens and closes the box opening 12 through which the box 100 passes when the box is attached to the device body 1 and removed from the device body. The front cover 11 is an example of a door. In the open state, the front cover 11 is configured to allow the toner box 42 and the processing box 41 to be integrally attached to the device body 1 through the box opening 12 and to be removed from the device body. In addition, in the open state, the front cover 11 is configured to allow the toner box 42 to be attached to the processing box 41 through the box opening 12 and to be removed from the processing box. In the state where the box opening 12 is closed, the front cover 11 constitutes the outer surface of the imaging device 10. In addition, in the state where the processing box 41 is attached to the device body 1 and the toner box 42 is attached to the processing box 41, the front cover 11 is configured to be able to close the box opening 12 without interfering with the box 100. Furthermore, in a state where the process cartridge 41 is attached to the apparatus body 1 and the toner cartridge 42 is attached to the process cartridge 41 , the toner cartridge 42 is configured to be inserted into the apparatus body 1 and not exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 10 .

[0122] Fig. 8A 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front cover 11 is closed. Figure 8B It is a perspective view in which the front cover 11 is opened and the box opening 12 is exposed. Figure 8C 1 is a perspective view showing the inside of the box opening 12. Fig. 8A As shown in FIG. 1 , the device body 1 includes a front cover 11 disposed on the front side. The front cover 11 is a box cover. The front cover 11 is supported in an openable and closable manner. In the figure, the front cover 11 is in a state of closing the box opening 12. Figure 8B As shown, when the front cover 11 is opened, the box opening 12 is exposed. The box opening 12 is an opening through which the process box 41 or the toner box 42 can be attached and detached. In the present embodiment, the process box 41 or the toner box 42 can be detached in a direction along the horizontal direction relative to the device body 1 in the detachment direction (i.e., the front direction).

[0123] like Figure 8CAs shown, the box opening 12 includes a guide 121, a positioning portion 122, and a push spring 123. The guide 121 is a groove-shaped portion formed on the left and right inner walls of the box opening 12, and is a guide portion for attaching and removing the process box 41 to the device body 1. The positioning portion 122 is a portion formed at the rear end of the guide 121, and is a portion for positioning the process box 41 to the device body 1. The positioning portion 122 is an example of a first positioning portion, which contacts and positions the guide pin 41p, thereby positioning the process box 41 in a state attached to the device body 1. The push spring 123 is an elastic member assembled to the positioning portion 122, and is a push member when the process box 41 is positioned at the positioning portion 122. The push spring 123 is an example of a first push portion, which pushes the guide pin 41p to contact the positioning portion 122. The guide 121 and the positioning portion 122 are designed to assemble the positioning pin 40p. By fitting the positioning pins 40 p to the positioning portions 122 , the process cartridge 41 is properly positioned on the apparatus body 1 .

[0124] Fig. 9A A state in which the process cartridge 41 is located outside the apparatus main body 1 is shown. Fig. 9B 4 shows a state where the process cartridge 41 is attached to the apparatus body 1. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B As shown, when the process cartridge 41 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1, the process cartridge 41 is in a state where the toner cartridge 42 is connected thereto. Fig. 9A As shown, when the process cartridge 41 is attached to the apparatus body 1, the gripping portion 48 is located at the front side. Next, the positioning pin 40p is moved backward toward the cartridge opening 12. Then, the positions of the positioning pin 40p and the guide 121 are matched, and the process cartridge 41 is moved backward into the cartridge opening 12.

[0125] like Fig. 9A As shown, when the process cartridge 41 is attached to the apparatus main body 1 and the toner cartridge 42 is attached to the process cartridge 41, the entire body of the toner cartridge 42 is stored inside the apparatus main body 1. When the process cartridge 41 is attached to the apparatus main body 1, the gripping portion 48 is exposed at the front side of the cartridge opening 12. When the process cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge 42 are taken out from the apparatus main body 1, the gripping portion 48 can be gripped for removal. In addition, when the process cartridge 41 is attached to the apparatus main body 1 and removed from the apparatus main body, the gripping portion 48 is moved to the first position.

[0126] Fig. 10A A state in which the process cartridge 41 is located outside the apparatus main body 1 is shown. Fig. 10B A state in which the process cartridge 41 is halfway attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1 is shown. Fig. 10C 4 shows a state where the process cartridge 41 is attached to the apparatus body 1. Fig. 10A As shown, when attaching the process cartridge 41 to the apparatus body 1, the user guides the positioning pin 40p toward the cartridge opening 12. Next, the user matches the positions of the positioning pin 40p and the guide 121 while moving the process cartridge 41 backward. The user inserts the process cartridge 41 in this state into the cartridge opening 12.

[0127] like Fig. 10B As shown, by moving the positioning pin 40p and the guide pin 41p along the guide member 121, the user can control the movement trajectory of the process cartridge 41. In addition, the orientation of the process cartridge 41 during movement is stabilized. When the user moves the process cartridge 41 backward in this state, the positioning pin 40p pushes the push spring 123 upward and moves beyond the push spring.

[0128] like Fig. 10C As shown in the figure, the positioning pin 40p moves to the positioning portion 122. In this state, since the positioning pin 40p and the positioning portion 122 are designed to be assembled to each other, the processing box 41 is properly positioned on the device body 1. As shown in the figure, the push spring 123 is designed to push the positioning pin 40p backward. Therefore, the positioning pin 40p is pushed by the positioning portion 122. Based on this operation, the processing box 41 is properly positioned on the device body 1.

[0129] For example, when the sheet S is stuck inside the device body 1 (i.e., when a jam occurs), the attachment and removal of the process cartridge 41 from the device body 1 can be performed. When a jam occurs, the user opens the front cover 11. Next, the user pulls the process cartridge 41 out to the outside of the device body 1. The user removes the sheet S that has been trapped inside the device body 1, then attaches the process cartridge 41 to the device body 1, and closes the front cover 11. In addition, when the process cartridge 41 has reached the end of its life, the user can replace the process cartridge 41 that has reached its life with a new process cartridge 41. At this time, the process cartridge is pulled out of the device body 1 in a state where the toner cartridge 42 is connected to the process cartridge. In this state, if there is still toner remaining in the toner cartridge 42 being used, the toner cartridge 42 being used can be attached to the new process cartridge 41, and then the new process cartridge can be attached to the device body 1.

[0130] Method for switching the box to be pulled out

[0131] Next, we will refer to FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C , Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B as well as FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C A method for switching the cartridge to be pulled out from the apparatus main body 1 is described. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C 1 is a perspective view showing a method for switching a cartridge to be pulled out from the apparatus main body 1 . Fig.11AA state in which the toner cartridge 42 is pulled out alone from the apparatus main body 1 is shown. Fig. 11B A state in which the process cartridge 41 to which the toner cartridge 42 is connected is pulled out from the apparatus main body 1 is shown. Fig. 11C A state in which the toner cartridge 42 is separated from the process cartridge 41 is shown.

[0132] like FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C As shown, the urging spring 66 urges the toner cartridge 42 toward the attachment direction (ie, the front direction) by the urging force F1 (ie, the urging force). Fig. 10C As shown, the urging spring 123 urges the process cartridge 41 toward the attaching direction (ie, the front direction) by the urging force F2 (ie, the urging force). The respective urging forces are set to satisfy F1<F2.

[0133] like Fig.11A As shown, in a state where the grip portion 48 is moved from the first position to the second position, the connection between the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 is released and the grip portion 48 is pulled forward, and the toner cartridge 42 can be pulled out separately from the apparatus main body 1. As described above, since F1<F2 is satisfied, when the engagement between the engaged portion 65 and the engaging portion 58 is released, the toner cartridge 42 can be pulled out separately while the process cartridge 41 is kept attached to the apparatus main body 1. That is, by having the user operate the grip portion 48 so that it maintains the second position while moving it in the detachment direction D1 (i.e., the front direction) intersecting the movement direction D2 (i.e., the left-right direction), the toner cartridge 42 can be removed from the process cartridge 41. In this state, since the outlet 42a and the inlet 41a are closed by the outlet shutter 54 and the inlet shutter 53, leakage of toner to the outside can be suppressed.

[0134] Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 42 is attached to the process cartridge 41 again, the reverse operation should be performed. After the attachment, the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 are connected by moving the gripping portion 48 from the second position to the first position. Furthermore, since the outlet shutter 54 and the inlet shutter 53 are moved to the open positions of the outlet 42a and the inlet 41a, the toner stored in the toner cartridge 42 can be transferred to the process cartridge 41. Fig. 11B As shown in the figure, when the grip portion 48 is in the first position, when the grip portion 48 is pulled forward, the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 can be pulled out of the device body 1 in the connected state. That is, by having the user operate the grip portion 48 along the disassembly direction D1 while keeping the grip portion in the first position, the process cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge 42 can be moved relative to the device body 1 in the disassembly direction.

[0135] When replacing the process cartridge 41 with a new one, the user pulls out the process cartridge 100 from the apparatus body 1 while the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 are connected, and separates the toner cartridge 42 from the process cartridge 41. Fig. 11C As shown, the user moves the gripping portion 48 of the cartridge 100 to be removed from the first position to the second position, and moves the toner cartridge 42 from the process cartridge 41 toward the removal direction to remove it. Then, after replacing the process cartridge 41 with a new process cartridge, the user attaches the used toner cartridge 42 to the attachment portion 415. Furthermore, by moving the gripping portion 48 to the first position, the user connects the process cartridge and the toner cartridge together, and attaches the cartridge 100 to the apparatus body 1 to complete the replacement operation.

[0136] Display of boxes to be pulled out

[0137] Next, we will refer to Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B Describes the display of the box to be pulled. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B It is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the process cartridge 41 connected to the toner cartridge 42 . Fig. 12A The state in which the grip portion 48 is located at the first position is shown. Fig. 12B The state where the grip portion 48 is located at the second position is shown. In this example, the operation portion 423 is an example of a cover portion, which is provided to be movable relative to the housing 420 and interlocked with the grip portion 48 and the engagement portion 58.

[0138] like Fig. 12A As shown, the housing 420 includes a drum icon 69 which is a notification mark notifying a cartridge to be attached and detached. The drum icon 69 is provided on the left side of the operating portion 423. In a state where the grip portion 48 is located at the first position, it moves to the right side in the figure. That is, the drum icon 69 is an example of a first display portion, and when the grip portion 48 is located at the second position, the drum icon 69 is covered by the operating portion 423, and when the grip portion 48 is located at the first position, the drum icon is exposed from the operating portion 423. Thus, the drum icon 69 indicates that the removal of the toner cartridge 42 from the process cartridge 41 is controlled.

[0139] like Fig. 12BAs shown, the housing 420 includes a toner icon 68, which is a notification mark of a cartridge to be attached and detached. The toner icon 68 is provided on the right side of the operating portion 423. In a state where the grip portion 48 is located at the second position, it moves to the left side in the figure. That is, the toner icon 68 is an example of a second display portion, and when the grip portion 48 is located at the first position, the toner icon is covered by the operating portion 423, and when the grip portion 48 is located at the second position, the toner icon is exposed from the operating portion 423. Thus, the toner icon 68 indicates that the toner cartridge 42 is allowed to be removed from the process cartridge 41.

[0140] like Fig. 12A As shown, in the state where the grip portion 48 is located in the first position, the operation portion 423 moves to the right. In this state, the toner icon 68 on the right side of the operation portion 423 is covered by the operation portion 423. Therefore, the toner icon 68 may not be visually confirmed. At the same time, in the state where the grip portion 48 is located in the first position, the drum icon 69 as the first display can be visually confirmed. That is, in the state where the grip portion 48 is located in the first position, the drum icon 69 can be visually confirmed, so that the user can be notified that the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 are in a connected state and are detachably attached to the device body 1.

[0141] like Fig. 12B As shown in FIG. 1 , in the state where the grip portion 48 is located at the second position, the operation portion 423 moves to the left. In this state, the drum icon 69 on the left side of the operation portion 423 is covered by the operation portion 423. Therefore, the drum icon 69 may not be visually confirmed. At the same time, in the state where the grip portion 48 is located at the second position, the toner icon 68 as the second display can be visually confirmed. That is, in the state where the grip portion 48 is located at the second position, the toner icon 68 can be visually confirmed, so that the user can be notified that the toner cartridge 42 is attachable-detachable.

[0142] As described above, in a state where the position of the grip portion 48 is the first position, the drum icon 69 is displayed, which indicates that the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1 in a connected state. In addition, in a state where the position of the grip portion 48 is the second position, the toner icon 68 is displayed, which indicates that the connection between the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 is released and the toner cartridge 42 can be attached and detached alone. Therefore, by switching the display according to the position of the grip portion 48, when performing the attaching and detaching operations, the user can be notified of which cartridge can be attached and detached.

[0143] As described above, according to the cartridge 100 of the present embodiment, in a state where the toner cartridge 42 is attached to the process cartridge 41 and the grip portion 48 is located at the second position, by operating the grip portion 48 in the removal direction D1 while maintaining the second position, the toner cartridge 42 can be removed from the process cartridge 41. In addition, in a state where the toner cartridge 42 is attached to the process cartridge 41 and the grip portion 48 is located at the first position, by operating the grip portion 48 in the removal direction while maintaining the first position, the process cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge 42 can be integrally moved in the removal direction relative to the apparatus body 1. That is, according to the cartridge 100 of the present embodiment, an image forming apparatus 10 having simple usability can be provided, which enables operations for attaching and detaching the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 to be performed by operating the grip portion 48. In more detail, all operations including the switching operation of switching the cartridge to be replaced, the operation of opening and closing the shutter performed therewith, and the operation for attaching and detaching the cartridge to and from the opening can be performed by operating the grip portion 48. Thus, the switching operation for switching the box to be removed and the operation of attaching and detaching the box selected as the replacement target by the switching operation can be performed with the same member (which is the gripping portion 48), thereby solving the user's discomfort and improving operability.

[0144] Furthermore, according to the cartridge 100 of the present embodiment, in a state where the toner stored in the toner cartridge 42 has been consumed, the toner cartridge 42 can be replaced while the process cartridge 41 remains attached to the apparatus main body 1. The toner cartridge 42 is smaller and lighter than the process cartridge 41. Therefore, it is easier to handle the toner cartridge alone than to attach and detach the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 in a connected state to and from the apparatus main body 1.

[0145] Furthermore, according to the cartridge 100 of the present embodiment, the attachment / detachment direction of the toner cartridge 42 is the front-rear direction. Meanwhile, the direction in which the gripping portion 48 is moved to connect and disconnect the process cartridge 41 and the toner cartridge 42 is the left-right direction. As described, by making the attachment / detachment direction of each cartridge and the moving direction of the toner gripping portion different, erroneous operation can be prevented.

[0146] In addition, if FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C As shown, the front cover 11 and the box opening 12 are arranged on the front side of the device body 1. This surface is a side surface of the device body 1, and it is a side surface on the side orthogonal to the axis of the photosensitive drum 411. Even if the sheet S is supported on the support portion 7, the front cover 11 can be opened and closed without any problem. In addition, the front cover 11 can be opened and closed without moving the document reading unit 8.

[0147] The box opening 12 is an opening for attaching and detaching the toner cartridge 42 individually. In addition, the box opening 12 is an opening for attaching and detaching the process cartridge 41 to which the toner cartridge 42 is connected to the device body 1. When attaching and detaching the toner cartridge 42 or the process cartridge 41 relative to the device body 1, the user can start the operation of attaching and detaching these cartridges by performing the step of opening the front cover 11. Then, by moving the grip portion 48 to the first position or the second position, the cartridge to be attached and detached can be selected.

[0148] Furthermore, when performing the attaching and detaching operation of the toner cartridge 42 or the attaching and detaching operation of the process cartridge 41, the user always holds the gripping portion 48. More specifically, the user approaches the gripping portion 48 when performing the following two operations: the switching operation of switching the cartridge to be attached and detached and the attaching and detaching operation of selecting the cartridge to be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1. Thus, when the user operates the cartridge 100, the user only needs to remember the operation of approaching the gripping portion 48 first, so that the operation can be simplified.

[0149] Modification of the first embodiment

[0150] According to the above-described embodiment, an example has been described for the case where the grip portion 48 has a plate-like shape in which the front-to-rear direction is a planar direction, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. As described according to the present embodiment, the grip portion 48 is a portion that the user first operates when performing a switching operation of the cartridge 100 to be attached to and detached from the device body 1 or in order to perform an attaching and detaching operation. Therefore, it is preferred that the grip portion 48 has high visibility and is easy to grip. Therefore, the grip portion 48 may be, for example, FIG. 13A to FIG. 13D Shape shown.

[0151] Fig.13A There is an embossing provided on the grip portion 48A. Visibility can be improved by providing the embossing. In addition, slippage can be reduced by providing the embossing. Visibility can be improved by applying a coating on the grip portion 48A. In addition, slippage can be reduced by selecting an anti-slip coating in which an aggregate is added to the coating material. In addition, by providing two-color molding using an elastomer, both improvement in visibility and reduction in slippage can be achieved.

[0152] like Fig. 13B As shown, a space can be provided between the grip portion 48B and the coupling portion 55. Thus, visibility can be improved. In addition, by placing a finger in the space, the grip portion 48 can be firmly grasped. Fig. 13C As shown, a plurality of ribs may be provided on the grip portion 48C. Thus, visibility may be improved. By gripping the plurality of ribs, slippage may be reduced.

[0153] like Fig.13D As shown, a wave-shaped rib may be formed on the grip portion 48D. Thus, visibility can be improved. In addition, the wave shape has an effect of guiding the user to put his / her fingers therein. By holding the wave shape with his / her fingers, the user can firmly hold the grip portion 48D. The above shapes may also be combined or other shapes may be adopted.

[0154] Second embodiment

[0155] Next, a second embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described. The second embodiment is configured by changing the mechanism of the operation portion 423 of the first embodiment. Therefore, configurations similar to those of the first embodiment are either not shown or denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0156] In the first embodiment, an example has been described for a configuration in which the grip portion 48 moves in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the first position is where the grip portion 48 has moved to the right, where the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 are connected. The second position is where the grip portion 48 has moved to the left, where the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 are detachable.

[0157] Reference Figure 6B , Figure 7B , Fig.14A and Fig. 14B The operation section 423E according to the present embodiment is described. Fig.14A and Fig. 14B : is a perspective view showing the operation section 423E according to the present embodiment. Fig.14A FIG. 4 shows a state where the grip portion 48E is in the first position. Figure 7B The configuration is the same, so the description is omitted. Fig. 14B The state that the gripping portion 48E is located in the second position is shown. In this configuration, the connecting portion 424 adopts the same Figure 6B The configuration is the same, so the description is omitted.

[0158] like Fig.14A As shown, the operating portion 423E includes a gripping portion 48E, a connecting portion 55, a cam follower 72, a cam plate 73 and a cam 74. The cam follower 72 is a boss formed on the connecting portion 55. The cam 74 is a groove formed on the cam plate 73. The cam follower 72 is engaged with the cam 74. In addition, the cam plate 73 is assembled to the gripping portion 48E. In addition, the gripping portion 48E is supported by a mechanism not shown so as to be movable only in the up and down directions, and in the figure, the gripping portion 48E is located on the lower side. In this state, the operating portion 423E moves to the right side so that the outlet 42a corresponds to the connecting outlet 56. In addition, as shown Figure 7BAs shown, the engaging portion 58 moves to the right side so that it engages with the engaged portion 65 .

[0159] like Fig. 14B As shown, when the gripping portion 48E moves to the upper side, the cam plate 73 also moves to the upper side. As shown in the figure, the cam 74 is formed obliquely. Therefore, the cam follower 72 engaged with the cam 74 moves to the left side. The cam follower 72 is a portion formed on the coupling portion 55, so the coupling portion 55 moves to the left side. Then, as shown in the figure, the outlet 42a is closed by the outlet shutter 54. As described, Figure 6B As shown, the engaging portion 58 moves to the left side, thereby releasing the engagement with the engaged portion 65 .

[0160] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the gripping portion 48E is configured to move in the up-down direction. When the gripping portion 48E is located at the lower side, the outlet 42a is opened and the engaging portion 58 is located at the engaging position. That is, when the gripping portion 48E is located at the lower side, it is in the first position. Meanwhile, when the gripping portion 48E is located at the upper side, the outlet 42a is closed and the engaging portion 58 is located at the disengaging position. That is, when the gripping portion 48E is located at the upper side, it is in the second position.

[0161] In the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, attachment and detachment of the cartridge 100 to and from the apparatus main body 1 are performed through the cartridge opening 12. Furthermore, the attachment / detachment direction of the cartridge 100 relative to the apparatus main body 1 is the front-rear direction. Therefore, the attachment / detachment direction of the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 is a direction substantially perpendicular to the movement direction of the grip portion 48E for selecting a cartridge to be attached and detached.

[0162] Third embodiment

[0163] Next, a third embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described. The third embodiment is configured by changing the mechanism of the operation portion 423 of the first embodiment. Therefore, configurations similar to those of the first embodiment are either not shown or denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0164] Reference Figure 6B , Figure 7B , Fig.15A and Fig. 15B The operating section 423F according to the third embodiment is described. Fig.15A and Fig. 15B : is a perspective view showing the operation section 423F according to the present embodiment. Fig.15A FIG. 4 shows a state where the grip portion 48F is in the first position. Figure 7B The configuration is the same, so the description is omitted. Fig. 15BFIG. 4 shows a state where the grip portion 48F is in the second position. Figure 6B The configuration is the same, so the description is omitted.

[0165] like Fig.15A As shown, the operating portion 423F includes a gripping portion 48F, a coupling portion 55, a pinion portion 75 and a rack portion 76. The pinion portion 75 is a drive transmitting portion assembled to the gripping portion 48F. The rack portion 76 is a drive transmitted portion formed on the coupling portion 55. As shown in the figure, the pinion portion 75 and the rack portion 76 are meshed with each other. When the pinion portion 75 is driven to rotate, the drive is transmitted to the rack portion 76. The rack portion 76 moves to the left and right by the drive transmitted to the rack portion 76. The coupling portion 55 moves to the left and right in a manner interlocked with the movement of the rack portion 76. The gripping portion 48F is rotatably supported. The phase of the gripping portion 48F in the figure shows a state in which it is rotated to the maximum extent clockwise. In this state, the operating portion 423F moves to the right so that the outlet 42a corresponds to the connecting outlet 56. In addition, as shown in Figure 7B As shown, the engaging portion 58 moves to the right side so that it engages with the engaged portion 65 .

[0166] like Fig. 15B As shown in the figure, when the gripping portion 48F moves counterclockwise in the figure, the pinion portion 75 is also driven to rotate counterclockwise in the figure. This driving force is transmitted to the rack portion 76 as a drive, and the coupling portion 55 moves to the left. Then, as shown in the figure, the outlet 42a is closed by the outlet shutter 54. As described, Figure 6B As shown, the engaging portion 58 moves to the left side, thereby releasing the engagement with the engaged portion 65 .

[0167] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the gripping portion 48F is rotatably supported. When the gripping portion 48F rotates clockwise in the figure, the outlet 42a is opened and the engaging portion 58 moves to the engaging position. That is, when the gripping portion 48F is fully rotated in the clockwise direction, it is in the first position. When the gripping portion 48F rotates counterclockwise from this state, the outlet 42a is closed and the engaging portion 58 is in the disengaged position. That is, when the gripping portion 48F is fully rotated in the counterclockwise direction, it is in the second position.

[0168] As described above with reference to the second embodiment and the third embodiment, the movement of the gripping portion 48E or 48F may be an up-and-down movement or a rotational movement. These directions are substantially orthogonal to the attachment / detachment directions of the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41. Therefore, similar to the description of the first embodiment, an erroneous operation between the switching operation and the attachment / detachment operation can be prevented.

[0169] Fourth embodiment

[0170] Next, a fourth embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described. The fourth embodiment is configured by providing a separation control portion 416 to the first embodiment. Therefore, configurations similar to those of the first embodiment are either not shown or denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0171] Reference FIG. 16A to FIG. 17D A fourth embodiment is described. FIG. 16A to FIG. 16C 1 is a perspective view showing the process cartridge 41 to which the toner cartridge 42 is connected, and the cartridge opening 12 . Fig.16A 4 is a perspective view showing the process cartridge 41 to which the toner cartridge 42 is attached. Fig. 16B It is magnified Fig.16A A local enlarged view of the part surrounded by an ellipse. Fig. 16C is a perspective view showing the box opening 12 .

[0172] like Fig.16A As shown, the attachment portion 415 includes a separation control portion 416. The separation control portion 416 is arranged on the front side of the attachment portion 415 and the left side of the coupling portion 55. Fig. 16B As shown, the separation regulating portion 416 includes a regulating member 425 and a support member 426 swingably supporting the regulating member 425. The regulating member 425 includes a stopper 427, a support shaft 428, and a release portion 429. Meanwhile, the housing 410 of the process cartridge 41 includes the support member 426 and a stopper opening 430.

[0173] The stopper 427 is an example of a control portion that controls the movement of the gripping portion 48 by engaging with the connecting portion 55. The support shaft 428 is the swing center of the control member 425. The release portion 429 is a portion that releases the engagement between the stopper 427 and the connecting portion 55. The stopper opening 430 is an opening formed on the housing 410. The stopper 427 arranged outside the attachment portion 415 is engaged with the connecting portion 55 through the stopper opening 430. In addition, the stopper 427 is set to be heavier than the release portion 429. Fig. 16C As shown, the stopper releasing groove 124 is a groove formed on the cartridge opening 12. The separation regulating portion 416 is provided to correspond to the stopper releasing groove 124 when the process cartridge 41 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1.

[0174] 17A to 17D 41 is a perspective view showing the operation of the separation control portion 416 . Fig.17A A state in which the process cartridge 41 to which the toner cartridge 42 is connected is located outside the apparatus main body 1 is shown. Fig. 17B It is magnified Fig.17A A local enlarged view of the part surrounded by an ellipse. Fig. 17CA state in which the process cartridge 41 to which the toner cartridge 42 is connected is attached to the apparatus main body 1 is shown. Fig.17D It is magnified Fig. 17C An enlarged view of the part surrounded by the ellipse.

[0175] like Fig.17A As shown, the control member 425 is supported so as to be swingable around the support shaft 428. In addition, the stopper 427 is set to be heavier than the release portion 429. Fig. 17B As shown, the stopper 427 swings counterclockwise in the figure by its own weight, and the stopper 427 moves to a position in contact with the housing 420. The position in contact with the housing 420 is set as a control position, at which the movement of the gripping portion 48 located at the first position toward the second position is controlled. That is, in a state where the cartridge 100 is removed from the apparatus body 1, the separation control portion 416 is pushed to the control position by its own weight.

[0176] The connecting portion 55 is movable in the left direction when located at the first position. However, as shown in the figure, the stopper 427 is engaged with the connecting portion 55. Therefore, the connecting portion 55 cannot move to the left. That is, according to the present embodiment, when the processing box 41 connected with the colorant box 42 is located outside the device body 1, the movement of the gripping portion 48 from the first position to the second position is controlled by the separation control portion 416 as a separation control unit. By providing the separation control portion 416 as described above, the processing box 41 connected with the colorant box 42 can be prevented from being accidentally separated outside the device body 1.

[0177] like Fig. 17C As shown, when the process cartridge 41 to which the toner cartridge 42 is connected is attached to the apparatus body 1, the separation regulating portion 416 moves to the inner side of the stopper release recess 124. Fig.17D As shown, when the separation control portion 416 enters the inner side of the stopper release groove 124, as shown in Fig.17DAs shown, the release portion 429 engages with the stopper release groove 124. Since the control member 425 is swingably supported, as shown in the figure, the control member 425 swings around the support shaft 428 in the counterclockwise direction in the figure. Then, the engagement of the stopper 427 with the connecting portion 55 is released. The position where the engagement of the stopper 427 with the connecting portion 55 is released is called the allowed position, at which the gripping portion 48 located in the first position is allowed to move toward the second position. The stopper release groove 124 is an example of a pushing portion capable of pushing the separation control portion 416, and by pushing the separation control portion 416 while the box 100 is attached to the device body 1, the separation control portion 416 can be moved from the control position to the allowed position. Thus, when the processing box 41 is attached to the device body 1 and the toner box 42 is attached to the processing box 41, the stopper release groove 124 positions the stopper 427 in the allowed position.

[0178] Therefore, the coupling portion 55 can be moved to the left. That is, according to the present embodiment, by attaching the process cartridge 41 to which the toner cartridge 42 is connected to the device body 1, the control of the separation control portion 416 is released, and the grip portion 48 can be moved from the first position to the second position. As described above, by attaching the process cartridge 41 to which the toner cartridge 42 is connected to the device body 1, the separation control portion 416 can be automatically separated. At the same time, when the process cartridge 41 is replaced with a new cartridge, if it is necessary to separate the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 outside the device body 1, the control of the movement of the grip portion 48 is released only by pushing the release portion 429 downward.

[0179] As described above, according to the cartridge 100 of the present embodiment, by providing the separation control portion 416, it is possible to prevent the process cartridge 41 to which the toner cartridge 42 is connected outside the apparatus body 1 from being accidentally separated. In addition, according to the present embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the separation control portion 416 is provided on the process cartridge 41, but the present technology is not limited thereto, and the separation control portion 416 may also be provided on the toner cartridge 42.

[0180] According to the present embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the separation control part 416 is pushed to the control position by its own weight, but the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, a push spring that pushes the separation control part 416 to the control position may be provided. In that case, the direction in which the separation control part 416 moves to the control position may be realized in a direction other than the direction of gravity, thereby increasing the degree of freedom of design.

[0181] Fifth embodiment

[0182] Next, a fifth embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described. The fifth embodiment is configured by changing the configurations of the attachment portion 415 and the connection portion 424 of the first embodiment. Therefore, configurations similar to those of the first embodiment are either not shown or denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0183] Attachment and connection parts

[0184] Reference 18A to 18C The attaching portion 417 and the connecting portion 424G of the fifth embodiment are described. 18A to 18C 4 is a view showing a toner cartridge 42G and a process cartridge 41G according to the present embodiment. Fig.18A 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner cartridge 42G and the process cartridge 41G are separated. Fig.18B It is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 42G. Fig. 18C is a perspective view of the attachment portion 417 .

[0185] like Fig.18A As shown, the attachment portion 417 of the process cartridge 41G includes an inlet 41aG, an inlet baffle 53G, a rib 431 as an example of an outlet baffle engaged portion, a guide 59G, and a positioning portion 67G. The inlet baffle 53G includes a communication inlet 64G and an engagement hole 432 serving as an example of an inlet baffle engaging portion. The toner cartridge 42G includes a grip portion 48G, a shaft portion 437, a connecting portion 424G, an outlet baffle 54G, and a rib 435 serving as an example of an inlet baffle engaged portion. The outlet baffle 54G includes a communication outlet 56G and an engagement hole 436 serving as an example of an outlet baffle engaging portion.

[0186] When the toner cartridge 42G is attached to the process cartridge 41G, the engagement hole 436 engages with the rib 431, thereby coupling the outlet shutter 54G and the process cartridge 41. Further, when the toner cartridge 42G is attached to the process cartridge 41G, the engagement hole 432 engages with the rib 435, thereby coupling the outlet shutter 54G and the process cartridge 41. The shaft portion 437 is an example of an engagement portion, which is integrally provided on the housing 420 and includes a guide receiving portion 433 which is a small diameter portion having a diameter shorter than the width of the guide 59G and a positioning receiving portion 434 having a diameter longer than the width of the guide 59G.

[0187] like Fig.18BAs shown, the gripping portion 48G is integrally provided on the housing 420, and it is a portion corresponding to the gripping portions 48 to 48E described in the first to fourth embodiments. That is, the gripping portion 48G is integrally provided on the housing 420, and moves with the housing 420 when moving between the first position and the second position. The guide receiving portion 433 and the positioning receiving portion 434 are formed on the two end surfaces of the right and left sides of the housing 420. The guide receiving portion 433 is an engaged portion engaged with the guide 59G. The guide receiving portion 433 is a guiding portion that guides the moving trajectory when the toner cartridge 42 is connected to the process cartridge 41 and separated from the process cartridge by engaging with the guide 59G. The positioning receiving portion 434 is a positioning portion that positions the toner cartridge 42 by engaging with the positioning portion 67G. In this embodiment, the engaged portion includes a guide member 59G and a positioning portion 67G, wherein the guide member is arranged so that one end opens at the edge portion of the shell 410, and the positioning portion is continuously arranged to the other end of the guide member 59G and has a diameter larger than the width of the guide member 59G.

[0188] The outlet baffle 54G is an example of a moving member, which is a baffle member that can move along an arc track along the circumferential surface of the housing 420, and opens and closes the outlet 42aG. The communication outlet 56G is an opening formed on the outlet baffle 54G. When the outlet baffle 54G moves to the open position and corresponds to the outlet 42aG, the toner stored in the toner box 42G can be discharged. The engagement hole 436 is an opening formed on the outlet baffle 54G, and it engages with the rib 431. The ribs 435 are protruding portions arranged on the right and left sides of the outlet baffle 54G, and they are engagement portions that engage with the engagement hole 432.

[0189] like Fig. 18C As shown, the inlet 41aG is an opening formed on the attachment portion 417. The inlet 41aG is an opening through which the toner is received. The inlet baffle 53G is a baffle member for opening and closing the inlet 41aG. The engagement hole 432 is formed on the right and left sides of the inlet baffle 53G. The rib 431 is a rib-shaped member arranged on the attachment portion 417. The communication inlet 64G is an opening formed on the inlet baffle 53G. When the inlet baffle 53G moves to the open position and corresponds to the inlet 41aG, the toner discharged from the toner box 42 can be received in the process box 41. The guide 59G is groove-shaped and formed on the inner wall of the right and left sides of the attachment portion 417, which serves as a guide portion for guiding the movement trajectory when connecting and separating the toner box 42, and engages with the guide receiving portion 433. The positioning portion 67G is an arc-shaped recess. By engaging with the arc-shaped portion of the positioning receiving portion 434 , the toner cartridge 42 can be positioned.

[0190] Connection and separation of the toner cartridge and the process cartridge and opening and closing movement of the shutter

[0191] Next, we will refer to Fig.19A and Fig.19B The connection and separation of the toner cartridge 42G and the process cartridge 41G and the opening and closing movement of the shutter are described. Fig.19A and Fig.19B 41G is a partially enlarged perspective view of a connection portion 424G between the attachment portion 417 and the process cartridge 41G according to the present embodiment. Fig.19A The state where the toner cartridge 42G is moved to the attachment portion 417 of the process cartridge 41G is shown. In the figure, the toner cartridge 42G and the process cartridge 41G are detachable. That is, in the state shown in the figure, the grip portion 48G is located at the second position.

[0192] Fig.19B The state in which the toner cartridge 42G is attached to the attachment portion 417 of the process cartridge 41G is shown. In the figure, the toner cartridge 42G and the process cartridge 41G are connected. That is, in the state shown in the figure, the grip portion 48G is located at the first position.

[0193] like Fig.19A As shown, in the state where the toner cartridge 42G is attached to the process cartridge 41G, the user moves the gripping portion 48G forward toward the attachment portion 417. Next, the positioning of the guide 59G on the attachment portion 417 and the guide receiving portion 433 on the toner cartridge 42G is performed. The toner cartridge 42G is moved obliquely along the guide 59G. The movement is stopped by making the positioning portion 67G and the positioning receiving portion 434 abut against each other. In this state, the positions of the toner cartridge 42G and the process cartridge 41G are determined by making the arc of the positioning portion 67G and the arc of the positioning receiving portion 434 fit to each other. In addition, as shown in the figure, the rib 431 is engaged with the engagement hole 436, and the rib 435 is also engaged with the engagement hole 432. That is, when the toner cartridge 42G is attached to the process cartridge 41G and removed from the process cartridge, the attachment and removal are performed so that the guide receiving portion 433 of the shaft portion 437 passes through the guide 59G.

[0194] like Fig.19B As shown, the user swings the gripping portion 48G in the clockwise direction in the figure. As shown in the figure, the positioning receiving portion 434 swings with the swinging motion. Since the positioning receiving portion 434 is larger than the guide 59G, the toner cartridge 42G will be connected to the process cartridge 41G. Since the rib 431 and the engagement hole 436 are engaged, the outlet baffle 54G will not move. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the outlet 42aG moves to a position corresponding to the communication port 4252.

[0195] At the same time, since the rib 435 is engaged with the engagement hole 432, the communication inlet 64G of the inlet baffle 53G moves to a position corresponding to the inlet 41aG along with the swinging motion. Then, the outlet 42aG, the communication outlet 56G, the communication inlet 64G and the inlet 41aG are all connected. Therefore, the toner stored in the toner cartridge 42G can be transferred to the process cartridge 41G. In this state, if the gripping portion 48G is pulled out horizontally to the front side, the toner cartridge 42G and the process cartridge 41G can be removed from the device body 1 while maintaining the connected state.

[0196] In order to release the connection between the toner cartridge 42G and the process cartridge 41G and separate them, the gripping portion 48G is swung counterclockwise in the figure to achieve Fig.19A By performing this operation, the phases of the guide receiving portion 433 and the guide 59G correspond, and the connection between the colorant box 42G and the process box 41G is released, so that they can be separated. In addition, the outlet 42aG is closed by the outlet shutter 54G, and the inlet 41aG is closed by the inlet shutter 53G.

[0197] As mentioned above, Fig.19B The position of the gripping portion 48G shown corresponds to the first position described in the first embodiment. Fig.19A The position of the grip portion 48G shown corresponds to the second position described in the first embodiment. The first embodiment adopts a configuration in which the grip portion 48 is movable relative to the housing 420. Meanwhile, according to the present embodiment, the grip portion 48G is integrally fixed to the housing 420. As described, in any configuration, a switching operation of switching a cartridge to be attached and detached and an attaching and detaching operation of attaching and detaching a selected cartridge can be performed by operating only the grip portion 48G on the toner cartridge, thereby simplifying the operation.

[0198] According to the present embodiment, the direction of attaching and removing the toner cartridge 42G separately is different from the direction of attaching and removing the process cartridge 41G connected with the toner cartridge 42G. According to this configuration, a pushing device such as the pushing spring 66 described in the first embodiment becomes unnecessary. In the first embodiment, the direction of attaching and removing the toner cartridge 42G separately is the same as the direction of attaching and removing the process cartridge 41G connected with the toner cartridge 42G. Therefore, when the toner cartridge 42G is pulled out separately, measures must be taken to prevent the process cartridge 41G from being pulled out together. However, according to the present embodiment, the attachment direction / removal direction is different, so no countermeasure is required.

[0199] Other embodiments

[0200] In all the above-described embodiments, the toner cartridge 42 includes the outlet baffle 54, but the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, the toner cartridge 42 may not be provided with the outlet baffle 54. In that case, for example, a new toner cartridge 42 may have a sealing sticker attached to the outlet 42a, and before use, the sealing sticker is peeled off and the toner cartridge is attached to the process cartridge 41. When the toner in the toner cartridge 42 is consumed, when the toner cartridge 42 is removed in that state, there is little risk of toner leaking from the opened outlet 42a because only very little toner is left in the cartridge.

[0201] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the drum icon 69 and the toner icon 68 are provided on the housing 420 and are selectively displayed by hiding the icons by using the operation portion 423 interlocked with the grip portion 48, but the present technology is not limited thereto. That is, any mechanism that displays a state indicating which position of the grip portion 48 is located between the first position and the second position may be adopted. For example, an arrow mark may be provided on the operation portion 423 interlocked with the grip portion 48, and the drum icon and the toner icon may be provided on the area pointed by the arrow.

[0202] According to the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 including the document reading unit 8 has been described as an example, but the present technology is not limited thereto, and the document reading unit 8 may be omitted.

[0203] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the front cover 11 is provided on the front side of the apparatus main body 1, and the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 are pulled out to the front side of the apparatus main body 1, but the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, the front cover 11 may be provided on the left or right side of the apparatus main body 1, or on the rear side thereof. In that case, the toner cartridge 42 and the process cartridge 41 may be pulled out to the right side, the left side, or the rear side.

[0204] In addition, according to the above-mentioned embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 as a monochrome laser printer is described as an example, but the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, the present technology can be applied to an image forming apparatus as a full-color laser printer. In that case, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of process cartridges that can correspond to four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, and each process cartridge may include a process cartridge 41 and a toner cartridge 42.

[0205] In addition, according to the above embodiment, the process cartridge 41 includes the photosensitive drum 411, the charging roller 412 and the developing roller 44, but the present technology is not limited thereto. For example, the process cartridge 41 may not include the developing roller 44, while the toner cartridge 42 may include the developing roller 44.

[0206] 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 modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A box comprising: a toner storage unit including a first toner storage portion configured to accommodate toner and having an outlet through which the toner is discharged, a conveying member configured to convey the toner accommodated in the first toner storage portion toward the outlet, and a moving member configured to be movable relative to the first toner storage portion and having an engaging portion; and a developing unit, the developing unit comprising a developing roller configured to carry toner, a second toner storage portion configured to contain toner and having an inlet configured to communicate with the outlet, a developing frame configured to rotatably support the developing roller, the toner storage unit being detachably attached in a first direction, wherein the moving member is configured to move between a first position and a second position along a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the first direction includes an attachment direction in which the toner storage unit is attached to the developing unit and a detachment direction in which the toner storage unit is detached from the developing unit, wherein the first position is a position where the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion so that the toner storage unit moves integrally with the developing unit when the toner storage unit moves in the detaching direction, and Here, the second position is a position where the engaging portion is not engaged with the engaged portion so that the toner storage unit is drawn out and moved from the developing unit when the toner storage unit is moved in the detaching direction.

2. The box according to claim 1, wherein The moving member is an outlet shutter configured to open the outlet when the moving member is located at the first position and to close the outlet when the moving member is located at the second position.

3. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The moving member is configured to move linearly.

4. The box according to claim 3, in, The cartridge is configured to be attached to an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus, and Here, in a state where the box is in an orientation to be attached to the device body, the second direction is a direction intersecting with the direction of gravity.

5. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The longitudinal direction of the toner storage unit is the rotation axis direction of the developing roller. 6 . The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the moving member includes a gripping portion that projects toward the disassembling direction at a downstream end portion in the disassembling direction.

7. The box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The developing unit also includes a photosensitive drum configured to receive a supply of toner from the developing roller.

8. The box according to claim 2, in, The developing unit includes an inlet baffle, and wherein the entrance baffle is configured to be movable relative to the second toner storage portion and to be interlocked with the exit baffle, the entrance baffle opening the entrance when the exit baffle is in the first position and closing the entrance when the exit baffle is in the second position.

9. The box according to claim 8, in, The outlet baffle includes a baffle engagement portion, wherein the inlet baffle comprises a baffle engaged portion, and The shutter engaged portion is configured to engage with the shutter engaging portion in a state where the toner storage unit is attached to the developing unit and interlock the outlet shutter and the inlet shutter.

10. The cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The moving member and the engaging portion are arranged upstream of the first toner storage portion in the detaching direction.

11. The box according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A control portion, wherein the control portion is configured to move to a control position and a permission position, wherein the movement of the movable member located at the first position toward the second position is controlled at the control position, and wherein the movement of the movable member located at the first position toward the second position is permitted at the permission position.

12. The cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The toner storage unit comprises: a cover portion configured to be movable relative to the first toner storage portion and interlocked with the moving member, a first display portion provided on the first toner storage portion, configured to be covered by the cover portion in a state where the moving member is located at the second position, and configured to be exposed from the cover portion in a state where the moving member is located at the first position, to indicate that removal of the toner storage unit from the developing unit is regulated, and A second display portion, which is provided on the first toner storage portion and is configured to be covered by the cover portion when the movable member is located at the first position, and is configured to be exposed from the cover portion when the movable member is located at the second position, so as to indicate that the toner storage unit is allowed to be removed from the developing unit.

13. A box comprising: a toner storage unit including a first toner storage portion configured to accommodate toner and having an outlet through which the toner is discharged, a conveying member configured to convey the toner accommodated in the first toner storage portion toward the outlet, a moving member configured to be movable relative to the first toner storage portion, and an engaging portion; and a developing unit, the developing unit comprising a developing roller configured to carry toner, a second toner storage portion configured to contain toner and having an inlet configured to communicate with the outlet, a developing frame configured to rotatably support the developing roller, the toner storage unit being detachably attached in a first direction, wherein the moving member is configured to move between a first position and a second position along a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the first direction includes an attachment direction in which the toner storage unit is attached to the developing unit and a detachment direction in which the toner storage unit is detached from the developing unit, wherein the first position is a position where the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion so that the toner storage unit moves integrally with the developing unit when the toner storage unit moves in the detaching direction, and Here, the second position is a position where the engaging portion is not engaged with the engaged portion so that the toner storage unit is drawn out and moved from the developing unit when the toner storage unit is moved in the detaching direction.

14. The cartridge according to claim 13, wherein The moving member is an outlet shutter configured to open the outlet when the moving member is located at the first position and to close the outlet when the moving member is located at the second position.

15. A cartridge according to claim 13 or 14, wherein The moving member is configured to move along an arc-shaped trajectory.

16. The cartridge according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the toner storage unit includes a gripping portion protruding toward the disassembling direction at a downstream end portion in the disassembling direction.

17. The cartridge according to claim 13 or 14, wherein The developing unit also includes a photosensitive drum configured to receive a supply of toner from the developing roller.

18. The box according to claim 14, in, The outlet baffle includes an outlet baffle engagement portion, wherein the developing unit comprises an outlet baffle engaged portion, and The outlet shutter engaged portion is configured to engage with the outlet shutter engaging portion in a state in which the toner storage unit is attached to the developing unit, and to couple the outlet shutter and the developing unit.

19. The box according to claim 14, in, The developing unit includes an inlet baffle, and The inlet shutter is configured to be movable relative to the second toner storage portion, the inlet shutter opens the inlet when the outlet shutter is located at the first position, and closes the inlet when the outlet shutter is located at the second position.

20. The box according to claim 19, in, The inlet baffle includes an inlet baffle engagement portion, wherein the toner storage unit includes an inlet baffle engaged portion, and The inlet shutter engaged portion is configured to engage with the inlet shutter engaging portion in a state where the toner storage unit is attached to the developing unit, and to couple the inlet shutter and the toner storage unit.

21. An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a sheet, the image forming apparatus comprising: Equipment body; and a box detachably attached to the device body, Wherein, the box comprises: a toner storage unit including a first toner storage portion configured to accommodate toner and having an outlet through which the toner is discharged, a conveying member configured to convey the toner accommodated in the first toner storage portion toward the outlet, and a moving member configured to be movable relative to the first toner storage portion and having an engaging portion; and a developing unit, the developing unit comprising a developing roller configured to carry toner, a second toner storage portion configured to contain toner and having an inlet configured to communicate with the outlet, a developing frame configured to rotatably support the developing roller, the toner storage unit being detachably attached in a first direction, wherein the moving member is configured to move between a first position and a second position along a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the first direction includes an attachment direction in which the toner storage unit is attached to the developing unit and a detachment direction in which the toner storage unit is detached from the developing unit, wherein the first position is a position where the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion so that the toner storage unit moves integrally with the developing unit when the toner storage unit moves in the detaching direction, and Here, the second position is a position where the engaging portion is not engaged with the engaged portion so that the toner storage unit is drawn out and moved from the developing unit when the toner storage unit is moved in the detaching direction.

22. The imaging device according to claim 21, wherein The moving member includes a gripping portion that protrudes toward the detaching direction at a downstream end portion in the detaching direction.

23. The imaging device according to claim 21 or 22, wherein: The cartridge is detachable from the apparatus main body in a direction along a horizontal direction and in the detaching direction.

24. The imaging device according to claim 21 or 22, further comprising: a discharge portion configured to discharge the sheet in a discharge direction; and a door disposed downstream of the apparatus main body in the discharge direction, the door opening and closing an opening through which the cartridge passes when the cartridge is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, In which, the imaging device is configured so that when the door is open, the colorant storage unit and the developing unit are configured to be integrally attached to and detached from the device body through the opening, and so that when the door is open, the colorant storage unit is configured to be attached to and detached from the developing unit through the opening.

25. The imaging device according to claim 24, wherein The door constitutes an outer surface of the imaging device in a state in which the opening is closed.

26. The imaging device according to claim 24, in, The door is configured to close the opening in a state where the developing unit is attached to the apparatus main body and the toner storage unit is attached to the developing unit, and Wherein, in a state where the door closes the opening, the toner storage unit is not exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus.

27. The imaging device according to claim 21 or 22, wherein: In a state in which the developing unit is attached to the apparatus main body and the toner storage unit is attached to the developing unit, the entire toner storage unit is accommodated inside the apparatus main body.

28. The imaging device according to claim 21 or 22, in, The developing unit includes a first positioning portion and a first pushing portion, wherein the toner storage unit includes a first positioned portion configured to be positioned by contacting with the first positioning portion to position the toner storage unit in a state of being attached to the developing unit, and The first pressing portion is configured to press the first positioned portion into contact with the first positioning portion.

29. The imaging device according to claim 28, in, The device body includes a second positioning portion and a second pushing portion, wherein the developing unit includes a second positioned portion configured to be positioned by contacting with the second positioning portion so as to position the developing unit in a state of being attached to the apparatus main body, wherein the second pressing portion is configured to press the second positioned portion into contact with the second positioning portion, and Wherein, the pushing force of the first pushing portion and the pushing force of the second pushing portion are set so that when the developing unit is attached to the device body, the colorant storage unit is attached to the developing unit, and the movable member is located in the second position, the colorant storage unit is pulled out from the developing unit with the developing unit still attached to the device body.

30. The imaging device according to claim 21 or 22, wherein: The box includes a control part, which is configured to move to a control position and a permission position. In the control position, the movement of the movable member located at the first position toward the second position is controlled, and in the permission position, the movable member located at the first position is allowed to move toward the second position.

31. The imaging device according to claim 30, in, The device body includes a pushing portion configured to push the control portion, wherein the regulating portion is configured to be pushed to the regulating position in a state where the cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body, and wherein, in a state in which the cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body, the pushing portion is configured to push the regulating portion to move the regulating portion from the regulating position to the allowing position.

32. The imaging device according to claim 30, wherein: The regulating portion is configured to be urged to the regulating position by its own weight.

33. An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a sheet, the image forming apparatus comprising: Equipment body; and a box detachably attached to the device body, Wherein, the box comprises: a toner storage unit including a first toner storage portion configured to accommodate toner and having an outlet through which the toner is discharged, a conveying member configured to convey the toner accommodated in the first toner storage portion toward the outlet, a moving member configured to be movable relative to the first toner storage portion, and an engaging portion; and a developing unit, the developing unit comprising a developing roller configured to carry toner, a second toner storage portion configured to contain toner and having an inlet configured to communicate with the outlet, a developing frame configured to rotatably support the developing roller, the toner storage unit being detachably attached in a first direction, wherein the moving member is configured to move between a first position and a second position along a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the first direction includes an attachment direction in which the toner storage unit is attached to the developing unit and a detachment direction in which the toner storage unit is detached from the developing unit, wherein the first position is a position where the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion so that the toner storage unit moves integrally with the developing unit when the toner storage unit moves in the detaching direction, and Here, the second position is a position where the engaging portion is not engaged with the engaged portion so that the toner storage unit is drawn out and moved from the developing unit when the toner storage unit is moved in the detaching direction.

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