Toner container latch

Abstract

A toner container according to one example embodiment includes a latch catch protruding upwardly on a top of a body of the toner container. The latch catch is spaced apart from the second longitudinal end of the body and positioned closer to the second longitudinal end of the body than from the first longitudinal end of the body. The latch catch includes a first contact surface facing the second longitudinal end of the body for contacting a first corresponding surface of a latch in the image forming device when the toner container is in a mounted position in the image forming device, and a second contact surface facing the second longitudinal end of the body for contacting a second corresponding surface of the latch in the image forming device when the toner container is in a mounted position in the image forming device. The body is configured to constrain the toner container in a direction from a first longitudinal end of the body toward a second longitudinal end of the body along a longitudinal dimension of the toner container.

Description

background

[0001] 1. Field of the Disclosure The present disclosure relates generally to image forming apparatuses, and more particularly to toner container latches.

[0002] 2. Description of Related Technology In the electrophotographic printing process, a charged, rotating photosensitive drum is selectively exposed to a laser beam. The areas of the drum exposed to the laser beam are discharged, creating an electrostatic latent image of the page to be printed on the drum. Toner particles are then electrostatically picked up by the latent image on the drum, producing a toned image on the drum. The toned image is then transferred to the print medium (e.g., paper) directly from the drum or indirectly via an intermediate transfer member. Heat and pressure are then used to fuse the toner to the medium, completing the print.

[0003] The toner supply for an image forming device is typically stored in one or more replaceable units that have a shorter lifespan than the image forming device. It is important that the one or more replaceable units are precisely aligned within the image forming device. If the replaceable units are misaligned, the toner port may not seal properly, resulting in significant toner leakage, which can lead to mechanical and print quality defects. Misalignment of the replaceable units may also cause one or more drive couplings in each replaceable unit to not properly mate with corresponding drive couplings in the image forming device, preventing the rotatable components of the replaceable units from, for example, moving toner. If the replaceable units are misaligned, the replaceable units may also be unable to establish or maintain an electrical connection with the image forming device, thereby preventing or interrupting the electronics on the replaceable units from communicating with the image forming device and / or preventing or interrupting the electrophotographic components (such as the developer roller, photoconductive drum, etc.) from receiving the voltage required for the electrophotographic printing process from the image forming device's power supply. It is generally desirable that the replaceable units be rigidly held in place after installation in the image forming device to prevent their alignment from being disturbed during operation. The need for strict position control must be balanced with the need to allow the user to easily load and unload the replaceable unit into and from the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it will be appreciated that precise alignment of the replaceable unit and relatively simple insertion and removal from the image forming apparatus are desirable. Overview

[0004] According to one exemplary embodiment, a toner container for use in an image forming device includes a main body having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side, the first side and the second side being positioned between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end of the main body. The first longitudinal end of the main body is forward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device, and the second longitudinal end is rearward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device. The longitudinal dimension of the toner container extends between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the main body. The main body includes a reservoir for holding toner. An outlet port is positioned at the bottom of the main body for discharging toner from the toner container. The outlet port is positioned closer to the first longitudinal end of the main body than to the second longitudinal end of the main body. A drive coupling is positioned at the first longitudinal end of the main body for mating with a corresponding drive coupling in the image forming device to receive rotational motion from the corresponding drive coupling when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. A latch protrudes upward from the top of the main body. The latch catcher is spaced from the second longitudinal end of the main body and positioned closer to the second longitudinal end of the main body than to the first longitudinal end of the main body. The latch catcher includes a first contact surface facing the second longitudinal end of the body, and when the toner container is in the installation position in the image forming device, the first contact surface is used to contact a first corresponding surface of the latch in the image forming device to restrain the toner container along the longitudinal dimension of the toner container in a direction from the first longitudinal end of the body toward the second longitudinal end of the body.

[0005] Embodiments include those in which the latch catcher includes a second contact surface for contacting a second corresponding surface of a latch in the image forming device during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device to cause the latch in the image forming device to move away from the latch catcher to allow the toner container to be installed in the image forming device. The second contact surface of the latch catcher is positioned closer to the first longitudinal end of the body than the first contact surface of the latch catcher is closer to the first longitudinal end of the body. In some embodiments, the second contact surface of the latch catcher faces the first longitudinal end of the body and the first side of the body. In some embodiments, the second contact surface of the latch catcher is angled relative to the first contact surface of the latch catcher and the longitudinal dimension of the toner container. In some embodiments, the second contact surface of the latch catcher extends from the first contact surface of the latch catcher toward the first longitudinal end of the body.

[0006] Embodiments include those wherein the outlet port and the latch catch are positioned closer to the first side of the body than to the second side of the body.

[0007] Embodiments include those wherein the first contact surface of the latch catch is orthogonal to the longitudinal dimension of the toner container.

[0008] According to another example embodiment, a toner container for use in an image forming device includes a main body having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side, the first side and the second side being positioned between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end of the main body. The first longitudinal end of the main body is positioned forward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device, and the second longitudinal end is positioned rearward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device. The longitudinal dimension of the toner container extends between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the main body. The main body includes a reservoir for holding toner. An outlet port is positioned at the bottom of the main body for discharging toner from the toner container. The outlet port is positioned closer to the first longitudinal end of the main body than to the second longitudinal end of the main body. The outlet port is positioned closer to the first side of the main body than to the second side of the main body. A drive coupling is positioned at the first longitudinal end of the main body for mating with a corresponding drive coupling in the image forming device to receive rotational motion from the corresponding drive coupling in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. A latch catcher is positioned at the top of the main body. The latch catcher is positioned closer to the second longitudinal end of the main body than to the first longitudinal end of the main body. The latch catcher includes a first contact surface that faces the second longitudinal end of the main body and, when the toner container is in an installed position in the image forming device, the first contact surface unobstructedly contacts a first corresponding surface of a latch in the image forming device to restrain the toner container along the longitudinal dimension of the toner container in a direction from the first longitudinal end of the main body toward the second longitudinal end of the main body. The latch catcher includes a second contact surface that, during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device, unobstructedly contacts a second corresponding surface of a latch in the image forming device to cause the latch in the image forming device to move away from the latch catcher to allow the toner container to be installed in the image forming device. The second contact surface of the latch catcher is positioned closer to the first side of the main body than to the second side of the main body.

[0009] According to another example embodiment, a toner container for use in an image forming device includes a main body having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side, the first side and the second side being positioned between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end of the main body. The first longitudinal end of the main body is positioned forward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device, and the second longitudinal end is positioned rearward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device. The longitudinal dimension of the toner container extends between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the main body. The main body includes a reservoir for holding toner. An outlet port is positioned at the bottom of the main body for discharging toner from the toner container. The outlet port is positioned closer to the first longitudinal end of the main body than to the second longitudinal end of the main body. The outlet port is positioned closer to the first side of the main body than to the second side of the main body. A drive coupling is positioned at the first longitudinal end of the main body for mating with a corresponding drive coupling in the image forming device to receive rotational motion from the corresponding drive coupling in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device. A latch catcher is positioned at the top of the main body. The latch catcher is spaced apart from the second longitudinal end of the body and is positioned closer to the second longitudinal end of the body than to the first longitudinal end of the body. The latch catcher includes a latch surface facing the second longitudinal end of the body. The catcher surface of the latch catcher is oriented closer to being orthogonal to the longitudinal dimension of the toner container than to being parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the toner container. The latch catcher includes a camming surface that faces the first longitudinal end of the body and the first side of the body. The camming surface of the latch catcher is angled relative to the latching surface of the latch catcher and the longitudinal dimension of the toner container. The camming surface of the latch catcher is positioned closer to the first longitudinal end of the body than the catcher surface of the latch catcher is closer to the first longitudinal end of the body. The camming surface of the latch catcher is positioned closer to the first side of the body than to the second side of the body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2-Figure 3 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to an example embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 and Figure 5 They are Figure 2 and Figure 3A top plan view and perspective views of a toner cartridge are shown illustrating a latch catch of the toner cartridge according to an example embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an example embodiment, wherein an access door of the image forming apparatus is in an open position, illustrating four toner cartridges installed in the image forming apparatus.

[0015] Figure 7-10 is a perspective view of a latch of an image forming apparatus in a latched position, engaging a latch catch of a toner cartridge, according to an example embodiment.

[0016] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a latch of an image forming apparatus in an unlocked position that allows a toner cartridge to be removed from the image forming apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figures 12A-12C are sequential top views illustrating interaction between ramped guide surfaces of a latch catch of a toner cartridge and corresponding ramped guide surfaces of a latch of an image forming device during insertion of the toner cartridge into the image forming device, according to an example embodiment. Detailed description

[0018] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure. It will be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process, electrical, and mechanical changes, etc. may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The examples represent only possible variations. Portions and features of certain embodiments may be included in other embodiments or replace portions and features of other embodiments. Therefore, the following description should not be taken in a restrictive sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0019] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the interior of an example image forming device 20 is shown. Image forming device 20 includes a housing 22. Housing 22 includes one or more input trays 28 positioned therein. Each tray 28 is sized to accommodate a stack of media sheets. As used herein, the term "media" is intended to include not only paper but also labels, envelopes, fabric, photo paper, and any other desired substrate. Trays 28 are preferably removable for refilling. A control panel may be located on housing 22. Using this control panel, a user can input commands and generally control the operation of image forming device 20. For example, a user can input commands to switch modes (e.g., color mode, monochrome mode), view the number of printed images, and so on. A media path 32 extends through image forming device 20 for moving media sheets through the image transfer process. Media path 32 includes a simplex path 34 and may include a duplex path 36. Media sheets are introduced from tray 28 into simplex path 34 by a pickup mechanism 38. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pick mechanism 38 includes rollers positioned to move media sheets from the tray 28 into the media path 32. The media sheets are then moved along the media path 32 by various transport rollers. Media sheets may also be introduced into the media path 32 by a manual feed mechanism 46 having one or more rollers 48.

[0020] The image forming device 20 includes an image transfer portion comprising one or more imaging stations 50. Each imaging station 50 includes a toner cartridge 100, a developer unit 200, and a photoconductive unit (PC unit) 300. Each toner cartridge 100 includes a reservoir 102 for holding toner and an outlet port that communicates with an inlet port of a corresponding developer unit 200, the outlet port being used to transfer toner from the reservoir 102 to the developer unit 200, as discussed in more detail below. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the developer units 200 utilize what is commonly referred to as a single-component development system. In this embodiment, each developer unit 200 includes a toner reservoir 202 and a toner adder roller 204 that transfers toner from the reservoir 202 to a developer roller 206. In another embodiment, the developer units 200 utilize what is commonly referred to as a dual-component development system. In this embodiment, the toner in the toner reservoir 202 is mixed with magnetic carrier beads. The magnetic carrier beads may be coated with a polymer film to provide triboelectric properties, thereby attracting the toner to the carrier beads when the toner and magnetic carrier beads are mixed in the toner reservoir. In this embodiment, the developer roller 206 attracts the magnetic carrier beads with the toner thereon to the developer roller 206 by using a magnetic field. Each PC unit 300 includes a charge roller 304 and a photoconductive (PC) drum 302 for each imaging station 50. The PC drums 302 are mounted substantially parallel to each other. For clarity, the developer unit 200 and the PC unit 300 are shown in FIG. Figure 1 Only one of the imaging stations 50 in the image forming apparatus is labeled. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each imaging station 50 is substantially identical except for the color of toner contained therein.

[0021] Each charging roller 304 forms a nip with its corresponding PC drum 302. During printing operations, the charging rollers 304 charge the surface of the PC drum 302 to a specified voltage. A laser beam from the print head 52 associated with each imaging station 50 is then directed onto the surface of the PC drum 302 and selectively discharges those areas contacted by the laser beam to form a latent image. The developer roller 206 then transfers toner to the PC drum 302 to form a toner image. A metering device, such as a doctor blade 208, can be used to meter the toner on the developer roller 206 and apply a desired charge to the toner before it is transferred to the PC drum 302. The toner is attracted to the areas of the PC drum 302 surface that were discharged by the laser beam from the print head 52.

[0022] In the exemplary embodiment shown, an intermediate transfer mechanism (ITM) 54 is disposed adjacent to the imaging station 50. In this embodiment, the ITM 54 is formed as an endless belt that runs around a drive roller 56, a tension roller 58, and a back-up roller 60. During printing operations, the ITM 54 moves along the Figure 1 The media sheet is shown moving counterclockwise through the imaging station 50. One or more of the PC drums 302 applies its respective color toner image to the ITM 54 at a first transfer nip 62. The ITM 54 rotates and collects the one or more toner images from the imaging station 50 and then transfers the toner images to the media sheet advancing through the simplex path 34 at a second transfer nip 64 formed between a transfer roller 66 and the ITM 54, which is supported by a support roller 60. In other embodiments, the toner image is transferred directly from the PC drum 302 to the media sheet.

[0023] The media sheet with the toner image then moves along the media path 32 and into a fuser area 68. The fuser area 68 includes a fuser roller or belt 70 that forms a nip 72 to adhere the toner image to the media sheet. The fused media sheet then passes through a transport roller 74 located downstream of the fuser area 68, which moves the media sheet to an output area 76 of the image forming device 20 or the duplex path 36 for forming an image on the second side of the media sheet, as desired.

[0024] In contrast to the color image forming apparatus 20 , which may include a plurality of imaging stations 50 , the monochrome image forming apparatus 20 may include a single imaging station 50 .

[0025] Figure 2-Figure 3A toner cartridge 100 is shown according to an example embodiment. The toner cartridge 100 includes a body 104 that houses a toner reservoir 102 therein. The body 104 includes a top 105, a bottom 106, a front end 107, a rear end 108, and a pair of side portions 109, 110. The body 104 has a height measured between the top 105 and the bottom 106 along a vertical dimension 112 of the toner cartridge 100, a length measured between the front end 107 and the rear end 108 along a longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100 that is orthogonal to the vertical dimension 112, and a width measured between the side portions 109 and the side portions 110 along a lateral dimension 116 of the toner cartridge 100 that is orthogonal to the vertical dimension 112 and the longitudinal dimension 114. In the example embodiment shown, each end 107, 108 of the body 104 includes a respective end cap 117, 118 mounted to the corresponding end wall, such as by suitable fasteners (e.g., screws, rivets, etc.) or by a snap-fit ​​engagement. In this embodiment, an end wall 119 at the front end 107 and an end wall (not shown) at the rear end 108, together with the top 105, bottom 106, and side portions 109, 110, form the toner reservoir 102. In the example embodiment shown, the toner cartridge 100 is Figure 2 and Figure 3 Inserted into the image forming device 20 generally along the longitudinal dimension 114 in the direction indicated by the arrow A, with the front end 107 of the main body 104 in front and the rear end 108 of the main body 104 in the rear, and the toner cartridge 100 generally along the longitudinal dimension 114 Figure 2 and Figure 3 The main body 104 is removed from the image forming apparatus 20 in the direction indicated by the arrow B, with the rear end 108 of the main body 104 at the front and the front end 107 of the main body 104 at the rear.

[0026] As used herein, the terms "front" and "rear" correspond to the direction of travel of the toner cartridge 100 during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20, rather than any particular orientation of the image forming device 20. For example, in one embodiment, primary operation of the image forming device 20, such as access to a user interface, a media tray, supplies (such as the toner cartridge 100, the developer unit 200, and the PC unit 300), and other features of the image forming device 20, is provided on a side proximate the rear end 108 of the body 104 of the toner cartridge 100.

[0027] Toner cartridge 100 includes an outlet port 122 for transferring toner to an inlet port of developer unit 200. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, outlet port 122 is formed as a downward-facing opening on bottom 106 of main body 104, near front end 107 of main body 104, for example, near the inside of end wall 119. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, outlet port 122 is positioned closer to side 109 of main body 104 than to side 110 of main body 104. Outlet port 122 may include a shutter 124 that controls whether toner is allowed to flow from toner reservoir 102 out of outlet port 122. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, shutter 124 is biased by a biasing member (such as a tension spring 125) toward a closed position that blocks toner from exiting outlet port 122. Installation of toner cartridge 100 moves shutter 124 from the closed position to the open position, thereby allowing toner to exit outlet port 122.

[0028] The toner cartridge 100 also includes a drive coupling 126 that, when the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device 20, mates with and receives rotational power from a corresponding drive coupling in the image forming device 20 to provide rotational power to various rotatable components of the toner cartridge 100, such as a toner agitator positioned within the reservoir 102 for moving toner to the outlet port 122. In the illustrated example embodiment, the drive coupling 126 is positioned on the front end 107 of the main body 104, e.g., above the outlet port 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive coupling 126 is positioned on an outer surface of the end wall 119 and is exposed through an opening 128 in the end cap 117, such that when the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device 20, the drive coupling 126 is unobstructed from mating with a corresponding drive coupling in the image forming device 20. In the illustrated embodiment, when toner cartridge 100 is installed in image forming device 20 , drive coupling 126 mates with a corresponding drive coupling in image forming device 20 at an axial end portion 127 of drive coupling 126 .

[0029] The toner cartridge 100 includes an electrical connector 130 having electrical contacts 132 that, when installed in the image forming device 20, can mate with corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device 20 to facilitate a communication link between the processing circuitry of the toner cartridge 100 and a controller of the image forming device 20. The processing circuitry of the toner cartridge 100 can provide authentication functions, safety and operational interlocks, operating parameters, and / or usage information related to the toner cartridge 100. The processing circuitry of the toner cartridge 100 can include hardware and / or software logic, as desired. For example, the processing circuitry of the toner cartridge 100 can include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and / or a microprocessor, etc., and associated memory, such as non-volatile and / or volatile memory, as desired.

[0030] In the example embodiment shown, the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132 are positioned on the front end 107 of the body 104. In this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device 20, the electrical contacts 132 are unobstructed on the front end 107 to mate with corresponding electrical contacts in the image forming device 20. In the example embodiment shown, the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132 are positioned higher than the drive coupling 126, near the top 105 of the housing 104. In this embodiment, as shown Figure 3 As shown, the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132 are vertically aligned with the drive coupling 126 .

[0031] In the illustrated example embodiment, the toner cartridge 100 further includes an alignment guide 134 that contacts a corresponding electrical connector in the image forming device 20 during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20 to align the corresponding electrical connector in the image forming device 20 with the electrical connector 130 of the toner cartridge 100. In this embodiment, the alignment guide 134 is positioned on the front end 107 of the main body 104. The alignment guide 134 may be positioned at the top 105 of the main body 104. In the illustrated example embodiment, the alignment guide 134 is positioned above the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132. In the illustrated example embodiment, the alignment guide 134 is vertically aligned with the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132. The alignment guide 134 extends forwardly from the front end 107 of the main body 104 along the longitudinal dimension 114 in a cantilevered manner, for example, in the direction A of insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20. Alignment guide 134 extends further forward than electrical contacts 132 along longitudinal dimension 114 to contact a corresponding electrical connector in image forming device 20 before electrical connector 130 contacts a corresponding electrical connector in image forming device 20 during insertion of toner cartridge 100 into image forming device 20 .

[0032] In the exemplary embodiment shown, alignment guide 134 comprises an awning that protrudes from front end 107 of body 104 along longitudinal dimension 114. In this embodiment, alignment guide 134 comprises an upper ledge or upper guide member 136 having a bottom contact surface 137 positioned to contact a corresponding electrical connector in image forming device 20 during insertion of toner cartridge 100 into image forming device 20 to align the corresponding electrical connector in the image forming device with electrical connector 130 along vertical dimension 112. Bottom contact surface 137 faces downward, toward electrical connector 130 and electrical contacts 132. In this embodiment, bottom contact surface 137 of upper guide member 136 is positioned higher than electrical connector 130 and electrical contacts 132. In the exemplary embodiment shown, upper guide member 136 is formed as a substantially horizontal protrusion above electrical connector 130 and electrical contacts 132, away from front end 107.

[0033] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the alignment guide 134 includes a first side flange or first side guide member 138 and may include a second side flange or second side guide member 140. Each side guide member 138, 140 includes a corresponding inner contact surface 139, 141. Each inner contact surface 139, 141 faces an opposing side 109, 110 of the body 104 along the lateral dimension 116, with the inner contact surfaces 139, 141 facing each other. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inner contact surface 139 of the side guide member 138 is positioned closer to the side 110 of the body 104 than to the side 109 of the body 104, and the inner contact surface 141 of the side guide member 140 is positioned closer to the side 109 of the body 104 than to the side 110 of the body 104. In this embodiment, the inner contact surface 139 of the side guide member 138 is positioned closer to the side 110 of the main body 104 than the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132 are located from the side 110 of the main body 104, and the inner contact surface 141 of the side guide member 140 is positioned closer to the side 109 of the main body 104 than the electrical connector 130 and the electrical contacts 132 are located from the side 109 of the main body 104.

[0034] The inner contact surfaces 139 of the side guide members 138 are positioned to contact corresponding electrical connectors in the image forming device 20 during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20 so as to align the corresponding electrical connectors in the image forming device 20 with the electrical connector 130 along the lateral dimension 116. In the example embodiment shown, the side guide members 140 provide symmetry and structural support for the upper guide member 134. The inner contact surfaces 141 of the side guide members 140 can also help prevent overtravel of the corresponding electrical connector in the image forming device 20 during mating with the electrical connector 130. In the example embodiment shown, each side guide member 138, 140 is formed as a substantially vertical protrusion away from the front end 107 that extends downwardly from the upper guide member 136.

[0035] In the example embodiment shown, the toner cartridge 100 includes a pair of guide rails 142, 144 that extend along the longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100 at the top 105 of the main body 104. In this embodiment, the guide rails 142, 144 are formed as cantilever extensions that extend outward in opposite directions at the top 105 of the main body 104 along the lateral dimension 116 of the toner cartridge 100. Specifically, the guide rail 142 extends along the lateral dimension 116 toward the side 109 of the main body 104, and the guide rail 144 extends along the lateral dimension 116 toward the side 110 of the main body 104. Each guide rail 142, 144 includes a bottom contact surface 143, 145, and the bottom contact surface 161, 163 is positioned to contact and slide along the top surface of the corresponding guide rail located at the entrance of the toner cartridge 100 to the image forming device 20 during the insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20, so as to guide the toner cartridge 100 along the Figure 2 and Figure 3 The toner cartridge 100 is inserted into the image forming device 20 in the direction indicated by arrow A, with the front end 107 of the main body 104 at the front and the rear end 108 of the main body 104 at the rear. In the example embodiment shown, the guide rails 142, 144 extend along substantially the entire length of the main body 104 of the toner cartridge 100 from the end wall 119 at the front end 107 of the main body 104 to the inner end of the end cap 118 at the rear end 108 of the main body 104 along the longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100.

[0036] In the example embodiment shown, respective guide pins or posts 146, 148 project outwardly in opposite directions along the lateral dimension 116 of the toner cartridge 100 at a front end of each guide track 142, 144. Specifically, guide post 146 extends along the lateral dimension 116 toward the side 109 of the body 104, and guide post 148 extends along the lateral dimension 116 toward the side 110 of the body 104. The guide posts 146, 148 extend further outward along the lateral dimension 116 of the toner cartridge 100 than the guide tracks 142, 144. In this embodiment, the guide posts 146, 148 are positioned at the end wall 119 at the front end 107 of the body 104. Each guide post 146, 148 includes a bottom contact surface 147, 149 that is positioned to contact and slide along a top surface of a corresponding guide rail that extends along the length of a guide slot that receives the toner cartridge 100 during insertion into the image forming device 20 to further guide the toner cartridge 100 along the guide slot. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The image forming device 20 is inserted into the image forming device 20 in the direction indicated by arrow A.

[0037] The contact between the bottom contact surfaces 143, 145 of the guide rails 142, 144 of the toner cartridge 100 and the top surfaces of the corresponding guide rails positioned at the entrance of the image forming device 20, and the contact between the bottom contact surfaces 147, 149 of the guide posts 146, 148 of the toner cartridge 100 and the top surfaces of the corresponding guide rails extending along the length of the guide slot that receives the toner cartridge 100 in the image forming device 20, control the position of the toner cartridge 100 along the vertical dimension 112 during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20 and removal of the toner cartridge 100 from the image forming device 20, and can help position the toner cartridge 100 along the vertical dimension 112 when the toner cartridge 100 is in its final installed position in the image forming device 20. The contact between the guide tracks 142, 144 and guide posts 146, 148 of the toner cartridge 100 and their corresponding guide tracks in the image forming device 20 can also help control the position of the toner cartridge 100 along the lateral dimension 116 and limit rotation of the toner cartridge 100 during insertion and removal of the toner cartridge 100 into and from the image forming device 20.

[0038] refer to Figure 2-Figure 5The toner cartridge 100 includes a latch catch 150 positioned on the top 105 of the body 104, spaced from and proximate to the rear end 108 of the body 104, e.g., closer to the rear end 108 of the body 104 than to the front end 107 of the body 104. In the illustrated example embodiment, the latch catch 150 is formed as an upward protrusion away from the top 105 of the body 104. In the illustrated example embodiment, the latch catch 150 is positioned closer to the side 109 of the body 104 than to the side 110 of the body 104. When the toner cartridge 100 is fully installed in the image forming device 20, the latch catch 150 restrains the toner cartridge 100 in the direction B in which the toner cartridge 100 is removed from the image forming device 20, thereby controlling the position of the toner cartridge 100 along the longitudinal dimension 114 when the toner cartridge is in its final installed position in the image forming device 20.

[0039] The latch catch 150 includes a catch surface 152 on the top 105 of the body 104 that faces the rear end 108 of the body 104. The catch surface 152 is spaced from and positioned near the rear end 108 of the body 104, e.g., closer to the rear end 108 of the body 104 than to the front end 107 of the body 104. In the example embodiment shown, the catch surface 152 is positioned closer to the side 109 of the body 104 than to the side 110 of the body 104. In the example embodiment shown, the catch surface 152 of the latch catch 150 is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100 and substantially parallel to the lateral dimension 116 of the toner cartridge 100. In other embodiments, the catch surface 152 primarily faces the rear end 108 of the body 104, such that the catch surface 152 is oriented closer to being perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100 than being parallel to the longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100. In the example embodiment shown, the catch surface 152 is substantially vertical, but in other embodiments, the catch surface 152 can be angled upward or downward. The catch surface 152 is positioned to contact a corresponding latch surface of a latch in the image forming device 20 to constrain the toner cartridge 100 in a direction B for removal from the image forming device 20 when the toner cartridge 100 is fully installed in the image forming device 20, as discussed in more detail below.

[0040] The latch catch 150 also includes an angled guide surface 154 on the top 105 of the body 104. The angled guide surface 154 is oriented toward the front end 107 and toward the side 109 of the body 104, for example, primarily toward the side 109 of the body 104, such that the angled guide surface 154 is oriented closer to the longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100 than to the longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100. In the example embodiment shown, the angled guide surface 154 is positioned closer to the side 109 of the body 104 than to the side 110 of the body 104. The angled guide surface 154 is positioned closer to the front end 107 of the body 104 than the catch surface 152 is closer to the front end 107 of the body 104. In the example embodiment shown, the angled guide surface 154 is angled relative to the catch surface 152 and relative to the longitudinal dimension 114 and the lateral dimension 116 of the toner cartridge 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the beveled guide surface 154 extends forward from the catch surface 152 toward the front end 107 of the body 104. For example, in this embodiment, the catch surface 152 includes a first end 152a positioned proximate the side 109 of the body 104 and a second end 152b positioned proximate the side 110 of the body 104. The first end 154a of the beveled guide surface 154 abuts the first end 152a of the catch surface 152, and the beveled guide surface 154 extends away from the first end 152a of the catch surface 152 toward the front end 107 and the side 110 of the body 104. In the example embodiment shown, the beveled guide surface 154 is substantially vertical, but in other embodiments, the beveled guide surface 154 can be angled upward or downward. The ramped guide surface 154 is positioned to contact a corresponding ramped guide surface of a latch in the image forming device 20 during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 22 so as to move the latch in the image forming device 20 away from the latch catch 150, thereby allowing the toner cartridge 100 to be installed in the image forming device 20, as discussed in more detail below.

[0041] Figure 6 The image forming device 20 is shown with an access door 400 of the image forming device 20 in an open position, allowing a user to access the toner cartridges 100 installed in the image forming device 20. In the illustrated example embodiment, when the toner cartridges 100 are installed in the image forming device 20 and the access door 400 is in the open position, the rear end 108 of each toner cartridge 100 is exposed to the user. In this embodiment, the image forming device 20 includes a latch actuator 402 corresponding to each toner cartridge 100 exposed to the user when the access door 400 is in the open position. As discussed in more detail below, pressing the latch actuator 402 inwardly along the longitudinal dimension 114 releases the corresponding toner cartridge 100 from the latch of the image forming device 20, thereby allowing the user to remove the corresponding toner cartridge 100 from the image forming device 20 for replacement.

[0042] Figure 7-11 The latch 404 of the image forming device 20 is shown engaged with the latch catch 150 of the toner cartridge 100 when the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device 20. As discussed in more detail below, the engagement between the latch 404 of the image forming device 20 and the latch catch 150 of the toner cartridge 100 restrains the toner cartridge 100 along the longitudinal dimension 114 when the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device 20 and controls the position of the toner cartridge 100 along the longitudinal dimension 114 during operation.

[0043] Latch 404 can be Figure 7-10 The latch position shown is the same as Figure 11 The latch 404 is movable between the illustrated unlocked position. In the illustrated example embodiment, the latch 404 is positioned adjacent the top 105 of the body 104 of the toner cartridge 100. In this example embodiment, the latch 404 is pivotable about a pivot axis 406 between a latched position and an unlocked position. In the illustrated example embodiment, the pivot axis 406 is substantially vertical. A retainer 408 positions and defines the range of motion of the latch 404. In the illustrated example embodiment, the latch 404 includes an arm 410 having a first end 410a pivotally mounted to the retainer 408. The arm 410 extends through a guide slot 412 formed in the retainer 408. The surface of the retainer 408 that defines the guide slot 412 includes a first stop 414 and a second stop 415, which respectively limit the range of pivotal motion of the latch 404 from the latched position to the unlocked position and the range of pivotal motion of the latch 404 from the unlocked position to the latched position.

[0044] In the example embodiment shown, the latch 404 is biased toward the latched position. Figure 8 As shown, compression spring 416 has a first end 416a that contacts arm 410 of latch 404 and a second end 416b that contacts retainer 408. If desired, bosses may be formed on surfaces of latch 404 and retainer 408 to retain spring 416. While the illustrated example embodiment includes compression spring 416, it should be understood that any suitable biasing member may be used as desired, such as, for example, one or more extension springs, torsion springs, leaf springs, or a material having elastic properties.

[0045] In the example embodiment shown, the latch 404 includes a latch surface 420, a first ramped guide surface 422, and a second ramped guide surface 423 (also shown in FIG. Figures 12A-12C). In this embodiment, the latch surface 420 and the ramped guide surfaces 422, 423 are positioned on a head 424 formed at the second end of the arm 410 of the latch 404. When the latch 404 is in the latched position and the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device 20, the latch surface 420 is positioned to contact the catch surface 152 of the latch catch 150 of the toner cartridge 100 to restrain the toner cartridge 100 along the longitudinal dimension 114. The ramped guide surface 422 is positioned to receive a ramping force to move the latch 404 from the latched position to the unlocked position to release the toner cartridge 100 from the image forming device 20, and the ramped guide surface 423 is positioned to receive a ramping force to move the latch 404 from the latched position to the unlocked position to allow the toner cartridge 100 to be inserted into the image forming device 20. Although the illustrated example embodiment includes a pair of ramped guide surfaces 422, 423, other embodiments may include a single ramped guide surface.

[0046] In the example embodiment shown, when the latch 404 is in the latched position, the latch surface 420 is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100. In this embodiment, when the latch 404 is in the latched position, the angled guide surfaces 422, 423 are each angled relative to the longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100 such that the angled guide surfaces 422, 423 extend from the side 109 of the main body 104 toward the side 110 of the main body 104 along a direction A of insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20 (in a direction from the rear end 108 of the main body 104 toward the front end 107 of the main body 104).

[0047] refer to Figure 7 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10, when the latch 404 is in the latched position and the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device 20, the latch surface 420 is positioned in the path of the catch surface 152 of the latch catch 150 of the toner cartridge 100 in the direction B in which the toner cartridge 100 is removed from the image forming device 20 (in a direction along the longitudinal dimension 114 from the front end 107 of the main body 104 toward the rear end 108 of the main body 104). In the example embodiment shown, when the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device 20, the toner cartridge 100 tends to be biased by various elements along the longitudinal dimension 114 in a direction from the front end 107 of the main body 104 toward the rear end 108 of the main body 104 (i.e., in the direction B in which the toner cartridge 100 is removed from the image forming device 20). These forces include, for example, a force exerted on the drive coupling 126 of the toner cartridge 100 by a corresponding drive coupling in the image forming device 20, a spring force of the spring 125 of the shutter 124 of the toner cartridge 100 when the shutter 124 is in the open position and the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device 20, and a spring force of a corresponding shutter on an inlet port of the developer unit 200 that receives toner from the outlet port 122 of the toner cartridge 100. The force exerted on the toner cartridge 100 along the longitudinal dimension 114 presses a catch surface 152 of the latch catch 150 against a corresponding latch surface 420 of the latch 404 such that contact between the catch surface 152 of the latch catch 150 and the latch surface 420 of the latch 404 constrains the toner cartridge 100 along the longitudinal dimension 114 when the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device 20 and controls the position of the toner cartridge 100 along the longitudinal dimension 114 during operation.

[0048] refer to Figures 6-11 , the latch actuator 402 may be Figures 6-10 The starting position shown is the same as Figure 11 In the example embodiment shown, the latch actuator 402 generally translates along the longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100 between a home position and an actuated position. The latch actuator 402 includes a user contact surface or contact point 430 on an outer side 402a of the latch actuator 402 that is exposed to a user, for example, just above a top edge of the rear end 108 of the body 104 of the toner cartridge 100 when the access door 400 of the image forming device 20 is in the open position, thereby allowing the user to actuate the latch actuator 402 and move the latch actuator 402 from the home position to the actuated position to move the latch 404 from the latched position to the unlatched position to release the toner cartridge 100 from the image forming device 20.

[0049] refer to Figure 7-11The latch actuator 402 includes an engagement member 432 on the inner side 402b of the latch actuator 402, the engagement member 432 being positioned to contact the ramped guide surface 422 of the latch 404 when the latch actuator 402 receives an actuation force and moves from the starting position to the actuated position, so as to move the latch 404 from the latched position to the unlocked position to release the toner cartridge 100. In the illustrated example embodiment, the engagement member 432 includes a finger or other form of protrusion that extends from the inner side 402b of the latch actuator 402 generally along the longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100 toward the front end 107 of the body 104 in the direction A in which the toner cartridge 100 is inserted into the image forming device 20. In the illustrated example embodiment, the latch actuator 402 also includes alignment guides 434, 435 extending from the inner side 402b of the latch actuator 402. The alignment guides 434, 435 are received by corresponding alignment features in the image forming device 20 to guide movement of the latch actuator 402 between the home position and the actuated position along the longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100. If desired, the latch actuator 402 can be biased toward the home position by a suitable biasing member (e.g., a compression spring, etc.) as desired.

[0050] refer to Figure 11 When the latch actuator 402 moves from the starting position toward the actuated position, for example, when a user contacts the touch point 430 and pushes the latch actuator 402 inward (i.e., along the direction A of insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20 and along the longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100 in a direction from the rear end 108 of the main body 104 toward the front end 107 of the main body 104), the engagement member 432 of the latch actuator 402 contacts the ramped guide surface 422 of the latch 404. When the latch actuator 402 moves from the starting position toward the actuated position, the contact between the engagement member 432 of the latch actuator 402 and the ramped guide surface 422 of the latch 404 causes the latch 404 to pivot about the pivot axis 406 from the latched position toward the unlocked position.

[0051] When the latch 404 is Figure 7-10 Latch position shown pivoted to Figure 11In the unlocked position shown, the latch surface 420 moves toward the side 109 of the main body 104 and out of the path of the catch surface 152 of the latch catch 150 of the toner cartridge 100, thereby allowing a user to remove the toner cartridge 100 from the image forming device 20 by pulling the toner cartridge 100 from the rear end 108 of the main body 104 (e.g., from the end cap 118) along a removal direction B of the toner cartridge 100. In the example embodiment shown, when the latch surface 420 of the latch 404 moves away from the path of the catch surface 152 of the latch catch 150 of the toner cartridge 100, the force acting on the toner cartridge 100 in the removal direction B of the toner cartridge 100 tends to move the toner cartridge 100 along the longitudinal dimension 114 in a direction from the front end 107 of the main body 104 toward the rear end 108 of the main body 104 in a manner that presents the rear end 108 of the main body 104 to the user and facilitates the user's removal of the toner cartridge 100 from the image forming device 20. When the latch surface 420 of the latch 404 disengages from the path of the catch surface 152 of the latch catcher 150, movement of the toner cartridge 100 in the direction B of removal of the toner cartridge 100 from the image forming device 20 also causes the catch surface 152 to move past the latch surface 420 in a direction from the front end 107 of the main body 104 toward the rear end 108 of the main body 104, so that the inclined guide surface 423 of the latch 404 contacts the inclined guide surface 154 of the latch catcher 150 of the toner cartridge 100 and maintains the latch 404 in the unlocked position to help facilitate removal of the toner cartridge 100 from the image forming device 20.

[0052] Figures 12A-12C 4 is a sequential view illustrating the interaction between the latch catch 150 of the toner cartridge 100 and the latch 404 of the image forming device 20 during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20 along the insertion direction A. FIG. Figure 12A 1 shows the latch 404 of the image forming device 20 in the latched position and the inclined guide surface 154 of the latch catch 150 of the toner cartridge 100 proximate the inclined guide surface 423 of the latch 404 when the toner cartridge 100 is advanced into the image forming device 20 in the insertion direction A of the toner cartridge 100. Figure 12A As shown, when the latch 404 is in the latched position, the inclined guide surface 423 of the latch 404 is positioned in the path of the inclined guide surface 154 of the latch catch 150 of the toner cartridge 100. Figure 12A As the toner cartridge 100 is moved further in the insertion direction A, the inclined guide surface 154 of the latch catcher 150 of the toner cartridge 100 contacts the inclined guide surface 423 of the latch 404. As the toner cartridge 100 is moved forward in the insertion direction A, the contact between the inclined guide surface 154 of the latch catcher 150 and the inclined guide surface 423 of the latch 404 causes the latch 404 to move from the latched position toward the unlocked position, as shown. Figure 12BAs shown, the latch 404 is disengaged from the insertion path of the latch catcher 150 to allow the toner cartridge 100 to be installed in the image forming apparatus 20. Figure 12B When the position shown in FIG. 1 is further advanced in the insertion direction A and approaches the final installation position of the toner cartridge 100 in the image forming apparatus 20, the inclined guide surface 154 of the latch catcher 150 moves away from the inclined guide surface 423 of the latch 404, causing the latch 404 to return to the latched position due to the bias applied to the latch 404 by the spring 416, as shown in FIG. Figure 12C When the ramped guide surface 154 of the latch catch 150 disengages the ramped guide surface 423 of the latch 404 during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20 and the latch 404 returns to the latched position, the latch surface 420 of the latch 404 is positioned in the path of the catch surface 152 of the latch catch 150 of the toner cartridge 100, thereby restraining the toner cartridge 100 in the removal direction B and along the longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100, as described above.

[0053] although Figure 1 The illustrated example embodiment includes the toner cartridge 100, developer unit 200, and PC unit 300 positioned in separate replaceable units, but it should be understood that the replaceable units of the image forming device 20 can be configured in any suitable manner as desired. For example, in one embodiment, the primary toner supply, developer unit 200, and PC unit 300 for the image forming device 20 are combined in separate replaceable units for each color of toner. In another embodiment, the primary toner supply and developer unit 200 for the image forming device 20 are provided in a first replaceable unit, and the PC unit 300 is provided in a second replaceable unit. Other combinations are possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0054] Furthermore, while the example image forming apparatus 20 discussed above includes four toner cartridges 100 and corresponding developer units 200 and PC units 300, more or fewer replaceable units may be used depending on the desired color options. For example, in one embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes a single toner cartridge and corresponding developer unit and PC unit to enable monochrome printing.

[0055] The above description illustrates various aspects of the present disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive. Rather, it is selected to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure and its practical applications, so as to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the present disclosure, including its various modifications that naturally arise. All modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Quite obvious modifications include combining one or more features of various embodiments with features of other embodiments.

Claims

1. A toner container for use in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a main body having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side, the first side and the second side being positioned between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end of the main body, the first longitudinal end of the main body being forward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device, and the second longitudinal end of the main body being rearward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device, a longitudinal dimension of the main body extending between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the main body, the main body having a reservoir for holding toner; an outlet port on the bottom portion of the main body for discharging toner from the toner container, the outlet port being positioned closer to the first longitudinal end portion of the main body than to the second longitudinal end portion of the main body; a drive coupling on the first longitudinal end of the main body for mating with a corresponding drive coupling in the image forming device to receive rotational motion from the corresponding drive coupling in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device; and and a latch catcher projecting upwardly on the top of the main body, the latch catcher being spaced apart from the second longitudinal end of the main body and positioned closer to the second longitudinal end of the main body than to the first longitudinal end of the main body, the latch catcher including a first contact surface facing the second longitudinal end of the main body for contacting a first corresponding surface of a latch in the image forming device when the toner container is in an installed position in the image forming device to constrain the toner container in a direction from the first longitudinal end of the main body toward the second longitudinal end of the main body along the longitudinal dimension of the toner container.

2. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein The latch catcher includes a second contact surface for contacting a second corresponding surface of the latch in the image forming device during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device to move the latch in the image forming device away from the latch catcher, thereby allowing the toner container to be installed in the image forming device, the second contact surface of the latch catcher being positioned closer to the first longitudinal end of the main body than the first contact surface of the latch catcher is closer to the first longitudinal end of the main body.

3. The toner container according to claim 2, wherein The second contact surface of the latch catch faces the first longitudinal end of the body and the first side of the body.

4. The toner container according to claim 2, wherein The second contact surface of the latch catch is angled relative to the first contact surface of the latch catch and the longitudinal dimension of the toner container.

5. The toner container according to claim 2, wherein The second contact surface of the latch catch extends from the first contact surface of the latch catch toward the first longitudinal end of the body.

6. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein The outlet port and the latch catch are positioned closer to the first side of the body than to the second side of the body.

7. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein The first contact surface of the latch catch is orthogonal to the longitudinal dimension of the toner container.

8. A toner container for use in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a main body having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side, the first side and the second side being positioned between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end of the main body, the first longitudinal end of the main body being forward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device, and the second longitudinal end of the main body being rearward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device, a longitudinal dimension of the main body extending between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the main body, the main body having a reservoir for holding toner; an outlet port on the bottom portion of the main body for discharging toner from the toner container, the outlet port being positioned closer to the first longitudinal end portion of the main body than to the second longitudinal end portion of the main body, the outlet port being positioned closer to the first side portion of the main body than to the second side portion of the main body; a drive coupling on the first longitudinal end of the main body for mating with a corresponding drive coupling in the image forming device to receive rotational motion from the corresponding drive coupling in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device; and a latch catcher on top of the main body, the latch catcher being positioned closer to the second longitudinal end of the main body than to the first longitudinal end of the main body, the latch catcher including a first contact surface, the first contact surface facing the second longitudinal end of the main body, and the first contact surface unimpededly contacting a first corresponding surface of a latch in the image forming device when the toner container is in the installed position in the image forming device to restrain the toner container along the longitudinal dimension of the toner container in a direction from the first longitudinal end of the main body toward the second longitudinal end of the main body, the latch catcher including a second contact surface, the second contact surface unimpededly contacting a second corresponding surface of the latch in the image forming device during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device to move the latch in the image forming device away from the latch catcher, thereby allowing the toner container to be installed in the image forming device, the second contact surface of the latch catcher being positioned closer to the first side of the main body than to the second side of the main body.

9. The toner container according to claim 8, wherein The latch catch protrudes upward on the top of the main body.

10. The toner container according to claim 8, wherein The second contact surface of the latch catch is positioned closer to the first longitudinal end of the body than the first contact surface of the latch catch is positioned closer to the first longitudinal end of the body.

11. The toner container according to claim 8, wherein The second contact surface of the latch catch faces the first longitudinal end of the body and the first side of the body.

12. The toner container according to claim 8, wherein The second contact surface of the latch catch is angled relative to the first contact surface of the latch catch and the longitudinal dimension of the toner container.

13. The toner container according to claim 8, wherein The second contact surface of the latch catch extends from the first contact surface of the latch catch toward the first longitudinal end of the body.

14. The toner container according to claim 8, wherein The first contact surface of the latch catch is orthogonal to the longitudinal dimension of the toner container.

15. A toner container for use in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a main body having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side, the first side and the second side being positioned between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end of the main body, the first longitudinal end of the main body being forward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device, and the second longitudinal end of the main body being rearward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device, the longitudinal dimension of the toner container extending between the first longitudinal end of the main body and the second longitudinal end of the main body, the main body having a reservoir for holding toner; an outlet port on the bottom portion of the main body for discharging toner from the toner container, the outlet port being positioned closer to the first longitudinal end portion of the main body than to the second longitudinal end portion of the main body, the outlet port being positioned closer to the first side portion of the main body than to the second side portion of the main body; a drive coupling on the first longitudinal end of the main body for mating with a corresponding drive coupling in the image forming device to receive rotational motion from the corresponding drive coupling in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device; and a latch catcher on the top of the body, the latch catcher being spaced from the second longitudinal end of the body and positioned closer to the second longitudinal end of the body than to the first longitudinal end of the body, the latch catcher including a catcher surface facing the second longitudinal end of the body, the catcher surface of the latch catcher being oriented closer to orthogonal to the longitudinal dimension of the toner container than to parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the toner container, the latch catcher including an inclined guide surface facing the first longitudinal end of the body and the first side of the body, the inclined guide surface of the latch catcher being angled relative to the catcher surface of the latch catcher and the longitudinal dimension of the toner container, the inclined guide surface of the latch catcher being positioned closer to the first longitudinal end of the body than the catch surface of the latch catcher is closer to the first longitudinal end of the body, and the inclined guide surface of the latch catcher being positioned closer to the first side of the body than to the second side of the body.

16. The toner container according to claim 15, wherein The latch catch protrudes upward on the top of the main body.

17. The toner container according to claim 15, wherein The ramped guide surface of the latch catch extends from the latch surface of the latch catch toward the first longitudinal end of the body.

18. The toner container according to claim 15, wherein The catch surface of the latch catch is orthogonal to the longitudinal dimension of the toner container.

19. The toner container according to claim 15, wherein The ramped guide surface of the latch catch is oriented closer to parallel with the longitudinal dimension of the toner container than orthogonal to the longitudinal dimension of the toner container.

Images