Toner container with toner port shutter interface

Abstract

A toner container for use with a developing unit of an image forming apparatus according to one example embodiment includes a main body having a front portion that is forward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming apparatus and a rear portion that is rearward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming apparatus. An outlet port is positioned on the bottom of the body adjacent to the front of the body for discharging toner from the toner container. An engagement surface is located at a bottom of the body adjacent to a front portion of the body for contacting and pushing a developing shutter that opens an inlet port of the developing unit in a direction in which the toner container is inserted into the image forming apparatus during insertion of the toner container into the image forming apparatus.

Description

background

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

[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 directly from the drum or indirectly via an intermediate transfer member to a print medium (e.g., paper). Heat and pressure are then used to fuse the toner to the medium, completing the print.

[0003] The toner supply of an image forming device is typically stored in one or more replaceable units that have a shorter useful life than the image forming device. It is important to prevent the unwanted release of toner from these replaceable units. For example, toner can be fed from a reservoir in a first replaceable unit through an outlet port on the first replaceable unit and fed into an inlet port on a second replaceable unit. The first replaceable unit and the second replaceable unit can each include a shutter that seals the outlet port and the inlet port, respectively, when the first replaceable unit and / or the second replaceable unit are not installed in the image forming device. When the first replaceable unit and the second replaceable unit are operably positioned in the image forming device, the shutter of each replaceable unit opens to allow toner to be transferred from the outlet port of the first replaceable unit to the inlet port of the second replaceable unit. For example, during the insertion of the first replaceable unit and / or the second replaceable unit into the image forming device, if at least one shutter is not accurately positioned relative to its corresponding outlet port or inlet port, toner leakage may occur. Leaked toner may result in uncleanliness, which is unpleasant to customers and, in some cases, may lead to contamination of the electrophotographic assembly and print defects. It will therefore be appreciated that it is desirable to prevent the unwanted release of toner between replaceable units. Overview

[0004] According to an example embodiment, a toner container for use with a developer unit of 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 located between a front portion and a rear portion of the main body. During insertion of the toner container into the image forming device, the front portion of the main body is in front, and during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device, the rear portion of the main body is in rear. The main body has a reservoir for holding toner. An outlet port is positioned on the bottom of the main body and adjacent to the front portion of the main body for discharging toner from the toner container. An engaging surface is located at the bottom of the main body and adjacent to the front portion of the main body for contacting and pushing a developer shutter that opens an inlet port of the developer unit in a direction in which the toner container is inserted into the image forming device during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device.

[0005] Embodiments include those in which the toner container includes a toner container shutter movable between a closed position blocking the outlet port and an open position not blocking the outlet port, and the toner container shutter includes an engagement surface. In some embodiments, the engagement surface protrudes downwardly away from a bottom surface of the toner container shutter. In some embodiments, the toner container shutter is spring-biased toward the closed position and the front of the main body. In some embodiments, when the toner container shutter is in the closed position, the outlet port is positioned closer to the front of the main body than the engagement surface is closer to the front of the main body.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment, a toner container for use with a developer unit 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 of the main body is positioned rearward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device. The main body includes a reservoir for holding toner. An outlet port is positioned at the bottom of the main body and adjacent to the first longitudinal end of the main body for discharging toner from the toner container. 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. An engaging member protrudes downward from the bottom of the main body and adjacent to the first longitudinal end of the main body. The front surface of the engaging member facing the first longitudinal end of the main body is unobstructed so as to contact and push the developing shutter that opens the inlet port of the developing unit in a direction from the second longitudinal end of the main body toward the first longitudinal end of the main body during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device.

[0007] Embodiments include embodiments in which the toner container includes a toner container shutter movable between a closed position that blocks the outlet port and an open position that does not block the outlet port, and the toner container shutter includes an engaging member. In some embodiments, when the toner container shutter is in the closed position, the outlet port is positioned closer to the first longitudinal end of the main body than a front surface of the engaging member is closer to the first longitudinal end of the main body. In some embodiments, the toner container shutter is translatable between the closed position and the open position, and is spring-biased toward the closed position and the first longitudinal end of the main body, and when the toner container shutter is in the closed position, the outlet port is positioned closer to the first longitudinal end of the main body than a front surface of the engaging member is closer to the first longitudinal end of the main body.

[0008] Embodiments include embodiments in which the toner container includes an extension portion that protrudes from the toner container shutter in a direction from the second longitudinal end of the main body toward the first longitudinal end of the main body and is unobstructed at the first longitudinal end of the main body, for contacting a corresponding surface in the image forming device during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device and receiving an actuation force from the corresponding surface in the image forming device to move the toner container shutter from a closed position to an open position in a direction from the first longitudinal end of the main body toward the second longitudinal end of the main body. In some embodiments, the extension portion has a free end that extends further than the first longitudinal end of the main body in a direction from the second longitudinal end of the main body toward the first longitudinal end of the main body when the toner container shutter is in the closed position to contact the corresponding surface in the image forming device.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment, a toner container for use with a developer unit of an image forming device includes a main body having a reservoir for storing toner, an outlet port for discharging toner from the toner container, and a first shutter positioned at the outlet port. The first shutter is movable between a closed position that blocks the outlet port and an open position that does not block the outlet port. A protrusion, downwardly away from the first shutter, is movable with the shutter and positioned so as to contact and push a second shutter, opening the inlet port of the developer unit, in the direction in which the toner container is inserted into the image forming device during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device.

[0010] In some embodiments, when the first shutter is in the closed position, the protrusion is positioned closer to the outlet port than when the first shutter is in the open position.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first shutter is translatable between a closed position and an open position.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment, a toner container for use with a developer unit of an image forming device includes an elongated body extending along a longitudinal dimension between a front portion and a rear portion of the body. The body has a reservoir for storing toner. An outlet port is positioned on a bottom portion of the body adjacent to the front portion of the body for discharging toner from the reservoir. A first shutter is positioned at the outlet port. The first shutter is movable along the longitudinal dimension between a closed position that blocks the outlet port and an open position that does not block the outlet port. The first shutter has an engagement surface that is positioned to contact and push a second shutter that opens the inlet port of the developer unit in a back-to-front direction of the body during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device. A biasing member biases the first shutter toward the closed position in the back-to-front direction of the body. The biasing member has a biasing force that prevents the first shutter from not blocking the outlet port when, during insertion of the toner container into the image forming apparatus, the engaging surface of the first shutter receives a reaction force in the front-to-rear direction of the main body due to contact with the second shutter as the engaging surface pushes the second shutter open in the rear-to-front direction.

[0013] According to another embodiment, a toner container for use in an image forming device includes an elongated body extending along a longitudinal dimension of the body between a front portion and a rear portion of the body. During insertion of the toner container into the image forming device, the front portion of the body is forward, and during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device, the rear portion of the body is rearward. The body includes a reservoir for storing toner and an outlet port for discharging toner from the reservoir. A shutter is positioned at the outlet port. The shutter is movable between a closed position that blocks the outlet port and an open position that does not block the outlet port. An extension protrudes from the shutter toward the front portion of the body along the longitudinal dimension and is unobstructed at the front portion of the body to contact a corresponding surface in the image forming device during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device and receive an actuating force from the corresponding surface in the image forming device to move the shutter from the closed position to the open position along the longitudinal dimension in the front-to-back direction of the body.

[0014] In some embodiments, the extension has a free end that extends further in a rear-to-front direction of the main body than the drive coupling on the front of the main body when the shutter is in a closed position to contact a corresponding surface in the image forming device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] 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.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to an example embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3A and Figure 3B According to an example embodiment Figure 2A and Figure 2B , showing a perspective view of a toner cartridge in the closed and open positions, respectively.

[0019] Figure 4A and Figure 4B yes Figure 3A and Figure 3B A perspective view of the cartridge shutter shown in FIG.

[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a developing unit according to an example embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6A and Figure 6B According to an example embodiment Figure 5 , which are perspective views of a developing unit shown in FIG. 1 , respectively, showing a developing shutter of the developing unit in a closed position and an open position.

[0022] Figures 7A-7E are sequential side views illustrating the interaction of a cartridge shutter and a developer shutter during insertion of a toner cartridge into an image forming apparatus, according to an example embodiment. Detailed description

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 example 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 can also be introduced into the media path 32 by a manual feed 46 having one or more rollers 48 or by additional media trays.

[0025] 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 example embodiment shown, each imaging station 50 is substantially identical except for the color or type of toner contained therein.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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 .

[0030] Figure 2A-2BA 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 sides 109, 110, form the toner reservoir 102. In the example embodiment shown, the toner cartridge 100 is Figure 2A and Figure 2B The main body 104 is inserted into the image forming device 20 generally along the longitudinal dimension 114 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The toner cartridge 100 includes an outlet port 122 for discharging toner from the reservoir 102, for example, when transferring the toner to an inlet port of the developer unit 200. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the outlet port 122 is formed as a downwardly facing opening on the bottom 106 of the body 104, near the front end 107 of the body 104, for example, near the inside of the end wall 119. A shutter 150 is positioned at the outlet port 122 to regulate whether toner is allowed to flow from the reservoir 102 out of the outlet port 122. The shutter 150 may be referred to herein as a cartridge shutter 150. The cartridge shutter 150 is translatable along the longitudinal dimension 114 between a closed position that blocks the outlet port 122 to prevent toner from escaping the outlet port 122 and an open position that does not block the outlet port 122 to allow toner to exit the outlet port 122.

[0033] The toner cartridge 100 also includes a drive coupling 124. When the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device 20, the drive coupling 126 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 124 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 124 is positioned on an outer surface of the end wall 119 and is exposed through an opening 126 in the end cap 117, such that when the toner cartridge 100 is installed in the image forming device 20, the drive coupling 124 is unobstructed from mating with a corresponding drive coupling in the image forming device 20.

[0034] In the example embodiment shown, the toner cartridge 100 includes a pair of guide rails 160, 162 extending along the longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100 at the top 105 of the body 104. In this embodiment, the guide rails 160, 162 are formed as cantilever extensions that extend outward in opposite directions along the lateral dimension 116 of the toner cartridge 100 at the top 105 of the body 104. Specifically, the guide rail 160 extends along the lateral dimension 116 toward the side 109 of the body 104, and the guide rail 162 extends along the lateral dimension 116 toward the side 110 of the body 104. Each guide rail 160, 162 includes a bottom contact surface 161 that is positioned to contact and slide along the top surface of a corresponding guide rail located at an inlet port of the toner cartridge 100 to the image forming device 20 during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20 to guide the toner cartridge 100 along the lateral dimension 116. Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe 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 body 104 at the front and the rear end 108 of the body 104 at the rear. In the example embodiment shown, the guide rails 160, 162 extend along substantially the entire length of the body 104 of the toner cartridge 100 from the end wall 119 at the front end 107 of the body 104 to the inner end of the end cap 118 at the rear end 108 of the body 104 along the longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100.

[0035] In the example embodiment shown, respective guide pins or posts 164, 166 project outwardly in opposite directions along the lateral dimension 116 of the toner cartridge 100 at a front end of each guide track 160, 162. Specifically, the guide posts 164 extend along the lateral dimension 116 toward the side 109 of the body 104, and the guide posts 166 extend along the lateral dimension 116 toward the side 110 of the body 104. The guide posts 164, 166 extend further outward along the lateral dimension 116 of the toner cartridge 100 than the guide tracks 160, 162. In this embodiment, the guide posts 164, 166 are positioned at the end wall 119 at the front end 107 of the body 104. Each guide post 164, 166 includes a bottom contact surface 165 positioned to contact and slide along a top surface of a corresponding guide rail extending 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 2A and Figure 2B The image forming device 20 is inserted into the image forming device 20 in the direction indicated by arrow A.

[0036] The contact between the bottom contact surfaces 161 of the guide rails 160, 162 of the toner cartridge 100 and the top surfaces of the corresponding guide rails positioned at the inlet port of the image forming device 20, and the contact between the bottom contact surfaces 165 of the guide posts 164, 166 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 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 160, 162 and guide posts 164, 166 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.

[0037] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The area surrounding the outlet port 122 and the cartridge shutter 150 of the toner cartridge 100 is shown in greater detail according to an example embodiment. Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the cartridge shutter 150 is shown in more detail. Figures 3A-4B The cartridge shutter 150 is positioned on the bottom 106 of the body 104 and can be opened and closed at Figure 3A Closed position shown and Figure 3B 1 and 2. The cartridge shutter 150 translates between the open position shown, the closed position blocking the outlet port 122 to prevent toner from escaping from the toner cartridge 100, and the open position unblocking the outlet port 122 to allow toner to flow from the outlet port 122 of the toner cartridge 100. In this embodiment, the cartridge shutter 150 moves in a front-to-rear direction 115 a relative to the main body 104 when the shutter moves from the closed position to the open position, and moves in a rear-to-front direction 115 b relative to the main body 104 when the cartridge shutter 150 moves from the open position to the closed position.

[0038] In the embodiment shown, the cartridge shutter 150 includes a base 152 and flanges 154, 155 extending upward from the base 152 on opposite sides of the base 152. A pair of flanges 128, 129 on the bottom 106 of the body 104 extend along the longitudinal dimension 114 and extend away from each other toward the opposite sides 109, 110 of the body 104. Each flange 154, 155 of the cartridge shutter 150 wraps around the top of the corresponding flange 128, 129 to hold the cartridge shutter 150 on the toner cartridge 100. When the cartridge shutter 150 moves between the closed position and the open position, the flanges 154, 155 slide over the top and outer side surfaces of the flanges 128, 129. In this way, the flanges 128, 129 serve as tracks that guide the movement of the cartridge shutter 150 between the closed position and the open position. The base 152 includes a blocking portion 157 and a window 159. When the cartridge shutter 150 is in the Figure 3A In the closed position shown, the blocking portion 157 blocks the outlet port 122. When the cartridge shutter 150 is in the open position, the window 159 is aligned with the outlet port 122, as shown in FIG. Figure 3B as shown, to allow the toner to exit the outlet port 122 .

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge shutter 150 includes a seal 170 on a top surface 151 of the cartridge shutter 150 that surrounds a window 159 on the blocking portion 157. When the cartridge shutter 150 is assembled to the toner cartridge 100, the seal 170 is sandwiched between the cartridge shutter 150 and the bottom 106 of the main body 104 to prevent toner from leaking from the outlet port 122. In one embodiment, the seal 170 is fixed to the base 152 of the cartridge shutter 150 and moves against the bottom 106 of the main body 104 together with the cartridge shutter 150. In this embodiment, the seal 170 includes an opening 171 that is aligned and fixed relative to the window 159. In another embodiment, the seal 170 can be fixed to the bottom surface of the main body 104 surrounding the outlet port 122. In this embodiment, the seal 170 includes an opening that is aligned and fixed relative to the outlet port 122.

[0040] The cartridge shutter 150 is biased toward a closed position that blocks the outlet port 122. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more biasing springs, such as extension springs 176, 177, bias the cartridge shutter 150 toward the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, one end of each spring 176, 177 is connected to a corresponding spring mounting portion 130, 131 near the front end 107 of the toner cartridge 100, and the other end is connected to a corresponding spring mounting portion 178, 179 extending from a corresponding flange 154, 155 of the cartridge shutter 150. Although the illustrated example embodiment includes extension springs 176, 177, it should be understood that the cartridge shutter 150 can be biased relative to the body 104 as desired by any suitable biasing member, including, for example, one or more compression springs, torsion springs, leaf springs, or other materials having elastic properties.

[0041] When shutter 150 moves to open position from closed position, box shutter 150 moves towards rear end 108, and when shutter 150 moves to closed position from open position, box shutter 150 moves towards front end 107.Box shutter 150 comprises the forward and backward stops that prevent box shutter 150 from excessively advancing along flange 128,129.In the illustrated example embodiment, forward stop 169 is positioned at the front end of flange 128,129.The front end of flange 154,155 of box shutter 150 and the contact between forward stop 169 have limited the box shutter 150 advancing towards front end 107.Backward stop 172 is positioned near the rear end of flange 128.The rear end of flange 154 of box shutter 150 and the contact between backward stop 172 have limited the box shutter 150 advancing towards rear end 108.

[0042] The cartridge shutter 150 includes a first engagement feature that contacts and pushes open a second shutter that opens the toner port. The second shutter is configured to engage the outlet port 122 of the toner cartridge 100 during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge shutter 150 includes a protrusion 174 that extends downwardly away from the base 152 of the cartridge shutter 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet port 122 is positioned closer to the front end 107 of the main body 104 than the protrusion 174 is closer to the front end 107 of the main body 104. Additionally, the window 159 is positioned closer to the front end 107 of the main body 104 than the protrusion 174 is closer to the front end 107 of the main body 104. The protrusion 174 has a front surface 175 that faces the front end 107 of the main body 104. In this embodiment, the front surface 175 of the protrusion 174 is unobstructed, so that the front surface 175 of the protrusion 174 contacts at least a portion of the second shutter positioned along the insertion path of the protrusion 174, so that during the insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20, the protrusion 174 contacts and pushes open the second shutter in the direction A of insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20, as discussed in more detail below.

[0043] The cartridge shutter 150 also includes a second engagement feature that engages a corresponding surface in the image forming device 20 to open the cartridge shutter 150 when the toner cartridge 100 is inserted into the image forming device 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge shutter 150 includes an extension 180 that protrudes from a front end 153 of the cartridge shutter 150 along the longitudinal dimension 114 toward and beyond the front end 107 of the main body 104 for contacting a corresponding surface in the image forming device 20 during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20. In one embodiment, the corresponding surface in the image forming device 20 may be a portion of a basket or tray that holds the developer unit 200 in the image forming device 20. In another embodiment, the corresponding surface may be an interior wall or frame within the image forming device 20. The extension 180 is positioned to receive an actuation force from the corresponding surface in the image forming device 20 to move the cartridge shutter 150 from a closed position to an open position in a front-to-rear direction 115 a of the main body 104 along the longitudinal dimension 114. The extension 180 extends forwardly, for example in a cantilevered manner, from the front end 153 of the cartridge shutter 150 along the longitudinal dimension 114 in the direction A of insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20. When the cartridge shutter 150 is in the closed position, the extension 180 extends further forwardly along the longitudinal dimension 114 than the front end 107 of the toner cartridge 100 and / or the drive coupling 124 so as to contact corresponding surfaces in the image forming device 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the window 159 is positioned between the extension 180 and the protrusion 174 of the cartridge shutter 150.

[0044] In one exemplary embodiment, the protrusion 174 and / or extension 180 of the cartridge shutter 150 may be constructed from overmolded plastic. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the base 152 of the cartridge shutter 150 may be a formed metal component, and the protrusion 174 and extension 180 may be constructed from a plastic material overmolded onto the base 152 of the cartridge shutter 150. In other embodiments, the base 152, protrusion 174, and extension 180 of the cartridge shutter 150 may be constructed from any suitable material or manufacturing technique known in the art.

[0045] Figure 5 The developer unit 200 is shown according to an example embodiment. The developer unit 200 includes a housing 212 with the container 202 within the housing 212. The housing 212 extends generally along the longitudinal dimension 114 from a front end 214 to a rear end 216 of the housing 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the front end 214 of the housing 212 includes an end cap 218 that is mounted to the body of the housing 212 by fasteners such as screws.

[0046] The developer unit 200 includes a drive coupling 220 that, when the developer unit 200 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 developer unit 200, such as the toner adding roller 204, the developer roller 206, and one or more toner agitators positioned within the reservoir 202. In the illustrated example embodiment, the drive coupling 220 is positioned on the front end 214 of the housing 212.

[0047] The developer unit 200 includes an inlet port 222 positioned to receive toner from the outlet port 122 of the toner cartridge 100 to replenish the reservoir 202 as toner is consumed from the reservoir 202 during printing. In the illustrated example embodiment, the inlet port 222 is located on the top 213 of the housing 212 near the front end 214. The developer unit 200 includes a shutter 250 that is movable along the longitudinal dimension 114. Figure 6A Closed position shown and Figure 6BThe developer shutter 250 is translatable between the open position shown, the closed position blocking the inlet port 222 to prevent toner from escaping the inlet port 222, and the open position unblocking the inlet port 222 to allow toner to enter the inlet port 222. The shutter 250 may be referred to herein as the developer shutter 250. In the illustrated embodiment, when the developer shutter 250 moves from the closed position to the open position, the developer shutter 250 moves in a rear-to-front direction 217 relative to the housing 212, and when the developer shutter 250 moves from the open position to the closed position, the developer shutter 250 moves in a front-to-back direction 219 relative to the housing 212. In this embodiment, the developer shutter 250 includes a base 252 having a blocking portion 257 and a window 259. When the developer shutter 250 is in the closed position, the blocking portion 257 blocks the inlet port 222. When the developer shutter 250 is in the open position, the window 259 aligns with the inlet port 222 to allow toner to enter the inlet port 222.

[0048] The developer shutter 250 is biased toward a closed position that blocks the inlet port 222, for example, by one or more tension springs 263, 264. Each tension spring 263, 264 is attached at one end to a corresponding spring mounting portion 266, 267 on the developer shutter 250, and at the other end to a corresponding spring mounting portion 230, 231 on the housing 212. While the illustrated example embodiment includes tension springs 263, 264, it should be understood that the developer shutter 250 can be biased relative to the housing 212 by any suitable biasing member, including, for example, one or more compression springs, torsion springs, leaf springs, or other materials having elastic properties, as desired.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the developer shutter 250 includes a seal 261 surrounding the window 259. The seal 261 is secured to the developer shutter 250 and moves with the developer shutter 250. In the illustrated embodiment, the seal 261 includes an opening 262 aligned and secured relative to the window 259. The seal 261 is located on the top surface 254 of the developer shutter 250 near the inlet port 222 to capture any toner that leaks between the outlet port 122 and the inlet port 222 of the toner cartridge 100 and to provide a sealing force between the cartridge shutter 150 and the developer shutter 250 when the toner cartridge 100 is inserted into the image forming device 20. Although not shown, a seal may be positioned on the bottom surface of the developer shutter 250, between the base 252 of the developer shutter 250 and the top 213 of the housing 212 of the developer unit 200, to help prevent toner from leaking from the inlet port 222.

[0050] The developer shutter 250 includes an actuation tab 270 extending upward from the developer shutter 250. The actuation tab 270 is positioned along the insertion path of the protrusion 174 of the cartridge shutter 150 to receive an actuation force from the toner cartridge 100 against the biasing force of the tension springs 263, 264 to move the developer shutter 250 from the closed position to the open position during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming apparatus 20, as discussed in more detail below.

[0051] Figures 7A-7E is a sequential view according to an example embodiment showing the interaction of the cartridge shutter 150 of the toner cartridge 100 and the developer shutter 250 of the developer unit 200 during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming apparatus 20, with the developer unit 200 in its final installation position in the image forming apparatus 20. The direction in which the toner cartridge 100 is inserted into the image forming apparatus 20 is indicated by Figures 7A-7E As indicated by arrow A in FIG. 1 . As described above, the toner cartridge 100 is inserted into the image forming device 20 generally along the longitudinal dimension 114 of the toner cartridge 100, with the front end 107 of the body 104 at the front and the rear end 108 of the body 104 at the rear. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide posts 164 of the toner cartridge 100 ride along corresponding guide tracks 90 in the image forming device 20 to assist in inserting the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20. In the illustrated example embodiment, the guide posts 166 of the toner cartridge 100 also ride along corresponding guide tracks (not shown) in the image forming device 20 to assist in inserting the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20. Note that for ease of description, the description Figures 7A-7E The operation has been described as using only the spring 176 acting on the cartridge shutter 150 and the spring 263 acting on the developing shutter 250 .

[0052] Figure 7A The toner cartridge 100 is shown during insertion into the image forming device 20, wherein the cartridge shutter 150 of the toner cartridge 100 approaches the developer shutter 250 of the developer unit 200 as the toner cartridge 100 moves in the insertion direction A. Due to the bias applied by springs 176 and 263, respectively, the cartridge shutter 150 and the developer shutter 250 are in their respective closed positions. When the cartridge shutter 150 is in the closed position, the outlet port 122 of the toner cartridge 100 and the window 159 of the cartridge shutter 150 are misaligned along the vertical dimension 112. When the developer shutter 250 is in the closed position, the inlet port 222 of the developer unit 200 and the window 259 of the developer shutter 250 are misaligned along the vertical dimension 112.

[0053] Figure 7B Shown from Figure 7AThe position shown is with the toner cartridge 100 advanced forward in the insertion direction A of the toner cartridge 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide post 164 moves the raised section 92 of the guide rail 90 upward, causing the front end 107 of the toner cartridge 100 to move upward relative to the developer unit 200, thereby allowing the extension 180 of the cartridge shutter 150 to lift away from the developer shutter 250. As the guide post 164 travels along the raised section 92 of the guide rail 90, the extension 180 of the cartridge shutter 150 moves forward in the insertion direction A above the developer shutter 250, away from the seal 261, to avoid damage to the seal 261, which could result in toner leakage or the inability of toner to flow through the opening 262 of the seal 261.

[0054] When the toner cartridge 100 Figure 7B When the position shown in FIG. 1 is further advanced along the insertion direction A of the toner cartridge 100, as shown in FIG. Figure 7C As shown, the extension 180 of the cartridge shutter 150 moves past the seal 261 of the developer shutter 250. The guide post 164 moves the raised section 92 of the guide rail 90 downward, causing the front end 107 of the toner cartridge 100 to move downward, thereby allowing the base 152 of the cartridge shutter 150 to contact the seal 261 of the developer shutter 250. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the front surface 175 of the protrusion 174 of the cartridge shutter 150 contacts the actuation tab 270 of the developer shutter 250. In the illustrated position, the window 159 of the cartridge shutter 150 is aligned with the window 259 of the developer shutter 250 along the vertical dimension 112, while the cartridge shutter 150 and the developer shutter 250 remain in their respective closed positions. In this embodiment, before the developer shutter 250 moves from the closed position to the open position, the seal 261 of the developer shutter 250 contacts the base 152 of the cartridge shutter 150 in an area surrounding the window 159 of the cartridge shutter 150 to seal the interface between the cartridge shutter 150 and the developer shutter 250 before the shutters 150, 250 are opened to help contain toner transferred from the outlet port 122 of the toner cartridge 100 to the inlet port 222 of the developer unit 200 and reduce toner leakage.

[0055] Figure 7D The toner cartridge 100 is shown as being inserted from the center of the image forming apparatus 20 just before the toner cartridge 100 reaches its final installation position. Figure 7C When the toner cartridge 100 is moved from Figure 7CWhen the cartridge shutter 150 is pushed to the position shown, the front surface 175 of the protrusion 174 of the cartridge shutter 150 contacts the actuating tab 270 of the developer shutter 250, and the force applied to the developer shutter 250 by the protrusion 174 of the cartridge shutter 150 overcomes the bias applied to the developer shutter 250 by the spring 263, thereby allowing the protrusion 174 of the cartridge shutter 150 to push the developer shutter 250 toward the open position of the developer shutter 250. When the protrusion 174 of the cartridge shutter 150 has pushed the developer shutter 250 to its open position, the window 159 of the cartridge shutter 150 and the window 259 of the developer shutter 250 are aligned with the inlet port 222 of the developer unit 200. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, when the developer shutter 250 reaches the open position, the extension 180 of the cartridge shutter 150 begins to contact the engagement surface 95 in the image forming device 20.

[0056] In one embodiment, the respective biasing forces urging the cartridge shutter 150 and the developer shutter 250 toward their closed positions are selected so that, during insertion of the toner cartridge 100 into the image forming device 20, when the protrusion 174 of the cartridge shutter 150 pushes open the developer shutter 250, the biasing force on the cartridge shutter 150 prevents the reaction force applied by the actuation tab 270 to the protrusion 174 of the cartridge shutter 150 from moving the cartridge shutter 150 to a position where it does not block the outlet port 122 of the toner cartridge 100. In one embodiment, the extension springs 176, 177 acting on the cartridge shutter 150 may have a combined spring force that maintains the cartridge shutter 150 in its closed position and / or prevents the cartridge shutter 150 from unblocking the outlet port 122 when the cartridge shutter 150 pushes open the developer shutter 250. For example, the combined spring force of the tension springs 176 and 177 that bias the box shutter 150 toward its closed position can be greater than the combined spring force of the tension springs 263 and 264 that bias the developer shutter 250 toward its closed position, so as to allow the box shutter 150 to resist the biasing force of the tension springs 263 and 264 of the developer shutter 250 and move the developer shutter 250 in the rear-to-front direction 217 (insertion direction A) so as not to block the inlet port 222 of the developer unit 200, without causing the box shutter 150 to resist the biasing force of the tension springs 176 and 177 of the box shutter 150 and move relative to the toner cartridge 100 in the front-to-rear direction 115a so as not to block the outlet port 122 of the toner cartridge 100.

[0057] Figure 7E The toner cartridge 100 is shown in its final installed position in the image forming apparatus 20. Figure 7DThe position shown is advanced in the insertion direction A of the toner cartridge 100. As the toner cartridge 100 advances in the insertion direction A, the extension 180 of the cartridge shutter 150 contacts the engagement surface 95 in the image forming device 20, and the force applied to the extension 180 of the cartridge shutter 150 by the engagement surface 95 overcomes the bias applied to the cartridge shutter 150 by the springs 176, 177, thereby allowing the engagement surface 95 to hold the cartridge shutter 150 in place (i.e., stationary relative to the developer unit 200) against the biasing force of the springs 176, 177 as the toner cartridge 100 moves toward its final installed position. In this manner, the developer shutter 250 is held in its open position by the cartridge shutter 150, which, while stationary relative to the image forming device 20, moves relative to the body 104 of the toner cartridge 100 toward its open position as the toner cartridge 100 moves in the insertion direction A toward the final position of the toner cartridge 100 in the image forming device 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement surface 95 forms part of a basket or tray that holds the developer unit 200 in the image forming device 20. In other embodiments, any internal feature or datum in the image forming device 20 may contact the extension 180 of the cartridge shutter 150 to hold the cartridge shutter 150 in place as the toner cartridge 100 moves toward its final installed position in the image forming device 20. In other embodiments, the developer shutter 250 contacts a stop when it reaches the open position of the developer shutter 250, and the contact between the front surface 175 of the protrusion 174 of the cartridge shutter 150 and the actuating tab 270 of the developer shutter 250 holds the cartridge shutter 150 in place while the toner cartridge 100 moves toward its final installed position in the image forming device 20.

[0058] In the example embodiment shown, when the toner cartridge 100 is fully inserted into the image forming device 20, in its final installed position in the image forming device 20, the contact between the engagement surface 95 in the image forming device 20 and the extension 180 of the cartridge shutter 150 of the toner cartridge 100 holds the cartridge shutter 150 in the open position, which in turn holds the developer shutter 250 in the open position due to the contact between the front surface 175 of the protrusion 174 of the cartridge shutter 150 and the actuating tab 270 of the developer shutter 250. In this embodiment, when the toner cartridge 100 is in its final installed position in the image forming device 20, the latch in the image forming device 20 restrains 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, overcoming the spring forces from the springs 176, 177 on the toner cartridge 100 and the reaction force applied to the protrusion 174 of the cartridge shutter 150 by the actuating tab 270 of the developer shutter 250, and preventing these forces from pushing the toner cartridge 100 out of the image forming device 20. When the cartridge shutter 150 and the developer shutter 250 are in their respective open positions, the outlet port 122 and the window 159 of the cartridge shutter 150 of the toner cartridge 100 are aligned with the inlet port 222 and the window 259 of the developer shutter 250 of the developer unit 200.

[0059] When the toner cartridge 100 is removed from the image forming apparatus 20, the above order is reversed. Figure 7E Move to the position shown Figure 7D 176, 177, the biasing force applied by the springs 176, 177 returns the cartridge shutter 150 of the toner cartridge 100 to the closed position, and when the toner cartridge 100 is opened from the Figure 7D Move to the position shown Figure 7C When the developer shutter 250 is in the position shown, the biasing force applied by the springs 263, 264 returns the developer shutter 250 to the closed position.

[0060] The above-described exemplary embodiment illustrates the protrusion 174 that pushes open the developer shutter 250 that protrudes away from the cartridge shutter 150. In other embodiments, the body 104 of the toner cartridge 100 may include an engagement surface on the body 104, for example, protruding downward at the bottom 106 of the body 104 and adjacent to the front end 107 of the body 104, for contacting and pushing open the developer shutter 250 in the direction A in which the toner cartridge 100 is inserted into the image forming device 20.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 with a developer unit of 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 located between a front portion and a rear portion of the main body, the front portion of the main body being forward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming apparatus, and the rear portion of the main body being rearward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming apparatus, the main body having a reservoir for holding toner; an outlet port located on a bottom portion of the body adjacent the front portion of the body for discharging toner from the toner container; and an engaging surface located at the bottom of the main body and adjacent to the front of the main body for contacting and pushing a developing shutter that opens an inlet port of the developing unit in a direction in which the toner container is inserted into the image forming device during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device.

2. The toner container according to claim 1, further comprising a toner container shutter movable between a closed position blocking the outlet port and an open position not blocking the outlet port, wherein the toner container shutter includes the engagement surface.

3. The toner container according to claim 2, wherein The engaging surface protrudes downward from a bottom surface of the toner-container shutter.

4. The toner container according to claim 2, wherein The toner container shutter is spring biased toward the closed position and the front of the main body, wherein, when the toner container shutter is in the closed position, the outlet port is positioned closer to the front of the main body than the engagement surface is closer to the front of the main body.

5. The toner container according to claim 1, wherein The outlet port is positioned closer to the front of the body than the engagement surface is to the front of the body.

6. A toner container for use with a developer unit of 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 located between a first longitudinal end portion and a second longitudinal end portion of the main body, the first longitudinal end portion of the main body being forward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming apparatus, and the second longitudinal end portion of the main body being rearward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming apparatus, the main body having a reservoir for holding toner; an outlet port on the bottom of the body and adjacent the first longitudinal end of the body for discharging toner from the toner container; 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 coupling member projecting downward at the bottom of the main body and adjacent to the first longitudinal end of the main body, the front surface of the coupling member facing the first longitudinal end of the main body being unobstructed so as to contact and push open the developing shutter of the inlet port of the developing unit in a direction from the second longitudinal end of the main body toward the first longitudinal end of the main body during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device.

7. The toner container according to claim 6, further comprising a toner container shutter movable between a closed position blocking the outlet port and an open position not blocking the outlet port, wherein the toner container shutter includes the engaging member.

8. The toner container according to claim 7, wherein The engaging member protrudes downward away from a bottom surface of the toner-container shutter.

9. The toner container according to claim 7, wherein The toner container shutter is capable of translating between the closed position and the open position and is spring biased toward the closed position and the first longitudinal end of the main body, wherein when the toner container shutter is in the closed position, the outlet port is positioned closer to the first longitudinal end of the main body than the front surface of the engaging member is closer to the first longitudinal end of the main body.

10. The toner container according to claim 7, further comprising an extension portion, which protrudes from the toner container shutter in a direction from the second longitudinal end of the main body toward the first longitudinal end of the main body and is unobstructed at the first longitudinal end of the main body, for contacting a corresponding surface in the image forming device during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device and receiving an actuation force from the corresponding surface in the image forming device to move the toner container shutter from the closed position to the open position relative to the main body in a direction from the first longitudinal end of the main body toward the second longitudinal end of the main body during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device.

11. The toner container according to claim 10, wherein The extension portion has a free end that extends farther than the first longitudinal end of the main body in a direction from the second longitudinal end of the main body toward the first longitudinal end of the main body when the toner container shutter is in the closed position to contact the corresponding surface in the image forming device.

12. The toner container according to claim 6, wherein The outlet port is positioned closer to the first longitudinal end of the body than the front surface of the engagement member is closer to the first longitudinal end of the body.

13. A toner container for use with a developer unit of an image forming apparatus, comprising: a main body having a reservoir for storing toner; an outlet port for discharging toner from the toner container; a first shutter, the first shutter being located at the outlet port, the first shutter being movable between a closed position blocking the outlet port and an open position not blocking the outlet port; and a protrusion that extends downwardly away from the first shutter, the protrusion being movable together with the shutter and positioned to contact and push the second shutter that opens the inlet port of the developing unit in an insertion direction of the toner container into the image forming device during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device.

14. The toner container according to claim 13, wherein When the first shutter is in the closed position, the protrusion is positioned closer to the outlet port than when the first shutter is in the open position.

15. The toner container according to claim 13, wherein The first shutter is translatable between the closed position and the open position.

16. A toner container for use with a developer unit of an image forming apparatus, comprising: an elongated body extending along a longitudinal dimension between a front portion and a rear portion of the body, the body having a reservoir for storing toner; an outlet port located on a bottom portion of the body adjacent the front portion of the body for discharging toner from the reservoir; a first shutter located at the outlet port, the first shutter being translatable along the longitudinal dimension between a closed position blocking the outlet port and an open position not blocking the outlet port, the first shutter having an engagement surface positioned to contact and urge a second shutter that opens the inlet port of the developing unit in a rear-to-front direction of the main body during insertion of the toner container into the image forming apparatus; and a biasing member that biases the first shutter toward the closed position in the rear-to-front direction of the main body, the biasing member having a biasing force that prevents the first shutter from not blocking the outlet port when the engaging surface of the first shutter receives a reaction force in the front-to-rear direction of the main body due to contact with the second shutter as the engaging surface pushes the second shutter open in the rear-to-front direction during insertion of the toner container into the image forming apparatus.

17. The toner container according to claim 16, wherein The engaging surface protrudes downward from a bottom surface of the first shutter.

18. The toner container according to claim 16, wherein When the first shutter is in the closed position, the outlet port is positioned closer to the front of the body than the engagement surface is to the front of the body.

19. A toner container for use in an image forming apparatus, comprising: an elongated body extending along a longitudinal dimension of the body between a front portion and a rear portion of the body, the front portion of the body being forward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device and the rear portion of the body being rearward during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device, the body having a reservoir for storing toner; an outlet port for discharging toner from the reservoir; a shutter located at the outlet port, the shutter being capable of translating between a closed position blocking the outlet port and an open position not blocking the outlet port; as well as an extension projecting from the shutter toward the front of the main body along the longitudinal dimension and unobstructed at the front of the main body for contacting a corresponding surface in the image forming device during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device and receiving an actuating force from the corresponding surface in the image forming device to move the shutter from the closed position to the open position in a front-to-rear direction of the main body along the longitudinal dimension relative to the main body during insertion of the toner container into the image forming device.

20. The toner container according to claim 19, wherein The extending portion has a free end that extends further than a front portion of the main body in a rear-to-front direction of the main body when the shutter is in the closed position to contact the corresponding surface in the image forming device.

21. The toner container according to claim 19 further includes a drive connector on the front portion of the main body for cooperating with a corresponding drive connector in the image forming device to receive rotational motion from the corresponding drive connector in the image forming device when the toner container is installed in the image forming device, wherein the extension has a free end, and when the shutter is in the closed position to contact the corresponding surface in the image forming device, the free end extends further in the rear-to-front direction of the main body than the drive connector.

22. The toner container according to claim 19, wherein The shutter of the toner container includes an engagement surface positioned to contact and push open a developing shutter of an inlet port of a developing unit in a rear-to-front direction of the main body during insertion of the toner container into the image forming apparatus.

23. The toner container according to claim 22, wherein The engaging surface protrudes downward from a bottom surface of the shutter of the toner container.

24. The toner container according to claim 22, wherein When the shutter of the toner container is in the closed position, the outlet port is positioned closer to the front of the main body than the engagement surface is positioned closer to the front of the main body.

Images