Cartridge

Abstract

The present application relates to a cartridge comprising: an air chamber separated from a developer storage chamber by a filter allowing air to pass through and preventing developer from passing through, and provided with an intake port for sucking air from the outside, the air chamber being aligned with the developer storage chamber in a first direction; a first cover portion configured to be movable between a closed position in which a discharge port of the developer provided in the developer storage chamber is closed by the first cover portion and an open position in which the discharge port is opened by the first cover portion; and a second cover portion at which the intake port is closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cartridge for storing developer and an image forming apparatus including the cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses form images by transferring a toner image (developer image) formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum onto a transfer material that serves as a transfer medium. Toner (developer) supply methods, for example, processing cartridge systems or toner supply systems, are known. A processing cartridge system is a system in which the photosensitive drum and developer container are integrated into a processing cartridge, and this processing cartridge is replaced with a new processing cartridge when the developer is depleted. On the other hand, a toner supply system is a system that supplies new toner to the developer container when the toner is used up. Conventionally, image forming apparatuses that use toner packets detachable from the developer container to supply toner to the developer container have been proposed (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-154300). Furthermore, image forming apparatuses that include a developing apparatus for storing toner, a toner container for storing toner to be supplied to the developing apparatus, and an air pump for sending air to the toner container have been proposed (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-147884). The image forming apparatus is equipped with an air filter that allows only air from the toner container, delivered to the developing apparatus, to escape to the outside of the developing apparatus. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure relates to embodiments of providing a container for storing toners and an image forming apparatus including the container.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, the box disclosed herein includes the following features:

[0005] A developer storage chamber that stores developer and is provided with a discharge port for discharging the stored developer to the outside of the cartridge;

[0006] A filter that allows air to pass through while preventing developer from passing through;

[0007] An air chamber, separated from the developer storage chamber by the filter and provided with an air inlet for drawing in air from the outside, is aligned with the developer storage chamber in a first direction;

[0008] A first cover portion, the first cover portion being configured to move between a closed position where the discharge port is closed by the first cover portion and an open position where the discharge port is open by the first cover portion; and

[0009] The second cover portion closes the air intake port.

[0010] To address the aforementioned problems, the box disclosed herein includes the following features:

[0011] A developer storage chamber that stores developer and is provided with a discharge port for discharging the stored developer to the outside of the cartridge;

[0012] A filter that allows air to pass through while preventing developer from passing through;

[0013] An air chamber, separated from the developer storage chamber by the filter and provided with an air inlet for drawing in air from the outside, the air chamber being aligned with the developer storage chamber in a first direction; and

[0014] A first cover portion is configured to move between a first closed position where the discharge port is closed and a first open position where the discharge port is open.

[0015] The features of this disclosure will become clear from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the embodiments is given by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic overall view showing an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2A This is a perspective view showing the image forming device.

[0018] Figure 2B This is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus with its front door open.

[0019] Figure 2C This is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus with the toner cartridge removed.

[0020] Figure 3A This is a perspective view showing the image forming unit.

[0021] Figure 3B This is a perspective view showing the image forming unit, with the toner cartridge removed.

[0022] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the optical path of a laser beam emitted from a laser scanner.

[0023] Figure 5A This is a plan view of the laser scanner and image forming unit.

[0024] Figure 5B This is a plan view showing the image forming unit.

[0025] Figure 6A It shows along Figure 5B A sectional view of the cross section taken by line 6A-6A.

[0026] Figure 6B It is shown Figure 5B A sectional view of the 6B-6B cross section.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the laser scanner and image forming unit.

[0028] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing the image forming unit being pulled out from the device body.

[0029] Figure 9A This is a front view of the toner cartridge.

[0030] Figure 9B This is a top view of the toner box.

[0031] Figure 9C This is a bottom view showing the toner box.

[0032] Figure 9D This is a right-side view of the toner box.

[0033] Figure 9E This is a rear view of the toner box.

[0034] Figure 10A It shows along Figure 9B The front view of the cross section taken by line 10A-10A.

[0035] Figure 10B It shows along Figure 9B A perspective view of the cross section taken from line 10A-10A.

[0036] Figure 10C It shows along Figure 9B The exploded front view of the cross section taken from line 10A-10A.

[0037] Figure 10D It shows along Figure 9B An exploded perspective view of the cross section taken from line 10A-10A.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a magnified view of the joint between the first frame and the second frame.

[0039] Figure 12A It is shown along Figure 9E A schematic diagram of the air intake port and toner discharge port covered by a cap in a cross-sectional view taken from line 12A-12A.

[0040] Figure 12BIt is shown along Figure 9E A schematic diagram of the state in which the cover is retracted and the air intake port and toner discharge port are exposed in a cross-sectional view taken from line 12A-12A.

[0041] Figure 13A It is along Figure 5B The toner cartridge is shown in the sectional view taken from line 13A-13A, in the state of being removed from the cartridge holder.

[0042] Figure 13B While the toner cartridge is installed in the cartridge holder, along Figure 5B A partial sectional view taken from line 13A-13A in the diagram.

[0043] Figure 14A This is a perspective view of an integrated configuration including a cover for an air inlet port for the toner cartridge and a cover for a toner outlet port, according to another embodiment.

[0044] Figure 14B In another embodiment, along Figure 5B A partial sectional view of the portion corresponding to the cross section cut by line 13A-13A, and a sectional view with the toner cartridge removed from the cartridge holder.

[0045] Figure 14C In another embodiment, along Figure 5B A partial sectional view of the portion corresponding to the cross section cut by line 13A-13A, and a sectional view with the toner cartridge installed in the cartridge holder.

[0046] Figure 15A In another embodiment, along Figure 5B A partial sectional view of the portion corresponding to the cross section cut by line 13A-13A, and a sectional view with the air intake port cover installed in the toner cartridge.

[0047] Figure 15B In another embodiment, along Figure 5B A partial sectional view of the portion corresponding to the cross section cut by line 13A-13A, and a sectional view with the air intake port cover removed from the toner cartridge.

[0048] Figure 15C In another embodiment, along Figure 5B A partial sectional view of the portion corresponding to the cross section cut by line 13A-13A, and a sectional view of the toner cartridge removed from the cartridge holder with the air intake port cover removed.

[0049] Figure 15D In another embodiment, along Figure 5BA partial sectional view of the portion corresponding to the cross section cut by line 13A-13A, and a sectional view with the toner cartridge installed in the cartridge holder.

[0050] Figure 16A In another embodiment, along Figure 5B A partial sectional view of the portion corresponding to the cross section cut by line 13A-13A, and a sectional view in the state where the toner cartridge is initially installed into the cartridge holder.

[0051] Figure 16B In another embodiment, along Figure 5B A partial sectional view of the portion corresponding to the cross section cut by line 13A-13A, and a sectional view with the toner cartridge fully installed in the cartridge holder.

[0052] Figure 16C In another embodiment, along Figure 5B The partial sectional view taken from line 16A-16A is a sectional view with the toner cartridge fully installed in the cartridge holder. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The manner in which this disclosure is implemented will now be described in detail based on examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc., of the components described in the various embodiments can be appropriately modified according to the configuration of the device to which this disclosure is applied and various conditions. In other words, the scope of this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are essential to this disclosure, and these multiple features can be combined with each other in any way. Additionally, in the drawings, the same reference numerals will be assigned to the same or similar components, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0054] First Embodiment

[0055] Overall Configuration

[0056] First, a first embodiment of this disclosure will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is an electrophotographic laser beam printer. It should be noted that an image forming apparatus includes printers, copiers, fax machines, and multifunction peripheral devices, and refers to a device that forms an image on a sheet (recording material) used as a recording medium based on image information input from an external PC or image information read from an original document. In addition to the main body having image forming functions, the image forming apparatus can also be connected to peripheral devices, such as optional feeders, image reading devices, and sheet handling devices, and the entire system having such peripheral devices is also an image forming apparatus.

[0057] Figure 1This is a general schematic diagram showing the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the assembly includes an image forming section 40 for forming images on a sheet S, a feed unit 18, a fixing unit 21, and an exit roller pair 22. The image forming section 40 includes four processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK for forming toner images of four colors: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively, and a laser scanner LB. The laser scanner LB is positioned above the processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. An LED exposure unit can be used instead of the laser scanner LB.

[0058] The portion of the image forming apparatus 1, excluding the processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, and the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K described later, may be referred to as the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 or the apparatus body 72. It should be noted that in the following description, the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K may be simply referred to as cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K. The processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK can be detachably supported on the apparatus body 72, or can be non-detachably fixed to the apparatus body 72.

[0059] In this embodiment, the portions corresponding to the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners are marked with the symbols P, Y, M, C, and K. Apart from the color of the toner, the portions marked with these symbols are essentially the same in terms of configuration and operation. Therefore, unless it is necessary to distinguish them, the following description can be carried out collectively by omitting the symbols Y to K.

[0060] In the following description, unless otherwise stated, it is assumed that the processing boxes PY, PM, PC and PK and the toner boxes 430Y, 430M, 430C and 430K are in their normal orientation, that is, the orientation when attached to the main body of the device 72, and the orientations (X, Y, Z) are defined as follows.

[0061] like Figure 2A As shown, the front-to-back direction is indicated by the X-axis, and the direction from back to front of the image forming apparatus 1 is defined as the X-direction. The X-direction can also be referred to as the forward direction or the forward-looking direction. Furthermore, the downstream side of the image forming apparatus 1 along the X-direction can be referred to as the front side, and the upstream side can be referred to as the rear side.

[0062] The left-right direction is indicated by the Y-axis, and the direction from the left to the right of the image forming apparatus 1 is defined as the Y-direction. The Y-direction can also be referred to as the rightward direction. Furthermore, the downstream side of the image forming apparatus 1 along the Y-direction can be referred to as the right side, and the upstream side can be referred to as the left side.

[0063] The vertical direction is indicated by the Z-axis, and the direction from the bottom to the top of the image forming apparatus 1 is defined as the Z-direction. The Z-direction can also be referred to as the upward direction, the height direction, or the vertical direction. Furthermore, the downstream side of the image forming apparatus 1 along the Z-direction can be referred to as the upper side, the top surface side, or the ceiling side, and the upstream side can be referred to as the lower side, the bottom surface side, or the floor side.

[0064] The X, Y, and Z axes are perpendicular to each other. For example, the X-axis is perpendicular to the Y-axis and also perpendicular to the Z-axis. A plane perpendicular to the X-axis can be called the YZ plane, a plane perpendicular to the Y-axis can be called the ZX plane, and a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis can be called the XY plane. For example, the XY plane is a horizontal plane. The X and Y directions are along the horizontal XY plane, that is, the horizontal direction.

[0065] The processing cartridge PY includes a drum unit 8Y and a developing unit 9Y. The drum unit 8Y includes a photosensitive drum 4Y and a charging roller 5Y. The photosensitive drum 4Y is formed by applying an organic photoconductive layer to the outer periphery of an aluminum cylinder and is rotated by a drive motor (not shown). A photosensitive belt can be used instead of the photosensitive drum 4Y. The developing unit 9Y includes a developer container 3M storing yellow toner and a developing roller 6Y for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4Y.

[0066] Similarly, the processing cartridge PM includes a drum unit 8M and a developing unit 9M. The drum unit 8M includes a photosensitive drum 4M and a charging roller 5M. The photosensitive drum 4M is formed by applying an organic photoconductive layer to the outer periphery of an aluminum cylinder and is rotated by a drive motor (not shown). A photosensitive belt can be used instead of the photosensitive drum 4M. The developing unit 9M includes a developer container 3M storing magenta toner and a developing roller 6M that develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4M.

[0067] The processing cartridge PC also includes a drum unit 8C and a developing unit 9C. The drum unit 8C includes a photosensitive drum 4C and a charging roller 5C. The photosensitive drum 4C is formed by applying an organic photoconductive layer to the outer periphery of an aluminum cylinder and is rotated by a drive motor (not shown). A photosensitive belt can be used instead of the photosensitive drum 4C. The developing unit 9C includes a developer container 3M for storing cyan toner and a developing roller 6C for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4C.

[0068] The processing cartridge PK includes a drum unit 8K and a developing unit 9K. The drum unit 8K includes a photosensitive drum 4K and a charging roller 5K. The photosensitive drum 4K is constructed by applying an organic photoconductive layer to the outer periphery of an aluminum cylinder and is rotated by a drive motor (not shown). A photosensitive belt can be used instead of the photosensitive drum 4K. The developing unit 9K includes a developer container 3M for storing black toner and a developing roller 6K for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4K.

[0069] The four processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are arranged side-by-side along the X direction. Furthermore, the image forming section 40 is provided with an intermediate transfer belt unit 11, which is positioned below the processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. The intermediate transfer belt unit 11 includes an intermediate transfer belt 12 stretched around the drive roller 14, tension roller 13, and auxiliary roller 15, as well as a secondary transfer roller 17. The intermediate transfer belt 12 is driven by the drive roller 14 along... Figure 1 The transfer belt rotates clockwise. Inside the intermediate transfer belt 12, primary transfer rollers 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K are provided.

[0070] Primary transfer rollers 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K contact photosensitive drums 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K, respectively, thereby forming primary transfer portions 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K. Secondary transfer roller 17 is arranged opposite to drive roller 14 via intermediate transfer belt 12. Secondary transfer roller 17 contacts intermediate transfer belt 12, thereby forming secondary transfer portion 31.

[0071] The fixing unit 21 includes a fixing film 21a heated by a heater and a pressure roller 21b pressed against the fixing film 21a. The feed unit 18 is located in the lower portion of the image forming apparatus 1. The feed unit 18 includes a feed cassette 19 that can be pulled out from and mounted onto the apparatus body 72, and a feed roller 20 that feeds the sheet S stored in the feed cassette 19. The feed unit 18 has a manual feed port 330 for manually inserting the sheet. Here, "sheet" includes paper such as ordinary sheets and envelopes, plastic film such as overhead projector (OHP) sheets, and fabrics.

[0072] Image forming operations

[0073] Next, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 configured as described above will be explained. When an image signal is input to the laser scanner LB from a computer (not shown) or the like, the laser scanner LB emits laser beams LY, LM, LC and LK corresponding to the image signal onto the photosensitive drums 4Y, 4M, 4C and 4K, respectively.

[0074] At this point, the surface of the photosensitive drum 4Y has been pre-charged uniformly to a predetermined polarity and potential by the charging roller 5Y, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface when a laser beam LY is emitted from the laser scanner LB. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 4Y is developed by the developing roller 6Y, thereby forming a yellow (Y) toner image on the photosensitive drum 4Y.

[0075] Similarly, magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images are formed on photosensitive drums 4M, 4C, and 4K, respectively. The toner image of each color formed on the respective photosensitive drum is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 12 by primary transfer rollers 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K, and then conveyed to the secondary transfer roller 17 by the intermediate transfer belt 12 rotated by drive roller 14.

[0076] The image formation process for each color is performed at the time point in which the toner image is superimposed on the upstream toner image transferred once onto the intermediate transfer belt 12. After the toner image for each color is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 12, the toner remaining on the surface of each photosensitive drum is removed by a cleaning device (not shown).

[0077] In parallel with the image formation process, the sheet S stored in the feed cassette 19 of the feed unit 18 or supplied from the manual feed port 330 is conveyed toward the secondary transfer section 31. In the secondary transfer section 31, the full-tone toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12 is transferred onto the sheet S by a secondary transfer bias applied to the secondary transfer roller 17. The sheet S, which has been transferred with the toner image, is subjected to predetermined heat and pressure from the fixing film 21a and pressure roller 21b of the fixing unit 21, thereby melting and fixing (fusing) the toner. The sheet S, which has passed through the fixing unit 21, is discharged by the discharge roller pair 22 in the X direction and stacked on the discharge tray 23 provided in the upper part of the equipment body 72.

[0078] Overall configuration of the toner box

[0079] Next, refer to Figures 2A to 2C The illustration will describe the configurations of toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K. Figure 2A This is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 2B This is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus 1 with its front door 72b open, and Figure 2C This is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the toner cartridge 430M has been removed.

[0080] like Figure 2A As shown, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a front door 72b, which is supported relative to the housing of the apparatus body 72 in an openable and closable manner. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the front door 72b is in the closed position to cover the opening 72a located at the front portion of the device body 72 (i.e., at the downstream end along the X direction). Figure 2B As shown, the front door 72b is in the open position, opening the opening 72a of the main body 72. The front door 72b can maintain its open position.

[0081] like Figure 2B As shown, when the current door 72b is opened from the closed position to the open position, toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through openings 72a. Therefore, the user can access toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K. Toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K can supply toner to developer containers 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K, which are developer storage sections of processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK.

[0082] Toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are arranged on the downstream side of the equipment body 72 along the X direction and the downstream side along the Z direction, that is, on the front and upper sides of the equipment body 72. In other words, toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are arranged on the downstream side of the equipment body 72 along the sheet discharge direction of the discharge roller pair 22. Furthermore, toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are arranged side by side along the Y direction. That is, the X direction of the arrangement of processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK intersects with the Y direction of the arrangement of toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K.

[0083] like Figure 2C As shown, toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are detachably supported in the X direction by cartridge retainers 429 (mounting portions) provided in the device body 72. Therefore, toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K can be replaced without removing processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK from the device body 72. Since toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are arranged on the front side of the device body 72 and exposed when the front door 72b is open, they can be easily replaced.

[0084] The cartridge holder 429 is arranged on the front side of the device body 72 and downstream of the processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK in the X direction. Therefore, even when the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are removed from the cartridge holder 429, the processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are covered by the cartridge holder 429. Thus, even in this case, the processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are not exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through the opening 72a. When the front door 72b is in the closed position, the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are housed inside the device body 72.

[0085] In addition, such as Figure 2AAs shown, indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K are disposed on the front surface 72c of the device body 72. These indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K are used to clearly indicate to the user the color of the toner stored in the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K. Indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K are configured with LEDs, seals, etc., and for example, indicator 208Y is composed of an LED that emits yellow light or flashes yellow light, or is composed of a seal painted yellow. Indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K may also be provided with a function to display the remaining toner dosage stored in the corresponding processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK.

[0086] In this embodiment, indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K are disposed on the front surface 72c of the device body 72 and are not covered by the front door 72b in the closed position. That is, regardless of the position of the front door 72b, indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K are exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1. However, for example, indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K may be arranged to be covered by the front door 72b in the closed position and exposed to the outside when the front door 72b is open.

[0087] Image forming unit

[0088] Next, refer to Figure 3A and Figures 3B to 8 The image forming unit 500, which includes a toner delivery mechanism, is described to deliver toner from toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K to processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. Figure 3A This is a perspective view showing the image forming unit 500, and Figure 3B This is a perspective view showing the image forming unit 500 in a state where the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K have been removed.

[0089] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the optical paths LY1, LM1, LC1, and LK1 of the laser beams LY, LM, LC, and LK emitted from the laser scanner LB. Figure 4 , Figure 5B and Figure 7 In this paper, for convenience, optical paths LY1, LM1, LC1 and LK1 are visualized. Figure 5A This is a plan view showing the laser scanner LB and the image forming unit 500, and Figure 5B This is a plan view showing the image forming unit 500.

[0090] Figure 6A It shows along Figure 5B A sectional view of the cross-section taken by line 6A-6A, and Figure 6B It shows along Figure 5B A sectional view of the cross section taken by line 6B-6B. Figure 7 It shows along Figure 5A A sectional view of the cross section taken by line 7A-7A. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the image forming unit 500 being pulled out of the device body 72.

[0091] like Figure 3A and Figure 4 As shown, the image forming unit 500 includes processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK; toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K; a cartridge holder 429; and pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K. Pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K are arranged below the cartridge holder 429 and side-by-side along the Y direction. Pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K are positive displacement pumps, such as reciprocating pumps or rotary pumps, but are not limited thereto. For example, pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K can be non-positive displacement pumps, such as centrifugal pumps, propeller pumps, or viscous pumps.

[0092] A reciprocating pump is a pump that uses the reciprocating motion of a piston or plunger to draw in and discharge water, and includes piston pumps, plunger pumps, and diaphragm pumps. A rotary pump is a pump that uses rotating gears or rotors to draw in and discharge water, and includes gear pumps, screw pumps, and vane pumps. The four pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K can be configured as a single pump unit, or as two or three pump units. In this embodiment, pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K are disposed in the device body 72, but they can also be disposed in toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K, respectively.

[0093] Pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C and 80K have discharge ports 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca and 80Ka for discharging air, and these discharge ports 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca and 80Ka open in the upward direction (that is, the Z direction).

[0094] The bottom surface of the box retainer 429 is provided with openings facing the discharge ports 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca and 80Ka respectively, as shown below. Figure 3BThe diagram shows discharge port covers 429Ya1, 429Ma1, 429Ca1, and 429Ka1 covering discharge ports 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca, and 80Ka, as well as discharge port seals 429Ya2, 429Ma2, 429Ca2, and 429Ka2. On the upper surface of the box holder 429, there are holder discharge ports 429Yb3, 429Ma3, 429Ca3, and 429Ka3 that open in the Z direction, holder discharge port covers 429Yb1, 429Mb1, 429Cb1, and 429Kb1 covering the holder discharge ports, and holder discharge port seals 429Yb2, 429Mb2, 429Cb2, and 429Kb2. Furthermore, the box holder 429 is provided with dividing portions 429ym, 429mc, and 429ck separating the individual boxes.

[0095] With toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K installed in cartridge holder 429, air discharged from outlet ports 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca, and 80Ka is supplied to the interior of toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K. Toner discharged from toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K, along with air, is received by supply pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K via the holder outlet ports 429Yb3, 429Ma3, 429Ca3, and 429Ka3 of cartridge holder 429.

[0096] The supply tubes 444Y, 444M, 444C and 444K include upstream ends 444Yu, 444Mu, 444Cu and 444Ku connected to the respective discharge ports 429Ya, 429Ma, 429Ca and 429Ka, and downstream ends 444Yd, 444Md, 444Cd and 444Kd connected to the respective developer containers 3Y, 3M, 3C and 3K.

[0097] Toner discharged from toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K, along with air, is supplied to developer containers 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K via supply tubes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K.

[0098] The downstream ends 444Yd and 444Md of supply tubes 444Y and 444M are connected to the upstream ends (left ends) of developer containers 3Y and 3M along the Y direction, respectively. The downstream ends 444Cd and 444Kd of supply tubes 444C and 444K are connected to the downstream ends (right ends) of developer containers 3C and 3K along the Y direction, respectively. By distributing supply tubes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K to the left and right sides of developer containers 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K in this way, the lengths of supply tubes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K can be reduced. Therefore, pressure loss in supply tubes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K can be reduced, and the image forming unit 500 can be made more compact.

[0099] Next, the arrangement of the toner cartridge 430Y will be described. For example... Figure 6B As shown, the toner cartridge 430Y and processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are arranged to overlap with the virtual line VL1 extending along the X direction. That is, as... Figure 1 and Figure 6B As shown, toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are arranged side-by-side with processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK along the X direction. In other words, when viewed along the X direction, at least a portion of toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are arranged to overlap with processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK along the Z direction. Therefore, the image forming unit 500 can be made more compact along the Z direction (i.e., the vertical direction), and the image forming apparatus 1 can be made more compact.

[0100] In this embodiment, toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are arranged as described above, but the arrangement is not limited to this. That is, toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K can be arranged along the Z-direction above processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK.

[0101] Next, the arrangement of supply pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K will be described. For example... Figure 4 , Figure 5B and Figure 7 As shown, supply tubes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K are configured not to interfere with the aforementioned optical paths LY1, LM1, LC1, and LK1. Therefore, the image forming unit 500 and the image forming apparatus 1 can be made more compact. In particular, the image forming unit 500 can be made more compact along both the Y and Z directions.

[0102] Additionally, the image forming unit 500 may be configured such that the processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, as well as the supply tubes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K, can be easily accessed for maintenance or replacement of the processing cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, and the supply tubes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K. Therefore, in this embodiment, as... Figure 8 As shown, the image forming unit 500 is configured to be pulled out in the X direction relative to the device body 72 including the intermediate transfer belt unit 11. Therefore, the maintainability of the image forming unit 500 can be improved. It should be noted that the image forming unit 500 can also be configured such that it cannot be pulled out in the X direction relative to the device body 72.

[0103] Overall configuration of the toner box

[0104] Next, refer to Figures 9A to 9E to Figure 11 The illustration will be shown as a toner box 430Y. Figure 9A This shows a front view of the toner cartridge 430Y, and Figure 9B This is a top view showing the toner cartridge 430Y. Figure 9C This is a bottom view showing the toner cartridge 430Y. Figure 9D This is a side view showing the toner cartridge 430Y, and Figure 9E This is a rear view showing the toner cartridge 430Y. Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 10C They show the following along Figure 9B The cross section taken from line 10A-10A. Figure 10A The front view is shown. Figure 10B A perspective view is shown. Figure 10C The exploded front view is shown. Figure 10D This is an exploded perspective view showing the toner cartridge 430Y. Figure 11 Is Figure 10A The view Figure 11 A partial enlarged view of the joint between the first and second frames shown in the figure.

[0105] like Figure 3AAs shown, toner cartridge 430K has a width La along the Y direction, and the width La is greater than the corresponding width Lb1 of toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, and 430C. Therefore, the capacity for storing toner in toner cartridge 430K is greater than the capacity of each of toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, and 430C. Typically, black toner is consumed more than other colors, but as mentioned above, toner cartridge 430K can store more toner than the other toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, and 430C. Therefore, the replacement frequency among toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K can be balanced, and availability can be improved.

[0106] In this embodiment, the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K have equal lengths along the X direction, denoted as length W. The length W along the X direction is shorter than the widths La and Lb1 along the Y direction.

[0107] Except for their width along the Y direction, toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K have the same configuration. Therefore, only toner cartridge 430Y will be described below, and descriptions of toner cartridges 430M, 430C, and 430K will be omitted.

[0108] Furthermore, in the following description, unless otherwise stated, the orientations (X1, Y1, Z1) are defined as follows, assuming that the toner cartridge 430Y adopts the posture described below. Figures 9A to 9E to Figure 12A and Figure 12B As shown. In other words, assuming the orientation of the toner cartridge 430Y is such that the toner storage chamber 430Yc, filter 83Y, and air chamber 430Yd are relative to the gravitational direction G (opposite to the Z1 direction) as the first direction; see reference. Figure 10A This description assumes the toner cartridge 430Y is arranged in this order, with its short side direction (X1 direction) and long side direction (Y1 direction) parallel to the horizontal direction perpendicular to the gravity direction G. In this orientation, the direction opposite to the Z1 direction is the gravity direction, and the toner cartridge 430Y points in a predetermined direction in which the toner storage chamber 430Yc is located above the air chamber 430Yd. In this state, the short side direction of the toner cartridge 430Y is defined as the X1 direction, the long side direction as the Y1 direction, and the direction opposite to the gravity direction as the Z1 direction. That is, the first direction as the gravity direction G is the direction in which the second frame 430Yb and the first frame 430Ya are aligned. The second direction as the Y1 direction is the long side direction of the first frame 430Ya, which intersects the Z1 direction in a cross-section perpendicular to the Z1 direction. The third direction as the X1 direction is the short side direction of the first frame 430Ya, which intersects both the Z1 and Y1 directions.

[0109] The front-to-back direction of the toner cartridge 430Y is indicated by the X1 axis, and the direction of the toner cartridge 430Y from back to front is defined as the X1 direction. The X1 direction can also be referred to as the forward direction or the forward-looking direction. In addition, the downstream side of the toner cartridge 430Y along the X1 direction can be referred to as the front side, and the upstream side can be referred to as the rear side.

[0110] The left-right direction of the toner cartridge 430Y is indicated by the Y1 axis, and the left-to-right direction of the toner cartridge 430Y is defined as the Y1 direction. The Y1 direction can also be referred to as the rightward direction. Furthermore, the downstream side of the toner cartridge 430Y along the Y1 direction can be referred to as the right side, and the upstream side can be referred to as the left side.

[0111] The vertical direction of the toner cartridge 430Y is indicated by the Z1 axis, and the direction of the toner cartridge 430Y from bottom to top is defined as the Z1 direction. The Z1 direction can also be referred to as the upward direction, the height direction, or the vertical direction. In addition, the downstream side of the toner cartridge 430Y along the Z1 direction can be referred to as the upper side, the top surface side, or the ceiling side, and the upstream side can be referred to as the lower side, the bottom surface side, or the floor side.

[0112] The X1, Y1, and Z1 axes are perpendicular (or orthogonal) to each other. For example, the X1 axis is perpendicular to the Y1 axis and also perpendicular to the Z1 axis. The plane perpendicular to the X1 axis can be called the Y1Z1 plane, the plane perpendicular to the Y1 axis can be called the Z1X1 plane, and the plane perpendicular to the Z1 axis can be called the X1Y1 plane.

[0113] like Figures 9A to 9E and Figures 10A to 10DAs shown, the toner cartridge 430Y includes a first frame 430Ya, an exhaust port cover 430Ya1, an exhaust port seal 430Ya2, an exhaust pipe 85Y, a second frame 430Yb, an intake port cover 430Yb1, and a filter 83Y. The exhaust port cover 430Ya1 (first cover portion) is held by the first frame 430Ya to be movable along the X1 direction (second direction) between an exhaust port closed position (first closed position) where the exhaust port 430Ya4 is covered (closed) and an exhaust port open position (first open position) where the exhaust port 430Ya4 is exposed (open). The intake port cover 430Yb1 (second cover portion) is held by the second frame 430Yb to be movable along the X1 direction (second direction) between an intake port closed position (second closed position) where the intake port 430Yb4 is covered (closed) and an intake port open position (second open position) where the intake port 430Yb4 is exposed (open). In this embodiment, the first frame 430Ya, the second frame 430Yb, the exhaust port cover 430Ya1, and the intake port cover 430Yb1 are made of resin material, but may also be made of paper or the like. The exhaust port seal 430Ya2 is made of a flexible member such as sponge or elastomer. Although details will be described later, the filter 83Y is fixed in a state sandwiched between the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb.

[0114] like Figure 9A As shown, label 430Ys is affixed to the front surface 4300d of the toner cartridge 430Y. Label 430Ys is used to indicate the color of the toner stored in the toner cartridge 430Y. It should be noted that, except for... Figure 9A Label 430Ys is omitted from the accompanying drawings other than those shown. Label 430Ys may also display information on how to install the toner cartridge 430Y onto the cartridge holder 429, or other information about the toner cartridge 430Y. For example, label 430Ys may indicate the toner capacity of the toner cartridge 430Y, the toner's expiration date, storage instructions for the toner cartridge 430Y, or instructions for removing the aforementioned sealing member.

[0115] The internal space SPY of the toner cartridge 430Y is divided by the filter 83Y into a toner storage chamber 430Yc (developer storage chamber) and an air chamber 430Yd. Specifically, the toner storage chamber 430Yc is configured (defined) by the inner wall of the first frame 430Ya and the filter 83Y, and the air chamber 430Yd is configured (defined) by the inner wall of the second frame 430Yb and the filter 83Y. The air chamber 430Yd is located below the filter 83Y, and the toner storage chamber 430Yc is located above the filter 83Y.

[0116] Toner storage chamber 430Yc is configured to store toner T (see Figure 10A The toner T is supported by a filter 83Y in the direction of gravity within the toner storage chamber 430Yc. The air chamber 430Yd does not store toner T. The filter 83Y is made of a porous component, for example, composed of resin fibers. The pores of the filter 83Y have a size and density that allow air to pass through but restrict the passage of toner T. In other words, the filter 83Y is configured to allow air to pass through while preventing the passage of toner T.

[0117] like Figures 10A to 10D As shown, the upper surface 4300Yc of the first frame 430Ya is provided with a discharge port 430Ya4, through which the toner in the toner storage chamber 430Yc is discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge 430Y. The discharge port 430Ya4 is a container opening, including a through port that penetrates the upper surface 4300Yc of the first frame 430Ya along the Z1 direction (first direction). A discharge port cover 430Ya1 and a discharge port seal 430Ya2 are attached to the upper surface 4300Yc of the first frame 430Ya to cover the discharge port 430Ya4.

[0118] The bottom surface 4300Yb of the second frame 430Yb is provided with an air inlet port 430Yb4 serving as a container opening. This container opening includes a through port extending along the Z1 direction (first direction), and an air inlet port cover 430Yb1 is configured to cover the air inlet port 430Yb4. The exhaust port 430Ya4 and the air inlet port 430Yb4 communicate with the outside of the toner cartridge 430Y. The exhaust port 430Ya4 is located on one end surface of the toner cartridge 430Y along the Z1 direction (first direction), and the air inlet port 430Yb4 is located on the other end surface of the toner cartridge 430Y along the Z1 direction (first direction). The exhaust port 430Ya4 and the air inlet port 430Yb4 are arranged to have overlapping areas when viewed along the Z1 direction.

[0119] The exhaust port 430Ya4 and the intake port 430Yb4 can be located on the side surface other than the left and right surfaces of the toner cartridge 430Y. In other words, the exhaust port 430Ya4 and the intake port 430Yb4 can be located on the side surface of the toner cartridge 430Y other than the side surface facing the Y1 direction (third direction), where the Y1 direction is the direction in which toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are aligned. Therefore, the gaps Gym, Gmc, and Gck along the Y direction (Y1 direction) between the corresponding toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K can be reduced, such as... Figure 3AAs shown. Therefore, the width of toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C and 430K along the Y direction can be increased, and the capacity for storing toner in toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C and 430K can be increased.

[0120] Gap Gym is the gap along the Y direction between toner cartridge 430Y and toner cartridge 430M. Gap Gmc is the gap along the Y direction between toner cartridge 430M and toner cartridge 430C. Gap Gck is the gap along the Y direction between toner cartridge 430C and toner cartridge 430K.

[0121] In addition, such as Figure 10A As shown, the bottom surface 4300Yb of the second frame 430Yb slopes downward (upstream along the Z direction) toward the center in the Y1 direction. That is, the bottom surface 4300Yb has a first inclined surface 4302 that slopes downward when moving downward along the Y1 direction, and a second inclined surface 4303 that slopes downward when moving upward along the Y1 direction. The boundary portion between the first inclined surface 4302 and the second inclined surface 4303 is the lowest surface portion 430Yb2 of the bottom surface 4300Yb.

[0122] Toner delivery mechanism

[0123] Next, the mechanism by which the toner stored in the toner storage chamber 430Yc of the toner cartridge 430Y is transferred to the developer container 3Y of the processing cartridge PY will be described. Figure 6A As shown, air discharged from the discharge port 80Ya of the pump unit 80Y is introduced into the air chamber 430Yd via the air inlet port 430Yb4 of the toner cartridge 430Y (see...). Figure 10A The air fills the air chamber 430Yd, passes through the filter 83Y, and flows into the toner storage chamber 430Yc.

[0124] Air flowing into the toner storage chamber 430Yc enters between the toner particles T and fluidizes the toner T. As air flows in from the pump unit 80Y, the interior of the toner cartridge 430Y is positively pressurized, and the air attempts to leave the toner cartridge 430Y via the discharge pipe 85Y and the discharge port 430Ya4. At this time, the toner T in the toner storage chamber 430Yc moves along with the air in the discharge pipe 85Y and is discharged from the discharge port 430Ya4 to the outside of the toner cartridge 430Y. In other words, the discharge pipe 85Y guides the toner and air from the inlet 85Ya to the discharge port 430Ya4 in the toner storage chamber 430Yc.

[0125] Toner T discharged from discharge port 430Ya4 enters the upstream end 444Yu of supply tube 444Y via retainer discharge port 429Yb3 of cartridge retainer 429. Then, toner T is conveyed through the interior of supply tube 444Y by air that also enters supply tube 444Y, and supplied from the downstream end 444Yd of supply tube 444Y to developer container 3Y of processing cartridge PY. Figure 5B As shown, since the downstream end 444Yd of the supply tube 444Y is connected to the upstream end of the developer container 3Y along the Y direction (Y1 direction), the toner T is supplied to the upstream end of the developer container 3Y along the Y direction.

[0126] Here, inside the developer container 3Y, as... Figure 6B As shown, stirring members SY1 and SY2 are rotatably provided for stirring the toner in the developer container 3Y. Similarly, multiple sets of stirring members SY1 and SY2, SM1 and SM2, SC1 and SC2, and SK1 and SK2 are respectively provided inside the developer containers 3M, 3C, and 3K.

[0127] The toner in the developer container 3Y is stirred evenly by the rotation of stirring members SY1 and SY2 and conveyed along the Y direction (Y1 direction). In this embodiment, these stirring members consist of a rotating shaft and sheet-like members fixed to the rotating shaft, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the stirring members may consist of a screw configured to convey the toner in the developer container along the Y direction. That is, stirring members SY1, SY2, SM1, and SM2 may consist of a screw conveying the toner downstream along the Y direction, and stirring members SC1, SC2, SK1, and SK2 may consist of a screw conveying the toner upstream along the Y direction.

[0128] Because not only toner T but also air flows into the developer container 3Y, the internal pressure of the developer container 3Y increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, a through-hole (not shown) is provided on the top surface of the developer container 3Y and is covered by an exhaust filter PYf, as shown. Figure 3A and Figure 5B As shown. The exhaust filter PYf is made of non-woven fabric or the like and is configured to allow air to pass through while restricting the passage of toner. Therefore, toner that has already flowed into the developer container 3Y is blocked by the exhaust filter PYf and cannot be discharged to the outside, remaining in the developer container 3Y. On the other hand, at least a portion of the air that has flowed into the developer container 3Y passes through the exhaust filter PYf and is discharged to the outside of the developer container 3Y. Therefore, the increase in internal pressure within the developer container 3Y can be suppressed, and toner can be supplied to the developer container 3Y smoothly.

[0129] Similarly, exhaust filters PMf, PCf, and PKf, and through-holes (not shown) covered by these exhaust filters PMf, PCf, and PKf are provided on the top surface of developer containers 3M, 3C, and 3K.

[0130] An exhaust filter PYf and a through-hole are disposed in the central portion of the developer container 3Y along the Y direction. The number of exhaust filters and through-holes is not limited to one, and multiple exhaust filters and through-holes can be disposed in the developer container 3Y. For example, as... Figure 3A and Figure 5B As shown, in addition to the exhaust filter PYf, exhaust filters PYfa and PYfb can also be provided in the developer container 3Y. Exhaust filters PYfa and PYfb cover the through-holes (not shown) provided in the developer container 3Y. Exhaust filter PYfa is arranged upstream of exhaust filter PYf along the Y direction, and exhaust filter PYfb is arranged downstream of exhaust filter PYf along the Y direction. By providing multiple exhaust filters and through-holes for a single developer container in this way, the increase in internal pressure within the developer container can be effectively suppressed.

[0131] As described above, the toner stored in the toner cartridge 430Y is conveyed along with air to the developer container 3Y and supplied to it. Air can be used to convey the toner when the direction of the conveying channel changes midway (as in supply tubes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K in this embodiment) or when the conveying channel is configured differently depending on the color of the toner. Using air to convey the toner increases the freedom in designing the toner conveying channel and eliminates the need for components such as screws for conveying the toner, thereby reducing the number of parts and lowering costs.

[0132] Detailed configuration of the toner cartridge

[0133] frame

[0134] Next, we will refer to Figures 10A to 10D to Figure 12A and Figure 12B Describe the detailed configuration of the 430Y toner cartridge. For example... Figures 10A to 10D and Figure 12A and Figure 12BAs shown, the first frame 430Ya includes a first housing portion 4304 and a first flange portion 430Ya3. The first housing portion 4304, together with the bottom surface portion 83Yd of the filter 83Y, forms a toner storage chamber 430Yc. The first flange portion 430Ya3 extends in a generally horizontal direction from the lower end of the first housing portion 4304 toward the outside of the toner storage chamber 430Yc. The first housing portion 4304 is formed in a generally cuboid shape. The first flange portion 430Ya3 is formed around the entire periphery of the lower end of the first housing portion 4304. The second frame 430Yb is formed separately from the first frame 430Ya. The second frame 430Yb includes a second housing portion 4305 that, together with the bottom surface portion 83Yd of the filter 83Y, forms an air chamber 430Yd, and a second flange portion 430Yb3 that extends outwardly from the upper end of the second housing portion 4305 and from the air chamber 430Yd in a generally horizontal direction. The second flange portion 430Yb3 is formed around the entire periphery of the upper end of the second housing portion 4305.

[0135] Filter

[0136] The filter 83Y is formed in a rectangular sheet shape. The filter 83Y has a bottom surface portion 83Yd and an outer edge portion 83Ya. The bottom surface portion 83Yd serves as a separator separating the air chamber 430Yd and the toner storage chamber 430Yc. The outer edge portion 83Ya serves as a clamped portion, held and held by the first flange portion 430Ya3 and the second flange portion 430Yb3. The outer edge portion 83Ya is configured to be continuous with the bottom surface portion 83Yd. The bottom surface portion 83Yd is formed such that, as it travels downward along the gravitational direction G, it approaches the lowest portion 83Yb of the filter 83Y along its long side direction (Y1 direction), and constitutes the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 430Yc. In other words, when viewed along the X1 direction, the bottom surface portion 83Yd tilts downward along the gravitational direction G toward the lowest portion 83Yb as it approaches the lowest portion 83Yb of the filter 83Y along the Y1 direction. Figure 10C As shown, the bottom surface portion 83Yd has a first inclined surface 83Yd1 and a second inclined surface 83Yd2. The first inclined surface 83Yd1 is an inclined surface that slopes downward in the Y1 direction from one end (upstream end) of the bottom surface portion 83Yd toward the lowest portion 83Yb. The second inclined surface 83Yd2 is an inclined surface that slopes downward in the Y1 direction from the other end (downstream end) of the bottom surface portion 83Yd toward the lowest portion 83Yb.

[0137] In other words, when viewed along the X1 direction, assuming the two ends of the toner cartridge 430Y along the Y1 direction are defined as the first end and the second end, the lowest portion 83Yb of the filter 83Y is arranged between the first end and the second end along the Y1 direction. The first inclined surface 83Yd1, as the first portion, is configured to point downwards from the first end toward the lowest portion 83Yb in the Y1 direction. The second inclined surface 83Yd2, as the second portion, is configured to point downwards from the second end toward the lowest portion 83Yb in the Y1 direction.

[0138] Furthermore, the bottom surface portion 83Yd is disposed along the Y1 direction between the first inclined surface 83Yd1 and the second inclined surface 83Yd2, and includes an intermediate portion 457, in which the lowest portion 83Yb is located. The intermediate portion 457 is curved to smoothly connect the first inclined surface 83Yd1 and the second inclined surface 83Yd2. Alternatively, the intermediate portion 457 can be omitted, and the first inclined surface 83Yd1 and the second inclined surface 83Yd2 can be directly connected.

[0139] mating surfaces

[0140] like Figure 10D As shown, the first flange portion 430Ya3 of the first frame 430Ya has a first mating surface 431, a second mating surface 432, a third mating surface 433, and a fourth mating surface 434. The second flange portion 430Yb3 of the second frame 430Yb has a first mating surface 441, a second mating surface 442, a third mating surface 443, and a fourth mating surface 445. The outer edge portion 83Ya of the filter 83Y has a first edge portion 451, a second edge portion 452, a third edge portion 453, and a fourth edge portion 454.

[0141] The first mating surface 431 and the second mating surface 432 of the first flange portion 430Ya3 are each formed as a planar shape extending along the X1 direction. The first mating surface 431 and the second mating surface 432 are formed continuously with the third mating surface 433 and the fourth mating surface 434, respectively. The first mating surface 431 is disposed on the left end side of the first flange portion 430Ya3, and the second mating surface 432 is disposed on the right end side of the flange portion 430Ya3. The third mating surface 433 is disposed on the front end side of the first flange portion 430Ya3, and the fourth mating surface 434 is disposed on the rear end side of the first flange portion 430Ya3. Since the third mating surface 433 and the fourth mating surface 434 are similarly configured, the third mating surface 433 will be described primarily.

[0142] The third mating surface 433 has a first inclined surface 433a that slopes downward as it travels downward along the Y1 direction, a second inclined surface 433b that slopes downward as it travels upward along the Y1 direction, and an intermediate surface 433c. When viewed along the X1 direction, the first inclined surface 433a slopes downward toward the lowest portion 83Yb in the direction of gravity G as it approaches the lowest portion 83Yb in the Y1 direction. When viewed along the X1 direction, the second inclined surface 433b is arranged opposite to the first inclined surface 433a in the Y1 direction relative to the lowest portion 83Yb, and slopes downward toward the lowest portion 83Yb in the direction of gravity G as it approaches the lowest portion 83Yb. When viewed along the X1 direction, the intermediate surface 433c is disposed between the first inclined surface 433a and the second inclined surface 433b in the Y1 direction and is curved to smoothly connect the first inclined surface 433a and the second inclined surface 433b.

[0143] Alternatively, the intermediate surface 433c can be omitted, and the first inclined surface 433a and the second inclined surface 433b can be directly connected, or the intermediate surface 433c can be formed as a flat surface. Furthermore, not limited to the entire first inclined surface 433a, a portion of the first inclined surface 433a can constitute an inclined surface or a clamping surface.

[0144] The first mating surface 441 and the second mating surface 442 of the second flange portion 430Yb3 are each formed as a flat surface extending along the X1 direction. The first mating surface 441 is located at the left end side of the second flange portion 430Yb3, and the second mating surface 442 is located at the right end side of the second flange portion 430Yb3. The third mating surface 443 is located at the front end side of the second flange portion 430Yb3, and the fourth mating surface 445 is located at the rear end side of the second flange portion 430Yb3. Since the third mating surface 443 and the fourth mating surface 445 are similarly configured, the third mating surface 443 will be described primarily.

[0145] The third mating surface 443 has a first inclined surface 443a, a second inclined surface 443b, and an intermediate surface 443c. The first inclined surface 443a is a clamping surface that slopes downwards downstream in the Y1 direction and serves as a first clamping surface. The second inclined surface 443b is an inclined surface that slopes downwards upstream in the Y1 direction as a second clamping surface. The intermediate surface 443c is an inclined surface that serves as an intermediate clamping surface. The first inclined surface 443a, the second inclined surface 443b, and the intermediate surface 443c are respectively opposite to the first inclined surface 433a, the second inclined surface 433b, and the intermediate surface 433c in the gravitational direction G. In other words, the first inclined surface 443a, the second inclined surface 443b, and the intermediate surface 443c are respectively arranged at positions that overlap with the first inclined surface 433a, the second inclined surface 433b, and the intermediate surface 433c in the gravitational direction G. When viewed in the X1 direction, the intermediate surface 443c is disposed between the first inclined surface 443a and the second inclined surface 443b in the Y1 direction and is curved to smoothly connect the first inclined surface 443a and the second inclined surface 443b. When viewed in the X1 direction, the first inclined surface 443a and the second inclined surface 443b slope downwards in the Y1 direction towards the lowest portion 83Yb of the filter 83Y. Alternatively, the intermediate surface 443c can be omitted, and the first inclined surface 443a and the second inclined surface 443b can be directly connected, or the intermediate surface 443c can be formed as a flat surface. Furthermore, not limited to the entire first inclined surface 443a, a portion of the first inclined surface 443a can constitute a clamping surface or an inclined surface.

[0146] The first edge portion 451 and the second edge portion 452 of the outer edge portion 83Ya of the filter 83Y are each formed as a flat surface extending in the X1 direction. The first edge portion 451 is located at the left end of the outer edge portion 83Ya, and the second edge portion 452 is located at the right end of the outer edge portion 83Ya. The third edge portion 453 is located at the front end of the outer edge portion 83Ya, and the fourth edge portion 454 is located at the rear end of the outer edge portion 83Ya. Since the third edge portion 453 and the fourth edge portion 454 are similarly configured, the third edge portion 453 will be described primarily.

[0147] The third mating surface 443 has a first inclined surface 443a, a second inclined surface 443b, and an intermediate surface 443c. The first inclined surface 443a is a clamping surface that slopes downwards downstream in the Y1 direction and serves as a first clamping surface. The second inclined surface 443b is an inclined surface that slopes downwards upstream in the Y1 direction as a second clamping surface. The intermediate surface 443c is an inclined surface that serves as an intermediate clamping surface. The first inclined surface 443a, the second inclined surface 443b, and the intermediate surface 443c are respectively opposite to the first inclined surface 433a, the second inclined surface 433b, and the intermediate surface 433c in the gravitational direction G. In other words, the first inclined surface 443a, the second inclined surface 443b, and the intermediate surface 443c are respectively arranged at positions that overlap with the first inclined surface 433a, the second inclined surface 433b, and the intermediate surface 433c in the gravitational direction G. When viewed in the X1 direction, the intermediate surface 443c is disposed between the first inclined surface 443a and the second inclined surface 443b in the Y1 direction and is curved to smoothly connect the first inclined surface 443a and the second inclined surface 443b. When viewed in the X1 direction, the first inclined surface 443a and the second inclined surface 443b slope downwards in the Y1 direction towards the lowest portion 83Yb of the filter 83Y. Alternatively, the intermediate surface 443c can be omitted, and the first inclined surface 443a and the second inclined surface 443b can be directly connected, or the intermediate surface 443c can be formed as a flat surface. Furthermore, not limited to the entire first inclined surface 443a, a portion of the first inclined surface 443a can constitute a clamping surface or an inclined surface.

[0148] The first edge portion 451 and the second edge portion 452 of the outer edge portion 83Ya of the filter 83Y are each formed as a flat surface extending in the X1 direction. The first edge portion 451 is located at the left end of the outer edge portion 83Ya, and the second edge portion 452 is located at the right end of the outer edge portion 83Ya. The third edge portion 453 is located at the front end of the outer edge portion 83Ya, and the fourth edge portion 454 is located at the rear end of the outer edge portion 83Ya. Since the third edge portion 453 and the fourth edge portion 454 are similarly configured, the third edge portion 453 will be described primarily.

[0149] The first mating surfaces 431 and 441, the second mating surfaces 432 and 442, the third mating surfaces 433 and 443, and the fourth mating surfaces 434 and 445 are ultrasonically welded together, thereby joining the first flange portion 430Ya3 and the second flange portion 430Yb3. At this time, the third mating surfaces 433 and 443 and the fourth mating surfaces 434 and 445 are arranged to overlap with the bottom surface portion 83Yd of the filter 83Y when viewed in the short-side direction (X1 direction). It should be noted that the first flange portion 430Ya3 and the second flange portion 430Yb3 can be fixed together not only by ultrasonic welding, but also by thermal welding, adhesives such as double-sided tape or hot melt adhesive, or screws.

[0150] By engaging the first flange portion 430Ya3 and the second flange portion 430Yb3, the filter 83Y, sandwiched between the first flange portion 430Ya3 and the second flange portion 430Yb3, is held in place. If the holding force of the filter 83Y is insufficient, the entire periphery of the outer edge portion 83Ya of the filter 83Y can be bonded to at least one of the first flange portion 430Ya3 and the second flange portion 430Yb3. Therefore, the filter 83Y can be held with a high holding force.

[0151] Furthermore, since the filter 83Y is sandwiched between the first flange portion 430Ya3 and the second flange portion 430Yb3, the filter 83Y is maintained in an orientation along the corresponding mating surfaces of the first flange portion 430Ya3 and the second flange portion 430Yb3. In particular, since the third edge portion 453 of the filter 83Y is sandwiched by the generally V-shaped third mating surfaces 433 and 443, and the fourth edge portion 454 of the filter 83Y is sandwiched by the generally V-shaped fourth mating surfaces 434 and 445, the filter 83Y is maintained in a generally V-shaped orientation with the lowest portion 83Yb as the lowest point.

[0152] The lowest portion 83Yb of filter 83Y extends along the short side direction (X1 direction), and the bottom surface portion 83Yd of filter 83Y extends parallel to the short side direction (X1 direction) over the entire area along the short side direction (X1 direction). In other words, in a predetermined cross-section perpendicular to the long side direction (Y1 direction), the bottom surface portion 83Yd is equidistant from the outlet 85Yb along the gravitational direction G or Z1 over the entire area along the short side direction (X1 direction). That is, as... Figure 12AAs shown, in the X1Z1 plane, the distance GD along the Z1 direction between the discharge port 430Ya4 and the bottom surface portion 83Yd is equal over the entire region along the short side direction (X1 direction). Furthermore, the first mating surface 441 is opposite to the first mating surface 431 in the gravitational direction G. In other words, the first mating surface 441 is arranged at a position where it overlaps with the first mating surface 431 along the gravitational direction G.

[0153] In other words, the filter 83Y is formed by folding a single rectangular sheet at its lowest portion 83Yb, and does not have a complex three-dimensional shape with uneven surfaces. Therefore, the filter 83Y can be formed from a sheet of nonwoven fabric, such as resin fibers, without the need for three-dimensional forming through methods like hot pressing. In other words, when the outer edge portion 83Ya of the filter 83Y is not sandwiched between the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb, the filter 83Y is a flat sheet. Therefore, the filter 83Y can be configured at low cost while maintaining an approximately V-shaped orientation. Compared to molded parts formed by hot pressing, the sheet filter 83Y can be made thinner, which increases the toner capacity of the toner cartridge 430Y.

[0154] Typically, in order for the toner to move along an inclined plane using only its own weight, the inclination angle θ of the inclined plane relative to the horizontal plane needs to be set to approximately 70 degrees. However, in this embodiment, since the toner on the filter 83Y placed in the toner storage chamber 430Yc is fluidized by air, therefore... Figure 10A As shown, the inclination angle of the slope of the filter 83Y relative to the horizontal plane can be set to approximately 10 to 20 degrees. Therefore, the capacity of the toner cartridge 430Y can be increased, and the amount of toner to be stored in the toner cartridge 430Y can be increased.

[0155] In this embodiment, both the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb are provided with third engagement surfaces 433 and 443, respectively. These third engagement surfaces contact the third edge portion 453 of the outer edge portion 83Ya of the filter 83Y and are inclined relative to the long side direction (Y1 direction) and the gravity direction G. However, the configuration is not limited to this. That is, at least one of the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb may be provided with the third engagement surface 433, and at least the other of the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb may be provided with a clamping surface for clamping the third edge portion 453 together with the third engagement surface 433. For example, in the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb, only the first frame 430Ya may be provided with the third engagement surface 433, which contacts the third edge portion 453 and is inclined relative to the long side direction (Y1 direction) and the gravity direction G. In this case, the third engagement surface 443 of the second frame 430Yb, which serves as the clamping surface, can be formed parallel to the Y1Z1 plane, and a sealing member (not shown) can be disposed between the third engagement surface 433 and the third engagement surface 443.

[0156] Discharge pipe

[0157] like Figures 10A to 10C As shown, the discharge pipe 85Y is disposed inside the toner storage chamber 430Yc. The discharge pipe 85Y has an inlet 85Ya that opens downwards along the direction of gravity G, and an outlet 85Yb that opens upwards (i.e., upstream along the X1 direction) to communicate with the discharge port 430Ya4 of the toner cartridge 430Y and to the outside of the toner cartridge 430Y. The outlet 85Yb is located directly above the inlet 85Ya. Because the discharge pipe 85Y has no bends or other irregularities in the middle, pressure loss during delivery can be minimized.

[0158] The inlet 85Ya is arranged along the X1 direction near the center of the container, such as... Figure 12A and Figure 12B As shown. In the X1 direction, the filter 83Y does not have a bevel, and therefore its toner delivery effect is weak. By positioning it near the center, the distances from both ends in the X1 direction to the inlet 85Ya become equal, and compared to a configuration where the inlet 85Ya is located at one end and the distance to the other end increases, the amount of toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 430Yc that is not supplied can be reduced. In this embodiment, the discharge pipe 85Y is made of resin material, but it can also be made of paper, rubber, etc. In this embodiment, the discharge pipe 85Y is configured as a separate member separate from the first frame 430Ya; however, as described above, since the discharge pipe 85Y does not have a bend in the middle, it can be integrally configured with the first frame 430Ya.

[0159] like Figure 10A As shown, inlet 85Ya is arranged with a gap at the lowest part 83Yb, which is the opposite region of filter 83Y. This gap serves as a toner inflow port.

[0160] As described above, the filter 83Y maintains an approximately V-shaped posture with its lowest point 83Yb, and as the remaining amount of toner in the toner storage chamber 430Yc decreases, the toner fluidized by air moves along the slope of the filter 83Y and accumulates at the lowest point 83Yb. That is, the toner in the toner storage chamber 430Yc can be guided towards the inlet 85Ya of the discharge pipe 85Y. Furthermore, the bottom surface portion 83Yd of the filter 83Y extends parallel to the short side direction (X1 direction) and is inclined only along the long side direction (Y1 direction). Therefore, while keeping the filter 83Y simple, toner can be efficiently collected at the lowest point 83Yb of the filter 83Y. Therefore, even when the remaining amount of toner in the toner storage chamber 430Yc decreases, the toner collected at the lowest part 83Yb can be efficiently discharged to the outside of the toner box 430Y via the discharge port 430Ya4 from the inlet 85Ya of the discharge pipe 85Y.

[0161] Toner box baffle

[0162] Reference Figures 10A to 10D to Figure 12A and Figure 12B Describe the baffle configuration set in the toner cartridge.

[0163] like Figure 10A As shown, a discharge port cover 430Ya1 and a discharge port seal 430Ya2 are disposed on the upper surface of the first frame 430Ya to cover the opening of the discharge port 430Ya4, which is slidably disposed along the X1 direction. Figure 10D As shown, the discharge port seal 430Ya2 is a rectangular flexible sealing member and is held relative to the discharge port cover 430Ya1 by means such as double-sided tape (not shown). The discharge port cover 430Ya1 and the discharge port seal 430Ya2 prevent toner inside the toner cartridge 430Y from leaking to the outside.

[0164] The air intake port cover 430Yb1 is configured to slide in the X1 direction to cover the opening of the air intake port 430Yb4 on the bottom surface of the second frame 430Yb. This air intake port cover 430Yb1 can prevent problems such as foreign objects from getting into the opening.

[0165] Figure 12A and Figure 12B They show the following along Figure 9EThe cross section taken from line 12A-12A. Figure 12A This is a schematic diagram showing the air intake port and toner discharge port covered by caps. Figure 12B This is a schematic diagram showing the state where the cap is retracted and the air inlet and toner outlet are exposed.

[0166] like Figure 12B As shown, by moving the discharge port cover 430Ya1 and the intake port cover 430Yb1 that hold the discharge port seal 430Ya2 in the X1 direction, both covers can be retracted back to the position where the discharge port 430Ya4 and the intake port 430Yb4 are exposed.

[0167] The opening and closing of the baffle accompanying the installation / removal of the toner cartridge

[0168] Reference Figure 13A and Figure 13B Describes the opening and closing operations of the baffles that accompany the installation of the toner cartridge to and removal from the equipment body. Figure 13A and Figure 13B It is along Figure 5B A partial sectional view taken from line 13A-13A in the diagram. Figure 13A A cross-sectional view is shown with the toner cartridge removed from the cartridge holder. Figure 13B A cross-sectional view is shown with the toner cartridge installed in the cartridge holder.

[0169] like Figure 13A As shown, with the toner cartridge 430Y detached from the cartridge holder 429, the discharge port 430Ya4 is covered by a discharge port cover 430Ya1 and a discharge port seal 430Ya2. The air inlet port 430Yb4 is covered by an air inlet port cover 430Yb1. The discharge port 80Ya, which serves as the feed port of the pump unit 80Y, is covered by an air discharge port cover 429Ya1 and an air discharge port seal 429Ya2, which serve as a feed port cover that can be slidably held in the X1 direction. The retainer discharge port 429Yb3, which serves as the receiving port of the cartridge holder 429, is covered by a retainer discharge port cover 429Yb1 and a retainer discharge port seal 429Yb2, which serve as a receiving port cover that can be slidably held in the X1 direction. The air discharge port seal 429Ya2 and the retainer discharge port seal 429Yb2 are made of flexible components such as sponge or elastomer and have cylindrical through holes.

[0170] Starting from this state, Figure 13B The image shows the toner cartridge 430Y mounted on the cartridge holder 429.

[0171] When the toner cartridge 430Y is installed while sliding along the -X1 direction, the holder discharge port cover 429Yb1 is slid by the discharge port pressing portion 430Ya5 of the first frame 430Ya. By pressing the discharge port pressing portion 430Ya5 (which serves as the receiving port cover pressing portion, the first cartridge pressing portion), the holder discharge port cover 429Yb1 moves from a closed receiving port position where the holder discharge port 429Yb3 is covered to an open receiving port position where the holder discharge port 429Yb3 is exposed. The discharge port pressing portion 430Ya5 is positioned adjacent along the Z1 direction to the open end surface of the discharge port 430Ya4 of the toner cartridge 430Y. Furthermore, the retainer discharge port pressing portion 429Yb4 and the air discharge port seal 429Ya2 (first body pressing portion) of the cartridge retainer 429 press the discharge port cover pressed portion 430Ya6 (first pressed portion) to allow the discharge port cover 430Ya1 and discharge port seal 430Ya2 of the first frame 430Ya to slide. During sliding, since the discharge port seal 430Ya2 moves without gap relative to the retainer discharge port seal 429Yb2 in the -X1 direction, toner leakage from the delivery channel to the outside is prevented. The sliding direction of the retainer discharge port cover 429Yb1 and discharge port cover 430Ya1 is substantially parallel to the installation / removal direction of the toner cartridge 430Y relative to the cartridge retainer 429.

[0172] Similarly, when the toner cartridge 430Y is installed while sliding along the -X1 direction, the air exhaust port cover 429Ya1 is slid by the air inlet port pressing portion 430Yb5 of the second frame 430Yb. By pressing the air inlet port pressing portion 430Yb5 (which serves as the feed port cover pressing portion, the second cartridge pressing portion), the air exhaust port cover 429Ya1 moves from a closed feed port position where the air exhaust port 80Ya is covered to an open feed port position where the air exhaust port 80Ya is exposed. The air inlet port pressing portion 430Yb5 is positioned adjacent to the open end surface of the air inlet port 430Yb4 of the toner cartridge 430Y along the Z1 direction. The air inlet port 430Yb4 is located on a protruding portion 430Yb7 that protrudes from the surface of the second frame 430Yb of the toner cartridge 430Y along the Z1 direction. Furthermore, the air inlet cover 430Yb6 (the second pressed portion) is pressed by the air outlet port pressing portion 429Ya3 and the air outlet port seal 429Ya2 (the second body pressing portion) of the cartridge retainer 429, causing the air inlet cover 430Yb1 of the second frame 430Yb to slide. The sliding direction of the air outlet port cover 429Ya1 and the air inlet cover 430Yb1 is substantially parallel to the installation / removal direction of the toner cartridge 430Y relative to the cartridge retainer 429.

[0173] When the toner cartridge 430Y is installed, its discharge port 430Ya4 and the retainer discharge port 429Yb3 (receiving port) of the cartridge retainer 429 are connected to each other. Additionally, the air inlet port 430Yb4 of the toner cartridge 430Y and the air outlet port 80Ya of the pump unit 80Y are connected to each other. Therefore, air can be supplied to the interior of the toner cartridge 430Y through the pump unit 80Y, and toner can be supplied from the interior of the toner cartridge 430Y to the developer container 3Y via the supply pipe 444Y.

[0174] Other embodiments

[0175] In the first embodiment, it has been described that the cover of the air inlet port and the cover of the toner outlet port of the toner cartridge are configured as separate components and can be installed and removed independently of each other. However, as Figures 14A to 14C As shown, the two can be configured as a single unit.

[0176] Figure 14A It is a perspective view of an integrated configuration including a cover for the air inlet port for the toner cartridge and a cover for the toner outlet port. Figure 14B and Figure 14C It corresponds to along Figure 5B A partial sectional view of the cross-section taken from line 13A-13A. Figure 14B A cross-sectional view is shown with the toner cartridge removed from the cartridge holder. Figure 14C A cross-sectional view is shown with the toner cartridge installed in the cartridge holder.

[0177] like Figure 14B As shown, the upper surface of the toner cartridge 530Y is provided with a discharge port 530Ya3, which serves as a container opening including a through port penetrating in the Z1 direction. The toner in the toner storage chamber 530Yc is discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge 530Y through this through port. In addition, the bottom surface of the toner cartridge 530Y is provided with an air inlet port 530Yb1, which serves as a container opening including a through port penetrating in the Z1 direction.

[0178] An integrated air intake / exhaust cover 530Ya1, slidably held along the X1 direction, is provided across the upper and lower surfaces to cover the exhaust port 530Ya3 and the air intake port 530Yb1. In the integrated air intake / exhaust cover 530Ya1, the exhaust port cover portion (first cover portion) that closes the exhaust port 530Ya3 and the air intake port cover portion (second cover portion) that closes the air intake port 530Yb1 are connected by a connecting portion 530Ya5. The connecting portion 530Ya5 is located at the downstream end of the toner cartridge 530Y in the direction along the X1 direction from the closed position to the open position of the integrated air intake / exhaust cover 530Ya1. The location of the connecting portion 530Ya5 is also the downstream end of the toner cartridge 530Y in the disassembly direction from the cartridge holder 529. An exhaust port seal 530Ya2 is provided between the exhaust port 530Ya3 and the integrated air intake / exhaust cover 530Ya1. The discharge port seal 530Ya2 is a rectangular flexible sealing member and is held relative to the integrated inlet / outlet cover 530Ya1 by means such as double-sided tape (not shown). Due to the integrated inlet / outlet cover 530Ya1 and the discharge port seal 530Ya2, toner leakage to the outside is prevented when the toner cartridge 530Y is detached from the main body of the device.

[0179] Starting from this state, Figure 14C The toner cartridge 530Y is shown in its position when mounted on the cartridge holder 529.

[0180] When the toner cartridge 530Y is installed while sliding along the -X1 direction, the holder discharge port cover 429Yb1 is slid by the discharge port pressing portion 530Ya4 of the first frame 530Ya. Additionally, the discharge port cover 530Ya1 and the discharge port seal 430Ya2 of the first frame 530Ya are slid by the holder discharge port pressing portion 429Yb4 of the cartridge holder 429. During sliding, since the discharge port seal 430Ya2 moves without gap relative to the holder discharge port seal 429Yb2 in the -X1 direction, toner leakage from the delivery channel to the outside is prevented.

[0181] Similarly, when the toner cartridge 430Y is installed while sliding along the -X1 direction, the air vent cover 429Ya1 is slid by the air inlet pressing portion 530Yb3 of the second frame 530Yb. Furthermore, the air inlet cover 430Yb1 of the second frame 430Yb is slid by the air vent pressing portion 429Ya3 of the cartridge retainer 429.

[0182] When the toner cartridge 530Y is installed, its discharge port 530Ya3 and the retainer discharge port 429Yb3 of the cartridge retainer 429 are connected to each other. Additionally, the air inlet port 530Yb4 of the toner cartridge 530Y and the air outlet port 80Ya of the pump unit 80Y are connected to each other. Therefore, air can be supplied to the interior of the toner cartridge 530Y through the pump unit 80Y, and toner can be supplied from the interior of the toner cartridge 530Y to the developer container 3Y via the supply pipe 444Y.

[0183] In this embodiment, a configuration in which the air inlet cover of the toner cartridge can slide in the X1 direction and is held by the toner cartridge has been described, but the air inlet cover may be detachably disposed relative to the toner cartridge.

[0184] Figures 15A to 15D Is with Figure 5B A partial sectional view of the portion corresponding to the cross section taken along line 13A-13A. Figure 15A A cross-sectional view showing the intake port cover installed in the toner cartridge is shown. Figure 15B A cross-sectional view showing the air intake port cover removed from the toner cartridge is shown. Figure 15C A cross-sectional view is shown, indicating that the toner cartridge has been removed from the cartridge holder after the intake port cover has been removed. Figure 15D A cross-sectional view is shown with the toner cartridge installed in the cartridge holder.

[0185] like Figure 15A As shown, the air intake port cover 630Yb1 is configured to cover the air intake port 630Yb2 of the toner cartridge 630Y for drawing in air. The retention method can be, in addition to threaded connection, press-fitting, adhesive bonding, etc., but not a sliding retention as in the first embodiment.

[0186] like Figure 15B As shown, the intake port cover 630Yb1 can be removed from the intake port 630Yb2.

[0187] Although covering the air inlet port 630Yb2 with the air inlet port cover 630Yb1 is effective in avoiding the aforementioned risks of foreign matter contamination, since the air inlet port is an air supply channel, problems such as toner leakage will not occur even when the toner cartridge 630Y is exposed in the state of being disassembled from the main body of the device.

[0188] With the intake port cover 630Yb1 removed, as Figure 15C and Figure 15DAs shown, the toner cartridge 630Y can slide and be installed onto the cartridge holder 429. In this case, if the air intake port cover 630Yb1 is incorrectly installed, the toner cartridge 630Yb1 will interfere with the cartridge holder 429 in the Z1 direction and cannot be installed. That is, the toner cartridge 630Y is configured so that it cannot be installed onto the cartridge holder 429 while the air intake port cover 630Yb1 is not removed from the air intake port 630Yb2. Therefore, the problem of impaired air supply function due to incorrect installation will not occur.

[0189] In the above embodiments, the configuration of the toner cartridge sliding and mounting to the cartridge holder has been described; however, the toner cartridge can also be mounted by rotation, as... Figures 16A to 16C As shown.

[0190] Figure 16A and Figure 16B Is with Figure 5B A partial sectional view of the portion corresponding to the cross section taken along line 13A-13A. Figure 16A A cross-sectional view is shown, illustrating the state in which the toner cartridge is initially installed into the cartridge holder. Figure 16B A cross-sectional view showing the toner cartridge fully installed in the cartridge holder is shown. Figure 16C It is along Figure 5B The partial sectional view is taken from line 16A-16A and shows a sectional view with the toner cartridge fully installed in the cartridge holder.

[0191] In this configuration, when the toner cartridge 730Y is installed onto the cartridge holder 729, the installation operation is performed with the cover not installed onto the air inlet port 730Yb1 of the toner cartridge 730Y.

[0192] like Figure 16A As shown, firstly, the air inlet port 730Yb1 of the toner cartridge 730Y contacts the air outlet port seal 729Ya1 of the cartridge retainer 729, and the toner cartridge 730Y rotates around this part as a fulcrum. Figure 16C As shown, the air inlet port 730Yb1 of the toner cartridge 730Y, which serves as the fulcrum of rotation, has a protruding positioning portion 730Yb2, which engages with the recessed positioning portion 729Ya2 of the cartridge holder 729 for positioning in the X1 and Y1 directions. Then, the discharge port cover 730Ya1, the discharge port seal 730Ya2, and the holder discharge port cover 729Yb1 of the cartridge holder 729 on the upper surface of the toner cartridge 730Y are moved by a rotational operation. Figure 16B and Figure 16CAs shown, with the toner cartridge 730Y installed, the air exhaust port 780Ya and the air inlet port 730Yb1, as well as the exhaust port 730Ya3 and the retainer exhaust port 729Yb3, are interconnected. Since the opening and closing of the baffle at the exhaust port is performed by rotation, it is desirable that the opening and closing trajectory be rotational rather than linear. However, in the installed state, the coordinates of the air inlet port 730Yb1 and the exhaust port 730Ya3 in the X1 direction are essentially aligned. That is, the air inlet port 730Yb1 and the exhaust port 730Ya3 overlap in the direction of gravity. Therefore, the exhaust port 730Ya3 of the toner cartridge 730Y and the retainer exhaust port 729Yb3 of the cartridge retainer 729 are in contact with each other, and the direction of the force generated when the exhaust port cover 730Ya1, the exhaust port seal 730Ya2, and the retainer exhaust port cover 729Yb1 moves is essentially the same as the direction of movement; even a linear baffle can operate smoothly. Additionally, the area where component interference occurs on the rotational trajectories of the toner cartridge 730 and the cartridge holder 729 during installation needs to have a retracted shape, such as 730Ya5, and the retracted area results in a reduction in toner capacity. To minimize the retraction, it is desirable to arrange the intake port 730Yb1 and the exhaust port 730Ya3 as close as possible in the -X1 direction of the toner cartridge 730Y.

[0193] The configurations of the above embodiments can be combined with each other as much as possible.

[0194] According to this disclosure, embodiments of a toner storage container and an image forming apparatus including the container may be provided.

[0195] While this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be interpreted in the broadest possible sense to include all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A box comprising: A developer storage chamber that stores developer and is provided with a discharge port for discharging the stored developer to the outside of the cartridge; A filter that allows air to pass through while preventing developer from passing through; An air chamber, separated from the developer storage chamber by the filter and provided with an air inlet for drawing in air from the outside, is aligned with the developer storage chamber in a first direction; A first cover portion, the first cover portion being configured to move between a closed position in which the discharge port is closed by the first cover portion and an open position in which the discharge port is opened by the first cover portion; as well as The second cover portion closes the air intake port.

2. The box according to claim 1, When the open position and the closed position are respectively the first open position and the first closed position, the second cover portion is configured to be able to move independently of the first cover portion between the second closed position where the air intake port is closed and the second open position where the air intake port is open.

3. The box according to claim 2, The discharge port is located on one end surface of the box along a first direction. The air intake port is located on the other end surface of the housing along the first direction, and The direction in which the first cover portion moves between the first open position and the first closed position, and the direction in which the second cover portion moves between the second open position and the second closed position, are second directions that intersect with the first direction.

4. The box according to claim 3, The box is configured to be able to be attached to and detached from the device body of the image forming apparatus in a second direction.

5. The box according to claim 1, The second cover portion is integrally formed with the first cover portion. The second cover portion closes the air intake port when the first cover portion is in the closed position, and opens the air intake port when the first cover portion is in the open position.

6. The box according to claim 5, The discharge port is located on one end surface of the box along a first direction. The air intake port is located on the other end surface of the housing along the first direction, and The direction in which the first cover portion and the second cover portion move between the open position and the closed position is a second direction intersecting the first direction, and The connecting portion that connects the first cover portion and the second cover portion is located at the downstream end of the box in the second direction from the closed position to the open position.

7. The box according to claim 6, The box is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the device body of the image forming apparatus in a second direction. The connecting portion is located at the downstream end of the box in the disassembly direction from the device body.

8. The box according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a frame constituting the air chamber and having the air inlet port. The second cover portion is configured to be detachable from the frame.

9. The box according to claim 8, The box is configured to be attachable to the device body of the image forming apparatus when the second cover portion is detached from the frame, and not attachable to the device body when the second cover portion is not detached from the frame.

10. The cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a frame constituting the developer storage chamber and provided with the discharge port. The first cover portion is supported by the frame so that it can move relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position.

11. The box according to claim 4, The box is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the device body of the image forming apparatus, the device body including a first body pressing portion, and The first cover portion includes a first pressable portion, which is configured to move from a first closed position to a first open position by being pressed by the first body pressable portion when the box is attached to the device body.

12. The box according to claim 11, The device body includes a second body pressing portion, and The second cover portion includes a second pressable portion, which is configured to move from a second closed position to a second open position by being pressed by the second body pressable portion when the box is attached to the device body.

13. The box according to claim 1 or 2, The cartridge is configured to be attached to and detachable from the device body of the image forming apparatus. The device body includes a receiving port and a receiving port cover. The receiving port is used to receive developer discharged from the discharge port of the cartridge when it is attached. The receiving port cover is movable between a closed receiving port position and an open receiving port position. The box includes a first box pressing portion that, when the box is attached to the device body, presses the receiver port cover so as to move the receiver port cover from the receiver port closed position to the receiver port open position.

14. The box according to claim 13, The first box pressing portion is configured to be adjacent to the end surface of the box where the discharge port is open along a first direction.

15. The box according to claim 13, The device body is configured to communicate with the air inlet port while attached to the housing. The device body includes a feed port and a feed port cover. The feed port supplies air through the air inlet port, and the feed port cover is movable between a closed feed port position and an open feed port position. The box includes a second box pressing portion that, when the box is attached to the device body, presses the feed port cover so as to move the feed port cover from the feed port closed position to the feed port open position.

16. The box according to claim 15, The second box pressing portion is configured to be adjacent to the end surface of the air inlet port of the box that is open thereon along the first direction.

17. The box according to claim 1 or 2, The air intake port is located on a protrusion that extends from the surface of the frame constituting the air chamber along a first direction.

18. The box according to claim 1 or 2, The box is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the device body of the image forming apparatus. In the state where the box is attached to the main body of the device. The first direction is the direction of gravity, and The air chamber is located below the developer storage chamber.

19. The box according to claim 18, The exhaust port and the intake port have overlapping areas when viewed along the first direction.

20. A box comprising: A developer storage chamber that stores developer and is provided with a discharge port for discharging the stored developer to the outside of the cartridge; A filter that allows air to pass through while preventing developer from passing through; An air chamber, separated from the developer storage chamber by the filter and provided with an air inlet for drawing in air from the outside, is aligned with the developer storage chamber in a first direction; as well as A first cover portion is configured to move between a first closed position where the discharge port is closed and a first open position where the discharge port is open.

Images