Toner cartridge, developing cartridge, image forming apparatus, and toner discharge member

Abstract

To further develop a conventional technique.SOLUTION: A cartridge has: a frame; a drive input member; a toner conveying member that operates based on a driving force received by a coupling; and a toner discharge member that has a discharge port discharging toner conveyed by the toner conveying member to the outside of the cartridge. The discharge port can be directed to the opposite side of a side on which the drive input member is located in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a toner cartridge (cartridge) used in the image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic system and including a toner discharge member, and to a cartridge used in the image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser (beam) printers have been known as image forming apparatuses, and cartridges (toner cartridges) that are detachable (replaceable) for the image forming apparatuses and contain toner to be supplied to developing means such as a developing roller have also been known.

[0003] The supply of toner from this cartridge to the toner supply destination is achieved by the interaction of the supply path and supply port (discharge port) provided on both sides. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a cartridge having a shutter that can move between an open position that opens the toner discharge port provided on the cartridge and a closed position that closes it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-72703 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention (the present disclosure) aims to further develop the conventional technology. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the representative configuration of the present application is as follows: a toner cartridge that is detachable from a device body of an image forming device to which a developing cartridge can be attached, the toner cartridge being attachable to the device body by being inserted in a first direction relative to the device body, the toner cartridge having a frame, a cartridge side coupling that is provided in the device body and can engage with a device side coupling that rotates around a first axis that intersects with the first direction, and that engages with the device side coupling to receive a driving force from the device body when the toner cartridge is attached to the device body with the developing cartridge attached; a toner transport member that operates based on the driving force received by the cartridge coupling; and a toner discharge member having an outlet that discharges toner transported by the toner transport member to the outside of the toner cartridge, the outlet discharging toner from the outlet to the developing cartridge side when the toner cartridge is attached to the developing cartridge, in a direction parallel to the first axis and opposite to the cartridge side coupling. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention (this disclosure) can further develop conventional technology. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a laser printer as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the process cartridge B is viewed from the X1 direction shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a main cross-sectional view (cross-section cc shown in FIG. 2) showing the configuration of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section bb shown in FIG. 2) showing a supply port of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5]1 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section taken along line dd in FIG. 2) showing a second waste toner conveying path 10c of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating an example of a contact state and a separation state of a developing unit 15 with respect to a photosensitive drum 11 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a side view of the non-drive side of a process cartridge B according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a front view of a toner cartridge C according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing the toner cartridge C attached to a printer main body A. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a main cross-sectional view (cross-section ee shown in FIG. 9) showing the toner containing portion 30 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge C according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the drive side. [Figure 12] 1 is a side view of a toner cartridge C according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the drive side. [Figure 13] 12. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section ii shown in FIG. 12) based on the center of the rotation axis of the toner accommodating section screw member 35 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section hh shown in FIG. 9) illustrating an example of a leveling portion 33a1 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a toner cartridge C according to a first embodiment of the present invention, taken along the longitudinal direction thereof. [Figure 16] 10 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section ff shown in FIG. 9) based on the center of the rotation axis of the shutter member 34 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 12. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section jj shown in FIG. 12) based on the center of the rotation axis of the shutter member 34 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1A to 1C are a front view, a left side view, a right side view, a bottom view, and various cross-sectional views of a nozzle member 33b according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 10 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section gg in FIG. 9) illustrating an example of a waste toner storage unit 40 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the shutter member 34 for illustrating an example of a transport path CP of the shutter member 34 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 21] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a method of mounting a process cartridge B and a toner cartridge C to a printer main body A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 22] 1 is a side view illustrating a method of mounting a process cartridge B and a toner cartridge C to a printer main body A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating an example of a supply port of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a driving unit related to the developing operation of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a process cartridge B according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] 1A and 1B are a side view and a cross-sectional view (cross-section kk in the drawing) for illustrating a state in which the shutter member 34 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention seals in the toner. [Figure 27] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a shutter member 34 of a toner cartridge C according to a first embodiment of the present invention and its peripheral components. FIG. [Figure 28] 1A to 1C are a front view, a left side view, a right side view, a bottom view, and cross-sectional views of a shutter member 34 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] 1 is a front view of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a shutter member 34 seals in the toner. [Figure 30]1A to 1C are a front view, a left side view, a right side view, a bottom view, and cross-sectional views of a shutter protection member 210 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a receiving-side shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a receiving-side shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a receiving-side shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a receiving-side shutter member 206 and its peripheral components according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a shutter member 206 and peripheral components facing a communication hole 206a of a receiving-side shutter member 206 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 36] 2 is a partially enlarged view of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the mounting direction of the toner cartridge C. FIG. [Figure 37] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mounting path of a rough guide rib 210d to a rough guide 21f according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 38] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a mounting trajectory of an arm tip 34h1 of a shutter member 34 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the mounting operation of the actuation protrusion 34f of the shutter member 34 and the actuation protrusion receiving portion 206b of the receiving-side shutter member 206 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention is in the middle of being mounted, as viewed from the mounting direction of the toner cartridge C. FIG. [Figure 41] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a shutter member 34 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 42] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge C according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the non-drive side. [Figure 43] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a toner transport direction by a shutter member 2034 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a shutter member 2034 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 45] FIG. 10 is a partial side view of an attachment portion of a shutter member 2034 in a process cartridge B according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 46] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a shutter member 2034 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a shutter member 2034 is attached to a process cartridge B according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 48] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 49] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the axis G2 in a state where the toner cartridge C2 and the process cartridge B according to the second embodiment of the present invention have been completely mounted. FIG. [Figure 50] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attachment 2071 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 51] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation when an attachment 2071 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is mounted to a process cartridge B. [Figure 52] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a shutter member 2072 according to Example 2 of the present invention. [Figure 53] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of the mounting operation of the shutter member 2072 to the process cartridge B according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 54] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a toner transport attachment 3034 that forms a part of a toner transport member according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 55] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a process cartridge B according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 56]10 is a cross-sectional view of the XZ plane passing through the center of the through-hole 3034k in a state where the toner transport attachment 3034 is attached to the process cartridge B. FIG. [Figure 57] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a toner cartridge C3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 58] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a method of attaching a toner transport attachment 3034 to a toner cartridge C3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 59] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a toner carrier pipe 4034 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 60] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a toner carrier pipe 4034 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 61] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the exterior of a process cartridge B according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with a toner transport pipe 4034 attached thereto. [Figure 62] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a toner cartridge C4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 63] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where a toner cartridge C4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is mounted to a process cartridge B via a toner transport pipe 4034. FIG. [Figure 64] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a shutter member 5034 according to Example 5 of the present invention. [Figure 65] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge C6, a first toner transport unit 6034, and a second toner transport unit 6072 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 66] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a first toner transport unit 6034 and a second toner transport unit 6072 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 67] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a toner transport path from a toner cartridge C6 to a process cartridge B via a first toner transport portion 6034 and a second toner transport portion 6072 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 68]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first shutter member (first toner transport member) 7034 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 69] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a first shutter member 7034 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention is attached to a process cartridge B. [Figure 70] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second shutter member (second toner transport member) 7070 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 71] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a third shutter member (third toner transport unit) 7071 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 72] FIG. 13 is a side view of a first shutter member (toner transport member) 8034 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the side facing a toner discharge port 8034a. [Figure 73] 73 is a cross-sectional view of a first shutter member 8034 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, taken along line S8a-S8a shown in FIG. 72. FIG. [Figure 74] 10 is a cross-sectional view passing through the center of a toner transport portion 8070b and a toner discharge port 8070a of a second shutter member (second toner transport member) 8070 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 75] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a first toner storage unit 9030 and a first waste toner unit 9070 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 76] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view including each member in the vicinity of a shutter member 9034 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 77] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a first waste toner unit 9070 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, seen from the first toner storage unit 9030 side. [Figure 78] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of a toner discharge port 9030a of a first toner storage unit 9030 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 79] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a first toner storage unit 9030 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention before a first waste toner storage unit 9070 is connected to the first toner storage unit 9030. [Figure 80]13 is a cross-sectional view of the XY plane passing through the rotation axis R3 of the shutter member 9034 in a state where a first waste toner storage unit 9070 is connected to a first toner storage unit 9030 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 81] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for transmitting a driving force from a first toner storage unit 9030 to a first waste toner storage unit 9070 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 82] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a second toner storage unit 9072 and a second waste toner storage unit 9073 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front of each device. [Figure 83] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the exterior of a second toner storage unit 9072 and a second waste toner storage unit 9073 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the Z1 direction. [Figure 84] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for transmitting a driving force from a second toner storage unit 9072 to a second waste toner storage unit 9073 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 85] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a third toner storage unit 9076 and a third waste toner unit 9077 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 86] FIG. 20 is an external perspective view of a toner cartridge C10 according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 87] FIG. 23 is an external perspective view of a process cartridge B11 according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 88] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a driving force receiving member 11070 according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 89] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a YZ plane passing through the center of the rotation axis of a driving force receiving member 11070 according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 90] FIG. 20 is an external perspective view of a toner cartridge C11 according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 91] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a method of connecting a drive input portion 11039 and a drive force receiving member 11070 according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 92]12A to 12C are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for mounting each drive transmission mechanism according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 93] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a drive transmission attachment 12115 is attached to a first main body side coupling 110 according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 94] FIG. 12 is a detailed view of a drive transmission attachment 12115 according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 95] 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating an example of a drive transmission mechanism from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C12 according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 96] FIG. 23 is a detailed view showing a state in which an attachment gear 13115 according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention is attached to a first main body side coupling 110. [Figure 97] FIG. 23 is a side view of a toner cartridge C13 according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 98] FIG. 20 is a detailed view of an attachment gear 13115 according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 99] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a drive transmission mechanism from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C12 according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 100] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for mounting each drive transmission mechanism according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 101] FIG. 20 is a detailed view of an attachment gear 13115 according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 102] FIG. 23 is an external perspective view of a toner cartridge C13 according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 103] FIG. 23 is a side view of a toner cartridge C14 according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 104] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a drive transmission mechanism from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C14 according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 105] FIG. 22 is an external perspective view of a toner cartridge C14 according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 106]FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of engaging a first body-side pump coupling 110 with a pump screw drive input portion 14039 according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 107] FIG. 22 is a side view of a toner cartridge C15 according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 108] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a drive transmission mechanism from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C15 according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 109] FIG. 23 is an external perspective view of a toner cartridge C15 according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 110] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of engaging a first body-side pump coupling 110 with a pump screw drive input portion 15039 according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 111] 16A and 16B are diagrams illustrating an example of a shutter member 16034 that is a toner transport member according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 112] FIG. 20 is an external perspective view of a toner cartridge C17 according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 113] FIG. 20 is an external perspective view of an attachment member 17070 according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 114] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process cartridge B17 according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 115] 17A and 17B are diagrams illustrating details of an attachment member 17070 according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 116] 17A to 17C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation when the toner cartridge C17 according to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the process cartridge B17. [Figure 117] FIG. 20 is an external perspective view of a toner cartridge C18 according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 118] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a toner cartridge C18 according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 119] FIG. 20 is a detailed view of a drive transmission attachment 18115 according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 120] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a drive transmission mechanism from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C18 according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 121] FIG. 20 is a partial external perspective view of a toner cartridge C19 according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 122] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of an attachment unit 19115 according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 123] 20A and 20B are diagrams illustrating an example of a drive transmission mechanism from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C19 according to a 19th embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 124] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a driving force transmission mechanism according to a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention, taken along the XY plane. [Figure 125] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the main part of an attachment unit 19115 according to a 19th embodiment of the present invention attached to a printer main body A. [Figure 126] FIG. 20 is an external perspective view of a toner cartridge C20 according to a twentieth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 127] 20 is a cross-sectional view (XY plane) of the toner cartridge C20 and the first main body side coupling 110 according to the twentieth embodiment of the present invention, taken along a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the pump screw coupling portion 20039a. [Figure 128] 20A to 20C are diagrams illustrating an example of a drive transmission mechanism according to a twentieth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 129] FIG. 21 is a partial external perspective view of a toner cartridge C21 according to a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 130] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view including a drive transmission mechanism of a toner cartridge C21 according to a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 131] 21 is a diagram for explaining an example of a driving force transmission mechanism according to a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention, showing the relative positional relationship between a pump screw coupling portion 21039a and a first main body side coupling 110. FIG. [Figure 132]10 is a partial side view showing a portion including a pump screw drive transmission part 21039 viewed from the direction facing the first body side coupling 110. FIG. [Figure 133] FIG. 22 is an external perspective view of a shutter member 22034 according to a twenty-second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 134] 22 is a cross-sectional view of a shutter member 22034 according to a twenty-second embodiment of the present invention, taken along a plane passing through a rotation axis R3 and parallel to the X-axis. [Figure 135] 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line parallel to the X-axis passing through a rotation axis R3 of a shutter member 22034 and a second toner discharge portion 22073 according to a twenty-second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 136] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view illustrating a state in which the opening operation of the shutter member 34 and the receiving-side shutter member 206 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been completed. [Figure 137] 1A and 1B are a perspective view of a toner cartridge C according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and an enlarged perspective view of a shutter protection member 210 and a sheet member 212 portion. [Figure 138] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the attachment position of a sheet member 212 attached to a shutter protection member 210 according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 139] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the arrangement of a shutter protection member 210, a receiving-side shutter member 206, a sheet member 212, and a shutter member 34 according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 140] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the position at which a sheet member 212 is attached to a shutter protection member 210 according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 141] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating the position where a sheet member 212 is attached to a shutter protection member 210 according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 142] FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating the position where a sheet member 212 is attached to a shutter protection member 210 according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 143] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a seal member 211 according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 144] 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shape of the discharge port seal contact surface of the toner cartridge C during installation into the printer main body A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 145] FIG. 23 is an external perspective view of a toner cartridge C231 according to a twenty-third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 146] FIG. 23 is a partially exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge C231 according to a twenty-third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 147] 23A and 23B are diagrams illustrating an example of a storage frame body 23031 according to a twenty-third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 148] 23A and 23B are diagrams illustrating an example of a first inner shutter member 23071 according to a twenty-third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 149] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a switch member 23070 according to a twenty-third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 150] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage section lid 23032 according to a twenty-third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 151] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attachment state of a first inner shutter member 23071 and a switch member 23070 according to a twenty-third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 152] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of the attachment positions of a partition member 23046 and a nozzle member 33b to a housing frame 23031 according to a twenty-third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 153] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of the attachment position of a housing section lid 23032 to a housing frame body 23031 according to Example 23 of the present invention. [Fig. 154] 23A and 23B are diagrams illustrating an exemplary configuration in which a switch member 23070 according to a 23rd embodiment of the present invention is operated by an opening / closing door 107 provided in the printer main body A. FIG. [Figure 155] 23A to 23C are diagrams illustrating an example of the open and closed states of a first inner shutter member 23071 according to Example 23 of the present invention. [Figure 156] FIG. 24 is an external perspective view of a toner cartridge C241 according to a twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 157]FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge C241 according to a twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 158] 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage frame 24031 according to a twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 159] 24A and 24B are diagrams illustrating an example of a second inner shutter member 24071 according to a twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 160] FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of a accommodating frame 24031 to which a second inner shutter member 24071 according to a twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention is attached. [Figure 161] 24A to 24C are diagrams illustrating an example of the opening and closing operation of a second inner shutter member 24071 according to the twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 162] 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a toner discharge path in a second inner shutter member 24071 according to a twenty-fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 163] 25 is an exploded perspective view illustrating each part connected to a accommodating frame 25031 of a toner cartridge C251 according to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Fig. 164] 25A and 25B are diagrams illustrating details of a screw gear 25072 according to a 25th embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 165] 25A and 25B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a toner storage unit screw member 25035 according to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 166] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a second shutter member 25074 according to Example 25 of the present invention. [Figure 167] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a brake member 25071 according to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 168] 25A and 25B are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for attaching a brake member 25071 to a accommodating frame 25031 according to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 169] 25A and 25B are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a brake member 25071 according to the twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 170] FIG. 25 is an external perspective view of a toner cartridge C251 according to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from above. [Figure 171] 25A to 25C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of a driving portion according to the twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 172] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration in which a screw gear 25072 and a toner storage unit screw member 25035 according to a twenty-fifth embodiment of the present invention are interlocked with each other. [Figure 173] 26A and 26B are diagrams illustrating an example of a toner cartridge C261 according to a twenty-sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 174] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of an exhaust valve 27071 according to a twenty-seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 175] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a shutter member 27034 according to a twenty-seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 176] FIG. 28 is an external perspective view of an attachment member 28071 according to Example 28 of the present invention. [Figure 177] 28A to 28C are views for illustrating a method of mounting an attachment member 28071 according to a twenty-eighth embodiment of the present invention to a process cartridge B. [Figure 178] FIG. 28 is an external perspective view of a shutter member 28034 according to a twenty-eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 179] FIG. 29 is an external perspective view of a toner cartridge C291 according to a twenty-ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 180] 29A to 29C are diagrams illustrating a method of mounting a toner cartridge C291 according to a 29th embodiment of the present invention to a process cartridge B. [Figure 181] FIG. 29 is an explanatory view of the essential parts when the toner cartridge C291 according to the twenty-ninth embodiment of the present invention is mounted to the process cartridge B. [Figure 182] FIG. 30 is an external perspective view of the drive side end of a toner cartridge C300 according to a thirtieth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 183] FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of an air cylinder 30071 according to a 30th embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 184] A method for assembling an air cylinder 30071 according to Example 30 of the present invention will be described in detail. [Figure 185]30A and 30B are perspective views showing the external appearance of the main part of the driving side end portion of the toner cartridge C300 before and after driving the air cylinder 30071 according to the 30th embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 186] 30 is a cross-sectional view of a main part focusing on an air cylinder 30071 according to a 30th embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 187] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge C310 according to a thirty-first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 188] FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view showing the drive side of a toner cartridge C310 according to a thirty-first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 189] 31 is a perspective view of the drive side end of a toner cartridge C310 according to a thirty-first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 190] FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of a side cover 31050 according to a thirty-first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the Z2 direction. [Figure 191] FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a toner cartridge C310 equipped with a fan 31080 as a modified example according to the thirty-first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 192] FIG. 32 is an external perspective view of the toner cartridge C320 according to Example 32 of the present embodiment, focusing on the driving force receiving portion. [Figure 193] FIG. 32 is an external perspective view of a driving side cover 32050 according to a thirty-second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 194] The configuration of a movable cover 32071 according to the thirty-second embodiment of the present invention will be exemplarily described. [Figure 195] 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of an agitation drive receiving portion 32038 and a pump / screw drive receiving portion 32039 in a movable cover 32071 according to Example 32 of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 196] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a pump screw drive receiving portion 32039 according to a thirty-second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 197] FIG. 32 is a partially exploded perspective view of the drive side of a toner cartridge C320 according to a thirty-second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 198] 32A and 32B are diagrams illustrating an example of a drive transmission member of a toner cartridge C320 according to a thirty-second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 199] 32A to 32C are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for attaching a movable cover 32071 to a storage frame 32031 according to a thirty-second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 200] A partial side view illustrating an example of the engagement state between a pump screw drive receiving portion 32039, a drive receiving coupling 32076, and a drive transmission gear member 32074 according to the thirty-second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 201] 32 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge C320 according to the thirty-second embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a movable cover 32071 is attached to the end portion on the driving side (Z1 direction) of the toner cartridge C320. FIG. [Figure 202] 32A and 32B are diagrams for illustrating an example of a method of attaching a driving side cover 32050 to a housing frame 32031 according to a thirty-second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 203] 32A and 32B are diagrams illustrating an example of a method of engaging a pump screw drive receiving portion 32039 and a first main body side coupling 110 according to a thirty-second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 204] 32A and 32B are diagrams illustrating exemplary changes in the positions of the first main body side coupling 110 and the pump screw drive receiving portion 32039 depending on the open / close state of the opening / closing door 107 according to the thirty-second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 205] 32A to 32C are diagrams illustrating an example of changes in the engagement state between the first main body side coupling 110 and the pump screw drive receiving portion 32039 according to the thirty-second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 206] FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the toner discharge direction and the rotation axis of a pump screw drive receiving portion 32039 according to the thirty-second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 207] FIG. 33 is a partial external perspective view including the drive side of a toner cartridge C330 according to a thirty-third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 208] 33A and 33B are diagrams illustrating an example of a movable cover 33071 according to a thirty-third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 209] 33A to 33C are diagrams for illustrating an example of a method of attaching each member to a movable cover 33071 according to a thirty-third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 210]FIG. 33 is an external perspective view of a reciprocating coupling 33072 according to the thirty-third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 211] 33A and 33B are diagrams illustrating an example of a state in which the respective parts related to the movable cover 33071 according to the thirty-third embodiment of the present invention are attached. [Figure 212] 33A to 33C are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for attaching each part for transmitting drive force to a housing frame body 33031 according to a thirty-third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 213] FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of the drive side of a toner cartridge C330 according to a thirty-third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 214] FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a driving side cover 33050 is attached to a housing frame 33031 according to a thirty-third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 215] FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing an engagement state between a conversion gear 33074 and a second idler gear 33082 according to a thirty-third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 216] 33A and 33B are diagrams illustrating an example of a drive transmission method between an advancing / retreating coupling portion 33072 and a first main body side coupling 110 according to a thirty-third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 217] FIG. 34 is a partial external perspective view of a toner cartridge C340 according to a thirty-fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 218] FIG. 34 is a partial external perspective view of a process cartridge B100 according to a thirty-fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 219] FIG. 34 is an external perspective view of a first connecting member 34079 according to Example 34 of the present invention. [Figure 220] FIG. 34 is an external perspective view of a second connecting member 34080 according to a thirty-fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 221] FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a toner cartridge C340 is attached (connected) to a process cartridge B100 according to a thirty-fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 222] 34A and 34B are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for attaching and detaching a unit in a state in which the process cartridge B100 and the toner cartridge C340 are connected to the printer main body A according to a thirty-fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Example 1 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a laser printer, which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components of the image forming apparatus described in the following embodiment may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration and various conditions of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0010] (Basic configuration of a laser printer) 1, a laser printer 1, which is an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, includes a printer main body A as the device main body, and is detachably mountable to a process cartridge B and a toner cartridge C. Details of how the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C are mounted to and detached from the printer main body A will be described later.

[0011] The printer main body A is equipped with a sheet feeding unit 103, a transfer roller 104, a fixing unit 105, and a laser scanner 101. The process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C can be installed in the printer main body A so that they are positioned at the top and front of the laser printer 1.

[0012] Here, the upper side of the laser printer 1 is the Y1 direction shown in FIG. 1. The lower side of the laser printer 1 is the Y2 direction shown in FIG. 1, which is the opposite direction to the Y1 direction described above. The front side (front surface side) of the laser printer 1 is the X1 direction shown in FIG. 1. The rear side (rear surface side) of the laser printer 1 is the X2 direction shown in FIG. 1, which is the opposite direction to the X1 direction described above. The installation position (normal posture) of the laser printer 1 is a state in which the storage compartment for sheets S is located on the lower side of the device and the opening / closing door 107 is located on the upper side of the device, and in this state, the bottom of the laser printer 1 (the storage compartment side for sheets S) faces the direction of gravity.

[0013] Next, the process cartridge B will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a front view of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the process cartridge B as viewed from the X1 direction shown in Figure 1. Also, Figure 3 is a main cross-sectional view (cross-section cc shown in Figure 2) showing the configuration of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] 3, the process cartridge B according to this embodiment includes a cleaning unit 10 (first unit) having a photosensitive drum (drum unit) 11 as an image carrier, and a developing unit 15 (second unit). The developing unit 15 includes a developing roller 16 as developing means for carrying developer (toner).

[0015] The cleaning unit 10 includes a cleaning blade 17, a charging roller 12, a charging roller cleaner 14, a primary waste toner storage unit 10a, a first waste toner transport path 10b, and a second waste toner transport path 10c (see FIG. 5), and rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 11. The cleaning blade 17 functions as a cleaning device for the photosensitive drum 11. The charging roller 12 functions as a charging device for the photosensitive drum 11. The charging roller cleaner 14 functions as a cleaning device for the charging roller 12. In this embodiment, the axis parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 11 is defined as the Z axis, and the directions related to the Z axis are referred to as the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction. The Z axis is perpendicular to the X axis (X1 direction, X2 direction) and the Y axis (Y1 direction, Y2 direction), respectively. Furthermore, when process cartridge B and toner cartridge C are installed in printer body A, the X axis (X1, X2 direction), Y axis (Y1, Y2 direction), and Z axis (Z1, Z2 direction) of printer body A, process cartridge B, and toner cartridge C will all coincide.

[0016] The charging roller 12 is disposed so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and charges the photosensitive drum 11 by applying a voltage (charging bias) from the printer main body A. The charging roller 12 rotates together with the photosensitive drum 11.

[0017] The cleaning blade 17 is an elastic member that is arranged to contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 11. The cleaning blade 17, with its tip elastically contacting the photosensitive drum 11, can remove toner from the photosensitive drum 11 that remains after a sheet S, which will be described later, passes between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104. The removed toner (hereinafter referred to as waste toner) is transported from a primary waste toner storage unit 10a, which will be described later, to a toner cartridge C through a first waste toner transport path 10b and a second waste toner transport path 10c.

[0018] The charging roller cleaner 14 is a roller disposed so as to come into contact with the surface (outer circumferential surface) of the charging roller 12, and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the charging roller 12 to clean the charging roller.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section bb shown in Fig. 2) showing the supply port of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 4, the developing unit 15 has a developing chamber 151 in which the developing roller 16 is disposed, a developer accommodating section 152 that supplies toner to the developing chamber 151, a toner receiving chamber 153 that receives toner supplied from the toner cartridge C, and an agitating member 154.

[0020] The developing roller 16 is a developing member (developing means) that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 11 and uses the supplied toner to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 11. The developing blade 18 contacts the surface of the developing roller 16 to regulate the amount of toner that adheres to the surface of the developing roller 16. It also imparts a frictional charge to the toner. In other words, the developing blade 18 is an adjusting means for adjusting the amount of toner according to the present invention.

[0021] The agitating member 154 is an agitating means for agitating the toner supplied to the inside of the developing unit 15 so as to be evenly dispersed. The toner contained in the developer container 152 is sent to the developing chamber 151 by the rotation of the agitating member 154 and is supplied to the developing roller 16.

[0022] The remaining amount of toner in the developer accommodating portion 152 is detected by a remaining amount detecting means (not shown), and when the amount of toner in the developer accommodating portion 152 falls below a certain level, toner is supplied from the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B. The toner supplied to the developing unit 15 is then supplied to the developer accommodating portion 152 via the supply port 21c and delivery port 21d of the stay 21 and the toner receiving chamber 153.

[0023] Next, the operation of the laser printer 1 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The photosensitive drum 11 is rotated by a drive source (not shown) and is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roller 12. After charging, the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is exposed to light based on image information by the laser scanner 101, and the charge in the exposed area is removed to form an electrostatic latent image. Toner is supplied from the developing roller 16 to the electrostatic latent image thus formed on the photosensitive drum 11, forming a toner image.

[0024] At this time, in parallel with the toner image formation operation, the sheet S is transported along the sheet feeding section 103. Specifically, the feeding roller 103b rotates to feed the sheet S. Thereafter, the sheet S is transported between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104 in time with the formation of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11. As the sheet S passes between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104, a transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 104, and the toner image is transferred onto the sheet S as an unfixed image.

[0025] The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to the fixing unit 105. As the sheet S transported to the fixing unit 105 passes through the fixing unit 105, the unfixed image is heated and pressurized, and fixed to the surface of the sheet S. In other words, the fixing unit 105 is a fixing means in the image forming apparatus of the present invention. The sheet S is then transported by the sheet feeding unit 103, and discharged to and stacked on an output tray 106. An opening / closing door 107 is provided on the front of the printer main body A so as to be rotatable about a pivot shaft (not shown). With the opening / closing door open, the user can install and remove the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C into and from the inside of the printer main body A.

[0026] (Basic structure of process cartridge B) Next, the configuration of the process cartridge B in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 to 8. The process cartridge B in this embodiment uses a cartridge equipped with the photosensitive drum 11, but, for example, the photosensitive drum 11 may be provided in a separate cartridge that can be connected to the process cartridge B. In this embodiment, the process cartridge B may be any cartridge that can mount a toner cartridge C and function as a developing cartridge for development that has a developing roller 16, regardless of whether it holds the photosensitive drum 11 or not. In other words, in this embodiment, the process cartridge B is synonymous with the developing cartridge.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section dd shown in FIG. 2) showing the second waste toner conveying path 10c of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 6(a) shows the process cartridge B as viewed from the drive side, and FIG. 6(b) shows the process cartridge B as viewed from the non-drive side. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the contact and separation states of the development unit 15 with respect to the photosensitive drum 11 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG. 7 shows the state without the side cover 7 in order to explain the separation mechanism 100 of the printer main body A. FIG. 7(a) shows the contact state between the photosensitive drum 11 and the development roller 16, and FIG. 7(b) shows the separation state between the photosensitive drum 11 and the development roller 16. Note that each view in FIG. 7 is a side view of the process cartridge B as viewed from the drive side in the axial direction of the development roller 16. Fig. 8 shows a side view of the non-drive side of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 6, in the developing unit 15, a first bearing member 4 and a second bearing member 5 are respectively disposed at the axial ends of the developing roller 16, and the developing roller 16 is rotatably supported by the first bearing member 4 and the second bearing member 5. The first bearing member 4 is located on the non-drive side of the process cartridge B, and the second bearing member 5 is located on the drive side of the process cartridge B.

[0028] As shown in each of FIGS. 6 to 8 , the cylindrical shape 5a of the second bearing member 5 is supported in a cylindrical hole shape 7a provided in the side cover 7 of the cleaning unit 10. The pin 6 is inserted so as to straddle the cylindrical hole shape 20a of the cleaning frame 20 and the cylindrical hole shape 4a of the bearing member 4. The first support shaft 8a is defined by the common axis of the cylindrical hole shape 7a of the side cover 7 and the cylindrical shape 5a of the bearing member 5. The second support shaft 8b is defined by the common axis of the pin 6 and the cylindrical hole shape 4a of the bearing member 4. The developing unit 15 is connected to the cleaning unit 10 so as to be rotatable about an oscillation axis 8 defined by a straight line including the first support shaft 8a and the second support shaft 8b. In other words, the developing unit 15 is supported so as to be rotatable about the oscillation axis 8 relative to the cleaning unit 10. The swing axis 8 is disposed substantially parallel to the rotation axis 11b of the photosensitive drum 11.

[0029] Pressure springs 19, which are urging means for urging the developing unit 15 toward the cleaning unit 10, are arranged on both side surfaces of the process cartridge B (on the longitudinal end sides of the process cartridge B). A first pressure spring 19a is arranged on the drive side of the process cartridge B, and a second pressure spring 19b is arranged on the non-drive side of the process cartridge B. The developing unit 15 is urged by the first pressure spring 19a and the second pressure spring 19b, causing the developing roller 16 to come into contact with the photosensitive drum 11.

[0030] Next, the contact / separation operation of the developing unit 15 with respect to the cleaning unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7(a), a protrusion 5b is provided on the bearing member 5. As shown in FIG. 7(a), the developing roller 16 contacts the photosensitive drum 11 at a position where the protrusion 5b does not contact the separation mechanism 100. In the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, the state shown in FIG. 7(a) is the image forming position (contact position, development position) where the developing roller 16 and the photosensitive drum 11 contact each other and an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 can be developed.

[0031] 7(b), when the separation mechanism 100 provided in the printer main body A abuts against the protrusion 5b and receives a force, the development unit 15 rotates in the direction of arrow R2 around the swing axis 8 as the rotation center, and the photosensitive drum 11 and the development roller 16 are separated. At this time, the separation mechanism 100 presses the development unit 15 against the biasing forces of the first pressure spring 19a and the second pressure spring 19b. In the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, the state shown in FIG. 7(b) is the non-image forming position (separated position) in which the development roller 16 is retracted (separated) from the image forming position.

[0032] When the separation mechanism 100 returns to its original position, the separation mechanism 100 moves away from the protrusion 5b, and the developing roller 16 and the photosensitive drum 11 move again to the image forming position shown in Figure 7(a) due to the biasing forces of the first pressure spring 19a and the second pressure spring 19b.

[0033] That is, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment is equipped with the separation mechanism 100, which allows the process cartridge B to be switched between a contact position (image forming position) and a separation position (non-image forming position). With this configuration, the process cartridge B according to this embodiment can move (switch) the attitude of the development unit 15 relative to the photosensitive drum 11 between the contact position and the separation position, thereby suppressing toner deterioration and toner consumption when no image is formed.

[0034] 6, the cleaning unit 10 is made up of a cleaning frame 20, a stay 21, and a side cover 7. The cleaning frame 20 supports a cleaning blade 17, a charging roller 12, and a charging roller cleaner 14. One side of the photosensitive drum 11 in the longitudinal direction is attached to the cleaning frame 20 by a drum pin 22, and the other (opposite) side is rotatably supported by a photosensitive drum support portion 7b provided on the side cover 7.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the cleaning unit 10 has a second waste toner transport path 10c that transports the waste toner collected in the cleaning frame 20 to the toner cartridge C. The transport direction of the second waste toner transport path 10c is the direction L2 in FIG. 5. The transport direction L2 is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 11b of the photosensitive drum 11. As shown in FIG. 4 and as described above, the process cartridge B has a supply port 21c for receiving toner replenishment from the toner cartridge C. The relationship between this supply port 21c, the first waste toner transport path 10b, and the second waste toner transport path 10c will be described later.

[0036] (Basic configuration of toner cartridge C) Next, the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 to 20. FIG. 9 is a front view of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the toner cartridge C installed in the printer main body A. FIG. 10 is a main cross-sectional view (cross-section e-e shown in FIG. 9) showing the toner storage unit 30 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention, seen from the drive side. FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention, seen from the non-drive side. FIG. 12 is a side view of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention, seen from the drive side. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section ii shown in FIG. 12) based on the center of the rotation axis of the toner storage unit screw member 35 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section h-h shown in FIG. 9) exemplarily explaining the leveling portion 33a1 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section ff in FIG. 9) based on the center of the rotation axis of the shutter member 34 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section jj in FIG. 12) based on the center of the rotation axis of the shutter member 34 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a front view, left side view, right side view, bottom view, and various cross-sectional views of the nozzle member 33b according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view (cross-section gg in FIG. 9) exemplarily explaining the waste toner storage section 40 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the shutter member 34 for exemplarily explaining the transport path CP of the shutter member 34 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] As shown in Figures 9, 10, and 19, the toner cartridge C according to this embodiment includes a toner storage section 30 that stores toner to be supplied to a process cartridge B and a waste toner storage section 40 that collects waste toner from the process cartridge B. A drive-side toner cartridge side cover 50 is disposed on one side of the toner cartridge C, sandwiching the toner storage section 30 and the waste toner storage section 40, in a direction parallel to the rotational drive axis G of a pump screw drive input section 39 (described later). A non-drive-side toner cartridge side cover 60 is disposed on the other side of the toner cartridge C, sandwiching the toner storage section 30 and the waste toner storage section 40, in a direction parallel to the rotational drive axis G. In other words, the toner cartridge C has a frame that defines its outer shape, made up of the toner storage section 30, the waste toner storage section 40, the drive-side toner cartridge side cover 50, and the non-drive-side toner cartridge side cover 60. In other words, the toner cartridge C is an assembly of separate frames, including multiple storage sections and side covers.

[0038] In this embodiment, the Z axis is the axis parallel to the rotational drive axis G of the pump screw drive input portion 39. The X, Y, and Z axes of the toner cartridge C coincide with the X axis (X1, X2 direction), Y axis (Y1, Y2 direction), and Z axis (Z1, Z2 direction) of the printer main body A and process cartridge B when the toner cartridge C is installed in the printer main body A.

[0039] The following describes the details of the toner storage unit 30. As shown in Figures 10, 11, and 42, the toner storage unit 30 is formed by a storage unit frame 31 and a storage unit lid 32. The toner storage chamber 30a has a toner storage unit screw member 35 that transports toner toward the toner discharge port 34a, and a toner storage unit stirring and transporting unit 36 ​​that transports toner toward the toner storage unit screw member 35.

[0040] Here, as shown in Figure 10, the horizontal direction of the toner cartridge C in the printer main body A when it is fully installed is inclined by 4.6° with respect to the line connecting the toner storage section screw member 35 and the center of rotation of the toner storage section stirring and transporting unit 36.

[0041] 13, the storage unit frame 31 has a supply port 31a on the downstream side in the transport direction of the toner storage unit screw member 35. The portion of the storage unit frame 31 corresponding to the screw portion 35a of the toner storage unit screw member 35 has a curved portion 31d having substantially the same diameter as the screw.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 10, a partition wall 31c is provided on the upstream side of the toner storage screw member 35 in the transport direction. The partition wall 31c is provided continuously opposite the curved portion 31d. The space between the partition wall 31c and the curved portion 31d is open upward in the direction of gravity. The curved portion 31d and the partition wall 31c in the storage frame 31 form a toner reservoir 31a1. The height of the partition wall 31c is higher than the apex of the toner storage screw member 35, and the toner reservoir 31a1 is open upward in the direction of gravity when the toner cartridge C is in the installed position.

[0043] As shown in Figures 13 and 15, the partition wall 31c is interrupted near the upstream end of the toner storage section screw member 35 in the transport direction, but the transport force of the toner storage section screw member 35 allows toner to be stored in the toner reservoir section 31a1.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 11A, the toner storage container stirring / transport unit 36 ​​is driven by an agitation drive input unit 38 rotatably supported at one end of the toner storage container 30 in the longitudinal direction (i.e., outside the toner storage container 30), allowing the agitation portion to rotate. Details of the method of inputting drive force from the printer main body A to the agitation drive input unit 38 will be described later. The toner transport capacity of the toner storage container stirring / transport unit 36 ​​varies depending on the amount of toner present in the toner storage container 30. Therefore, in this embodiment, a toner reservoir 31a1 is provided as an area where a partition wall 31c is provided near the toner storage container screw member 35. This configuration allows the toner storage container screw member 35 to minimize changes in the pressure of the toner powder present in the toner reservoir 31a1, regardless of the amount of toner present inside the toner storage container 30. In other words, by providing the toner reservoir 31a1, the toner cartridge C according to this embodiment can suppress variations in the transport amount of the toner storage container screw member 35.

[0045] 14, the toner storage unit 30 is provided with a leveling portion 33a1 for adjusting the amount of toner transported to a fixed amount. The leveling portion 33a1 is formed on the partition member 33a provided between the partition wall 31c and the supply port 31a in the transport direction of the toner storage unit screw member 35.

[0046] The shape of the leveling portion 33a1 is a curved shape with approximately the same diameter as the outer diameter of the toner storage portion screw member 35. As described above, the storage frame 31 also has a curved portion 31d. In the cartridge C according to this embodiment, the toner storage portion screw member 35 is disposed in the conveying direction in a space formed by combining the curved portion of the leveling portion 33a1 with the curved portion 31d of the storage frame 31 (i.e., the area surrounded by the two curved portions). Therefore, the amount of toner conveyed to the supply port 31a by the toner storage portion screw member 35 can be kept constant within the area formed by the two curved portions. The space formed by combining the leveling portion 33a1 with the curved portion 31d of the storage frame 31 (the area surrounded by the two curved portions) is referred to as the conveying path 30c.

[0047] Furthermore, the length of the leveling portion 33a1 along the conveying direction is preferably at least two pitches (two consecutive threads) of the screw portion of the toner storage portion screw member 35. The reason for this is to prevent the toner from flowing back due to air supplied by the pump 37a (described later) during conveyance by the toner storage portion screw member 35.

[0048] As described above, the toner cartridge C of this embodiment can reduce variation in the amount of toner transported to the supply port 31a of the toner storage frame 31 by providing the partition wall 31c and the leveling portion 33a1.

[0049] Next, the input configuration of the external driving force provided in the toner cartridge C will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, the toner cartridge C has a pump unit 37, an agitation drive input portion 38, a pump / screw drive input portion 39, and a drive-side toner cartridge side cover 50 that covers the pump 37a provided in the pump unit 37. The above-mentioned components are arranged on the side of the toner cartridge C on which the agitation drive input portion 38 is provided (the drive side). In contrast, if the opposite side of the toner cartridge C from the drive side (in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge C) is defined as the non-drive side, the aforementioned waste toner storage portion 40 is arranged on this non-drive side. The components that make up the waste toner storage portion 40 will be described in detail below.

[0050] 11, 12, and 15, pump unit 37 includes pump 37a as a volume varying means of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, cam gear 37b for extending and retracting pump 37a, and link arm 37c. Agitation drive input section 38 is a drive means for driving toner storage section agitation / transport unit 36. Pump / screw drive input section 39 is a drive means for driving pump 37a and toner storage section screw member 35.

[0051] 11, 12, and 15, the pump unit 37, the agitation drive input portion 38, and the pump screw drive input portion 39 are all disposed outside the toner storage portion 30. Of these, the agitation drive input portion 38 and the pump screw drive input portion 39 are rotatably supported outside the toner storage portion 30.

[0052] The pump screw drive input portion 39 is a first drive force receiving member according to this embodiment, and includes a pump screw coupling portion 39a having a protruding shape that is exposed from the drive-side toner cartridge side cover 50. The pump screw coupling portion 39a is the drive force receiving portion (first drive force receiving portion) according to this embodiment.

[0053] The agitation drive input portion 38 is a second driving force receiving portion according to this embodiment, and includes a driving agitation coupling portion 38a having a protruding shape exposed from the driving-side toner cartridge side cover 50. The driving agitation coupling portion 38a is the driving force receiving portion (second driving force receiving portion) according to this embodiment. That is, the toner cartridge C according to this embodiment includes two coupling members at one end of the toner cartridge C in the longitudinal direction as toner cartridge-side coupling members.

[0054] The pump screw coupling 39a can receive driving force from the printer main body A when engaged with the first main body coupling 110 (first main body coupling member) of the printer main body A. The drive / agitation coupling 38a can receive driving force from the printer main body A when engaged with the second main body coupling (second main body coupling member) of the printer main body A. As shown in FIG. 15 , the rotational drive axis of the pump / screw drive input part 39 is designated as axis G. Axis G is positioned approximately parallel to the rotational axis 11b of the photosensitive drum 11 of the process cartridge B and the rotational drive axis of the agitation drive input part 38.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 15 , the pump unit 37 includes a pump 37a serving as a volume changer of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, a cam gear 37b for expanding and contracting the pump 37a, and a link arm 37c. The cam gear 37b includes a gear portion 37b1 for receiving the rotational driving force output from the pump-screw coupling portion 39a. Therefore, the gear portion 37b1 (i.e., the cam gear 37b) rotates due to the driving force transmitted from the pump-screw coupling portion 39a. The link arm 37c linked to the cam gear 37b reciprocates along the axis G due to the rotation of the cam gear 37b. The contact surface of the link arm 37c with the pump 37a is located outside the toner storage unit 30 relative to the pump 37a in the direction of the axis G. Therefore, the reciprocating motion of the link arm 37c causes the pump 37a to expand and contract along the axis G. In other words, the direction of expansion and contraction of the pump 37a is substantially parallel to the axis G.

[0056] Although not shown in the drawings, gear portion 37b1 of cam gear 37b also meshes with a drive gear (not shown) provided at the Z1-direction end of toner storage portion screw member 35, and a driving force is transmitted to the toner storage portion screw member via the drive gear. Because the drive gear and toner storage portion screw member 35 are rotatable on the same axis, when the drive gear rotates, toner storage portion screw member 35 also rotates in the same direction.

[0057] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the toner storage unit 30 has a nozzle member 33b connected to a pump 37a. Also, a toner discharge port 34a of a shutter member 34 is arranged below the supply port 31a. The shutter member 34 is a toner discharge member of the toner cartridge C according to this embodiment, and is rotatably attached to the toner cartridge C. Also, the toner discharge port 34a opens toward the outside of the toner cartridge C. In other words, the shutter member 34 functions as a transport member that transports toner from the storage frame 31 toward the process cartridge B, and also functions as a discharge member that discharges toner toward the process cartridge B.

[0058] 16 and 18, the nozzle member 33b has a pump-side port 33b1 and a toner-side port 33b2. The nozzle member 33b has an internal space formed by connecting a space extending from the toner-side port 33b1 in the direction of the axis G to a space extending from the toner-side port 33b1 in a direction intersecting the axis G, i.e., a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the toner accommodating unit screw member 35. As shown in FIG. 18, the cross-sectional area of ​​the toner-side port 33b2 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the pump-side port 33b1.

[0059] 16, the toner-side opening 33b2 is disposed above the supply opening 31a. The toner-side opening 33b2 is disposed between the rotation center of the toner accommodating portion screw member 35 and the supply opening 31a in the height direction of the toner cartridge C. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16, when the toner cartridge C is viewed from the rotation axis direction of the shutter member 34, the nozzle member 33b is disposed so that a portion of the supply opening 31a overlaps on an extension line of the toner-side opening 33b2.

[0060] The air flow generated by the contraction of the pump 37a flows from the pump-side opening 33b1 to the toner-side opening 33b2. At this time, because the cross-sectional area of ​​the toner-side opening 33b2 is smaller than that of the pump-side opening 33b1, the speed (flow velocity) of the air flowing through the toner-side opening 33b2 is faster. The air flowing through the toner-side opening 33b2 is mixed with the toner that has been transported to the supply opening 31a by the toner storage section screw member 35. The toner mixed with the air is then transported from the supply opening 31a through the shutter entrance 34g to the toner discharge opening 34a and supplied to the process cartridge B.

[0061] As described above, in the toner cartridge C of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, the toner-side opening 33b2 of the nozzle member 33b is positioned away from the supply opening 31a and faces in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the toner storage screw member 35. With this configuration, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment can prevent toner from entering the pump 37a even if the user points the pump 37a of the toner cartridge C downward. When toner enters the pump 37a, the force required to expand and contract the pump 37a increases. To address this issue, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment employs the above-described configuration to reduce the amount of toner entering the pump 37a, thereby suppressing an increase in the torque applied to the pump-screw coupling 39a.

[0062] Furthermore, in the toner cartridge C according to this embodiment, in order to efficiently send air generated by the contraction of the pump 37a to the toner discharge port 34a, a supply chamber 30b is provided along the transport direction of the toner storage portion screw member 35. Specifically, downstream of the leveling portion 33a1 in the transport direction of the toner storage portion screw member 35, there is the supply chamber 30b separated from the toner storage portion 30a by the partition member 33a, the nozzle member 33b, the storage portion lid 32, and the storage portion frame 31. The cross-sectional areas of the toner storage portion 30a, the supply portion 30b, and the transport path 30c are the largest for the toner storage portion 30a, the next largest for the supply portion 30b, and the smallest for the transport path 30c.

[0063] The shutter member 34 is a toner transport means including the toner transport nozzle (toner transport member) of the toner cartridge C according to this embodiment, and is equipped with a transport path CP and a discharge portion used when supplying toner from the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B. The shutter member 34 is rotatable in response to the installation operation of the toner cartridge C into the printer main body A, and this rotation can open and close a toner discharge port 34a, which will be described later. Specifically, the shutter member 34 according to this embodiment can transition between a state in which toner can be discharged (open state) and a state in which toner is sealed (closed state) by rotating the shutter member 34. The shutter member 34 can control whether toner is supplied to the process cartridge B by switching between the open state and the closed state. The closed state of the shutter member 34 refers to a state in which the path from the supply port 31a of the accommodating frame 31 to the transport path 34b of the shutter member 34 is blocked.

[0064] 16 and 17, the shutter member 34 has a shutter inlet 34g that receives toner from the supply port 31a, a toner discharge port 34a, a transport portion 34b that transports toner between the shutter inlet 34g and the toner discharge port 34a, and an edge portion 34d. The shutter inlet 34g functions as a toner receiving port that receives toner from the toner storage unit 30. The toner discharge port 34a functions as a toner discharge portion for the toner cartridge according to this embodiment, and is an opening formed by the edge portion 34d. In other words, the edge portion 34d forms the tip of a cylindrical portion formed by the openings of the transport portion 34b and the toner discharge port 34a.

[0065] 17 shows the state in which the shutter member 34 is open. In this embodiment, the direction in which toner is discharged from the toner discharge port 34a is referred to as discharge direction E, which is indicated by a dashed arrow in the figure. The direction in which toner is transported via the transport unit 34b is referred to as transport direction CV, which is indicated by a two-dot chain arrow in the figure. In this embodiment, as will be described later, because the transport unit 34b is bent midway, the transport direction CV is shown divided into multiple components (a first transport direction CV1 and a second transport direction CV2).

[0066] 17, when the toner cartridge C is installed in the printer main body A, a part of the conveying unit 34b intersects with the axis G, which is the rotational drive axis of the pump screw drive input unit 39, and extends in a direction away from the axis G. In other words, the first conveying direction (first direction) CV1 of the toner by the conveying unit 34b intersects with the axis G of the pump screw drive input unit 39, and includes a component in a direction away from the axis G.

[0067] 17, the other portion of the conveying portion 34b extends in a direction parallel to the axis G, which is the rotational drive axis of the pump screw drive input portion 39, and in a direction away from the pump screw coupling portion 39a. That is, the second conveying direction CV2 of the toner by the conveying portion 34b includes a component parallel to the axis G of the pump screw drive input portion 39 and in a direction away from the pump screw coupling portion 39a that receives the drive force for conveying the toner.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 17 , the toner discharged from the toner discharge port 34a is discharged in a discharge direction E that is parallel to the axis G and away from the pump screw coupling unit 39a. That is, the discharge direction (second direction) E of the toner discharged from the toner discharge port 34a is parallel to the axis G of the pump screw drive input unit 39. The toner discharge direction E is parallel to the central axis of the circular toner discharge port 34a and away from the toner discharge port 34a. Alternatively, the toner discharge direction E is defined as the normal direction (direction away from the toner discharge port 34a) to the two-dimensional projection (circular) of the toner discharge port 34a on a plane perpendicular to the axis G. The toner discharge direction E also includes a component that is away from the pump screw coupling unit 39a, which receives the driving force for transporting the toner. At least a portion of the component included in the toner discharge direction at the toner discharge port 34a and the component included in the second transport direction along the path from the transport unit 34b to the toner discharge port 34a coincide.

[0069] Next, the toner transport path CP in the shutter member 34 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 20 . The toner transport path CP is the path along which the toner travels when moving in the transport section 34b of the shutter member 34. As shown in FIG. 20 , in a cross section of the transport section 34b perpendicular to the transport path CP indicated by the solid arrow, the center of gravity g of the cross section is assumed to be any position within the transport path CP. However, it is difficult to accurately define the position of the center of gravity g in a location where the cross section of the transport section 34b is partially missing. Therefore, in this embodiment, the most upstream point of the transport section 34b without any missing portion in the cross section is defined as the start point of the transport path CP, and the most downstream point is defined as the end point of the transport path CP. The cross section of the transport section 34b related to the toner transport path CP is not limited to a circular shape. For example, the cross-sectional view of the conveying section 34b may have any shape as long as it is not difficult to calculate or estimate the center of gravity g, such as when the outer edge of the cross-section of the conveying section 34b is interrupted or there is a sudden change in shape.

[0070] In this embodiment, the toner transport line is defined as a line continuously connecting the centers of gravity of successive cross sections of the toner transport path CP. The toner transport line is a line indicating the main path of the toner transport path CP, and generally passes through the approximate center of each cross section. However, this is not necessarily the case in locations where there is a sharp angle change in the shape of the transport section 34b. The direction of the toner transport line is the toner transport direction at each point. The toner transport direction CV2 at the end point of the toner transport path CP is synonymous with the toner discharge direction E.

[0071] As described above, the toner discharged from the toner discharge port 34a is discharged in a discharge direction E that is parallel to the axis G and has a component in the direction away from the pump screw drive input portion 39 (see FIG. 17). With this configuration, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment can prevent the coupling portion of the printer main body A that engages with the pump screw coupling portion 39a of the toner cartridge C from being soiled with toner.

[0072] 11, the shutter member 34 is disposed on the side of the toner storage portion 30 where the pump screw drive input portion 39 is located in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge (the direction parallel to the Z axis described above). More specifically, the shutter member 34 according to this embodiment is located on the side where the pump screw drive input portion 39 is provided, with respect to at least the center position of the toner storage portion 30 along the Z axis. Therefore, in the toner cartridge C according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the loss of discharge force when discharging toner due to volume fluctuations in the pump 37a, and it is possible to prevent the discharge mechanism from becoming large.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11 , a recording medium (electrical board) 203 having an electrical contact 203a as an electrode for electrical connection with the printer main body A is provided on the same side of the toner cartridge C as the shutter member 34 in the longitudinal direction. The recording medium 203 is a recording device in which the toner cartridge C stores various information related to itself. The electrical contact 203a is connected to a main body-side contact (not shown) provided in the printer main body A, thereby establishing communication between the printer main body A and the toner cartridge C and enabling the exchange of information between them. When the toner cartridge C is installed in the printer main body A, this electrical contact 203a is located above the toner discharge port 34a of the shutter member 34 in the direction of gravity, which is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge C. Therefore, the position of the electrical contact 203a in the toner cartridge C according to this embodiment makes it less susceptible to toner scattering. The electrical contact 203a is provided on the drive-side toner cartridge side cover 50, which will be described later. 11, 13, and 14, the housing compartment lid 32 is provided with a shutter opening / closing rib 200 as a shutter opening / closing member. The shutter opening / closing rib 200 is a member that opens and closes the laser shutter RS ​​that covers the laser scanner 101 provided inside the laser printer 1. Specifically, in conjunction with the insertion of the toner cartridge C, the shutter opening / closing rib 200 moves the mechanism that opens the laser shutter RS ​​in the opening direction, thereby enabling the laser scanner 101 to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 11. In other words, in conjunction with the insertion of the toner cartridge C into the printer main body A, the laser shutter RS ​​transitions from a closed state to an open state. At this time, although the process cartridge B is inserted into the printer main body A before the toner cartridge C, the shutter opening / closing rib 200 opens and closes the laser shutter RS ​​without involving the process cartridge B.

[0074] The laser shutter RS ​​is closed when the toner cartridge C is not installed in the printer body A. Therefore, even if the laser scanner 101 accidentally irradiates a laser beam when the toner cartridge C is installed, the laser light can be prevented from leaking outside the printer body A.

[0075] 13, when viewing the toner cartridge C from the rear side, the shutter opening / closing rib 200 is desirably arranged above the toner transport screw member 35 so as to overlap with the supply unit 30b and / or the transport path 30c. In other words, in the direction parallel to the Z axis, the shutter opening / closing rib 200 is arranged at the same position as the supply unit 30b and / or the transport path 30c. Note that the side opposite the direction of gravity when the toner cartridge C is installed in the printer main body A placed on flat ground is considered to be the upper side of the toner cartridge C.

[0076] To achieve the aforementioned order of cross-sectional area of ​​the toner storage unit 30 in the toner transport direction, namely, toner storage unit 30a > supply chamber 30b > transport path 30c, the overlapping areas with the supply chamber 30b and transport path 30c must be smaller than the toner reservoir 31a1. Specifically, the dimensions of the toner storage unit 30 on the opposite side of the gravity direction (i.e., the upper side) must be limited so that the supply chamber 30b and transport path 30c are smaller than the toner reservoir 31a1. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, as described above, the shutter opening / closing rib 200 is located upstream in the toner cartridge C installation direction and in a position where it has minimal impact on the volume of the toner cartridge C. Note that by locating the shutter opening / closing rib 200 upstream in the installation direction, it is possible to easily realize a mechanism that opens and closes the laser shutter in conjunction with the installation of the toner cartridge C into the printer main body A.

[0077] Furthermore, in an image forming apparatus with a removable cartridge system, there are cases where a cartridge is mistakenly installed, and whether or not it is compatible with the printer body A is unclear. In anticipation of such cases, in this embodiment, the storage section lid 32 is provided with a plurality of slits 32c for selectively inserting the shutter opening / closing rib 200. With this configuration, an incompatible cartridge will interfere with the shutter opening / closing rib 200, so it is possible to prevent an incompatible cartridge from being mistakenly installed in the printer body A.

[0078] Next, the waste toner storage unit 40 will be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 19, the waste toner storage unit 40 includes a waste toner storage unit frame 41, a waste toner storage lid 42, and a waste toner shutter member 43. The outer shape of the waste toner main unit 40 is formed by the waste toner storage unit frame 41 and the waste toner storage lid 42. As shown in Fig. 15, a drive-side toner cartridge side cover 50 is attached to the drive side of the toner cartridge C (i.e., the side surface of the toner storage unit 30). In addition, a non-drive-side toner cartridge side cover 60 is attached to the waste toner storage unit 40 side of the toner cartridge C (i.e., the side surface of the waste toner storage unit 40).

[0079] The waste toner storage lid 42 is provided with a waste toner receiving port 42a. A waste toner shutter member 43 functions as a shutter means for opening and closing this waste toner receiving port 42a. The waste toner shutter member 43 can open and close the waste toner receiving port 42a by moving in the J direction shown in Figure 19 in conjunction with the installation and removal of the toner cartridge C into and from the printer main body A. Note that the state shown in Figure 19 shows the waste toner shutter member 43 in an open state.

[0080] 11 and 42, disposed inside waste toner storage unit 40 are a first waste toner storage screw 44, a waste toner storage unit gear train 45, a partition member 46, and a second waste toner storage screw 47. First waste toner storage screw 44 transports waste toner received (dropped) through waste toner receiving opening 42a in the direction of rotation axis 11b of photosensitive drum 11. Driven by first waste toner storage screw 44, second waste toner storage screw 47 transports the waste toner transported by first waste toner storage screw 44 to the upper side of toner cartridge C. In other words, first waste toner storage screw 44 and second waste toner storage screw 47 are waste toner transporting members according to this embodiment.

[0081] As for the driving force of the waste toner storage unit 40, first, the driving force input from the stirring drive input unit 38 is transmitted via the toner storage unit stirring and transport unit 36 ​​to the toner storage unit non-drive side gear 48 located on the non-drive side of the toner storage unit 30. Then, the driving force is transmitted from the toner storage unit non-drive side gear 48 to the first waste toner storage screw 44 via the waste toner storage unit gear train 45.

[0082] With the configuration described above, the toner cartridge C of this embodiment can drive the agitation drive input portion 38 even when the pump screw drive input portion 39 is not driven. In other words, the toner cartridge C of this embodiment can drive the pump screw drive input portion 39 and the agitation drive input portion 38 independently. Therefore, the toner cartridge C of this embodiment can drive the first waste toner collection screw 44 and the second waste toner collection screw 47 in the waste toner collection portion 40 even when toner is not being supplied to the process cartridge B. In other words, the toner cartridge C can collect waste toner (can maintain a collectable state) even when toner is not being supplied.

[0083] Furthermore, because the means for receiving the driving force input from the printer main body A (driving force receiving portion) is concentrated at one end (in the longitudinal direction) of the toner cartridge C, it is possible to prevent the gear train of the printer main body A from becoming complicated. Furthermore, by using the toner storage portion stirring and transport unit 36 ​​to transmit the driving force that drives each portion of the toner cartridge C from one end to the other of the storage frame 31, it is possible to transmit the driving force to the waste toner storage portion 40 without increasing the number of parts for transmitting the driving force. By adopting the configuration described above, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment can efficiently store waste toner in the toner cartridge C while preventing an increase in size in the longitudinal direction (the direction parallel to the drive axis of the toner cartridge C and the rotation axis 11b of the photosensitive drum 11).

[0084] (How to install and remove process cartridge B and toner cartridge C) Next, a detailed description will be given of a method for installing and removing the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C in the printer main body A with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for installing the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C in the printer main body A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21(a) shows the installation method for the process cartridge B, and FIG. 21(b) shows the installation method for the toner cartridge C. FIG. 22 is a side view illustrating an example of a method for installing the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C in the printer main body A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22(a) shows the installation method for the process cartridge B, FIG. 22(b) shows the installation method for the toner cartridge C, and FIG. 22(c) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C are installed in the printer main body A.

[0085] As shown in Figure 21(a), the space inside the printer main body A is the mounting section for the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C. The opening / closing door 107 is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis R5 relative to the printer main body A, and the state shown in Figure 21(a) shows the opening / closing door 107 in the open state.

[0086] The printer main body A also has a first guide portion 108 and a second guide portion 109. Furthermore, the process cartridge B is provided with an upper boss 93, an upper boss 94, a lower boss 95, and a lower boss 96 on both the left and right sides in the longitudinal direction, as shown in Figure 6.

[0087] The procedure for installing the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C into the printer body A will be described below. First, install the process cartridge B into the printer body A. As shown in Figure 21(a), the first guide portion 108 is sandwiched between the upper boss 93 and the lower boss 95, and the second guide portion 109 is sandwiched between the upper boss 94 and the lower boss 96, and the process cartridge B is inserted in the direction of arrow D while being guided by these guide portions. Once the insertion of the process cartridge B is complete, the position of the process cartridge B relative to the printer body A is determined.

[0088] Next, the toner cartridge C is installed in the printer main body A. The user can insert or remove the toner cartridge C while gripping it as a whole by placing their fingers on the surface 32a of the storage compartment lid 32 and the opposing surface 31b. As shown in FIG. 22(b), the toner cartridge C has positioning bosses 50a and 60a at both longitudinal ends, respectively, at the front in the installation direction. Guided portions 50b and 60b are located downstream of the positioning bosses 50a and 60a in the installation direction. The positioning boss 60a is located on the non-drive side of the toner cartridge C and is located at the same position (overlapping position) as the positioning boss 50a on the drive side when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axis G. The guided portion 60b is located on the non-drive side of the toner cartridge C and is located at the same position (overlapping position) as the guided portion 50b on the drive side when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axis G.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 6, the process cartridge B has a stay 21 having a first positioning portion 21a and a second positioning portion 21b, each of which has a concave shape, used for positioning the toner cartridge C.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 21(b) and 22(b), the toner cartridge C is inserted in direction D with the guided portions 50b and 60b resting on the first guide portion 108 and the second guide portion 109, respectively. The state shown in FIG. 22(c) is the state in which the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C are fully installed. As shown in FIG. 22(c), when the toner cartridge C is fully inserted, the positioning bosses 50a and 60a fit into the first positioning portion 21a and the second positioning portion 21b, respectively. At this time, the leading ends of the guided portions 50b and 60b in the insertion direction separate from the first guide portion 108 and the second guide portion 109, and their trailing ends abut against the first guide portion 108 and the second guide portion 109. In this state, the toner cartridge C is positioned in the process cartridge B. Furthermore, the rear ends of guided portions 50b and 60b come into contact with first guide portion 108 and second guide portion 109, respectively, thereby determining the position of toner cartridge C inside printer body A. In this state, installation of process cartridge B and toner cartridge C into printer body A is complete. Thereafter, opening and closing door 107 is closed, and the laser printer 1 according to this embodiment is ready to form an image. When removing toner cartridge C and process cartridge B from printer body A, the various components operate in the reverse order of the installation procedure described above.

[0091] (Toner supply path from toner cartridge C to process cartridge B) Next, the toner supply path from toner cartridge C to process cartridge B will be described in detail with reference to Figures 7, 23, and 24. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating an example of a supply port of process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of a drive mechanism related to the developing operation of process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view of process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing a cross section parallel to the Y-axis and Z-axis passing through the center of supply port 21c.

[0092] As described above, toner is supplied (replenished) to the process cartridge B from the toner cartridge C. A more detailed explanation follows. As shown in FIG. 23, the stay 21 has a supply port 21c for receiving toner supplied from the toner cartridge C. The toner received at the supply port 21c is transported to the toner receiving chamber 153 of the developing unit 15 via the delivery port 21d and the receiving port 153a. The toner replenished to the toner receiving chamber 153 is supplied to the developer containing section 152 from the developer containing chamber receiving port 152a by a receiving chamber transport member 153b. A receiving port seal member 153c is attached around the receiving port 153a, sealing the area between the delivery port 21d of the stay 21 and the receiving port 153a to prevent any gaps from forming and toner leakage.

[0093] 7 and 24, the process cartridge B is provided with a development coupling 155 in the development unit 15 as a drive input member for receiving drive from the printer main body A. The development coupling 155 in this embodiment can transmit rotational force to the development roller gear 16a for transmitting rotational force to the development roller 16 described above, and to the agitation gear 154a for transmitting rotational force to the agitation member 154.

[0094] In the direction of axis 11b), a development contact 16b and a development blade contact 18a are disposed at the opposite end of the development coupling 155. The development contact 16b is a member (power supply member) to which a voltage is supplied from the printer main body A to be applied to the development roller 16. The development blade contact 18a is a member (power supply member) to which a voltage is supplied from the printer main body A to be applied to the development blade 18.

[0095] 25, the supply port 21c of the process cartridge B is disposed closer to the development coupling 155 than the development contact 16b in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B (the left-right direction in the figure). The toner supplied from the supply port 21c is transported in a direction away from the development coupling 155 and then transported to the development unit 15. With this configuration, the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention transports the toner in a direction away from the development coupling 155, thereby preventing the development coupling 155 from becoming soiled with toner. Furthermore, since the toner supply port 21c of the process cartridge B is disposed at a position away from the development contact 16b, the development contact 16b can be prevented from becoming soiled with toner.

[0096] (Configuration of shutter member 34) Next, the details of the configuration of the shutter member 34 provided in the toner cartridge C will be described with reference to FIGS. 16, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 41. FIG. 26 is a side view and a cross-sectional view (cross-section k-k in the figure) for illustratively explaining a state in which the shutter member 34 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention seals in toner. FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the shutter member 34 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention and its peripheral components. FIG. 28 is a front view, left side view, right side view, bottom view, and respective cross-sectional views of the shutter member 34 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29 is a front view of the shutter member 34 of the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention sealing in toner. FIG. 30 is a front view, left side view, right side view, bottom view, and respective cross-sectional views of a shutter protection member 210 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 41 is an external perspective view of the shutter member 34 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] 26 and 41, the shutter member 34 is supported rotatably with respect to the toner storage unit 30, with the rotation axis R1 as the reference. As shown in Fig. 41, the toner discharge port 34a of the shutter member 34 transitions to an open state (opening direction) by rotating in direction H about the rotation axis R1. Although the cross sections are different, the state of the shutter member 34 illustrated in Fig. 26 is the closed state, and by rotating from this state in the direction H described above, the state of the shutter member 34 illustrated in Fig. 17 transitions to the open state.

[0098] Note that when the toner cartridge C is installed in the printer main body A, at least until it comes into contact with the process cartridge B, the toner discharge outlet 34a of the shutter member 34 is biased by a coil spring, which will be described later, so that it faces the upper side of the toner cartridge C. In other words, the toner discharge outlet 34a is biased by the coil spring 213 so that its opening is positioned on the opposite side to the direction of gravity (the state shown in Figure 41). Note that the upper side of the toner cartridge C is synonymous with the upper side of the printer main body A when the orientation of the toner cartridge C installed in the printer main body A is used as the reference.

[0099] 26 and 31, shutter protection member 210 is a member (protective member) provided around shutter member 34 to protect shutter member 34, and includes discharge port seal abutment surface 210a and first shutter support portion 210b. When discharge port seal abutment surface 210a abuts against shutter seal member 216 attached around toner discharge port 34a, toner discharge port 34a is closed, preventing toner from leaking from toner discharge port 34a.

[0100] 27, the shutter member 34 has the third shutter support portion 34e and the shutter support shaft 34j supported by the first shutter support portion 210b and the second shutter support portion 209a of the shutter support member 209. With this configuration, the shutter member 34 is attached to the toner cartridge C so as to be rotatable relative to the toner accommodating portion 30.

[0101] 27, the coil spring 213 is a biasing means that biases the shutter member 34 around the rotation axis R3 in the direction opposite to the arrow H. As described above, the coil spring 213 enables the shutter member 34 to maintain a state in which the toner discharge port 34a faces the upper side of the device.

[0102] 28, the shutter member 34 has an arm portion 34h as an abutting member that is located on the pump unit 37 side with respect to its own center of rotation when viewed along the rotation axis R1 direction of the shutter member 34. The shutter member 34 also has an actuating protrusion (actuating member) 34f that is located on the opposite side (non-pump side) from the pump unit 37 with respect to its own center of rotation when viewed along the rotation axis R1 direction of the shutter member 34. In other words, the arm portion 34h and the actuating protrusion 34f are arranged in point symmetry with respect to the rotation axis R1 of the shutter member 34.

[0103] This configuration prevents the arm portion 34h and the actuating protrusion 34f, which are independent of each other, from interlocking with the various components of the process cartridge B. When the shutter member 34 is viewed from the side facing the toner discharge opening 34a, the toner discharge opening 34a and the arm portion 34h are located at a distance from the rotation axis R1 of the shutter member 34. When the toner discharge opening 34a is located at the top when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R1 of the shutter member 34, the transport section 34b from the toner discharge opening 34a to the shutter inlet 34g is L-shaped. The opening of the shutter inlet 34g faces the paper surface in FIG. 28. In other words, the angle between the toner transport direction from the shutter inlet 34g to the transport section 34b and the toner discharge direction E from the toner discharge opening 34a is approximately 90 degrees.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 26, the electrical contact 203a of the recording medium 203 of the toner cartridge C is located downstream in the installation direction of the toner cartridge C. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 26, the electrical contact 203a is located closer to the pump screw coupling 39a than the shutter member 34 in the direction along the rotational drive axis G. That is, similar to the pump screw coupling 39a, when the toner cartridge C is installed in the printer main body A, toner discharged from the toner discharge port 34a is discharged in a direction away from the electrical contact 203a of the recording medium 203. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the electrical contact 203a of the recording medium 203 from being soiled by toner.

[0105] The shutter protection member 210 has an arm opening 210c. As shown in FIG. 29, the arm opening 210c is formed so as to expose an arm tip 34h1 of the arm portion 34h of the shutter member 34 when viewed along the rotation axis R1 of the shutter member 34. Note that the arm opening 210c in this embodiment is an opening that opens in the direction viewed from the rotation axis R1 of the shutter member 34 and below it. When the shutter member 34 is in a closed state, the arm portion 34h abuts against the opening end 210c1 of the arm opening 210c, and the shutter member 34 is maintained in a closed state by the biasing force of the coil spring 213. Note that, as described above, the closed state of the shutter member 34 is a state in which the path from the supply port 31a to the conveying path 34b is blocked.

[0106] 28, the shutter member 34 has a positioning surface 34i that determines positioning when the toner cartridge C has been completely installed in the printer main body A. When the toner cartridge C has been completely installed in the printer main body A, this positioning surface 34i comes into contact with the positioning surface 214e of the toner flow path member 214 of the process cartridge B, and regulates the position of the shutter member 34 in the rotational direction.

[0107] 30, the shutter member 34 of the shutter protection member 210 begins to rotate while the toner cartridge C is being installed in the printer main body A. At this time, the shutter protection member 210 has a rough guide rib 210d that guides (rough guides) the toner cartridge C to roughly position it ahead of the process cartridge B. Note that the rough guide in this embodiment not only positions the toner cartridge C relative to the process cartridge B, but also serves to guide the insertion of the toner cartridge C into the printer main body A. The operation of the rough guide rib 210d when inserting it into the rough guide 21f will be described in detail later.

[0108] (Shutter configuration of process cartridge B (receiving side)) Next, the shutter configuration of the process cartridge B will be described with reference to Figures 23, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36. Figure 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the receiving-side shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 31(a) is an external perspective view of the process cartridge B including the receiving-side shutter member 206, and Figure 31(b) is a partially enlarged view thereof. Figure 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the receiving-side shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 33 is a partial cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the receiving-side shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The cross section illustrated in Figure 33 is a plane that is parallel to the insertion direction (direction B) of the process cartridge B and the Z axis and passes through the center of the communication hole 206a. Figure 34 is an exploded perspective view of the receiving-side shutter member 206 and its peripheral components according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 35 is an exploded perspective view of the receiving-side shutter member 206 and peripheral components facing the communication opening 206a of the shutter member 206 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 36 is a partially enlarged view of the process cartridge B according to the first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the mounting direction of the toner cartridge C.

[0109] As shown in Figures 21, 32, and 33, the process cartridge B is equipped with a receiving-side shutter member 206. The receiving-side shutter member 206 can cover the supply port 21c provided in the stay 21, and is slidable in the installation direction D of the toner cartridge C. The receiving-side shutter member 206 also has a communication port 206a that communicates with the supply port 21c to allow the toner to be received when the toner cartridge C and the process cartridge B have been completely installed in the printer main body A. The receiving shutter member 206 also has an actuation protrusion receiving portion 206b. Details of each part will be described later.

[0110] 34, a compression spring 217 used to bias the receiving-side shutter member 206 in the closing direction is disposed between the shutter member 206 and the toner flow path member 214. The receiving-side shutter member 206 is supported in a fitted relationship with the toner flow path member 214 in the direction perpendicular to the sliding direction (the direction parallel to Y1 and Y2 shown in FIG. 36). Therefore, when the receiving-side shutter member 206 is opened, the communication port 206a and the hole of the supply port 21c communicate with high precision.

[0111] 31(b) and 36, the stay 21 is provided with a guide surface 21e having a sloped surface that guides the arm tip 34h1 in the direction of opening the shutter member 34 when the toner cartridge C is attached to the process cartridge B. The guide surface 21e and a guide side surface 21g, which will be described later, are formed so that the surface against which the arm tip 34h1 abuts is continuous, and the abutment surface against which the arm tip 34h1 abuts is twisted between the guide surface 21e and the guide side surface 21g.

[0112] 35, the stay 21 includes a toner flow path member 214 having a supply port 21c. The toner flow path member 214 is provided with a delivery port 21d in addition to the supply port 21c.

[0113] The toner flow path member 214 includes a rail portion 214c that slidably supports the receiving-side shutter member 206, and a spring fixing portion 214d that fixes the compression spring 217. The rail portion 214c includes a regulating portion 214c1 that abuts against the rail member 214c when the receiving-side shutter member 206 moves in the closing direction, and regulates the position of the receiving-side shutter member 206.

[0114] 33 and 35, a shutter seal member 216 having an opening 216a is disposed around the supply port 21c. The shutter seal member 216 is disposed around the supply port 21c and serves to fill the gap between the receiving-side shutter member 206 and the surface on which the auxiliary toner flow path member 21c is disposed. The diameter of the opening 216a of the shutter seal member 216 is larger than the diameter of the supply port 21c.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 31(b), the actuation receiving portion 206b of the receiving-side shutter member 206 is located downstream of the communication opening 206a in the installation direction D of the toner cartridge C. The actuation protrusion 34f can be inserted into the actuation receiving portion 206b, which is a groove-shaped portion that extends in a direction intersecting the installation direction (direction D) and has a component in the Y2 direction. In the Y2 direction, the upstream end of the actuation receiving portion 206b is open so that the actuation protrusion 34f can enter the groove-shaped portion. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 36, the stay 21 has a rough guide 21f that receives the rough guide rib 210d of the shutter protection member 210.

[0116] (Interlocking of the shutter member 34 and the receiving-side shutter member 206) The following describes the interlocking opening and closing operation of the shutter member 34 of the toner cartridge C and the receiving-side shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B with reference to Figures 21, 37, 38, 39, and 40. Figure 37 is a diagram illustrating the path of attachment of the rough guide rib 210d to the rough guide 21f according to this embodiment, with Figures 37(a) to 37(e) showing continuous changes in the insertion state of the rough guide rib 210d into the rough guide 21f. Note that Figures 37(a) to 37(e) show cross sections passing through the center of the rough guide 21f and parallel to the X and Y axes. Figure 38 is a diagram illustrating the path of attachment of the arm tip 34h1 of the shutter member 34 according to this embodiment. Figures 38(a) to 38(e) show continuous changes in the relative position (or contact state) between the arm tip 34h1 and the guide surface 21e. 38(a) to 38(e) show cross sections parallel to the X and Y axes passing through approximately the center of the guide surface 21e. FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an example of the attachment operation of the actuating protrusion 34f of the shutter member 34 and the actuating protrusion receiving portion 206b of the receiving-side shutter member 206 according to this embodiment. FIGS. 39(a) to 39(e) each show continuous changes in the relative position (or connection state) of the shutter member 34 and the receiving-side shutter member 206. FIGS. 39(a) to 39(e) show cross sections parallel to the X and Y axes passing through approximately the center of the actuating protrusion receiving portion 206b. FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating an example of the state of the toner cartridge C according to this embodiment, viewed from the installation direction of the toner cartridge C, during installation.

[0117] As described above, when the laser printer 1 according to this embodiment has the process cartridge B attached to the printer main body A and the toner cartridge C is further attached, it becomes possible to replenish toner from the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B. At this time, the receiving-side shutter member 206 provided on the process cartridge B and the supply-side shutter member 34 provided on the toner cartridge C move in conjunction with the attachment operation of the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B. That is, in the laser printer 1 according to this embodiment, by inserting (attaching) the toner cartridge C into the process cartridge B, the receiving-side shutter member 206 and the shutter member 34 open in conjunction, making it possible to replenish toner and form an image.

[0118] First, the operation (opening operation) of opening the shutter member provided on each cartridge unit will be specifically described. As shown in FIG. 37(a), during installation of the toner cartridge C into the process cartridge B, the rough guide rib 210d of the shutter protection member 210 on the toner cartridge C side enters the rough guide 21f of the stay 21 on the process cartridge B side. FIG. 37(a) is an exemplary diagram illustrating the state in which the rough guide rib 210d begins to insert into the rough guide 21f. In the state shown in FIG. 37(a), the shutter protection member 210 and the shutter member 34 are roughly restricted (positioned) relative to the stay 21 in a direction perpendicular to the installation direction D. In other words, the insertion range of the toner cartridge C is first restricted in the height direction (up-down direction) VD of the printer main body A with the process cartridge B installed.

[0119] Here, we explain the reason for roughly positioning the shutter protection member 210 (and the shutter member 34) relative to the stay 21. If the positioning precision between the positioning bosses 50a, 60a and the toner cartridge positioning portions 21a, 21b is high, even a slight misalignment in the insertion posture of the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C will prevent them from being correctly positioned. In this case, if the cartridges were positioned solely by the positioning bosses 50a, 60a and the positioning portions 21a, 21b, the position of the shutter member 34 and the stay 21 would be misaligned, making it difficult to stably open the shutter member 34. Therefore, by roughly determining the relative positions of the cartridges using the rough guide rib 210d and the rough guide 21f, the positioning precision of the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C is improved, enabling stable operation of the shutter member 34. At this time, as shown in Figure 38(a), the arm tip 34h1 of the shutter member 34 does not abut against the guide surface 21e of the stay 21. That is, the toner discharge port 34a of the shutter member 34 faces upward (closed state). Also, as shown in Figure 39(a), at this point, the receiving-side shutter 206 is in a closed state.

[0120] Next, as shown in Figure 37(b), when the rough guide rib 210d is further inserted into the rough guide 21f, the arm tip 34h1 begins to abut against the guide surface 21e, and the shutter member 34 starts to rotate in the H direction, as shown in Figure 38(b). Note that when viewed along the Z axis, the guide surface 21e is inclined with respect to the rotation axis R3 of the shutter member 34, and therefore the shutter member 34 rotates in response to changes in the abutment position between the guide surface 21e and the arm tip 34h1. As shown in Figure 39(b), when the arm tip 34h1 begins to abut against the guide surface 21e, the receiving-side shutter member 206 is closed.

[0121] Next, as shown in FIG. 37(c), when the rough guide rib 210d is further inserted into the rough guide 21f, the contact position between the arm tip 34h1 and the guide surface 21e moves upward, as shown in FIG. 38(c). The shutter member 34 then further rotates in the H direction. At this time, as shown in FIG. 39(c), the actuating protrusion 34f of the shutter member 34 enters the actuating protrusion receiving portion 206b of the receiving-side shutter member 206. At this stage, the actuating protrusion 34f simply enters the actuating protrusion receiving portion 206b, and the receiving-side shutter member 206 remains substantially stationary. In other words, the receiving-side shutter member 206 is still closed, as shown in FIG. 39(c). The upper side of the actuating protrusion receiving portion 206b is preferably tapered upward to facilitate insertion of the actuating protrusion 34f.

[0122] Next, as shown in FIG. 37(d), when the rough guide rib 210d is further inserted into the rough guide 21f, the arm tip 34h1 moves to a position where it contacts the guide side surface 21g, which is the side surface of the guide surface 21e, as shown in FIG. 38(d) and FIG. 40. In the stay 21, the guide surface 21e and the guide side surface 21g are continuously formed guide surfaces, and the guide side surface 21g is located higher in the device than the guide surface 21e. In addition, the guide side surface 21g is a surface parallel to the installation direction of the toner cartridge C. Therefore, when the arm tip 34h1 abuts (rides up) on the guide side surface 21g, the shutter member 34 stops rotating in the H direction, and the rotation angle of the shutter member 34 becomes approximately constant.

[0123] At this time, the rotational position of the shutter member 34 about the rotation axis R3 is a position slightly moved in the opposite direction from direction H from when installation was completed. At this point, as shown in Figure 39(d), the actuation protrusion 34f and the actuation protrusion receiving portion 206b engage with each other, and the actuation protrusion receiving portion is pressed, causing the receiving-side shutter member 206 to start moving in the opening direction (direction D). In other words, when the toner cartridge C is inserted into the printer main body A, the engagement position between the actuation protrusion 34f and the actuation protrusion receiving portion 206b changes, opening the receiving-side shutter member 206 and changing to an open state in which the opening positions of the supply port 21c and the communication port 206a are approximately aligned.

[0124] Next, as shown in Figure 37(e), when the rough guide rib 210d is further inserted into the rough guide 21f and the insertion is completed, the arm tip 34h1 of the shutter member 34 is released from the guide side surface 21g, as shown in Figure 38(e). Then, the positioning surface 34i of the shutter member 34 shown in Figures 28 and 41 comes into contact with and is pressed against the positioning surface 214e of the toner flow path member 214, causing the shutter member 34 to rotate slightly in the direction H. In this state, the rotation of the shutter member 34 is completed, and the installation of the toner cartridge C into the process cartridge B is completed.

[0125] At this point, as shown in Figure 39(e), the opening operation of the receiving-side shutter member 206 is completed (the receiving-side shutter member 206 opens). If the width of the actuating protrusion receiving portion 206 at this time is approximately the same as the width of the actuating protrusion 34f, the alignment of the shutter member 34 and the receiving-side shutter member 206 can be adjusted with high precision. The above is the operation when opening (opening operation) the shutter members provided in each cartridge unit. Note that for the operation when closing (closing operation), the shutter members provided in each cartridge unit can be operated in the reverse order of the opening operation described above.

[0126] Fig. 136 is an external perspective view illustrating a state in which the opening operation of the shutter member 34 and the receiving-side shutter member 206 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is completed. For the sake of explanation, Fig. 136 shows only the shutter member 34, the receiving-side shutter member 206, and the toner flow path member 214.

[0127] 136, the mounting direction D of the receiving-side shutter member 206 is positioned by the actuation protrusion 34f of the shutter member 34 contacting the downstream surface of the actuation protrusion receiving portion 206b in the mounting direction D against the reaction force of the compression spring 217. With this configuration, the communication opening 206a of the receiving-side shutter member 206 is accurately positioned with respect to the toner discharge opening 34a of the shutter member 34 in the mounting direction D.

[0128] Furthermore, the shutter member 34 is positioned in the rotational direction by the positioning surface 34i coming into contact with the positioning surface 214e of the toner flow path member 214 against the reaction force of the coil spring 213. With this configuration, the communication opening 206a of the receiving-side shutter member 206 is also positioned with precision in the rotational direction via the toner discharge opening 34a of the shutter member 34 and the toner flow path member 214. With the configuration described above, when the toner cartridge C is mounted in the process cartridge B, the shutter member 34 provided on the toner cartridge C is positioned with precision on the process cartridge B side with reference to the X, Y, and Z axes and the rotation axis.

[0129] As described above, the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C according to this embodiment are configured such that the shutter members provided therein open and close the toner supply port, thereby preventing toner from unnecessarily leaking out. Furthermore, the shutter member 34 according to this embodiment simply rotates in a direction that causes the toner discharge port 34a to face upward or sideways, based on the vertical and horizontal directions of the printer main body A. Therefore, the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention can prevent toner from unintentionally leaking out of the toner discharge port 34a due to the opening and closing operation of the shutter member 34 or the influence of gravity.

[0130] Furthermore, as described above, in the toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment of the present invention, toner is discharged from the toner discharge port 34a in a direction parallel to the rotational drive axis G of the pump screw drive input portion 39 and away from the pump screw drive input portion 39. With this configuration, the laser printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can prevent the pump screw input and output portions of the printer main body A and the toner cartridge C from being soiled with toner.

[0131] While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, in addition to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, it is also possible to adopt a configuration that suppresses toner scattering when toner is transported from the toner cartridge C side to the process cartridge B side. This configuration will be described below with reference to Figures 137 to 143 for the toner cartridge C1 that is detachable from the printer main body A described above. Note that components that adopt the same configuration as in the above-described first embodiment are given the same reference numerals (or symbols).

[0132] FIG. 137 is a diagram illustrating a toner cartridge C1 according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 137(a) shows an external perspective view of the toner cartridge C1, and FIG. 137(b) is an enlarged perspective view of the area surrounded by a solid line in FIG. 137(a). FIG. 138 is a perspective view illustrating the attachment position of a sheet member 212 attached to a shutter protection member 210 according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 139 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the arrangement of the shutter protection member 210, the receiving-side shutter member 206, the sheet member 212, and the shutter member 34 according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 139 shows the toner cartridge C1 according to this modified example being mounted to the process cartridge B. FIG. 140 is a diagram illustrating an example of the attachment position of the sheet member 212 to the shutter protection member 210 according to the modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 140 is a top view of the shutter protection member 210 as seen from the top of the apparatus. 140 is a front view illustrating the attachment position of the sheet member 212 to the shutter protection member 210 according to the modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. Also, Fig. 141 is a side view illustrating the attachment position of the sheet member 212 to the shutter protection member 210 according to the modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] As shown in Figure 137(b), in this modified example, the toner cartridge C1 has a sheet member 212 disposed between the shutter member 34 and the shutter protection member 210 to prevent toner from scattering from inside the toner cartridge C1. Specifically, as shown in Figures 138 and 139, the sheet member 212 is attached at a position where it partially overlaps with the discharge port seal abutting surface 210a provided on the inner surface of the shutter protection member 210. Note that another portion of the sheet member 212 (the area that does not overlap with the discharge port seal abutting surface 210a) protrudes from the shutter protection member 210 in accordance with the shape of the shutter member 34.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 138, when the toner cartridge C1 is attached to the process cartridge B, a gap J (approximately 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm) is provided in the Z-axis direction to prevent the receiving-side shutter member 206 and the shutter protection member 210 from interfering with each other. For example, the volume of the toner storage compartment 30 may change slightly if the user grips the toner storage compartment 30 tightly. Therefore, for example, the toner cartridge C of the first embodiment does not include the sheet member 212. Therefore, when the toner discharge port 34a passes through the gap J, the slight change in the volume of the toner storage compartment 30 may cause toner to scatter to the outside through the gap J. Therefore, in this modification, as shown in FIG. 139, the sheet member 212 is disposed so as to cover the gap J, thereby preventing toner from unintentionally scattering from the toner discharge port 34a. The specific configuration of the sheet member 212 will be described below.

[0135] As shown in Figures 137, 138, and 140, the sheet member 212 includes a protective portion 212a and an adhesive portion 212b. The adhesive portion 212b corresponds to an area of ​​the sheet member 212 that corresponds to the outlet seal contact surface 210a of the shutter protection member 210. In other words, the adhesive portion 212b is a portion of the sheet member 212 that is attached to the outlet seal contact surface 210a of the shutter protection member 210. Although not described in the first embodiment, a flexible seal member 211 having a circular through-hole is attached by adhesive or the like to the toner outlet 34a side of the shutter member 34. Details of the seal member 211 will be described later. Therefore, in the toner cartridge C1 according to this modification, when the shutter member 34 is closed, the adhesive portion 212b of the sheet member 212 and the seal member 211 abut against each other to seal in the toner.

[0136] The protective portion 212a is a region that protrudes from the shutter protection member 210 in the direction in which the toner discharge port 34a is exposed by rotation of the shutter member 34 about the rotation axis R3. The sheet member 212 according to this modification is a sheet material approximately 0.1 mm thick. The sheet member 212 may be made of, for example, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, and can be attached to the shutter protection member 210 via double-sided tape at the attachment portion 212b. Therefore, when the attachment portion 212b is attached to the discharge port seal contact surface 210a, the sheet member 212 deforms to conform to the shape of the discharge port seal contact surface 210a. In this case, as shown in FIG. 141, the protective portion 212a protrudes outward beyond the outer shape of the shutter protection member 210 along an extension of the shape of the discharge port seal contact surface 210a. However, the size and material of the sheet member 212 are not limited to these, and any flexible material that can effectively suppress toner scattering and has a size that allows the shutter member 34 to move may be used.

[0137] 140, the sheet member 212 of this modified example is formed so that the angle M that the protective portion 212a makes with a line parallel to the mounting direction (X1 direction) of the toner cartridge C1 to the process cartridge B is an acute angle. With this configuration, when the toner cartridge C1 is mounted to the process cartridge B, it is possible to prevent the protective portion 212a from coming into contact with the receiving-side shutter member 206 and being folded (deformed).

[0138] As described above, it is necessary to prevent toner from scattering by covering the gap J with the sheet member 212. Therefore, the protective portion 212a of this modified example is disposed at a position corresponding to the gap J on the rotation trajectory of the toner discharge outlet 34a of the shutter member 34 (a position that covers the toner discharge outlet 34a), as shown in FIG.

[0139] By adopting the configuration described above, in the toner cartridge C1 of this modified example, by providing the sheet member 212, it is possible to prevent unintended scattering of toner without setting the rigidity of the toner storage section 30 to be high.

[0140] Here, the configuration of the above-mentioned seal member 211 will be described with reference to FIG. 143. FIG. 143 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the seal member 211 according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 143(a) is a side view of the various parts around the shutter member 34 as viewed along the Z axis (from the Z axis), and FIG. 143(b) is a cross-sectional view of the AA cross section shown in FIG. 143(a). Note that FIG. 143(b) is a cross section passing through the conveying portion 34b of the shutter member 34. As described above, the seal member 211 is a flexible seal member having a circular through-hole 211a corresponding to the toner discharge outlet 34a, and is arranged around the toner discharge outlet 34a (see FIGS. 27 and 143).

[0141] The seal member 211 is disposed in a position where it can slide over the discharge port seal contact surface 210a and the periphery of the communication port 206a in response to the opening and closing of the shutter member 34 when the toner cartridge C1 is attached to or detached from the process cartridge B (see FIG. 27). Therefore, if toner is present on the surface of the seal member 211, there is a risk that the toner on the surface of the seal member 211 will fall off due to an opening direction end portion 210a1 (see FIG. 143) located at the opening direction end of the discharge port seal contact surface 210a in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the shutter member 34.

[0142] In addition, when the toner cartridge C1 is attached to the process cartridge B, it is necessary to configure the sealing member 211 to be compressed, so as to prevent toner leakage even if there is air flow due to the expansion and contraction of the pump unit 37.

[0143] Therefore, it is desirable that the seal member 211 of this embodiment have high resilience and high surface sliding properties so that the shutter member 34 can rotate smoothly even when subjected to a repulsive force. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 143(b), the seal member 211 has a surface layer 211a formed by weaving and knitting a polyester-nylon composite yarn with 0.1-dtex ultrafine fibers. This reduces the amount of toner present on the surface of the seal member 211 while achieving high sliding properties. Furthermore, a cushion layer 211b is provided below the surface layer 211a, and urethane foam is used as the cushion layer 211b. The seal member 211 employing this cushion layer 211b allows the surface layer 211a to abut against the periphery of the communication opening 206a of the receiving-side shutter member 206 when the shutter member 34 is open. Furthermore, when the shutter member 34 is closed, the surface layer 211a can abut against the discharge port seal abutment surface 210a of the shutter protection member 210. With this configuration, the toner cartridge C1 according to this embodiment can prevent unintended toner leakage to the outside, regardless of whether the shutter member 34 is open or closed. This reduces the amount of toner that accumulates on the surface of the seal member 211, and suppresses toner scattering in response to the opening and closing operation of the shutter member 34.

[0144] Note that by adjusting the shape of the discharge port seal abutment surface 210a, it is possible to prevent unintended toner leakage from the toner cartridge C1 regardless of the open / closed state of the shutter member 34. This modification will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 144. As described above, the shutter member 34 is maintained in a closed state by the biasing force of the coil spring 213. At this time, the toner discharge port 34a is maintained facing the discharge port seal abutment surface 210a (i.e., the Y1 direction). The amount of twist of the coil spring 213 is greater when the toner discharge port 34a faces the communicating hole 206a than when it faces the discharge port seal abutment surface 210a. Therefore, the biasing force of the coil spring 213 is greater when the toner discharge port 34a faces the communicating hole 206a than when it faces the discharge port seal abutment surface 210a.

[0145] In contrast, when the toner discharge port 34a faces the discharge port seal contact surface 210a, there is no need to discharge toner. Therefore, if the pump unit 37 is not driven in this state, the amount of compression of the seal member 211 when pressed against the shutter protection member 210 may be smaller than when the toner discharge port 34a is in communication with the opening 216a and the communication port 206a. Therefore, in this modified example, the shape of the discharge port seal contact surface 210a is optimized to ensure the sealing performance of the shutter member 34 without increasing the load when the toner cartridge C1 is attached to the process cartridge B. This configuration will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0146] FIG. 144 is a diagram illustrating an example of the shape of the discharge port seal contact surface 210a according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing a cross-sectional view (XZ cross-section) of the toner cartridge C1 according to this modification being mounted on the process cartridge B. FIG. 143 shows the distances from the surface (including the imaginary surface) of the shutter member 34 on which the toner discharge port 34a is formed to the inner surface of the shutter protection member 210 or the receiving-side shutter member 206. Among these, distance L1 is the distance to the opening-side end 210a1 of the discharge port seal contact surface 210a. Distance L2 is the distance to the closing-side end of the periphery of the communication port 206a of the receiving-side shutter member 206 in the closing direction. By making distance L1 and distance L2 approximately equal (i.e., L1 / L2 ≈ 1), a sudden change in the compression state (compression ratio) of the seal member 211 is prevented in response to the opening and closing operation of the shutter member 34.

[0147] Further, when the distance L3 is the distance from the opening-direction end portion 210a1 of the discharge port seal contact surface 210a to the discharge port seal contact surface 210a on the closing direction side, the dimension of the distance L3 varies depending on the location. Specifically, in this modified example, the distance L3 increases as it approaches the opposite end portion (opposite-side end portion) 210a2 with respect to the opening-direction end portion 210a1 of the discharge port seal contact surface 210a. For example, when comparing the distance L31 at the position corresponding to the toner discharge port 34a and the distance L32 located on the opposite-side end portion 210a2 side with respect to the toner discharge port 34a, L31 < L32. However, even in the region corresponding to the distance L3, it is desirable that the distance of the portion corresponding to the toner discharge port 34a be constant in order to achieve stable toner discharge.

[0148] By adopting the configuration described above, in view of the open / closed state of the shutter member 34 (i.e., the biasing force of the coil spring 213), the shutter member 34 can be effectively biased by the coil spring 213 without significantly increasing the compressed state of the shutter seal member 211. In other words, even when the biasing force of the coil spring 213 is weak, the opening and closing of the shutter member 34 can be realized while preventing toner scattering, so that the load related to the toner cartridge C1 can be reduced.

[0149] (Example 2) In the first embodiment, the shutter member 34 is attached to the toner cartridge C, but it may be a separate part from the toner cartridge C. In this embodiment, a shutter member (toner conveying member) 2034 equipped with an attachment mechanism connectable to the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C2 (described later) will be described using FIGS. 43 and 44 . Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals and symbols. Furthermore, with regard to the toner cartridge and the shutter member, components with the same functions and roles as those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and similar part numbers and symbols. The following description will be given taking as an example a case where the process cartridge B, with the shutter member 2034 attached, is first installed in the printer main body A, and then the toner cartridge C2 is installed, but this is not limited to this. For example, the shutter member 2034 may be installed in the process cartridge B after only the process cartridge B is installed in the printer main body A. Alternatively, the process cartridge B, shutter member 2034, and toner cartridge C2 may be installed in a combined state in the printer main body A.

[0150] Fig. 43 is a diagram illustrating an example of the toner transport direction by the shutter member 2034 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 43(a) is a side view of the shutter member 2034, and Fig. 43(b) is a cross-sectional view of the S2a-S2a cross section shown in Fig. 43(a). Fig. 44 is an external perspective view of the shutter member 2034 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with Fig. 44(a) showing a perspective view at an angle from which the discharge port 2034a can be seen, and Fig. 44(b) showing a perspective view at an angle from which the seal member 2070 can be seen.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 43(b), the shutter member 2034 is a cylindrical member having a substantially L-shaped through-hole formed by the first toner transport tube 2034b extending in the first transport direction CV1 and the second toner transport tube 2034p extending in the second transport direction CV2. The first transport direction CV1 is substantially parallel to the axis G2 passing through the center of the first toner transport tube 2034b. The first transport direction CV1 and the second transport direction CV2 indicate the toner transport direction passing through the first toner transport tube 2034b and the second toner transport tube 2034p, respectively, and are not uniquely determined directions. Therefore, in this embodiment, the toner transport direction is defined as the direction along each toner transport tube from the toner cartridge C2 side toward the process cartridge B side.

[0152] A toner inlet 2034g is provided at the end of the first toner transport tube 2034b opposite the first transport direction CV1 in a direction parallel to the axis G2, and a toner outlet 2034a is provided at the end of the second toner transport tube 2034p in the second transport direction CV2 in a direction perpendicular to the axis G2.

[0153] A flange portion 2034k having a larger diameter than the toner transport tube 2034b is provided coaxially on the toner inlet 2034g side of the shutter member 2034. A cylindrical flexible seal member 2070 is attached to the shutter member 2034 by adhesive or the like so as to surround the toner inlet 2034g, and is located on the opposite side of the flange portion 2034k from the first transport direction CV1. In addition, a flexible seal member 211 having a circular through-hole is attached by adhesive or the like to the toner discharge outlet 2034a side of the shutter member 2034.

[0154] 43(a), the shutter member 2034 has a claw portion 2034n at one end in the first conveyance direction CV1, the claw portion 2034n being provided at one end in a direction perpendicular to the central axis G1 of the first toner conveyance tube 2034b and the central axis G2 of the second toner conveyance tube 2034p. The direction perpendicular to the axis G1 and the axis G2 is assumed to be substantially parallel to the up-and-down direction of the shutter member 2034 according to this embodiment. When the shutter member 2034 is viewed from a direction facing the toner discharge port 2034a along the axis G1, the claw portion 2034n protrudes in a direction away from the axis G2 and has a first engagement surface 2034r substantially perpendicular to the axis G2.

[0155] When the shutter member 2034 is viewed from a direction facing the toner discharge port 2034a along the axis G1, the shutter member 2034 is provided with an engagement portion 2034m that protrudes on the opposite side of the axis G2 from the claw portion 2034n. The engagement portion 2034m is provided with a first adhesive surface 2034s, which is a surface that is approximately perpendicular to the axis G2, and a second adhesive surface 2034t, which is a surface that is approximately parallel to the axis G2, at its end in the first transport direction CV1.

[0156] The shutter member 2034 is also provided with a protrusion 2034u that protrudes in the second toner transport direction CV2 from the surface on which the toner discharge port 2034a is formed. The protrusion 2034u is located between the toner discharge port 2034a and the flange portion 2034k in a direction substantially parallel to the axis G2, and is located on the opposite side of the toner discharge port 2034a from the first transport direction CV1.

[0157] 44(b), a first inclined surface 2034v is provided at the end of the toner discharge port 2034a opposite to the second transport direction CV2. The first inclined surface 2034v is inclined with respect to the axis G2 and is inclined so as to approach the axis G2 along the first transport direction CV1. The operation of each part of the shutter member 2034 described above will be described in detail later.

[0158] Next, the process cartridge B will be described with reference to Figures 45 and 46. Figure 45 is a partial side view of the mounting portion of the shutter member 2034 in the process cartridge B according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 46 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the shutter member 2034 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figures 46(a) to 46(i) show cross-sectional views taken along the lines S2c-S2c and S2d-S2d shown in Figure 45, and show the time sequence in the order of Figures 46(a) to 46(i). Figures 46(a), (d), and (g) show cross-sectional views taken along the line S2b-S2b, Figures 46(b), (e), and (h) show cross-sectional views taken along the line S2c-S2c, and Figures 46(c), (f), and (i) show cross-sectional views taken along the line S2d-S2d. 46(a), (b), and (c) show cross-sectional views of the process cartridge B before the shutter member 2034 is attached. Also, FIGS. 46(d), (e), and (f) show cross-sectional views of the process cartridge B when the shutter member 2034 is in the middle of being attached (before attachment is complete). Furthermore, FIGS. 46(g), (h), and (i) show cross-sectional views of the process cartridge B when the shutter member 2034 has been completely attached.

[0159] As shown in Figure 46(b), the process cartridge B is provided with a receiving shutter member 206 and a stay 21, similar to the first embodiment. A second engagement surface 206c perpendicular to the mounting direction D is provided at the end of the receiving shutter member 206 opposite to the mounting direction D. As shown in Figure 46(b), a second inclined surface 153u inclined with respect to the mounting direction D is provided in a direction facing the mounting direction D of the toner receiving chamber 153. The second inclined surface 153u has an inclined shape that slopes upward along the mounting direction D of the shutter member 2034 to the process cartridge B.

[0160] Also, as shown in Figure 46(b), a third engagement surface 21h is provided at the upper rear side of the stay 21 in the mounting direction D, extending downward (X2 direction), perpendicular to the mounting direction D, and facing in the opposite direction to the mounting direction D.

[0161] 46(d), (e), and (f), the shutter member 2034 moves in the mounting direction D and is mounted to the process cartridge B. Here, while the shutter member 2034 is being mounted to the process cartridge B (before the mounting is completed), the axis G2 of the shutter member 2034 is inclined with respect to the mounting direction D.

[0162] As shown in Figure 46(d), when the shutter member 2034 moves (is inserted) relative to the process cartridge B in the mounting direction D, the convex portion 2034u comes into contact with the second engagement surface 206c of the receiving shutter member 206. In response to this movement, the shutter member 2034 and the receiving shutter member 206 move together.

[0163] 46(e), the first inclined surface 2034v of the shutter member 2034 abuts against the second inclined surface 153u of the process cartridge B, and the shutter member 2034 rotates in a rotation direction K perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (arrow Z1 direction). Note that the longitudinal direction (Z1 direction) in FIG. 46(e) is the direction perpendicular to the paper surface, and the shutter member 2034 can rotate in the direction of arrow K around a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0164] When the shutter member 2034 is further pushed in the mounting direction D, the mounting of the shutter member 2034 to the process cartridge B is completed as shown in Figures 46(g), (h), and (i). As shown in Figure 46(h), the first adhesive surface 2034s and the second adhesive surface 2034t of the shutter member 2034 come into contact with the toner receiving chamber 153 and are fixed thereto with adhesive tape or the like. The adhesive tape may be attached to each adhesive surface on the shutter member 2034 side or on the toner receiving chamber 153 side. Alternatively, an adhesive gel or the like may be used as an intermediary other than adhesive tape to fix the shutter member 2034 to the toner receiving chamber 153. Furthermore, a magnet or the like may be embedded in each contact surface and in the portion of the process cartridge B that contacts the contact surface, and the shutter member 2034 may be fixed to the process cartridge B by magnetic attraction.

[0165] 46(h), the shutter member 2034 rotates in the rotation direction K, causing the first engagement surface 2034r of the claw portion 2034n to come into contact with the third engagement surface 21h of the stay 21. In this state, as shown in Figure 47, the attachment of the shutter member 2034 to the process cartridge B is completed. Figure 47 is a view for illustratively explaining the state in which the shutter member 2034 is attached to the process cartridge B according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0166] By employing the configuration described above, it is possible to maintain the attached state of the shutter member 2034 of this embodiment to the process cartridge B. Specifically, the shutter member 2034 receives a biasing force from the receiving shutter member 206 in the direction opposite to the attachment direction D by the compression spring 217 (see FIG. 34) described in the first embodiment. The claw portion 2034n engages with the process cartridge B against this biasing force, and the first adhesive surface 2034s and the second adhesive surface 2034t are attached to the process cartridge B, thereby maintaining the attached state of the shutter member 2034 to the process cartridge B.

[0167] Next, a description will be given of the toner cartridge C2 to which the shutter member 2034 can be connected. Note that, with respect to the toner cartridge C2 in this embodiment, a description of the same configuration as the toner cartridge C in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0168] Fig. 48 is a perspective view of the appearance of the toner cartridge C2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 49 is a cross-sectional view passing through the axis G2 when the toner cartridge C2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the process cartridge B are completely mounted.

[0169] As shown in Figures 48 and 49, the toner storage unit 2030 has a cylindrical toner supply port 2030d that protrudes along the mounting direction D (i.e., toward the process cartridge P). A toner seal 2080 is provided between the toner supply port 2030d and the toner storage chamber 2030a. The toner seal 2080 is positioned so that it is torn off when the toner cartridge C2 receives a driving force from the printer main body A, allowing the toner supply port 2030d to communicate with the toner storage chamber 2030a.

[0170] 49, when toner cartridge C2 is attached to process cartridge B, seal member 2070 is crushed along attachment direction D. Furthermore, in this state, toner supply port 2030d enters the inside of the cylindrical portion of seal member 2070 and faces toner inlet 2034g. When toner is discharged from toner supply port 2030d, the gap between toner cartridge C2 and shutter member 2034 is sealed by seal member 2070, and toner is supplied to process cartridge B through shutter member 2034.

[0171] As explained above, by employing the shutter member 2034, toner can be supplied from the toner cartridge C2 side to the process cartridge B side via a toner transport member (shutter member 2034) that is separate from the toner cartridge C2. With this configuration, when replacing a toner cartridge due to toner consumption, there is no need to replace the shutter member 2034 that transports and discharges toner to the process cartridge B side. Furthermore, with the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to replace only the toner cartridge C2 while the shutter member 2034 remains attached to the process cartridge B. Therefore, when replacing toner cartridge C2, the process cartridge B side is not interlocked, and a decrease in the durability of the process cartridge B side can be prevented.

[0172] In the above example, a configuration has been described in which the shutter member 2034 is mounted while being rotated in the rotation direction K. However, similar to the first embodiment, when the shutter member is mounted to the process cartridge B in the mounting direction D, the shutter member may be configured to rotate about the axis G2. Below, as an example different from the shutter member 2034 described above, an example will be described in which a toner transport member is (indirectly) mounted to the process cartridge B via an attachment separate from the toner transport member. That is, a configuration will be described in which the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C2 are connected via two separate attachments, a toner transport member and a mounting auxiliary member, between the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C2. The details will be described below.

[0173] Figure 50 is a diagram illustrating an example of an attachment 2071 according to Example 2 of the present invention. Note that Figures 50(a), (b), and (c) each show an external perspective view of the attachment 2071 seen from a different direction.

[0174] 50(a), the attachment 2071 is an auxiliary mounting member that assists in mounting a shutter member 2072 (described later) to the process cartridge B. Since the shutter member 2071 is mounted to the attachment 2071 with the attachment 2071 already mounted to the process cartridge B, it is possible to eliminate the need for the labor of aligning the shutter member 2071 with respect to the process cartridge B.

[0175] The attachment 2071 is partially plate-shaped, and has a first through-hole 2071a in the center. The through-hole 2071a is formed by combining a semicircular portion 2071b and a square hole portion 2071c to form a single hole. A notch 2071u is provided at the bottom (Y2 direction) of the through-hole 2071a, continuing from the semicircular portion 2071b.

[0176] 50(c), a concave portion 2071s, which is a semicircular recessed surface whose center coincides with the semicircular portion 2071b, is provided on the surface of the attachment 2071 facing the first conveying direction CV1 (i.e., the X2 direction). A flat portion 2071t is provided on one end of the semicircular edge that forms the semicircular concave portion 2071s.

[0177] A rectangular through-hole (second through-hole) 2071d, with its short side extending in the Z1 direction, is provided on the second conveying direction CV2 side (i.e., the Z1 direction) of the attachment 2071. A first rib-shaped portion 2071e and a second rib-shaped portion 2071f are provided in the through-hole 2071d, extending in the Z1 direction toward the inside of the through-hole 2071d. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 50(a), a fourth engagement surface 2071g having a flat plate shape with thicknesses in the X1 and X2 directions and parallel to the YZ plane is provided inside the through-hole 2071d.

[0178] As shown in Figure 50(b), the attachment 2071 is provided with a plate-shaped portion 2071h extending in the X2 direction on the opposite side of the through hole 2071a from the through hole 2071d. A protrusion 2071n protruding in the Z2 direction is provided from the plate-shaped portion 2071h. A surface 2071p extends from the protrusion 2071n toward the X2 direction. Similar to the plate-shaped portion 2071h, the attachment 2071 is also provided with a claw portion 2071k extending in the X2 direction.

[0179] Next, a method of mounting the attachment 2071 to the process cartridge B will be described with reference to Figure 51. Figure 51 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation when mounting the attachment 2071 according to the second embodiment of the present invention to the process cartridge B. Figures 51(a) and (d) are detailed side views of the process cartridge B before and after mounting the attachment 2071, Figures 51(b) and (e) are cross-sectional views taken along the line S2e--S2e shown in Figures 51(a) and (d), and Figures 51(c) and (f) are cross-sectional views taken along the line S2f-S2f shown in Figures 51(a) and (d).

[0180] As shown in FIG. 51(b), the process cartridge B is provided with a stay 21, a toner flow path member 214, and a receiving shutter member 206, similar to the first embodiment.

[0181] As shown in Figure 51(b), the receiving shutter member 206 is pressed in the direction opposite to the mounting direction D by the biasing force of the compression spring 217 (see Figure 34) and is in contact with the regulating portion 214c1 of the toner flow path member 214.

[0182] 51(c), the stay 21 is provided with a guide surface 21e and an upwardly recessed recess 21j therein. In addition, the stay 21 is provided with a protrusion 21k that protrudes upward from the guide surface 21e toward the mounting direction D.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 51(d), when the attachment 2071 is attached to the process cartridge B, the rail member 214c of the toner flow path member 214 fits into the space formed by the through-hole 2071d of the attachment 2071 and the two rib shapes 2071e and 2071f. At this time, the attachment 2071 comes into contact with the receiving shutter member 206 and moves integrally therewith in the attachment direction D. By further moving the attachment 2071 in the attachment direction D, the restricting portion 214c1 of the toner flow path member 214 deforms and overcomes the fourth engagement surface 2071g. With this configuration, the biasing force of the compression spring 217 causes the fourth engagement surface 2071g of the attachment 2071 to abut against the restricting portion 214c1 of the toner flow path member 214 in the attachment direction D. At this time, the supply port 21c on the process cartridge B side and the communication port 206a of the receiving shutter member 206 are in communication with each other. Furthermore, at this time, as shown in Figure 51(f), the claw portion 2071k provided on the attachment 2071 deforms in the Y2 direction and enters the recessed portion 21j of the stay 21, thereby urging the attachment 2071 downward (Y2 direction). The convex portion 2071n of the attachment 2071 abuts against the protruding portion 21k of the stay 21 in the X2 direction (i.e., the mounting direction D). Furthermore, the surface 2071p abuts against the protruding portion 21k in the Y1 direction. In other words, the attachment 2071 is mounted to the process cartridge B in such a way that the stay 21 is sandwiched between the claw portion 2071k and the surface 2071p in both the Y1 and Y2 directions (up and down directions).

[0184] Next, the shutter member 2072 will be described. Fig. 52 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the shutter member 2072 according to Example 2 of the present invention. Fig. 52(a) is a side view of the shutter member 2072, and Fig. 52(b) is a cross-sectional view of the S2h-S2h cross section shown in Fig. 51(a). Also, Fig. 52(c) is a perspective view of the exterior of the shutter member 2072.

[0185] As shown in FIG. 52, the shutter member 2072 has a cylindrical portion and a toner transport tube 2072b extending along the first transport direction CV1. The shutter member 2072 also has a tip 2072s at its tip in the first transport direction CV1. A toner discharge port 2072a is provided on the tip 2072s side of the shutter member 2072 in a direction perpendicular to the axis G2. That is, the opening of the toner discharge port 2072a faces in a direction perpendicular to the axis G2. The direction in which toner is discharged from the toner discharge port 2072a is shown as discharge direction E in the drawing. A toner receiving port 2072m, which is an opening centered on the axis G2, is provided at the end of the shutter member 2072 opposite the bottom 2072s, along a direction parallel to the axis G2.

[0186] Furthermore, a flange portion 2072k having a larger diameter than the toner transport tube 2072b is provided around the axis G2 so as to surround the toner receiving port 2072m. A cylindrical seal member 2070 is attached to the flange portion 2072k on the side opposite the first transport direction CV1. A contact portion 2073 that comes into contact with the attachment 2071 is attached to the side of the shutter member 2072 where the toner discharge port 2072a is provided. The contact portion 2073 is a rectangular toner discharge member with a through hole 2073a that surrounds the toner discharge port 2072a. In this embodiment, a flexible member such as a sponge is used as an example.

[0187] A first protrusion 2072t and a second protrusion 2072u extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis G2 are provided between the toner discharge port 2072a and the flange portion 2072k in the direction of the axis G2 of the shutter member 2072. The first protrusion 2072t extends from the toner transport tube 2072b toward the side where the contact portion 2073 is provided, and the protrusion 2072u extends toward the opposite side.

[0188] Here, a method of attaching the shutter member 2072 to the process cartridge B to which the attachment 2071 is attached will be described with reference to FIG. 53. FIG. 53 is a diagram illustrating an example of the attachment operation of the shutter member 2072 to the process cartridge B according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 53(a) is a diagram illustrating a state before the shutter member 2072 is attached to the process cartridge B. FIG. 53(b) is a diagram illustrating a state during attachment of the shutter member 2072 to the process cartridge B. FIG. 53(c) is a diagram illustrating a state after the shutter member 2072 has been completely attached to the process cartridge B. Also, FIGS. 53(d), (e), and (f) are cross-sectional views of the S2g-S2g cross section shown in FIGS. 53(a), (b), and (c), respectively. Note that each of FIGS. 53(a), (b), and (c) shows the process cartridge B as viewed in the attachment direction D (i.e., the X2 direction), with the back side of the page being the X2 direction (i.e., the attachment direction D) and the front side being the X1 direction.

[0189] With the toner discharge port 2072a facing upward (Y1 direction), the shutter member 2072 is inserted into the through-hole 2071a of the attachment 2071 in the mounting direction D (X2 direction). At this time, the second protrusion 2072u of the shutter member 2072 is inserted into the through-hole 2071u of the attachment 2071. Then, as shown in FIG. 53(e), the flange portion 2072k comes into contact with the attachment 2071.

[0190] Thereafter, the shutter member 2072 rotates in the direction of arrow H accompanied by deformation of the contact portion 2073, and as shown in FIG. 53(f), the attachment to the process cartridge B is completed. At this time, the concave portion 2071s of the attachment 2071 is sandwiched between the first protrusion 2072t and the second protrusion 2072u of the shutter member 2072 and the flange portion 2072k, resulting in a light press-fit state. Furthermore, as the shutter member 2072 rotates in the direction of arrow H, the first protrusion 2072t abuts against the flat portion 2071t of the attachment 2071, and the rotation stops in this state. At this time, as shown in FIG. 53(f), the toner discharge port 2072a of the shutter member 2072 is positioned so as to face the toner supply port 21c. The shutter member 2072 is attached to the process cartridge B via the attachment 2071.

[0191] The order in which the shutter member 2072 and the attachment 2071 are attached is not limited to the order described above. For example, the shutter member 2072 may be attached to the process cartridge B after the attachment 2071 is attached to the shutter member 2072. The timing of attaching the process cartridge B to the printer main body A can be determined regardless of whether the attachment 2071 or the shutter member 2072 is attached. This completes the attachment operation of the toner conveying member to the process cartridge B according to this embodiment. The toner cartridge C is attached to the process cartridge B to which the shutter member 2072 is attached, but as this is the same as the configuration when the shutter member 2034 described above is used, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0192] In the above example, the attachment 2071 was used as an example of a configuration in which a shutter member separate from the toner cartridge is attached to the process cartridge B while rotating about the axis G2. However, the shutter member according to this embodiment may be attached to the process cartridge B by rotating the shutter member itself about the axis G2 without using the attachment 2071. In this case, the shape of the end of the shutter member in the X2 direction (the attachment direction D side) may be the same as that of the shutter member 34 in the first embodiment, and the shape of the end of the shutter member in the X1 direction (the connection side with the toner cartridge) may be the same as that of the shutter member 2034. In other words, the shape of the shutter member (toner transport member) may be the same as that of the first embodiment, and the shutter member functioning as an attachment separate from the toner cartridge may be attached to the toner cartridge and / or the process cartridge. In this case, the protrusion on the toner cartridge may be inserted into the seal member of the cylindrical portion (such as a toner transport tube) of the shutter member.

[0193] Furthermore, in the above example, when connecting the shutter member and the toner cartridge, the toner cartridge side has a protruding shape, and the shutter member side receives the protruding portion. However, this is not limited to this. For example, a protruding portion on the shutter member side may be inserted into a sealing member on a cylindrical portion (such as a toner transport tube) on the toner cartridge side. While the sealing member has been described as being cylindrical, it may have any shape (e.g., rectangular) to match the protruding portion. Furthermore, in the above example, a protruding portion on the shutter member and the toner cartridge side is inserted into the sealing member, but this is not limited to this. As long as the gap between the shutter member and the toner cartridge is sealed, any configuration can be adopted for the sealing member.

[0194] Example 3 The shutter member (toner transport member) described in the second embodiment is assumed to be a highly rigid member formed, for example, by resin molding using a flexible resin material such as ABS resin. In contrast, in this embodiment, a case in which the toner transport member is formed using a flexible material such as rubber will be described with reference to FIGS. 54 to 58. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals and symbols. Furthermore, with regard to the toner cartridge side and the shutter member, components with the same functions and roles as those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and similar part numbers and symbols.

[0195] FIG. 54 is a diagram illustrating an example of a toner transport attachment 3034 forming a part of a toner transport member according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 54(a) is a perspective view of the toner transport attachment 3034, FIG. 54(b) is a side view of the toner transport attachment 3034, and FIG. 54(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the S3a-S3a cross section shown in FIG. 54(b). FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the exterior of the process cartridge B according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view taken along the XZ plane passing through the center of the through-hole 3034k when the toner transport attachment 3034 is attached to the process cartridge B, and shows the S3b-S3b cross section shown in FIG.

[0196] As shown in FIG. 54(a), the toner transport attachment 3034 is a toner transport member having a substantially rectangular block shape, at least a portion of which is made of a flexible material. As shown in FIG. 54(c), the toner transport attachment 3034 has a curved toner transport path therein. In this embodiment, the toner transport attachment 3034 has two L-shaped through-holes 3034k that are substantially perpendicular to each other. One of the exposed portions (openings) of the through-hole 3034k to the outside of the toner transport attachment 3034 is a toner inlet 3034k1, and the other is a toner outlet 3034k2. The shape of the toner transport path is not limited to an L-shape; any shape may be used for the internal bending direction as long as it does not impede toner transport. The shapes of the toner inlet 3034k1 and the toner outlet 3034k2 may be other than circular (e.g., polygonal).

[0197] The toner transport attachment 3034 described above is attached to the process cartridge B in an orientation in which the opening direction of the toner inlet 3034k1 faces the X1 direction and the opening direction of the toner outlet 3034k2 faces the Z2 direction. In other words, when the toner transport attachment 3034 is attached to the process cartridge B, of the two toner transport paths that form the through-hole 3034k, the toner transport path that passes through the toner inlet 3034k1 is approximately parallel to the X1 direction. Furthermore, the toner transport path that passes through the toner outlet 3034k2 is approximately parallel to the Z2 direction. As shown in FIG. 55, the toner transport attachment 3034 is configured to be attachable to the process cartridge B in the attachment direction D.

[0198] 56, the toner transport attachment 3034 is inserted, at least partially elastically deforming, into the gap formed between the guide surface 21e provided on the stay 21 of the process cartridge B and the receiving-side shutter member 206. The toner transport attachment 3034 is attached to the process cartridge B by a press-fitting force when inserted into the gap, or by separate adhesion, etc.

[0199] When the toner transport attachment 3034 is inserted into the process cartridge B in the mounting direction D, the repulsive force and frictional force generated by the elastic deformation of the toner transport attachment 3034 act on the receiving-side shutter member 206 against the biasing force of the compression spring 217. Then, in the X1 direction, the toner transport attachment 3034 is pushed into the process cartridge B until the end of the guide surface 21e and the toner receiving opening 3034k1 are substantially aligned, completing the mounting of the toner transport attachment 3034.

[0200] When the toner transport attachment 3034 is attached to the process cartridge B, the toner discharge port 3034k2 communicates with the communication port 206a of the receiving-side shutter member 206 and the supply port 21a of the stay 21. In this state, toner can be supplied from the toner cartridge C3 side to the process cartridge B side in this embodiment.

[0201] Next, the operation of attaching the toner cartridge C3 to the toner transport attachment 3034 will be described. FIG. 57 is an external perspective view of the toner cartridge C3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 58 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of attaching the toner transport attachment 3034 to the toner cartridge C3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 58(a) is a partial side view of the process cartridge B, facing the toner receiving opening 3034k1, to which the toner transport attachment 3034 is attached. FIG. 58(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S3c-S3c, showing the toner cartridge C3 being attached to the process cartridge B shown in FIG. 58(a). FIG. 58(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S3c-S3c, showing the toner cartridge C3 having been attached to the process cartridge B shown in FIG. 58(a) after completion of the attachment.

[0202] As shown in FIG. 57, the toner storage unit 3030 is provided with a toner supply unit 3030e for supplying toner to the process cartridge B side via the toner transport attachment 3034. The toner supply unit 3030e has a hollow cylindrical shape that protrudes in the mounting direction D (i.e., the X2 direction) and is connected to the toner storage unit 3030 described above. A toner supply port 3030d is provided at the tip of the toner supply unit 3030e that protrudes in the mounting direction D. The shape of the toner supply unit 3030e may be other than cylindrical, as long as the interior is hollow and suitable for supplying toner and fits into the toner receiving port 3034k1 of the toner transport attachment 3034. For example, the toner supply unit 3030e may be a polygonal prism with a rectangular cross section.

[0203] As in the second embodiment, a toner seal (not shown) is disposed between the toner supply unit 3030e and the toner storage unit 3030. The toner seal is torn off when the toner cartridge C3 receives a driving force from the printer main body A in which the process cartridge B is mounted, and the toner supply port 3030d and the toner storage unit 3030 communicate with each other.

[0204] As shown in FIG. 58(b), when toner cartridge C3 is installed on the process cartridge B side, toner supply unit 3030e is inserted into toner receiving opening 3034k1 in installation direction D. At this time, toner supply unit 3030e is inserted while pushing and widening toner receiving opening 3034k1 and through-hole 3034k. Then, when toner cartridge C3 is completely installed on the process cartridge B side, toner can be transported from toner supply opening 3030d to communication opening 206a (and supply port 21a) via toner transport attachment 3034, as shown in FIG. 58(c). In this state, the outer wall portion of toner supply unit 3030e is in pressure contact with the inner wall portion of through-hole 3034k, preventing toner leakage between the toner cartridge and toner transport attachment 3034.

[0205] With the above-described configuration, the toner transport attachment 3034, which is a toner transport member, is a separate member from the toner cartridge C3, which simplifies the configuration of the toner cartridge, which is frequently replaced, while making the toner cartridge smaller (compared to Example 1).

[0206] Furthermore, since the toner transport attachment 3034 of this embodiment is flexible, it can be connected to the refill port of the process cartridge B and the toner supply portion of the toner cartridge C3 while elastically deforming. Therefore, even if the design tolerance of the toner transport attachment 3034 of this embodiment is lowered, the impact on toner transport is small, and the cost of manufacturing the toner transport attachment 3034 can be reduced.

[0207] The timing of mounting the toner transport attachment 3034 to the process cartridge B in this embodiment may be either before or after the process cartridge B is mounted in the printer main body A. Also, the toner transport attachment 3034 may be configured to be completely mounted to the process cartridge B by mounting the toner cartridge C3 when the toner transport attachment 3034 is not completely mounted to the process cartridge B.

[0208] In this embodiment, the toner transport attachment 3034 is configured to be flexible, but this is not limiting. For example, the portions of the process cartridge B or toner cartridge C3 to which the toner transport attachment is connected may also be configured to be flexible. For example, if the receiving-side shutter member 206 on the process cartridge B side or the toner supply portion 3030e on the toner cartridge C3 side were configured to be flexible, the elastic deformation of these flexible members would achieve the same effects as the above-described configuration. For example, a configuration in which flexible cylindrical seal members are disposed to surround the openings of the toner receiving opening 3034k1 and the toner discharge opening 3034k2 is conceivable. Alternatively, a configuration in which the toner supply portion 3030e on the toner cartridge C3 side is formed of a flexible member and inserted into the toner receiving opening 3034k1 is conceivable. As described above, when a configuration is adopted in which members other than the toner transport attachment 3034 are flexible, it is preferable that the rigidity around the toner inlet 3034k1 and the toner outlet 3034k2 is high.

[0209] Example 4 The shutter member (toner transport member) described in the second embodiment may be configured, for example, by inserting a toner transport tube into the receiving-side shutter member 206 on the process cartridge B side. In this embodiment, a configuration employing an L-shaped toner transport pipe 4034 as the toner transport member will be described with reference to Figures 59 to 63. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals and symbols as those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, with regard to the toner cartridge side and toner transport member, components with the same functions and roles as those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and similar part numbers and symbols.

[0210] Figure 59 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of toner transport pipe 4034 according to Example 4 of the present invention. Figure 59(a) shows an external perspective view of toner transport pipe 4034. Figure 59(b) shows a side view of toner transport pipe 4034. Figure 59(c) is a cross-sectional view of toner transport pipe 4034 taken along the S4a-S4a line shown in Figure 59(b).

[0211] As shown in Figures 59(a) and 59(c), the toner transport pipe 4034 includes a first toner transport tube 4034b extending in substantially the same direction as the X1 direction and a second toner transport tube 4034p extending in substantially the same direction as the Z2 direction. The first toner transport tube 4034b and the second toner transport tube 4034p are formed continuously. A toner inlet 4034g is provided at the end of the first toner transport tube 4034b, and a toner outlet 4034a is provided at the end of the second toner transport tube 4034p. The toner transport pipe 4034 of this embodiment is flexible, so the relative position of the toner outlet 4034a with respect to the toner inlet 4034g can be changed. In other words, the toner transport pipe 4034 of this embodiment can be bent along the way. In this embodiment, the toner transport pipe 4034 will be described based on a state in which it is connected to the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C4 of this embodiment.

[0212] Next, a method for attaching the toner transport pipe 4034 to the process cartridge B will be described with reference to FIGS. 60 and 61. FIG. 60 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the toner transport pipe 4034 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 60(a) is a side view of the process cartridge B facing the X2 direction when the toner transport pipe 4034 is not attached. FIG. 60(d) is a side view of the process cartridge B facing the X2 direction when the toner transport pipe 4034 is ready for attachment. FIG. 60(g) is a side view of the process cartridge B facing the X2 direction when the toner transport pipe 4034 is attached. That is, FIGS. 60(a), (d), and (g) show the time sequence for attaching the toner transport pipe 4034 to the process cartridge B. FIGS. 60(b), (e), and (h) show cross-sectional views of the S4b-S4b cross section shown in FIGS. 60(a), (d), and (g), respectively. 60(c), (f), and (i) are cross-sectional views taken along the line S4c-S4c shown in FIGS. 60(a), (d), and (g), respectively. Also, FIG. 61 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the process cartridge B according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, with the toner transport pipe 4034 attached thereto.

[0213] 60(c), the communication port 206a and the supply port 21c of the process cartridge B are provided at different positions in the YZ plane because the receiving-side shutter member 206 is movable. With this configuration, the supply port 21c is blocked by the receiving-side shutter member 206, so that the toner present inside the process cartridge B is sealed so as not to leak out to the outside.

[0214] In this embodiment, the operator moves the receiving-side shutter member 206 in the mounting direction D (X2 direction) against the biasing force of the compression spring 217 (not shown) (see FIG. 34), thereby moving the communication opening 206a to a position facing the supply port 21c. This state is shown in FIGS. 60(d), (e), and (f), which is a state in which the toner transport pipe 4034 is ready to be mounted to the process cartridge B. From this state in which the operator further inserts the toner discharge opening 4034a of the toner transport pipe 4034 into the communication opening 206a and the supply port 21c. This state is shown in FIGS. 60(g), (h), and (i), which is a state in which the toner transport pipe 4034 is fully mounted to the process cartridge B.

[0215] As shown in Figure 60(g), when the toner transport pipe 4034 is inserted up to the supply port 21c, which is the fixed portion, the toner transport pipe 4034 is also inserted into the communication port 206c, restricting the movement of the receiving-side shutter member 206. In this state, the toner transport pipe 4034 is clamped by the receiving-side shutter member 206 while remaining inserted into the supply port 21c, and the toner transport pipe 4034 remains attached to the process cartridge B. More specifically, in the state shown in Figure 60(g), a biasing force acts on the side surface of the toner transport pipe 4034 from the receiving-side shutter member 206 in the closing direction of the receiving-side shutter member 206 in the XY plane.

[0216] As shown in Figure 61, when the toner transport pipe 4034 is attached to the process cartridge B, the toner receiving port 4034g of the toner transport pipe 4034 faces the direction opposite to the attachment direction D (ie, the X1 direction).

[0217] Next, a method of mounting the toner cartridge C4 according to this embodiment on the process cartridge B side will be described. Figure 62 is an external perspective view of the toner cartridge C4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 62, the toner storage section 4030 is provided with a toner supply port 4030d, and a circular seal member 4070 is attached by adhesive or the like to the cylindrical interior of the toner supply port 4030d. Note that the shape of the toner supply port 4030d may be other than cylindrical, and any shape may be adopted as long as it can be connected to the toner receiving port 4034g of the toner transport pipe 4034.

[0218] Sealing member 4070 is a flexible valve with a cross slit in the center of its circular portion, and can prevent toner from leaking from toner supply port 4030d. Urethane rubber or the like is preferred as the material for sealing member 4070, and a thickness of 1 to 3 mm is preferred. Note that, as for the configuration of sealing member 4070, a flexible movable valve may be used instead of the cross slit, as long as sealing properties can be ensured.

[0219] Figure 63 is a diagram illustrating an example of the case where toner cartridge C4 according to Example 4 of the present invention is mounted to process cartridge B via toner transport pipe 4034. Figure 63(a) is a partial side view of process cartridge B without toner cartridge C4 mounted and toner transport pipe 4034, viewed along the X2 direction. Figure 63(b) is a cross-sectional view of process cartridge B with toner cartridge C4 mounted, taken along S4d-S4d cross section shown in Figure 63(a).

[0220] As shown in FIG. 63(b), one end (the toner receiving port 4034g side) of the toner transport pipe 4034 attached to the process cartridge B is inserted into the cylindrical interior of the seal member 4070 of the toner cartridge C4. At this time, the toner transport pipe 4034 is inserted by pushing open the cross-shaped slit in the seal member 4070, thereby sealing the gap between the outer periphery of the toner transport pipe 4034 and the seal member 4070, preventing toner leakage. The toner receiving port 4034g of the toner transport pipe 4034 enters the interior of the toner cartridge C4 and abuts against a contact surface (not shown). In the state shown in FIG. 63(b), toner can be transported from the toner cartridge C4 to the process cartridge B side through the toner transport pipe 4034.

[0221] With the above-described configuration, the toner transport pipe 4034, which is a toner transport member, is a separate member from the toner cartridge C4, simplifying the configuration of the toner cartridge, which is frequently replaced, while making the toner cartridge smaller (compared to Example 1). Furthermore, by employing a flexible toner transport pipe 4034, the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C4 can be easily connected by the toner transport pipe 4034. This improves the design freedom of the toner transport members of the process cartridge B and toner cartridge C4 according to this example.

[0222] Although the case where toner cartridge C4 is connected with toner transport pipe 4034 attached to process cartridge B has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to connect toner inlet 4034g of toner transport pipe 4034 to seal member 4070 of toner cartridge C4, and then connect toner outlet 4034a to the process cartridge B side.

[0223] Furthermore, although the toner transport pipe 4034 has been described as being flexible, the toner transport pipe 4034 may be fixed in shape as shown in Fig. 59(a). In this case, the movement of the receiving-side shutter member 206 on the process cartridge B side may be performed manually by an operator, as described above, or may be performed semi-automatically by the toner discharge port 4034a acting on the receiving-side shutter member 206.

[0224] Example 5 In this embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment described above, a configuration for effectively preventing toner leakage will be described with reference to Fig. 64. Note that the same configurations as those of the first embodiment described above will be described using the same reference numerals and symbols as those of the first embodiment. Also, with regard to shutter members (toner transport members), members with the same functions and roles as those of the first embodiment will be given the same names and similar part numbers and symbols.

[0225] Fig. 64 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a shutter member 5034 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 64, the shutter member 5034 according to this embodiment has a filter 5070 provided at the opening of the toner discharge port 5034a. The filter 5070 has gaps large enough to allow toner to pass through. For example, the filter 5070 is made of a material such as polyurethane foam with open cells formed therein.

[0226] Therefore, when the pump unit 37 provided in the toner cartridge C is driven, the shutter member 5034 according to this embodiment can transport an appropriate amount of toner to the process cartridge B side by the air flow caused by the change in air pressure. On the other hand, when the pump unit 37 is not driven, the amount of toner leaking from the toner discharge port 5034a can be reduced. In other words, when the pump unit 37 is driven, the amount of toner discharged through the filter 5070 is greater than when the pump unit 37 is not driven.

[0227] With the configuration described above, the shutter member 5034 of this embodiment can reduce the amount of toner leakage, for example, when the printer main body A is not in operation, or when the toner cartridge is subjected to external impact.

[0228] The filter 5070 may be attached to the end of the shutter member 5034 where the toner discharge port 5034a is formed, or may be sealed inside the toner discharge port 5034a.

[0229] Example 6 In the first embodiment described above, it was explained that the shutter member 34 is L-shaped, and that the transport portion 34b can transport toner along a first toner transport direction CV1 and a second toner transport direction CV2 that are perpendicular to the toner discharge direction E. In contrast, in this embodiment, a case in which a toner transport member that transports toner from the toner cartridge C6 to the process cartridge B is formed by multiple members with different toner transport directions will be described with reference to Figures 65 to 67. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals and symbols as those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, with regard to the toner cartridge side and the toner transport member, members with the same functions and roles as those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and similar part numbers and symbols.

[0230] Fig. 65 is a partial exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge C6, a first toner transport unit 6034, and a second toner transport unit 6072 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 66 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configurations of the first toner transport unit 6034 and the second toner transport unit 6072 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0231] As shown in FIGS. 65 and 66, a hollow cylindrical first toner transport section 6034 is connected to a toner storage section 6030 of the toner cartridge C6 along the first toner transport direction CV1. The first toner transport section 6034 has a first toner discharge port 6034a at the end opposite the connection point with the toner storage section 6030. Therefore, the toner stored in the toner storage section 6030 is transported in the first toner transport direction CV1 via the first toner transport section 6034 and discharged from the first toner discharge port 6034a. In other words, the toner discharge direction of the first toner discharge port 6034a is substantially parallel to the first toner transport direction CV1. The configuration of the connection point between the first toner transport section 6034 and the toner storage section 6030 is substantially the same as that of the toner cartridge C of the first embodiment.

[0232] 65 and 66, a second toner transport unit 6072 is attached to the toner storage unit 6030 coaxially with the first toner transport unit 6034. The second toner transport unit 6072 is a unit composed of a shutter member 6070, a torsion coil spring 6213, and a shutter support member 6071.

[0233] The shutter member 6070 is provided with a screw portion 6070k at its end in the X1 direction, which is the attachment side to the toner storage portion 6030. The shape of the end of the shutter member 6070 in the X2 direction, which is the side interlocking with the receiving-side shutter member 206 provided in the process cartridge B, is substantially the same as the shape of the shutter member 34 of the first embodiment described above.

[0234] The threaded portion 6070k side (X1 direction) of the shutter member 6070 is inserted into the cylindrically wound torsion coil spring 6213. In this state, the threaded portion 6070k of the shutter member 6070 is screwed into a thread groove portion 6071k provided on the cylindrical shutter support member 6071.

[0235] In this embodiment, the threaded portion 6070k and the thread groove portion 6071k are simply screwed together, but a configuration is also possible in which, after the threaded portion 6070k and the thread groove portion 6071k have been screwed together, they are bonded together using an adhesive or the like. In this embodiment, the threaded portion 6070k has a male thread shape, and the thread groove portion 6071k has a thread shape formed on the inside of the cylindrical portion, but the thread shapes may be reversed.

[0236] The central axes of the components constituting the second toner transport unit 6072 substantially coincide with each other when the shutter member 6070 and the shutter support member 6071 are completely screwed together via the torsion coil spring 6213. When the second toner transport unit 6072 is completely attached to the toner storage unit 6030, the central axis becomes substantially parallel to the X1 and X2 directions and coincides with the rotation axis R3 of the shutter member 6071. In this state, the shutter member 6070 and the torsion coil spring 6213 of the second toner transport unit 6072 can rotate about the rotation axis R3.

[0237] In this state, one end of the torsion coil spring 6123 is engaged with the arm portion 6070h of the shutter member 6070, and the other end is engaged with the protrusion 6031e provided on the containing frame 6031 of the toner containing portion 6030.

[0238] The spring force of the torsion coil spring 6213 generates a biasing force in the direction opposite to the rotation direction indicated by the arrow H on the shutter member 6070. As in the first embodiment described above, when the toner cartridge C6 is installed in the printer main body A, the second toner transport unit 6072 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow H while interlocking with the receiving shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B.

[0239] Next, a toner transport path formed when toner cartridge C6 is attached to process cartridge B will be described with reference to Fig. 67. Fig. 67 is a diagram illustrating an example of a toner transport path from toner cartridge C6 according to Example 6 of the present invention to process cartridge B via first toner transport section 6034 and second toner transport section 6072. Fig. 67 is a cross-sectional view of toner storage section 6030, first toner transport section 6034, and second toner transport section 6072 taken along the XZ plane passing through rotation axis R3.

[0240] As shown in FIG. 67, the toner contained in the toner cartridge C6 passes through the first toner transport section 6034 and is transported from the first toner discharge port 6034a in the first toner transport direction CV1. The toner discharged from the first toner discharge port 6034a then passes through the inside of the second toner transport section 6072 and is discharged from the second toner discharge port 6070a in the discharge direction E (and the second toner transport direction CV2) perpendicular to the first toner transport direction CV1. The interior of the shutter member 6070 is bent in an L-shape. When the toner cartridge C6 is attached to the process cartridge B, the second toner discharge port 6070a communicates with the supply port 21c via the communication port 206a of the receiving-side shutter member 206. Therefore, in this state, the toner discharged from the second toner discharge port 6070a is replenished to the developing unit 15, as in the first embodiment.

[0241] Here, the first toner transport unit 6034 is attached by being inserted into the second toner transport unit 6072 (more specifically, the shutter member 6070) along the rotation axis R3. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first toner discharge port 6034a is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the toner transport path inside the cylindrical portion of the shutter member 6070 and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second toner discharge port 6070a. In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first toner discharge port 6034a is the smallest in the toner transport path (discharge flow path) from the toner cartridge C6 to the second toner transport unit 6072. That is, the toner cartridge C6 of this embodiment is configured so that the amount of toner that can be transported (discharged) when passing through the first toner discharge port 6034a is smaller than when passing through other portions in the toner transport path.

[0242] In particular, it is preferable to use a configuration in which toner is discharged from the first toner discharge port 6034a using a toner discharge force resulting from the air flow generated when the pump unit 37 is driven. This configuration can prevent toner from leaking due to, for example, vibrations that occur when the toner cartridge C6 is transported.

[0243] Furthermore, by reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the first toner transport section 6034, which is located upstream of the second toner transport section in the toner transport path, the amount of toner transported can be stabilized.

[0244] The optimal cross-sectional area of ​​the toner transport path for transporting toner varies depending on the physical properties and size of the toner, and the material of the toner cartridge, etc. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first toner transport section 6034 (particularly the first toner discharge port 6034a) may be appropriately adjusted as needed.

[0245] With the above-described configuration, the toner cartridge C6 (more specifically, the toner conveying member) according to this embodiment can more effectively convey toner to the process cartridge B side than the toner cartridge C described in the first embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, a part of the toner conveying path from the toner cartridge C6 to the shutter member that operates in conjunction with the receiving-side shutter member 206 on the process cartridge B side is made of a member separate from the shutter member. With this configuration, the toner cartridge C6 according to this embodiment can be more easily maintained and repaired than the toner cartridge C of the first embodiment described above.

[0246] Example 7 In the first embodiment described above, the shutter member 34 is bent in an L-shape, and the first toner transport direction CV1 and the second toner transport direction CV2 are substantially perpendicular to each other. The first toner transport direction CV1 is substantially perpendicular to the axis G of the pump screw drive input portion 39. In contrast, this embodiment describes a case where the shutter member (toner transport means) has a different curved shape from that of the first embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 68 to 71. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are described using the same reference numerals and symbols. Furthermore, with regard to the toner cartridge side and toner transport members, components with the same functions and roles as those in the first embodiment are given the same names and similar part numbers and symbols.

[0247] Figure 68 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first shutter member (first toner transport member) 7034 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Figures 68(a) and (b) are side views of the first shutter member 7034 seen from different angles, with Figure 68(a) showing the state facing the toner receiving opening 7034g and Figure 68(b) showing the state facing the toner discharging opening 7034a. Figure 68(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along S7a-S7a in Figure 68(b) and passing through the center of the toner transport section 7034b.

[0248] As shown in Figure 68(c), the first shutter member 7034 according to this embodiment differs from the shutter member 34 of Example 1 in that a portion of the toner transport portion 7034b is inclined with respect to the rotation axis R3. As described in Example 1, the rotation axis R3 of the first shutter member 7034 is substantially perpendicular to the axis G (see Figure 17) of the pump screw drive input portion 39, and therefore a portion of the toner transport portion 7034b is inclined with respect to the axis G. Of the toner transport portion 7034b, a region including one end in the X1 direction is referred to as a parallel region 7034b1, and a region including the other end is referred to as an inclined region 7034b2.

[0249] As shown in FIG. 68(c), the parallel region 7034b1 of the toner transport unit 7034b can transport toner along the first transport direction CV1. In contrast, the inclined region 7034b2 can transport toner along a third transport direction CV3 that includes a component of the second transport direction CV2. The toner transported along the third transport direction CV3 is then discharged from the toner discharge port 7034a in the transport direction E. The third transport direction CV3 is inclined at an arbitrary predetermined angle with respect to both the rotation axis R3 and the axis G.

[0250] Next, the state in which the first shutter member 7034 is attached to the process cartridge B will be described with reference to Figure 69. Figure 69 is a diagram for exemplifying the state in which the first shutter member 7034 according to Example 7 of the present invention is attached to the process cartridge B. Figure 69(a) is a partial side view of the process cartridge B before the first shutter member 7034 is attached, as viewed in the X2 direction. Figure 69(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along S7b-S7b in Figure 69(a) of the process cartridge B in a state in which the first shutter member 7034 is attached.

[0251] The method of connecting the first shutter member 7034 to the process cartridge B is the same as the method of connecting the shutter member 34 to the process cartridge B in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described here. In the state shown in Figure 69(b), toner discharged from the toner cartridge C7 of this embodiment passes through the toner transport portion 7034b of the first shutter member 7034 and is supplied to the supply port 21c of the process cartridge B. In other words, the first shutter member 7034 of this embodiment can also transport toner from the toner cartridge C7 to the process cartridge B, as in the first embodiment described above.

[0252] Furthermore, the first shutter member 7034 according to this embodiment transports toner in the inclined region 7034b2 of the toner transport section 7034b along a third transport direction CV3 that is at an obtuse angle with respect to the second transport direction CV2. Therefore, compared to the case where toner is transported via the L-shaped shutter member 34 according to the first embodiment, pressure loss and local pressure drops of air passing through the transport path can be reduced, enabling stable toner discharge.

[0253] Next, a case where toner is transported using a second shutter member 7070 having a different shape from the first shutter member 7034 described above will be described with reference to FIG. 70. FIG. 70 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second shutter member (second toner transport member) 7070 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 70(a) and 70(b) are side views of the second shutter member 7034 viewed from different angles, with FIG. 70(a) showing the state facing the toner receiving opening 7070g and FIG. 70(b) showing the state facing the toner discharging opening 7070a. FIG. 70(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along S7c-S7c in FIG. 70(b), passing through the center of the toner transport section 7070b.

[0254] 70(c), the second shutter member 7070 according to this embodiment differs from the shutter member 34 of Example 1 in that a portion of the toner transport portion 7070b is bent in an S-shape. Furthermore, the second shutter member 7070 differs from the shutter member 34 of Example 1 and the first shutter member 7034 in the number of bending points along the toner transport portion 7070b. Furthermore, the second shutter member 7070 can transport toner in some areas in the opposite direction to the discharge direction E and the second transport direction CV2, or the opposite direction to the first transport direction CV1.

[0255] Even when this second shutter member 7070 is employed, the same effect can be obtained as when the shutter member 34 of the first embodiment transports toner. Furthermore, as described above, the toner transport unit 7070 of this embodiment includes a directional component facing in the opposite direction to the first transport direction CV1 and the second transport direction CV2 in a portion of the toner transport unit 7070b. Therefore, the toner cartridge C7 of this embodiment can reduce the amount of toner leaking from the shutter member 7070 due to vibrations that occur during transportation of the toner cartridge C7. While the second shutter member 7070 has been described as having a toner transport unit 7070b with a substantially S-shaped configuration with two inflection points (nodes), the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the toner transport unit may have three or more inflection points.

[0256] Furthermore, a case where the position of the inflection point is different from that of the second shutter member 7070 described above will be described with reference to Fig. 71. Fig. 71 is a diagram illustrating an example of a third shutter member (third toner transport unit) 7071 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 71(a) is a side view of the third shutter member 7071. Fig. 71(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line S7d-Sd in Fig. 71(a) and passing through the center of the toner transport unit 7071b.

[0257] 71(b), in the third shutter member 7071, an inflection portion 7071k is located in a portion of the toner transport section 7071b that is a part of the transport path that includes a directional component of the second transport direction CV2. Although the third shutter member 7071 differs from the second shutter member 7070 described above in terms of the bent position (inflection portion) in the toner transport section, the same effect can be obtained when the third shutter member 7071 according to this embodiment is used.

[0258] With the configuration described above, even if the shape of the shutter member (toner transport member) is different from that of the above-described first embodiment, toner can be transported from the toner cartridge side to the process cartridge B side, as in the case of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the second shutter member 7070 and the third shutter member 7071 according to this embodiment include paths in which the toner transport directions in the toner transport section are opposite to each other, and therefore toner leakage can be reduced compared to the shutter member 34 of the first embodiment.

[0259] Example 8 The shutter member (toner transport member) 34 of the first embodiment described above is described as having a toner discharge port 34a with an opening area substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the transport portion 34b. In contrast, in this embodiment, a case in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the toner transport portion and the area of ​​the toner discharge port are different will be described with reference to Figures 72 to 74. Note that the same components as those of the first embodiment described above will be described using the same reference numerals and symbols as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, with regard to the toner cartridge side and the toner transport member, components with the same functions and roles as those of the first embodiment will be given the same names and similar part numbers and symbols.

[0260] FIG. 72 is a side view of a first shutter member (first toner transport member) 8034 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, seen from the side facing the toner discharge port 8034a. FIG. 73 is a cross-sectional view of the first shutter member 8034 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, taken along the line S8a-S8a in FIG. 72. As shown in FIGS. 72 and 73, a wall portion 8034k is provided in a portion of the toner discharge port 8034a of the first shutter member 8034. Therefore, the flow of toner (or air containing toner) from the toner transport portion 8034b to the toner discharge port 8034a is obstructed by the wall portion 8034k, causing some of the toner to flow backward in the direction E of toner discharge from the toner discharge port 8034a. Note that a configuration is preferred in which the size of the wall portion 8034k (in other words, the area of ​​the toner discharge port 8034a) is adjusted according to the amount of toner to be supplied to the process cartridge B.

[0261] With the above-described configuration, the first shutter member 8034 according to this embodiment can supply the necessary amount of toner to the process cartridge B side, while reducing the amount of toner consumed and the amount of toner leaked.

[0262] It should be noted that even if a shutter member employs a wall portion having a shape different from that of the wall portion 8034k provided on the first shutter member 8034 described above, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the first shutter member 8034 described above. This point will be described with reference to Fig. 74. Fig. 74 is a cross-sectional view passing through the centers of the toner transport portion 8070b and the toner discharge port 8070a of a second shutter member (second toner transport member) 8070 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0263] In the above-described first shutter member 8034, the wall portion 8034k is provided substantially parallel to the first transport direction CV1 of the toner transport portion 8034b and the rotation axis R3 of the shutter member 8034. In contrast, as shown in Fig. 74, the second shutter member 8070 is provided with the wall portion 8070k that is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the first transport direction CV1 of the toner transport portion 8070b and the rotation axis R3 of the shutter member 8070. Even with the configuration of the second shutter member 8070 described above, it is possible to obtain the same effects as the first shutter member 8034 described above.

[0264] In this embodiment, the shutter member and the wall portion are integrally formed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the shutter member may be configured such that a wall portion separate from the shutter member can be attached to the shutter member.

[0265] In addition, in this embodiment, the toner discharge port and the wall portion are formed on the same plane on the exterior of the shutter member, but this is not limited to this. For example, a wall portion may be provided inside the shutter member (i.e., midway through the toner transport section) relative to the toner discharge port.

[0266] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the toner discharge port has a semicircular shape due to the wall portion, but the shape of the toner discharge port is not limited to this and may be any shape.

[0267] In this embodiment, a wall is provided to limit the amount of toner discharged near the toner discharge port, but the cross-sectional area of ​​the path from the toner transport unit to the toner discharge port may be gradually changed. For example, the wall may be removed from the shutter member, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the transport path of the toner transport unit, which is continuous with the toner discharge port, may be tapered so that it becomes smaller as it approaches the toner discharge port. This configuration also limits the amount of toner discharged from the toner discharge port.

[0268] Example 9 In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the shutter member 34 is provided in the toner storage unit 30 has been described. In contrast to this, in the present embodiment, a case where the shutter member (toner transport member) is provided in (or supported by) a housing (unit) separate from the toner storage unit will be described with reference to Figures 75 to 85. Note that the same configurations as those in the above-described first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals and numbers as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, with regard to the toner cartridge side and the toner transport member, components with the same functions and roles as those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and similar part numbers and reference numerals. Note that the configuration of a shutter member 9034 itself, which will be described later, is the same as that of the above-described shutter member 34, but will be described using different reference numerals for the sake of explanation.

[0269] Figure 75 is a perspective view of the appearance of a first toner storage unit 9030 and a first waste toner storage unit 9070 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. Figures 75(a) and 75(b) are perspective views of the first toner storage unit 9030 and the first waste toner storage unit 9070 before they are coupled together, as seen from different directions.

[0270] 75(a), the shutter member 9034 of this embodiment is supported by a first waste toner storage unit 9070. Specifically, the shutter member 9034 is provided in the first waste toner storage unit 9070, which is provided with a waste toner storage portion 9040 in the Z2 direction. The shutter member 9034 is disposed near the end of an extension portion 9070b that extends from the waste toner storage portion 9040 in the Z1 direction.

[0271] In addition, in the XY plane, when the first toner storage unit 9030 and the first waste toner storage unit 9070 are connected, the shutter member 9034 is disposed at a position shifted toward the mounting direction D (X2 direction) with respect to the first toner storage unit 9030. In contrast, the waste toner storage section 9040 and the like of the first waste toner storage unit 9070 are disposed at a position overlapping the first toner storage unit 9030.

[0272] Fig. 76 is an exploded perspective view including each member near a shutter member 9034 according to Example 9 of the present invention. Fig. 77 is an enlarged perspective view of a first waste toner storage unit 9070 according to Example 9 of the present invention, viewed from the first toner storage unit 9030 side. As shown in Fig. 76, in the first waste toner storage unit 9070, similar to the toner cartridge C according to Example 1 described above, a shutter member 9034, a coil spring 213, and a shutter support member 209 are provided coaxially with respect to the rotation axis R3. In addition, the shutter member 9034 is rotatably supported by the shutter support member 209 and a first shutter support portion 9210b of the shutter protection member 9210.

[0273] 77, the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is provided with a toner receiving port 9070a that is an opening facing the Y2 direction. A seal member 9080 is disposed so as to protrude (have a certain thickness) in the Y2 direction to surround the toner receiving port 9070a. The seal member 9080 is formed of a flexible sponge or the like.

[0274] The shutter protection member 9210 is provided with a through hole 9210e and a square hole 9210f in the mounting direction D (i.e., the X2 direction). The through hole 9210e and the square hole 9210f are provided with the toner receiving opening 9070a sandwiched between them in the Z1 and Z2 directions.

[0275] Next, the configuration of the first toner storage unit 9030 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 78 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the toner supply port 9030a of the first toner storage unit 9030 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 78, the first toner storage unit 9030 is provided with the toner supply port 9030a, which is an opening that opens in the Y1 direction. Furthermore, a first cylindrical portion 9030b is disposed in the Z2 direction relative to the toner supply port 9030a, and a second cylindrical portion 9030c is disposed in the Z1 direction. That is, in directions parallel to the Z1 and Z2 directions (the longitudinal direction of the first toner storage unit 9030), the respective cylindrical portions are disposed on opposite sides of the toner supply port 9030a. The first cylindrical portion 9030b and the second cylindrical portion 9030c both protrude in the mounting direction D (i.e., the X2 direction).

[0276] A toner seal (not shown) is installed on the inside of the container of the toner supply port 9030a. When the first toner storage unit 9030 receives a driving force from the printer main body A, the toner seal is torn off, allowing the toner stored in the first toner storage unit 9030 to be discharged from the toner supply port 9030a.

[0277] Next, a method of connecting the first toner storage unit 9030 and the first waste toner storage unit 9070 will be described. Fig. 79 is an enlarged perspective view of the first toner storage unit 9030 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention before the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is connected to it. Fig. 80 is a cross-sectional view of the XY plane passing through the rotation axis R3 of the shutter member 9034 in a state in which the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is connected to the first toner storage unit 9030 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0278] 79, in this embodiment, the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is first installed in the printer main body A. Then, after that, the first toner storage unit 9030 is installed in the installation direction D (X2 direction) to the printer main body A with the first waste toner storage unit 9070 installed. At this time, the first cylindrical portion 9030b and the second cylindrical portion 9030c of the first toner storage unit 9030 are inserted into the through hole 9210e and the square hole 9210f provided in the shutter protection member 9210, thereby positioning the first toner storage unit 9030.

[0279] During this positioning, the toner supply port 9030a of the first toner storage unit 9030 and the toner receiving port 9070a of the first waste toner storage unit 9070 face each other (see FIG. 80). Then, the seal member 9080 surrounding the toner receiving port 9070a is compressed in directions parallel to the Y1 and Y2 directions, sealing the gap between the toner supply port 9030a and the toner receiving port 9070a and preventing toner from leaking to the outside.

[0280] Here, a method of transmitting driving force between the first toner storage unit 9030 and the first waste toner storage unit 9070 will be described. FIG. 81 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of transmitting driving force from the first toner storage unit 9030 to the first waste toner storage unit 9070 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 81(a) is a view from the X2 direction showing a state in which the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is connected to the first toner storage unit 9030. FIG. 81(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along S9a-S9a in FIG. 81(a) showing a state in which the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is being connected to the first toner storage unit 9030. FIG. 81(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along S9a-S9a in FIG. 81(a) showing a state in which the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is connected to the first toner storage unit 9030.

[0281] The driving force for supplying toner in the first toner storage unit 9030 is transmitted from the printer main body A, as in Example 1. Furthermore, in the first waste toner storage unit 9070, the driving force for transporting toner to the process cartridge B side is transmitted to the first waste toner storage unit 9070 via the first toner storage unit 9030, as in Example 1.

[0282] 81(b), a gear-shaped drive input member 9071 is rotatably supported on an axis in the Z-axis direction at the end of the first waste toner storage unit 9070 in the Z1 direction (the front side of the paper). Also, a gear-shaped toner storage unit non-drive-side gear 48 is rotatably supported on an axis in the Z-axis direction at the end of the first toner storage unit 9030 in the Z2 direction (the back side of the paper). Note that, as in the first embodiment described above, the driving force of the printer main body A is transmitted to the toner storage unit non-drive-side gear 48 via the toner storage unit stirring and transporting unit 36.

[0283] As shown in FIG. 81(c), when the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is connected to the first toner storage unit 9030, the toner storage section non-drive-side gear 48 and the drive input member 9071 engage with each other. In this state, the first toner storage unit 9030 is able to transmit the drive force received from the printer main body A to the first waste toner storage unit 9070. The first waste toner storage unit 9070 transmits the drive force received from the first toner storage unit 9030 to the toner transport mechanism inside the first waste toner storage unit 9070. In other words, the drive force required for toner transport by the first waste toner storage unit 9070 is transmitted from the printer main body A via the first toner storage unit 9030.

[0284] With the configuration described above, the first toner storage unit 9030 of this embodiment is configured with components that differ from the toner cartridge C of the above-described first embodiment, excluding the waste toner storage section 40 and the shutter member 34. Therefore, compared to the toner cartridge C of the above-described first embodiment, the first toner storage unit 9030 of this embodiment can reduce the manufacturing cost of the toner storage unit, which is frequently replaced, and can also reduce the size of the toner storage unit.

[0285] Here, it is also possible to employ a configuration in which the waste toner storage unit receives driving force from the printer main body A and transmits it to the toner storage unit. This configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 82 and 83. FIG. 82 is an external perspective view of the second toner storage unit 9072 and the second waste toner storage unit 9073 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the front of each device. FIG. 83 is an external perspective view of the second toner storage unit 9072 and the second waste toner storage unit 9073 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the Z1 direction. Note that, with regard to the second toner storage unit 9072 and the second waste toner storage unit 9073, descriptions of components that are substantially the same as those of the first toner storage unit 9030 and the first waste toner storage unit 9070 described above will be omitted. Hereinafter, the drive input member 9039 provided in the second waste toner storage unit 9073 will be mainly described.

[0286] As shown in FIGS. 82 and 83 , the second waste toner storage unit 9073 is provided with a drive input member 9039. The drive input member 9039 has a cylindrical shape extending in the Z1 direction from the waste toner storage compartment 9040 side. A drive input portion 9039a that receives a drive force from the printer main body A is provided at the Z1 end, and a gear-shaped drive transmission portion 9039b is provided coaxially at the Z2 end. The drive input member 9039 is supported by the second waste toner storage unit 9073 so as to be rotatable about its central rotation axis. When the drive input member 9039 receives a drive force from the printer main body A, the drive force can be transmitted to a waste toner transport mechanism in the second waste toner storage unit 9073. As shown in FIG. 82 , the second toner storage unit 9072 can be connected to the second waste toner storage unit 9073 in the installation direction D (X2 direction). The driving force input portion 9039 is disposed in a position where it does not interfere with the second toner storage unit 9072 when the second toner storage unit 9072 is connected. The other configurations are the same as those of the first waste toner storage unit 9070 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0287] Here, a method of transmitting driving force between the second toner storage unit 9072 and the second waste toner storage unit 9073 will be described. FIG. 84 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of transmitting driving force from the second toner storage unit 9072 to the second waste toner storage unit 9073 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 84(a) is a view from the X2 direction showing a state in which the second toner storage unit 9073 is connected to the second toner storage unit 9072. FIG. 84(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along S9b-S9b in FIG. 84(a) showing a state in which the second waste toner storage unit 9073 is being connected to the second toner storage unit 9072. FIG. 84(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along S9b-S9b in FIG. 84(a) showing a state in which the second toner storage unit 9073 is connected to the second toner storage unit 9072.

[0288] As shown in FIG. 84(c), when the second waste toner storage unit 9073 is connected to the second toner storage unit 9072, the toner storage unit non-drive-side gear 48 of the second toner storage unit 9072 engages with the drive input member 9039 of the second waste toner storage unit 9073. In this state, the drive force received by the second waste toner storage unit 9073 from the printer main body A can be transmitted to the second toner storage unit 9072 via the toner storage unit stirring and transport unit 36 ​​and a drive transmission unit (not shown). In other words, the second toner storage unit 9072 receives the drive force required to supply toner from the printer main body A via the second waste toner storage unit 9073. The configuration described above also provides the same effects as when the first toner storage unit 9030 and first waste toner storage unit 9070 described above are used.

[0289] It is also possible to employ a configuration in which the toner storage unit is equipped with a shutter member, as in the first embodiment, and the driving force from the printer main body A is received by the waste toner storage unit and transmitted to the toner storage unit side. This configuration will be described with reference to Fig. 85. Fig. 85 is an external perspective view of a third toner storage unit 9076 and a third waste toner unit 9077 according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0290] 85, the third toner storage unit 9076 is provided with a shutter member 9034, and the third waste toner storage unit 9077 is provided with a drive input member 9039, similar to the second waste toner storage unit 9073 described above. Apart from the fact that the shutter member 9034 is provided in the toner storage unit 9076, the third toner storage unit 9077 has the same configuration and operates in the same manner as the second toner storage unit 9072 and second waste toner storage unit 9073 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. With the configuration described above, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the toner storage unit and make the toner storage unit more compact, compared to the toner cartridge C of the first embodiment described above.

[0291] In addition to the above-mentioned three examples of this embodiment, a configuration in which the waste toner storage section 40 is separated from the toner storage section 30 of Example 1 may be adopted, but since the configuration and operation of each section are substantially the same as those of the above-mentioned examples, detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0292] In the example of this embodiment described above, the toner storage unit or the waste toner storage unit is first installed in the printer main body A, and then the other is connected, but this is not limiting. For example, the toner storage unit and the waste toner storage unit may be installed in the printer main body A in a connected state.

[0293] In the above example of this embodiment, the connection direction between the toner storage unit and the waste toner storage unit is parallel to the X axis, but this is not limited to this. For example, by changing the support configuration of the toner storage unit and the waste toner storage unit, the two units may be connected in a direction parallel to an axis different from the X axis (for example, the Z axis).

[0294] Example 10 In the above-described first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the toner cartridge C having the toner storage portion 30 is provided with the shutter member 34, which is a toner transport member. In contrast, in this embodiment, a configuration in which the toner storage portion is separated from the unit having the toner transport member and the toner storage portion is replaceable as a separate body such as a pouch will be described with reference to FIG. 86. Note that the same configurations as those in the above-described first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals and symbols as those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, with regard to the toner cartridge, components having the same functions and roles as those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and similar part numbers and symbols.

[0295] Figure 86 is an external perspective view of a toner cartridge C10 according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 86(a) is an external perspective view of the toner cartridge C10 before the toner storage unit 10070 is attached to the toner cartridge C10. Figure 86(b) is an external perspective view of the toner cartridge C10 with the toner storage unit 10070 attached to the toner cartridge C10.

[0296] The toner cartridge C10 according to this embodiment is the same as the toner cartridge C of the first embodiment described above, except for the mounting portion 10030 provided on the top of the cartridge and the configuration for receiving toner from the mounting portion 10030, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. As shown in Figure 86(a), the toner cartridge C10 is provided with the mounting portion 10030 on the top of the cartridge (Y2 direction). The mounting portion 10030 has a mounting frame 10030d to which the toner storage unit 10070 can be attached.

[0297] In this embodiment, the shape of the mounting frame 10030d is rectangular in the XZ plane to match the shape of the pouch-type toner storage unit 10070, which is rectangular in the XZ plane, but the shape of the mounting frame 10030d is not limited to this. The shape of the mounting frame 10030d can be changed as appropriate to match the shape of the toner storage unit 10070. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which the mounting frame 10030d itself is not provided. In that case, it is preferable to fix the toner storage unit 10070 using an attachment member, seal, or the like to prevent the toner storage unit 10070 from moving or falling after the toner storage unit 10070 has been completely attached to the toner cartridge C10.

[0298] A toner receiving port 10030e, which is an opening connected to the inside of the toner cartridge C10, is provided approximately in the center of the mounting frame 10030d. As in the first embodiment, the toner received through the toner receiving port 10030e can move toward the shutter member (toner transport member) 34 via a supply chamber (not shown) provided inside the toner cartridge C10.

[0299] The toner storage unit 10070 stores toner inside, and as shown in Figure 86 (b), when it is attached to the toner cartridge C10, a part of the upper surface (Y2 direction) is exposed from the mounting frame 10030d. When replacing the toner storage unit 10070, an operator can grasp this exposed part to attach and detach it to and from the toner cartridge C10.

[0300] A cylindrical toner supply part 10070d is provided at the bottom (Y1 direction) of the toner storage unit 10070, protruding in the Y1 direction, in alignment with the position of the toner receiving port 10030e provided in the mounting part 10030. A toner supply port 10070a, which is an opening for supplying toner to the toner cartridge C10, is provided at the tip of the toner supply part 10070d. Once the toner storage unit 10070 has been attached to the toner cartridge C10, the cylindrical toner supply part 10070b is inserted into the toner receiving port 10030e. In this state, toner can be supplied from the toner storage unit 10070 to the toner cartridge C10.

[0301] With the above-described configuration, the toner cartridge C10 according to this embodiment has a detachable toner storage unit 10070, eliminating the need to replace the toner cartridge itself as toner is consumed, and allowing for a more compact toner cartridge. In particular, the toner cartridge C10, which includes a shutter member 34 that interlocks with the process cartridge B, does not need to be replaced as toner is consumed. This reduces fatigue on the shutter member 34 and the receiving-side shutter member 206 of the process cartridge B caused by the attachment and detachment of the toner cartridge C10.

[0302] The toner storage unit used in this embodiment is a pouch type, made of polypropylene and formed into a flexible box shape by bonding together sheet-like members each about 0.18 mm thick. The toner supply section 10070b is formed from a conventional rigid plastic (such as ABS resin). The toner storage unit 10070 may also be formed from a frame made of plastic or the like.

[0303] Furthermore, when using the toner cartridge C10 according to this embodiment, the user may install it in the printer main body A with the toner storage unit 10070 attached. Alternatively, the toner storage unit 10070 may be removed after the toner inside the toner storage unit 10070 is supplied to the toner cartridge C10, and then the toner cartridge C10 may be installed in the printer main body A.

[0304] Example 11 In the above-described first embodiment, a configuration was described in which toner is transported based on the driving force received from the printer main body A using the pump screw drive input unit 39 provided in the toner cartridge C. In contrast, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which a member other than the toner cartridge C is provided that receives the driving force from the printer main body A, and the driving force for transporting toner to the toner cartridge side is transmitted via that member will be described with reference to Figures 87 to 91. Note that the same configurations as those in the above-described first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals and numbers as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, with regard to the toner cartridge, process cartridge, and printer main body, components with the same functions and roles as those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and similar part numbers and reference numerals.

[0305] Figure 87 is an external perspective view of a process cartridge B11 according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 87, the process cartridge B11 is equipped with a cleaning unit 11010. The process cartridge B11 is provided with an extension 11021 that extends in the X1 direction from the cleaning unit 1101 on the side (referred to as the drive side) on which the development coupling 155 is provided in a direction parallel to the Z axis. A driving force receiving member 11070 is provided at the tip (X1 direction) of the extension 11021. The method of engaging the driving force receiving member 11070 with the first main body side coupling 110 provided in the printer main body A will be described in detail below.

[0306] Next, the support mechanism of the driving force receiving member 11070 will be described with reference to Figures 88 and 89. Figure 88 is an exploded perspective view of the driving force receiving member 11070 according to Example 11 of the present invention. Figure 88(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the driving force receiving member 11070 in detail in the Z1 direction, and Figure 88(b) is an exploded perspective view showing the driving force receiving member 11070 in detail in the Z2 direction. Figure 89 is a cross-sectional view of the YZ plane passing through the center of the rotation axis of the driving force receiving member 11070 according to Example 11 of the present invention.

[0307] As shown in Figures 88 and 89, the extension 11021 of the process cartridge B11 is provided with a first circular recess 11021a recessed in the Z1 direction. The driving force receiving member 11070 has a hollow cylindrical shape and is provided with a driving force receiving portion 11070b that protrudes toward the printer main body A (Z1 direction). A flange portion 11070c is provided at the base of the driving force receiving portion 11070b. The outer peripheral surface 11070a is formed at the thick portion of the flange portion 11070c in the Z axis direction. A cylindrical portion 11070d with a smaller diameter than the flange portion 11070c is provided on the Z2 side of the flange portion 11070c, coaxial with the flange portion 11070c and protruding from the flange portion 11070c in the Z2 direction. At the end of the columnar portion 11070d in the Z2 direction, a drive transmission portion 11070e is provided, in which a plurality of recesses are formed toward the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion.

[0308] The lid portion 11071 has a flat plate shape and is provided with a through-hole 11071a that penetrates in a direction parallel to the Z axis. The lid portion 11071 also has a second circular recess 11071b that is recessed in the Z2 direction and is coaxial with the through-hole 11071a.

[0309] Next, we will explain how to assemble the driving force receiving member 11070. The driving force receiving member 11070 is attached to the extending portion 11021 in the Z2 direction, and the outer peripheral surface 11070a of the flange portion 11070c is supported by a first circular recess 11021a provided in the extending portion 11021. A lid portion 11071 is fixed to the extending portion 11021 by adhesive or the like so as to sandwich the flange portion 11070c of the driving force receiving member 11070 from both sides in the rotation axis direction (Z-axis direction).

[0310] Furthermore, a compression spring 11072 is disposed between the flange portion 11070c of the driving force receiving member 11070 and the lid portion 11071. The compression spring 11072 biases the driving force receiving member 11070 toward the printer main body A (Z1 direction). At this time, as shown in FIG. 89, the drive transmission portion 11070e of the driving force receiving member 11070 is configured so as not to protrude from the stay lid member 11071 in the Z2 direction.

[0311] Next, the toner cartridge C11 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 90. FIG. 90 is an external perspective view of the toner cartridge C11 according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 90, a drive-side toner cartridge side cover 11050 is provided at the Z1 end of the toner cartridge C11. The drive-side toner cartridge side cover 11050 is provided with a recess 11050c recessed in the Z2 direction. A through-hole 11050d is provided in the recess 11050c. A drive input portion 11039 is attached to the through-hole 11050d so as to be rotatable coaxially with the central axis of the through-hole 11050c. The configuration of the drive-side toner cartridge side cover 11050 is the same as that of the drive-side toner cartridge side cover 50 according to the first embodiment except for the above-mentioned aspects, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0312] Next, the operation of the driving force receiving member 11070 when the toner cartridge C11 is mounted to the process cartridge B11 will be described with reference to FIG. 91. FIG. 91 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection method between the driving force input unit 11039 and the driving force receiving member 11070 according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, showing a cross-sectional view of the XZ plane passing through the rotational axis of the driving force input unit 11039 and the driving force receiving member 11070. FIG. 91(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner cartridge C11 is being mounted to the process cartridge B11. FIG. 91(b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the toner cartridge C11 has been completely mounted to the process cartridge B11. FIG. 91(c) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which both the process cartridge B11 and the toner cartridge C11 have been completely mounted to the printer main body A. Note that, for simplicity of explanation, FIG. 91(c) only shows the first main body side coupling 110 as the configuration on the printer main body A side.

[0313] As shown in Figures 91(a) and 91(b), the toner cartridge C11 can move in the mounting direction D (X2 direction) relative to the process cartridge B11. When the toner cartridge C11 is completely mounted to the process cartridge B11, the drive input portion 11039 and the drive force receiving member 11070 face each other, with their axes substantially aligned in the X-axis direction. At this time, as shown in Figure 91(b), the extension portion 11021 of the process cartridge B11 overlaps with the recess 11050c of the drive-side toner cartridge side cover 11050 in the Z-axis direction.

[0314] As shown in Figure 91(c), when the process cartridge B11 and toner cartridge C11 are installed in the printer main body A, the rotation axis of the driving force receiving portion 11070 is coaxial with the rotation axis of the main body coupling 110 of the printer main body A. When transmitting driving force from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C11, the main body coupling 110 moves in the Z2 direction and pushes the driving force receiving member 11070 in the Z2 direction against the biasing force of the compression spring 11072. Therefore, the driving force transmission portion of the main body coupling 110 and the driving force receiving portion 11070b of the driving force receiving member 11070 are able to engage with each other in the rotation direction. The driving force transmission portion 11070e then protrudes in the Z2 direction relative to the cover portion 11071 and engages with the driving force input portion 11039 of the toner cartridge C11. The first main-body-side coupling 110 may be configured to move in the Z2 direction in response to the closing of the opening / closing door 107 of the printer main body A.

[0315] With the configuration described above, even if the driving force for transporting toner in toner cartridge C11 is received via a member provided in process cartridge B11, the same effect as that described in Example 1 can be obtained. Generally, toner cartridges are replaced more frequently than process cartridges (developing cartridges). Therefore, by providing a member that receives the driving force from the printer main body A on the process cartridge, which is replaced less frequently, it is possible to reduce fatigue and damage to the members that transmit the driving force from the printer main body A to other parts when replacing the toner cartridge.

[0316] Example 12 In the first embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the rotational drive of the printer main body A is transmitted to the toner cartridge C by engaging the first main body side pump coupling 110 with the pump screw coupling portion 39a. In contrast, in this embodiment, a configuration in which the drive force is transmitted between the first main body side pump coupling 110 and the pump screw coupling portion 12039a via a drive transmission attachment 12115 will be described with reference to Figures 92 to 95. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment described above will be described using the same reference numerals and numbers as those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, with regard to the toner cartridge, process cartridge, and printer main body, components with the same functions and roles as those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and similar part numbers and reference numerals.

[0317] FIG. 92 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for attaching each drive transmission mechanism according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 92(a) is an exploded perspective view showing a main portion of the printer main body A to which the drive transmission attachment 12115 is attached. FIG. 92(b) is an enlarged view of the drawing shown in FIG. 92(a) and illustrates an example of the position of the printer main body A to which the drive transmission attachment 12115 is attached. For ease of explanation, some parts of the printer main body A, such as the opening and closing door 107, are omitted from FIG. 92(a). FIG. 93 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the drive transmission attachment 12115 is attached to the first main body side coupling 110 according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 94 is a detailed view of the drive transmission attachment 12115 according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 95 is a diagram illustrating an example of a drive transmission mechanism from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C12 according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. 95 shows a cross-sectional view (XY plane) of the first main body side coupling 110, the drive transmission attachment 12115, and the pump screw coupling portion 12039a cut in a direction perpendicular to the axis G. FIG.

[0318] First, the first main body side coupling 110 is arranged to be able to advance and retreat in the second guide portion 109, and in this embodiment, it advances and retreats in accordance with the opening and closing of the opening and closing door 107 (it moves toward the inside of the device when the opening and closing door 107 is closed). Also, the toner cartridge C12 according to this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the toner cartridge C according to the above-described first embodiment, except for the pump screw coupling 12039.

[0319] 92(a), (b), and 93, the drive transmission attachment 12115 is a drive force transmission member according to this embodiment that is used when transmitting drive force from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C12. The drive transmission attachment 12115 can be attached to the main body side coupling recess 110a of the first main body side coupling 110 in a direction parallel to the Z axis.

[0320] Next, as shown in FIG. 94, the drive transmission attachment 12115 has a retaining shape 12115f. The retaining shape 12115f of the drive transmission attachment 12115 can engage with a hole 110d provided in the first main body side coupling 110. When the drive transmission attachment 12115 is attached to the first main body side coupling recess 110a, the retaining shape 12115f elastically deforms and is snap-fitted into the hole 110d. However, the method of fixing the drive transmission attachment 12115 to the first main body side coupling 110 is not limited to this, and it may also be fixed by, for example, adhesion or press fitting.

[0321] Next, as shown in Figures 93 and 94, the drive transmission attachment 12115 has a first drive receiving surface 12115b that receives a driving force by abutting against the first drive transmission surface 110b of the first main body side coupling. The drive transmission attachment 12115 also has a second drive receiving surface 121115c that receives a driving force by abutting against the second drive transmission surface 110c of the first main body side coupling 110. In Figure 93, when the main body side coupling 110 rotates clockwise, the first drive receiving surface 12115b abuts against the first drive transmission surface 110b. When the main body side coupling 110 rotates counterclockwise, the second drive receiving surface 12115c abuts against the second drive transmission surface 110c. In this embodiment, on the XY plane when the first main body side coupling 110 is viewed from the side where the drive transmission attachment 12115 is attached, clockwise rotation is defined as forward rotation and counterclockwise rotation is defined as reverse rotation.

[0322] Next, as shown in Figure 95, the drive transmission attachment 12115 has a third drive transmission surface 12115d that transmits drive force to the pump-screw coupling part 12039a during forward rotation, and a fourth drive transmission surface 121115e that transmits drive force during reverse rotation.

[0323] When the toner cartridge C12 is installed in the printer main body A and the opening / closing door 107 is closed, the first main body side coupling 110 and the drive transmission attachment 12115 engage with each other and protrude integrally into the inside of the device. At this time, the pump screw coupling portion 12039a of the toner cartridge C12 enters the drive transmission attachment recess 12115a of the drive transmission attachment 12115.

[0324] The drive transmission attachment 12115 attached to the first main-body-side coupling 110 rotates when the first drive receiving surface 12115b or the second drive receiving surface 12115c receives the drive force from the first main-body-side coupling 110. Furthermore, the drive force is transmitted from the third drive transmission surface 12115d or the fourth drive transmission surface 12115e to the pump screw coupling portion 12039a. With the above configuration, the drive force related to toner transport can be transmitted from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C12 via the drive transmission attachment 12115. In other words, the drive transmission attachment 12115 of this embodiment functions as a coupling (attachment-side coupling portion) that can engage with the first main-body-side coupling 110, and transmits the drive force to the toner cartridge C12.

[0325] With the configuration described above, it is possible to transmit driving force from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C12, just like in the first embodiment. By adopting this configuration, according to this embodiment, the engagement of each part of the driving force transmission mechanism with the toner cartridge C12 is performed via an attachment. Therefore, the printer main body according to this embodiment reduces the number of points of direct contact with the toner cartridge, which is replaced frequently, and can prevent fatigue and damage to the driving force transmission mechanism, such as the coupling, due to toner cartridge replacement.

[0326] Example 13 In the first embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which the rotational drive of the printer main body A is transmitted to the toner cartridge C by engaging the first main body pump coupling 110 with the pump screw coupling portion 39a. In contrast, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which an attachment gear 13115 is attached to the first main body coupling 110 and this gear is used to transmit drive force to the pump screw input gear portion 13039a will be described with reference to Figures 96 to 102. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals and symbols as those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, with regard to the toner cartridge, process cartridge, and printer main body, components with the same functions and roles as those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and similar part numbers and symbols.

[0327] FIG. 96 is a detailed view showing the attachment gear 13115 attached to the first main-body coupling 110 according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 97 is a side view of the toner cartridge C13 according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, viewed in a direction parallel to the Z axis. FIG. 98 is a detailed view of the attachment gear 13115 according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 99 is a diagram illustrating a drive transmission mechanism from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C12 according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 99 shows a cross-sectional view (XY plane) of the first main-body coupling 110, the attachment gear 13115, and the pump screw coupling portion 13039a cut in a direction perpendicular to the axis G. FIG. 100 is a diagram illustrating a method of mounting each drive transmission mechanism according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 101 is a detailed view of the attachment gear 13115 according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 102 is a perspective view of the appearance of a toner cartridge C13 according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0328] 100, the attachment gear 13115 is a driving force transmission member according to this embodiment that is used when transmitting driving force from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C13. The attachment gear 13115 can be attached to the first main body side coupling recess 110a of the first main body side coupling 110 in a direction parallel to the Z axis.

[0329] 99 and 101, the attachment gear 13115 has a first drive receiving surface 13115b that receives a driving force by abutting against a first drive transmission surface 110b of the first main-body side coupling 110. The attachment gear 13115 also has a second drive receiving surface 13115c that receives a driving force by abutting against a second drive transmission surface 110c of the first main-body side coupling 110. In FIG. 99, when the main-body side coupling 110 rotates clockwise, the first drive receiving surface 13115b abuts against the first drive transmission surface 110b. When the main-body side coupling 110 rotates counterclockwise, the second drive receiving surface 13115c abuts against the second drive transmission surface 110c. In this embodiment, on the XY plane when the first main body side coupling 110 is viewed from the side where the drive transmission attachment 13115 is attached, clockwise rotation is defined as forward rotation and counterclockwise rotation is defined as reverse rotation.

[0330] As shown in Figures 98 and 101, the attachment gear 13115 has a retaining shape 13115f. The retaining shape 13115f of the attachment gear 13115 can engage with a hole 110d provided in the first body-side coupling 110. When the attachment gear 13115 is attached to the first body-side coupling recess 110a, the retaining shape 13115f elastically deforms and is fixed by snap-fitting into the hole 110d. However, the method of fixing the attachment gear 13115 to the first body-side coupling 110 is not limited to this, and it may also be fixed by, for example, adhesive bonding or press-fitting.

[0331] Next, a method for transmitting driving force from the first main-body coupling 110 to the toner cartridge C13 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 97 and 99, the toner cartridge C13 is provided with a pump screw input gear 13039a, which is the driving force input member for the toner cartridge C13 of this embodiment. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 102, a driving-side toner cartridge side cover 13050 is provided on the outer side in the Z-axis direction of the pump screw input gear 13039a. A hole 13050c is provided in a portion of the driving-side toner cartridge side cover 13050 to expose a portion of the circumferential direction of the pump screw input gear 13039a.

[0332] When the toner cartridge C13 is installed in the printer main body A and the opening / closing door 107 is closed, the first main body side coupling 110 and the attachment gear 13115 engage with each other and protrude integrally into the inside of the device. At this time, the gear portion 13115g of the attachment gear 13115 meshes with the pump screw input gear 13039a of the toner cartridge C13.

[0333] The attachment gear 13115 attached to the first main-body side coupling 110 rotates when the first drive receiving surface 13115b or the second drive receiving surface 131115c receives a drive force from the first main-body side coupling 110. Furthermore, the gear portion 13115g of the attachment gear 13115 meshes with the pump screw input gear portion 13039a of the toner cartridge C13, thereby transmitting the drive force from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C13.

[0334] As shown in FIGS. 97 and 99, the drive-side toner cartridge side cover 13050 is provided with a positioning boss 13050d for positioning the attachment gear. The distance between the center of the positioning boss 13050d and the center of the pump screw input gear portion 13039a is set to be equal to the distance between the center of the engaged attachment gear 13115 and the center of the pump screw input gear portion 13039a. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 98 to 100, the attachment gear 13115 is provided with a central abutment surface 13115h and a central hole 13115e. Specifically, in this embodiment, the triangular prism-shaped central hole 13115e is formed as an area surrounded by multiple central abutment surfaces 13115b when viewed along the rotation axis of the attachment gear 13115. The center of the central hole portion 13115e and the central axis of rotation of the attachment gear portion 13115g coincide with each other.

[0335] When the attachment gear 13115 meshes with the pump screw input gear 13039a, the central hole 13115e abuts against the positioning boss 13050d. Therefore, the center of rotation of the attachment gear 13115 and the positioning boss 13050d are positioned coaxially. This configuration makes it possible to maintain the axial distance between the attachment gear 13115 and the pump screw input gear 13039a with high precision, stabilizing the meshing precision of each gear and improving the precision of drive transmission.

[0336] Next, as shown in Figures 96 and 100, the outer periphery of the hole portion 109a of the second guide portion 109 has a recess 109c in the rotational axis direction of the first main body side coupling 110, which is one step lower in height in a direction parallel to the Z axis than the reference surface 109d of the second guide portion 109.

[0337] As shown in FIG. 100, when the opening / closing door 107 is opened and the first main body side coupling 110 is retracted in the Z1 direction, the first main body side coupling 110 protrudes from the recess 109c and retracts in the Z1 direction from the reference surface 109d of the second guide part 109.

[0338] Here, it is desirable that the outer periphery of gear portion 13115g of attachment gear 13115 is smaller than the inner periphery of recess 109c when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and that a portion of attachment gear 13115 is housed inside recess 109c when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis. This will be described in detail later.

[0339] 97 and 99, in the mounting direction D of the toner cartridge C13, the pump screw input gear 13039a is disposed upstream of the attachment gear 13115. With this configuration, even if the attachment gear 13115 protrudes from the second guide portion 109 toward the outside of the device in response to the opening of the opening / closing door 107, the attachment gear 13115 does not interfere with the toner cartridge C13, and the toner cartridge C13 can be mounted and removed.

[0340] Furthermore, as described above, because the outer diameter of the gear portion 13115g is smaller than the inner diameter of the recessed portion 109c, a portion of the retracted attachment gear 13115 can be accommodated inside the recessed portion 109c when the opening / closing door 107 is open. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the amount of protrusion of the attachment gear 13115 from the second guide 109 toward the toner cartridge C13 (i.e., toward the interior of the printer main body A). Therefore, in this embodiment, interference between the process cartridge B and the attachment gear 13115 is prevented, and the process cartridge B can be attached or detached without removing the attachment gear 13115 from the first main body side coupling 110.

[0341] The timing for attaching the attachment gear 13115 to the printer main body A is not limited to this. For example, the attachment gear 13115 may be attached after the process cartridge B is attached to the printer main body A, and then the toner cartridge C13 may be attached. In this case, since there is no interference with the attachment gear 13115 when attaching or detaching the process cartridge B to or from the printer main body A, as described above, it is also possible to increase the size of the attachment gear 131115. In other words, the printer main body A and attachment gear 13115 according to this embodiment do not need to be configured to house a portion of the attachment gear 13115 inside the recess 109c. For example, the attachment gear 13115b and the first main body coupling 110 may be configured to engage at a position that protrudes further toward the interior of the device than the reference surface 109d of the second guide portion 109.

[0342] With the above-described configuration, it is possible to transmit driving force from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C13, just as in the previously described embodiment 1. Also, just like the previously described embodiment 12, according to this embodiment, the engagement of each part of the driving force transmission mechanism with the toner cartridge C13 is performed via an attachment. Therefore, the printer main body according to this embodiment reduces the number of points of direct contact with the toner cartridge, which is replaced frequently, and can prevent fatigue and damage to the driving force transmission mechanism, such as the coupling, due to toner cartridge replacement.

[0343] Example 14 In the first embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which drive force is transmitted by the engagement of the mating surfaces of the pump screw coupling 39a and the first main-body-side coupling 110. In contrast, in this embodiment, a configuration is described in which a pump screw coupling 14039a formed of a rubber-elastic material as a drive input member is brought into contact with the first main-body-side coupling 110 on the printer main body A side to receive drive force. A specific description will be given below with reference to Figures 103 to 106. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals and symbols as those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, with regard to the toner cartridge, process cartridge, and printer main body, components with the same functions and roles as those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and similar part numbers and symbols.

[0344] FIG. 103 is a side view of the toner cartridge C14 according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, showing the toner cartridge C14 as viewed from the side facing the pump screw coupling portion 14039a along the Z axis. FIG. 104 is a diagram illustrating an example of a drive transmission mechanism from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C14 according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of the XY plane perpendicular to the rotation axis G of the pump screw coupling portion 14039a. FIG. 105 is an external perspective view of the toner cartridge C14 according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 106 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of engaging the first main body side pump coupling 110 with the pump screw drive input portion 14039 according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0345] 103, 105, and 106, the pump screw drive input portion 14039 includes a pump screw coupling portion 14039a and a drive transmission portion 14039b. The pump screw coupling portion 14039a according to this embodiment is formed of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer having so-called rubber elasticity. By having rubber elasticity, the pump screw coupling portion 14039a comes into contact with the first main body side coupling 110 while deforming, and the contact state between the two is maintained by the frictional force of the contact surfaces.

[0346] As shown in Fig. 105, a drive side cover 1450 is provided on the side surface (Z1 direction) of the toner cartridge C14. The pump screw drive input portion 14039a has a cylindrical shape and protrudes from this drive side cover 1450. Note that the shape of the pump screw drive input portion 14039a is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be, for example, a member with a polygonal cross section, or may have a pointed tip rather than a flat tip.

[0347] The drive transmission portion 14039b is made of a material such as a resin material or a metal material, and transmits the drive force received by the pump-screw coupling portion 14039a to the pump unit 37 and the toner storage portion screw member 35.

[0348] The pump-screw coupling portion 14039a and the drive transmission portion 14039b may be fixed by two-color molding, caulking, press-fitting, or the like, as long as they are configured to rotate integrally and transmit a rotational drive force.

[0349] Next, with reference to Figures 104 and 106, a method of transmitting a driving force using the pump screw drive input portion 14039 and the first body-side coupling 110 will be described. As shown in Figure 104, when the pump screw coupling portion 14039a is inserted into the body-side coupling recess 110a, the pump screw coupling portion 14039a abuts against the side wall 110a1 of the body-side coupling recess 110a. Note that a configuration may also be used in which the tip end portion 14039a2 of the pump screw coupling portion 14039a contacts the bottom portion 110a2 of the first body-side coupling 110, as shown in Figures 105 and 106.

[0350] Here, the pump screw coupling 14039a has an outer diameter dimension that allows for a slight press-fit relationship with the side wall 110a1. In this embodiment, the pump screw coupling 14039a is made of urethane rubber with a diameter of 8.6 mm, the main body pump coupling 110 is made of polyacetal resin, and the main body side coupling recess 110a has an inscribed circle with a diameter of 8.38 mm. The materials and dimensions of the pump screw coupling 14039a and the main body pump coupling 110 are not limited as long as they can transmit the rotational drive of the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C.

[0351] According to the configuration described above, it is possible to transmit driving force from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C14, as in the above-described embodiment 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pump screw coupling 14039a has rubber elasticity, so it is possible to prevent damage to the pump screw coupling 14039a when installing or removing the toner cartridge C14.

[0352] Example 15 In the above-described fourteenth embodiment, a case was described in which a pump screw coupling part 14039a having rubber elasticity is inserted into a main body coupling recess 110a provided in the printer main body A. In contrast, in the present embodiment, a case in which a toner cartridge C15 is provided with a pump screw drive input part 15039 having an inner circumferential surface larger than the outer circumferential portion of the first main body coupling 110 will be described with reference to Figures 107 to 110. Note that the same configurations as those in the above-described fourteenth embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals and numbers as those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, with regard to the toner cartridge, process cartridge, and printer main body, components with the same functions and roles as those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and similar part numbers and reference numerals.

[0353] FIG. 107 is a side view of a toner cartridge C15 according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, showing the toner cartridge C15 as viewed from the side facing the pump screw coupling portion 15039a along the Z axis. FIG. 108 is a diagram illustrating an example of a drive transmission mechanism from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C15 according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of an XY plane perpendicular to the rotation axis G of the pump screw coupling portion 15039a. FIG. 109 is an external perspective view of the toner cartridge C15 according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 110 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of engaging the first main body side pump coupling 110 with the pump screw drive input portion 15039 according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0354] As shown in FIGS. 107, 109, and 110, the pump screw drive input portion 15039 includes a pump screw coupling portion 15039a and a drive transmission portion 15039b. The pump screw coupling portion 15039a according to this embodiment is formed of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer having so-called rubber elasticity. The rubber elasticity allows the pump screw coupling portion 15039a to deform when the first body side coupling 110 is inserted. Then, in this inserted state, the contact state between the inner peripheral portion 15039a1 of the pump screw coupling 15039a and the outer peripheral portion 110e of the first body side coupling 110 is maintained by the frictional force of the contact surfaces.

[0355] As shown in FIG. 109, a drive-side side cover 1550 is provided on the side surface (Z1 direction) of the toner cartridge C15. The pump screw drive input portion 15039a is formed as a circular portion exposed from this drive-side side cover 1550. Note that the shape of the pump screw drive input portion 15039a is not limited to a circular shape, and it may be, for example, a member with a polygonal cross section. Also, the cross section of the pump screw drive input portion 15039a may have a pointed tip that protrudes inward only at the contact point with the first main-body-side coupling 110, rather than a flat tip. Also, the pump screw drive input portion 15039a may have a cylindrical shape that protrudes from the drive-side side cover 1550.

[0356] The drive transmission portion 15039b is made of a material such as a resin material or a metal material, and transmits the drive force received by the pump-screw coupling portion 15039a to the pump unit 37 and the toner storage portion screw member 35.

[0357] The pump-screw coupling portion 15039a and the drive transmission portion 15039b may be fixed together by two-color molding, caulking, press-fitting, or the like, as long as they are configured to rotate integrally and transmit rotational drive force.

[0358] Next, with reference to FIGS. 108 and 110, a method of transmitting driving force using the pump screw drive input portion 15039 and the first main-body coupling 110 will be described. As shown in FIG. 108, when transmitting driving force from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C15, the outer periphery 110e of the first main-body coupling 110 is inserted into the inner periphery 15039a1 of the pump screw coupling portion 15039a. In this state, as described above, the first main-body coupling 110 and the pump screw drive input portion 15039 are maintained in contact with each other. To achieve this configuration, the inner periphery 15039a1 of the pump screw coupling portion 15039a in this embodiment has an inner diameter dimension that provides a slight press-fit relationship with the outer periphery 110e of the first main-body coupling 110.

[0359] In this embodiment, the pump screw coupling 15039a is made of urethane rubber with an inner circumferential portion 15039a1 having a diameter of 15.3 mm, and the first main body coupling 110 is made of polyacetal resin with an outer circumferential portion 110e having a diameter of 15.6 mm. The materials and dimensions of the pump screw coupling 15039a and main body pump coupling 110 are not limited as long as they can transmit the rotational drive of the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C.

[0360] According to the configuration described above, it is possible to transmit driving force from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C15, as in the above-described embodiment 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pump screw coupling 15039a has rubber elasticity, so it is possible to prevent damage to the pump screw coupling 15039a when installing or removing the toner cartridge C15.

[0361] Example 16 The shutter member (toner transport member) 34 described in the first embodiment is provided with a toner discharge port 34a for discharging toner in advance. In contrast, in this embodiment, a case where a toner discharge port is formed in the toner transport member by a user's operation, for example, will be described with reference to FIG. 111. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals and symbols as those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, with regard to the shutter member 16034 according to this embodiment, components with the same functions and roles as those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and similar part numbers and symbols.

[0362] Fig. 111 is a diagram illustrating an example of a shutter member 16034, which is a toner transport member according to Example 16 of the present invention. Fig. 111(a) is an external perspective view of the shutter member 16034 before the toner discharge port 16034a is formed (i.e., before the pull-tab portion 16034k is removed). Fig. 111(b) is an external perspective view of the shutter member 16034 after the toner discharge port 16034a is formed (i.e., after the pull-tab portion 16034k is removed).

[0363] 111(a), the shutter member 16034 according to this embodiment is provided with a pull tab portion (removal member) 16034k that can be manually removed by a user from the shutter member 16034. A groove portion 16034m is provided at the base portion of the shutter member 16034 where the pull tab portion 16034k is provided, surrounding the pull tab portion 16034k.

[0364] As shown in Figure 111(a), a user can hook a finger or the like on the pull tab portion 16034k of the shutter member 16034. Then, from this state, by pulling the pull tab portion 16034k in the opposite direction from the shutter member 16034, the pull tab portion 16034k can be broken at the groove portion 16034m and removed from the shutter member 16034.

[0365] Then, as shown in FIG. 111(b), the pull tab portion 16034k is removed from the shutter member 16034, and a toner discharge port 16034a is formed in the shutter member 16034 as a broken surface.

[0366] With the configuration described above, the shutter member 16034 according to this embodiment forms a toner discharge port when discharging toner, and is capable of discharging toner in the same manner as the shutter member 34 according to embodiment 1. When no toner is used, the toner discharge port is closed by the pull tab portion 16034k, and the toner cartridge can be kept sealed.

[0367] Example 17 In the first embodiment described above, toner is transported from the toner cartridge side to the process cartridge side using a shutter member (toner transport member) 34 that operates in conjunction with a receiving-side shutter member provided on the process cartridge side. In contrast, this embodiment describes a configuration in which a flexible toner transport member 17034 provided on toner cartridge C17 deforms in conjunction with an attachment member 17070 that can be attached to process cartridge B17, thereby enabling toner transport. A detailed description will be given below with reference to Figures 112 to 116. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals and symbols. Furthermore, with regard to the toner cartridge, process cartridge, and printer main body, components with the same functions and roles as those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and similar part numbers and symbols.

[0368] FIG. 112 is an external perspective view of a toner cartridge C17 according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 112, the toner cartridge C17 is provided with a toner transport member 17034. The toner transport member 17034 is a flexible cylindrical member that protrudes from the toner cartridge C17 in the mounting direction D (i.e., the X2 direction) with the opening of the cylindrical member facing outward. Flexible silicone rubber is used as the material for the toner transport member 17034. The toner transport member 17034 may be made of any material that is elastically deformable, but a material that is resistant to deformation due to temperature is preferred.

[0369] A toner discharge port 17034a is provided at the end of the toner conveying member 17034 in the mounting direction D (i.e., the X2 direction). A toner seal (not shown) is provided on the inside of the container of the toner conveying member 17034, and when the seal is torn off by the driving force from the printer main body A, the toner contained inside the toner cartridge C17 can be discharged from the toner discharge port 17034a.

[0370] Next, the configuration of the process cartridge B17 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 113 is an external perspective view of an attachment member 17070 according to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 113(a) is an external perspective view of the attachment member 17070 as viewed in the X2 direction from the side facing the first opening 17070c. FIG. 113(b) is an external perspective view of the attachment member 17070 as viewed in the Z2 direction from the side facing the second opening 17070d. FIG. 114 is an exemplary diagram for explaining the process cartridge B17 according to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 114(a) is an external perspective view of the process cartridge B17 after the attachment member 17070 has been attached. FIG. 114(b) is an enlarged view of the attachment member 17070 attached to the process cartridge B17. FIG. 115 is a diagram for explaining the details of the attachment member 17070 according to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 115(a) shows a side view of the vicinity of the attachment member 17070 of the process cartridge B17 after the attachment member 17070 has been attached, and Figure 115(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S17a-S17a shown in Figure 117(a).

[0371] As shown in FIGS. 113(a) and 113(b), the attachment member 17070 has a first through hole 17070b extending from the X1 direction to the X2 direction. The first through hole 17070b has a first opening 17070c extending in the X1 direction and a second opening 17070d extending in the Z2 direction. Furthermore, the first through hole 17070b has a generally arc-shaped inclined portion 17070a at the X2-direction end of the opening 17070c. Specifically, the inclined portion 17070a is formed in an arc-shape connecting the first opening 17070c and the second opening 17070d. Furthermore, the attachment member 17070 has a second through hole 11070e extending in the mounting direction D, located closer to the Z2 direction than the first opening 17070c.

[0372] 114, the attachment member 17070 can be attached to the process cartridge B17 in the attachment direction D (i.e., the X2 direction). When removing the attachment member 17070 from the process cartridge B17, the attachment member 17070 can be removed from the process cartridge B17 in the X1 direction.

[0373] As shown in Figure 115(b), the rail portion 214c of the toner flow path member 214 provided on the process cartridge B17 is inserted into the second through-hole 17070e of the attachment member 17070. At this time, the attachment member 17070 moves integrally with the receiving-side shutter member 206, which is fitted onto the rail portion 214c, while pushing the receiving-side shutter member 206, which is fitted onto the rail portion 214c, in the mounting direction D against the biasing force of the coil spring 213 described above in the first embodiment. When the attachment member 17070 is further pushed in, the attachment member 17070 is biased in the X1 direction by the biasing force of the coil spring 213 until it hits the restricting portion 214c1, completing the attachment to the process cartridge B17.

[0374] In this state, the receiving-side shutter member 206 abuts against the attachment member 17070 in the X1 direction due to the biasing force of the coil spring 213, and the communication opening 206a is positioned opposite the supply opening 21c of the stay 21. That is, in this state, the communication opening 206a of the receiving-side shutter member 206 communicates with the supply opening 21c of the stay 21. Also, in this state, the second opening 17070d of the attachment member 17070 is positioned opposite the supply opening 21c.

[0375] Next, the operation of mounting the toner cartridge C17 according to this embodiment into the process cartridge B17 will be described. Figure 116 is a diagram illustrating the operation of mounting the toner cartridge C17 according to the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention into the process cartridge B17. Figure 116(a) is a cross-sectional view in the XZ plane during the mounting of the toner cartridge C17 into the process cartridge B17, and is a cross-sectional view of the S17b-S17b cross section shown in Figure 115(a). Figure 116(b) is a cross-sectional view in the XZ plane after the mounting of the toner cartridge C17 into the process cartridge B17 is complete, and is a cross-sectional view of the S17b-S17b cross section shown in Figure 115(a).

[0376] As shown in FIG. 116(a), when the toner cartridge C17 is moved and mounted in the mounting direction D relative to the process cartridge B17, the toner conveying member 17034 deforms while coming into contact with the arcuate portion 17070a of the attachment member 17070. Then, when the mounting of the toner cartridge C17 to the process cartridge B17 is complete, the toner conveying member 17034 deforms and the toner discharge port 17034a faces in the Z2 direction, as shown in FIG. 116(b). In other words, the orientation (central axis of the opening) of the toner discharge port 17034a when the toner cartridge C17 begins to be mounted relative to the process cartridge B17 is perpendicular to the orientation of the toner discharge port 17034a when the mounting is complete. The toner discharge port 17034a then enters the communication opening 206a of the receiving-side toner conveying member 206 of the process cartridge B17.

[0377] With the above-described configuration, the toner cartridge C17 of this embodiment can transport toner to the process cartridge B17 even if it has a toner discharge port that faces a different direction from the toner supply port formed on the process cartridge B17 before installation is complete. Specifically, the toner cartridge C17 of this embodiment is installed in the process cartridge B17 while the flexible toner transport member 17034 deforms to conform to the shape of the process cartridge. This configuration prevents the shape of the toner transport member from becoming complicated, allowing for a smaller and simpler toner cartridge.

[0378] The timing of attaching the attachment member 17070 to the process cartridge B17 is not limited to the example described above. For example, the process cartridge B17 to which the attachment member 17070 is attached may be attached to the printer main body A, or the attachment member 17070 may be attached to the process cartridge B17 that is attached to the printer main body A.

[0379] Example 18 In the above-described first embodiment, a configuration was described in which two couplings provided on the toner cartridge C directly engage with couplings provided on the printer main body A to transmit driving force from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C. In contrast, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which a drive transmission attachment 18115 is provided between the printer main body A and the toner cartridge C18 to transmit driving force will be described with reference to Figures 117 to 120.

[0380] Figure MU1801 is a perspective view illustrating how to attach the drive transmission attachment 18115 to the toner cartridge C. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals and symbols as those in the first embodiment. Also, with regard to the toner cartridge, process cartridge, and printer main body, components with the same functions and roles as those in the first embodiment will be given the same names and similar part numbers and symbols.

[0381] FIG. 117 is an external perspective view of a toner cartridge C18 according to an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which two drive transmission attachments 18115 have been removed from the toner cartridge C18 for the sake of explanation. FIG. 118 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of the toner cartridge C18 according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention, showing a cross section taken along the XZ plane passing through the rotation center of the shutter member 18034. FIG. 119 is a detailed view of the drive transmission attachment 18115 according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 120 is a diagram illustrating an example of a drive transmission mechanism from the printer main body A to the toner cartridge C18 according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. Note that FIG. 120 illustrates an example of the engagement method between the fi...

Claims

1. Frame and, A coupling that can rotate around the first axis, A toner transport member that operates based on the driving force received by the coupling, A toner discharge member having a discharge port for discharging toner transported by the toner transport member to the outside of the toner cartridge, It has, The toner discharge member can move relative to the frame so as to change the orientation of the discharge port. The cartridge is characterized in that the discharge port can face a first direction opposite to the coupling in a direction parallel to the first axis.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the toner discharge member has a hollow transport path through which toner passes between the frame side and the discharge port.

3. The cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that the orientation of the transport path includes at least a component in a direction away from the first axis.

4. The cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that the orientation of the transport path includes at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

5. The cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that the orientation of the transport path includes at least a component in a direction parallel to the first axis.

6. The cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that the transport path is aligned in a direction away from the first axis at least.

7. The cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that the direction parallel to the central axis of the transport path includes at least a component in a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

8. The cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that the direction parallel to the central axis of the transport path includes at least a component parallel to the first axis.

9. The cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that the transport path includes a first region and a second region having a different central axis direction from the first region, between the frame and the discharge port.

10. The cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that the second region is a region provided continuously with respect to the discharge port of the transport path.

11. The cartridge according to claim 10, characterized in that the first region is aligned in a direction away from the first axis along the transport path.

12. The cartridge according to claim 11, characterized in that the first region is aligned in a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

13. The cartridge according to claim 10, characterized in that the second region is aligned in a direction away from the coupling.

14. The cartridge according to claim 13, characterized in that the second region includes at least a component in a direction parallel to the first axis.

15. The cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that the toner discharge member has a first region inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the second region.

16. The cartridge according to claim 13, characterized in that the toner discharge member has a second region substantially perpendicular to the first region in the transport path.

17. The cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that the direction of the normal of the discharge port to a two-dimensional projection plane perpendicular to the first axis is parallel to the central axis of the transport path corresponding to the second region.

18. The cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that the discharge port has a smaller cross-sectional area than the hollow portion of the transport path.

19. The cartridge according to claim 18, wherein the discharge port also comprises a wall portion arranged in a direction intersecting the central axis of the corresponding transport path, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the wall portion is smaller than that of the hollow portion of the transport path.

20. The cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 19, characterized in that the toner discharge member is L-shaped.

21. The cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the toner discharge member is a flexible pipe.

22. The cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 19, characterized in that the discharge direction of the toner is substantially parallel to the first axis.

23. The cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 19, characterized in that the toner discharge member rotates about a second axis that intersects the first axis.

24. The cartridge according to claim 23, characterized in that the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis.

25. The cartridge according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the orientation of the transport path includes at least a component in the direction parallel to the first axis and a component in the direction parallel to the second axis.

26. The cartridge according to claim 23, characterized in that the orientation of the transport path includes at least a component in a first direction that is parallel to the first axis and opposite to the coupling.

27. The cartridge according to claim 26, characterized in that the transport path includes a component in the first direction in the orientation of the region communicating with the discharge port.

28. The cartridge according to claim 25, characterized in that the first axis is substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the toner transport member.

29. The cartridge according to claim 25, characterized in that the transport path includes a component in a direction away from the rotation axis of the toner transport member in a region that includes a component in a direction parallel to the second axis.

30. The frame is provided with a supply port for supplying toner to the toner discharge member, The cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 19, wherein the toner discharge member is provided with a receiving port for receiving toner from the frame side, and the direction toward which the receiving port faces changes in accordance with the movement of the toner discharge member.

31. The cartridge according to claim 30, characterized in that the toner discharge member can move between a first position in which the discharge port faces a first direction and a second position in which the discharge port faces a second direction different from the first direction.

32. The cartridge according to claim 31, characterized in that the receiving port faces the supply port when the toner discharge member is in the first position.

33. The cartridge according to claim 31, characterized in that the receiving port faces a different direction from the supply port when the toner discharge member is in the second position.

34. The cartridge further has an electrical contact portion exposed to the outside, The cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 19, characterized in that, in a direction parallel to the first axis, the electrical contact portion is located between the coupling and the outlet of the toner discharge member.

35. The cartridge according to claim 36, characterized in that the electrical contact portion is located above the discharge port in the vertical direction of the cartridge perpendicular to the first axis.

36. The cartridge according to claim 34, characterized in that the electrical contact portion is located closer to the coupling than the toner discharge member in a direction parallel to the first axis.

37. The cartridge according to claim 34, characterized in that the discharge port can be oriented in a direction parallel to the first axis and away from the electrical contact portion.

38. The toner discharge member has a protrusion that extends away from the first axis, The cartridge according to claims 2 to 19, characterized in that the toner discharge member moves due to a force received from the outside by the protruding portion.

39. The cartridge according to claim 38, characterized in that the protruding portion moves in a direction including a component parallel to the first axis when subjected to an external force.

40. The cartridge according to claim 39, characterized in that the protruding portion rotates about an axis perpendicular to the first axis when subjected to an external force.

41. It further comprises a pump unit used for transporting toner, The cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 19, characterized in that the pump unit is driven based on the driving force received by the coupling.

42. The cartridge according to claim 41, characterized in that the discharge port is provided with a filter through which toner passes when the pump unit is being driven.

43. The frame is provided with a mounting section from which a toner storage unit can be attached and detached. The cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 19, characterized in that the toner transport member transports the toner supplied from the toner storage unit.

44. It further has a waste toner storage section for storing waste toner, The cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 19, characterized in that the discharge port of the toner discharge member is located between the coupling and the waste toner storage portion in a direction parallel to the first axis.

45. The cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 19, characterized in that the discharge port is formed by removing a removable part that can be removed by the user.

46. The cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 19, characterized in that the toner discharge member is movable between a retracted position in which the region including the discharge port is retracted into the transport path and an operating position in which it protrudes from the inside of the transport path.

47. An image forming apparatus capable of attaching and detaching a cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 19.

48. A developing cartridge having a developing unit that carries toner supplied from a cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 19, A developing cartridge characterized by having a toner supply port for receiving toner.

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