Toner container and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide new forms of an image forming apparatus and a cartridge.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a cartridge including a container that constitutes a first chamber for storing toner, wherein at least part of a bottom face is constituted of a filter that permits passage of air and inhibits passage of the toner; an apparatus body having a mounting part on which the cartridge can be mounted, and a toner storage unit that stores the toner supplied from the cartridge mounted on the mounting part; and an air supply unit that supplies air. The mounting part has a wall part that is configured to, with the cartridge mounted thereon, constitute a second chamber having the filter as its top face, and that is provided with an intake port for taking the air from the air supply unit into the second chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toner container that is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, and to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a toner supply unit that includes an air pump for fluidizing the toner in a toner tank, and a diaphragm pump for sucking the toner from the toner tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-249151 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide a new form of image forming apparatus and toner container that are configured to expel toner from the container using air. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus comprising: a cartridge including a container that forms a first chamber for containing toner, the container having at least a portion of its bottom surface formed by a filter that allows air to pass through and prevents toner from passing through; an apparatus body having a mounting portion into which the cartridge can be mounted and a toner storage portion that contains toner replenished from the cartridge mounted in the mounting portion; and an air supply portion that supplies air, wherein the mounting portion has a wall portion configured to form a second chamber with the filter as its upper surface when the cartridge is mounted, and the wall portion has an intake port for taking in air from the air supply portion into the second chamber.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is a toner container that is detachable from an image forming apparatus, comprising a container frame having a first opening leading to the outside of the toner container and a second opening having an area larger than the first opening, and a filter that allows air to pass through and prevents toner from passing through, the filter covering the second opening, wherein a toner storage chamber for storing toner is formed by the container frame and the filter, the second opening is located on the bottom surface of the container frame when the toner container is in an attached position, and the filter forms part of the outer surface of the toner container. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a new configuration of an image forming apparatus and a toner container can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of a toner cartridge according to a modified example. [Diagram 5] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional perspective views of a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a filter member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge and the process cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge according to a modified example. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge according to a modified example. [Figure 12] 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of a mounting portion and a toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of a mounting portion and a toner cartridge according to a modified example. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of a mounting portion and a toner cartridge according to a modified example. [Figure 15] 2A to 2C are explanatory views of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge according to a modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a modified example. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of a toner cartridge according to a modified example. [Figure 21] 13A and 13B are cross-sectional perspective views of a toner cartridge according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views of a toner cartridge according to a fifth embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge and a process cartridge according to a fifth embodiment. [Diagram 25] 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views of a toner cartridge according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 26] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of a toner cartridge according to a modified example. [Figure 27] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of a toner cartridge according to a modified example. [Figure 28] 13A to 13D are explanatory views of a toner cartridge according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a sixth embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a modified example. [Diagram 31] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of a toner cartridge according to a modified example. [Diagram 32] 13A and 13B are cross-sectional perspective views of a toner cartridge according to a seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Examples of image forming apparatuses in the following description include copiers, printers, multifunction machines, commercial printing machines, etc. Image forming apparatuses form images on recording media based on image information input from an external computer or image information read from an original. Sheet materials of various materials and shapes, such as paper such as plain paper and thick paper, plastic film, coated paper, sheets of special shapes such as envelopes and index paper, and cloth, are used as recording media.

[0011] Example 1 Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of an image forming apparatus IF according to Example 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a process cartridge B provided in the image forming apparatus IF.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming apparatus IF includes an apparatus main body A, a process cartridge B, and a toner cartridge C. The process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C are detachably mounted in the apparatus main body A. The apparatus main body A is the image forming apparatus IF excluding the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C. The image forming apparatus IF forms an image on a sheet P, which is a recording medium, using the process cartridge B as an image forming means or process unit.

[0013] <Overall configuration of image forming apparatus> As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus IF of this embodiment is a laser beam printer that forms an image on a sheet P by an electrophotographic process using a laser beam L and toner T as a developer.

[0014] The apparatus main body A includes a laser scanner 3 as an exposure means or an exposure unit, a transfer roller 7 as a transfer means or a transfer unit, and a fixing device 9 as a fixing means. The apparatus main body A also includes a sheet tray 4 as a sheet storage section, a pickup roller 5a as a feeding means or a feeding unit, a conveying roller pair 5b, a discharge roller pair 5c as a discharge means or a discharge unit, and a discharge tray 10 as a sheet stacking section.

[0015] The apparatus main body A is provided with a sheet transport path along which the sheet P is transported from the sheet tray 4 to the discharge tray 10. In the movement direction of the sheet P along the sheet transport path, the sheet tray 4, the pickup roller 5a, the pair of transport rollers 5b, the transfer roller 7, the fixing device 9, the pair of discharge rollers 5c, and the discharge tray 10 are arranged in this order.

[0016] The fixing device 9 has a heating roller 9a as a heating member (fixing member), a pressure roller 9b as a pressure member, and a heat source (not shown). The pressure roller 9b is in contact with the outer surface of the heating roller 9a and forms a nip portion (fixing nip) together with the heating roller 9a. Examples of the heat source include a ceramic heater having a pattern of a heating resistor printed on a ceramic substrate, a halogen lamp that emits radiant heat, and a coil unit that heats a conductive layer in the heating roller 9a by the principle of induction heating. Note that the heating member (fixing member) may be a cylindrical film member or an endless belt member stretched over multiple rollers.

[0017] 2, the process cartridge B has a photosensitive drum 1 as a photosensitive member and a charging roller 11 as a charging means or charging unit. The photosensitive drum 1 functions as an image carrier that carries a latent image and a toner image. The photosensitive drum 1 is a photosensitive member in which a photosensitive layer is formed of an organic photosensitive material or the like on the outer periphery of a base body molded into a drum type (cylindrical type).

[0018] The process cartridge B also has a developing unit B1 as a developing means, and a cleaning blade 14 as a cleaning means or cleaning unit. The developing unit B1 includes a developing roller 2, a supply roller 6, a toner chamber 12, an agitating member 13, and a developing blade 15. The developing roller 2 is a developer carrier that carries and rotates toner T as a developer and supplies the toner T to the photosensitive drum 1. The supply roller 6 is a supply member that supplies the toner T to the developing roller 2. The toner chamber 12 is a storage space (toner storage section) in which the toner T is stored. The toner chamber 12 is formed inside the frame 22 of the developing unit B1. The agitating member 13 is disposed in the toner chamber 12, and is rotatable so as to agitate and homogenize the toner T stored in the toner chamber 12. The developing blade 15 is a regulating member that regulates the amount of toner T carried by the developing roller 2.

[0019] The charging roller 11 that performs charging processing, the laser scanner 3 that performs exposure processing, the developing roller 2 that performs development processing, and the transfer roller 7 that performs transfer processing are all examples of process means that act on the photosensitive drum 1 in the electrophotographic process. The process cartridge refers to a unit that includes the photosensitive drum 1 and at least one process means that acts on the photosensitive drum 1 and is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0020] The process cartridge B also has an inlet 24 for receiving the toner T supplied from the toner cartridge C, and an exhaust section 26 for exhausting the air in the toner chamber 12 to the outside of the toner chamber 12. The inlet 24 is provided in the upper part of the side wall of the frame 22 of the developing unit B1, and the exhaust section 26 is provided on the upper surface of the frame 22. The exhaust section 26 includes one or more openings (ventilation holes) formed on the upper surface of the frame 22, and a filter 26a attached so as to cover the ventilation holes. The filter 26a is a sheet-like member (ventilation member) having air permeability, such as a nonwoven fabric. The filter 26a allows air to pass through but prevents toner T from passing through.

[0021] The process cartridge B is supplied with toner T from a toner cartridge C. The toner cartridge C will be described later.

[0022] <Image formation process> The following describes the flow of a series of operations (image forming operations) in which the image forming apparatus IF forms an image on the sheet P while transporting the sheet P. When the image forming apparatus IF receives image information and an instruction to start image formation on the sheet P, a control unit mounted in the apparatus main body A starts the execution of the image forming operation.

[0023] When the image forming operation is started, the photosensitive drum 1 is rotated at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed) in the direction of the arrow R in Fig. 1. The charging roller 11 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 to a uniform potential. The laser scanner 3 irradiates the photosensitive drum 1 with a laser beam L based on image information to perform exposure, and writes an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1.

[0024] Toner T contained in the toner chamber 12 is sent out by an agitator 13 toward a sponge-like supply roller 6. The toner T is supplied to the development roller 2 by the supply roller 6, carried on the surface of the development roller 2, and further formed into a thin layer on the surface of the development roller 2 by a development blade 15. The toner T reaches a development area where the development roller 2 and the photosensitive drum 1 face each other as the development roller 2 rotates. In the development area, the toner T is transferred from the development roller 2 to the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 in accordance with the potential distribution on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. As a result, the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is developed into a toner image.

[0025] In parallel with this process, the sheet P is fed at a timing synchronized with the exposure process by the laser scanner 3. The pickup roller 5a shown in FIG. 1 feeds the sheet P stacked on the sheet tray 4 from the sheet tray 4. The transport roller pair 5b receives the sheet P from the pickup roller 5a and transports the sheet P to a transfer portion formed between the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer roller 7. Then, a bias voltage is applied to the transfer roller 7, so that the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 1 to the sheet P.

[0026] The sheet P onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported along a transport guide 8 to a fixing device 9. The fixing device 9 applies heat and pressure to the toner image on the sheet P while nipping and transporting the sheet P between a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b, thereby fixing the image to the sheet P. The sheet P which has undergone the image fixing process is discharged by a pair of discharge rollers 5c onto a discharge tray 10 provided at the top of the apparatus main body A, and is stacked thereon.

[0027] <Toner cartridge> The toner cartridge C according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0028] 3(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the toner cartridge C. Fig. 3(a) shows a state in which the shutter member 30 seals the discharge port 27b provided on the side surface of the cartridge frame 32. Fig. 3(b) shows a state in which the shutter member 30 opens the discharge port 27b.

[0029] Fig. 5(a) is a cross-sectional perspective view of the toner cartridge C cut on the XY plane at the center of the toner cartridge C in the Z direction. Fig. 5(b) is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a state in which a part of the toner cartridge C has been disassembled. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the filter 18. Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of the toner cartridge C (the joint between the filter 18 and the cartridge frame 32). Fig. 8 is a plan view of the toner cartridge C as seen from the -Y side. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge C and the process cartridge B.

[0030] In each of the figures from Fig. 3(a) onwards, the toner cartridge C is in the same position as when it is installed in the apparatus main body A. In addition, in each of the figures from Fig. 3(a) onwards, the X direction, Y direction and Z direction are defined as follows. The Y direction is parallel to the vertical direction (direction of gravity). The X direction is perpendicular to the Y direction, and is the horizontal direction in Fig. 1 (left-right direction in the figure). The Z direction is perpendicular to both the X direction and the Y direction, and is the depth direction in Fig. 1.

[0031] Also, where necessary, the side indicated by the arrow "X" in the X direction will be referred to as the "+X side," and the opposite side will be referred to as the "-X side." Similarly, the side indicated by the arrow "Y" in the Y direction will be referred to as the "+Y side," and the opposite side will be referred to as the "-Y side." The side indicated by the arrow "Z" in the Z direction will be referred to as the "+Z side," and the opposite side will be referred to as the "-Z side." The -Y side is the lower side in the vertical direction (the side facing the direction of gravity), and the +Y side is the upper side in the vertical direction (the opposite side to the direction of gravity).

[0032] First, the overall configuration of the toner cartridge C will be described. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the toner cartridge C has a cartridge frame 32 (container frame), a filter 18, a discharge pipe 27, and a shutter member 30. The filter 18 is a sheet-like member having air permeability (filter member, ventilation member). The cartridge frame 32 and the filter 18 form a toner storage chamber 16, which is a storage space (first chamber) for storing the toner T. In other words, the cartridge frame 32 (container frame) and the filter 18 constitute a container that forms the first chamber for storing the toner T. The toner storage chamber 16 is a space inside the toner cartridge C. The filter 18 forms at least a part of the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 16.

[0033] The discharge pipe 27 is attached to the cartridge frame 32. The discharge pipe 27 forms a flow path 27d, which is a space that communicates between the toner accommodating chamber 16 and the space outside the toner cartridge C. The flow path 27d is a flow path through which the toner T flows from the toner accommodating chamber 16 to the outside of the toner cartridge C.

[0034] 5(a) and 5(b), the cartridge frame 32 has an upper surface 322 facing upward, side surfaces 321 extending downward in the vertical direction (Y direction) from each side of the outer edge of the upper surface 322, and an opening 320 opening downward (-Y side). A flange portion 32a is provided on an edge portion (edge ​​portion of the opening 320) of the cartridge frame 32 facing the filter 18 as a support portion for supporting the filter 18. The area of ​​the opening 320 (opening of the container frame, second opening) is larger than the area of ​​the discharge port 27b (first opening) leading to the outside of the toner cartridge C.

[0035] The filter 18 has an outer edge portion 18a that faces a flange portion 32a of the cartridge frame 32. In this embodiment, the outer edge portion 18a is formed in a flange shape that extends from the upper end of a wall surface that rises in a substantially vertically upward direction (+Y side) from the outer edge of a surface (an inclined portion 18c described later) that forms the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 16, toward a side away from the toner storage chamber 16. An end surface 32a1 on the -Y side of the flange portion 32a of the cartridge frame 32 and an end surface 18a1 on the +Y side of the outer edge portion 18a of the filter 18 face each other in the Y direction.

[0036] When viewed in the Y direction, the flange portion 32a of the cartridge frame 32 and the outer edge portion 18a of the filter 18 are provided so as to go around the toner storage chamber 16. Each of the flange portion 32a and the outer edge portion 18a in this embodiment is substantially rectangular in shape having two sides extending along the Z direction on the +X side and -X side with respect to the toner storage chamber 16, and two sides extending along the X direction on the +Z side and -Z side with respect to the toner storage chamber 16.

[0037] By joining the flange portion 32a and the outer edge portion 18a, the opening 320 of the cartridge frame 32 is covered by the filter 18. As a result, the toner accommodating chamber 16 is formed as a space surrounded by the cartridge frame 32 and the filter 18. In this embodiment, the toner accommodating chamber 16 is continuous with the space outside the toner cartridge C via the pores of the filter 18 and the flow path 27d inside the discharge pipe 27.

[0038] The flange portion 32a and the outer edge portion 18a are joined together so that no air or toner leaks from the gap between them to the outside of the toner cartridge C. The method for joining the flange portion 32a and the outer edge portion 18a is not particularly limited, and can be selected from, for example, ultrasonic welding, heat welding, adhesion using an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive, and mechanical bonding using screws or the like.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 7, the flange portion 32a and the outer edge portion 18a may be joined with a seal portion 34 sandwiched between the end faces 18a1, 32a1 of the two. By sealing the gap between the flange portion 32a and the outer edge portion 18a with the seal portion 34, it is possible to make it more difficult for air and toner to leak to the outside of the toner cartridge C. The seal portion 34 may be a flexible (elastic) annular member such as silicone rubber or other rubber. Furthermore, the seal portion 34 may be, for example, an adhesive (hot melt adhesive) that bonds the flange portion 32a and the outer edge portion 18a.

[0040] The outer edge 18a of the filter 18 may be formed by extending toward the outer periphery of the surface of the filter 18 that forms the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 16. Instead of joining the end surfaces of the cartridge frame 32 and the filter 18 that face each other in the Y direction, the end surfaces that face each other in a direction intersecting the Y direction may be joined together.

[0041] 8 shows the toner cartridge C viewed vertically upward (+Y direction) in the orientation of the toner cartridge C when it is attached to the mounting portion 31. In the orientation of the toner cartridge C when it is attached to the mounting portion 31, an opening 320 is provided on the bottom surface of the cartridge frame 32, and the filter 18 covering the opening 320 forms part of the outer surface of the toner cartridge C. In other words, when the toner container is in the attached orientation, the second opening is provided on the bottom surface of the container frame, and the filter forms part of the outer surface of the toner container.

[0042] It is desirable that most of the filter 18 be exposed when the toner cartridge C is viewed vertically upward (+Y direction) as in Fig. 8. "Most of the filter" means 50% or more (half or more) of the area of ​​the filter 18 when the toner cartridge C is viewed vertically upward (+Y direction), preferably 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more. In this embodiment, when the toner cartridge C is viewed vertically upward (+Y direction) as in Fig. 8, the entire filter 18 is exposed.

[0043] Furthermore, when the toner cartridge C is viewed vertically upward (in the +Y direction), it is preferable that at least the entire area of ​​the filter 18 that forms the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 16 is exposed. In this embodiment, the area of ​​the filter 18 that forms the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 16 is the entire inclined portion 18c and the lowermost portion 18b.

[0044] The larger the exposed area of ​​the filter 18 when the toner cartridge C is viewed vertically upward (in the +Y direction), the larger the exposed area of ​​the filter 18 to the air chamber 17, which will be described later, will be when the toner cartridge C is mounted in the mounting portion 31. This allows the toner to be fluidized over a wider area of ​​the bottom of the toner storage chamber 16, making it less likely for the toner to accumulate in the corners of the toner storage chamber 16 when the remaining amount of toner is low, and allows the toner to be discharged from the toner cartridge C more efficiently.

[0045] When the toner cartridge C is viewed vertically upward (+Y direction), it is preferable that at least a central portion 180 of the filter 18 is exposed. The central portion 180 of the filter 18 is a region including points defined by the central positions X0, Z0 of the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 16 in the X and Z directions. In this embodiment, the central portion 180 of the filter 18 coincides with the lowermost portion 18b described below. In addition, the central portion 180 (lowermost portion 18b) of the filter 18 is a portion that faces the inlet 27a of the discharge pipe 27 in the vertical direction (Y direction).

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, the filter 18 forms the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 16. The filter 18 has an inclined portion 18c inclined toward the lowest portion 18b. That is, at least a part of the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 16 is an inclined surface inclined with respect to a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction (Y direction). In other words, the inclined portion of the filter member is inclined such that the part of the filter member facing the inlet in the vertical direction is the lowest portion, and the height in the vertical direction decreases as the part approaches the lowest portion in the horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The inclined portion 18c makes it possible to more efficiently discharge the toner in the toner storage chamber 16, as described later.

[0047] The filter 18 is formed of a material that allows air to pass through but prevents toner T from passing through. The filter 18 is formed of a porous sheet material made of, for example, resin fibers, and has pores of a size and density that allows air to pass through but prevents toner T from passing through. For example, a nonwoven fabric can be used as the filter 18. Alternatively, a filter material that is molded by heat pressing, sintering, or the like may be used.

[0048] The discharge pipe 27 will now be described. As shown in Fig. 5(a), the discharge pipe 27 is a cylindrical member (hollow member) that connects the toner accommodating chamber 16 to the outside of the toner cartridge C. The toner accommodating chamber 16, which is the internal space of the toner cartridge C, is connected to the external space of the toner cartridge C via a flow path 27d, which is the internal space of the discharge pipe 27.

[0049] One end of the discharge pipe 27 is an inlet 27a provided in the toner storage chamber 16. The other end of the discharge pipe 27 is a discharge outlet 27b provided on the outer surface of the toner cartridge C. The discharge pipe 27 can be, for example, a tube made of a flexible (elastic) material such as silicone rubber or other rubber, or a pipe made of synthetic resin or metal.

[0050] In this embodiment, the inlet 27a opens vertically downward (toward the -Y side). The outlet 27b is provided on a side surface 321 of the cartridge frame 32 in a direction intersecting the vertical direction (the X direction in this embodiment).

[0051] The inlet 27a is provided near the bottom portion 18b of the filter 18. The outlet 27b is disposed at a position higher than the inlet 27a in the vertical direction (Y direction). That is, the outlet pipe 27 extends from a first position to a second position higher than the first position in the vertical direction (Y direction).

[0052] 3(a), the discharge port 27b is provided with a shutter member 30 (sealing member). The shutter member 30 is movable (openable and closable) between a closed position where the discharge port 27b is closed and an open position where the discharge port 27b is opened.

[0053] When the toner cartridge C is not attached to the apparatus main body A (when the toner cartridge C is in a standalone state), the shutter member 30 is in the closed position. In this case, the shutter member 30 seals the discharge port 27b, and the toner T in the toner storage chamber 16 is prevented from leaking out of the toner cartridge C.

[0054] When the toner cartridge C is mounted in the main body A of the apparatus, the shutter member 30 moves from the closed position to the open position as shown in FIG. 3(b). This allows the toner T to be discharged from the toner cartridge C. In addition, when the toner cartridge C is mounted in the main body A of the apparatus, the discharge port 27b communicates with the receiving port 24 of the process cartridge B as shown in FIG. 9. This allows the toner cartridge C and the process cartridge B to replenish the toner T in the toner storage chamber 16 to the process cartridge B. The discharge port 27b of the toner cartridge C and the receiving port 24 of the process cartridge B may be configured to be connected via a path provided in the main body A of the apparatus (for example, see the relay pipe 225 in the fifth embodiment).

[0055] Here, as shown as a modified example in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the discharge port 27b and the shutter member 30 may be provided on the upper surface 322 of the cartridge frame 32. Figure 4(a) shows a state in which the shutter member 30 seals the discharge port 27c provided on the upper surface 322 of the cartridge frame 32. Figure 4(b) shows a state in which the shutter member 30 opens the discharge port 27c. In the case of this modified example, the receiving port 24 of the process cartridge B is appropriately moved from the position in embodiment 1 (Figure 9) to a position corresponding to the discharge port 27c.

[0056] The toner storage chamber 16 will now be described. As shown in Fig. 3(a), the toner storage chamber 16 is a space surrounded by a cartridge frame 32 and a filter 18. The cartridge frame 32 forms the upper (+Y side) wall surface (ceiling surface) of the toner storage chamber 16 and the +X, -X, +Z and -Z side wall surfaces of the toner storage chamber 16. The filter 18 forms the lower (-Y side) wall surface (bottom surface) of the toner storage chamber 16.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), an inlet support part 32b that supports the discharge pipe 27 is attached to the cartridge frame 32. The inlet support part 32b extends from an upper surface 322 of the cartridge frame 32 in a substantially vertically downward direction (-Y side) and is connected to the vicinity of the inlet 27a of the discharge pipe 27. More specifically, the discharge pipe 27 has a first part 271 that extends from the inlet 27a in a substantially vertically upward direction (+Y side) and a second part 272 that extends from a side surface 321, which is an end face on the -X side of the cartridge frame 32, to the +X side toward the inside of the toner storage chamber 16. A lower part of the inlet support part 32b is connected to the first part 271 of the discharge pipe 27. The inlet support part 32b supports the first part 271 of the discharge pipe 27 to suppress misalignment of the inlet 27a with respect to the cartridge frame 32.

[0058] The first and second portions 271 and 272 of the discharge pipe 27 are connected via a smoothly curved portion. The inlet 27a and the inlet support portion 32b are preferably located at a position overlapping the lowermost portion 18b of the filter 18 when viewed in the vertical direction (Y direction), for example. The second portion 272, which is the portion of the discharge pipe 27 on the discharge outlet 27b side, is fitted and held in a hole portion 32c provided in a side surface 321 of the cartridge frame 32.

[0059] The discharge pipe 27 and the inlet support portion 32b may be formed integrally with the cartridge frame 32, or may be separate members from the cartridge frame 32. The discharge pipe 27 and the inlet support portion 32b may be formed integrally with the cartridge frame 32, or may be separate members from each other.

[0060] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the discharge pipe and the support part. The discharge pipe 27A of this modified example is formed of a single member integrally formed with the upper surface 322 of the cartridge frame 32. The discharge pipe 27A has both the function of the discharge pipe 27 of the first embodiment that forms the flow path 27d for the toner T and the inlet support part 32b of the first embodiment that supports the flow path.

[0061] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another modified example of the discharge pipe and the support part. In this modified example, the discharge pipe 27B includes a first member 27B1 and a second member 27B2. An inlet 27a is provided at one end of the first member 27B1. The second member 27B2 is integrally formed with the upper surface 322 of the cartridge frame 32, and has a discharge port 27b at one end. The second member 27B2 is attached to the first member 27B1 so that the other end of the first member 27B1 and the other end of the second member 27B2 communicate with each other. The second member 27B2 has a function of the discharge pipe 27 of the first embodiment forming a part of the flow path 27d of the toner T, and a function of the inlet support part 32b of the first embodiment supporting the flow path. The first member 27B1 forms the other part of the flow path 27d.

[0062] In this manner, in this embodiment, when air flows from the outside of the toner cartridge C into the toner accommodating chamber 16 through the filter 18, the only path for the air to be discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge C is the flow path 27d formed by the discharge pipe 27. The advantages of this configuration will be described later.

[0063] <Toner discharge mechanism> Next, a mechanism by which the toner T is discharged from the toner cartridge C and replenished to the process cartridge B will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0064] In this embodiment, the toner T is replenished from the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B by the force of compressed air discharged by a pump 35 provided in the main body A of the apparatus. A power source other than the pump 35 may be used. In this embodiment, the work (mechanical work) of discharging the toner T from the toner cartridge C is realized by using only the pressure of the air discharged by the pump 35. In this embodiment, the discharge port 27b is not connected to a pump (powder pump, air pump, etc.) for sucking the toner T from the toner cartridge C. Also, in this embodiment, except for the unavoidable air leakage from the gap between the abutting portion 32e and the abutted portion 31e described later, an amount of air equal to the amount of air supplied from the pump 35 to the air chamber 17 described later is discharged from the discharge port 27b.

[0065] 1, the device main body A includes a pump 35 (air pump) as an air supply unit or supply means for supplying air to an air chamber 17 described below, an air supply port 20 to which air is supplied from the pump 35, and an air supply pipe 21 connecting the pump 35 and the air supply port 20. The pump 35 (air pump) may be, for example, a reciprocating pump, a diaphragm pump, or a rotary pump. Note that, for example, a fan may be used as the supply means.

[0066] In addition, the “air” supplied from the supply means does not have to have the same composition as the atmosphere. For example, the pump 35 may be configured to supply dehumidified atmosphere to the air chamber 17.

[0067] The apparatus main body A also has a mounting section 31 (cartridge installation section, cartridge interface section) into which the toner cartridge C is mounted. When the toner cartridge C is mounted in the apparatus main body A, an air chamber 17 is formed, which is a space surrounded by the toner cartridge C and the mounting section 31. The air supply port 20 opens into the air chamber 17. The air supply port 20 is an intake port that takes in air from a pump 35 (air supply section) into the air chamber 17 (second chamber).

[0068] When the toner cartridge C is attached to the apparatus main body A, the filter 18 is exposed to the air chamber 17. More specifically, at least the entire area of ​​the filter 18 that forms the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 16 is exposed to the air chamber 17. In other words, when the toner cartridge C is attached to the apparatus main body A, at least a part of the ceiling surface of the air chamber 17 is formed by the filter 18 of the toner cartridge C. In this manner, the air chamber 17, which is a space surrounded by the toner cartridge C and the attachment portion 31, is formed, and the filter 18 is exposed to the air chamber 17, so that the toner cartridge C is able to discharge toner by the supply of air from the pump 35.

[0069] Specifically, compressed air discharged by pump 35 is supplied to air chamber 17 through air supply port 20. Since air chamber 17 is a substantially closed space except for air supply port 20 and pores in filter 18, the air pressure (internal pressure) in air chamber 17 increases due to air from pump 35. When the air pressure in air chamber 17 increases, air flows into toner storage chamber 16 through filter 18.

[0070] The air that flows into the toner storage chamber 16 fluidizes the toner T in the toner storage chamber 16. Then, the air mixed with the toner T flows from the inlet 27a into the flow path 27d in the discharge pipe 27, and is discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge C through the discharge outlet 27b. Then, the air mixed with the toner T flows into the toner chamber 12 in the process cartridge B through the receiving port 24 of the process cartridge B that is connected to the discharge outlet 27b. In this embodiment, since the toner T in the toner storage chamber 16 can be fluidized by air, no stirring member for stirring the toner T is provided in the toner storage chamber 16.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 9, the process cartridge B is provided with the exhaust section 26 (Fig. 9) that communicates the toner chamber 12 in the process cartridge B with the outside of the process cartridge B, and the internal pressure of the toner chamber 12 is usually equal to atmospheric pressure. Therefore, when the internal pressure of the air chamber 17 and the toner storage chamber 16 increases due to air supplied from the pump 35, the internal pressure of the toner storage chamber 16 becomes higher than the internal pressure of the toner chamber 12. Therefore, the air mixed with the toner T moves from the toner storage chamber 16 to the toner chamber 12 via the exhaust pipe 27.

[0072] When the air mixed with the toner T flows into the toner chamber 12, the internal pressure of the toner chamber 12 increases temporarily. However, the exhaust section 26 allows the air inside the toner chamber 12 to escape to the outside of the process cartridge B, so the internal pressure of the toner chamber 12 decreases. In this embodiment, after the internal pressure of the toner chamber 12 increases temporarily, the internal pressure of the toner chamber 12 quickly decreases to a value substantially equal to atmospheric pressure.

[0073] Here, as described above, when air flows from the outside of the toner cartridge C into the toner accommodating chamber 16 through the filter 18, the only path for discharging the air to the outside of the toner cartridge C is the flow path 27d formed by the discharge pipe 27. For this reason, when air flows from the air chamber 17 into the toner accommodating chamber 16 through the filter 18, the air is discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge C exclusively through the discharge pipe 27.

[0074] In this way, the air flow is stabilized by providing only one air outlet in the toner cartridge C, the exhaust pipe 27 (exhaust port 27b). Therefore, the toner T in the toner accommodating chamber 16 can be more stably discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge C.

[0075] In addition, compared to the comparative configuration in which the toner T is transported using both a pump that ejects air to fluidize the toner T and a pump that sucks in air mixed with the toner T, this embodiment does not require the latter pump. Therefore, it is possible to discharge the toner T from the toner cartridge C with a simpler configuration than the comparative configuration.

[0076] In this embodiment, the pump 35 is provided in the main assembly A of the apparatus, but the pump 35 may be attached to the process cartridge B or the toner cartridge C.

[0077] <Connection between the device body and the toner cartridge> Next, the configuration of the connection portion between the apparatus main body A and the toner cartridge C will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 12(a) and (b).

[0078] Figures 12(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views showing the mounting portion 31 provided in the apparatus main body A and the toner cartridge C. Figure 12(a) shows the state before the toner cartridge C is mounted in the mounting portion 31. Figure 12(b) shows the state after the toner cartridge C is mounted in the mounting portion 31.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 12(a), the toner cartridge C has an abutment portion 32e. The mounting portion 31 has an abutted portion 31e and the air supply port 20 described above. The abutment portion 32e is provided so as to surround the periphery of the filter 18 when the toner cartridge C is viewed vertically upward. In other words, the frame body has an abutment portion provided so as to surround the periphery of the filter member when the cartridge is viewed vertically upward in the orientation of the cartridge when mounted in the mounting portion. Also, the abutment portion 32e is an annular surface provided so as to surround the periphery of the filter 18 when the toner cartridge C is viewed vertically upward. The term "annular" is not limited to a circular ring shape, but refers to a band-like region formed between two closed curves that do not intersect with each other on the surface of an object. In other words, the frame body has an annular surface provided so as to surround the periphery of the filter member when the cartridge is viewed vertically upward in the orientation of the cartridge in which the filter member is the bottom surface of the storage space.

[0080] When the toner cartridge C is mounted in the mounting portion 31, the contact portion 32e comes into contact with the contacted portion 31e. When the contact portion 32e and the contacted portion 31e come into contact with each other, the air chamber 17 is formed as a space surrounded by the toner cartridge C and the mounting portion 31. When air is supplied from the pump 35 through the air supply port 20 to the air chamber 17, toner is replenished from the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B as described above.

[0081] The contact portion 32e and the contacted portion 31e in this embodiment will be specifically described. As shown in Fig. 12(a), in this embodiment, the toner cartridge C is mounted in the mounting portion 31 by being moved vertically downward from the upper side (+Y side) of the mounting portion 31 in the mounting direction (arrow D).

[0082] The abutment portion 32e is provided on the cartridge frame 32. The abutment portion 32e extends from the outer end of the flange portion 32a toward the -Y side (see also FIG. 7). The abutment portion 32e protrudes downward (to the -Y side) in the vertical direction further than the outer edge portion 18a of the filter 18 joined to the flange portion 32a. This makes it possible to make it difficult for the outer edge portion 18a of the filter 18 to interfere with the abutment between the abutment portion 32e and the abutted portion 31e.

[0083] 8, the abutment portion 32e is provided around the entire circumference of the cartridge frame 32. That is, when the toner cartridge C is viewed in the Y direction, the abutment portion 32e is provided so as to surround the entire outer periphery of the exposed portion of the filter 18. In other words, when the toner cartridge C is viewed in the Y direction, the abutment portion 32e has a closed curved shape, and the filter 18 is exposed inside the area surrounded by the abutment portion 32e, and the filter 18 is not exposed outside the area surrounded by the abutment portion 32e.

[0084] In this embodiment, the contact portion 32e includes an end surface 32e1 on the -Y side of the cartridge frame 32. The contact portion 32e in this embodiment is formed in a flat shape with the same height in the Y direction over the entire periphery. In other words, the entire contact portion 32e is provided on the same imaginary plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0085] The contact portion 31e is provided around the entire circumference of the air chamber 17 when viewed in the Y direction, corresponding to the contact portion 32e of the toner cartridge C. As shown in Figs. 12(a) and 12(b), the mounting portion 31 has a concave shape that is open toward the opposite side to the mounting direction (arrow D) of the toner cartridge C. The mounting portion 31 has a bottom wall portion 31b including an opposing surface that faces the filter 18 with a gap in the Y direction when the toner cartridge C is mounted, and a side wall portion 31c extending from the outer periphery of the bottom wall portion 31b to the +Y side. The side wall portion 31c is a side wall provided around the filter 18 when viewed in the gravity direction, and extends upward from the bottom wall portion 31b. An air supply port 20 (inlet) is provided in the bottom wall portion 31b or the side wall portion 31c (in the present embodiment, the bottom wall portion 31b). The contact portion 31e is provided at the end of the side wall portion 31c on the +Y side.

[0086] When viewed in the Y direction, the abutted portion 31e is provided around the entire periphery of the space 31s inside the bottom wall portion 31b and the side wall portion 31c of the mounting portion 31. When the mounting portion 31 is viewed in the Y direction, the abutted portion 31e has a closed curved shape, and a space 31s that is open toward the +Y side is formed inside the area surrounded by the abutted portion 31e (FIG. 12(a)).

[0087] The abutted portion 31e includes an end surface 31e1 on the +Y side of the mounting portion 31. The abutted portion 31e of this embodiment is formed in a flat shape with the same height in the Y direction over the entire circumference. In other words, the entire abutted portion 31e is provided on the same imaginary plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0088] When the toner cartridge C is mounted in the mounting portion 31, the filter 18 of the toner cartridge C covers the space 31s inside the mounting portion 31 from the +Y side. This forms the air chamber 17 as a substantially closed space except for the air supply port 20 and the fine holes of the filter 18 (FIG. 12(b)). In this embodiment, the upper part of the mounting portion 31, which is a concave shape facing downward (-Y side) in the vertical direction, is closed by the toner cartridge C (particularly by the filter 18), so that the air chamber 17 is formed inside the concave shape. In other words, the bottom wall portion 31b (bottom wall) and the side wall portion 31c (side wall) function as walls configured to form the air chamber 17 (second chamber) with the filter 18 as the upper surface when the toner cartridge C is mounted. In this embodiment, the air chamber 17 is surrounded by the filter 18, the bottom wall portion 31b, and the side wall portion 31c.

[0089] The discharge port 27b of the toner cartridge C is located outside the air chamber 17 formed between the toner cartridge C and the mounting portion 31. Therefore, when the toner cartridge C is mounted in the mounting portion 31, the discharge port 27b can be connected to the receiving port 24 (FIG. 9) of the process cartridge B without being obstructed by the mounting portion 31.

[0090] 13(a) and 13(b) are cross-sectional views of a toner cartridge C and a mounting portion 31 according to a modified example. The contact portion 32e of this modified example includes an end face 32e1 on the downstream side of the cartridge frame 32 in the mounting direction (arrow D) of the toner cartridge C, and an end face 32e2 facing the outside of the toner cartridge C in the directions (X direction, Z direction) intersecting the mounting direction (arrow D). The contacted portion 31e of this modified example includes an end face 31e1 on the upstream side of the mounting portion 31 in the mounting direction (arrow D) of the toner cartridge C, and an end face 31e2 facing the inside in the directions (X direction, Z direction) intersecting the mounting direction (arrow D).

[0091] As in the first embodiment, the end faces 31e1 and 32e1 are formed around the entire circumference of the air chamber 17 and are formed in a plane perpendicular to the Y direction. The end faces 31e2 and 32e2 are formed around the entire circumference of the air chamber 17 when viewed in the Y direction. The end faces 31e2 and 32e2 each have a shape (rectangular in this embodiment) that corresponds to the outer shape of the toner cartridge C when viewed in the Y direction. The widths in the X direction and Z direction of the rectangle formed by the end face 31e2 are substantially equal to the widths in the X direction and Z direction of the rectangle formed by the end face 32e2, respectively.

[0092] When viewed in a direction (eg, X direction, Z direction) intersecting the mounting direction (arrow D), an end face 32e2 of the contact portion 32e and an end face 31e2 of the contacted portion 31e at least partially overlap.

[0093] When the toner cartridge C is mounted in the mounting portion 31, an end face 32e1 of the toner cartridge C abuts against an end face 31e1 of the mounting portion 31, and an end face 32e2 of the toner cartridge C abuts against an end face 31e2 of the mounting portion 31. As a result, an air chamber 17 is formed between the toner cartridge C and the mounting portion 31 (FIG. 12(b)). The end faces 31e2 and 32e2 may be in a relationship in which the inner end face 32e2 is press-fitted into the outer end face 31e2 so as to more easily reduce air leakage.

[0094] According to this modified example, air is less likely to leak from the air chamber 17 compared to the first embodiment. Note that only the end face 32e1 of the toner cartridge C and the end face 31e1 of the mounting portion 31 may abut against each other, or only the end face 32e2 of the toner cartridge C and the end face 31e2 of the mounting portion 31 may abut against each other.

[0095] 14(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of a toner cartridge C and mounting portion 31 according to another modified example. The mounting portion 31 of this modified example has a cartridge storage portion 31f having an opening 31h on the side opposite to the mounting direction (arrow D) of the toner cartridge C, and a lid portion 31d for opening and closing the opening 31h. The toner cartridge C is detachable from the cartridge storage portion 31f through the opening 31h when the lid portion 31d is open (FIG. 14(a)).

[0096] The cartridge accommodating portion 31f is provided with a hole 31g penetrating from the inside to the outside of the cartridge accommodating portion 31f. The tip (discharge port 27b) of the discharge pipe 27 of the toner cartridge C protrudes in the mounting direction (arrow D) from the outer surface of the cartridge frame 32. When the toner cartridge C is mounted in the mounting portion 31, the protruding portion 27p of the discharge pipe 27 is inserted into the hole 31g of the cartridge accommodating portion 31f (FIG. 14(b)). This allows the discharge port 27b to be connected to the receiving port 24 of the process cartridge B (FIG. 9) outside the cartridge accommodating portion 31f.

[0097] The toner cartridge C has a contact portion 32e, and the mounting portion 31 has a contacted portion 31e. In this modification, the contact portion 32e is the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion 27p of the discharge pipe 27, and the contacted portion 31e is the inner peripheral surface of the hole 31g.

[0098] When the toner cartridge C is inserted into the cartridge housing portion 31f, the abutting portion 32e and the abutted portion 31e come into contact with each other. When the lid portion 31d is closed, the air chamber 17 is formed as a space surrounded by the toner cartridge C and the mounting portion 31. The air chamber 17 in this modification is formed by the inner wall of the cartridge housing portion 31f, the inner wall of the lid portion 31d, the surface of the filter 18, and the surface of the cartridge frame 32.

[0099] <Advantages of the connection> 12, the contact portion 32e is a surface facing the mounting direction (arrow D), and the contacted portion 31e is a surface facing the opposite side to the mounting direction (arrow D). Therefore, by moving the toner cartridge C in the mounting direction (arrow D), the contact portion 32e can be brought into contact with the contacted portion 31e.

[0100] The contact area between the contact portion 32e and the contacted portion 31e is provided in an annular shape (circumferential, closed curve shape). Therefore, when the contact portion 32e and the contacted portion 31e come into contact with each other, the air chamber 17, which is a space surrounded by the toner cartridge C and the mounting portion 31, becomes a substantially closed space except for the air supply port 20 and the fine holes of the filter 18. Therefore, when air is supplied to the air chamber 17 from the air supply port 20, the internal pressure of the air chamber 17 increases. Then, air flows from the air chamber 17 into the toner storage chamber 16 via the filter 18, and the toner T is discharged from the toner cartridge C by the mechanism described above.

[0101] In other words, when the toner cartridge C is mounted in the mounting portion 31, an air path is formed from the air chamber 17 through the filter 18, the toner storage chamber 16, and the discharge pipe 27 to the discharge port 27b. In order for the air path to be properly formed, it is desirable that the toner cartridge C and the mounting portion 31 abut at an annular contact area, and that the filter 18 is located in an area of ​​the surface of the toner cartridge C on one side of the annular contact area and exposed to the air chamber 17. In addition, in order for the air path to be properly formed, it is desirable that the discharge port 27b is located in an area of ​​the surface of the toner cartridge C on the other side of the annular contact area.

[0102] In the first embodiment, the area where the contact portion 32e and the contacted portion 31e contact each other corresponds to the above-mentioned annular contact area. Therefore, the toner cartridge C and the mounting portion 31 can appropriately form an air path that runs from the air chamber 17 through the filter 18, the toner storage chamber 16, the discharge pipe 27, and the discharge port 27b.

[0103] 14(a) and 14(b), the region where the abutting portion 32e provided on the discharge pipe 27 abuts against the abutted portion 31e provided in the hole 31g of the mounting portion 31 corresponds to the above-mentioned annular abutting region. Therefore, even in the configuration of this modification, the toner cartridge C and the mounting portion 31 can appropriately form an air path that runs from the air chamber 17 through the filter 18, the toner storage chamber 16, the discharge pipe 27, and the discharge port 27b.

[0104] It is desirable that the contacting portion 32e and the contacted portion 31e are in close contact with each other over the entire circumference so that air does not leak from the gap between the contacting portion 32e and the contacted portion 31e. For this purpose, a biasing member may be provided to bias the toner cartridge C in the mounting direction (arrow D) relative to the mounting portion 31 so as to press the contacting portion 32e against the contacted portion 31e. Also, a biasing member may be provided to bias the mounting portion 31 in the opposite direction to the mounting direction (arrow D) relative to the toner cartridge C so as to press the contacted portion 31e against the contacting portion 32e. The biasing member may be provided in either the toner cartridge C or the device main body A. The biasing member may be, for example, a spring or an elastic member such as rubber provided in the toner cartridge C so as to come into contact with the device main body A when the toner cartridge C is mounted in the device main body A. Also, the biasing member may be a magnet.

[0105] 14(a) and (b), the circumferential length of the contact portion between the contact portion 32e and the contacted portion 31e is shorter than in the embodiment shown in Fig. 12(a) and (b) and the modified example shown in Fig. 13(a) and (b). This reduces the possibility of a gap occurring between the contact portion 32e and the contacted portion 31e due to, for example, a shape error of a part, and has the advantage that air leakage from the air chamber 17 is less likely to occur.

[0106] 14(a) and 14(b), protrusion 27p of exhaust pipe 27 may be configured to be press-fitted into hole 31g, thereby making it possible to further prevent air from leaking from air chamber 17 through the gap between contact portion 32e and contacted portion 31e without using a biasing member.

[0107] 12(a) to 14(b), a sealing member may be disposed on either or both of the contact portion 32e and the contacted portion 31e in order to improve the adhesion between the contact portion 32e and the contacted portion 31e. The sealing member may be made of a material such as rubber or sponge that has elasticity and does not have air permeability at least in a compressed state.

[0108] <Changes in toner discharge status> Next, the transition of the discharge state of the toner T in the toner storage chamber 16 will be described. Figures 15(a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the discharge state of the toner T in the toner storage chamber 16. Figure 15(a) shows the initial state before the toner T contained in the toner storage chamber 16 is discharged. Figure 15(b) shows the state when a part of the toner T contained in the toner storage chamber 16 in the initial state has been discharged. Figure 15(c) shows the state when the toner T in the toner storage chamber 16 has been further discharged from the state of Figure 15(b).

[0109] 15(a), when air is supplied to the air chamber 17, the air flows from the air chamber 17 into the toner storage chamber 16. Then, the toner T near the inlet 27a of the discharge pipe 27 flows into the discharge pipe 27 together with the air, and is discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge C from the discharge outlet 27b.

[0110] 15(b), when the toner T near the inlet 27a is discharged and a gap is generated, the toner T around the gap is pushed toward the inlet 27a by the pressure of the toner particles pushing against each other in the toner storage chamber 16. As a result, the area near the inlet 27a is filled with toner T again. Furthermore, when the toner T in the toner storage chamber 16 decreases due to the discharge of the toner T, the agent surface Ts of the toner T around the inlet 27a drops. When the inclination of the agent surface Ts becomes steeper, the agent surface Ts collapses in the direction approaching the inlet 27a, and the toner T moves.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 15(c), when the remaining amount of toner T becomes even smaller, the pressure with which the toner particles push against each other becomes smaller. In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 16 is provided with an inclined portion 18c of the filter 18. The inclined portion 18c is formed such that the lowest portion 18b overlaps with the inlet 27a when viewed in the Y direction (vertical direction). The inclined portion 18c is inclined so as to become lower as it approaches the lowest portion 18b of the filter 18. In other words, the inclined portion 18c is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so as to move in the vertical direction (-Y side) as it approaches the inlet 27a in a direction within a horizontal plane (within the XZ plane) perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0112] Therefore, even when the remaining amount of toner T is low, the toner T fluidized by the air flowing into the toner storage chamber 16 through the filter 18 moves toward the lowest part 18b along the inclination of the inclined portion 18c. Therefore, even when the remaining amount of toner in the toner storage chamber 16 is low, the toner T can be discharged more stably from the toner cartridge C. In addition, when the remaining amount of toner is low, the amount of toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 16 without being discharged from the toner cartridge C can be reduced.

[0113] The inclination angle of the inclined portion 18c and the flow rate of air supplied by the pump 35 also affect the dischargeability (discharge capacity) of the toner T in the toner cartridge C. In order to discharge the toner T from the entire toner storage chamber 16, it is effective to increase the angle of the inclined portion 18c. On the other hand, if the angle of the inclined portion 18c is too large, the volume of the toner storage chamber 16 becomes small. In addition, it is desirable to set the angle of the inclined portion 18c in consideration of the fluidity of the toner T. For example, the angle of the inclined portion 18c is made as small as possible to increase the volume of the toner storage chamber 16 within a range in which the amount of toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 16 without being discharged from the toner cartridge C is sufficiently small. This allows the amount of toner filled in the toner storage chamber 16 to be increased. The angle of the inclined portion 18c may be less than the angle of repose of the toner T.

[0114] <Advantages of inlet support> The advantages of the inlet support portion 32b of the toner cartridge C will be described. As described above, the inlet 27a of the discharge port 27b is disposed so as to face the bottom portion 18b of the filter 18 in the vertical direction (Y direction) (FIG. 5(a)). As described above, the toner T in the toner storage chamber 16 moves along the inclined portion 18c of the filter 18 toward the bottom portion 18b, so that the toner T can be discharged even when the amount of toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 16 is low.

[0115] If the position of the inlet 27a is deviated from the bottommost portion 18b of the filter 18, there is a possibility that the dischargeability of the toner T may decrease. Possible causes of the positional deviation of the inlet 27a include, for example, a component shape error or an assembly error during the manufacture of the outlet 27b, or a positional deviation of the discharge pipe 27 caused by vibration during image formation after the toner cartridge C is mounted in the apparatus main body A. If the position of the inlet 27a is deviated from the bottommost portion 18b of the filter 18, there is a possibility that the toner T will not be discharged even though the toner T remains near the bottommost portion 18b when the remaining toner amount is low as shown in FIG. 15(c).

[0116] In this embodiment, the inlet support portion 32b supports the vicinity of the outlet 27b of the outlet pipe 27. This can reduce misalignment of the outlet 27b with respect to the lowermost portion 18b of the filter 18. Therefore, even if the amount of toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 16 becomes low, the toner T can be discharged more stably from the toner cartridge C. In addition, when the amount of toner remaining becomes low, the amount of toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 16 without being discharged from the toner cartridge C can be reduced.

[0117] It is preferable that the shortest distance from the connection between the inlet support portion 32b and the cartridge frame 32 to the inlet 27a of the discharge pipe 27 is shorter than the shortest distance from the outlet 27b of the discharge pipe 27 to the inlet 27a. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the inlet 27a from shifting in position. The inlet support portion 32b may be a member having a higher rigidity than the discharge pipe 27.

[0118] Furthermore, the inlet support portion 32b may be a member extending in a substantially vertical direction (substantially in the Y direction) at a position directly above the lowermost portion 18b of the filter 18 and the inlet 27a of the discharge pipe 27. This allows the first portion 271 (FIG. 5(a)) near the inlet 27a of the discharge pipe 27 to be connected to the upper surface 322 (FIG. 5(a)) of the cartridge frame 32 over the shortest distance, and makes it possible to more reliably restrict the positional deviation of the inlet 27a.

[0119] 10 and 11, even in a configuration in which the inlet support portion 32b has the function of the discharge pipe 27, the cartridge frame 32 and the vicinity of the inlet 27a of the discharge pipe 27 are connected by a structure other than the peripheral wall of the discharge pipe 27. Even with this structure, it is possible to restrict the positional deviation of the inlet 27a.

[0120] <Summary of Example 1> According to the first embodiment, by mounting the toner cartridge C to the mounting portion 31 of the main body A of the apparatus, an air chamber 17 surrounded by the toner cartridge C and the mounting portion 31 is formed, and the filter 18 is exposed therein. The toner cartridge C is then in a state in which toner can be discharged by the supply of air from the pump 35. In other words, in this embodiment, by mounting the cartridge to the mounting portion of the main body of the apparatus, a space (air chamber 17) surrounded by the cartridge and the mounting portion and in which the filter member of the cartridge is exposed is formed. The formation of the space allows the cartridge to be in a state in which, when air is supplied from a supplying means to the space, the toner accommodated in the accommodation space can be discharged from the outlet together with the air flowing into the accommodation space through the filter member (supplyable state).

[0121] According to this configuration, by mounting the toner cartridge C in the mounting portion 31, the air chamber 17 is formed by the toner cartridge C and the mounting portion 31, and toner is replenished from the toner cartridge C by supplying air from the pump 35 to the air chamber 17. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide the air chamber 17 inside the toner cartridge C. For example, when the toner cartridge C is viewed vertically upward, there is no need to provide a bottom portion that covers the entire filter 18 except for a hole portion for connecting the air supply port 20 as part of the cartridge frame 32.

[0122] In this way, according to the first embodiment and its modified examples, it is possible to provide a new form of image forming apparatus and cartridge having a configuration in which toner is discharged from the cartridge by using air.

[0123] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, for example, since it is not necessary to provide the bottom portion as a part of the cartridge frame 32, it is possible to reduce the amount of material such as synthetic resin used in molding the cartridge frame 32. This reduces the environmental impact during the manufacture of the toner cartridge C. Also, it is possible to reduce the size and weight of the toner cartridge C.

[0124] Furthermore, compared to a case in which the bottom portion is a separate part from the cartridge frame 32, for example, the number of parts of the toner cartridge C can be reduced.

[0125] According to this embodiment, the cartridge is a cartridge in which a storage space for storing toner is provided inside, and includes a filter member that forms the inner wall of the storage space and has air permeability, and an outlet for discharging the toner to the outside of the cartridge. In addition, when the cartridge is viewed vertically upward in a position in which the filter member is the bottom surface of the storage space, the entire area of ​​the filter member that overlaps with the storage space is exposed. Here, the "position of the cartridge in which the filter member is the bottom surface of the storage space" refers to, for example, the position when the toner cartridge C is mounted in the mounting portion 31.

[0126] According to this configuration, by mounting the cartridge to an image forming apparatus main body having an appropriate configuration such as the mounting portion 31 described in this embodiment, it is possible to provide a cartridge that can properly discharge toner.

[0127] That is, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a new form of cartridge having a configuration in which toner is discharged from the cartridge by using air.

[0128] Example 2 A toner cartridge C according to Example 2 will be described. The toner cartridge C of this example is detachably mounted in the apparatus main body A of the image forming apparatus IF described in Example 1, similar to the toner cartridge C of Example 1. Hereinafter, elements with common reference symbols to Example 1 have basically the same configurations and functions as those described in Example 1 unless otherwise specified, and differences from Example 1 will be mainly described.

[0129] <Pressure relief route> Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a toner cartridge C according to Example 2. Fig. 16 shows the toner cartridge C mounted in the mounting portion 31 of the apparatus main body A. The toner cartridge C of this example has a pressure relief path as a third opening (communication portion) other than the discharge pipe 27 that communicates between the space inside the toner cartridge C (toner storage chamber 16) and the outside of the toner cartridge C. The pressure relief path in this example is a hole 40a formed in the upper surface 322 of the cartridge frame 32.

[0130] The hole 40a serves as an outlet through which the air in the toner storage chamber 16 escapes to the outside of the toner cartridge C. By providing the hole 40a, it is possible to prevent the toner T and air from leaking from an unintended location to the outside of the toner cartridge C when the internal pressure of the toner storage chamber 16 rises. For example, consider a case where the toner cartridge C before being mounted in the apparatus main body A is gripped with a stronger force than expected, causing the internal pressure of the toner storage chamber 16 to rise. In this case, the inlet 27a of the discharge pipe 27 and the filter 18 are covered with the toner T, and the movement of air through the discharge pipe 27 or the filter 18 is prevented. On the other hand, the air escapes to the outside of the toner cartridge C from the hole 40a that is not covered by the toner T, thereby preventing the internal pressure of the toner storage chamber 16 from becoming excessively high.

[0131] Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a toner cartridge C according to a modified example. Fig. 17 shows the toner cartridge C mounted in the mounting portion 31 of the apparatus main body A. The pressure relief path in this embodiment is a filter portion 40b formed on the upper surface 322 of the cartridge frame 32. The filter portion 40b includes a hole formed in the cartridge frame 32 and a filter attached to the cartridge frame 32 so as to cover this hole. The filter is made of a breathable sheet material that allows air to pass through but prevents toner T from passing through.

[0132] Even when the filter portion 40b of the modified example is used, it is possible to prevent the toner T and air from leaking to the outside of the toner cartridge C from unintended locations when the internal pressure of the toner storage chamber 16 increases.

[0133] As the communication portion (third opening, pressure relief path), both the hole shape (FIG. 16) shown in the second embodiment and the filter (FIG. 17) shown in the modified example may be provided. Also, a single toner cartridge C may be provided with multiple pressure relief paths.

[0134] <Ventilation volume of pressure relief route> The airflow rate of the pressure relief path (hole 40a) and a method for verifying the same will be described with reference to FIG. 16. When air (arrow E1) is introduced into air chamber 17 via air supply port 20, the amount of air (arrow E2) discharged from exhaust port 27b is airflow rate G2, and the amount of air (arrow E3) discharged from the pressure relief path is airflow rate G3. The pressure relief path (hole 40a) is provided such that the airflow rate G2 is greater than the airflow rate G3. In the modified example, the pressure relief path (filter 40b) is also provided such that the airflow rate G3 of exhaust port 27b is greater than the airflow rate of the pressure relief path (filter 40b).

[0135] The relationship between the above-mentioned airflow rates G2 and G3 can be verified by introducing air into the air supply port 20 and measuring the volume of air discharged from the exhaust port 27b within a certain period of time (airflow rate G2) and the volume of air discharged from the pressure relief path (airflow rate G3).

[0136] <Advantages of pressure relief paths> The advantages of the pressure relief path (communicating portion) will be described with reference to Figure 16. As described above, when the toner cartridge C is mounted in the mounting portion 31, the air chamber 17 is formed, surrounded by the toner cartridge C and the mounting portion 31. When toner is replenished, air is supplied from the pump 35 (Figure 1) to the air chamber 17, increasing the internal pressure of the air chamber 17, and when the air flows into the toner storage chamber 16 through the filter 18, the internal pressure of the toner storage chamber 16 also increases.

[0137] Here, the ventilation amount G2 of the discharge port 27b is larger than the ventilation amount G3 of the pressure relief path (hole portion 40a). Therefore, the air in the toner storage chamber 16 whose internal pressure has increased tends to escape to the outside of the toner cartridge C mainly through the discharge pipe 27. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the air in the toner storage chamber 16 is discharged from the discharge port 27b together with the fluidized toner T through the discharge pipe 27, thereby enabling toner to be replenished from the toner cartridge C to the process cartridge B.

[0138] Even if there are multiple pressure relief paths or the path includes a filter section 40b (Figure 17), if the air flow rate G2 of the exhaust port 27b is greater than the air flow rate G3 of the pressure relief path, the toner cartridge C can similarly discharge toner T from the exhaust port 27b.

[0139] In this way, even if the toner cartridge C has a path other than the discharge pipe 27 (discharge port 27b) that connects the toner storage chamber 16 with the outside of the toner cartridge C, the toner T can be discharged stably by configuring the airflow volume to satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0140] According to the second embodiment and its modified examples described above, it is possible to provide a new form of image forming apparatus and cartridge having a configuration in which toner is discharged from the cartridge by using air.

[0141] Example 3 A toner cartridge C according to Example 3 will be described. The toner cartridge C of this example is detachably mounted in the apparatus main body A of the image forming apparatus IF described in Example 1, similar to the toner cartridge C of Example 1. Hereinafter, elements with common reference symbols to Example 1 have basically the same configurations and functions as those described in Example 1 unless otherwise specified, and differences from Example 1 will be mainly described.

[0142] <Extension part> In this embodiment, a configuration for maintaining the posture of the toner cartridge C will be described. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the toner cartridge C according to this embodiment. The toner cartridge C has an extension 36. The extension 36 extends downward (to the -Y side) from the lower end of the cartridge frame 32. The extension 36 protrudes downward (to the -Y side) from the lowermost portion 18b of the filter 18. The extension 36 forms the frame of the toner cartridge C together with the cartridge frame 32. In other words, the frame (32, 36) of the toner cartridge C includes the extension 36 as a container side wall provided around the filter 18 when viewed in the direction of gravity, and as a container side wall extending toward the bottom wall 31b of the mounting portion 31.

[0143] The upper end of the extension 36 is joined to the lower end (flange portion 32a) of the cartridge frame 32. The joining method is not particularly limited, and can be selected from, for example, ultrasonic welding, heat welding, adhesion using an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive, and mechanical joining using screws or the like.

[0144] When viewed in the Y direction, the extension 36 is a hollow (annular, cylindrical) member with a hole in the center. The entire circumference of the upper end of the extension 36 is joined to the entire circumference of the flange portion 32a. When the toner cartridge C before being installed in the apparatus main body A is viewed in the Y direction, most of the filter 18 is exposed inside the extension 36.

[0145] A contact portion 36e is provided at the lower end of the extension portion 36, which contacts the contacted portion 31e (FIGS. 20(a) and (b)) of the mounting portion 31 when the toner cartridge C is mounted in the mounting portion 31. The contact portion 36e is the end face of the extension portion 36 in the mounting direction (arrow D in FIG. 20(a)) of the toner cartridge C. The contact between the contact portion 36e and the contacted portion 31e will be described later. In this embodiment, the height of the contact portion 36e in the Y direction is consistent around the entire circumference of the extension portion 36.

[0146] 19 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a toner cartridge C according to a modified example. The toner cartridge C of this modified example has an extension 36 as a part of the cartridge frame 32. The extension 36 extends downward (to the -Y side) from the flange 32a of the cartridge frame 32. The extension 36 protrudes downward (to the -Y side) beyond the lowermost part 18b of the filter 18. The extension 36 of this modified example is a container side wall provided around the filter 18 when viewed in the direction of gravity, and is another example of a container side wall extending toward the bottom wall 31b of the mounting portion 31.

[0147] When viewed in the Y direction, the extension 36 is formed in a hollow shape (annular, cylindrical) with a hole in the center. When the toner cartridge C before being attached to the apparatus main body A is viewed in the Y direction, most of the filter 18 (most of the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 16) is exposed inside the extension 36.

[0148] At the lower end of the extension 36, a contact portion 36e is provided which comes into contact with a contacted portion 31e (FIGS. 20(a) and (b)) of the mounting portion 31 when the toner cartridge C is mounted in the mounting portion 31. The contact between the contact portion 36e and the contacted portion 31e will be described later. In this embodiment, the height of the contact portion 36e in the Y direction is uniform around the entire circumference of the extension 36.

[0149] Fig. 20(a) is an explanatory diagram showing a state before the toner cartridge C according to the modified example is mounted in the mounting portion 31. Fig. 20(b) is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the toner cartridge C according to the modified example is mounted in the mounting portion 31.

[0150] When the toner cartridge C according to the modification is mounted in the mounting portion 31, the abutting portion 36e at the lower end of the extension portion 36 abuts against the abutted portion 31e of the mounting portion 31. This forms an air chamber 17, which is a space surrounded by the toner cartridge C and the mounting portion 31. That is, in this modification, the air chamber 17 (second chamber) is surrounded by the filter 18, the bottom wall portion 31b, and the extension portion 36 (container side wall). Similarly, in the case of the toner cartridge C according to the third embodiment, the abutting portion 36e at the lower end of the extension portion 36 abuts against the abutted portion 31e of the mounting portion 31, thereby forming the air chamber 17, which is a space surrounded by the toner cartridge C and the mounting portion 31. At least one of the abutting portion 36e and the abutted portion 31e may be provided with a sealing member for increasing the adhesion between the abutting portion 36e and the abutted portion 31e.

[0151] <Advantages of the extension> In this embodiment and the modified example, the extension 36 protrudes downward from the bottom of the filter 18. Therefore, when the toner cartridge C is placed on a desk or the like, the filter 18 does not come into contact with the desk, and the possibility that the attitude of the toner cartridge C becomes unstable can be reduced. In addition, the possibility that the filter 18 becomes dirty and the breathability is reduced can be reduced.

[0152] In this embodiment and the modified example, the contact portion 36e is provided at the lower end of the extension portion 36 that protrudes downward (to the -Y side) from the lowest portion 18b of the filter 18. Therefore, as shown in Figures 20(a) and 20(b), even when a flat mounting portion 31 is used, the air chamber 17 can be appropriately formed, and the toner cartridge C can be easily mounted. In other words, by providing the extension portion 36, the position where the toner cartridge C and the mounting portion 31 come into contact with each other to form the air chamber 17 can be set at a position away from the joint between the cartridge frame 32 and the filter 18.

[0153] According to the third embodiment and its modified examples described above, it is possible to provide a new form of image forming apparatus and cartridge having a configuration in which toner is discharged from the cartridge by using air.

[0154] Example 4 A toner cartridge C according to Example 4 will be described. The toner cartridge C of this example is detachably mounted in the apparatus main body A of the image forming apparatus IF described in Example 1, similar to the toner cartridge C of Example 1. Hereinafter, elements with common reference symbols to Example 1 have basically the same configurations and functions as those described in Example 1 unless otherwise specified, and differences from Example 1 will be mainly described.

[0155] <Protective materials> Fig. 21(a) is a sectional perspective view of the toner cartridge C according to Example 4. Fig. 21(b) is a sectional perspective view showing the toner cartridge C with a protection member 37 removed.

[0156] 21(a), the toner cartridge C of this embodiment includes a protective member 37 (cover member) that protects the filter 18. The protective member 37 is attached to the cartridge frame 32 so as to cover at least a part (preferably the entirety) of the filter 18 when the toner cartridge C is viewed in the Y direction.

[0157] The toner cartridge C has a contact portion 32e. The configuration of the contact portion 32e may be the same as that described in the first embodiment (FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b)).

[0158] The protective member 37 is removable (separable) from the cartridge frame 32, or movable relative to the cartridge frame 32 to expose the filter 18. When the toner cartridge C is mounted in the mounting portion 31 of the apparatus main body A, the protective member 37 is removed in advance (FIG. 21(b)). With the protective member 37 removed, the user moves the toner cartridge C in the mounting direction (arrow D) relative to the mounting portion 31. As a result, the abutting portion 32e abuts against the abutted portion 31e of the mounting portion 31, and the air chamber 17 is formed (FIG. 12(b)). In other words, by removing the protective member 37, the toner cartridge C becomes capable of being properly mounted in the mounting portion 31.

[0159] <Advantages of protective materials> If filter 18 is made of a low-rigidity material such as nonwoven fabric, it is conceivable that filter 18 may break and cause toner to leak if filter 18 is subjected to a strong force, such as when filter 18 comes into contact with a sharp object. In this embodiment, filter 18 is protected by protective member 37, so that the possibility of filter 18 breaking can be reduced.

[0160] The material of the filter 18 is not limited to nonwoven fabric, and it is also possible to make the filter 18 highly rigid by, for example, heat press molding, sintering, or other means. By increasing the strength of the filter 18 itself, the possibility of the filter 18 breaking can be reduced. Even in this case, by providing the protective member 37 of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the filter 18 becoming dirty and its breathability decreasing when, for example, the toner cartridge C is placed on a desk.

[0161] According to the fourth embodiment and its modified examples described above, it is possible to provide a new form of image forming apparatus and cartridge having a configuration in which toner is discharged from the cartridge by using air.

[0162] Example 5 A description will be given of a toner cartridge C2 and an image forming apparatus IF according to Example 5. In the following, elements having the same reference symbols as those in Example 1 have basically the same configurations and functions as those described in Example 1 unless otherwise specified, and differences from Example 1 will be mainly described.

[0163] <Toner cartridge> A toner cartridge C2 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 22(a) and (b). Fig. 22(a) is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge C2. Fig. 22(b) is an enlarged view of the area circled in Fig. 22(a). In Figs. 22(a) and (b) and subsequent figures, the toner cartridge C2 is in the same position as when it is attached to the apparatus main body A.

[0164] First, the overall configuration of the toner cartridge C2 will be described. As shown in Fig. 22(a) and (b), the toner cartridge C2 has a cartridge frame 232 and a filter 218 (filter member). The filter 218 is a sheet-like member (filter member, ventilation member) having air permeability. The cartridge frame 232 and the filter 218 form a toner storage chamber 216, which is a storage space (toner storage section) that stores the toner T. The toner storage chamber 216 is a space inside the toner cartridge C2. The filter 218 forms at least a part of the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 216.

[0165] The discharge pipe 227 is provided at the lower end of the toner cartridge C2. The discharge pipe 227 forms a flow path that is a space that communicates between the toner storage chamber 216 and the space outside the toner cartridge C2. The lower end of the discharge pipe 227 is a discharge port 219 through which the toner T is discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge C2. In this embodiment, the discharge pipe 227 is connected to a filter 218.

[0166] The filter 218 forms the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 216. The filter 218 has an inclined portion 218c that is inclined toward the lowest portion 218b. In other words, at least a part of the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 216 is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0167] The bottom part 218b of the filter 218 is an opening 222 (the inlet of the discharge pipe 227) that is continuous with the discharge pipe 227. That is, in this embodiment, a hole that is connected to the discharge pipe 227 is provided in the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 216, and at least a part of the bottom surface is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so as to face downward (towards the -Y side) as it approaches the hole.

[0168] Filter 218 is formed of a material that allows air to pass through but prevents toner T from passing through. Filter 218 is formed of a porous sheet material made of, for example, resin fibers, and has pores of a size and density that allows air to pass through but prevents toner T from passing through. For example, nonwoven fabric can be used as filter 218. Alternatively, a filter material that is molded by heat pressing, sintering, or the like may be used.

[0169] The filter 218 and the exhaust pipe 227 may be integrally formed using a common material. The exhaust pipe 227 is a tubular member that does not have air permeability.

[0170] <Toner discharge mechanism> Next, the mechanism by which toner is discharged from the toner cartridge C2 will be described with reference to Fig. 23 and Fig. 24. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus IF to which the toner cartridge C2 according to this embodiment is attached. Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram showing the toner cartridge C2 and the process cartridge B attached to the apparatus main body A.

[0171] 23, the device main body A includes a pump 235 (air pump) as a supply means for supplying air to an air chamber 217 described below. The device main body A also includes an air supply port 220 to which air is supplied from the pump 235, and an air supply pipe 221 connecting the pump 235 and the air supply port 220. The pump 235 (air pump) may be, for example, a reciprocating pump, a diaphragm pump, or a rotary pump. Note that, for example, a fan may be used as the supply means.

[0172] The apparatus main body A also has a mounting section 31 (cartridge installation section, cartridge interface section) in which the toner cartridge C2 is mounted. When the toner cartridge C2 is mounted in the apparatus main body A, an air chamber 217 is formed as a space surrounded by the toner cartridge C2 and the mounting section 231. The air supply port 220 is provided in the mounting section 231 and opens into the air chamber 217.

[0173] When toner cartridge C2 is attached to the apparatus main body A, filter 218 is exposed to air chamber 217. More specifically, at least the entire area of ​​filter 218 that forms the bottom surface of toner storage chamber 216 is exposed to air chamber 217. When toner cartridge C2 is attached to the apparatus main body A, at least a portion of the ceiling surface of air chamber 217 is formed by filter 218 of toner cartridge C2.

[0174] Compressed air discharged by pump 235 is supplied to air chamber 217 through air supply port 220. Since air chamber 217 is a substantially closed space except for air supply port 220 and the pores of filter 218, the air pressure (internal pressure) in air chamber 217 increases due to air from pump 235. When the air pressure in air chamber 217 increases, air flows into toner storage chamber 216 through filter 218.

[0175] The air that has flowed into the toner storage chamber 216 fluidizes the toner T in the toner storage chamber 216. Then, the air mixed with the toner T flows into a flow path in the discharge pipe 227 and is discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge C2 through the discharge port 219. Then, the air mixed with the toner T flows into the toner chamber 12 in the process cartridge B through the receiving port 24 of the process cartridge B that is connected to the discharge port 219.

[0176] In this embodiment, the discharge port 219 and the receiving port 24 are connected via a relay pipe 225 serving as a toner transport means (relay means). The relay pipe 225 may be provided in the apparatus main body A. In this case, one end of the receiving port 24 and the relay pipe 225 are connected when the process cartridge B is installed, and the other end of the discharge port 219 and the relay pipe 225 are connected when the toner cartridge C2 is installed. Note that the discharge port 219 and the receiving port 24 may be directly connected.

[0177] 24, the process cartridge B is provided with an exhaust section 26 that communicates the toner chamber 12 in the process cartridge B with the outside of the process cartridge B, and the internal pressure of the toner chamber 12 is usually equal to atmospheric pressure. Therefore, when the internal pressure of the air chamber 217 and the toner storage chamber 216 increases due to air supplied from the pump 235, the internal pressure of the toner storage chamber 216 becomes higher than the internal pressure of the toner chamber 12. Therefore, the air mixed with the toner T moves from the toner storage chamber 216 to the toner chamber 12 via the exhaust pipe 227 and the relay pipe 225.

[0178] When the air mixed with the toner T flows into the toner chamber 12, the internal pressure of the toner chamber 12 increases temporarily. However, the exhaust section 26 allows the air inside the toner chamber 12 to escape to the outside of the process cartridge B, so the internal pressure of the toner chamber 12 decreases. In this embodiment, after the internal pressure of the toner chamber 12 increases temporarily, the internal pressure of the toner chamber 12 quickly decreases to a value substantially equal to atmospheric pressure.

[0179] Although the pump 235 in this embodiment is provided in the main body A of the apparatus, the pump 235 may be provided in the process cartridge B or the toner cartridge C2.

[0180] <Connection between the device body and the toner cartridge> Next, the configuration of the connection portion between the apparatus main body A and the toner cartridge C2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0181] Figures 25(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views showing the mounting portion 231 and toner cartridge C2 provided in the apparatus main body A. Figure 25(a) shows the state before the toner cartridge C2 is mounted in the mounting portion 231. Figure 25(b) shows the state after the toner cartridge C2 is mounted in the mounting portion 231.

[0182] 25(a), the toner cartridge C2 has a first contact portion 132e and a first contact portion 232e. The mounting portion 231 has a first contacted portion 131e, a second contacted portion 231e, the air supply port 220, and a hole portion 231g.

[0183] When the toner cartridge C2 is mounted in the mounting portion 231, the first contact portion 132e comes into contact with the first contacted portion 131e, and the second contact portion 232e comes into contact with the second contacted portion 231e. The first contact portion 132e comes into contact with the first contacted portion 131e, and the second contact portion 232e comes into contact with the second contacted portion 231e, forming an air chamber 217 as a space surrounded by the toner cartridge C2 and the mounting portion 231. The discharge pipe 227 of the toner cartridge C2 is inserted into the hole portion 231g, and the discharge port 219 is connected to the relay pipe 225 (FIG. 24). Air is supplied from the pump 235 to the air chamber 217 via the air supply port 220, and toner is replenished from the toner cartridge C2 to the process cartridge B as described above.

[0184] The first contact portion 132e, the second contact portion 232e, the first contacted portion 131e, and the second contacted portion 231e in this embodiment will be specifically described. As shown in Fig. 25(a), in this embodiment, the toner cartridge C2 is mounted in the mounting portion 231 by being moved from the upper side (+Y side) of the mounting portion 231 in the mounting direction (arrow D) that faces downward in the vertical direction.

[0185] The specific configurations of the second contact portion 232e and the second contacted portion 231e may be the same as those of the contact portion 32e and the contacted portion 31e described in the first embodiment.

[0186] The first abutment portion 132e is provided on a flange portion that protrudes from the outer periphery of the discharge pipe 227 extending along the mounting direction (arrow D) in a direction intersecting the mounting direction (arrow D). The first abutment portion 132e is an annular surface facing the mounting direction (arrow D). The first abutment portion 132e is provided around the entire circumference of the discharge pipe 227. Moreover, the first abutment portion 132e in this embodiment is planar and perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0187] The first abutment portion 131e is provided on the bottom surface portion 231b of the mounting portion 231. The first abutment portion 131e is a peripheral portion of a hole portion 231g in which the exhaust pipe 227 fits, of the bottom surface portion 231b. The first abutment portion 131e in this embodiment has a planar shape perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0188] 26(a) and 26(b) are cross-sectional views of the toner cartridge C2 and the mounting portion 231 according to the modified example. The second contact portion 232e includes an end face 232e1 on the downstream side of the cartridge frame 232 in the mounting direction (arrow D) of the toner cartridge C2, and an end face 232e2 facing the outside of the toner cartridge C2 in a direction intersecting the mounting direction (arrow D). The second contacted portion 231e of the modified example includes an end face 231e1 on the upstream side of the mounting portion 231 in the mounting direction (arrow D) of the toner cartridge C2, and an end face 231e2 facing inward in a direction (X direction, Z direction) intersecting the mounting direction (arrow D).

[0189] The specific configurations of the second contact portion 232e and the second contacted portion 231e of this modified example may be the same as those described in the modified example (FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b)) of Example 1. According to this modified example, air can be made less likely to leak from the air chamber 217 compared to Example 5.

[0190] In the modified example of FIGS. 26(a) and 26(b), the first contact portion 132e is the outer circumferential surface of the discharge pipe 227, and the first contacted portion 131e is the inner circumferential surface of the hole portion 231g.

[0191] 27(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of a toner cartridge C2 and a mounting portion 231 according to another modified example. The mounting portion 231 of this modified example has a cartridge storage portion 31f having an opening 231h on the side opposite to the mounting direction (arrow D) of the toner cartridge C2, and a lid portion 231d for opening and closing the opening 31h. The toner cartridge C2 is detachable from the cartridge storage portion 231f via the opening 231h when the lid portion 231d is open (FIG. 27(a)).

[0192] In this modification, the toner cartridge C2 has a first contact portion 132e, and the mounting portion 231 has a first contacted portion 131e. The toner cartridge C2 and the mounting portion 231 of this modification do not have the second contact portion 232e and the second contacted portion 231e of Example 5. In this modification, the first contact portion 132e is the outer peripheral surface of the discharge pipe 227, and the first contacted portion 131e is the inner peripheral surface of the hole portion 231g.

[0193] When the toner cartridge C2 is inserted into the cartridge housing portion 231f, the first contact portion 132e comes into contact with the first contacted portion 131e. When the lid portion 231d is closed, an air chamber 217 is formed as a space surrounded by the toner cartridge C2 and the mounting portion 231. The air chamber 217 in this modification is formed by the inner wall of the cartridge housing portion 231f, the inner wall of the lid portion 231d, the surface of the filter 218, and the surface of the cartridge frame 232.

[0194] <Advantages of the connection> 25(a) and 25(b), the first contact portion 132e and the second contact portion 232e are surfaces facing the mounting direction (arrow D), and the first contacted portion 131e and the second contacted portion 231e are surfaces facing the opposite side to the mounting direction (arrow D). Therefore, by moving the toner cartridge C2 in the mounting direction (arrow D), the first contact portion 132e and the second contact portion 232e can be brought into contact with the first contacted portion 131e and the second contacted portion 231e, respectively.

[0195] The contact area between the first contact portion 132e and the first contacted portion 131e, and the contact area between the second contact portion 232e and the second contacted portion 231e are each provided in an annular shape (circumferential, closed curve shape). Therefore, when the first contact portion 132e and the first contacted portion 31e come into contact with each other, and when the second contact portion 232e and the second contacted portion 231e come into contact with each other, the air chamber 217, which is a space surrounded by the toner cartridge C2 and the mounting portion 231, becomes a substantially closed space except for the air supply port 220 and the pores of the filter 218. Therefore, when air is supplied from the air supply port 220 to the air chamber 217, the internal pressure of the air chamber 217 increases. Then, air flows from the air chamber 217 into the toner storage chamber 216 through the filter 218, and the toner T is discharged from the toner cartridge C2 by the above-mentioned mechanism.

[0196] In other words, when the toner cartridge C2 is mounted in the mounting portion 231, an air path is formed from the air chamber 217 through the filter 218, the toner storage chamber 216, and the discharge pipe 227 to the discharge port 219. In order for the air path to be properly formed, it is desirable that the toner cartridge C2 and the mounting portion 231 abut against each other in an annular contact area, and that the filter 218 is present in an area of ​​the surface of the toner cartridge C2 on one side of the annular contact area and exposed to the air chamber 217. In addition, in order for the air path to be properly formed, it is desirable that the discharge port 219 is present in an area of ​​the surface of the toner cartridge C2 on the other side of the annular contact area.

[0197] In the fifth embodiment, the area where the first contact portion 132e and the first contacted portion 131e contact each other corresponds to the above-mentioned annular contact area. Therefore, the toner cartridge C2 and the mounting portion 231 can appropriately form an air path that passes from the air chamber 217 through the filter 218, the toner storage chamber 216, the discharge pipe 227, and the discharge port 219.

[0198] It is desirable that the first contact portion 132e and the second contact portion 131e are in close contact with each other over the entire circumference so that air does not leak from the gap between the first contact portion 132e and the first contacted portion 131e. For this purpose, a biasing member may be provided to bias the toner cartridge C2 in the mounting direction (arrow D) relative to the mounting portion 231 so as to press the first contact portion 32e against the first contacted portion 31e. Also, a biasing member may be provided to bias the mounting portion 231 in the opposite direction to the mounting direction (arrow D) relative to the toner cartridge C2 so as to press the first contacted portion 131e against the first contact portion 132e. The biasing member may be provided in either the toner cartridge C2 or the device main body A. The biasing member may be, for example, an elastic member such as a spring or rubber provided in the toner cartridge C2 so as to come into contact with the device main body A when the toner cartridge C2 is mounted in the device main body A. Also, the biasing member may be a magnet.

[0199] Similarly, it is desirable that the second contact portion 232e and the second contacted portion 231e are in close contact with each other over the entire circumference so that air does not leak from a gap between the second contact portion 232e and the second contacted portion 231e. For this reason, the above-mentioned biasing member that biases either the toner cartridge C2 or the mounting portion 231 toward the other may be provided.

[0200] 26(a)(b), the discharge pipe 227 may be press-fitted into the hole 231g, and the outer end surface 232e2 of the cartridge frame 232 may be press-fitted into the inner end surface 231e2 of the mounting portion 231. This allows the first contact portion 132e to be closely attached to the first contacted portion 131e, and the second contact portion 232e to be closely attached to the second contacted portion 231e, without using a biasing member. In other words, it is possible to prevent air from leaking from the air chamber 217 through the gap between the toner cartridge C2 and the mounting portion 231, without using a biasing member.

[0201] 27(a)(b), the second contact portion 232e and the second contacted portion 231e can be omitted, as compared with the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 25(a)(b) and the modified examples shown in FIGS. 26(a)(b). Therefore, the air chamber 217 can be formed while reducing the number of contact portions between the toner cartridge C2 and the mounting portion 231, through which air may leak from the gap.

[0202] 25(a) to 27(b), in order to improve the adhesion between the first contact portion 132e and the first contacted portion 131e, a sealing member may be disposed on either or both of the first contact portion 132e and the first contacted portion 131e. Also, in order to improve the adhesion between the second contact portion 232e and the second contacted portion 231e, a sealing member may be disposed on either or both of the second contact portion 232e and the second contacted portion 231e. The sealing member may be made of a material that is elastic and does not have air permeability at least in a compressed state, such as rubber or sponge.

[0203] <Changes in toner discharge status> Next, the transition of the discharge state of the toner T in the toner storage chamber 216 will be described. Figures 28(a) to (d) are explanatory diagrams showing the discharge state of the toner T in the toner storage chamber 216. Figure 28(a) shows the initial state before the toner T stored in the toner storage chamber 216 is discharged. Figure 28(b) shows the state when a part of the toner T stored in the toner storage chamber 216 in the initial state is discharged. Figure 28(c) shows the state when the toner T in the toner storage chamber 216 is further discharged from the state of Figure 28(b). Figure 28(d) shows the state when the toner T in the toner storage chamber 216 is further discharged from the state of Figure 28(c).

[0204] 28(a), air flows from the air chamber 217 into the toner storage chamber 216. Then, the toner T near the opening 222 of the filter 218 flows into the discharge pipe 227 together with the air, and is discharged from the discharge port 219 to the outside of the toner cartridge C2.

[0205] 28(b) and 28(c), when the toner T near the opening 222 is discharged and a gap is generated, the toner T around the gap is pushed toward the opening 222 by the pressure of the toner particles pushing against each other in the toner accommodating chamber 216. As a result, the area near the opening 222 is filled with toner T again. Furthermore, when the toner T in the toner accommodating chamber 216 decreases due to the discharge of the toner T, the agent surface Ts of the toner T above the opening 222 drops. When the inclination of the agent surface Ts becomes steeper, the agent surface Ts collapses in the direction approaching the opening 222, causing the toner T to move.

[0206] As shown in Fig. 28(d), when the remaining amount of toner T becomes even smaller, the pressure with which the toner particles push against each other becomes smaller. In this embodiment, an inclined portion 218c of a filter 218 is provided on the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 216. The inclined portion 218c is inclined so as to become lower as it approaches the opening 222, which is the lowest part of the filter 218. In other words, the inclined portion 218c is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so as to move downward (towards the -Y side) as it approaches the opening 222 in a direction within a horizontal plane (within the XZ plane) perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0207] For this reason, even when the remaining amount of toner T is low, the toner T fluidized by the air flowing into the toner accommodating chamber 216 through the filter 218 moves toward the opening 222 along the inclination of the inclined portion 218c. Therefore, even when the remaining amount of toner in the toner accommodating chamber 216 is low, the toner T can be discharged from the toner cartridge C2 more stably. In addition, when the remaining amount of toner is low, the amount of toner remaining in the toner accommodating chamber 216 without being discharged from the toner cartridge C2 can be reduced.

[0208] According to the fifth embodiment and its modified examples described above, it is possible to provide a new form of image forming apparatus and cartridge having a configuration in which toner is discharged from the cartridge by using air.

[0209] <<Variation>> The communication portion (pressure relief path) described in the second embodiment may be added to the toner cartridge C2 according to the fifth embodiment or its modified example. For example, a hole or a filter portion may be provided as a pressure relief path on the upper surface of the cartridge frame 32 of the toner cartridge C2 shown in Figs. 25(a) to 27(b). When providing a pressure relief path, it is sufficient that the amount of air discharged from the exhaust port 219 when air is introduced into the air chamber 217 is greater than the amount of air discharged from the pressure relief path. By providing a pressure relief path, for example, when the toner cartridge C2 is gripped tightly, it is possible to prevent the internal pressure of the toner storage chamber 216 from becoming excessively high.

[0210] Example 6 A toner cartridge C2 according to Example 6 will be described. The toner cartridge C2 of this example is detachably mounted in the apparatus main body A of the image forming apparatus IF described in Example 5, similar to the toner cartridge C2 of Example 5. Hereinafter, elements with common reference symbols to Examples 1 and 5 have basically the same configurations and functions as those described in Examples 1 and 5 unless otherwise specified, and differences from Examples 1 and 5 will be mainly described.

[0211] <Extension part> In this embodiment, a configuration for maintaining the posture of the toner cartridge C2 will be described. Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the toner cartridge C2 according to this embodiment. The toner cartridge C2 has an extension 236. The extension 236 extends downward (to the -Y side) beyond the lower end of the cartridge frame 232. The extension 236 protrudes downward (to the -Y side) beyond the lowermost part of the filter 218 and beyond the lower end (discharge port 219) of the discharge pipe 227.

[0212] The upper end of the extension 236 is joined to the lower end (flange portion 232a) of the cartridge frame 232. The joining method is not particularly limited, and can be selected from, for example, ultrasonic welding, heat welding, adhesion using an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive, and mechanical joining using screws or the like.

[0213] When viewed in the Y direction, the extension 236 is a hollow (annular, cylindrical) member with a hole in the center. The entire circumference of the upper end of the extension 236 is joined to the entire circumference of the flange portion 232a. When the toner cartridge C2 before being installed in the apparatus main body A is viewed in the Y direction, most of the filter 218 is exposed inside the extension 236.

[0214] A second abutment portion 236e is provided at the lower end of the extension portion 236, which abuts against a second abutted portion 231e (FIGS. 31(a) and (b)) of the mounting portion 231 when the toner cartridge C2 is mounted in the mounting portion 231. The second abutment portion 236e is an end face of the extension portion 236 in the mounting direction (arrow D in FIG. 31(a)) of the toner cartridge C2. The abutment between the second abutment portion 236e and the second abutted portion 231e will be described later. In this embodiment, the height of the second abutment portion 236e in the Y direction is uniform around the entire circumference of the extension portion 236.

[0215] Further, the toner cartridge C2 has a first contact portion 132e for contacting with the first contact portion 131e of the mounting portion 231. The configurations of the first contact portion 132e and the first contact portion 131e may be the same as those described with reference to, for example, Figures 25(a) and (b).

[0216] 30 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a toner cartridge C2 according to a modified example. The toner cartridge C2 of this modified example has an extension 236 as a part of the cartridge frame 232. The extension 236 extends downward (to the -Y side) from the flange 232a of the cartridge frame 232. The extension 236 protrudes downward (to the -Y side) below the lowermost part of the filter 218 and below the lower end (discharge port 219) of the discharge pipe 227.

[0217] When viewed in the Y direction, the extension 236 is formed in a hollow shape (annular, cylindrical) with a hole in the center. When the toner cartridge C2 before being attached to the apparatus main body A is viewed in the Y direction, most of the filter 218 (most of the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 216) is exposed inside the extension 236.

[0218] A second contact portion 236e is provided at the lower end of the extension portion 236, which contacts the second contacted portion 231e (FIGS. 31(a) and (b)) of the mounting portion 231 when the toner cartridge C2 is mounted in the mounting portion 231. The second contact portion 236e is an end face of the extension portion 236 in the mounting direction (arrow D in FIG. 31(a)) of the toner cartridge C2. The contact between the second contact portion 236e and the second contacted portion 231e will be described later. In this modified example, the height of the second contact portion 236e in the Y direction is uniform around the entire circumference of the extension portion 236.

[0219] Fig. 31(a) is an explanatory diagram showing a state before the toner cartridge C2 according to the modified example is mounted in the mounting portion 231. Fig. 31(b) is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the toner cartridge C2 according to the modified example is mounted in the mounting portion 231.

[0220] When the toner cartridge C2 according to the modified example is mounted in the mounting portion 231, the first contact portion 132e comes into contact with the first contacted portion 131e, and the second contact portion 236e at the lower end of the extension portion 236 comes into contact with the second contacted portion 31e of the mounting portion 231. This forms an air chamber 217, which is a space surrounded by the toner cartridge C2 and the mounting portion 231. Similarly, in the case of the toner cartridge C2 according to the sixth embodiment, the first contact portion 132e comes into contact with the first contacted portion 131e, and the second contact portion 236e comes into contact with the second contacted portion 231e, thereby forming the air chamber 217. At least one of the second contact portion 236e and the second contacted portion 231e may be provided with a sealing member for increasing the adhesion between the second contact portion 236e and the second contacted portion 231e.

[0221] <Advantages of the extension> In this embodiment and the modified example, the extension 236 protrudes downward from the lower end (discharge port 219) of the discharge pipe 227 provided at the bottom of the filter 218. Therefore, when the toner cartridge C2 is placed on a desk or the like, the filter 218 and the discharge pipe 227 do not come into contact with the desk, and the possibility that the attitude of the toner cartridge C2 becomes unstable can be reduced. In addition, the possibility that dirt adheres to the filter 218, reducing breathability, or dirt adhered to the discharge port 219 mixes with the toner supplied to the process cartridge B can be reduced.

[0222] In this embodiment and the modified example, the second contact portion 236e is provided at the lower end of the extension portion 236 that protrudes downward (to the -Y side) from the lower end (discharge port 219) of the discharge pipe 227. Therefore, as shown in Figures 31(a) and (b), even when a flat mounting portion 231 is used, the air chamber 217 can be appropriately formed, and the toner cartridge C2 can be easily mounted. In other words, by providing the extension portion 236, the position where the toner cartridge C2 and the mounting portion 231 come into contact with each other to form the air chamber 217 can be set at a position away from the joint between the cartridge frame 232 and the filter 218.

[0223] According to the sixth embodiment and its modified examples described above, it is possible to provide a new form of image forming apparatus and cartridge having a configuration in which toner is discharged from the cartridge by using air.

[0224] Example 7 A toner cartridge C2 according to Example 7 will be described. The toner cartridge C2 of this example is detachably mounted in the apparatus main body A of the image forming apparatus IF described in Example 5, similar to the toner cartridge C2 of Example 5. Hereinafter, elements with common reference symbols to Examples 1 and 5 have basically the same configurations and functions as those described in Examples 1 and 5 unless otherwise specified, and differences from Examples 1 and 5 will be mainly described.

[0225] <Protective materials> Fig. 32(a) is a sectional perspective view of the toner cartridge C2 according to Example 7. Fig. 32(b) is a sectional perspective view showing the toner cartridge C2 with the protection member 237 removed.

[0226] 32(a), the toner cartridge C2 of this embodiment includes a protective member 237 (cover member) that protects the filter 218 and the discharge pipe 227. The protective member 237 is attached to the cartridge frame 232 so as to cover at least a part (preferably the entirety) of the filter 218 when the toner cartridge C2 is viewed in the Y direction. In addition, the protective member 237 is attached to the cartridge frame 232 so as to cover at least a part (preferably the entirety) of the discharge port 219 when the toner cartridge C2 is viewed in the Y direction.

[0227] The toner cartridge C2 has a first contact portion 132e and a second contact portion 232e. The configurations of the first contact portion 132e and the second contact portion 232e may be the same as those described in the fifth embodiment (FIGS. 25(a) and 25(b)).

[0228] The protective member 237 is removable (separable) from the cartridge frame 232, or movable relative to the cartridge frame 232 so as to expose the filter 218 and the discharge port 219. When the toner cartridge C2 is mounted in the mounting portion 231 of the apparatus main body A, the protective member 237 is removed in advance (FIG. 32(b)). With the protective member 237 removed, the user moves the toner cartridge C2 in the mounting direction (arrow D) relative to the mounting portion 231. As a result, the first contact portion 132e and the second contact portion 232e come into contact with the first contacted portion 131e and the second contacted portion 231e of the mounting portion 231, respectively, to form the air chamber 217 (FIG. 25(b)). In other words, by removing the protective member 237, the toner cartridge C2 is in a state in which it can be properly mounted in the mounting portion 231.

[0229] <Advantages of protective materials> If filter 218 is made of a low-rigidity material such as nonwoven fabric, it is conceivable that filter 218 may break and toner may leak if filter 218 receives a strong force, such as when it comes into contact with a sharp object. In this embodiment, filter 218 is protected by protective member 237, so that the possibility of filter 218 breaking can be reduced.

[0230] The material of the filter 218 is not limited to nonwoven fabric, and it is also possible to make the filter 218 highly rigid by, for example, heat press molding, sintering, or other means. By increasing the strength of the filter 218 itself, the possibility of the filter 218 breaking can be reduced. Even in this case, by providing the protective member 237 of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the filter 218 becoming dirty and its breathability decreasing when, for example, the toner cartridge C2 is placed on a desk.

[0231] In addition, by covering the discharge pipe 227 (discharge port 219) with the protective member 237, the possibility of damage to the discharge pipe 227 and of dirt adhering to the discharge port 219 being mixed with the toner replenished to the process cartridge B can be reduced.

[0232] According to the seventh embodiment and its modified examples described above, it is possible to provide a new form of image forming apparatus and cartridge having a configuration in which toner is discharged from the cartridge by using air.

[0233] Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, the toner cartridge C for replenishing toner to the process cartridge B has been described as an example of a "cartridge" that is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The "cartridge" is not limited to this, and may be an all-in-one cartridge that integrates a toner storage section corresponding to the toner cartridge C and a process unit (corresponding to the process cartridge B) that receives toner from the toner storage section. The "cartridge" may also be one that integrates a toner storage section corresponding to the toner cartridge C and a developing unit B1 that receives toner from the toner storage section. In these examples, the configuration described in the above-described embodiment can be applied to the toner storage section corresponding to the toner cartridge C.

[0234] In the above-described embodiment, the process cartridge B used in a direct transfer type electrophotographic process has been described as an example of the "image forming means." The "image forming means" is not limited to this, and may be a process cartridge used in an intermediate transfer type electrophotographic process in which a toner image formed on a photosensitive drum is primarily transferred to an intermediate transfer body such as an intermediate transfer belt, and the toner image is then transferred from the intermediate transfer body to a recording material. The "image forming means" may also be a process unit fixed to the apparatus main body A in a manner that does not assume attachment or detachment by the user.

[0235] The configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiments or modifications can be simultaneously applied to one cartridge or one image forming apparatus, unless they contradict each other.

[0236] Summary of the Disclosure The present disclosure includes at least the following: (Configuration 1) An image forming apparatus, a cartridge including a container that defines a first chamber for storing toner, the container having at least a portion of a bottom surface thereof formed by a filter that allows air to pass through but prevents toner from passing through; an apparatus main body having a mounting portion into which the cartridge can be mounted and a toner storage portion that stores toner supplied from the cartridge mounted in the mounting portion; an air supply unit that supplies air; Equipped with The mounting portion has a wall portion configured to define a second chamber with the filter as an upper surface when the cartridge is mounted, and the wall portion has an intake port for taking in air from the air supply portion into the second chamber. 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: (Configuration 2) The wall portion includes a bottom wall including an opposing surface that faces the filter with a gap therebetween, and a side wall that is provided around the filter when viewed in the gravity direction and extends upward from the bottom wall, The second chamber is surrounded by the filter, the bottom wall, and the side wall. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, (Configuration 3) The intake is provided in the bottom wall. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, (Configuration 4) The container includes a container frame having an opening on the bottom surface, The filter is provided to cover the opening. 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3. (Configuration 5) The wall portion has a bottom wall located below the cartridge and including an opposing surface facing the filter with a gap therebetween, the container frame includes a container side wall provided around the filter when viewed in the gravity direction and extending toward the bottom wall, The second chamber is surrounded by the filter, the bottom wall, and the container side wall. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, (Configuration 6) The container frame has a flange portion provided on an edge of the opening, The outer edge of the filter is joined to the flange portion. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, (Configuration 7) the cartridge has an outlet for discharging toner to the outside of the container, and a contact portion that contacts a contacted portion of the mounting portion when the cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion, a contact area between the contact portion and the contacted portion is annular, the filter is present in an area on one side of the annular contact area on the surface of the cartridge, and the discharge port is present in an area on the other side of the annular contact area. 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6. (Configuration 8) At least one of the contact portion and the contacted portion is provided with a sealing member that seals a gap between the contact portion and the contacted portion when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting portion. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, (Configuration 9) the cartridge has a discharge pipe having an inlet at one end communicating with the first chamber and an outlet at the other end communicating with the outside of the container, the mounting portion has a hole through which the discharge pipe is inserted when the cartridge is mounted on the mounting portion; 9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 8. (Configuration 10) The cartridge has a cover member that covers at least a part of the filter and is provided detachably or movably so as to expose the filter. 10. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 9. (Configuration 11) The air supply unit is an air pump. 11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. (Configuration 12) A toner container detachably attached to an image forming apparatus, a container frame provided with a first opening communicating with the outside of the toner container and a second opening having an area larger than that of the first opening; a filter that allows air to pass through and prevents toner from passing through, the filter covering the second opening; Equipped with a toner storage chamber for storing toner is formed by the container frame and the filter, When the toner container is in an attached position, the second opening is located on a bottom surface of the container frame, The filter constitutes a part of the outer surface of the toner container. A toner container comprising: (Configuration 13) The toner storage chamber is not provided with an agitating member for agitating the toner. 13. The toner container according to claim 12, (Configuration 14) the second opening occupies more than half of the area corresponding to the toner storage chamber when viewed in the gravity direction; 14. The toner container according to claim 12 or 13. (Configuration 15) the second opening occupies an entire portion corresponding to the toner storage chamber when viewed in the gravity direction; 14. The toner container according to claim 12 or 13. (Configuration 16) When air flows into the toner storage chamber through the filter, the first opening is the only path through which the air is exhausted from the toner storage chamber to the outside of the toner container. 16. The toner container according to any one of configurations 12 to 15. (Configuration 17) the container frame further has a third opening communicating with the outside of the toner container, When air flows into the toner-accommodating chamber through the filter, the amount of air discharged from the first opening is greater than the amount of air discharged from the third opening. 16. The toner container according to any one of configurations 12 to 15. (Configuration 18) a discharge pipe having an inlet at one end through which the toner in the toner storage chamber flows and the first opening at the other end; The inlet faces the filter in the direction of gravity, the filter is configured with an inclined surface that is inclined so that a portion of the filter facing the inlet is the lowest portion of the filter when the toner container is in an attached position. 18. A toner container according to any one of configurations 12 to 17. [Explanation of symbols]

[0237] A: main body of the device; B: image forming means (process cartridge); C: cartridge (toner cartridge); 12: toner storage section (toner chamber); 16: first chamber (toner storage chamber); 17: second chamber (air chamber); 18: filter; 27b: exhaust port; 31: mounting section; 35: air supply section (pump);

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, a cartridge including a container forming a first chamber for storing toner, the container having at least a part of a bottom surface formed by a filter that allows air to pass but prevents toner from passing; an apparatus main body having a mounting portion into which the cartridge can be mounted and a toner storage portion that stores toner supplied from the cartridge mounted in the mounting portion; an air supply unit that supplies air; Equipped with the mounting portion has a wall portion configured to define a second chamber with the filter as an upper surface when the cartridge is mounted, the wall portion having an intake port for taking in air from the air supply portion into the second chamber.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The wall portion includes a bottom wall including an opposing surface that faces the filter with a gap therebetween, and a side wall that is provided around the filter when viewed in the gravity direction and extends upward from the bottom wall, The second chamber is surrounded by the filter, the bottom wall, and the side wall.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

3. The intake is provided in the bottom wall.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2,

4. The container includes a container frame having an opening on the bottom surface, The filter is provided to cover the opening.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

5. The wall portion has a bottom wall located below the cartridge and including an opposing surface facing the filter with a gap therebetween, the container frame includes a container side wall provided around the filter when viewed in the gravity direction and extending toward the bottom wall, The second chamber is surrounded by the filter, the bottom wall, and the container side wall.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The container frame has a flange portion provided on an edge of the opening, The outer edge of the filter is joined to the flange portion.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

7. the cartridge has an outlet for discharging toner to the outside of the container, and a contact portion that contacts a contacted portion of the mounting portion when the cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion, a contact area between the contact portion and the contacted portion is annular, the filter is present in an area on one side of the annular contact area on the surface of the cartridge, and the discharge port is present in an area on the other side of the annular contact area.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

8. At least one of the contact portion and the contacted portion is provided with a sealing member that seals a gap between the contact portion and the contacted portion when the cartridge is mounted in the mounting portion.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7,

9. the cartridge has a discharge pipe having an inlet at one end communicating with the first chamber and an outlet at the other end communicating with the outside of the container; the mounting portion has a hole through which the discharge pipe is inserted when the cartridge is mounted on the mounting portion; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

10. The cartridge has a cover member that covers at least a part of the filter and is provided detachably or movably so as to expose the filter.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

11. The air supply unit is an air pump.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,

12. A toner container detachably attached to an image forming apparatus, a container frame provided with a first opening communicating with the outside of the toner container and a second opening having an area larger than that of the first opening; a filter that allows air to pass but prevents toner from passing, the filter covering the second opening; Equipped with a toner storage chamber for storing toner is formed by the container frame and the filter, When the toner container is in an attached position, the second opening is located on a bottom surface of the container frame, The filter constitutes a part of the outer surface of the toner container. A toner container comprising:

13. The toner storage chamber is not provided with an agitating member for agitating the toner.

13. The toner container according to claim 12.

14. the second opening occupies more than half of a portion corresponding to the toner storage chamber when viewed in the gravity direction; 13. The toner container according to claim 12.

15. the second opening occupies an entire portion corresponding to the toner storage chamber when viewed in the gravity direction; 13. The toner container according to claim 12.

16. when air flows into the toner storage chamber through the filter, the first opening is the only path through which the air is exhausted from the toner storage chamber to the outside of the toner container.

13. The toner container according to claim 12.

17. the container frame further has a third opening communicating with the outside of the toner container, When air flows into the toner-accommodating chamber through the filter, the amount of air discharged from the first opening is greater than the amount of air discharged from the third opening.

13. The toner container according to claim 12.

18. a discharge pipe having an inlet at one end through which the toner in the toner storage chamber flows and the first opening at the other end; The inlet faces the filter in the direction of gravity, the filter is configured with an inclined surface that is inclined so that a portion of the filter facing the inlet is the lowest portion of the filter when the toner container is in an attached position.

18. The toner container according to claim 12, wherein the toner container is a toner container having a toner container body.

Images