Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To suppress toner leakage when a toner cartridge is replaced.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus is provided with a device body having a photosensitive drum, a developing container configured to contain toner, and a developing roller; and a toner cartridge detachably supported on the device body, the toner cartridge having a toner containing chamber in which a discharge port for discharging the toner is provided, a filter, and an air chamber which is partitioned from the toner containing chamber by the filter and in which a receiving port communicating with the air chamber is provided. The apparatus main body includes a pump for supplying air to the air chamber, a first connection portion connected to a reception port of the toner cartridge, and a second connection portion connected to a discharge port of the toner cartridge. In a case where the toner cartridge is detached from the apparatus main body, the connection between the first connection portion and the reception port is released and the reception port is opened before the connection between the second connection portion and the discharge port is released.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus has been proposed that includes a developing unit that develops a photosensitive drum, a toner hopper that supplies toner to the developing unit, and a powder supplying device that supplies toner to the toner hopper (see Patent Document 1). The powder supplying device includes a powder storage unit that stores toner, and a pump that sucks toner stored in the powder storage unit and discharges the toner toward the toner hopper. The powder storage unit and the pump are connected by a suction tube, and the pump and the toner hopper are connected by a discharge tube. The powder storage unit is configured to be replaceable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-249151 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the powder supply device described in Patent Document 1, if the powder storage unit is replaced while the internal pressure of the powder storage unit is still higher than atmospheric pressure, toner may spray out from the connection port of the powder storage unit that is connected to the suction tube, and toner may leak into the device.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent toner leakage when replacing a toner cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus comprising: an apparatus main body having a photosensitive drum that carries an electrostatic latent image, a developing container configured to store toner, and a developing roller that develops the electrostatic latent image as a toner image using the toner in the developing container; and a toner cartridge configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body, the toner cartridge having a toner storage chamber that stores toner and is provided with an outlet for discharging the toner to the outside of the toner cartridge, a filter configured to prevent the passage of toner but allow the passage of air, and an air chamber that is separated from the toner storage chamber by the filter and is provided with an inlet that communicates with the air chamber; the toner cartridge includes a pump for supplying air to the air chamber of the toner cartridge, a first connection part connected to the receiving port of the toner cartridge, the first connection part having a passage through which the air supplied from the pump passes when sent toward the air chamber, and a second connection part connected to the discharge port of the toner cartridge, the second connection part having a passage through which toner discharged together with air from the discharge port passes when transported toward the developing container, and is configured such that when the toner cartridge is removed from the device main body, the connection between the first connection part and the receiving port is released before the connection between the second connection part and the discharge port is released, and the receiving port is opened.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus comprising: an apparatus main body having a photosensitive drum that carries an electrostatic latent image, a developing container configured to store toner, and a developing roller that develops the electrostatic latent image as a toner image using the toner in the developing container; a toner cartridge configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body, the toner cartridge having a toner storage chamber that stores toner and has an outlet for discharging the toner to the outside of the toner cartridge, a filter configured to prevent the passage of toner but allow the passage of air, and an air chamber that is separated from the toner storage chamber by the filter and has an inlet that communicates with the air chamber; and a valve member, wherein the apparatus main body has a pump for supplying air to the air chamber of the toner cartridge, and a supply pipe having a passage through which the air supplied from the pump passes when sent toward the air chamber, and the valve member is configured to be able to transition between a closed state in which the air chamber is not in communication with the outside of the toner cartridge and an open state in which the air chamber is in communication with the outside of the toner cartridge.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus comprising: an apparatus main body having a photosensitive drum that carries an electrostatic latent image, a developing container configured to store toner, and a developing roller that develops the electrostatic latent image as a toner image using the toner in the developing container; and a toner cartridge configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body, the toner cartridge having a toner storage chamber that stores toner and has an outlet for discharging the toner to the outside of the toner cartridge, a filter configured to prevent the passage of toner but allow the passage of air, and an air chamber that is separated from the toner storage chamber by the filter and has an inlet that communicates with the air chamber; and the apparatus main body has a pump that can transition between a supply state in which air is supplied to the air chamber and a suction state in which air is sucked from the air chamber, and a control unit that transitions the pump to the supply state or the suction state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent toner leakage when replacing a toner cartridge. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic view showing an entire image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] 3A is a cross-sectional view showing the 3A-3A cross section in FIG. 1, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the door is opened, and FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the toner cartridge is moved in the removal direction. [Figure 4] 3(a) is an enlarged view showing the dashed line portion in FIG. 3(a), and FIG. 3(b) is an enlarged view showing the dashed line portion in FIG. 3(b). [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a side view of the toner cartridge as seen from the upstream side in the removal direction. [Figure 6] (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the peripheral configuration of the toner cartridge in the second embodiment, (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the door being opened, and (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the toner cartridge moving in the removal direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the peripheral configuration of a toner cartridge according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] (a) is an enlarged view explaining the operation of the air vent valve, and (b) is an enlarged view explaining the operation of the air vent valve. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of switching the direction of air transport by a pump. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of switching the direction of air transport by the pump. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] First Embodiment [Overall structure] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. An image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment is an electrophotographic full-color laser beam printer. The image forming apparatus includes printers, copiers, facsimiles, and multifunction peripherals, and refers to an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet used as a recording medium based on image information input from an external PC or image information read from an original. In addition to a main body having an image forming function, an image forming apparatus may be connected to accessory devices such as an optional feeder, an image reader, and a sheet processing device. The entire system connected with such accessory devices is also considered a type of image forming apparatus.

[0012] 1, the image forming apparatus 100 has an image forming section 120 that forms an image on a sheet S, a feeding unit 130, a fixing unit 111, and a pair of discharge rollers 112. The image forming section 120 has four process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK that form toner images of four colors, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively, and a laser scanner 103. The laser scanner 103 is disposed below the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. Note that an LED exposure unit may be used instead of the laser scanner 103.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 100 excluding toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, which will be described later, may be referred to as the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 or the apparatus main body 100A. The process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK may be detachably supported on the housing of the apparatus main body 100A, or may be fixed non-detachably to the housing of the apparatus main body 100A.

[0014] In this embodiment, the reference numerals of the components corresponding to the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners are suffixed with Y, M, C, and K. The configurations and operations of the components with these suffixes are essentially the same except for the toner colors. Therefore, in the following, unless a particular distinction is required, the suffixes Y to K may be omitted and the components may be generally described.

[0015] The process cartridge PY has a photosensitive drum 101Y, a charging roller (not shown), a developer container 104Y containing toner, and a developing roller 121Y. The photosensitive drum 101Y is configured by coating an organic photoconductive layer on the outer periphery of an aluminum cylinder, and is rotated by a drive motor (not shown). A photosensitive belt may be used instead of the photosensitive drum 101Y. The developer container 104Y contains yellow toner, and the developing roller 121Y develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 101Y using the toner in the developer container 104Y. The process cartridges PM, PC, and PK have the same configuration as the process cartridge PY.

[0016] The image forming section 120 is also provided with an intermediate transfer belt unit 140 disposed above the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. The intermediate transfer belt unit 140 includes an intermediate transfer belt 102, primary transfer rollers 106Y, 106M, 106C, and 106K disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 102, a secondary inner transfer roller 141, and a secondary transfer roller 105.

[0017] The primary transfer rollers 106Y, 106M, 106C, and 106K are in contact with the photosensitive drums of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, respectively, to form a primary transfer portion. The secondary transfer roller 105 is disposed opposite the inner secondary transfer roller 141 across the intermediate transfer belt 102. The secondary transfer roller 105 and the intermediate transfer belt 102 are in contact with each other to form a secondary transfer portion.

[0018] The fixing unit 111 has a fixing film 111a heated by a heater, and a pressure roller 111b that presses against the fixing film 111a. The feeding unit 130 is provided in the lower part of the image forming apparatus 100. The feeding unit 130 has a feeding cassette 107 that can be pulled out and attached to the apparatus main body 100A, a pickup roller 108 that feeds the sheets S stored in the feeding cassette 107, and a conveying roller pair 109. The sheets include paper such as paper and envelopes, plastic films such as overhead projector sheets (OHP), cloth, etc.

[0019] [Image formation operation] Next, we will explain the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 100 configured as above. When an image signal is input to the laser scanner 103 from a personal computer (not shown) or the like, the laser scanner 103 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 101Y with laser light corresponding to the image signal.

[0020] At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 101Y is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by a charging roller, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface by irradiating it with laser light from the laser scanner 103. The electrostatic latent image carried on the photosensitive drum 101Y is developed by the developing roller 121Y, and a yellow (Y) toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 101Y.

[0021] Similarly, magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images are formed on the photosensitive drums of the process cartridges PM, PC, and PK. The toner images of each color formed on each photosensitive drum are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 102 by primary transfer rollers 106Y, 106M, 106C, and 106K, and then transported to the secondary transfer roller 105 by the intermediate transfer belt 102.

[0022] The image forming process for each color is performed at a timing to overlap an upstream toner image that has been primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 102. After the toner images for each color are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 102, the toner remaining on the surface of each photosensitive drum is removed by a cleaning device (not shown).

[0023] In parallel with this image formation process, sheets S stored in a feeding cassette 107 of a feeding unit 130 are fed one by one by a pickup roller 108. Then, the sheets S are conveyed toward a secondary transfer portion by a pair of conveying rollers 109 and a pair of registration rollers 110. The pair of registration rollers 110 may correct skew of the sheets S. For example, the sheet S hits the nip of the pair of registration rollers 110, which is in a stopped state, thereby correcting the skew. Furthermore, the pair of conveying rollers 109 and the pair of registration rollers 110 control the conveying speed of the sheets S, so that the conveyance of the sheets S is synchronized with the image being conveyed by the intermediate transfer belt 102.

[0024] In the secondary transfer portion, the full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 102 is transferred onto the sheet S by a secondary transfer bias applied to the secondary transfer roller 105. The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred is subjected to predetermined heat and pressure by a fixing film 111a and a pressure roller 111b of a fixing unit 111, thereby melting and fixing (fixing) the toner. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing unit 111 is discharged by a pair of discharge rollers 112 and is stacked on a discharge tray 113 provided at the top of the apparatus main body 100A.

[0025] [Outline of toner cartridge configuration] Next, the schematic configuration of the toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus main body 100A has an opening 150 provided in the housing of the apparatus main body 100A and a door 2 that can open and close the opening 150. The door 2 is configured to be movable (rotatable) about a rotation axis 2a (see Figure 1) between a closed position that closes the opening 150 and an open position that opens the opening 150, and is disposed on the front side of the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, the door 2 can maintain its posture in either the closed position or the open position.

[0026] When the door 2 is opened from the closed position to the open position, the toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 100 through the opening 150. This allows the user to access the toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. The toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K can replenish toner into the developing containers 104 of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK.

[0027] The toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are arranged (aligned) side by side in the arrangement direction D1. Similarly to the toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K, the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are also arranged side by side in the arrangement direction D1. The toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body 100A. That is, the toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K reach their respective installation positions in the apparatus main body 100A by being moved in an installation direction. The toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are configured to be removed from their respective installation positions by being moved in a removal direction D2, which is the opposite direction to the installation direction. The installation direction and removal direction D2 are directions that intersect with the arrangement direction D1. Figure 2 shows the toner cartridge 1M being removed from the apparatus main body 100A in the removal direction D2.

[0028] In this embodiment, the removal direction D2 as the detachment direction is a direction along the horizontal direction. Both the arrangement direction D1 and the removal direction D2 are perpendicular to the direction of gravity G (see FIG. 5). The direction of gravity G is a direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction, and can also be referred to as the vertical direction.

[0029] The toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K may be configured to be removable from the apparatus main body 100A when the amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K falls below a predetermined amount. Also, a cartridge tray may be provided as a support member that is supported movably in the removal direction D2 and the installation direction relative to the apparatus main body 100A and supports the toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. That is, the toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K may be configured to be removed from the apparatus main body 100A when the cartridge tray is pulled out from the apparatus main body 100A in the removal direction D2.

[0030] Figure 3(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the 3A-3A cross section in Figure 1, Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state when door 2 is open, and Figure 3(c) is a cross-sectional view showing the state when toner cartridge 1 moves in removal direction D2. Note that Figures 3(b) and 3(c) also show the 3A-3A cross section in Figure 1.

[0031] Since the toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K have similar configurations, they will not be distinguished from one another and will be described below as toner cartridge 1. The device main body 100A is also provided with pumps 3, first pipes 4, and second pipes 9, the same number as the toner cartridges, but these will not be distinguished from one another in the following description.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the toner cartridge 1 has a frame 1F and a filter 6 fixed to the frame 1F. The filter 6 divides the internal space of the frame 1F into a toner storage chamber 1a in which toner T is stored, and an air chamber 1b. In other words, it can be said that the toner cartridge 1 has a toner storage chamber 1a and an air chamber 1b. The air chamber 1b is located below the filter 6, and the toner storage chamber 1a is located above the filter 6.

[0033] In this embodiment, the frame 1F is made of a resin material, but it may also be made of paper, rubber, or the like. The frame 1F may also be made of multiple components rather than a single component. For example, the frame 1F may be made of two frame components that sandwich the filter 6. The filter 6 is made of a porous component, such as resin fibers. The pores of the filter 6 are sized and dense enough to allow air to pass through while restricting the passage of toner T. In other words, the filter 6 is configured to allow air to pass through while preventing the passage of toner T. The filter 6 also has a shape that is inclined toward the lowest portion 6a, which is located below the outer edge. In other words, the filter 6 has an inclined portion 6b that slopes downward in the horizontal direction as it approaches the lowest portion 6a.

[0034] The apparatus main body 100A has a pump 3 for transporting air to the air chamber 1b of the toner cartridge 1, a first pipe 4, and a second pipe 9. The pump 3 is disposed outside a frame 114 of the apparatus main body 100A that forms a space for accommodating the toner cartridge 1, and is disposed between the frame 114 and an exterior cover 115. Therefore, even if the pump 3 needs to be replaced, the pump 3 can be accessed from the rear side of the image forming apparatus 100 by removing the exterior cover 115 from the frame 114.

[0035] The first pipe 4 connects the pump 3 and the air chamber 1b and transports air from the pump 3 to the air chamber 1b. The second pipe 9 connects the toner storage chamber 1a and the developing container 104 and transports toner together with air from the toner storage chamber 1a to the developing container 104. More specifically, the toner cartridge 1 is provided with a first connected portion 5 and a second connected portion 8, and the first pipe 4 and the second pipe 9 are connected to the first connected portion 5 and the second connected portion 8, respectively. The first pipe 4 is connected to the first connected portion 5 from the upstream side in the removal direction D2 of the toner cartridge 1, and the second pipe 9 is connected to the second connected portion 8 from the upstream side in the removal direction D2 of the toner cartridge 1. The second pipe 9 is connected to the developing container 104 from the upstream side in the removal direction D2.

[0036] A toner discharge pipe 7 is provided in the toner storage chamber 1a, and the toner T stored in the toner storage chamber 1a is transported to the developing container 104 in the apparatus main body 100A through the toner discharge pipe 7, the second connected part 8, and the second pipe 9. One end of the toner discharge pipe 7 faces the lowest part 6a of the filter 6, and the other end is connected to the second connected part 8. In this embodiment, the second connected part 8 is integrally provided with the frame 1F of the toner cartridge 1 and has a pipe part 8a that connects the toner discharge pipe 7 and the second pipe 9, but this is not limiting. For example, the pipe part 8a may be integrally provided with the toner discharge pipe 7 and engage with the second pipe 9. The pipe part 8a may also be provided separately from the frame 1F and the toner discharge pipe 7.

[0037] Next, we will explain the mechanism by which the toner T is transported to the developing container 104. When the pump 3 operates, air is sent to the air chamber 1b through the first pipe 4. This air then fills the air chamber 1b, passes through the filter 6, and flows into the toner storage chamber 1a.

[0038] The air that flows into the toner storage chamber 1a penetrates between the particles of the toner T and fluidizes the toner T. The air inflow from the pump 3 creates a positive pressure inside the toner cartridge 1, and the air passes through the toner discharge pipe 7 and attempts to exit the toner cartridge 1 from the second connected part 8.

[0039] At this time, the toner T in the toner storage chamber 1a is moved through the toner discharge pipe 7 together with the air and is discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge 1 from the second connected part 8. That is, the toner discharge pipe 7 guides the toner T in the toner storage chamber 1a together with the air to the second connected part 8. The toner T discharged from the second connected part 8 enters the developing container 104 via the second pipe 9. As a result, the toner T is replenished to the developing container 104.

[0040] Since not only toner T but also air flows into the developing container 104, the internal pressure within the developing container 104 increases. For this reason, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3( a), a deaeration section 11 is provided on the upper surface of the developing container 104. The deaeration section 11 is composed of a through-hole provided in the developing container 104 and an exhaust filter (not shown) that covers the through-hole. The exhaust filter is made of a nonwoven fabric or the like and is configured to allow air to pass through but restrict the passage of toner. As a result, the toner that has flowed into the developing container 104 is restricted from being discharged to the outside by the exhaust filter and remains within the developing container 104. Meanwhile, at least a portion of the air that has flowed into the developing container 104 passes through the exhaust filter and is discharged to the outside of the developing container 104. This suppresses an increase in the internal pressure of the developing container 104, allowing toner to be smoothly replenished to the developing container 104.

[0041] [Removing the toner cartridge] Next, the configuration and operation for removing the toner cartridge 1 from the apparatus main body 100A will be described with reference to Figures 3(a) to 5. Figure 4(a) is an enlarged view showing the dashed line portion in Figure 3(a), and Figure 4(b) is an enlarged view showing the dashed line portion in Figure 3(b). Figure 5 is a side view of the toner cartridge 1 as seen from the upstream side in the removal direction D2.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4(a), the first pipe 4 has an air carrying tube 4a and a first connecting part 4b that communicates with the air carrying tube 4a and is inserted into the first connected part 5. The air carrying tube 4a, which serves as a supply pipe, has a passage 4aP through which air supplied from the pump 3 passes when sent toward the air chamber 1b. The first connecting part 4b is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a passage 4bP through which air supplied from the pump 3 passes when sent toward the air chamber 1b. In other words, the air supplied from the pump 3 passes through the passages 4aP and 4bP and is sent from the inlet 5aP to the air chamber 1b.

[0043] The first connected part 5 is formed integrally with the frame 1F and includes a pipe part 5a that forms an inlet 5aP that communicates with the air chamber 1b, and an O-ring 5b that fits tightly against the outer circumferential surface of the first connecting part 4b. It can also be said that the air chamber 1b is provided with the inlet 5aP. The first connecting part 4b of the first pipe 4 is inserted into the pipe part 5a of the first connected part 5. That is, the first connecting part 4b is connected to the inlet 5aP of the pipe part 5a. At this time, the O-ring 5b, which serves as a first sealing member, seals the gap between the first connecting part 4b and the pipe part 5a that forms the inlet 5aP.

[0044] The second pipe 9 has a toner transport tube 9a and a second connecting portion 9b that communicates with the toner transport tube 9a and is inserted into the second connected portion 8. The toner transport tube 9a as a pipe has a passage 9aP through which toner T discharged together with air from the toner cartridge 1 passes via the second connecting portion 9b. The second connecting portion 9b is also formed in a cylindrical shape and has a passage 9bP through which toner T discharged together with air from the toner cartridge 1 passes. That is, toner T discharged from the discharge port 8aP of the toner storage chamber 1a passes through the passages 9bP, 9aP and is sent to the developing container 104.

[0045] The second pipe 9 is positioned to avoid interference with other units of the image forming apparatus 100, such as the laser scanner 103, located between the toner cartridge 1 and the developing container 104, as well as with the laser beam path. The second connected portion 8 is integrally formed with the frame 1F and includes a pipe portion 8a with an outlet 8aP for discharging the toner T from the toner storage chamber 1a to the outside of the toner cartridge 1, and an O-ring 8b that fits tightly against the outer surface of the second connecting portion 9b. It can also be said that the toner storage chamber 1a is provided with the outlet 8aP. The second connecting portion 9b of the second pipe 9 is inserted into the pipe portion 8a of the second connected portion 8. That is, the second connecting portion 9b is connected to the outlet 8aP of the pipe portion 8a. At this time, the O-ring 8b, serving as a second sealing member, seals the gap between the second connecting portion 9b and the pipe portion 8a, which constitutes the outlet 8aP.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the first connector 4b is integrally formed with the air transport tube 4a, but is not limited to this. For example, the first connector 4b may be formed as a separate member from the air transport tube 4a. Furthermore, the first connector 4b may be directly connected to the pump 3 and the inlet 5aP of the air chamber 1b. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the second connector 9b is integrally formed with the toner transport tube 9a, but is not limited to this. For example, the second connector 9b may be formed as a separate member from the toner transport tube 9a. Furthermore, the second connector 9b may be directly connected to the developing container 104 and the outlet 8aP of the toner storage chamber 1a.

[0047] The first connected portion 5 is configured so that, when the toner cartridge 1 is in the mounted position, the first connecting portion 4b of the first pipe 4 is inserted a first distance L1 from the O-ring 5b toward the air chamber 1b in the removal direction D2. The second connected portion 8 is configured so that, when the toner cartridge 1 is in the mounted position, the second connecting portion 9b of the second pipe 9 is inserted a second distance L2 from the O-ring 8b toward the toner storage chamber 1a in the removal direction D2. The second distance L2 is set to be longer than the first distance L1. When the toner cartridge 1 is mounted in the apparatus main body 100A at the mounted position, the toner cartridge 1 can transport toner T toward the developing container 104.

[0048] As described above, in this embodiment, the first pipe 4 and the second pipe 9 are inserted with sufficient clearance into the first connected portion 5 and the second connected portion 8, respectively, and the O-rings 5b and 8b are fitted tightly to the outer peripheral surfaces of the first connecting portion 4b and the second connecting portion 9b. This allows for a certain degree of tolerance in the mounting position of the toner cartridge 1, and the O-rings 5b and 8b can prevent air from leaking from the first connected portion 5 and the second connected portion 8.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3(b), when removing the toner cartridge 1 from the apparatus main body 100A, the user first moves the door 2 from the closed position to the open position. Then, the user pulls the toner cartridge 1 out of the apparatus main body 100A in the removal direction D2. At this time, the toner cartridge 1 is pulled out while being supported by the upper surface of the door 2.

[0050] Then, as shown in FIG. 4(b), with the second pipe 9 connected to the toner storage chamber 1a of the toner cartridge 1, the first connecting portion 4b of the first pipe 4 is detached from the first connected portion 5. When the toner cartridge 1 moves in the removal direction D2 from the mounted position, the first connected portion 5 is detached from the first pipe 4 before the second connected portion 8 is detached from the second pipe 9. In other words, when the toner cartridge 1 is removed from the apparatus main body 100A, the connection between the first connecting portion 4b and the receiving opening 5aP is released before the connection between the second connecting portion 9b and the outlet 8aP is released. This opens the receiving opening 5aP. This is because the second distance L2 is longer than the first distance L1. In other words, when the toner cartridge 1 moves in the removal direction D2 from the mounted position by the first distance L1, the second connected portion 8 is detached from the first connecting portion 4b. When the moving distance in the removal direction D2 from the mounting position of the toner cartridge 1 is equal to or greater than the first distance L1 and less than the second distance L2, the connection state between the second connected portion 8 and the second connecting portion 9b is maintained. For example, in FIG. 4(b), the second connecting portion 9b is still inserted into the second connected portion 8 by the distance L2'.

[0051] When the first connected part 5 is removed from the first connecting part 4b, the first connected part 5 is connected to the outside of the toner cartridge 1, and the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 becomes equal to atmospheric pressure. For example, if a blockage occurs anywhere in the toner transport path from the toner cartridge 1 to the developing container 104, the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 may become greater than atmospheric pressure. If the first connected part 5 is removed from the first pipe 4 while the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 is greater than atmospheric pressure, air AR is discharged from the first connected part 5 to the outside of the toner cartridge 1 until the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 becomes equal to atmospheric pressure. The first connected part 5 and the second connected part 8 constitute a pressure reducing mechanism 160 that reduces the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 when the toner storage chamber 1a and the second pipe 9 are connected.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3(c), when the toner cartridge 1 is further moved in the removal direction D2, the second connection portion 9b is detached from the second connected portion 8, and both the first connection portion 4b and the second connection portion 9b are removed from the toner cartridge 1. This is because the distance the toner cartridge 1 has moved in the removal direction D2 from its installed position is equal to or greater than the second distance L2. At this time, the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 is equal to atmospheric pressure, so even if the second pipe 9 is detached from the second connected portion 8, the toner T in the toner storage chamber 1a does not spray out from the second connected portion 8. This prevents toner leakage when the toner cartridge 1 is replaced.

[0053] There are various methods for removing the toner cartridge 1 from the apparatus main body 100A, but the method is not limited thereto. For example, the toner cartridge 1 may be removed from the apparatus main body 100A by the user pulling a grip portion (not shown) of the toner cartridge 1. Alternatively, the apparatus main body 100A may be provided with a pushing mechanism that pushes the toner cartridge 1 out of the apparatus main body 100A, and when the door 2 moves from the closed position to the open position, the pushing mechanism moves the toner cartridge 1 in the removal direction D2. In other words, the toner cartridge 1 may be configured to move from the installation position in the removal direction D2 in conjunction with the movement of the door 2 from the closed position to the open position. The pushing mechanism may use, for example, the biasing force of a spring or an actuator such as a solenoid.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5 , the second connected part 8 is disposed above the first connected part 5 and at a different position from the first connected part 5 in the arrangement direction D1, which is a direction perpendicular to both the removal direction D2 and the direction of gravity G. That is, the discharge port 8aP is disposed above the receiving port 5aP and at a different position from the receiving port 5aP in the arrangement direction D1, which is a direction perpendicular to both the removal direction D2 and the direction of gravity G. In this way, because the receiving port 5aP is not disposed directly below the discharge port 8aP, even if toner T adhering near the discharge port 8aP falls when the toner cartridge 1 is removed from the apparatus main body 100A, adhesion of the toner T to the receiving port 5aP can be suppressed. This suppresses adhesion of the toner T between the first connected part 5 and the first pipe 4, particularly near the O-ring 5b, and suppresses deterioration of the sealing between the first pipe 4 and the first connected part 5. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the toner T from entering the air chamber 1b from the first connected portion 5, causing the filter 6 to become clogged and resulting in a decrease in toner discharge performance.

[0055] Furthermore, the first connected portion 5 and the second connected portion 8 are disposed within the projected area of ​​the toner cartridge 1 when viewed from the removal direction D2. This allows the toner cartridge 1 to be made smaller in size in the gravity direction G and the arrangement direction D1.

[0056] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described, in which an air vent valve 12 is provided in the toner cartridge 1 instead of the pressure reducing mechanism 160 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted from the illustrations or will be described with the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0057] Fig. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the peripheral configuration of the toner cartridge 1 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state when the door 2 is open, and Fig. 6(c) is a cross-sectional view showing the state when the toner cartridge 1 moves in the removal direction D2. Note that Figs. 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) show cross sections similar to the 3A-3A cross section in Fig. 1.

[0058] 6(a), the toner cartridge 1 according to the second embodiment is provided with an air vent valve 12. The air vent valve 12 connects the air chamber 1b of the toner cartridge 1 with the outside of the toner cartridge 1. The air vent valve 12 can be operated by a user to transition between a closed state in which the air chamber 1b is not in communication with the outside of the toner cartridge 1 and an open state in which the air chamber 1b is in communication with the outside of the toner cartridge 1.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6(b), when removing the toner cartridge 1 from the apparatus main body 100A, the user first moves the door 2 from the closed position to the open position. The air vent valve 12 is disposed on the side surface 1d that faces the removal direction D2 of the toner cartridge 1. The air vent valve 12 is also disposed so as to face the door 2 that is in the closed position. By arranging the air vent valve 12 in this manner, the user U can access the air vent valve 12 by opening the door 2.

[0060] Then, with the toner cartridge 1 still in the installation position, the user U operates the air vent valve 12 to transition from the closed state to the open state. This allows the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 to be reduced while the second connecting portion 4b is connected to the toner storage chamber 1a of the toner cartridge 1. That is, in this embodiment, the air vent valve 12 is an example of a valve member that reduces the pressure in the toner cartridge 1. When the air vent valve 12 is in the open state, the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 becomes equal to atmospheric pressure. For example, if the air vent valve 12 is in the open state when the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 is higher than atmospheric pressure, the air AR is discharged from the air vent valve 12 to the outside of the toner cartridge 1 until the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 becomes equal to atmospheric pressure.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6(c), when the toner cartridge 1 is moved in the removal direction D2 from the mounted position, both the first connecting portion 4b and the second connecting portion 9b are removed from the toner cartridge 1. In particular, when the second connecting portion 9b is removed from the second connected portion 8 of the toner cartridge 1, the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 becomes equal to atmospheric pressure, so the toner T in the toner storage chamber 1a does not spray out from the second connected portion 8. This makes it possible to prevent toner leakage when replacing the toner cartridge 1.

[0062] The air vent valve 12 may also function as a gripping portion for gripping the toner cartridge 1. The air vent valve 12 may be configured so that, when the user U grips the air vent valve 12 and pulls it in the removal direction D2, the air vent valve 12 transitions from the closed state to the open state.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air vent valve 12 is disposed on the side surface 1d of the toner cartridge 1, but this is not limiting. For example, the first pipe 4 may be routed so that it can be accessed by opening the door 2, and the air vent valve 12 may be disposed in a position on the first pipe 4 that is accessible to the user. Even in this case, when the air vent valve 12 transitions to the open state, air in the air chamber 1b of the toner cartridge 1 is released through the first pipe 4 and the air vent valve 12, thereby reducing the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 to atmospheric pressure.

[0064] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, an air vent valve 13 is provided in the first pipe 4 instead of the pressure reducing mechanism 160 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted from the illustrations or will be described with the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0065] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the peripheral configuration of the toner cartridge 1 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a cross section similar to the cross section 3A-3A in Fig. 1. Figs. 8(a) and (b) are enlarged views illustrating the operation of the air vent valve 13.

[0066] 7, in this embodiment, the pump 3 is disposed in a position facing the door 2 in the closed position, and the first pipe 4 connecting the pump 3 to the air chamber 1b of the toner cartridge 1 is routed below the toner cartridge 1. The first pipe 4 is provided with an air vent valve 13, which will be described later. The air vent valve 13 connects a passage 4aP of the first pipe 4 to the outside of the toner cartridge 1.

[0067] 8(a), a link arm 14 is fixed to the door 2, and the link arm 14 rotates integrally with the door 2, which rotates about a rotation axis 2a. A link lever 15 is provided above the pump 3, and the link lever 15 has an engagement portion 15a that can engage with the link arm 14 and a valve sealing portion 15b provided at the end opposite to the engagement portion 15a.

[0068] The first pipe 4 is provided with an opening 4c that can communicate with the outside of the toner cartridge 1, and the opening 4c communicates with a passage 4aP of the first pipe 4 through which air supplied from the pump 3 passes. When the door 2 is in the closed position, the opening 4c is sealed by a valve sealing portion 15b of the link lever 15. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(b), when the door 2 moves from the closed position to the open position, the link arm 14, which rotates integrally with the door 2, engages with the engaging portion 15a of the link lever 15, and the link lever 15 moves in the removal direction D2.

[0069] When the link lever 15 moves in the removal direction D2, the valve sealing portion 15b of the link lever 15 moves away from the opening 4c, opening the opening 4c. That is, the opening 4c of the first pipe 4 and the valve sealing portion 15b of the link lever 15 form the air vent valve 13. The air vent valve 13 can transition between a closed state in which the passage 4aP of the first pipe 4 does not communicate with the outside of the toner cartridge 1 and an open state in which the passage 4aP of the first pipe 4 communicates with the outside of the toner cartridge 1. When the air vent valve 13 is in the closed state, the opening 4c is closed by the valve sealing portion 15b. When the air vent valve 13 is in the open state, the opening 4c moves away from the valve sealing portion 15b, opening the opening 4c. The air vent valve 13 transitions from the closed state to the open state in conjunction with the movement of the door 2 from the closed position to the open position.

[0070] By configuring the air vent valve 13 in this manner, the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 can be reduced through the opening 4c of the first pipe 4 with the second connecting portion 9b connected to the toner storage chamber 1a of the toner cartridge 1. That is, in this embodiment, the air vent valve 13 is an example of a valve member and a pressure reduction mechanism. When the air vent valve 13 is opened, the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 becomes equal to atmospheric pressure. For example, if the air vent valve 13 is opened when the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 is higher than atmospheric pressure, air AR is discharged from the air vent valve 13 to the outside of the toner cartridge 1 until the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 becomes equal to atmospheric pressure.

[0071] When the toner cartridge 1 is moved in the removal direction D2 from the mounted position, both the first connecting portion 4b and the second connecting portion 9b are removed from the toner cartridge 1. In particular, when the second connecting portion 9b is removed from the second connected portion 8 of the toner cartridge 1, even if the second pipe 9 is removed from the second connected portion 8, the toner T in the toner storage chamber 1a does not spray out from the second connected portion 8. This prevents toner leakage when replacing the toner cartridge 1. In addition, since the air vent valve 13 transitions from the closed state to the open state in conjunction with the movement of the door 2 from the closed position to the open position, the user does not need to operate the air vent valve 13 after opening the door 2, improving usability.

[0072] In the second and third embodiments, the distance L1, which is the insertion distance by which the first connecting portion 4b is inserted into the first connected portion 5, and the distance L2, which is the insertion distance by which the second connecting portion 9b is inserted into the second connected portion 8, are not particularly limited (see FIG. 4(a)). That is, the distances L1 and L2 may be set to be the same, and the first connecting portion 4b and the second connecting portion 9b may be simultaneously detached from the toner cartridge 1 by moving the toner cartridge 1 in the removal direction D2 from the mounted position. Also, as in the first embodiment, the distance L2 may be set to be longer than the distance L1. Also, the distance L2 may be set to be shorter than the distance L1, and the second connecting portion 9b may be detached from the toner cartridge 1 before the first connecting portion 4b when the toner cartridge 1 is detached from the apparatus main body 100A.

[0073] In addition, in the present embodiment, the link lever 15 is configured to move in the removal direction D2 in conjunction with the door 2, but is not limited to this. For example, the link lever 15 may be configured to move in the gravity direction G or the arrangement direction D1 (see FIG. 2).

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air vent valve 13 is provided in the first pipe 4, but this is not limiting. For example, the air vent valve 13 may be provided in the toner cartridge 1, and transition from a closed state to an open state in conjunction with the movement of the door 2 from a closed position to an open position. In other words, the air vent valve 13 may be configured to be able to transition between a closed state in which the air chamber 1b of the toner cartridge 1 is closed off from the outside of the toner cartridge 1, and an open state in which the air chamber 1b is open off from the outside of the toner cartridge 1.

[0075] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, instead of the pressure reducing mechanism 160 of the first embodiment, the air transport direction of the pump 3 is switchable. Therefore, the same components as those of the first embodiment will not be shown in the drawings or will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0076] Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of switching the direction of air transport by pump 3. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing another example of switching the direction of air transport by pump 3. As shown in Fig. 9, image forming apparatus 100 (see Fig. 1) has control unit 18, to which remaining toner sensor 16, lock member 21, door sensor 20, and operation panel 19 are connected.

[0077] The toner remaining amount sensor 16 can detect the remaining amount of toner T contained in the toner storage chamber 1a of the toner cartridge 1. That is, the toner remaining amount sensor 16 outputs a signal corresponding to the remaining amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge 1. For example, the toner remaining amount sensor 16 is composed of an optical sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and the optical path between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element is set so that it passes through the toner storage chamber 1a. The amount of toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 1a is detected based on the time for which the optical path is blocked by the toner T, etc.

[0078] The locking member 21 can transition between a locked state in which the toner cartridge 1 is locked to the apparatus main body 100A at the installation position and an unlocked state in which the toner cartridge 1 can be removed from the apparatus main body 100A, based on a command from the control unit 18. The door sensor 20 detects the open / closed state of the door 2. That is, the door sensor 20 outputs different signals when the door 2 is in the closed position and when it is in the open position. The operation panel 19 serving as an operation unit includes, for example, a touch panel, and can output various signals to the control unit 18 when operated by the user.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 18 can control the actuator 17 and the pump 3, and the actuator 17 acts on the pump 3 to switch the air transport direction (hereinafter referred to as the air transport direction) of the pump 3. That is, the control unit 18 controls the actuator 17, so that the air transport direction of the pump 3 is switched between a supply direction in which air is supplied to the first pipe 4 and a suction direction in which air is sucked from the first pipe 4. When the pump 3 is driven with the air transport direction set to the supply direction, it enters a supply state in which air is supplied to the air chamber 1b. When the pump 3 is driven with the air transport direction set to the suction direction, it enters a suction state in which air is sucked from the air chamber 1b. Note that in this embodiment, the pump 3 is connected to the inlet 5aP of the air chamber 1b via the first pipe 4, but this is not limiting. For example, the first pipe 4 may be omitted and the pump 3 may be connected directly to the inlet 5aP, or may be connected to the inlet 5aP via a duct.

[0080] Next, the flowchart shown in Fig. 10 will be described. The flowchart shown in Fig. 10 shows the control of switching the air conveying direction of the pump 3 when the amount of toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 1a becomes low. At the start of the flowchart in Fig. 10, the locking member 21 is in a locked state, and the locking member 21 prevents the toner cartridge 1 from being removed from the apparatus main body 100A. As shown in Fig. 10, first, the control unit 18 determines whether a toner supply command to supply toner T from the toner cartridge 1 to the developing container 104 has been input (S1).

[0081] If it is determined that a toner supply command has been input (S1: Yes), the control unit 18 checks the amount of toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 1a using the toner remaining amount sensor 16 (S2). Next, the control unit 18 determines whether the amount of toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 1a is "out" (S3). The "out" toner remaining amount state refers to a state in which the toner in the toner storage chamber 1a is below a predetermined threshold, i.e., a predetermined amount. The threshold may be set to any value, and the "out" state does not necessarily mean that the toner in the toner storage chamber 1a has run out. The control unit 18 determines that the toner remaining amount is "out" by obtaining a signal from the toner remaining amount sensor 16 corresponding to a toner amount below the predetermined amount.

[0082] If it is determined that the remaining amount of toner in the toner storage chamber 1a is not "out" (S3: No), the control unit 18 controls the actuator 17 to switch the air conveying direction of the pump 3 to the supply direction (S4). Next, the control unit 18 drives the pump 3 (S5). That is, the pump 3 transitions to a supply state. Then, the control unit 18 determines whether M seconds have elapsed since the drive of the pump 3 started (S6). If it is determined that M seconds have elapsed (S6: Yes), the control ends. Note that M seconds is an arbitrary time required to replenish the toner T into the developing container 104, and by driving the pump 3 in the supply state for M seconds, the toner T is normally supplied to the developing container 104.

[0083] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 1a is "out" (S3: Yes), the control unit 18 controls the actuator 17 to switch the air conveying direction of the pump 3 to the suction direction (S7). Next, the control unit 18 drives the pump 3 (S8). That is, the pump 3 transitions to a suction state. The control unit 18 then determines whether N seconds have elapsed since the drive of the pump 3 started (S9). If it is determined that N seconds have elapsed (S9: Yes), the control unit 18 stops the drive of the pump 3 (S10). Note that N seconds is an arbitrary time required to reduce the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1. In this embodiment, the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 becomes equal to atmospheric pressure by driving the pump 3 in the suction state for N seconds.

[0084] Then, the control unit 18 transitions the locking member 21 to an unlocked state, allowing the toner cartridge 1 to be removed from the apparatus main body 100A (S11). That is, before the toner cartridge 1 is removed from the apparatus main body 100A, the control unit 18 transitions the pump 3 to a suction state. This ends the control. With this control, the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 is reduced with the second pipe 9 connected to the toner storage chamber 1a of the toner cartridge 1. That is, the control unit 18 and the actuator 17 are an example of a pressure reduction mechanism that reduces the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1.

[0085] Thereafter, when the user moves the toner cartridge 1 from the mounted position in the removal direction D2, both the first connecting portion 4b and the second connecting portion 9b are removed from the toner cartridge 1. In particular, when the second connecting portion 9b is removed from the second connected portion 8 of the toner cartridge 1, the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 becomes equal to atmospheric pressure, so the toner T in the toner storage chamber 1a does not spray out from the second connected portion 8. This prevents toner leakage when the toner cartridge 1 is replaced. In addition, because the pump 3 enters a suction state when the toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 1a becomes "empty," the user does not need to operate the air vent valve 13 after opening the door 2, improving usability.

[0086] Next, the flowchart shown in Fig. 11 will be described. The flowchart shown in Fig. 11 shows the control for switching the air conveying direction of the pump 3 when a toner cartridge removal instruction is output from the operation panel 19. In this control, a sufficient amount of toner T may remain in the toner storage chamber 1a of the toner cartridge 1. At the start of the flowchart in Fig. 11, the locking member 21 is in the locked state, and the locking member 21 prevents the toner cartridge 1 from being removed from the apparatus main body 100A.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 11, first, the control unit 18 determines whether or not a toner cartridge removal instruction has been input from the operation panel 19 (S21). The toner cartridge removal instruction is a signal instructing the user to remove the toner cartridge. If it is determined that a toner cartridge removal instruction has been input (S21: Yes), the control unit 18 determines whether or not the door 2 is in the open position based on the detection result of the door sensor 20 (S22). The control unit 18 determines that the door 2 is in the open position by acquiring from the door sensor 20 a signal indicating that the door 2 is in the open position. If it is determined that the door 2 is not in the open position (S22: No), the control unit 18 displays an instruction on the panel of the operation panel 19 to instruct the user to open the door 2 (S23), and returns to step S22.

[0088] If it is determined in step S22 that the door 2 is in the open position (S22: Yes), the control unit 18 controls the actuator 17 to switch the air conveying direction of the pump 3 to the suction direction (S24). Next, the control unit 18 drives the pump 3 (S25). That is, the pump 3 transitions to a suction state. The control unit 18 then determines whether N seconds have elapsed since the drive of the pump 3 started (S26). If it is determined that N seconds have elapsed (S26: Yes), the control unit 18 stops the drive of the pump 3 (S27).

[0089] Then, the control unit 18 transitions the locking member 21 to an unlocked state, allowing the toner cartridge 1 to be removed from the apparatus main body 100A (S28). That is, before the toner cartridge 1 is removed from the apparatus main body 100A, the control unit 18 transitions the pump 3 to a suction state. This ends the control. With this control, the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 is reduced with the second pipe 9 connected to the toner storage chamber 1a of the toner cartridge 1.

[0090] Even if the user then moves the toner cartridge 1 from the mounting position in the removal direction D2, the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 becomes equal to atmospheric pressure, so the toner T in the toner storage chamber 1a will not spray out from the second connecting portion 8. This makes it possible to prevent toner leakage when replacing the toner cartridge 1. Furthermore, because the pump 3 enters a suction state when a command to remove the toner cartridge is input from the operation panel 19 or when the door 2 is in the open position, the user does not need to operate the air vent valve 13 after opening the door 2, thereby improving usability.

[0091] In this embodiment, the control unit 18 confirms that the door 2 is in the open position in step S22, but this is not limiting. For example, step S22 may be omitted, and the pump 3 may transition to the suction state immediately after the toner cartridge removal command is input.

[0092] In addition, in this embodiment, in step S21, the control unit 18 checks whether or not a command to remove the toner cartridge has been input from the operation panel 19. However, this is not limiting. For example, step S21 may be omitted, and the pump 3 may transition to the suction state based on the fact that the door 2 is in the open position.

[0093] <Other embodiments> Furthermore, in the second to fourth embodiments, as in the first embodiment, the first connecting portion 4b and the second connecting portion 9b are connected to the first connected portion 5 and the second connected portion 8 of the toner cartridge 1 from the upstream side in the removal direction D2, but this is not limiting. That is, the first connecting portion 4b and the second connecting portion 9b may be connected to the toner cartridge 1 from the upper side or the lower side in the gravity direction G, for example.

[0094] Furthermore, in all of the above-described embodiments, the first connecting portion 4b and the second connecting portion 9b are detached from the first connected portion 5 and the second connected portion 8 of the toner cartridge 1 by sliding the toner cartridge 1 in the removal direction D2, but this is not limiting. For example, the first connected portion 5 and the second connected portion 8 of the toner cartridge 1 may be detached from the first connecting portion 4b and the second connecting portion 9b by rotating them about a rotation axis extending in the arrangement direction D1.

[0095] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0096] Summary of the Disclosure The present disclosure includes at least the following: (Configuration 1) In the image forming apparatus, an apparatus main body including a photosensitive drum that carries an electrostatic latent image, a developer container configured to contain toner, and a developing roller that develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image using the toner in the developer container; a toner cartridge configured to be detachable from the device main body, the toner cartridge having a toner storage chamber that stores toner and is provided with an outlet for discharging the toner to the outside of the toner cartridge, a filter configured to prevent the passage of toner but allow the passage of air, and an air chamber that is separated from the toner storage chamber by the filter and is provided with an inlet that communicates with the air chamber; The device body includes: a pump for supplying air to the air chamber of the toner cartridge; a first connection portion connected to the receiving port of the toner cartridge, the first connection portion having a passage through which air supplied from the pump passes when being sent toward the air chamber; a second connection portion connected to the discharge port of the toner cartridge, the second connection portion having a passage through which the toner discharged together with air from the discharge port passes when being transported toward the developing container, When the toner cartridge is removed from the device body, the connection between the first connection portion and the receiving opening is released before the connection between the second connection portion and the discharge opening is released, thereby opening the receiving opening. An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Configuration 2) the apparatus main body has a pipe through which the toner discharged together with air from the toner cartridge passes when being transported toward the developing container via the second connecting portion, the toner accommodated in the toner accommodation chamber is transported to the developing container via the second connecting portion and the pipe by air supplied from the pump to the toner cartridge via the receiving port; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, (Configuration 3) the toner cartridge is removed from the device body by moving in a removal direction from an installation position in the device body, a first sealing member that seals a gap between the first connection portion and a portion that constitutes the receiving port when the first connection portion is connected to the receiving port; a second sealing member that seals a gap between the second connecting portion and a portion that constitutes the outlet when the second connecting portion is connected to the outlet, the first connecting portion is inserted from the first sealing member toward the air chamber by a first distance in the removal direction when the toner cartridge is located at the installation position, When the toner cartridge is located at the mounting position, the second connecting portion is inserted from the second sealing member toward the toner storage chamber by a second distance in the removal direction, the second distance being longer than the first distance. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: (Configuration 4) The discharge port is disposed above the receiving port and is disposed at a position different from the receiving port in a direction perpendicular to both the removal direction and the direction of gravity. 4. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 3. (Configuration 5) In the image forming apparatus, an apparatus main body including a photosensitive drum that carries an electrostatic latent image, a developer container configured to contain toner, and a developing roller that develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image using the toner in the developer container; a toner cartridge configured to be detachable from the device main body, the toner cartridge having a toner storage chamber for storing toner and provided with an outlet for discharging the toner to the outside of the toner cartridge, a filter configured to prevent the passage of toner but allow the passage of air, and an air chamber separated from the toner storage chamber by the filter and provided with an inlet communicating with the air chamber; a valve member; The device body includes: a pump for supplying air to the air chamber of the toner cartridge; a supply pipe having a passage through which the air supplied from the pump passes when being sent to the air chamber, the valve member is configured to be able to transition between a closed state in which the air chamber is not in communication with the outside of the toner cartridge and an open state in which the air chamber is in communication with the outside of the toner cartridge. An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Configuration 6) the toner cartridge is removed from the device body by moving in a removal direction from an installation position in the device body, the valve member is provided on a surface of the toner cartridge facing the removal direction; 6. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 5. (Configuration 7) the device body has an opening, and a door that is movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening, When the door is in the open position, the toner cartridge moves in a removal direction to be removed from the device body through the opening, The valve member is positioned to face the door when it is in the closed position. 6. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 5. (Configuration 8) the device body has an opening, and a door that is movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening, The valve member transitions from the closed state to the open state in conjunction with the door moving from the closed position to the open position. 6. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 5. (Configuration 9) The valve member is provided on the supply pipe. 9. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 8, (Configuration 10) In the image forming apparatus, an apparatus main body including a photosensitive drum that carries an electrostatic latent image, a developer container configured to contain toner, and a developing roller that develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image using the toner in the developer container; a toner cartridge configured to be detachable from the device main body, the toner cartridge having a toner storage chamber that stores toner and is provided with an outlet for discharging the toner to the outside of the toner cartridge, a filter configured to prevent the passage of toner but allow the passage of air, and an air chamber that is separated from the toner storage chamber by the filter and is provided with an inlet that communicates with the air chamber; The device body includes: a pump that can transition between a supply state in which air is supplied to the air chamber and a suction state in which air is sucked from the air chamber; a control unit that transitions the pump to the supply state or the suction state, An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Configuration 11) the control unit causes the pump to transition to the suction state before the toner cartridge is removed from the main body of the apparatus. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, (Configuration 12) a toner remaining amount sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge; the control unit transitions the pump to the suction state when a signal corresponding to the remaining amount of toner being equal to or less than a predetermined amount is received from the toner remaining amount sensor. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10 or 11. (Configuration 13) the device body has an opening, and a door that is movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening, a door sensor that outputs different signals when the door is in the closed position and when the door is in the open position; the control unit transitions the pump to the suction state when a signal indicating that the door is in the open position is received from the door sensor. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10 or 11. (Configuration 14) an operation unit capable of outputting a signal instructing the user to remove the toner cartridge from the device body; the control unit transitions the pump to the suction state when the signal is input from the operation unit. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10 or 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1: Toner cartridge / 1a: Toner storage chamber / 1b: Air chamber / 1d: Surface (side) / 2: Door / 3: Pump / 4a: Supply pipe (air conveying tube) / 4aP: Passage / 4b: First connection part / 4bP: Passage / 5a: Part (pipe part) / 5aP: Inlet / 5b: First sealing member (O-ring) / 8a: Part (pipe part) / 8aP: Discharge port / 8b: Second sealing member (O-ring) / 9b: Second connection part / 9bP: Passage / 12, 13: Valve member (air vent valve) / 16: Toner remaining amount sensor / 18: Control unit / 19: Operation unit (operation panel) / 20: Door sensor / 100: Image forming device / 100A: Device body / 101Y: Photosensitive drum / 104: Developer container / 121Y: Developer roller / 150: Opening / D1: Direction (arrangement direction) / D2: Separation direction (removal direction) / G: Gravity direction / L1: First distance / L2: Second distance / S: Sheet

Claims

1. In the image forming apparatus, an apparatus main body including a photosensitive drum that carries an electrostatic latent image, a developer container configured to contain toner, and a developing roller that develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image using the toner in the developer container; a toner cartridge configured to be detachable from the device main body, the toner cartridge having a toner storage chamber that stores toner and is provided with an outlet for discharging the toner to the outside of the toner cartridge, a filter configured to prevent the passage of toner but allow the passage of air, and an air chamber that is separated from the toner storage chamber by the filter and is provided with an inlet that communicates with the air chamber; The device body includes: a pump for supplying air to the air chamber of the toner cartridge; a first connecting portion connected to the receiving port of the toner cartridge, the first connecting portion having a passage through which air supplied from the pump passes when being sent toward the air chamber; a second connecting portion that is connected to the discharge port of the toner cartridge and has a passage through which the toner discharged together with air from the discharge port passes when being transported toward the developing container, When the toner cartridge is removed from the device body, the connection between the first connection portion and the receiving opening is released before the connection between the second connection portion and the discharge opening is released, thereby opening the receiving opening. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. the apparatus main body has a pipe through which the toner discharged together with air from the toner cartridge passes when being transported toward the developing container via the second connecting portion, the toner accommodated in the toner accommodation chamber is transported to the developing container via the second connecting portion and the pipe by air supplied from the pump to the toner cartridge via the receiving port; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. the toner cartridge is removed from the device body by moving in a removal direction from an installation position in the device body, a first sealing member that seals a gap between the first connection portion and a portion that constitutes the receiving port when the first connection portion is connected to the receiving port; a second sealing member that seals a gap between the second connection portion and a portion that constitutes the outlet when the second connection portion is connected to the outlet, the first connecting portion is inserted from the first sealing member toward the air chamber by a first distance in the removal direction when the toner cartridge is located at the installation position, When the toner cartridge is located at the mounting position, the second connecting portion is inserted from the second sealing member toward the toner storage chamber by a second distance in the removal direction, the second distance being longer than the first distance.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. The discharge port is disposed above the receiving port and is disposed at a position different from the receiving port in a direction perpendicular to both the removal direction and the direction of gravity.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. In the image forming apparatus, an apparatus main body including a photosensitive drum that carries an electrostatic latent image, a developer container configured to contain toner, and a developing roller that develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image using the toner in the developer container; a toner cartridge configured to be detachable from the device main body, the toner cartridge having a toner storage chamber for storing toner and provided with an outlet for discharging the toner to the outside of the toner cartridge, a filter configured to prevent the passage of toner but allow the passage of air, and an air chamber separated from the toner storage chamber by the filter and provided with an inlet communicating with the air chamber; a valve member; The device body includes: a pump for supplying air to the air chamber of the toner cartridge; a supply pipe having a passage through which the air supplied from the pump passes when being sent to the air chamber, the valve member is configured to be able to transition between a closed state in which the air chamber is not in communication with the outside of the toner cartridge and an open state in which the air chamber is in communication with the outside of the toner cartridge. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

6. the toner cartridge is removed from the device body by moving in a removal direction from an installation position in the device body, the valve member is provided on a surface of the toner cartridge facing the removal direction; 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

7. the device body has an opening, and a door that is movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening, When the door is in the open position, the toner cartridge moves in a removal direction to be removed from the device body through the opening, The valve member is positioned to face the door when it is in the closed position.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

8. the device body has an opening, and a door that is movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening, The valve member transitions from the closed state to the open state in conjunction with the door moving from the closed position to the open position.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

9. The valve member is provided on the supply pipe.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8,

10. In the image forming apparatus, an apparatus main body including a photosensitive drum that carries an electrostatic latent image, a developer container configured to contain toner, and a developing roller that develops the electrostatic latent image into a toner image using the toner in the developer container; a toner cartridge configured to be detachable from the device main body, the toner cartridge having a toner storage chamber that stores toner and is provided with an outlet for discharging the toner to the outside of the toner cartridge, a filter configured to prevent the passage of toner but allow the passage of air, and an air chamber that is separated from the toner storage chamber by the filter and is provided with an inlet that communicates with the air chamber; The device body includes: a pump that can transition between a supply state in which air is supplied to the air chamber and a suction state in which air is sucked from the air chamber; a control unit that transitions the pump to the supply state or the suction state, An image forming apparatus characterized by:

11. the control unit causes the pump to transition to the suction state before the toner cartridge is removed from the main body of the apparatus.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10.

12. a toner remaining amount sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge; the control unit transitions the pump to the suction state when a signal corresponding to the remaining amount of toner being equal to or less than a predetermined amount is received from the toner remaining amount sensor.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

13. the device body has an opening, and a door that is movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening, a door sensor that outputs different signals when the door is in the closed position and when the door is in the open position; the control unit transitions the pump to the suction state when a signal indicating that the door is in the open position is received from the door sensor.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

14. an operation unit capable of outputting a signal instructing the user to remove the toner cartridge from the device body; the control unit transitions the pump to the suction state when the signal is input from the operation unit.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

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