Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To reduce cost while positioning a toner cartridge at a mounting position.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body and a toner cartridge configured to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus body. The toner cartridge includes a toner accommodation chamber provided with a discharge port, a filter, and an air chamber provided with a reception port. The apparatus main body includes a restriction member configured to be movable in an intersecting direction intersecting the detachment direction between a restriction position at which the toner cartridge is restricted from moving from the attachment position in the detachment direction and a permission position at which the toner cartridge is permitted to move from the attachment position in the detachment direction. The restriction member has a second passage through which the air supplied from the pump to the air chamber passes, engages with the reception port to supply the air to the air chamber when the restriction member is at the restriction position, and is separated from the reception port to open the reception port when the restriction member is at the permission position.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.

[0003] Also, an image forming apparatus has been proposed that includes a toner cartridge that is detachable from the apparatus main body, and a locking mechanism that locks the toner cartridge in a state where it is attached to the apparatus main body (see Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-249151 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-62746 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the locking mechanism described in Patent Document 2 is a dedicated mechanism for locking the toner cartridge, which increases the number of parts and causes an increase in costs.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that is capable of reducing costs while allowing the toner cartridge to be positioned at the mounting position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] 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 that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body, the toner cartridge being configured to reach an attached position by being moved in an attachment direction and to be removed from the attached position by being moved in a removal direction that is the opposite direction to the attachment direction, 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, and the apparatus main body is configured to move the toner cartridge receiving portion to the receiving portion of the toner cartridge. a restricting member configured to be movable in a direction intersecting the removal direction between a restricting position where the restricting member restricts movement of the toner cartridge from the mounted position in the removal direction by engaging with an outlet, and an allowing position where the toner cartridge is allowed to move in the removal direction from the mounted position; a connecting portion that is connected to the discharge outlet when the toner cartridge is in the mounted position, the connecting portion communicating with a first passage through which toner discharged from the toner cartridge passes when transported to the developing container; and a pump that supplies air to the air chamber of the toner cartridge through the receiving port and discharges the toner in the toner storage chamber together with the air from the discharge port, wherein the restricting member has a second passage through which air supplied from the pump to the air chamber passes, and engages with the receiving port when in the restricting position to supply air to the air chamber, and moves away from the receiving port to open the receiving port when in the allowing position.

[0008] 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; 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, and the apparatus main body is configured to receive the toner cartridge when the toner cartridge is in an attached position in the apparatus main body. a regulating member that engages with the outlet to regulate the movement of the toner cartridge in the removal direction from the mounted position; a connection portion that is connected to the discharge port when the toner cartridge is in the mounted position and that communicates with a first passage through which toner discharged from the toner cartridge passes when transported to the developing container; and a pump that supplies air to the air chamber of the toner cartridge through the receiving port and discharges the toner in the toner storage chamber together with the air from the discharge port, wherein the regulating member has a second passage through which air supplied from the pump to the air chamber passes, and when the toner cartridge is moved from the mounted position in a direction intersecting the removal direction, the regulating member moves away from the receiving port and allows the toner cartridge to move in the removal direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce costs while configuring the toner cartridge so that it can be positioned at the mounting position. [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 first pipe being removed from the toner cartridge, and FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view showing the toner cartridge moving 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. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control when driving the release mechanism. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of control when driving the release mechanism. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the peripheral configuration of a toner cartridge according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10( a ) is an enlarged view illustrating the operation of the interlocking part, and FIG. 10( b ) is an enlarged view illustrating the operation of the interlocking part. [Figure 10] (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the peripheral configuration of the toner cartridge in the third 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. 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 D4. 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 D4. The installation direction D4 and the removal direction D2 are both directions that intersect with the arrangement direction D1. FIG. 2 shows the toner cartridge 1M being removed from the apparatus main body 100A in the removal direction D2.

[0028] In this embodiment, the toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K are 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, as will be described in detail later. A cartridge tray may be provided that is supported movably in the removal direction D2 and the installation direction D4 relative to the apparatus main body 100A and supports the toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K. In other words, 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.

[0029] 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 first pipe 40 removed from the toner cartridge 1, and Figure 3(c) is a cross-sectional view showing the toner cartridge 1 moving in the removal direction D2. Note that Figures 3(b) and 3(c) also show the 3A-3A cross section in Figure 1.

[0030] Since the toner cartridges 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1K have similar configurations, they will not be particularly 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 40, and second pipes 9, the same number as the toner cartridges, but these will also be described below without any particular distinction.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The device main body 100A has a pump 3 for transporting air to the air chamber 1b of the toner cartridge 1, a first pipe 40, and a second pipe 9. The pump 3 is disposed below the toner cartridge 1. The device main body 100A has a frame 114 that forms a space for accommodating the toner cartridge 1, and an exterior cover 115 is provided on the outside of the frame 114. A portion of the second pipe 9 passes through the space between the frame 114 and the exterior cover 115. The shapes of the first pipe 40 and the second pipe 9 are not limited. For example, the first pipe 40 and the second pipe 9 may be formed to have a circular or rectangular cross section.

[0034] The first pipe 40 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 50 and a second connected portion 8, and the first pipe 40 and the second pipe 9 are connected to the first connected portion 50 and the second connected portion 8, respectively. The first pipe 40 is connected to the first connected portion 50 from the lower side of the toner cartridge 1. In other words, the first pipe 40 is connected to the toner cartridge 1 in a cross direction D3 that intersects with the removal direction D2. 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.

[0035] In this embodiment, the cross direction D3 is a direction along the direction of gravity, and the removal direction D2 as the detachment direction is a direction along the horizontal direction. The cross direction D3 and the removal direction D2 are perpendicular to each other. The cross direction D3 can also be referred to as the vertical direction or the up-down direction.

[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 40. 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 4(b). 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).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the first pipe 40 includes an air conveying tube 4a, a first connecting portion 4b that communicates with the air conveying tube 4a and is inserted into the first connecting portion 50, and a support member 4c. The support member 4c is fixed to at least one of the air conveying tube 4a and the first connecting portion 4b. Therefore, the air conveying tube 4a, the first connecting portion 4b, and the support member 4c are integrally configured. The support member 4c may be movably guided in the cross direction D3 by a guide member (not shown). The air conveying tube 4a has a passage 4aP through which air supplied from the pump 3 passes when being sent toward the air chamber 1b. The first connecting portion 4b, which serves as a restricting member, is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a passage 4bP as a second passage through which air supplied from the pump 3 passes when being sent toward the air chamber 1b. That is, 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 50 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 40 is inserted into the pipe part 5a of the first connected part 50 in the cross direction D3. 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 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 connection portion 9b that communicates with the toner transport tube 9a and is inserted into the second connected portion 8. The toner transport tube 9a has a passage 9aP through which toner T discharged together with air from the toner cartridge 1 passes via the second connection portion 9b. The second connection portion 9b is 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. The second connection portion 9b is an example of a protrusion that protrudes in the removal direction D2, and the discharge port 8aP opens toward the installation direction D4.

[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 part 8 is integrally formed with the frame 1F and includes a pipe part 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 part 9b. It can also be said that the toner storage chamber 1a is provided with the outlet 8aP. The second connecting part 9b of the second pipe 9 is inserted into the pipe part 8a of the second connected part 8. That is, the second connecting part 9b is connected to the outlet 8aP of the pipe part 8a. At this time, the O-ring 8b seals the gap between the second connecting part 9b and the pipe part 8a, which forms 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 part 50 is configured so that, when the toner cartridge 1 is in the mounted position, the first connecting part 4b of the first pipe 40 is inserted a predetermined distance L3 from the O-ring 5b toward the air chamber 1b in the intersecting direction D3. That is, when the toner cartridge 1 is in the mounted position, the second connecting part 9b is inserted into the toner cartridge 1 from the outlet 8aP. Furthermore, the second connected part 8 is configured so that, when the toner cartridge 1 is in the mounted position, the second connecting part 9b of the second pipe 9 is inserted a second distance L4 from the O-ring 8b toward the toner storage chamber 1a in the removal direction D2. When the toner cartridge 1 is in the mounted position, it is mounted in the apparatus main body 100A and can transport toner T toward the developing container 104.

[0048] As described above, in this embodiment, the first pipe 40 and the second pipe 9 are inserted with sufficient clearance into the first connected part 50 and the second connected part 8, respectively, and the O-rings 5b, 8b are tightly fitted to the outer circumferential surfaces of the first connecting part 4b and the second connecting part 9b. This makes it possible to prevent air from leaking from the first connected part 50 and the second connected part 8.

[0049] Furthermore, the first connecting portion 4b engages with the receiving opening 5aP of the toner cartridge 1 in the intersecting direction D3, thereby restricting movement of the toner cartridge 1 located at the mounting position in the removal direction D2. In other words, the first connecting portion 4b positions the toner cartridge 1 at the mounting position by engaging with the toner cartridge 1.

[0050] 4(a) and 4(b), the device main body 100A has a release mechanism 60 as a moving part. The release mechanism 60 has a cam 30 that rotates around a rotation shaft 30a, and a motor M1 that drives the cam 30. The cam 30 is disposed above the support member 4c, and the support member 4c is pressed against the cam 30 as the cam 30 rotates. In addition, a spring 31 is disposed below the support member 4c, and the spring 31 presses the support member 4c upward.

[0051] For example, the cam 30 is configured to be movable between a first position shown in FIG. 4(a) and a second position shown in FIG. 4(b). The cam 30 has a linear flat surface 30b and a curved cam surface 30c. When the cam 30 is located at the first position shown in FIG. 4(a), the flat surface 30b abuts against the support member 4c. At this time, the support member 4c is pressed against the flat surface 30b by a spring 31. The first connecting portion 4b is located at a restricting position where it engages with the receiving opening 5aP of the toner cartridge 1. At the restricting position, the first connecting portion 4b restricts the toner cartridge 1 from moving in the removal direction D2 from the mounting position.

[0052] On the other hand, when the cam 30 is located at the second position shown in FIG. 4(b), the cam surface 30c abuts against the support member 4c. When the cam 30 rotates from the first position to the second position, it presses the support member 4c downward in the intersecting direction D3 against the biasing force of the spring 31. As a result, the first pipe 40 is pressed downward in the intersecting direction D3, and the first connecting portion 4b moves away from the receiving opening 5aP. At this time, the first connecting portion 4b is located at an allowable position that allows the toner cartridge 1 to move from the mounting position in the removal direction D2. Thus, the first connecting portion 4b is configured to be movable between the restricting position and the allowable position in the intersecting direction D3 that intersects with the removal direction D2 by the release mechanism 60. When the first connecting portion 4b moves away from the receiving opening 5aP to open the receiving opening 5aP, the receiving opening 5aP communicates with the outside of the toner cartridge 1, and the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 becomes equal to atmospheric pressure. That is, the internal pressure of the air chamber 1b of the toner cartridge 1 is equal to atmospheric pressure when the first connecting portion 4b is in the permissible position.

[0053] The first pipe 40 including the first connecting portion 4b is, for example, flexible, so that only the first pipe 40 can move downward without changing the position of the pump 3. The pump 3 may also be configured to move downward together with the first pipe 40.

[0054] 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 connecting part 4b is removed from the first connected part 50 while the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 is greater than atmospheric pressure, air AR is discharged from the first connected part 50 to the outside of the toner cartridge 1 until the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 becomes equal to atmospheric pressure.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3(c), when removing the toner cartridge 1 from the apparatus main body 100A, the user 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. Then, the second connecting portion 9b is detached from the toner cartridge 1, and the toner cartridge 1 is removed from the apparatus main body 100A. This allows the toner cartridge 1 to be replaced.

[0056] Furthermore, the release mechanism 60 releases the engagement between the first connecting portion 4b and the first connecting portion 5 of the toner cartridge 1 before the toner cartridge 1 is pulled out in the removal direction D2. In other words, the toner cartridge 1 is configured to be released from the first connecting portion 4b before being released from the second connecting portion 9b. As a result, when the second connecting portion 9b is removed from the toner cartridge 1, the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 has already been reduced to the same level as atmospheric pressure, so that 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 the toner cartridge 1 is replaced.

[0057] Furthermore, when the first connecting portion 4b is engaged with the first connected portion 50, movement of the toner cartridge 1 in the removal direction D2 is restricted, thereby reliably preventing toner leakage. The first connecting portion 4b has a passage 4bP through which air supplied from the pump 3 passes when directed toward the air chamber 1b, and when in the restricted position, it engages with the receiving port 5aP to supply air to the air chamber. Thus, the first connecting portion 4b of this embodiment functions to both position the toner cartridge 1 in the removal direction D2 and transport air to the toner cartridge 1. This allows for fewer parts and lower costs than if a separate component were provided for positioning (locking) the toner cartridge 1 in the removal direction D2. In other words, costs can be reduced while still allowing the toner cartridge 1 to be positioned in the installation position.

[0058] There are various methods for removing the toner cartridge 1 from the apparatus main body 100A in the removal direction D2, but these are not limited to these. 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 push-out 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 push-out mechanism moves the toner cartridge 1 in the removal direction D2. The push-out mechanism may use, for example, the biasing force of a spring or an actuator such as a solenoid.

[0059] Here, an example of control when driving the release mechanism 60 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 7. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system according to this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of control when driving the release mechanism 60. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing another example of control when driving the release mechanism 60. As shown in Fig. 5, the image forming apparatus 100 (see Fig. 1) has a control unit 18, to which the pump 3, the toner remaining amount sensor 16, the motor M1, the door sensor 20, and the operation panel 19 are connected.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The door sensor 20 detects whether the door 2 is open or closed. 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 a user. The control unit 18 is also connected to a motor M1, and when the cam 30 is driven by the motor M1, the first pipe 40 is inserted into or separated from the toner cartridge 1.

[0062] Next, the flowchart shown in Fig. 6 will be described. The flowchart shown in Fig. 6 shows the movement control of the first pipe 40 when the amount of toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 1a becomes low. At the start of the flowchart in Fig. 6, the first pipe 40 is inserted into the first connecting portion 5 of the toner cartridge 1, and the first pipe 40 prevents the toner cartridge 1 from being removed from the apparatus main body 100A. In other words, the cam 30 is located at the first position.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, first, the control unit 18 determines whether or not a toner supply instruction to supply the toner T from the toner cartridge 1 to the developing container 104 has been input (S31).

[0064] If it is determined that a toner supply command has been input (S31: Yes), the control unit 18 checks the amount of toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 1a using the toner sensor 16 (S32). Next, the control unit 18 determines whether the amount of toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 1a is "out" (S33). The "out" toner 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 is "out" by obtaining a signal from the toner sensor 16 corresponding to a toner amount below the predetermined amount.

[0065] If it is determined that the remaining amount of toner in the toner storage chamber 1a is not "out" (S33: No), the control unit 18 drives the pump 3 (S34). Then, the control unit 18 determines whether M seconds have passed since the drive of the pump 3 started (S35). If it is determined that M seconds have passed (S35: 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 for M seconds, the toner T is normally supplied to the developing container 104.

[0066] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S33 that the toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 1a is "out" (S33: Yes), the control unit 18 controls the motor M1 to rotate the cam 30 from the first position to the second position (S36). This separates the first pipe 40 from the toner cartridge 1, making the toner cartridge 1 removable from the apparatus main body 100A. Next, the control unit 18 displays a message on the operation panel 19 (S37). The message may include, for example, a message urging the user to replace the toner cartridge 1 or to open the door 2. Note that instead of a message, an image or diagram indicating the above content may be displayed on the operation panel 19, or a voice may be generated to indicate the above content. Note that step S37 may be omitted.

[0067] Next, the control unit 18 determines whether the replacement of the toner cartridge 1 is complete (step S38). Completion of the replacement of the toner cartridge 1 is determined, for example, based on the detection results of the toner remaining amount sensor 16 or the door sensor 20. That is, the replacement of the toner cartridge 1 is determined to be complete when the toner remaining amount sensor 16 detects that the amount of toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 1a has increased, or when the door sensor 20 detects that the door 2 has moved from the open position to the closed position. As described above, when the toner cartridge 1 is removed from the apparatus main body 100A, the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 has already become equal to atmospheric pressure in step S36. Therefore, the toner T in the toner storage chamber 1a does not spray out from the second connected portion 8, and toner leakage during replacement of the toner cartridge 1 can be suppressed.

[0068] If it is determined that the replacement of the toner cartridge 1 is complete (step S38: Yes), the control unit 18 controls the drive of the motor M1 so that the cam 30 rotates from the second position to the first position (S39). This causes the first pipe 40 to engage with the toner cartridge 1, and the toner cartridge 1 is positioned at the installation position. This ends the control.

[0069] Next, the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 will be described. The flowchart shown in Fig. 7 shows the movement control of the first pipe 40 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. 7, the first pipe 40 is inserted into the first connecting portion 5 of the toner cartridge 1, and the first pipe 40 prevents the toner cartridge 1 from being removed from the apparatus main body 100A. In other words, the cam 30 is located at the first position.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 7, first, the control unit 18 determines whether a toner cartridge removal instruction has been input from the operation panel 19 (S41). 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 (S41: Yes), the control unit 18 determines whether the door 2 is in the open position based on the detection result of the door sensor 20 (S42). 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 (S42: 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 (S43), and returns to step S42.

[0071] If it is determined in step S42 that the door 2 is in the open position (S42: Yes), the control unit 18 controls the motor M1 to rotate the cam 30 from the first position to the second position (S44). The following controls (S45, S46) are similar to steps S38, S39 in FIG. 6, and therefore will not be described further.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the control unit 18 confirms that the door 2 is in the open position in step S42, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, step S42 may be omitted, and the cam 30 may be rotated from the first position to the second position immediately after the toner cartridge removal command is input. Also, in the present embodiment, the control unit 18 confirms whether or not the toner cartridge removal command has been input from the operation panel 19 in step S41, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, step S41 may be omitted, and the cam 30 may be rotated from the first position to the second position based on the door 2 being in the open position.

[0073] 6, the cam 30 is rotated from the first position to the second position based on the determination that the remaining amount of toner is "out" (S33: Yes), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cam 30 may be rotated from the first position to the second position based on the message of step S37 being displayed and the door sensor 20 detecting that the door 2 is in the open position.

[0074] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, an interlocking unit 61 is provided instead of the release mechanism 60 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.

[0075] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the peripheral configuration of the toner cartridge 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 shows a cross section similar to the cross section 3A-3A in FIG. 1. FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are enlarged views illustrating the operation of the interlocking unit 61. As shown in FIG. 8, the first pipe 40 of this embodiment is routed below the toner cartridge 1 and downstream of the pump 3 in the removal direction D2. This is to bring the first pipe 40 close to the interlocking unit 61, which will be described later and is located near the door 2.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 9(a), an interlocking unit 61 is disposed between the door 2 and the first pipe 40. The interlocking unit 61 has a link arm 14, a link lever 62, and a spring 31. The link arm 14 is fixed to the door 2 and rotates about the rotation shaft 2a integrally with the door 2, which rotates about the rotation shaft 2a. The link lever 62 is configured to be rotatable about the rotation shaft 62a, and has one end 62b that can come into contact with the link arm 14 and the other end 62c that can come into contact with the support member 4c of the first pipe 40. The one end 62b and the other end 62c are disposed on opposite sides of the rotation shaft 62a.

[0077] 9(a), when the door 2 is in the closed position, the link arm 14 is separated from the link lever 62. At this time, the first connecting portion 4b of the first pipe 40 is in the restricted position and engaged with the receiving opening 5aP of the toner cartridge 1. In other words, the movement of the toner cartridge 1 in the removal direction D2 is restricted by the first connecting portion 4b in the restricted position.

[0078] 9(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, presses upward on one end 62b of the link lever 62, causing the link lever 62 to rotate around the rotation shaft 62a. At this time, the link lever 62 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 9(b) around the rotation shaft 62a.

[0079] As the link lever 62 rotates counterclockwise around the pivot shaft 62a, the other end 62c of the link lever 62 presses the support member 4c downward against the biasing force of the spring 31. As a result, the first pipe 40 is pressed downward in the intersecting direction D3, and the first connecting portion 4b moves away from the receiving opening 5aP. At this time, the first connecting portion 4b is located in an allowable position that allows the toner cartridge 1 to move from the mounting position in the removal direction D2. In this way, the first connecting portion 4b is configured, by the interlocking portion 61, to be movable between the restricting position and the allowable position in the intersecting direction D3 that intersects with the removal direction D2. As the first connecting portion 4b moves away from the receiving opening 5aP to open it, the receiving opening 5aP communicates with the outside of the toner cartridge 1, and the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 becomes equal to atmospheric pressure.

[0080] This provides the same effects as in the first embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, the first connecting portion 4b moves from the restricting position to the allowing position in conjunction with the movement of the door 2 from the closed position to the open position by the interlocking portion 61, and is detached from the toner cartridge 1. This eliminates the need for an actuator such as a motor, further reducing costs.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the link lever 62 is configured to rotate about the rotation shaft 62a in conjunction with the door 2, but is not limited to this. For example, the link lever 62 may be configured to slide in the intersecting direction D3.

[0082] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described, in which a grip portion 63 is provided on the toner cartridge 1 instead of the release mechanism 60 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.

[0083] Fig. 10(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the peripheral configuration of the toner cartridge 1 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the door 2 is open, and Fig. 10(c) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the toner cartridge 1 moves in the removal direction D2. Note that Figs. 10(a), 10(b), and 10(c) show cross sections similar to the 3A-3A cross section in Fig. 1.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 10(a), the toner cartridge 1 according to the third embodiment is provided with a grip portion 63. The grip portion 63 is disposed on the side surface 1d of the toner cartridge 1, which is the surface facing the removal direction D2, and is provided so as to protrude from the side surface 1d in the removal direction D2. The grip portion 63 is also disposed so as to face the door 2 when it is in the closed position. By arranging the grip portion 63 in this manner, the user can access the grip portion 63 by opening the door 2. When the toner cartridge 1 is in the installation position, the first connection portion 4b engages with the receiving opening 5aP, thereby restricting the toner cartridge 1 from moving in the removal direction D2 from the installation position.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 10(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 lifts the grip 12, thereby rotating the side surface 1d of the toner cartridge 1 upward. At this time, the receiving opening 5aP of the toner cartridge 1 moves away from the first connecting portion 4b. When the first pipe 40 is removed from the first connecting portion 50, the first connecting portion 50 communicates with the outside of the toner cartridge 1, and the internal pressure of the toner cartridge 1 becomes equal to atmospheric pressure. The position of the toner cartridge 1 when the receiving opening 5aP is removed from the first connecting portion 4b during the process of lifting the grip 63 is referred to as the moving position. This moving position is a position where the toner cartridge 1 is moved upward a predetermined removal distance from the mounting position. The removal distance may be equal to or greater than the distance L3 (see FIG. 4(a)).

[0086] In this embodiment, a regulating portion 64 is provided between the toner cartridge 1 located at the mounting position and the door 2. The regulating portion 64 regulates the movement of the toner cartridge 1 in the removal direction D2 when the toner cartridge 1 is located at a position between the mounting position and the moving position.

[0087] By lifting the toner cartridge 1 further upward than the movement position, the user can move the toner cartridge 1 in the removal direction D2 beyond the regulating portion 64. That is, when the toner cartridge 1 is moved in the intersecting direction D3 from the mounting position to the movement position, the first connecting portion 4b moves away from the receiving opening 5aP and allows the toner cartridge 1 to move in the removal direction D2. The regulating portion 64 guides the toner cartridge 1 as it moves from the movement position in the removal direction D2.

[0088] This configuration can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, the restricting portion 64 guides the toner cartridge 1 as it is pulled out in the removal direction D2 after the first connecting portion 4b moves away from the receiving opening 5aP of the toner cartridge 1, thereby preventing interference between the toner cartridge 1 and the first connecting portion 4b. This can prevent damage or breakage of the first connecting portion 4b.

[0089] <Other embodiments> In the first and second embodiments, the release mechanism 60 and the interlocking part 61 push the first pipe 40, including the first connection part 4b, downward. However, this is not limited to this. That is, the release mechanism 60 and the interlocking part 61 may be configured to move the first connection part 4b and the receiving opening 5aP of the toner cartridge 1 away from each other in the intersecting direction D3. Therefore, the release mechanism 60 and the interlocking part 61 may move at least one of the first connection part 4b and the toner cartridge 1 away from each other in the intersecting direction D3. For example, the release mechanism 60 and the interlocking part 61 may be configured to disengage the receiving opening 5aP of the toner cartridge 1 from the first connection part 4b by moving the toner cartridge 1 in the intersecting direction D3. Alternatively, the release mechanism 60 and the interlocking part 61 may be configured to move both the first connection part 4b and the toner cartridge 1 away from each other in the intersecting direction D3.

[0090] Furthermore, in all of the above-described embodiments, the first connecting portion 4b is connected to the toner cartridge 1 from below, but this is not limiting. For example, the first connecting portion 4b may be connected to the toner cartridge 1 from above. Furthermore, the first connecting portion 4b may be connected to the toner cartridge 1 in the arrangement direction D1 (see FIG. 2). In other words, the arrangement direction D1 may be an example of a crossing direction.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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 body, the toner cartridge being configured to reach an attachment position by being moved in an attachment direction and to be removed from the attachment position by being moved in a removal direction that is the opposite direction to the attachment direction; The toner cartridge has 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 that is 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 intake port that communicates with the air chamber, The device body includes: a restricting member configured to be movable in a direction intersecting the removal direction between a restricting position where the restricting member engages with the receiving opening of the toner cartridge to restrict movement of the toner cartridge from the mounted position in the removal direction and an allowing position where the toner cartridge is allowed to move from the mounted position in the removal direction; a connecting portion that is connected to the discharge port when the toner cartridge is in the mounted position, and that communicates with a first passage through which the toner discharged from the toner cartridge passes when being transported to the developing container; a pump for supplying air to the air chamber of the toner cartridge through the receiving port and discharging the toner in the toner storage chamber together with the air through the discharge port, the regulating member has a second passage through which air supplied from the pump to the air chamber passes, and engages with the receiving port to supply air to the air chamber when in the regulating position, and separates from the receiving port to open the receiving port when in the allowing position. An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Configuration 2) The locking member further includes a sealing member that seals a gap between the restricting member and a portion that constitutes the receiving opening when the restricting member is engaged with the receiving opening. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, (Configuration 3) the regulating member is inserted into the toner cartridge by a predetermined distance from the sealing member toward the air chamber in the intersecting direction when the toner cartridge is located at the mounting position and the regulating member is located at the regulating position. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: (Configuration 4) the internal pressure of the air chamber of the toner cartridge is equal to atmospheric pressure when the regulating member is located at the permissible position; 4. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 2 or 3. (Configuration 5) the toner discharged from the toner cartridge through the discharge port is transported to the developing container by the air supplied by the pump through the second passage; 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) the connecting portion is a protruding portion that protrudes in the removal direction, The outlet is open toward the mounting direction, When the toner cartridge is in the mounted position, the protrusion is inserted into the toner cartridge through the discharge port. 6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5. (Configuration 7) The device body includes: a moving unit that moves the restricting member between the restricting position and the allowing position; a toner remaining amount sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge; a control unit that controls the moving unit so that the regulating member moves to the allowable position 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. 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6. (Configuration 8) The device body includes: An opening; a door that is movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening; a moving unit that moves the restricting member between the restricting position and the allowing position; a door sensor that outputs different signals when the door is in the closed position and when the door is in the open position; a control unit that controls the movement unit so that the restricting member moves to the permitted position when a signal indicating that the door is in the open position is received from the door sensor, 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6. (Configuration 9) The device body includes: a moving unit that moves the restricting member between the restricting position and the allowing position; an operation unit capable of outputting a signal instructing the removal of the toner cartridge from the main body of the apparatus; a control unit that controls the movement unit so that the restriction member moves to the permitted position when the signal is input from the operation unit, 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6. (Configuration 10) The device body includes: An opening; a door that is movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening; and a linking portion that moves the restricting member to the allowing position in association with the movement of the door from the closed position to the open position. 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6. (Configuration 11) 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 restricting member that, when the toner cartridge is in an attached position in the apparatus body, engages with the receiving opening of the toner cartridge to restrict the toner cartridge from moving in a removal direction from the attached position; a connecting portion that is connected to the discharge port when the toner cartridge is in the mounted position, and that communicates with a first passage through which the toner discharged from the toner cartridge passes when being transported to the developing container; a pump for supplying air to the air chamber of the toner cartridge through the receiving port and discharging the toner in the toner storage chamber together with the air through the discharge port, the regulating member has a second passage through which air supplied from the pump to the air chamber passes, and when the toner cartridge is moved from the mounting position in a direction intersecting the removal direction, the regulating member moves away from the receiving opening and allows the toner cartridge to move in the removal direction. An image forming apparatus characterized by: (Configuration 12) The device body includes: An opening; a door that is movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening, the toner cartridge has a grip portion provided on a surface of the toner cartridge facing the removal direction, and when the grip portion is operated in the intersecting direction at the installation position, the receiving opening moves so as to move away from the regulating member; 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, (Configuration 13) the toner cartridge is moved from the mounting position to a moving position that is moved by a predetermined removal distance in the intersecting direction, so that the receiving opening is separated from the regulating member; the device body has a restricting portion that restricts movement of the toner cartridge in the removal direction when the toner cartridge is located at a position between the mounting position and the moving position; 13. The image forming apparatus according to configuration 11 or 12. (Configuration 14) the regulating portion guides the toner cartridge when it moves from the movement position in the removal direction. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, (Configuration 15) When the toner cartridge is removed from the device body, the engagement between the regulating member and the receiving opening is released before the connection between the connecting portion and the discharge opening is released, thereby opening the receiving opening. 15. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 14. (Configuration 16) the separation direction is a direction along the horizontal direction, The cross direction is a direction along the direction of gravity. 15. The image forming apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1: Toner cartridge / 1a: Toner storage chamber / 1b: Air chamber / 1d: Surface (side) / 2: Door / 3: Pump / 4b: Regulating member (first connection part) / 4bP: Second passage (passage) / 5a: Part (pipe part) / 5b: Sealing member (O-ring) / 9b: Connection part, protrusion part (second connection part) / 16: Toner remaining amount sensor / 18: Control part / 19: Operation part (operation panel) / 20: Door sensor / 60: Moving part (release mechanism) / 61: Interlocking part / 63: Grip part / 64: Regulating part / 100: Image forming device / 100A: Device main body / 101Y: Photosensitive drum / 104: Development container / 121Y: Development roller / 150: Opening / D2: Removal direction (removal direction) / D3: Intersecting direction / D4: Installation direction / L3: Predetermined distance (first 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 body, the toner cartridge being configured to reach an attachment position by being moved in an attachment direction and to be removed from the attachment position by being moved in a removal direction that is the opposite direction to the attachment direction; The toner cartridge has 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 that is 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 intake port that communicates with the air chamber, The device body includes: a restricting member configured to be movable in a direction intersecting the removal direction between a restricting position where the restricting member engages with the receiving opening of the toner cartridge to restrict movement of the toner cartridge from the mounted position in the removal direction and an allowing position where the toner cartridge is allowed to move from the mounted position in the removal direction; a connecting portion that is connected to the discharge port when the toner cartridge is in the mounted position, and that communicates with a first passage through which the toner discharged from the toner cartridge passes when being transported to the developing container; a pump for supplying air to the air chamber of the toner cartridge through the receiving port and discharging the toner in the toner storage chamber together with the air through the discharge port, the regulating member has a second passage through which air supplied from the pump to the air chamber passes, and engages with the receiving port to supply air to the air chamber when in the regulating position, and separates from the receiving port to open the receiving port when in the allowing position. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. The locking member further includes a sealing member that seals a gap between the restricting member and a portion that constitutes the receiving opening when the restricting member is engaged with the receiving opening.

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

3. the regulating member is inserted into the toner cartridge by a predetermined distance from the sealing member toward the air chamber in the intersecting direction when the toner cartridge is located at the mounting position and the regulating member is located at the regulating position.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. the internal pressure of the air chamber of the toner cartridge is equal to atmospheric pressure when the regulating member is located at the permissible position; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. the toner discharged from the toner cartridge through the discharge port is transported to the developing container by the air supplied by the pump through the second passage; 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

6. the connecting portion is a protruding portion that protrudes in the removal direction, The outlet is open toward the mounting direction, When the toner cartridge is in the mounted position, the protrusion is inserted into the toner cartridge through the discharge port.

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

7. The device body includes: a moving unit that moves the restricting member between the restricting position and the allowing position; a toner remaining amount sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of toner remaining in the toner cartridge; a control unit that controls the moving unit so that the regulating member moves to the allowable position 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.

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

8. The device body includes: An opening; a door that is movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening; a moving unit that moves the restricting member between the restricting position and the allowing position; a door sensor that outputs different signals when the door is in the closed position and when the door is in the open position; a control unit that controls the movement unit so that the restricting member moves to the permitted position when a signal indicating that the door is in the open position is received from the door sensor, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

9. The device body includes: a moving unit that moves the restricting member between the restricting position and the allowing position; an operation unit capable of outputting a signal instructing the removal of the toner cartridge from the main body of the apparatus; a control unit that controls the movement unit so that the restriction member moves to the permitted position when the signal is input from the operation unit, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

10. The device body includes: An opening; a door that is movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening; and a linking portion that moves the restricting member to the allowing position in association with the movement of the door from the closed position to the open position.

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

11. 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 restricting member that, when the toner cartridge is in an attached position in the apparatus body, engages with the receiving opening of the toner cartridge to restrict the toner cartridge from moving in a removal direction from the attached position; a connecting portion that is connected to the discharge port when the toner cartridge is in the mounted position, and that communicates with a first passage through which the toner discharged from the toner cartridge passes when being transported to the developing container; a pump for supplying air to the air chamber of the toner cartridge through the receiving port and discharging the toner in the toner storage chamber together with the air through the discharge port, the regulating member has a second passage through which air supplied from the pump to the air chamber passes, and when the toner cartridge is moved from the mounted position in a direction intersecting the removal direction, the regulating member moves away from the receiving opening and allows the toner cartridge to move in the removal direction. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

12. The device body includes: An opening; a door that is movable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening, the toner cartridge has a grip portion provided on a surface of the toner cartridge facing the removal direction, and when the grip portion is operated in the intersecting direction at the installation position, the receiving opening moves so as to move away from the regulating member; 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

13. the toner cartridge is moved from the mounting position to a moving position that is moved by a predetermined removal distance in the intersecting direction, so that the receiving opening is separated from the regulating member; the device body has a restricting portion that restricts movement of the toner cartridge in the removal direction when the toner cartridge is located at a position between the mounting position and the moving position; 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

14. the regulating portion guides the toner cartridge when it moves from the movement position in the removal direction.

14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13.

15. When the toner cartridge is removed from the device body, the engagement between the regulating member and the receiving opening is released before the connection between the connecting portion and the discharge opening is released, thereby opening the receiving opening.

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

16. the separation direction is a direction along the horizontal direction, The cross direction is a direction along the direction of gravity.

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

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