cartridge

Abstract

We provide cartridges. [Solution] The cartridge comprises a first chamber for containing toner, a second chamber positioned to align with the first chamber in a first direction, a filter provided to partition the first chamber and the second chamber, which allows air to pass through but restricts the passage of toner, an outlet for discharging the toner contained in the first chamber to the outside of the cartridge, an intake for taking in air from outside the cartridge into the second chamber, and a discharge pipe connecting the outlet and the inside of the first chamber, wherein the outlet is provided on the first end face, which is the end face of the cartridge in a first direction, and the intake is provided on the second end face, which is the end face of the cartridge in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image by transferring a toner image formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum to a transfer material as a transfer medium. And, as a developer replenishment method, for example, a process cartridge method and a toner replenishment method are known. The process cartridge method is a method in which a photosensitive drum and a developing container are integrated as a process cartridge, and when the developer runs out, the process cartridge is replaced with a new one.

[0003] On the other hand, the toner replenishment method is a method of newly replenishing toner to a developing container when the toner runs out. Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that replenishes toner to a developing container using a toner pack that is detachable from the developing container has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Also, an image forming apparatus including a developing device that stores toner, a toner storage container that stores toner supplied to the developing device, and an air pump that sends air to the toner storage container has been proposed (see Patent Document 2). In this image forming apparatus, an air filter that allows only air among the toner and air sent from the toner storage container to the developing device to vent to the outside of the developing device is provided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is a cartridge, The first chamber for storing toner, A second chamber is provided so as to be aligned with the first chamber in the first direction, A filter provided to partition the first chamber and the second chamber, which allows the passage of air and restricts the passage of toner, An outlet for discharging the toner contained in the first chamber to the outside of the cartridge, The second chamber has an air intake for taking in air from outside the cartridge, A discharge pipe section that connects the discharge port and the inside of the first chamber, Equipped with, The discharge port is provided on the first end face, which is the end face of the cartridge in the first direction. The intake port is provided on the second end face, which is the end face of the cartridge in a second direction intersecting the first direction. This cartridge has the following characteristics: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a cartridge can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an overall schematic diagram showing the image forming apparatus according to Example 1. [Figure 2(A)] This is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2(B)] This is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus with the front door open. [Figure 2(C)] This is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus with the toner cartridge removed. [Figure 3(A)] This is a perspective view showing the image forming unit. [Figure 3(B)] It is a perspective view showing an image forming unit with the toner cartridge removed. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing the optical path of the laser light irradiated from the laser scanner. [Figure 5(A)] It is a plan view showing the laser scanner and the image forming unit. [Figure 5(B)] It is a plan view showing the image forming unit. [Figure 6(A)] It is a sectional view showing the 6A-6A section of FIG. 5(B). [Figure 6(B)] It is a sectional view showing the 6B-6B section of FIG. 5(B). [Figure 7] It is a sectional view showing the 7A-7A section of FIG. 5(A). [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing the state where the image forming unit is pulled out from the apparatus main body. [Figure 9] It is a front view, top view, bottom view, side view, and rear view showing the toner cartridge. [Figure 10(A)] It is a sectional view showing the 10A-10A section of FIG. 9(B). [Figure 10(B)] It is a perspective view of FIG. 10(A). [Figure 10(C)] It is an exploded view of FIG. 10(A). [Figure 10(D)] It is an exploded perspective view showing the toner cartridge. [Figure 11] It is a view showing the joint portion between the first frame body and the second frame body. [Figure 12(A)] It is the 12A-12A section of FIG. 9(E) and is a sectional view showing the discharge pipe. [Figure 12(B)] It is a perspective view of FIG. 12(A). [Figure 13(A)] It is a partially enlarged view of the state where the toner cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body. [Figure 13(B)] It is a partially enlarged view of the state where the toner cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. [Figure 14(A)] It is a top view showing the toner cartridge of Example 2. [Figure 14(B)]This is a cross-sectional view showing the 14B-14B section of Figure 14(A). [Figure 14(C)] This is a perspective view of Figure 14(B). [Figure 14(D)] Figure 14(B) is an exploded perspective view. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] <Example 1> (Overall structure) First, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 is an electrophotographic laser beam printer. An image forming apparatus is defined as 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 document, and includes printers, copiers, facsimile machines, and multifunction devices. In addition to the main unit that has the image forming function, an image forming apparatus may be connected to auxiliary equipment such as optional feeders, image readers, and sheet processing devices, and the entire system with such auxiliary equipment connected is also a type of image forming apparatus.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 40 for forming an image on a sheet S, a feeding unit 18, a fixing unit 21, and a pair of discharge rollers 22. The image forming unit 40 is composed of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) respectively. The system comprises four process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK that form a four-color toner image, and a laser scanner LB. The laser scanner LB is positioned above the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. An LED exposure unit may be used instead of the laser scanner LB.

[0012] The part of the image forming apparatus 1 excluding the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, PK and the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K described later may be referred to as the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 or the apparatus body 72. In the following description, the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K may simply be referred to as cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K. The process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK may be detachably supported by the apparatus body 72, or they may be fixed to the apparatus body 72 in a non-detachable manner.

[0013] In Example 1, the component codes corresponding to the yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners are denoted with subscripts Y, M, C, and K, respectively. The configuration and operation of these subscripted components are substantially the same, except for the difference in toner color. Therefore, in the following, the subscripts Y-K may be omitted and the components described collectively unless otherwise specified.

[0014] Furthermore, in the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, PK and toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are assumed to be in their normal orientation, that is, the orientation in which they are mounted on the main unit 72 (mounting orientation). Also, directions X, Y, and Z are defined as follows.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2(A), the front-to-back direction is indicated by the X-axis, and the direction from the back to the front of the image forming apparatus 1 is defined as the X-direction. The X-direction is sometimes called the front direction or the direction towards the viewer. In addition, the downstream side in the X-direction of the image forming apparatus 1 is sometimes called the front side, and the upstream side is sometimes called the back side. In the figure, the front side is denoted by the symbol FE, and the back side by the symbol BE.

[0016] The left-right direction is indicated by the Y-axis, and the direction from left to right in the image forming apparatus 1 is defined as the Y-direction. The Y-direction is sometimes referred to as the right direction. Furthermore, the downstream side in the Y-direction of the image forming apparatus 1 is sometimes referred to as the right side, and the upstream side as the left side. In the figure, the right side is indicated by the symbol RE, and the left side by the symbol LE.

[0017] The vertical direction is indicated by the Z-axis, and the direction from the bottom to the top of the image forming apparatus 1 is defined as the Z-direction. The Z-direction may also be called the upward direction, height direction, or vertical direction. Furthermore, the downstream side in the Z-direction of the image forming apparatus 1 may be called the upper side, top surface side, or top surface side, while the upstream side may be called the lower side, bottom surface side, or bottom surface side.

[0018] The X, Y, and Z axes are perpendicular to each other. For example, the X axis is perpendicular to both the Y axis and the Z axis. Furthermore, a plane perpendicular to the X axis is sometimes called the YZ plane, a plane perpendicular to the Y axis is called the ZX plane, and a plane perpendicular to the Z axis is called the XY plane. For example, the XY plane is a horizontal plane. The X and Y directions are directions along the horizontal XY plane, i.e., horizontal directions.

[0019] The process cartridge PY comprises a drum unit 8Y and a developing unit 9Y. The drum unit 8Y comprises a photosensitive drum 4Y and a charging roller 5Y. The photosensitive drum 4Y is constructed by coating the outer circumference of an aluminum cylinder with an organic photoconductive layer and is rotated by a drive motor (not shown). A photosensitive belt may be used instead of the photosensitive drum 4Y. The developing unit 9Y comprises a developing container 3Y for containing yellow toner and a developing roller 6Y for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4Y.

[0020] Similarly, the process cartridge PM includes a drum unit 8M and a developing unit 9M. The drum unit 8M includes a photosensitive drum 4M and a charging roller 5M. The photosensitive drum 4M is constructed by coating the outer circumference of an aluminum cylinder with an organic photoconductive layer and is rotated by a drive motor (not shown). A photosensitive belt may be used instead of the photosensitive drum 4M. The developing unit 9M includes a developing container 3M for containing magenta toner and a developing roller 6M for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4M.

[0021] The process cartridge PC also includes a drum unit 8C and a developing unit 9C. The drum unit 8C includes a photosensitive drum 4C and a charging roller 5C. The photosensitive drum 4C is constructed by coating the outer circumference of an aluminum cylinder with an organic photoconductive layer and is rotated by a drive motor (not shown). A photosensitive belt may be used instead of the photosensitive drum 4C. The developing unit 9C includes a developing container 3C for containing cyan toner and a developing roller 6C for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4C.

[0022] The process cartridge PK also includes a drum unit 8K and a developing unit 9K. The drum unit 8K includes a photosensitive drum 4K and a charging roller 5K. The photosensitive drum 4K is constructed by coating the outer circumference of an aluminum cylinder with an organic photoconductive layer and is rotated by a drive motor (not shown). A photosensitive belt may be used instead of the photosensitive drum 4K. The developing unit 9K includes a developing container 3K for containing black toner and a developing roller 6K for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4K.

[0023] These four process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are arranged in a line in the X direction. The image forming unit 40 is also provided with an intermediate transfer belt unit 11 located below the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. The intermediate transfer belt unit 11 has an intermediate transfer belt 12 wound around a drive roller 14, a tension roller 13, and an assist roller 15, and a secondary transfer roller 17. The intermediate transfer belt 12 is rotated clockwise by the drive roller 14 in the direction indicated by arrow C in Figure 1. Primary transfer rollers 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K are provided inside the intermediate transfer belt 12.

[0024] The primary transfer rollers 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K form primary transfer sections 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K with the photosensitive drums 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K, respectively. The secondary transfer roller 17 is positioned opposite the drive roller 14 via an intermediate transfer belt 12. The secondary transfer roller 17 and the intermediate transfer belt 12 are in contact with each other, forming a secondary transfer section 31.

[0025] The fixing unit 21 includes a fixing film 21a that is heated by a heater, and a pressure roller 21b that presses against the fixing film 21a. The feeding unit 18 is located at the bottom of the image forming apparatus 1. The feeding unit 18 includes a feeding cassette 19 that can be pulled out and attached to the main body 72 of the apparatus, and a feeding roller 20 that feeds the sheet S contained in the feeding cassette 19. The feeding unit 18 also has a manual feed slot into which sheets are inserted manually. The term "sheet" includes paper such as paper and envelopes, plastic films such as overhead projector sheets (OHP), cloth, etc.

[0026] (Image formation process) Next, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 configured in this way will be described. When an image signal is input to the laser scanner LB from a personal computer (not shown), laser beams LY, LM, LC, and LK corresponding to the image signal are irradiated from the laser scanner LB onto the photosensitive drums 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K.

[0027] At this time, the surface of the photosensitive drum 4Y is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by the charging roller 5Y, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface when laser light LY is irradiated from the laser scanner LB. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 4Y is developed by the developing roller 6Y, and a yellow (Y) toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4Y.

[0028] Similarly, magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images are formed on the photosensitive drums 4M, 4C, and 4K. The toner images of each color formed on each photosensitive drum are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 12 by the primary transfer rollers 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K, and then transported to the secondary transfer roller 17 by the intermediate transfer belt 12, which is rotated by the drive roller 14.

[0029] The image formation process for each color is performed at the timing when it is superimposed on the upstream toner image that has been primary transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 12. After the toner images of each color have been transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 12, any toner remaining on the surface of each photosensitive drum is removed by a cleaning device (not shown).

[0030] In parallel with this image formation process, a sheet S housed in the feed cassette 19 of the feed unit 18 or a sheet supplied from the manual feed port is transported toward the secondary transfer unit 31. In the secondary transfer unit 31, the full-color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 12 is transferred to the sheet S by a secondary transfer bias applied to the secondary transfer roller 17. The sheet S on which the toner image has been transferred is subjected to predetermined heat and pressure by the fixing film 21a and pressure roller 21b of the fixing unit 21, causing the toner to melt and solidify (fix) to the sheet S. The sheet S that has passed through the fixing unit 21 is discharged in the direction along the X direction by the discharge roller pair 22 and loaded onto the discharge tray 23 provided on the top of the main body 72 of the device.

[0031] (Toner cartridge general configuration) Next, the general configuration of toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K will be explained using Figures 2(A) to 2(C). Figure 2(A) is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus 1, Figure 2(B) is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus 1 with the front door 72b open, and Figure 2(C) is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus 1 with the toner cartridge 430M removed.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2(A), the image forming apparatus 1 has a front door 72b that is supported by the housing of the apparatus body 72 so as to be openable and closable. As shown in Figure 2(A), when the front door 72b is in the closed position, it covers the opening 72a provided at the front of the apparatus body 72, i.e., the downstream end in the X direction. Also, as shown in Figure 2(B), when the front door 72b is in the open position, it opens the opening 72a of the apparatus body 72. The front door 72b can maintain its position in the open position.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2(B), when the front door 72b is opened from the closed position to the open position, the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through the opening 72a. This allows the user to access the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K. The toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K can replenish the toner in the developing containers 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK.

[0034] The toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are located on the downstream side of the device body 72 in the X direction and the downstream side in the Z direction, i.e., on the front and top side of the device body 72. In other words, the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are located on the downstream side of the device body 72 in the sheet discharge direction of the discharge roller pair 22. Furthermore, the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are arranged in the Y direction. That is, the X direction, which is the direction in which the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are arranged, and the Y direction, which is the direction in which the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are arranged, intersect each other.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2(C), the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are detachably supported in the X direction by a cartridge holder 429 provided on the main body 72 of the device. Therefore, the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K can be replaced without removing the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK from the main body 72 of the device. The toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are located on the front side of the main body 72 and are exposed by opening the front door 72b, so they can be easily replaced.

[0036] The cartridge holder 429 is located on the front side of the main body 72 and downstream of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK in the X direction. Therefore, even when the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are removed from the cartridge holder 429, the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are covered by the cartridge holder 429. Thus, they are not exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through the opening 72a. The toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are housed inside the main body 72 when the front door 72b is in the closed position.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2(A), indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K are provided on the front surface 72c of the main body 72 of the device. These indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K are intended to clearly indicate to the user the color of the toner contained in the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K. The indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K are composed of LEDs, stickers, etc. For example, indicator 208Y is composed of an LED that lights up or flashes yellow, or a sticker colored yellow. In addition, indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K may also have a function to display the remaining amount of toner contained in the corresponding process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK.

[0038] In Example 1, indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K are located on the front surface 72c of the main body 72 of the device and are not covered by the front door 72b in the closed position. That is, indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K are exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 regardless of the position of the front door 72b. However, for example, indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K may be arranged to be covered by the front door 72b in the closed position and exposed to the outside when the front door 72b is opened.

[0039] (Image forming unit) Next, using Figures 3(A) to 3(B), we will describe the image forming unit 500, which includes a toner transport mechanism for transporting toner from toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K to process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. Figure 3(A) is a perspective view showing the image forming unit 500, and Figure 3(B) is a perspective view showing the image forming unit 500 with the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K removed.

[0040] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the optical paths LY1, LM1, LC1, and LK1 of the laser beams LY, LM, LC, and LK emitted from the laser scanner LB. Note that in Figures 4, 5(B), and 7, the optical paths LY1, LM1, LC1, and LK1 are visualized for convenience. Figure 5(A) is a plan view showing the laser scanner LB and the image forming unit 500, and Figure 5(B) is... This is a plan view showing the image forming unit 500.

[0041] Figure 6(A) is a cross-sectional view showing the 6A-6A section of Figure 5(B), and Figure 6(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the 6B-6B section of Figure 5(B). Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the 7A-7A section of Figure 5(A). Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the image forming unit 500 pulled out from the apparatus body 72.

[0042] As shown in Figures 3(A) and 4, the image forming unit 500 includes process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, and toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K. The image forming unit 500 also includes a cartridge holder 429 and pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K. The pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K are located below the cartridge holder 429 and are arranged in a line in the Y direction. The pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K are composed of positive displacement pumps such as reciprocating pumps and rotary pumps, but are not limited to these. For example, the pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K may be composed of non-positive displacement pumps such as centrifugal pumps, propeller pumps, and viscous pumps.

[0043] Reciprocating pumps are pumps that perform suction and discharge by the reciprocating motion of a piston or plunger, and include piston pumps, plunger pumps, and diaphragm pumps. Rotary pumps are pumps that perform suction and discharge by the rotational motion of gears or rotors, and include gear pumps, screw pumps, and vane pumps. The four pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K may be configured as a single pump unit, or as two or three separate pump units. In Example 1, the pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K are provided on the main body 72 of the device, but they may also be provided on the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K, respectively.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3(B), the pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K each have air outlets 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca, and 80Ka, respectively, from which air is discharged. These outlets 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca, and 80Ka open forward, i.e., in the X direction.

[0045] The cartridge holder 429 is provided with openings facing the discharge ports 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca, and 80Ka, respectively, and intake ports 429Ya, 429Ma, 429Ca, and 429Ka. The above-mentioned openings are provided on the back surface of the cartridge holder 429, and the intake ports 429Ya, 429Ma, 429Ca, and 429Ka are through holes provided on the upper surface of the cartridge holder 429. The opening direction of the intake ports 429Ya, 429Ma, 429Ca, and 429Ka is the Z direction, and therefore intersects with the X direction, which is the opening direction of the discharge ports 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca, and 80Ka.

[0046] Assume that toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are installed in the cartridge holder 429. In this case, air discharged from the discharge ports 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca, and 80Ka is supplied to the inside of the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K. Toner is discharged from the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K along with the air. The discharged toner is received by the replenishment pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K via the intake ports 429Ya, 429Ma, 429Ca, and 429Ka of the cartridge holder 429.

[0047] The supply pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K each have intake ports 429Ya, 429Ma, 429Ca, and 429Ka, respectively, and upstream ends 444Yu, 444Mu, 444Cu, and 444Ku. The 4K has downstream ends 444Yd, 444Md, 444Cd, and 444Kd, each equipped with developing containers 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K, respectively.

[0048] Then, the toner discharged along with air from toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K is supplied to developing containers 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K via supply pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K.

[0049] The downstream ends 444Yd and 444Md of the replenishment pipes 444Y and 444M are connected to the upstream ends, i.e., the left ends, of the developing containers 3Y and 3M in the Y direction, respectively. The downstream ends 444Cd and 444Kd of the replenishment pipes 444C and 444K are connected to the downstream ends, i.e., the right ends, of the developing containers 3C and 3K in the Y direction, respectively. By distributing the replenishment pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K to the left and right sides of the developing containers 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K in this way, the lengths of the replenishment pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K can be shortened. As a result, pressure loss in the replenishment pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K can be reduced, and the image forming unit 500 can be miniaturized.

[0050] Next, the arrangement of the toner cartridge 430Y will be described. As shown in Figure 6(B), the toner cartridge 430Y and the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are arranged to overlap with the imaginary line VL1 extending in the X direction. In other words, as shown in Figures 1 and 6(B), the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are arranged in the X direction alongside the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. To put it another way, when viewed in the X direction, at least a portion of each toner cartridge 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K is arranged to overlap with the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK in the Z direction. Therefore, the image forming unit 500 can be miniaturized in the Z direction, i.e., the vertical direction, and the image forming apparatus 1 can be miniaturized.

[0051] In Example 1, toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K were arranged as described above, but the configuration is not limited to this. That is, toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K may be positioned above process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK in the Z direction.

[0052] Next, the arrangement of the replenishment pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K will be described. As shown in Figures 4, 5(B), and 7, the replenishment pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K are arranged so as not to interfere with the optical paths LY1, LM1, LC1, and LK1 described above. This makes it possible to miniaturize the image forming unit 500 and the image forming apparatus 1. In particular, the image forming unit 500 can be miniaturized in the Y and Z directions.

[0053] The image forming unit 500 is preferably configured to allow easy access to the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, PK and the replenishment pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K. This is for maintenance and replacement of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, PK and the replenishment pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K. In Example 1, as shown in Figure 8, the image forming unit 500 is configured to be able to be pulled out in the X direction relative to the apparatus body 72, which includes the intermediate transfer belt unit 11. This improves the maintainability of the image forming unit 500. However, the image forming unit 500 may be configured not to be able to be pulled out in the X direction relative to the apparatus body 72.

[0054] (Toner cartridge general configuration) Next, the general configuration of the toner cartridge 430Y will be explained using Figures 9(A) to 13(B). Figure 9(A) shows the toner cartridge 430Y. Figure 9(B) is a front view, and Figure 9(C) is a top view showing the toner cartridge 430Y. Figure 9(D) is a bottom view showing the toner cartridge 430Y, and Figure 9(E) is a side view showing the toner cartridge 430Y. Figures 10(A), 10(B), and 10(C) show the 10A-10A section of Figure 9(B), respectively, with Figure 10(A) being a front view, Figure 10(B) being a perspective view, and Figure 10(C) being an exploded front view. Figure 10(D) is an exploded perspective view showing the toner cartridge 430Y. Figure 11 is a magnified view of View 11 of Figure 10(A), showing the joint between the first frame and the second frame. Figures 12(A) and 12(B) show the 12A-12A section of Figure 9(E), respectively. Figure 12(A) is a front view, and Figure 12(B) is a perspective view. Figure 13 is a magnified view of a section shown in View 13 of Figure 6(A). Figure 13(A) is a magnified view of a section with the toner cartridge removed from the device body, and Figure 13(B) is a magnified view of a section with the toner cartridge installed in the device body.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3(A), toner cartridge 430K has a width La in the Y direction, and width La is wider than the widths Lb of toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, and 430C. Therefore, the volume of toner that toner cartridge 430K can hold is larger than the volume of each toner cartridge 430Y, 430M, and 430C. Generally, black toner is consumed more than other colors of toner, but as mentioned above, toner cartridge 430K can hold more toner than the other toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, and 430C. This allows for equalization of the replacement frequency of toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K, improving usability.

[0056] In Example 1, the lengths of toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K in the X direction are all equal to length W. Furthermore, the length W in the X direction is shorter than the widths La and Lb in the Y direction.

[0057] Toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K have the same configuration except for their width in the Y direction. Below, only toner cartridge 430Y will be described, and descriptions of toner cartridges 430M, 430C, and 430K will be omitted.

[0058] Furthermore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the directions (X1, Y1, Z1) are defined based on the orientation of the toner cartridge 430Y described below, as shown in Figures 9(A) to 12(B). That is, the first direction (Z1 direction) is the direction of gravity, and the toner cartridge 430Y is oriented in a predetermined orientation where the toner storage chamber 430Yc is located above the air chamber 430Yd. The toner cartridge 430Y is detachably mounted on the main body 72 of the image forming apparatus 1 and installed in the predetermined orientation. In this orientation of the toner cartridge 430Y, the toner storage chamber 430Yc, filter 83Y, and air chamber 430Yd are arranged from top to bottom in this order with respect to the direction of gravity G (the opposite direction to the Z1 direction; see Figure 10(A)). In this orientation, the short side (X1 direction) and long side (Y1 direction) of the toner cartridge 430Y are parallel to the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity G. In this orientation, the direction opposite to the Z1 direction is the direction of gravity G, and the toner cartridge 430Y is oriented in a predetermined direction where the toner storage chamber 430Yc is above the air chamber 430Yd. In this case, the short side of the toner cartridge 430Y is the X1 direction, the long side is the Y1 direction, and the direction opposite to the direction of gravity is the Z1 direction. That is, the first direction, the direction of gravity G, is the direction in which the second frame 430Yb and the first frame 430Ya, which will be described later, are aligned. The third direction, the Y1 direction, is the long side of the first frame 430Ya that intersects the Z1 direction in a cross section perpendicular to the Z1 direction. The second direction, the X1 direction, is the short side of the first frame 430Ya that intersects both the Z1 direction and the Y1 direction.

[0059] The front-to-back direction of the toner cartridge 430Y is indicated by the X1 axis, with the direction from the back to the front being defined as the X1 direction. The X1 direction is sometimes also called the front direction or the direction towards the user. Additionally, the downstream side in the X1 direction of the toner cartridge 430Y is sometimes called the front side, and the upstream side is sometimes called the back side.

[0060] The left-right direction of toner cartridge 430Y is indicated by the Y1 axis, and the direction from left to right of toner cartridge 430Y is defined as the Y1 direction. The Y1 direction is sometimes referred to as the right direction. Also, the downstream side and the upstream side of toner cartridge 430Y in the Y1 direction are sometimes referred to as the right side and left side, respectively.

[0061] The vertical direction of toner cartridge 430Y is indicated by the Z1 axis, and the direction from the bottom to the top of toner cartridge 430Y is defined as the Z1 direction. The Z1 direction may also be called the upward direction, height direction, or vertical direction. Furthermore, the downstream side of toner cartridge 430Y in the Z1 direction may be called the upper side, top surface side, or top surface side, and the upstream side may be called the lower side, bottom surface side, or bottom surface side.

[0062] The X1, Y1, and Z1 axes are perpendicular to each other. For example, the X1 axis is perpendicular to both the Y1 axis and the Z1 axis. Furthermore, a plane perpendicular to the X1 axis is sometimes called the Y1Z1 plane, a plane perpendicular to the Y1 axis is called the Z1X1 plane, and a plane perpendicular to the Z1 axis is called the X1Y1 plane.

[0063] As shown in Figures 9(A) to 10(D), the toner cartridge 430Y includes a first frame 430Ya as a first container, a second frame 430Yb as a second container, a filter 83Y, and a discharge pipe 85Y. In Example 1, the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb are made of resin material, but they may be made of paper or the like. As will be described in detail later, the filter 83Y is fixed in a state where it is sandwiched between the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb.

[0064] The internal space SPY of the toner cartridge 430Y is divided by a filter 83Y into a toner storage chamber 430Yc and an air chamber 430Yd. Specifically, the toner storage chamber 430Yc is composed of a first frame 430Ya and a filter 83Y, and the air chamber 430Yd is composed of a second frame 430Yb and a filter 83Y. The air chamber 430Yd, as the second chamber, is located below the filter 83Y, and the toner storage chamber 430Yc is located above the filter 83Y.

[0065] The toner storage chamber 430Yc, which serves as the first chamber, is configured to contain toner T (see Figure 12(A)), and within the toner storage chamber 430Yc, the toner T is supported by gravity by the filter 83Y. The air chamber 430Yd does not contain toner T. The filter 83Y is made of a porous material, for example, resin fibers. The pores of the filter 83Y are of a size and density that allows air to pass through but restricts the passage of toner T. In other words, the filter 83Y is configured to allow air to pass through but to prevent the passage of toner T.

[0066] As shown in Figure 9(B), the upper surface 4300Yc of the first frame 430Ya is provided with an outlet 430Ya1 through which the toner in the toner storage chamber 430Yc is discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge 430Y. The outlet 430Ya1 is composed of a through hole that penetrates the first frame 430Ya in the Z1 direction.

[0067] As shown in Figure 9(E), the back surface 4300Yd of the second frame 430Yb is provided with an inlet 430Yb1, which serves as a container opening formed by a through-hole that penetrates in the X1 direction. The outlet 430Ya1 and the inlet 430Yb1 are connected to the outside of the toner cartridge 430Y.

[0068] Preferably, these outlets 430Ya1 and inlet 430Yb1 are provided on sides of the toner cartridge 430Y other than the left and right sides. In other words, preferably, the outlets 430Ya1 and inlet 430Yb1 are provided on the sides of the toner cartridge 430Y excluding the side facing the Y1 direction, which is the direction in which the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are aligned. This makes it possible to narrow the gaps Gym, Gmc, and Gck in the Y direction (Y1 direction) between each toner cartridge 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K, as shown in Figure 3(A). As a result, the width of the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K in the Y direction can be increased, and the capacity of toner that can be contained in the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K can be increased.

[0069] Gap Gym is the gap in the Y direction between toner cartridge 430Y and toner cartridge 430M. Gap Gmc is the gap in the Y direction between toner cartridge 430M and toner cartridge 430C. Gap Gck is the gap in the Y direction between toner cartridge 430C and toner cartridge 430K.

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(A), the bottom surface 4300Yb of the second frame 430Yb is inclined downward (upstream in the Z direction) as it approaches the center in the Y1 direction. That is, the bottom surface 4300Yb has a first slope 4302 that slopes downward as it approaches the downstream in the Y1 direction, and a second slope 4303 that slopes downward as it approaches the upstream in the Y1 direction. The boundary portion between the first slope 4302 and the second slope 4303 is the lowest surface portion 430Yb2 of the bottom surface 4300Yb.

[0071] As shown in Figure 3(B), the cartridge holder 429 is provided with an inlet 429Ya that engages with the outlet 430Ya1 of the toner cartridge 430Y. It is also provided with an outlet 80Ya that engages with the inlet 430Yb1 of the toner cartridge 430Y. Furthermore, partitions 429ym, 429mc, and 429ck are provided to separate the cartridges. The outlet 80Ya opens toward the upstream direction in the X1 direction. That is, the outlet 80Ya opens in the same direction as the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 430Y to the cartridge holder 429. Therefore, when mounting the toner cartridge 430Y to the cartridge holder 429, it is easy to engage the outlet 430Ya1 with the outlet 80Ya of the cartridge holder 429 so that it communicates with it.

[0072] The toner cartridge 430Y and the ejection port 80Ya of the cartridge holder 429 can be connected without air leakage by a configuration having a sealing member as shown in Figure 13. As shown in Figure 13(A), an ejection port seal 80Ya1 is attached to the end of the ejection port 80Ya, which has a cylindrical holding part and a conical engaging part with a hole at the tip. The ejection port seal 80Ya1 is made of a flexible material such as elastomer. When the toner cartridge 430Y is installed into the cartridge holder 429, the state changes from Figure 13(A) to Figure 13(B). At this time, the conical part of the ejection port seal 80Ya1 deforms in the installation direction, i.e., upstream in the X1 direction, and is pressed against the inlet 430Yb1 of the toner cartridge 430Y. As mentioned above, the ejection port seal 80Ya1 is made of a flexible material such as elastomer and has a high coefficient of friction, so a high sealing effect can be expected even with a small amount of deformation, allowing the user to attach and detach the toner cartridge with light operating force. In Example 1, a configuration was described in which the discharge port sealing member is provided on the cartridge holder side, but a configuration in which the sealing member is provided on the toner cartridge side is also acceptable. In that case, the cartridge holder side will have a simple opening, and the toner cartridge side will have a sealing member made of a flexible material such as elastomer.

[0073] Furthermore, the toner cartridge 430Y may be provided with a sealing member (not shown) that seals the toner discharge port 430Ya1, which is the toner discharge section. The sealing member is composed of a seal or a shutter, etc. When the toner cartridge 430Y is not installed in the cartridge holder 429, the sealing member seals the discharge port 430Ya1, thereby preventing toner in the toner storage chamber 430Yc from leaking to the outside of the toner cartridge 430Y. If the sealing member is composed of a seal, when the toner cartridge 430Y is installed in the cartridge holder 429, the sealing member is removed from the upper surface 4300Yc of the toner cartridge 430Y. If the sealing member is composed of a shutter, when the toner cartridge 430Y is installed in the cartridge holder 429, the sealing member is moved relative to the upper surface 4300Yc of the toner cartridge 430Y, opening the discharge port 430Ya1.

[0074] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(A), a label 430Ys is provided on the front surface 4300Ya of the toner cartridge 430Y. The label 430Ys is for indicating the color of the toner contained in the toner cartridge 430Y. Note that the label 430Ys is omitted in drawings other than Figure 9(A). The label 430Ys may also display information about how to install the toner cartridge 430Y into the cartridge holder 429, or information about the toner cartridge 430Y. For example, the label 430Ys may indicate the toner capacity that can be contained in the toner cartridge 430Y, the toner's expiration date, how to store the toner cartridge 430Y, or how to remove the sealing material mentioned above.

[0075] (Toner transport mechanism) Next, we will explain the mechanism by which the toner contained in the toner storage chamber 430Yc of the toner cartridge 430Y is transported to the developer container 3Y of the process cartridge PY. As shown in Figure 6(A), the air discharged from the outlet 80Ya of the pump unit 80Y is taken into the air chamber 430Yd via the intake 430Yb1 (see Figure 10(A)) of the toner cartridge 430Y. This air then fills the air chamber 430Yd, passes through the filter 83Y, and flows into the toner storage chamber 430Yc.

[0076] Air flowing into the toner storage chamber 430Yc penetrates between the toner particles T, causing the toner T to become fluid. The influx of air from the pump unit 80Y creates positive pressure inside the toner cartridge 430Y, and the air attempts to exit the toner cartridge 430Y through the discharge pipe 85Y and the outlet 430Ya1. At this time, the toner T in the toner storage chamber 430Yc is moved along with the air through the discharge pipe 85Y and discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge 430Y through the outlet 430Ya1. In other words, the discharge pipe 85Y guides the toner in the toner storage chamber 430Yc, along with the air, from the inlet 85Ya to the outlet 430Ya1.

[0077] The toner T discharged from the outlet 430Ya1 enters the upstream end 444Yu of the replenishment pipe 444Y via the inlet 429Ya of the cartridge holder 429. The toner T is then transported inside the replenishment pipe 444Y by the air that flows into the replenishment pipe 444Y along with the toner T, and is replenished from the downstream end 444Yd of the replenishment pipe 444Y to the developer container 3Y of the process cartridge PY. As shown in Figure 5(B), since the downstream end 444Yd of the replenishment pipe 444Y is connected to the upstream end of the developer container 3Y in the Y direction (Y1 direction), the toner T is replenished to the upstream end of the developer container 3Y in the Y direction.

[0078] Here, as shown in Figure 6(B), stirring members SY1 and SY2 are rotatably provided inside the developing container 3Y to agitate the toner inside the developing container 3Y. Similarly, stirring members SM1 and SM2, stirring members SC1 and SC2, and stirring members SK1 and SK2 are provided inside the developing containers 3M, 3C, and 3K, respectively.

[0079] The toner in the developing container 3Y is leveled by the rotation of the agitators SY1 and SY2, in the Y direction. The toner is transported in the Y1 direction. In Example 1, these stirring members consist of a rotating shaft and a sheet member fixed to the rotating shaft, but are not limited to this. For example, the stirring member may consist of a screw configured to transport the toner in the developing container along the Y direction. That is, stirring members SY1, SY2, SM1, and SM2 may consist of screws that transport the toner downstream in the Y direction, and stirring members SC1, SC2, SK1, and SK2 may consist of screws that transport the toner upstream in the Y direction.

[0080] Since not only toner T but also air flows into the developing container 3Y, the internal pressure inside the developing container 3Y increases. For this reason, in Example 1, as shown in Figures 3(A) and 5(B), a through-hole (not shown) is provided on the top surface of the developing container 3Y, and this through-hole is covered by an exhaust filter PYf. The exhaust filter PYf is made of nonwoven fabric or the like and is configured to allow the passage of air while restricting the passage of toner. As a result, the toner that flows into the developing container 3Y is restricted from being discharged to the outside by the exhaust filter PYf and remains inside the developing container 3Y. On the other hand, at least a portion of the air that flows into the developing container 3Y passes through the exhaust filter PYf and is discharged to the outside of the developing container 3Y. This suppresses the rise in internal pressure of the developing container 3Y and allows for smooth replenishment of toner into the developing container 3Y.

[0081] Similarly, the upper surfaces of the developing containers 3M, 3C, and 3K are provided with exhaust filters PMf, PCf, and PKf, and through holes (not shown) that are covered by these exhaust filters PMf, PCf, and PKf.

[0082] The exhaust filter PYf and through-hole are located in the center of the developing container 3Y in the Y direction. There is no limit to one exhaust filter and through-hole; multiple filters may be provided in the developing container 3Y. For example, as shown in Figures 3(A) and 5(B), in addition to exhaust filter PYf, exhaust filters PYfa and PYfb may be provided in the developing container 3Y. Exhaust filters PYfa and PYfb cover through-holes (not shown) provided in the developing container 3Y. Exhaust filter PYfa is located upstream of exhaust filter PYf in the Y direction, and exhaust filter PYfb is located downstream of exhaust filter PYf in the Y direction. By providing multiple exhaust filters and through-holes in a single developing container in this way, the rise in internal pressure within the developing container can be efficiently suppressed.

[0083] As described above, the toner contained in the toner cartridge 430Y is transported to the developing container 3Y along with air and replenished in the developing container 3Y. In configurations where the direction of the transport path changes along the way, or where the transport path differs depending on the toner color, such as the replenishment pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K in Example 1, it is preferable to transport the toner using air. Transporting the toner using air improves the design flexibility of the toner transport path and eliminates the need for components such as screws for transporting the toner, thus reducing the number of parts and lowering costs.

[0084] (Detailed configuration of the toner cartridge) (Frame) Next, the detailed configuration of the toner cartridge 430Y will be described using Figures 10(A) to 12(B). As shown in Figures 10(A) to 12(B), the first frame 430Ya has a first box portion 4304 that, together with the bottom portion 83Yd of the filter 83Y, forms the toner storage chamber 430Yc. The first frame 430Ya also has a first flange portion 430Ya2 that extends substantially horizontally from the lower end of the first box portion 4304 toward the outside of the toner storage chamber 430Yc. The first box portion 4304 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first flange portion 430Ya2 is formed around the entire circumference of the lower end of the first box portion 4304.

[0085] The second frame 430Yb is formed separately from the first frame 430Ya. Yb has a second box portion 4305 that, together with the bottom portion 83Yd of the filter 83Y, forms an air chamber 430Yd. The second frame 430Yb also has a second flange portion 430Yb3 that extends substantially horizontally from the upper end of the second box portion 4305 toward the outside of the air chamber 430Yd. The second flange portion 430Yb3 is formed around the entire circumference of the upper end of the second box portion 4305.

[0086] (filter) The filter 83Y is formed in a rectangular and sheet-like shape. The filter 83Y also has a bottom portion 83Yd that serves as a partition separating the air chamber 430Yd from the toner storage chamber 430Yc. Furthermore, the filter 83Y has an outer edge portion 83Ya that is held in place by a first flange portion 430Ya2 and a second flange portion 430Yb3. The outer edge portion 83Ya is provided to be continuous with the bottom portion 83Yd. The bottom portion 83Yd is formed such that as it moves downward in the direction of gravity G, it approaches the lowest point 83Yb of the filter 83Y in the longitudinal direction (Y1 direction), and constitutes the bottom surface of the toner storage chamber 430Yc. In other words, when viewed in the X1 direction, the bottom portion 83Yd is inclined downward in the direction of gravity G as it approaches the lowest point 83Yb of the filter 83Y in the Y1 direction. As shown in Figure 10(B), the bottom surface 83Yd has a first slope 83Yd1 that slopes downward in the Y1 direction from one end (upstream end) of the bottom surface 83Yd towards the lowest part 83Yb. The bottom surface 83Yd also has a second slope 83Yd2 that slopes downward in the Y1 direction from the other end (downstream end) of the bottom surface 83Yd towards the lowest part 83Yb.

[0087] In other words, when viewed in the X1 direction, if the ends of the toner cartridge 430Y in the Y1 direction are considered the first end and the second end, then the lowest part 83Yb of the filter 83Y is located between the first end and the second end in the Y1 direction. Furthermore, the first inclined surface 83Yd1, as the first part, is configured to slope downwards from the first end towards the lowest part 83Yb in the Y1 direction. The second inclined surface 83Yd2, as the second part, is configured to slope downwards from the second end towards the lowest part 83Yb in the Y1 direction. In other words, as shown in Figure 10(C), when viewed in the X1 direction, the filter 83Y has a first end 83Y1, a second end 83Y2 opposite to the first end 83Y1, and an intermediate part 83Y3 located between the first end 83Y1 and the second end 83Y2 in the Y1 direction. The lowest part 83Yb is located in the intermediate part 83Y3.

[0088] Furthermore, the bottom surface 83Yd is provided between the first inclined surface 83Yd1 and the second inclined surface 83Yd2 in the Y1 direction and has an intermediate surface 83Yd3 where the lowest part 83Yb is located. The intermediate surface 83Yd3 is curved to smoothly connect the first inclined surface 83Yd1 and the second inclined surface 83Yd2. Alternatively, the intermediate surface 83Yd3 may be omitted, and the first inclined surface 83Yd1 and the second inclined surface 83Yd2 may be directly connected.

[0089] (joint surface) As shown in Figure 10(D), the first flange portion 430Ya2 of the first frame 430Ya has a first joining surface 431, a second joining surface 432, a third joining surface 433, and a fourth joining surface 434. The second flange portion 430Yb3 of the second frame 430Yb has a first joining surface 441, a second joining surface 442, a third joining surface 443, and a fourth joining surface 445. The first joining surface 431 and the second joining surface 432 of the first flange portion 430Ya2 are each formed in a planar shape extending in the X1 direction. The first joining surface 431 and the second joining surface 432 are each formed in continuity with the third joining surface 433 and the fourth joining surface 434. The first joining surface 431 is provided on the left end side of the first flange portion 430Ya2, and the second joining surface 432 is provided on the right end side of the first flange portion 430Ya2. The third joining surface 433 is provided on the front end side of the first flange portion 430Ya2, and the fourth joining surface 434 is provided on the rear end side of the first flange portion 430Ya2. Since the third joint surface 433 and the fourth joint surface 434 are similarly configured, the third joint surface 433 will be described primarily.

[0090] The third joint surface 433 has a first inclined surface 433a which slopes downward as it moves downstream in the Y1 direction, a second inclined surface 433b which slopes downward as it moves upstream in the Y1 direction, and an intermediate surface 433c. When viewed in the X1 direction, the first inclined surface 433a slopes downward in the direction of gravity G toward the lowest point 43b1 as it approaches the lowest point 43b1 corresponding to the lowest point 83Yb of the filter 83Y in the Y1 direction. When viewed in the X1 direction, the second inclined surface 433b is located on the opposite side of the first inclined surface 433a from the lowest point 43b1 in the Y1 direction, and slopes downward in the direction of gravity G toward the lowest point 43b1 as it approaches the lowest point 43b1. The intermediate surface 433c is provided between the first inclined surface 433a and the second inclined surface 433b in the Y1 direction when viewed in the X1 direction, and is curved to smoothly connect the first inclined surface 433a and the second inclined surface 433b.

[0091] Furthermore, the intermediate surface 433c may be omitted, and the first inclined surface 433a and the second inclined surface 433b may be directly connected, or the intermediate surface 433c may be made of a flat surface. In addition, not only the entirety of the first inclined surface 433a, but also a part of the first inclined surface 433a may constitute an inclined surface or a clamping surface.

[0092] The first joining surface 441 and the second joining surface 442 of the second flange portion 430Yb3 are each formed in a planar shape extending in the X1 direction. The first joining surface 441 is provided on the left end side of the second flange portion 430Yb3, and the second joining surface 442 is provided on the right end side of the second flange portion 430Yb3. The third joining surface 443 is provided on the front end side of the second flange portion 430Yb3, and the fourth joining surface 445 is provided on the rear end side of the second flange portion 430Yb3. Since the third joining surface 443 and the fourth joining surface 445 are similarly configured, the third joining surface 443 will be described primarily.

[0093] The third joint surface 443 has a clamping surface that slopes downward as it moves downstream in the Y1 direction, and a first inclined surface 443a as the first clamping surface. The third joint surface 443 also has a second inclined surface 443b as the second clamping surface that slopes downward as it moves upstream in the Y1 direction. The third joint surface 443 also has an intermediate surface 443c as an intermediate clamping surface. The first inclined surface 443a, the second inclined surface 443b, and the intermediate surface 443c are opposite the first inclined surface 433a, the second inclined surface 433b, and the intermediate surface 433c, respectively, in the direction of gravity G. In other words, the first inclined surface 443a, the second inclined surface 443b, and the intermediate surface 443c are positioned to overlap the first inclined surface 433a, the second inclined surface 433b, and the intermediate surface 433c, respectively, in the direction of gravity G. The intermediate surface 443c is provided between the first inclined surface 443a and the second inclined surface 443b in the Y1 direction when viewed in the X1 direction, and is curved to smoothly connect the first inclined surface 443a and the second inclined surface 443b. When viewed in the X1 direction, the first inclined surface 443a and the second inclined surface 443b are inclined downwards along the first inclined surface 443a and the second inclined surface 433b in the Y1 direction as they approach the lowest point 43b2 corresponding to the lowest point 83Yb of the filter 83Y. Note that the intermediate surface 443c may be omitted, and the first inclined surface 443a and the second inclined surface 443b may be directly connected, or the intermediate surface 443c may be made of a flat surface. Furthermore, not only the entire first inclined surface 443a, but a part of the first inclined surface 443a may constitute the clamping surface or inclined surface.

[0094] The outer edge portion 83Ya of the filter 83Y has a first edge portion 451, a second edge portion 452, a third edge portion 453, and a fourth edge portion 454. The first edge portion 451 and the second edge portion 452 of the outer edge portion 83Ya of the filter 83Y are each formed in a planar shape extending in the X1 direction. The first edge portion 451 is provided on the left end side of the outer edge portion 83Ya, and the second edge portion 452 is provided on the right end side of the outer edge portion 83Ya. The third edge portion 453 is provided on the front end side of the outer edge portion 83Ya, and the fourth edge portion 454 is provided on the rear end side of the outer edge portion 83Ya. Since the third edge portion 453 and the fourth edge portion 454 are similarly configured, the third edge portion 453 will be described mainly.

[0095] The third edge portion 453 has a clamped surface that slopes downward as it moves downstream in the Y1 direction, and a first inclined surface 453a as the first clamped surface. The third edge portion 453 also has a second inclined surface 453b as the second clamped surface that slopes downward as it moves upstream in the Y1 direction. The third edge portion 453 also has an intermediate surface 453c as an intermediate clamped surface. The first inclined surface 453a of the third edge portion 453 of the filter 83Y faces the first inclined surface 433a of the first flange portion 430Ya2 and the first inclined surface 443a of the second flange portion 430Yb3 in the direction of gravity G. The second inclined surface 453b of the third edge 453 of filter 83Y faces the second inclined surface 433b of the first flange portion 430Ya2 and the second inclined surface 443b of the second flange portion 430Yb3 in the direction of gravity G. The intermediate surface 453c of the third edge 453 of filter 83Y faces the intermediate surface 433c of the first flange portion 430Ya2 and the intermediate surface 443c of the second flange portion 430Yb3 in the direction of gravity G.

[0096] Then, the first joining surfaces 431, 441, the second joining surfaces 432, 442, the third joining surfaces 433, 443, and the fourth joining surfaces 434, 445 are ultrasonically welded to each other, thereby joining the first flange portion 430Ya2 and the second flange portion 430Yb3. At this time, the third joining surfaces 433, 443 and the fourth joining surfaces 434, 445 are positioned to overlap with the bottom surface portion 83Yd of the filter 83Y when viewed in the short direction (X1 direction). Note that the first flange portion 430Ya2 and the second flange portion 430Yb3 may be fixed to each other not only by ultrasonic welding, but also by heat welding, adhesives such as double-sided tape or hot melt, or screws.

[0097] The first flange portion 430Ya2 and the second flange portion 430Yb3 are joined together, thereby holding the filter 83Y sandwiched between them. If the holding force of the filter 83Y is insufficient, the entire circumference of the outer edge portion 83Ya of the filter 83Y may be bonded to at least one of the first flange portion 430Ya2 and the second flange portion 430Yb3. This allows the filter 83Y to be held with high holding force.

[0098] Furthermore, since the filter 83Y is sandwiched between the first flange portion 430Ya2 and the second flange portion 430Yb3, it is held in a position along the respective joining surfaces of the first flange portion 430Ya2 and the second flange portion 430Yb3. In particular, the third edge portion 453 of the filter 83Y is sandwiched by the third joining surfaces 433 and 443, which are formed in a substantially V shape, and the fourth edge portion 454 of the filter 83Y is sandwiched by the fourth joining surfaces 434 and 445, which are formed in a substantially V shape. Therefore, the filter 83Y is held in a substantially V-shaped position with the lowest part 83Yb as its lower end.

[0099] Furthermore, the lowest part 83Yb of the filter 83Y extends in the short direction (X1 direction), and the bottom surface portion 83Yd of the filter 83Y extends parallel to the short direction (X1 direction) over its entire length. In other words, in a predetermined cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y1 direction), the distance of the bottom surface portion 83Yd to the outlet 85Yb in the direction of gravity G or Z1 is equal over its entire length (X1 direction). That is, as shown in Figure 12(A), in the X1Z1 plane, the distance GD in the Z1 direction between the center 430Ya5 of the outlet 430Ya1 and the bottom surface portion 83Yd is equal over its entire length (X1 direction). Also, the first joint surface 441 faces the first joint surface 431 in the direction of gravity G. In other words, the first joint surface 441 is positioned to overlap with the first joint surface 431 in the direction of gravity G.

[0100] In other words, filter 83Y is made by folding a single rectangular sheet at the bottom 83Yb. The filter has a shape that is not complex, three-dimensional, and does not have any uneven surfaces. For this reason, the filter 83Y can be formed from a sheet of nonwoven fabric made of resin fibers, for example, and does not need to be molded three-dimensionally by heat pressing or the like. In other words, the filter 83Y is a flat sheet when its outer edge 83Ya is not sandwiched between the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb. Therefore, the filter 83Y can be constructed inexpensively while being held in a roughly V-shaped position. Compared to molded members made by heat pressing or the like, the sheet-like filter 83Y can be made thinner, and the toner capacity of the toner cartridge 430Y can be increased.

[0101] Normally, in order to move toner along an inclined surface solely by its own weight, the inclination angle θ of the inclined surface relative to the horizontal plane needs to be set to about 70 degrees. However, in Example 1, the toner resting on the filter 83Y within the toner storage chamber 430Yc is fluidized by the air, so as shown in Figure 10(A), the inclination angle of the inclined surface of the filter 83Y relative to the horizontal plane only needs to be about 10 to 20 degrees. This allows for an increase in the volume of the toner cartridge 430Y, and thus increases the amount of toner that the toner cartridge 430Y can accommodate.

[0102] Furthermore, in Example 1, both the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb were provided with third joining surfaces 433 and 443 that abut against the third edge 453 of the outer edge 83Ya of the filter 83Y and are inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction (Y1 direction) and the gravity direction G. However, the invention is not limited to this. That is, it is sufficient that the third joining surface 433 is provided on at least one of the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb. And, at least the other of the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb is provided with a clamping surface that clamps the third edge 453 together with the third joining surface 433. For example, of the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb, only the first frame 430Ya may be provided with a third joining surface 433 that abuts against the third edge 453 and is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction (Y1 direction) and the gravity direction G. In this case, the third joining surface 443 as the clamping surface of the second frame 430Yb may be formed parallel to the Y1Z1 plane, and a sealing member (not shown) may be provided between the third joining surfaces 433 and the third joining surfaces 443.

[0103] (Exhaust pipe) As shown in Figures 10(A) to 10(C), a discharge pipe 85Y is located inside the toner storage chamber 430Yc. The discharge pipe 85Y has an inlet 85Ya that opens downward in the direction of gravity G. The discharge pipe 85Y also has an outlet 85Yb that opens upward, i.e., downstream in the Z1 direction, and communicates with the discharge port 430Ya1 of the toner cartridge 430Y, and serves as a second pipe opening that communicates with the outside of the toner cartridge 430Y. The outlet 85Yb is located linearly above the inlet 85Ya. Since there are no bends or other intermediate sections in the discharge pipe 85Y, pressure loss during transport can be minimized.

[0104] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 12(A) and 12(B), the inlet 85Ya is positioned near the center of the container in the X1 direction. In the X1 direction, the filter 83Y does not have a slope, resulting in a weak toner transport effect. By positioning it near the center, the distance from both ends in the X1 direction to the inlet 85Ya becomes equal, and compared to a configuration where the inlet 85Ya is located at one end and the distance to the other end is large, the amount of toner that remains unreplenished in the toner storage chamber 430Yc can be reduced. In Example 1, the discharge pipe 85Y is made of a resin material, but it may also be made of paper or rubber. Also, in Example 1, the discharge pipe 85Y is made of a separate component from the first frame 430Ya, but as mentioned above, since the discharge pipe 85Y has no bends in the middle, it is also possible to construct it integrally with the first frame 430Ya.

[0105] As shown in Figure 12(B), the inlet 85Ya is positioned with a gap at the bottom 83Yb of the intermediate section 83Y3, which is the opposing region of the filter 83Y. This gap serves as the toner inlet. .

[0106] As mentioned above, the filter 83Y is held in a roughly V-shape with its lowest point 83Yb as the bottom end. When the amount of toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 430Yc becomes low, the toner, which has been fluidized by the air, moves along the incline of the filter 83Y and collects at the lowest point 83Yb. In other words, the toner in the toner storage chamber 430Yc can be guided toward the inlet 85Ya of the discharge pipe 85Y. Furthermore, the bottom surface 83Yd of the filter 83Y extends parallel to the short side (X1 direction) and is inclined only in the long side (Y1 direction). Therefore, the filter 83Y can be simply constructed while efficiently collecting toner at the lowest point 83Yb of the filter 83Y. As a result, even when the amount of toner remaining in the toner storage chamber 430Yc becomes low, the toner collected at the lowest point 83Yb can be efficiently discharged from the inlet 85Ya of the discharge pipe 85Y through the discharge port 430Ya1 toward the outside of the toner cartridge 430Y.

[0107] The toner cartridge 430Y of Example 1 has a toner storage chamber 430Yc, which is a first chamber for storing toner, and an air chamber 430Yd, which is a second chamber, arranged to be aligned with the toner storage chamber 430Yc in the first direction, the Z direction. The toner cartridge 430Y has a filter 83Y provided to partition the space between the toner storage chamber 430Yc and the air chamber 430Yd, which allows the passage of air and restricts the passage of toner. The toner cartridge 430Y has an outlet 430Ya1 for discharging the toner stored in the toner storage chamber 430Yc to the outside of the toner cartridge 430Y. The toner cartridge 430Y also has an intake port 430Yb1 for taking in air from outside the toner cartridge 430Y into the air chamber 430Yd. The toner cartridge 430Y has a discharge pipe 85Y which is a discharge pipe section that connects the discharge port 430Ya1 to the inside of the toner storage chamber 430Yc. The discharge port 430Ya1 is provided on the first end face of the toner cartridge 430Y in the first direction (Z1 direction). When the toner cartridge 430Y is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the first direction (Z1 direction) is the direction of gravity and the toner storage chamber 430Yc is located above the air chamber 430Yd, the first end face of the toner cartridge 430Y is the upper surface 430Ya3. That is, the discharge port 430Ya1 is provided on the upper surface 430Ya3 when the toner cartridge 430Y is oriented in a predetermined direction (see Figures 10(B) and 10(D)). The intake port 430Yb1 is provided on the second end face 430Yb4, which is the end face of the toner cartridge 430Y in the X1 direction, a second direction intersecting the Z1 direction (see Figures 12(A) and 12(B)).

[0108] The toner cartridge 430Y is configured to be detachably attached to the main body 72 of the image forming apparatus 1 and is mounted in the predetermined orientation. The discharge pipe 85Y is provided inside the toner storage chamber 430Yc. The outlet 85Yb, which is the downstream end of the discharge pipe 85Y in the direction of toner discharge, is connected to the discharge port 430Ya1, and the inlet 85Ya, which is the upstream end in the direction of discharge, faces the filter 83Y and opens toward the filter 83Y.

[0109] The discharge pipe 85Y extends linearly from the filter 83Y toward the discharge port 430Ya1. The toner cartridge 430Y is configured to be detachably attached to the main body 72 of the image forming apparatus 1. The second end face 430Yb4 of the toner cartridge 430Y is the downstream end face in the direction in which the toner cartridge 430Y is attached to the main body 72.

[0110] When the toner cartridge 430Y is oriented in a predetermined direction, when viewed in the second direction (X1 direction), the filter 83Y has a first end 83Y1, a second end 83Y2, and an intermediate section 83Y3 in the third direction (Y1 direction). The second end 83Y2 is on the opposite side of the first end in the Y1 direction, and the intermediate section 83Y3 is between the first end 83Y1 and the second end 83Y2 in the Y1 direction. The intermediate section 83Y3 has a bottom section 83Yb (Figure (See Figure 10(C)). The filter 83Y is provided with a first inclined surface 453a and a first slope 83Yd1 which constitute a first inclined region that slopes downward as it approaches the middle section 83Y3 from the first end 83Y1. The filter 83Y is also provided with a second inclined surface 453b and a second slope 83Yd2 which constitute a second inclined region that slopes downward as it approaches the middle section 83Y3 from the second end 83Y2 (see Figures 10(B) and 10(D)). The inlet 85Ya, which is the upstream end of the discharge pipe 85Y, opens so as to face the middle section 83Y3 of the filter 83Y (see Figure 10(C)).

[0111] The discharge port 430Ya1 is located in the second direction (X1 direction) at a position that includes the center of the upper surface 430Ya3 of the toner cartridge 430Y (see Figures 12(A) and 12(B)). The position of the intake port 430Yb1 is the same as the position of the middle part 83Y3 of the filter 83Y in the third direction (Y1 direction).

[0112] The toner cartridge 430Y has a first frame 430Ya which, together with the filter 83Y, constitutes the first chamber, the toner storage chamber 430Yc. The toner cartridge 430Y also has a second frame 430Yb which, together with the filter 83Y, constitutes the second chamber, the air chamber 430Yd, and is joined to the first frame 430Ya. An intake port 430Yb1 is provided in the second frame 430Yb. In the first frame 430Ya, a first flange portion 430Ya2 is provided on the periphery of an opening 430Ya4 which opens in a first direction (Z1 direction) and is opposite to the second frame 430Yb, extending in a direction intersecting the first direction (X1 direction, Y1 direction). In the second frame 430Yb, a second flange portion 430Yb3 is provided on the periphery of the opening 430Yb5, which opens in the first direction (Z1 direction) and opposite to the first frame 430Ya, extending in directions intersecting the first direction (X1 direction, Y1 direction). At least a part of the first flange portion 430Ya2 and at least a part of the second flange portion 430Yb3 are joined together. The outer edge portion 83Ya, which is the periphery of the filter 83Y, is sandwiched between the first flange portion 430Ya2 and the second flange portion 430Yb3.

[0113] When the toner cartridge 430Y is oriented in a predetermined direction, when viewed in the second direction (X1 direction), the first flange portion 430Ya2 has a first inclined surface 433a that slopes downward from one end toward the center in the third direction (Y1 direction). The first flange portion 430Ya2 has a second inclined surface 433b that slopes downward from the other end toward the center in the third direction (Y1 direction).

[0114] When the toner cartridge 430Y is oriented in a predetermined direction, when viewed in the second direction (X1 direction), the second flange portion 430Yb3 has a first inclined surface 443a that slopes downward from one end toward the center in the third direction (Y1 direction). The second flange portion 430Yb3 has a second inclined surface 443b that slopes downward from the other end toward the center in the third direction (Y1 direction).

[0115] The configuration having these first and second inclined surfaces only needs to be present in at least one of the first flange portion 430Ya2 and the second flange portion 430Yb3.

[0116] The image forming apparatus 1 has an image forming unit 40 which includes a photosensitive drum 4Y on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and a developing unit 9Y which is a developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 4Y with toner. The image forming apparatus 1 has a removable toner cartridge 430Y and a supply pipe 444Y which is a connecting part that connects the discharge port 430Ya1 of the toner cartridge 430Y to the image forming unit 40. The image forming apparatus 1 has a pump unit 80Y which is an air supply part that is connected to the intake port 430Yb1 of the toner cartridge 430Y and supplies air to the toner cartridge 430Y.

[0117] The image forming apparatus 1 can accommodate multiple toner cartridges in a third direction (Y direction).

[0118] The configuration described above makes it possible to reduce the amount of toner that remains in the toner storage chamber 430Yc without being replenished.

[0119] <Example 2> While Example 1 described a configuration in which the toner cartridge outlet is located on the top surface, Example 2 describes a configuration in which the outlet is located on the bottom surface using Figures 14(A) to 14(D). Note that configurations similar to those in Example 1 are either omitted from illustration and explanation, or the same reference numerals are used in the figures for explanation.

[0120] Figure 14(A) is a top view showing the toner cartridge 530Y. Figures 14(B), 14(C), and 14(D) show the 14B-14B section of Figure 14(A), respectively, with Figure 14(B) being a front view, Figure 14(C) a perspective view, and Figure 14(D) an exploded perspective view.

[0121] As shown in Figures 14(B) to 14(D), the toner cartridge 530Y has a first frame 530Ya and a second frame 530Yb, with a toner storage chamber 530Yc and an air chamber 530Yd formed inside. The back of the second frame 530Yb is provided with an intake port 530Yb1, which serves as a container opening formed by a through-hole penetrating in the X1 direction. The bottom surface of the second frame 530Yb is provided with an upstream discharge port 530Yb2 and a downstream discharge port 530Yb3, through which the toner in the toner storage chamber 530Yc is discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge 530Y. The upstream discharge port 530Yb2 is connected to a filter 583Y, and the toner in the toner storage chamber 530Yc is discharged to the outside from the downstream discharge port 530Yb3 through a hole 583Ya provided in the filter 583Y. The upstream discharge port 530Yb2 is connected to the lowest part 583Yb of the filter 583Y. The upstream discharge port 530Yb2 and the filter 583Y are connected without any gaps, and the method of connection is not limited to adhesive bonding or laser welding. In addition, although the discharge port is made of the second frame 530Yb in Example 2, the discharge pipe may be made of the filter material if the filter is a resin-molded component.

[0122] In the toner cartridge 530Y of Example 2, the discharge port, the downstream discharge port 530Yb3, is provided on the first end face of the toner cartridge 530Y in the first direction (Z1 direction). When the toner cartridge 530Y is oriented in a predetermined direction where the first direction (Z1 direction) is the direction of gravity and the toner storage chamber 530Yc is located above the air chamber 530Yd, the first end face of the toner cartridge 530Y is the bottom surface 530Yb4. That is, the discharge port 530Yb3 is provided on the bottom surface 530Yb4 when the toner cartridge 530Y is oriented in a predetermined direction (see Figure 14(B)). The filter 583Y is provided with a through hole 583Ya. The discharge pipe 585Y, which is the discharge pipe section, is provided inside the air chamber 530Yd, which is the second chamber. The downstream end of the discharge pipe 585Y in the toner discharge direction is connected to the discharge port 530Yb3, which is the discharge port, and the upstream end of the discharge pipe 585Y in the discharge direction is connected to the hole 583Ya of the filter 583Y. The toner cartridge 530Y is configured to be detachably attached to the main body 72 of the image forming apparatus 1 and is mounted in the predetermined orientation.

[0123] When viewed in the second direction (X1 direction), the filter 583Y has, in the third direction (Y direction), a first end 583Y1, a second end 583Y2 opposite to the first end 583Y1, and an intermediate section 583Y3 located between the first end 583Y1 and the second end 583Y2. The lowest part 583Yb is located in the intermediate section 583Y3. The filter 583Y has a first inclined region which slopes downward as it approaches the intermediate section 583Y3 from the first end 583Y1. A first inclined surface 553a is provided in the filter 583Y. The filter 583Y is also provided with a second inclined surface 583Yd2 and a second inclined surface 553b, which form a second inclined region that slopes downward as it approaches the middle section 583Y3 from the second end 583Y2. A through hole 583Ya is provided in the middle section 583Y3 of the filter 583Y.

[0124] Since the configuration of Example 2 allows toner to be discharged in the direction of gravity, it is expected to have a greater effect in reducing the amount of toner that remains in the toner container without being replenished, compared to a configuration in which a discharge pipe is positioned with a gap on the top surface of the filter.

[0125] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Composition 1) It is a cartridge, The first chamber for storing toner, A second chamber is provided so as to be aligned with the first chamber in the first direction, A filter provided to partition the first chamber and the second chamber, which allows the passage of air and restricts the passage of toner, An outlet for discharging the toner contained in the first chamber to the outside of the cartridge, The second chamber has an air intake for taking in air from outside the cartridge, A discharge pipe section that connects the discharge port and the inside of the first chamber, Equipped with, The discharge port is provided on the first end face, which is the end face of the cartridge in the first direction. The intake port is provided on the second end face, which is the end face of the cartridge in a second direction intersecting the first direction. A cartridge characterized by the following features. (Configuration 2) When the cartridge is oriented in a predetermined direction such that the first direction is the direction of gravity and the first chamber is located above the second chamber, The first end face is the upper surface of the cartridge, The discharge pipe section is provided inside the first chamber, the downstream end of the discharge pipe section in the toner discharge direction is connected to the discharge port, and the upstream end in the discharge direction faces the filter and opens toward the filter. A cartridge according to configuration 1, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 3) The aforementioned discharge pipe section extends linearly from the filter toward the outlet. The cartridge according to configuration 2, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 4) The aforementioned cartridge is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The second end face is the downstream end face in the direction in which the cartridge is mounted to the device body. A cartridge according to any one of the configurations 1 to 3, characterized by the features described herein. (Composition 5) When the cartridge is oriented in the predetermined direction, when viewed in the second direction, the filter has a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end, in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. The filter is provided with a first inclined region that slopes downward as it approaches the intermediate portion from the first end, and a second inclined region that slopes downward as it approaches the intermediate portion from the second end. The upstream end of the discharge pipe section is open so as to face the intermediate portion of the filter. Yes, A cartridge according to configuration 2 or 3, characterized by the above. (Composition 6) When the cartridge is oriented in a predetermined direction such that the first direction is the direction of gravity and the first chamber is located above the second chamber, The first end face is the bottom face of the cartridge, The filter is provided with through holes, The discharge pipe section is provided inside the second chamber, the downstream end of the discharge pipe section in the toner discharge direction is connected to the discharge port, and the upstream end in the discharge direction is connected to the through hole of the filter. A cartridge according to configuration 1, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 7) When the cartridge is oriented in the predetermined direction, when viewed in the second direction, the filter has a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end, in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. The filter is provided with a first inclined region that slopes downward as it approaches the intermediate portion from the first end, and a second inclined region that slopes downward as it approaches the intermediate portion from the second end. The through-hole is provided in the intermediate part of the filter. The cartridge according to configuration 6, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 8) The discharge port is located in a position that includes the center of the cartridge in the second direction. A cartridge according to any one of the configurations 1 to 7, characterized by the features described herein. (Composition 9) The position of the intake is the same as the position of the intermediate part of the filter in the third direction. A cartridge according to configuration 5 or 7, characterized by the above. (Composition 10) The cartridge comprises a first frame that, together with the filter, constitutes the first chamber, and a second frame that, together with the filter, constitutes the second chamber and is joined to the first frame. The aforementioned intake is provided in the second frame, A cartridge according to any one of the configurations 1 to 9, characterized by the features described herein. (Composition 11) The periphery of the opening of the first frame has a first flange portion extending in a direction intersecting the first direction, The periphery of the opening of the second frame has a second flange portion extending in a direction intersecting the first direction, At least a portion of the first flange and at least a portion of the second flange are joined together. A cartridge according to configuration 10, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 12) The peripheral edge of the filter is sandwiched between the first flange portion and the second flange portion. A cartridge according to configuration 11, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 13) The cartridge is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus and is mounted in the predetermined orientation. The cartridge according to configuration 5, characterized by the features described herein. (Composition 14) The cartridge is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus and is mounted in the predetermined orientation. The cartridge according to configuration 7, characterized by the features described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 430Y, 430M, 430C, 430K: Toner cartridge, 430Yc: Toner storage chamber, 430Yd: Air chamber, 83Y: Filter, 430Ya1: Outlet, 430Yb1: Inlet, 430Ya3: Top surface, 85Y: Outlet pipe, 430Yb4: Second end surface, Z1: First direction, X1: Second direction, Y1: Third direction

Claims

1. It is a cartridge, The first chamber for storing toner, A second chamber is provided so as to be aligned with the first chamber in the first direction, A filter provided to partition the first chamber and the second chamber, which allows the passage of air and restricts the passage of toner, An outlet for discharging the toner contained in the first chamber to the outside of the cartridge, The second chamber has an air intake for taking in air from outside the cartridge, A discharge pipe section that connects the discharge port and the inside of the first chamber, Equipped with, The discharge port is provided on the first end face, which is the end face of the cartridge in the first direction. The intake port is provided on the second end face, which is the end face of the cartridge in a second direction intersecting the first direction. A cartridge characterized by the following features.

2. When the first direction is the direction of gravity and the cartridge is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the first chamber is located above the second chamber, The first end face is the upper surface of the cartridge, The discharge pipe section is provided inside the first chamber, the downstream end of the discharge pipe section in the toner discharge direction is connected to the discharge port, and the upstream end in the discharge direction faces the filter and opens toward the filter. The cartridge according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned discharge pipe section extends linearly from the filter toward the outlet. The cartridge according to feature 2.

4. The aforementioned cartridge is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The second end face is the downstream end face in the direction in which the cartridge is mounted to the device body. The cartridge according to feature 1 or 2.

5. When the cartridge is oriented in the predetermined direction, when viewed in the second direction, the filter has a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end, in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. The filter is provided with a first inclined region that slopes downward as it approaches the middle portion from the first end, and a second inclined region that slopes downward as it approaches the middle portion from the second end. The upstream end of the discharge pipe section is open so as to face the intermediate portion of the filter. The cartridge according to feature 2 or 3.

6. When the first direction is the direction of gravity and the cartridge is oriented in a predetermined direction in which the first chamber is located above the second chamber, The first end face is the bottom face of the cartridge, The filter is provided with through holes, The discharge pipe section is provided inside the second chamber, the downstream end of the discharge pipe section in the toner discharge direction is connected to the discharge port, and the upstream end in the discharge direction is connected to the filter Connected to the aforementioned through hole, The cartridge according to feature 1.

7. When the cartridge is oriented in the predetermined direction, when viewed in the second direction, the filter has a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end, in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. The filter is provided with a first inclined region that slopes downward as it approaches the middle portion from the first end, and a second inclined region that slopes downward as it approaches the middle portion from the second end. The through-hole is provided in the intermediate part of the filter. The cartridge according to feature 6.

8. The discharge port is located in a position that includes the center of the cartridge in the second direction. The cartridge according to feature 1.

9. The position of the intake port is the same as the position of the intermediate portion of the filter in the third direction. The cartridge according to feature 5.

10. The cartridge comprises a first frame that, together with the filter, constitutes the first chamber, and a second frame that, together with the filter, constitutes the second chamber and is joined to the first frame. The aforementioned intake is provided in the second frame, The cartridge according to feature 1.

11. The periphery of the opening of the first frame has a first flange portion extending in a direction intersecting the first direction, The periphery of the opening of the second frame has a second flange portion that extends in a direction intersecting the first direction, At least a portion of the first flange and at least a portion of the second flange are joined together. The cartridge according to feature 10.

12. The peripheral edge of the filter is sandwiched between the first flange portion and the second flange portion. The cartridge according to feature 11.

13. The cartridge is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus and is mounted in the predetermined orientation. The cartridge according to feature 5.

14. The cartridge is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus and is mounted in the predetermined orientation. The cartridge according to feature 7.

Images