cartridge

Abstract

The present invention provides a cartridge for containing toner and an image forming apparatus equipped therewith. [Solution] A cartridge comprising an air chamber separated from a developer storage chamber by a filter that allows the passage of air but prevents the passage of developer, and having an intake for taking in air from the outside, comprising a developer storage chamber aligned in a first direction with the developer storage chamber, a first cover portion configured to be movable between a closed position that closes the developer outlet provided in the developer storage chamber and an open position that opens the outlet, and a second cover portion that closes the intake.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge for accommodating a developer and an image forming apparatus including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image by transferring a toner image (developer image) formed on the surface of a photosensitive drum onto a transfer material as a transfer medium. And, as a toner (developer) replenishment method, for example, a process cartridge method and a toner replenishment method are known. The process cartridge method integrates a photosensitive drum and a developing container as a process cartridge and replaces the process cartridge with a new one when the developer runs out. On the other hand, the toner replenishment method is a method of newly replenishing toner into the developing container when the toner runs out. Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that replenishes toner into a developing container using a detachable toner pack has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). Further, an image forming apparatus including a developing device that accommodates toner, a toner storage container that stores toner supplied to the developing device, and an air pump that sends air into the toner storage container has been proposed (see Patent Document 2). This image forming apparatus is provided with an air filter that vents only air, out of the toner and air sent from the toner storage container to the developing device, to the outside of the developing device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge for containing toner and an image forming apparatus equipped therewith. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the cartridge of the present invention is: A developer storage chamber is provided for storing the developer and for discharging the stored developer to the outside of the cartridge. A filter that allows air to pass through but prevents the developer from passing through, An air chamber separated from the developer storage chamber by the filter and provided with an intake for taking in air from the outside, the developer storage chamber being aligned in a first direction with the developer storage chamber, A first cover portion is configured to be movable between a closed position that closes the discharge port and an open position that opens the discharge port. A second cover portion that closes the aforementioned intake opening, It is characterized by being equipped with [the following features].

[0006] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the cartridge of the present invention is A developer storage chamber is provided for storing the developer and for discharging the stored developer to the outside of the cartridge. A filter that allows air to pass through but prevents the developer from passing through, An air chamber separated from the developer storage chamber by the filter and provided with an intake for taking in air from the outside, the developer storage chamber being aligned in a first direction with the developer storage chamber, A first cover portion is configured to be movable between a first closed position that closes the discharge port and a first open position that opens the discharge port. It is characterized by being equipped with [the following features]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cartridge for containing toner and an image forming apparatus equipped therewith. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Overall schematic diagram showing the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment [Figure 2] Configuration explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus [Figure 3] Configuration explanatory diagram of the image forming unit [Figure 4] Perspective view showing the optical path of the laser beam irradiated from the laser scanner [Figure 5] Plan view of the laser scanner and the image forming unit [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the laser scanner and the image forming unit [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of the laser scanner and the image forming unit [Figure 8] Perspective view showing the state where the image forming unit is pulled out from the apparatus main body [Figure 9] Configuration explanatory diagram of the toner cartridge [Figure 10] Configuration explanatory diagram of the toner cartridge [Figure 11] Partial enlarged view showing the joining portion between the first frame body and the second frame body [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view for explaining the attachment and detachment of the toner cartridge to the apparatus main body [Figure 14] Configuration explanatory diagram of the toner cartridge of other embodiments [Figure 15] Configuration explanatory diagram of the toner cartridge of other embodiments [Figure 16] Configuration explanatory diagram of the toner cartridge of other embodiments

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present invention will be exemplarily and specifically described based on examples with reference to the drawings. However, dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in this embodiment should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the invention is applied and various conditions. That is, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments. Also, although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are essential for the invention, and the multiple features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0010] <First Embodiment> 〔Overall Configuration〕 First, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is a laser beam printer using an electrophotographic method. The image forming apparatus includes a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, and a multifunction machine, and refers to an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet (recording material) used as a recording medium based on image information input from an external PC or image information read from a document. In addition, in the image forming apparatus, in addition to the main body having an image forming function, accessory devices such as an optional feeder, an image reading device, and a sheet processing device may be connected, and the entire system to which such accessory devices are connected is also a type of image forming apparatus.

[0011] FIG. 1 is an overall schematic view showing the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, it has an image forming unit 40 that forms an image on the sheet S, a feeding unit 18, a fixing unit 21, and a discharging roller pair 22. The image forming unit 40 includes four process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK that form toner images of four colors, namely yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively, and a laser scanner LB. The laser scanner LB is disposed above the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. Note that an LED exposure unit may be applied 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 this embodiment, the component codes corresponding to yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners are denoted with subscripts P, Y, M, C, and K. 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 to K may be omitted and the components described collectively when no particular distinction is necessary.

[0014] Furthermore, in the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, PK and toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, 430K are in their normal orientation, that is, the orientation when they are mounted on the main unit 72 of the device, and the directions (X, Y, 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 referred to as 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 referred to as the front side, and the upstream side as the back side.

[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. In addition, the downstream side and the upstream side in the Y-direction of the image forming apparatus 1 are sometimes referred to as the right side and left side, respectively.

[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 3M 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 3M 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 3M 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 in Figure 1 by the drive roller 14. 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 are in contact with the photosensitive drums 4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K, respectively, forming the primary transfer sections 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K. The secondary transfer roller 17 is positioned opposite the drive roller 14 via the intermediate transfer belt 12. The secondary transfer roller 17 and the intermediate transfer belt 12 are in contact with each other, forming the 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 330 into which sheets are manually inserted. 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 contained in the feed cassette 19 of the feed unit 18 or a sheet supplied from the manual feed port 330 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 Figures 2(a) and 2(b), 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 toner in the developing containers 3Y, 3M, 3C, and 3K of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, which serve as developer storage units.

[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 (mounting section) provided on the main unit 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 unit 72 of the device. The toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are located on the front side of the main unit 72 and are exposed by opening the front door 72b, so they can be easily replaced.

[0036] The cartridge holder 429 is located downstream of the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK on the front side of the main body 72 and 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, even in this case, the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK 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, the 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 this embodiment, indicators 208Y, 208M, 208C, and 208K are provided 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(8), 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(a), 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 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, toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K, 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 each 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 this embodiment, 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] Pump units 80Y, 80M, 80C, and 80K each have air outlets 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca, and 80Ka, respectively, and these outlets 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca, and 80Ka open upwards, i.e., in the Z direction.

[0045] The bottom surface of the cartridge holder 429 is provided with openings facing the discharge ports 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca, and 80Ka, respectively, and as shown in Figure 3(b), air discharge port covers 429Ya1, 429Ma1, 429Ca1, and 429Ka1 that cover the discharge ports 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca, and 80Ka, as well as discharge port seals 429Yb1, 429Mb1, 429Cb1, and 429Kb1. The top surface of the cartridge holder 429 is provided with holder discharge ports 429Yb3, 429Ma3, 429Ca3, and 429Ka3 that open in the Z direction, and holder discharge port covers 429Yb1, 429Mb1, 429Cb1, and 429Kb1 that cover them, as well as holder discharge port seals 429Yb2, 429Mb2, 429Cb2, and 429Kb2. Furthermore, the cartridge holder 429 is provided with partition sections 429ym, 429mc, and 429ck that separate each cartridge.

[0046] When toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are installed in the cartridge holder 429, air discharged from the outlets 80Ya, 80Ma, 80Ca, and 80Ka is supplied to the inside of the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K. The toner discharged from the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K along with the air is received by the replenishment pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, and 444K via the holder outlets 429Yb3, 429Ma3, 429Ca3, and 429Ka3 of the cartridge holder 429.

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

[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 replenishment 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 length 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. As a result, 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 this embodiment, toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K are arranged as described above, but the embodiment is not limited to this arrangement. That is, toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K may be arranged 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] Furthermore, it is preferable that the image forming unit 500 is configured to allow easy access to process cartridges PY, PM, PC, PK and replenishment pipes 444Y, 444M, 444C, 444K for maintenance and replacement. For this reason, in this embodiment, 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 also 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 schematic configuration of the toner cartridge 430Y will be described using Figures 9(a) to 11. Figure 9(a) is a front view of the toner cartridge 430Y, and Figure 9(b) is a top view of the toner cartridge 430Y. Figure 9(c) is a bottom view of the toner cartridge 430Y, Figure 9(d) is a side view of the toner cartridge 430Y, and Figure 9(e) is a rear view of the toner cartridge 430Y. Figures 10(a), 10(b), and 10(c) show the 10A-10A cross section of Figure 9(b), respectively. Figure 10(a) is a front view, Figure 10(b) is a perspective view, and Figure 10(c) is an exploded front view. Figure 10(d) is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge 430Y. Figure 11 is a magnified view of the part shown in View 11 of Figure 10(a), which shows the joint between the first frame and the second frame.

[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 width Lb1 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 color toners, 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 cycles of toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K, improving usability.

[0056] In this embodiment, the lengths of the 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 Lb1 in the Y direction.

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

[0058] Furthermore, in the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the toner cartridge 430Y assumes the orientation described below, and the directions (X1, Y1, Z1) are defined as shown in Figures 9(a) to 12(b). That is, the explanation assumes that the toner cartridge 430Y is in an orientation where the toner storage chamber 430Yc, filter 83Y, and air chamber 430Yd are arranged in that order from top to bottom with respect to the gravity direction G as the first direction (the direction opposite to the Z1 direction; see Figure 10(a)), and that the toner cartridge 430Y is in an orientation where its short side (X1 direction) and long side (Y1 direction) are parallel to the horizontal direction perpendicular to the gravity direction G. In this orientation, the direction opposite to the Z1 direction is the gravity direction, 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 defined as the X1 direction, the long side as the Y1 direction, and the direction opposite to the direction of gravity as 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, described later, are aligned. The second 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 third direction, the X1 direction, is the short side of the first frame 430Ya that intersects both the Z1 and Y1 directions.

[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 (orthogonal) 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, an outlet cover 430Ya1, an outlet seal 430Ya2, an outlet pipe 85Y, a second frame 430Yb, an inlet cover 430Yb1, and a filter 83Y. The outlet cover 430Ya1 (first cover portion) is held on the first frame 430Ya so as to be movable in the X1 direction (second direction) between an outlet closed position (first closed position) that covers (closes) the outlet 430Ya4 and an outlet open position (first open position) that exposes (opens) the outlet 430Ya4. The intake cover 430Yb1 (second cover portion) is held on the second frame 430Yb so as to be movable in the X1 direction (second direction) between an intake closed position (second closed position) that covers (closes) the intake 430Yb4 and an intake open position (second open position) that exposes (opens) the intake 430Yb4. In this embodiment, the first frame 430Ya, the second frame 430Yb, the outlet cover 430Ya1, and the intake cover 430Yb1 are made of resin material, but may be made of paper or the like. The outlet seal 430Ya2 is made of a flexible material such as sponge or elastomer. As will be described in detail later, the filter 83Y is fixed in a state sandwiched between the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb.

[0064] As shown in Figure 9(a), a label 430Ys is provided on the front surface 4300d 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 on how to install the toner cartridge 430Y into the cartridge holder 429, or information related to 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.

[0065] The internal space SPY of the toner cartridge 430Y is divided (partitioned) by a filter 83Y into a toner storage chamber 430Yc (developer storage chamber) and an air chamber 430Yd. Specifically, the toner storage chamber 430Yc is composed (defined) by the first frame 430Ya (its inner wall) and the filter 83Y, and the air chamber 430Yd is composed (defined) by the second frame 430Yb (its inner wall) and the filter 83Y. The air chamber 430Yd is located below the filter 83Y, and the toner storage chamber 430Yc is located above the filter 83Y.

[0066] The toner storage chamber 430Yc is configured to contain toner T (see Figure 10(a)), and within the toner storage chamber 430Yc, the toner T is subjected to gravity by the filter 83Y. It is supported in a certain direction. 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.

[0067] As shown in Figures 10(a) to 10(d), the upper surface 4300Yc of the first frame 430Ya is provided with an outlet 430Ya4 through which the toner in the toner storage chamber 430Yc is discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge 430Y. The outlet 430Ya4 is a container opening formed by a through-hole that penetrates the upper surface 4300Yc of the first frame 430Ya in the Z1 direction (first direction). In addition, an outlet cover 430Ya1 and an outlet seal 430Ya2 are attached to the upper surface 4300Yc of the first frame 430Ya so as to cover the outlet 430Ya4.

[0068] The bottom surface 4300Yb of the second frame 430Yb is provided with an inlet 430Yb4, which serves as a container opening formed by a through-hole penetrating in the Z1 direction (first direction), and an inlet cover 430Yb1 is configured to cover the inlet 430Yb4. The outlet 430Ya4 and the inlet 430Yb4 are connected to the outside of the toner cartridge 430Y. The outlet 430Ya4 is provided on one end face of the toner cartridge 430Y in the Z1 direction (first direction), and the inlet 430Yb4 is provided on the other end face of the toner cartridge 430Y in the Z1 direction (first direction). The outlet 430Ya4 and the inlet 430Yb4 are arranged to have overlapping areas when viewed in the Z1 direction.

[0069] Preferably, these outlets 430Ya4 and inlet 430Yb4 are provided on sides of the toner cartridge 430Y other than the left and right sides. In other words, preferably, the outlets 430Ya4 and inlet 430Yb4 are provided on the sides of the toner cartridge 430Y excluding the side facing the Y1 direction (third 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 made larger, and the capacity of toner that can be contained in the toner cartridges 430Y, 430M, 430C, and 430K can be increased.

[0070] 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.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10(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.

[0072] [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 developing container 3Y of the process cartridge PY. As shown in Figure 6(a), the air discharged from the discharge port 80Ya of the pump unit 80Y is Air is drawn into the air chamber 430Yd via the intake port 430Yb4 of the toner cartridge 430Y (see Figure 10(a)). This air then fills the air chamber 430Yd, passes through the filter 83Y, and flows into the toner storage chamber 430Yc.

[0073] 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 430Ya4. 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 430Ya4. 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 430Ya4.

[0074] The toner T discharged from the discharge port 430Ya4 enters the upstream end 444Yu of the replenishment pipe 444Y via the holder discharge port 429Yb3 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.

[0075] 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 SY1 and SY2, 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.

[0076] The toner in the developing container 3Y is leveled by the rotation of the stirring members SY1 and SY2 and conveyed in the Y direction (Y1 direction). In this embodiment, 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 members may consist of screws configured to convey the toner in the developing container along the Y direction. That is, the stirring members SY1, SY2, SM1, and SM2 may consist of screws that convey the toner downstream in the Y direction, and the stirring members SC1, SC2, SK1, and SK2 may consist of screws that convey the toner upstream in the Y direction.

[0077] 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 this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 5(b), a through-hole (not shown) is provided on the upper 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] The exhaust filter PYf and through-hole are located in the center of the developing container 3Y in the Y direction. There may be multiple exhaust filters and through-holes in the developing container 3Y, rather than just one. No. For example, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 5(b), exhaust filters PYfa and PYfb may be provided in the developing container 3Y in addition to the exhaust filter PYf. 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. In this way, by providing multiple exhaust filters and through holes for a single developing container, the rise in internal pressure inside the developing container can be efficiently suppressed.

[0080] 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 this embodiment, it is preferable to transport the toner using air. By transporting the toner using air, the design flexibility of the toner transport path is increased, and since components such as screws for transporting the toner are not required, the number of parts can be reduced, and costs can be lowered.

[0081] [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 and a first flange portion 430Ya3. The first box portion 4304, together with the bottom portion 83Yd of the filter 83Y, forms the toner storage chamber 430Yc. The first flange portion 430Ya3 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 430Ya3 is formed around the entire circumference of the lower end of the first box portion 4304. The second frame 430Yb is formed separately from the first frame 430Ya. The second frame 430Yb has a second box portion 4305 that forms an air chamber 430Yd together with the bottom portion 83Yd of the filter 83Y, and a second flange portion 430Yb3 that extends substantially horizontally outward from the upper end of the second box portion 4305 toward 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.

[0082] [filter] The filter 83Y is formed in a rectangular and sheet-like shape. The filter 83Y also has a bottom portion 83Yd and an outer edge portion 83Ya. The bottom portion 83Yd functions as a partition separating the air chamber 430Yd and the toner storage chamber 430Yc. The outer edge portion 83Ya functions as a clamped portion, held in place by the first flange portion 430Ya3 and the second flange portion 430Yb3. The outer edge portion 83Ya is provided so as 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 part 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, the bottom surface 83Yd, when viewed in the X1 direction, slopes downward in the direction of gravity G towards the bottom 83Yb as it approaches the bottom 83Yb of the filter 83Y in the Y1 direction. As shown in Figure 10(c), the bottom surface 83Yd has a first slope 83Yd1 and a second slope 83Yd2. The first slope 83Yd1 is a slope that slopes downward in the Y1 direction as it approaches the bottom 83Yb from one end (upstream end) of the bottom surface 83Yd. The second slope 83Yd2 is a slope that slopes downward in the Y1 direction as it approaches the bottom 83Yb from the other end (downstream end) of the bottom surface 83Yd.

[0083] 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 bottom 83Yb of the filter 83Y is Y1 In the direction, it is positioned between the first end and the second end. Furthermore, the first slope 83Yd1, as the first part, is configured to slope downwards in the Y1 direction from the first end towards the lowest point 83Yb. Similarly, the second slope 83Yd2, as the second part, is configured to slope downwards in the Y1 direction from the second end towards the lowest point 83Yb.

[0084] Furthermore, the bottom portion 83Yd is provided between the first slope 83Yd1 and the second slope 83Yd2 in the Y1 direction and has an intermediate portion 457 where the lowest part 83Yb is located. The intermediate portion 457 is curved to smoothly connect the first slope 83Yd1 and the second slope 83Yd2. Alternatively, the intermediate portion 457 may be omitted, and the first slope 83Yd1 and the second slope 83Yd2 may be directly connected.

[0085] [Joint surface] As shown in Figure 10(d), the first flange portion 430Ya3 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 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.

[0086] The first joining surface 431 and the second joining surface 432 of the first flange portion 430Ya3 are each formed in a planar shape extending in the X1 direction. The first joining surface 431 and the second joining surface 432 are formed continuously with the third joining surface 433 and the fourth joining surface 434, respectively. The first joining surface 431 is provided on the left end side of the first flange portion 430Ya3, and the second joining surface 432 is provided on the right end side of the flange portion 430Ya3. The third joining surface 433 is provided on the front end side of the first flange portion 430Ya3, and the fourth joining surface 434 is provided on the rear end side of the first flange portion 430Ya3. Since the third joining surface 433 and the fourth joining surface 434 are similarly configured, the third joining surface 433 will be described primarily.

[0087] 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 Y1 direction so as it approaches the lowest point 83Yb in the direction of gravity G, and as it moves closer to the lowest point 83Yb. When viewed in the X1 direction, the second inclined surface 433b is located on the opposite side of the Y1 direction from the first inclined surface 433a with respect to the lowest point 83Yb, and as it approaches the lowest point 83Yb in the direction of gravity G, and as it moves closer to the lowest point 83Yb, and as it moves closer to the lowest point 83Yb, it slopes downward. When viewed in the X1 direction, the intermediate surface 433c is provided between the first inclined surface 433a and the second inclined surface 433b in the Y1 direction, and is curved to smoothly connect the first inclined surface 433a and the second inclined surface 433b.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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 these third joining surfaces 443 and the fourth joining surface 445 are similarly configured, the third joining surface 44 I will mainly explain point 3.

[0090] The third joining surface 443 has a first inclined surface 443a, a second inclined surface 443b, and an intermediate surface 443c. The first inclined surface 443a is an inclined surface that slopes downward as directed downstream in the Y1 direction and serves as the first clamping surface. The second inclined surface 443b is an inclined surface that slopes downward as directed upstream in the Y1 direction and serves as the second clamping surface. The intermediate surface 443c is an inclined surface that serves as the intermediate clamping surface. The first inclined surface 443a, the second inclined surface 443b, and the intermediate surface 443c face 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 with 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 in the Y1 direction as they approach the lowest part 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 entirety of the first inclined surface 443a, but also a portion of the first inclined surface 443a may constitute a clamping surface or an inclined surface.

[0091] The first edge 451 and the second edge 452 of the outer edge portion 83Ya of the filter 83Y each extend in the X1 direction and are formed in a planar shape. The first edge 451 is provided on the left end side of the outer edge portion 83Ya, and the second edge 452 is provided on the right end side of the outer edge portion 83Ya. The third edge 453 is provided on the front end side of the outer edge portion 83Ya, and the fourth edge 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.

[0092] The third joining surface 443 has a first inclined surface 443a, a second inclined surface 443b, and an intermediate surface 443c. The first inclined surface 443a is an inclined surface that slopes downward as directed downstream in the Y1 direction and serves as the first clamping surface. The second inclined surface 443b is an inclined surface that slopes downward as directed upstream in the Y1 direction and serves as the second clamping surface. The intermediate surface 443c is an inclined surface that serves as the intermediate clamping surface. The first inclined surface 443a, the second inclined surface 443b, and the intermediate surface 443c face 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 with 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 in the Y1 direction as they approach the lowest part 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 entirety of the first inclined surface 443a, but also a portion of the first inclined surface 443a may constitute a clamping surface or an inclined surface.

[0093] The first edge 451 and second edge 452 of the outer edge portion 83Ya of the filter 83Y each extend in the X1 direction and are formed in a planar shape. The first edge 451 is provided on the left end side of the outer edge portion 83Ya, and the second edge 452 is provided on the right end side of the outer edge portion 83Ya. The third edge 453 is provided on the front end side of the outer edge portion 83Ya, and the fourth edge 454 is provided on the rear end side of the outer edge portion 83Ya. These third edge portion 453 and fourth edge portion 454 are similarly configured. Therefore, the third edge portion 453 will be explained in detail.

[0094] 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 430Ya3 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 430Ya3 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.

[0095] The first flange portion 430Ya3 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 430Ya3 and the second flange portion 430Yb3. This allows the filter 83Y to be held with high holding force.

[0096] Furthermore, since the filter 83Y is sandwiched between the first flange portion 430Ya3 and the second flange portion 430Yb3, it is held in a position along the respective joining surfaces of the first flange portion 430Ya3 and the second flange portion 430Yb3. In particular, since the third edge portion 453 of the filter 83Y is sandwiched by the third joining surfaces 433, 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, 445 which are formed in a substantially V shape, the filter 83Y is held in a substantially V-shaped position with the lowest part 83Yb as its lower end.

[0097] 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 outlet 430Ya4 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 the first joint surface 431 in the direction of gravity G.

[0098] In other words, the filter 83Y has a shape like a rectangular sheet folded in half at its lowest point 83Yb, and does not have a complex three-dimensional uneven shape. 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. Thus, the filter 83Y can be constructed inexpensively while being held in a roughly V-shaped position. Compared to molded parts 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.

[0099] 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 this embodiment, 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. can.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb are 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 direction of gravity G, but the embodiment is not limited to this. That is, at least one of the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb may be provided with a third joining surface 433, and at least the other of the first frame 430Ya and the second frame 430Yb may be 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 direction of gravity G. In this case, the third joining surface 443, which serves 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 surface 433 and the third joining surface 443.

[0101] [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, and an outlet 85Yb that opens upward, i.e., downstream in the Z1 direction, and communicates with the discharge port 430Ya4 of the toner cartridge 430Y, serving as a second pipe opening that connects to 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.

[0102] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, 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 this implementation, the discharge pipe 85Y is made of resin material, but it may also be made of paper or rubber. In addition, in this implementation, 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 or other intermediate parts, it is also possible to construct it integrally with the first frame 430Ya.

[0103] As shown in Figure 10(a), the inlet 85Ya is positioned with a gap between it and the bottommost region 83Yb of the filter 83Y. This gap serves as the toner inlet.

[0104] As mentioned above, the filter 83Y is held in a roughly V-shape with its lowest end 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 end 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 end 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 end 83Yb can be efficiently discharged from the inlet 85Ya of the discharge pipe 85Y through the discharge port 430Ya4 toward the outside of the toner cartridge 430Y.

[0105] [Toner cartridge shutter] Using Figures 10 and 12, the shutter configuration provided in the toner cartridge is described below. explain.

[0106] As shown in Figure 10(a), an outlet cover 430Ya1 and an outlet seal 430Ya2 are provided to cover the opening of an outlet 430Ya4 which is slidably provided in the X1 direction on the upper surface of the first frame 430Ya. As shown in Figure 10(d), the outlet seal 430Ya2 is a rectangular flexible sealing member and is held to the outlet cover 430Ya1 by means of double-sided tape (not shown) or the like. The outlet cover 430Ya1 and outlet seal 430Ya2 prevent toner from leaking out of the toner cartridge 430Y.

[0107] Furthermore, an intake cover 430Yb1 is provided so as to cover the opening of the intake port 430Yb4, which is slidably provided in the X1 direction on the bottom surface of the second frame 430Yb. This intake cover 430Yb1 prevents problems such as foreign matter entering the opening.

[0108] Figures 12(a) and 12(b) show the 12A-12A cross-section of Figure 9(e), respectively. Figure 12(a) shows the air intake and toner outlet covered by the cover. Figure 12(b) shows the cover retracted, exposing the air intake and toner outlet.

[0109] As shown in Figure 12(b), the outlet cover 430Ya1 and the inlet cover 430Yb1, which hold the outlet seal 430Ya2, can be moved in the X1 direction to a position that exposes the outlet 430Ya4 and the inlet 430Yb4.

[0110] [Shutter opening and closing when inserting or removing toner cartridge] The shutter opening and closing operation associated with attaching and detaching the toner cartridge to the device body will be explained using Figure 13. Figures 13(a) and 13(b) are partial cross-sectional views of the 13A-13A section in Figure 5(b). Figure 13(a) shows a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge removed from the cartridge holder. Figure 13(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge installed in the cartridge holder.

[0111] As shown in Figure 13(a), when the toner cartridge 430Y is removed from the cartridge holder 429, the outlet 430Ya4 is covered by the outlet cover 430Ya1 and the outlet seal 430Ya2. The intake port 430Yb4 is covered by the intake cover 430Yb1. The discharge port 80Ya, which serves as the supply port of the pump unit 80Y, is covered by the air discharge port cover 429Ya1 and the air discharge port seal 429Ya2, which serve as supply port covers slidably held in the X1 direction. The holder discharge port 429Yb3, which serves as the receiving port of the cartridge holder 429, is covered by the holder discharge port cover 429Yb1 and the holder discharge port seal 429Yb2, which serve as receiving port covers slidably held in the X1 direction. The air outlet seal 429Ya2 and the holder outlet seal 429Yb2 are made of a flexible material such as sponge or elastomer and have a cylindrical through hole.

[0112] Figure 13(b) shows the state in which the toner cartridge 430Y is installed in the cartridge holder 429.

[0113] When installing the toner cartridge 430Y by sliding it in the -X1 direction, the holder discharge port cover 429Yb1 is slid by the discharge port pressing portion 430Ya5 of the first frame 430Ya. Due to the pressure from the discharge port pressing portion 430Ya5, which acts as the receiving port cover pressing portion (first cartridge pressing portion), the holder discharge port cover 429Yb1 moves from the receiving port closed position, which covers the holder discharge port 429Yb3, to the receiving port open position, which exposes the holder discharge port 429Yb3. Discharge The nozzle pressing portion 430Ya5 is provided adjacent to the end face of the toner cartridge 430Y where the discharge port 430Ya4 opens, in the Z1 direction. The holder discharge port pressing portion 429Yb4 and the air discharge port seal 429Ya2 (first main body pressing portion) of the cartridge holder 429 press the discharge port cover pressed portion 430Ya6 (first pressed portion), causing the discharge port cover 430Ya1 and discharge port seal 430Ya2 of the first frame 430Ya to slide. When sliding, the discharge port seal 430Ya2 moves in the -X1 direction without any gap relative to the holder discharge port seal 429Yb2, thus preventing toner in the transport path from leaking out. The sliding direction of the holder discharge port cover 429Yb1 and discharge port cover 430Ya1 is approximately parallel to the direction in which the toner cartridge 430Y is attached to and detached from the cartridge holder 429.

[0114] Similarly, when installing the toner cartridge 430Y by sliding it in the -X1 direction, the intake port pressing portion 430Yb5 of the second frame 430Yb slides the air outlet cover 429Ya1. The pressure from the intake port pressing portion 430Yb5, which acts as a supply port cover pressing portion (second cartridge pressing portion), moves the air outlet cover 429Ya1 from a supply port closed position that covers the air outlet 80Ya, which acts as a supply port, to a supply port open position that exposes the air outlet 80Ya. The intake port pressing portion 430Yb5 is provided adjacent to the end face of the toner cartridge 430Y where the intake port 430Yb4 opens in the Z1 direction. The intake port 430Yb4 is provided on a protruding portion 430Yb7 that protrudes in the Z1 direction from the surface of the second frame 430Yb of the toner cartridge 430Y. Furthermore, the air outlet pressing portion 429Ya3 and the air outlet seal 429Ya2 (second main body pressing portion) of the cartridge holder 429 press against the intake cover pressed portion 430Yb6 (second pressed portion), causing the intake cover 430Yb1 of the second frame 430Yb to slide. The sliding direction of the air outlet cover 429Ya1 and the intake cover 430Yb1 is approximately parallel to the direction in which the toner cartridge 430Y is attached to and detached from the cartridge holder 429.

[0115] Once the toner cartridge 430Y is installed, the toner cartridge 430Ya4 outlet and the cartridge holder 429Yb3 (receiving port) are connected. Additionally, the toner cartridge 430Yb4 intake port and the pump unit 80Ya air outlet are connected. This enables the pump unit 80Y to supply air to the inside of the toner cartridge 430Y, and toner to be supplied from inside the toner cartridge 430Y to the developing container 3Y via the replenishment pipe 444Y.

[0116] <Other embodiments> In the first embodiment, the toner cartridge's air intake cover and toner outlet cover were described as separate components that could be attached and detached independently. However, as shown in Figures 14(a) to 14(c), both may be integrated into a single unit.

[0117] Figure 14(a) shows a perspective view of a toner cartridge with an integrated air intake cover and toner outlet cover. Figures 14(b) and 14(c) are partial cross-sectional views of the area corresponding to the 13A-13A section in Figure 5(b). Figure 14(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge removed from the cartridge holder. Figure 14(c) shows a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge installed in the cartridge holder.

[0118] As shown in Figure 14(b), the top surface of the toner cartridge 530Y is provided with an outlet 530Ya3, which is a container opening consisting of a through-hole that penetrates in the Z1 direction, through which the toner in the toner storage chamber 530Yc is discharged to the outside of the toner cartridge 530Y. The bottom surface of the toner cartridge 530Y is provided with an inlet 530Yb1, which is a container opening consisting of a through-hole that penetrates in the Z1 direction.

[0119] An integrated intake / discharge cover 530Ya1 is provided, spanning the top and bottom surfaces, and is slidably held in the X1 direction to cover the discharge port 530Ya3 and the intake port 530Yb1. The integrated intake / discharge cover 530Ya1 consists of a discharge port cover portion (first cover portion) that closes the discharge port 530Ya3 and an intake port cover portion (second cover portion) that closes the intake port 530Yb1, which are connected by a connecting portion 530Ya5. The connecting portion 530Ya5 is provided at the downstream end of the toner cartridge 530Y in the X1 direction as the integrated intake / discharge cover 530Ya1 moves from the closed position to the open position. The position where the connecting portion 530Ya5 is provided is also the downstream end of the toner cartridge 530Y in the direction of detachment from the cartridge holder 529. An outlet seal 530Ya2 is provided between the outlet 530Ya3 and the integrated intake / discharge cover 530Ya1. The outlet seal 530Ya2 is a rectangular flexible sealing member and is held in place by means such as double-sided tape (not shown) attached to the integrated intake / discharge cover 530Ya1. The integrated intake / discharge cover 530Ya1 and the outlet seal 530Ya2 prevent the toner inside the toner cartridge 530Y from leaking to the outside when the toner cartridge is removed from the main body of the device.

[0120] Figure 14(c) shows the state in which the toner cartridge 530Y is installed in the cartridge holder 529.

[0121] When installing the toner cartridge 530Y by sliding it in the -X1 direction, the holder outlet cover 429Yb1 is slid by the outlet pressing portion 530Ya4 of the first frame 530Ya. Also, the outlet cover 530Ya1 and outlet seal 430Ya2 of the first frame 530Ya are slid by the holder outlet pressing portion 429Yb4 of the cartridge holder 429. As they slide, the outlet seal 430Ya2 moves in the -X1 direction without any gaps relative to the holder outlet seal 429Yb2, thus preventing toner in the transport path from leaking out.

[0122] Similarly, when installing the toner cartridge 430Y by sliding it in the -X1 direction, the intake port pressing portion 530Yb3 of the second frame 530Yb slides the air outlet cover 429Ya1. Also, the air outlet pressing portion 429Ya3 of the cartridge holder 429 slides the intake port cover 430Yb1 of the second frame 430Yb.

[0123] Once the toner cartridge 530Y is installed, the toner cartridge 530Y's outlet 530Ya3 and the cartridge holder 429's holder outlet 429Yb3 become connected. Additionally, the toner cartridge 530Y's intake 530Yb4 and the pump unit 80Y's air outlet 80Ya become connected. This enables the pump unit 80Y to supply air to the inside of the toner cartridge 530Y, and toner to be supplied from inside the toner cartridge 530Y to the developing container 3Y via the replenishment pipe 444Y.

[0124] In this embodiment, the toner cartridge intake cover is described as being slidable in the X1 direction and held by the toner cartridge. However, the intake cover may also be provided in a configuration that is detachable from the toner cartridge.

[0125] Figures 15(a) to 15(d) are partial cross-sectional views of the area corresponding to the 13A-13A section in Figure 5(b). Figure 15(a) shows a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge with the intake cover attached. Figure 15(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge with the intake cover removed. Figure 15(c) shows a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge with the intake cover removed and removed from the cartridge holder. Figure 15(d) shows a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge installed in the cartridge holder.

[0126] As shown in Figure 15(a), an intake cover 630Yb1 is provided to cover the air intake 630Yb2 of the toner cartridge 630Y. The retention method may be screwing, press-fitting, adhesive, etc., but it is not held in a slidable manner as in the first embodiment.

[0127] As shown in Figure 15(b), this intake cover 630Yb1 can be removed from the intake 630Yb2.

[0128] Although covering the intake port 630Yb2 with the intake port cover 630Yb1 is effective in avoiding the aforementioned risk of foreign matter contamination, since it is an air supply path, problems such as toner leakage will not occur even if the toner cartridge 630Y is removed from the main unit and exposed.

[0129] With the intake cover 630Yb1 removed, the toner cartridge 630Y can be slid into the cartridge holder 429 as shown in Figures 15(c) and 15(d). However, if the intake cover 630Yb1 is mistakenly attached and an attempt is made to attach the toner cartridge 630 to the cartridge holder 429, the intake cover 630Yb1 will interfere with the cartridge holder 429 in the Z1 direction, preventing attachment. In other words, the toner cartridge 630Y cannot be attached to the cartridge holder 429 when the intake cover 630Yb1 is not removed from the intake 630Yb2. This configuration prevents the problem of impairing the air supply function due to incorrect attachment.

[0130] The embodiments described above describe a configuration in which the toner cartridge is slid into the cartridge holder, but a configuration in which it is installed by a rotational motion is also possible, as shown in Figure 16.

[0131] Figures 16(a) and 16(b) are partial cross-sectional views of the area corresponding to the 13A-13A section in Figure 5(b). Figure 16(a) shows a cross-sectional view of the state in which the toner cartridge is being started to be installed into the cartridge holder. Figure 16(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the state in which the toner cartridge has been completely installed into the cartridge holder. Figure 16(c) is a partial cross-sectional view of the 16A-16A section in Figure 5(b), showing a cross-sectional view of the state in which the toner cartridge has been completely installed into the cartridge holder.

[0132] In this configuration, when installing the toner cartridge 730Y into the cartridge holder 729, the installation operation is performed with the cover not attached to the toner cartridge 730Yb1 intake port 730Y.

[0133] As shown in Figure 16(a), first, the intake port 730Yb1 of the toner cartridge 730Y is brought into contact with the air outlet seal 729Ya1 of the cartridge holder 729, and the toner cartridge 730Y is rotated using that point as a pivot. As shown in Figure 16(c), the intake port 730Yb1 of the toner cartridge 730Y, which acts as the pivot point, has a convex positioning portion 730Yb2, and by engaging with the concave positioned portion 729Ya2 of the cartridge holder 729, positioning is achieved in the X1 and Y1 directions. Then, due to the rotational movement, the outlet cover 730Ya1 on the top surface of the toner cartridge 730Y, the outlet seal 730Ya2, and the holder outlet cover 729Yb1 of the cartridge holder 729 move. As shown in Figures 16(b) and (c), when the toner cartridge 730Y is installed, the air outlet 780Ya and the air intake 730Yb1, and the air outlet 730Ya3 and the holder outlet 729Yb3 are in communication. The shutter of the air outlet is opened and closed by a rotational motion. Therefore, a rotational opening and closing trajectory is preferable to linear motion. However, once the installation is complete, the X1 coordinates of the intake port 730Yb1 and the outlet port 730Ya3 are approximately the same. In other words, the intake port 730Yb1 and the outlet port 730Ya3 overlap in the direction of gravity. As a result, the direction of the force generated when the outlet port 730Ya3 of the toner cartridge 730Y and the holder outlet port 729Yb3 of the cartridge holder 729 come into contact, and the outlet cover 730Ya1, outlet seal 730Ya2, and holder outlet cover 729Yb1 move is approximately the same as the direction of movement, allowing for smooth operation even with a linear shutter. Furthermore, during installation, the area where parts interfere in the rotational trajectory of the toner cartridge 730 and the cartridge holder 729 needs to be retracted, as shown in 730Ya5, and the retracted area leads to a reduction in toner capacity. To minimize the amount of material to be moved, it is desirable to position the intake port 730Yb1 and the output port 730Ya3 as close as possible to the -X1 direction of the toner cartridge 730Y.

[0134] The configurations of each of the above embodiments can be combined with each other as much as possible.

[0135] The disclosure of embodiments of the present invention includes the following configurations. (Composition 1) It is a cartridge, A developer storage chamber is provided for storing the developer and for discharging the stored developer to the outside of the cartridge. A filter that allows air to pass through but prevents the developer from passing through, An air chamber separated from the developer storage chamber by the filter and provided with an intake for taking in air from the outside, the developer storage chamber being aligned in a first direction with the developer storage chamber, A first cover portion is configured to be movable between a closed position that closes the discharge port and an open position that opens the discharge port. A second cover portion that closes the aforementioned intake opening, A cartridge characterized by having the following features. (Configuration 2) When the open position and the closed position are designated as the first open position and the first closed position, respectively, the second cover portion is configured to move independently of the first cover portion between the second closed position, which closes the intake opening, and the second open position, which opens the intake opening. A cartridge according to configuration 1, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 3) The discharge port is provided on one end face of the cartridge in the first direction, The intake port is provided on the other end face of the cartridge in the first direction, The direction in which the first cover portion moves between the first open position and the first closed position is a second direction that intersects the first direction. The cartridge according to configuration 2, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 4) The cartridge is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus in the second direction. The cartridge according to configuration 3, characterized by the above. (Composition 5) The second cover portion is integrally formed with the first cover portion, and closes the intake when the first cover portion is in the closed position, and opens the intake when it is in the open position. A cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 6) The discharge port is provided on one end face of the cartridge in the first direction, The intake port is provided on the other end face of the cartridge in the first direction, The direction in which the first cover portion and the second cover portion move between the open position and the closed position is a second direction that intersects the first direction. The connecting portion that connects the first cover portion and the second cover portion is provided at the downstream end of the cartridge in the direction from the closed position to the open position in the second direction. The cartridge according to configuration 5, characterized by the features described herein. (Composition 7) The cartridge is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus in the second direction. The connecting portion is provided at the downstream end of the cartridge in the direction of detachment from the device body. The cartridge according to configuration 6, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 8) The air chamber is formed by a frame body having the intake opening, The second cover portion is configured to be removable from the frame. A cartridge according to any one of the configurations 1 to 7, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 9) The cartridge is configured such that it can be mounted on the device body when the second cover portion is removed from the frame, and cannot be mounted on the device body when the second cover portion is not removed from the frame. The cartridge according to configuration 8, characterized by the above. (Composition 10) The developer storage chamber comprises a frame body having the discharge port, The first cover portion is supported by the frame so that it can move relative to the frame between the closed position and the open position. A cartridge according to any one of the configurations 1 to 9 characterized by the above. (Composition 11) The cartridge is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, which has a first main body pressing section. The first cover portion has a first pressed portion which is configured to be moved from the first closed position to the first open position when the cartridge is mounted on the device body by being pressed by the first body pressing portion. A cartridge according to any one of the configurations 1 to 10, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 12) The device body has a second body pressing section, The second cover portion has a second pressed portion which is configured to be moved from the second closed position to the second open position when the cartridge is mounted on the device body by being pressed by the second body pressing portion. A cartridge according to configuration 11, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 13) The cartridge is detachably attached to the main body of an image forming apparatus, which has a receiving port for receiving developer discharged from the discharge port of the cartridge when the cartridge is installed, and a receiving port cover that is movable between a receiving port closed position that closes the receiving port and a receiving port open position that opens the receiving port. The device includes a first cartridge pressing unit for pressing the receiving port cover so as to move the receiving port cover from the receiving port closed position to the receiving port open position when the cartridge is installed in the device body. A cartridge according to any one of the configurations 1 to 12 characterized by the above. (Composition 14) The first cartridge pressing portion is provided adjacent to the end face of the cartridge where the discharge port opens in the first direction. A cartridge according to configuration 13, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 15) The device body is configured to communicate with the intake when the cartridge is installed and has a supply port for supplying air through the intake, and a supply port cover that is movable between a supply port closed position that closes the supply port and a supply port open position that opens the supply port. The device includes a second cartridge pressing section for pressing the supply port cover to move the supply port cover from the supply port closed position to the supply port open position when the cartridge is installed in the device body. The cartridge described in configuration 13 or 14. (Composition 16) The second cartridge pressing portion is provided adjacent to the end face of the cartridge where the intake opening is located, in the first direction. A cartridge according to configuration 15, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 17) The intake is provided on a projection that protrudes in the first direction from the surface of the frame that constitutes the air chamber. A cartridge according to any one of the configurations 1 to 16 characterized by the features described above. (Composition 18) The cartridge is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. With the cartridge installed in the main body of the device, The first direction is the direction of gravity, The air chamber is located below the developer storage chamber. A cartridge described in any one of configurations 1 through 17. (Composition 19) The discharge port and the intake port have regions that overlap each other when viewed in the first direction. A cartridge according to any one of the configurations 1 to 18, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 20) It is a cartridge, A developer storage chamber is provided for storing the developer and for discharging the stored developer to the outside of the cartridge. A filter that allows air to pass through but prevents the developer from passing through, An air chamber separated from the developer storage chamber by the filter and provided with an intake for taking in air from the outside, the developer storage chamber being aligned in a first direction with the developer storage chamber, A first cover portion is configured to be movable between a first closed position that closes the discharge port and a first open position that opens the discharge port. A cartridge characterized by having the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0136] 83Y, 583Y, 783Y: Filter / 83Ya: Clamped part (outer edge) / 83Yb: Opposing region (bottom) / 83Yd: Partition part (bottom surface) / 83Yd1: First part (first slope) / 83Yd2: Second part (second slope) / 85Y, 86Y, 87Y, 88Y, 89Y, 90Y, 91Y: Pipe (discharge pipe) / 85Y1, 86Y1, 87Y1, 88Y1, 89Y1, 90Y1, 91Y1: First pipe section / 85Y2, 86Y2, 87Y2, 88Y2, 89Y2, 90Y2, 91Y2: Second pipe section / 85Ya, 86Ya, 87Ya, 88Ya, 89Ya, 90Ya, 91Ya: First pipe opening (inlet) / 85Yb, 86Yb, 87Yb, 88Yb, 89Yb, 90Yb, 91Yb: Second pipe opening (outlet) / 430Y, 53 0Y, 630Y, 730Y: Toner cartridge / 430Ya, 530Ya, 630Ya, 730Ya: Second container (first frame) / 430Ya1: Outlet / 430Yb, 530Yb, 630Yb, 730Yb: First container (second frame) / 430Yb1: Container opening (inlet) / 430Yc: Second chamber (toner storage chamber) / 430Yd: First chamber (air chamber) / 433a: First inclined surface / 433b: Second inclined surface / 683Yd1: Part (inclined surface) / 883Ye: Connection part / G: First direction, gravity direction / GD: Distance / PY: Process cartridge / X1: Third direction / Y1: Second direction

Claims

1. It is a cartridge, A developer storage chamber is provided for storing the developer and for discharging the stored developer to the outside of the cartridge. A filter that allows air to pass through but prevents the developer from passing through, An air chamber separated from the developer storage chamber by the filter and provided with an intake for taking in air from the outside, wherein the developer storage chamber is aligned in a first direction with the developer storage chamber, A first cover portion is configured to be movable between a closed position that closes the discharge port and an open position that opens the discharge port. A second cover portion that closes the aforementioned intake opening, A cartridge characterized by having the following features.

2. When the open position and the closed position are designated as the first open position and the first closed position, respectively, the second cover portion is configured to move independently of the first cover portion between the second closed position, which closes the intake opening, and the second open position, which opens the intake opening. The cartridge according to feature 1.

3. The discharge port is provided on one end face of the cartridge in the first direction, The intake port is provided on the other end face of the cartridge in the first direction, The direction in which the first cover portion moves between the first open position and the first closed position is a second direction that intersects the first direction. The cartridge according to feature 2.

4. The cartridge is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus in the second direction. The cartridge according to feature 3.

5. The second cover portion is integrally formed with the first cover portion, and closes the intake when the first cover portion is in the closed position, and opens the intake when it is in the open position. The cartridge according to feature 1.

6. The discharge port is provided on one end face of the cartridge in the first direction, The intake port is provided on the other end face of the cartridge in the first direction, The direction in which the first cover portion and the second cover portion move between the open position and the closed position is a second direction that intersects the first direction. The connecting portion that connects the first cover portion and the second cover portion is provided at the downstream end of the cartridge in the direction from the closed position to the open position in the second direction. The cartridge according to feature 5.

7. The cartridge is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus in the second direction. The connecting portion is provided at the downstream end of the cartridge in the direction of detachment from the device body. The cartridge according to feature 6.

8. The air chamber is formed by a frame body having the intake opening, The second cover portion is configured to be removable from the frame. The cartridge according to feature 1.

9. The cartridge is configured such that it can be mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus when the second cover portion is removed from the frame, and cannot be mounted on the main body of the apparatus when the second cover portion is not removed from the frame. The cartridge according to feature 8.

10. The developer storage chamber comprises a frame body having the discharge port, The first cover portion is supported by the frame so that it can move relative to the frame between the closed position and the open position. The cartridge according to feature 1.

11. The cartridge is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, which has a first main body pressing section. The first cover portion has a first pressed portion which is moved from a first closed position to a first open position when the cartridge is mounted on the device body by being pressed by the first body pressing portion. The cartridge according to feature 4.

12. The device body has a second body pressing section, The second cover portion has a second pressed portion which is configured to be moved from the second closed position to the second open position when the cartridge is mounted on the device body by being pressed by the second body pressing portion. The cartridge according to feature 11.

13. The cartridge is detachably attached to the main body of an image forming apparatus, which has a receiving port for receiving developer discharged from the discharge port of the cartridge when the cartridge is installed, and a receiving port cover that is movable between a receiving port closed position that closes the receiving port and a receiving port open position that opens the receiving port. The device includes a first cartridge pressing unit for pressing the receiving port cover so as to move the receiving port cover from the receiving port closed position to the receiving port open position when the cartridge is installed in the device body. The cartridge according to feature 1.

14. The receiving port cover pressing portion is provided adjacent to the end face of the cartridge through which the discharge port opens in the first direction. The cartridge according to feature 13.

15. The device body is configured to communicate with the intake when the cartridge is installed and has a supply port for supplying air through the intake, and a supply port cover that is movable between a supply port closed position that closes the supply port and a supply port open position that opens the supply port. The device includes a second cartridge pressing section for pressing the supply port cover to move the supply port cover from the supply port closed position to the supply port open position when the cartridge is installed in the device body. The cartridge according to claim 13.

16. The supply port cover pressing portion is provided adjacent to the end face of the cartridge through which the intake port opens in the first direction. The cartridge according to feature 15.

17. The intake is provided on a projection that protrudes in the first direction from the surface of the frame that constitutes the air chamber. The cartridge according to feature 1.

18. The cartridge is configured to be detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. With the cartridge installed in the main body of the device, The first direction is the direction of gravity, The air chamber is located below the developer storage chamber. The cartridge according to claim 1.

19. The discharge port and the intake port have regions that overlap each other when viewed in the first direction. The cartridge according to feature 18.

20. It is a cartridge, A developer storage chamber is provided for storing the developer and for discharging the stored developer to the outside of the cartridge. A filter that allows air to pass through but prevents the developer from passing through, An air chamber separated from the developer storage chamber by the filter and provided with an intake for taking in air from the outside, wherein the developer storage chamber is aligned in a first direction with the developer storage chamber, A first cover portion is configured to be movable between a first closed position that closes the discharge port and a first open position that opens the discharge port. A cartridge characterized by having the following features.

Images