toner cartridge

Abstract

To provide a configuration that can achieve movement of a shutter and rotation of a conveying member with a driving force supplied from one coupling.SOLUTION: A toner cartridge comprises: a toner coupling 321; a shutter 16; a sun gear 351; a planetary gear; a rotating plate 352; and a boss. When the shutter is located at a closed position, the boss is located at a first position. In this state, the boss and the shutter rotate together with the rotating plate 352. Thus, in association with the rotation of the toner coupling, the shutter moves from the closed position to an open position. When the shutter moves from the closed position to the open position, the boss moves from the first position to a second position. The boss thus separates from the rotating plate. Thus, the planetary gear and the sun gear idle. The conveying member can therefore be rotated while maintaining the shutter at the open position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a toner cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and LED printers have been known. The image forming apparatuses have a toner cartridge and a drum cartridge. The toner cartridge can be attached to the drum cartridge. The drum cartridge with the toner cartridge attached can also be attached to the image forming apparatus. A conventional image forming apparatus is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-186067 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The toner cartridge has a shutter for opening and closing the toner supply port. In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, after the toner cartridge is installed in the drum cartridge, the shutter is moved from a closed position to an open position by a user's operation. To reduce the user's operational burden, it is desirable to move the shutter from the closed position to the open position using a driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus. However, if the driving force for rotating the conveying member that conveys toner inside the toner cartridge and the driving force for moving the shutter from the open position to the closed position are supplied separately, multiple couplings are required.

[0005] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a structure that uses the driving force supplied from the coupling to both move the shutter from the closed position to the open position and rotate the conveying member, and that allows the conveying member to continue rotating even after the shutter has moved from the closed position to the open position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first disclosure of the present application relates to a housing capable of accommodating toner, the housing having a toner discharge port; a transport member having a shaft extending in the first direction, the transport member being rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the transport member being positioned inside the housing; a shutter rotatable about the first axis relative to the housing between a closed position that closes the toner discharge port and an open position that opens the toner discharge port; a toner coupling that rotates the transport member, the toner coupling being rotatable about the first axis; and a planet carrier rotatable about the first axis together with the toner coupling, the planet carrier having a first planet pin extending in the first direction, and a forward rotation of the first planet pin. A toner box comprising: a first planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier, the first planetary gear rotatable about the first axis together with the rotation of the planetary carrier; and an internal gear rotatable about the first axis together with the shutter, the internal gear meshing with the first planetary gear; wherein, when the shutter is positioned from the closed position to the open position, the first planetary gear is not rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first axis together with the internal gear; and, when the shutter is positioned at the open position, the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first axis relative to the internal gear.

[0007] The second disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge of the first disclosure, characterized in that it is provided with a first stopper that contacts the shutter when the shutter is positioned in the open position and stops the movement of the shutter in the rotational direction of the shutter from the closed position to the open position.

[0008] The third disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to the first or second disclosure, characterized in that it is provided with a second stopper that contacts the shutter when the shutter is positioned in the open position and stops the movement of the shutter in the rotational direction of the shutter from the open position to the closed position.

[0009] The fourth disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to any one of the first to third disclosures, characterized in that when the shutter is positioned in the closed position, the first planetary gear cannot rotate about the first planetary pin, and can rotate about the first axis together with the internal gear.

[0010] The fifth disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to the fourth disclosure, characterized in that when the shutter is positioned in the closed position, the first planetary gear cannot rotate about the first planetary pin, and can rotate about the first axis together with the internal gear.

[0011] The sixth disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to any one of the first to fifth disclosures, characterized in that it includes a sun gear rotatable about the first axis and meshing with the first planetary gear.

[0012] The seventh disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to the sixth disclosure, characterized in that it comprises: a rotating plate that is rotatable about the first axis together with the sun gear, the rotating plate having a groove; and a boss that is movable together with the shutter, the boss being movable between a first position within the groove of the rotating plate and a second position outside the groove of the rotating plate, the boss being located at the first position when the shutter is located at the closed position, and the boss being located at the second position when the shutter is located at the open position.

[0013] The eighth disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to any one of the first to seventh disclosures, characterized in that the toner cartridge is detachably attached to a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum, and the toner coupling receives a driving force from a relay coupling of the drum cartridge and transmits the driving force to the conveying member.

[0014] A ninth disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge according to any one of the first to eighth disclosures, characterized in that the planet carrier is configured integrally with the toner coupling.

[0015] The tenth disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to the seventh disclosure, characterized in that, when the boss is located at the first position, as the toner coupling rotates, the sun gear and the rotating plate are rotatable about the first axis, the first planetary gear is not rotatable about the first planetary axis and is rotatable around the sun gear, and the internal gear is movable together with the shutter; and when the boss is located at the second position, as the toner coupling rotates, the sun gear and the rotating plate are rotatable about the first axis, the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary axis and is rotatable around the sun gear, and the internal gear and the shutter are not movable.

[0016] The 11th disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to the 2nd disclosure, characterized in that the housing has a recess located on the circumferential surface of the housing, the shutter is located within the recess, the recess has a first surface having the toner discharge outlet and a first stopper surface extending from the first surface in the radial direction of the shaft, and the first stopper is the first stopper surface.

[0017] The twelfth disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to the third disclosure, characterized in that the housing has a recess located on the circumferential surface of the housing, the shutter is located within the recess, the recess has a first surface having the toner discharge outlet and a second stopper surface extending from the first surface in the radial direction of the shaft, and the second stopper is the second stopper surface.

[0018] A thirteenth disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge according to any one of the first to twelfth disclosures, characterized in that it includes a cover that covers at least a part of the shutter.

[0019] The 14th disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to the 7th disclosure, characterized in that it is provided with a cover that covers at least a portion of the shutter, the cover having a guide groove into which the boss fits, the guide groove extending along the movement direction of the shutter, and one end of the guide groove in the movement direction of the shutter being positioned closer to the first axis than the other end of the guide groove in the movement direction of the shutter.

[0020] The 15th disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge of the 14th disclosure, characterized in that when the boss is located at the first position, the boss is located at one end of the guide groove, and when the boss is located at the second position, the boss is located at the other end of the guide groove.

[0021] A sixteenth disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge according to any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth disclosures, characterized in that the cover has a communication port that communicates with the toner discharge port.

[0022] A seventeenth disclosure of the present application is the donor cartridge according to any one of the thirteenth to sixteenth disclosures, wherein the cover covers at least a portion of the boss.

[0023] The 18th disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 17th disclosures, characterized in that the internal gear has gear teeth that mesh with the first planetary gear and an arm that extends away from the first planetary gear relative to the gear teeth, and the shutter has a shutter plate that covers the toner discharge port and a holding portion that holds the internal gear, the holding portion having a recess into which the arm fits.

[0024] A nineteenth disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge of the seventh disclosure, characterized in that the sun gear is configured integrally with the rotary plate.

[0025] A twentieth disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge of the seventh disclosure, characterized in that the rotary plate has a plurality of the grooves.

[0026] A twenty-first disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge of the twentieth disclosure, characterized in that the plurality of grooves are arranged on the entire outer circumferential surface of the rotary plate.

[0027] The 22nd disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 21st disclosures, characterized in that it further comprises an elastic member for the shutter that urges the shutter from the open position toward the closed position.

[0028] The 23rd disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to the 22nd disclosure, characterized in that the elastic member for the shutter is expandable and contractible between a first state and a second state, is in the first state when the shutter is positioned at the closed position, and is in the second state when the shutter is positioned at the open position, and the length of the elastic member for the shutter in the second state is longer than the length of the elastic member for the shutter in the first state.

[0029] The 24th disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge of the 23rd disclosure, characterized in that the elastic member for the shutter extends from the first state to the second state as the shutter rotates from the closed position to the open position.

[0030] The 25th disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to the 23rd or 24th disclosure, characterized in that the elastic member for the shutter contracts from the second state to the first state as the rotation of the toner coupling stops, and the shutter moves from the open position to the closed position as the elastic member for the shutter contracts from the second state to the first state.

[0031] A 26th disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge according to any one of the 22nd to 25th disclosures, characterized in that the shutter elastic member is a spring.

[0032] A 27th disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 26th disclosures, characterized in that the toner coupling is located at one end of the housing in the first direction.

[0033] A 28th disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge of the 6th or 7th disclosure, characterized in that the sun gear is located at one end of the housing in the first direction.

[0034] The 29th disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to the 6th or 7th disclosure, characterized in that the sun gear has a circular hole centered on the first axis, and the toner coupling is inserted into the hole.

[0035] A 30th disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 29th disclosures, characterized in that the first planetary gear is located at one end of the housing in the first direction.

[0036] A 31st disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 30th disclosures, characterized in that the internal gear is located at one end of the housing in the first direction.

[0037] The 32nd disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to the 6th or 7th disclosure, characterized in that the toner coupling, the sun gear, the first planetary gear, and the internal gear are located on the same plane perpendicular to the first axis.

[0038] The 33rd disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 32nd disclosures, characterized in that the planetary carrier has a second planetary pin extending in the first direction, and further includes a second planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the second planetary pin, and rotatable about the first axis together with the rotation of the planetary carrier.

[0039] The 34th disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 33rd disclosures, characterized in that the planetary carrier has a third planetary pin extending in the first direction, and further comprises a third planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the third planetary pin, and rotatable about the first axis together with the rotation of the planetary carrier.

[0040] The 35th disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 34th disclosures, characterized in that the planetary carrier has a fourth planetary pin extending in the first direction, and further comprises a fourth planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the fourth planetary pin, and rotatable about the first axis together with the rotation of the planetary carrier.

[0041] The 36th disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 35th disclosures, characterized in that it further comprises a clutch that prevents the conveying member from rotating together with the toner coupling when the shutter moves from the open position to the closed position.

[0042] The 37th disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge of the 36th disclosure, characterized in that the toner coupling has an arc-shaped clutch hole centered on the first axis, the conveying member has a clutch pawl inserted into the clutch hole, the circumferential width of the clutch hole centered on the first axis is greater than the circumferential width of the clutch pawl centered on the first axis, and the clutch hole and the clutch pawl form the clutch.

[0043] The 38th disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 37th disclosures, characterized in that the toner discharge port is located at one end of the housing in the first direction, and the shutter is located at one end of the housing in the first direction.

[0044] The 39th disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 38th disclosures, characterized in that the shutter opens the toner discharge port in a circumferential direction centered on the first axis.

[0045] The 40th disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to any one of the 13th to 16th disclosures, further comprising a locking member movable in the first direction between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein when the locking member is positioned in the locked position, the shutter cannot move from the closed position to the open position, and when the locking member is positioned in the unlocked position, the shutter can move from the closed position to the open position.

[0046] The 41st disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge of the 40th disclosure, characterized in that the locking member has a locking protrusion that contacts the cover when the locking member is located in the locked position and moves away from the cover when the locking member is located in the released position, and a locking elastic member that urges the locking protrusion from the released position toward the locked position.

[0047] A 42nd disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge of the 41st disclosure, characterized in that the cover has a through hole penetrating in a first direction, and the locking protrusion is inserted into the through hole.

[0048] A 43rd disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge according to the 41st or 42nd disclosure, characterized in that the locking elastic member is a spring.

[0049] The 44th disclosure of the present application is a toner cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 21st disclosures, the 28th disclosure, the 29th disclosure, and the 40th to 43rd disclosures, characterized in that the toner cartridge is detachable from a main body frame of an image forming device, and the shutter is a lever that can contact the main body frame, and when the lever contacts the main body frame, the shutter has a lever that moves from the open position toward the closed position.

[0050] A 45th disclosure of the present application is the toner cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 44th disclosures, characterized in that the conveying member is an agitator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0051] According to the first to forty-fourth disclosures of the present application, the rotation of the toner coupling can realize both the movement of the shutter from the closed position to the open position and the rotation of the conveying member. In addition, the rotation of the conveying member can be continued even after the shutter has moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0052] According to the second disclosure of the present application, when the shutter moves from the closed position to the open position, the shutter contacts the first stopper, stopping the shutter's movement. This stops the rotation of the internal gear. However, due to the presence of the first planetary gear and the sun gear, the conveying member can be rotated while the shutter is maintained in the open position.

[0053] According to the seventh disclosure of the present application, when the shutter is in the closed position, the boss is in the first position. In this state, the boss and the shutter rotate together with the rotating plate. Therefore, the first planetary gear, the sun gear, the rotating plate, the boss, the internal gear, and the shutter rotate about the first axis together with the toner coupling. This causes the shutter to move from the closed position to the open position. Furthermore, when the shutter moves from the closed position to the open position, the boss moves from the first position to the second position. This causes the boss to move away from the rotating plate. This causes the first planetary gear and the sun gear to rotate freely. Therefore, the conveying member can be rotated while the shutter is maintained in the open position.

[0054] According to the eleventh disclosure of the present application, the toner discharge port and the first stopper surface are located on the same housing, which allows the shutter to be positioned with high precision relative to the toner discharge port.

[0055] According to the twelfth disclosure of the present application, the toner discharge port and the second stopper surface are located on the same housing, which allows the shutter to be positioned with high precision relative to the toner discharge port.

[0056] Furthermore, according to the thirteenth disclosure of the present application, it is possible to prevent the user from touching the shutter.

[0057] Furthermore, according to the fourteenth and fifteenth disclosures of the present application, the boss can be moved stably between the first position and the second position.

[0058] Furthermore, according to the seventeenth disclosure of the present application, it is possible to prevent the user from touching the boss.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the eighteenth disclosure of the present application, the driving force of the internal gear can be stably transmitted to the shutter.

[0060] Furthermore, according to the twenty-first disclosure of the present application, the boss can be fitted into the groove of the rotary plate regardless of the rotational position of the rotary plate.

[0061] Furthermore, according to the twenty-second disclosure of the present application, when the drive input to the toner coupling is stopped, the shutter can be returned to the closed position by the elastic force of the shutter elastic member.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the thirty-second disclosure of the present application, the size of the toner cartridge in the first direction can be reduced.

[0063] According to the thirty-third disclosure of the present application, one planetary carrier supports the first planetary gear and the second planetary gear, which allows the second planetary gear to be positioned with high precision relative to the first planetary gear.

[0064] According to the thirty-fourth disclosure of the present application, one planetary carrier supports the first planetary gear and the third planetary gear, thereby enabling the third planetary gear to be positioned with high precision relative to the first planetary gear.

[0065] According to the 35th disclosure of the present application, one planetary carrier supports the first planetary gear and the fourth planetary gear, which allows the fourth planetary gear to be positioned with high precision relative to the first planetary gear.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the 36th disclosure of the present application, when the shutter moves from the open position to the closed position, the conveying member can be prevented from rotating together with the toner coupling.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the 37th disclosure of the present application, there is no need to prepare any parts for the clutch apart from the toner coupling and the conveying member.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the fortieth disclosure of the present application, the movement of the shutter can be locked. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0069] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing four toner cartridges, a drum cartridge, and a part of the main body frame. [Figure 3]FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a view of the toner cartridge viewed in a first direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a view of the toner cartridge viewed in a first direction. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge. [Figure 9] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge taken along line CC in FIG. 5. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a view of the cover viewed in a first direction. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 9. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 9. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a connection portion between an agitator shaft and a toner coupling. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a connection portion between an agitator shaft and a toner coupling. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge. [Figure 18] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus, showing a state in which a drum cartridge with a toner cartridge attached thereto is being inserted into a main body frame. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus, showing a state in which a drum cartridge with a toner cartridge attached thereto is being inserted into a main body frame. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a first modified example. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a drum cartridge equipped with a toner cartridge of a first modified example is mounted on a main body frame of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a drum cartridge with a toner cartridge of a first modified example attached thereto is removed from a main body frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0070] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0071] In the following description, the direction in which the agitator 20 of the toner cartridge 2 extends will be referred to as the "first direction." Furthermore, the direction in which the multiple photosensitive drums 70 are lined up in the drum cartridge 3 will be referred to as the "second direction." Furthermore, the direction in which the toner cartridge 2 is inserted into the drum cartridge 3 will be referred to as the "third direction." The first and second directions intersect (preferably perpendicular to) each other. The second and third directions intersect (preferably perpendicular to) each other. The third direction and the first direction intersect (preferably perpendicular to) each other.

[0072] <1. Configuration of image forming device> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 1. This image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic printer. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 is a laser printer or an LED printer. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes four toner cartridges 2, a drum cartridge 3, a main body frame 4, and a control unit 5.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 1, the four toner cartridges 2 are detachably attached to the drum cartridge 3. The drum cartridge 3 with the four toner cartridges 2 attached thereto is a drawer that is detachably attached to the main body frame 4. The number of toner cartridges 2 attached to the drum cartridge 3 in this embodiment is four. However, the number of toner cartridges 2 attached to the drum cartridge 3 may be one to three, or may be five or more.

[0074] The four toner cartridges 2 each contain toner of a different color (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The image forming device 1 forms an image on printing paper using the toner supplied from the four toner cartridges 2.

[0075] The control unit 5 is located within the main body frame 4 of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 5 has a processor 501 such as a CPU, and a main body memory 502. The main body memory 502 is a storage medium from which information can be read and written. The processor 501 can read information from the main body memory 502 and write information to the main body memory 502. The control unit 5 executes printing processing in the image forming apparatus 1 by the processor 501 operating in accordance with a program stored in the main body memory 502.

[0076] Each of the four toner cartridges 2 has an IC chip 41. The IC chip 41 is a storage medium from which information can be read and written. The drum cartridge 3 has four drum contacts 91a to 91d, a drum harness 92, and a drum connector 93. The four drum contacts 91a to 91d are electrically connected to the drum connector 93 via the drum harness 92. The image forming apparatus 1 also has a main body connector 403 and a main body harness 404 within the main body frame 4. The main body connector 403 is electrically connected to the control unit 5 via the main body harness 404.

[0077] When the toner cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3, the IC chip 41 comes into contact with the drum contacts 91a to 91d. This electrically connects the IC chip 41 to the drum contacts 91a to 91d. Furthermore, when the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 attached is attached to the main body frame 4, the drum connector 93 comes into contact with the main body connector 403. This electrically connects the drum connector 93 to the main body connector 403. This electrically connects the IC chip 41 to the control unit 5 via the drum contacts 91a to 91d, the drum harness 92, the drum connector 93, the main body connector 403, and the main body harness 404. As a result, the control unit 5 can read information from the IC chip 41 and write information to the IC chip 41.

[0078] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing four toner cartridges 2, a drum cartridge 3, and a portion of the main body frame 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body frame 4 has a first side plate 401 and a second side plate 402. The first side plate 401 and the second side plate 402 are each substantially flat and extend perpendicular to the first direction. The first side plate 401 and the second side plate 402 are positioned with a gap between them in the first direction. The drum cartridge 3, to which the four toner cartridges 2 are attached, is inserted between the first side plate 401 and the second side plate 402 along the second direction.

[0079] <2. About toner cartridges> Next, the structure of the toner cartridge 2 will be described. FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the toner cartridge 2. FIG. 5 is a view of the toner cartridge 2 viewed in a first direction from a first end 11 (described later). FIG. 6 is a view of the toner cartridge 2 viewed in a first direction from a second end 12 (described later). FIGS. 7 and 8 are partially exploded perspective views of the toner cartridge 2. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 2 taken along line CC in FIG. 5. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 9, the toner cartridge 2 includes a housing 10, a shutter 16, an agitator 20, two return springs 31a and 31b, a toner coupling 321, a planetary carrier 322, a first planetary gear 33a, a second planetary gear 33b, a third planetary gear 33c, a fourth planetary gear 33d, an internal gear 34, a sun gear 351, a rotating plate 352, a cover 36, two bosses 37a and 37b, two locking members 38a and 38b, and an IC chip assembly 40.

[0080] The housing 10 is a container capable of containing toner, which is a developer. The housing 10 extends in a first direction. The housing 10 has a first end 11, a second end 12, and a cylindrical circumferential surface 13. The first end 11 is separated from the second end 12 in the first direction. Two return springs 31a and 31b, a toner coupling 321, a planetary carrier 322, a first planetary gear 33a, a second planetary gear 33b, a third planetary gear 33c, a fourth planetary gear 33d, an internal gear 34, a sun gear 351, a rotating plate 352, a cover 36, two bosses 37a and 37b, and two locking members 38a and 38b are located at the first end 11. The IC chip assembly 40 is located at the second end 12. The circumferential surface 13 extends in the first direction between the first end 11 and the second end 12. The peripheral surface 13 is cylindrical and has a center on a first axis A1 extending in a first direction.

[0081] The housing 10 has a storage chamber 14 therein. The toner is stored in the storage chamber 14. As shown in Fig. 8, the housing 10 also has a toner discharge port 15. The toner discharge port 15 is located at one end of the circumferential surface 13 in the first direction.

[0082] The shutter 16 is located at the first end 11 of the housing 10. The shutter 16 has a holder 161 and a shutter plate 162. The holder 161 is substantially disk-shaped and centered on the first axis A1. The shutter plate 162 extends from a portion of the holder 161 in the first direction from the first end 11 to the second end 12 of the housing 10. The shutter plate 162 has a shutter opening 163.

[0083] The shutter 16 is rotatable about a first axis A1 relative to the housing 10 between a closed position where the shutter 16 closes the toner discharge port 15 and an open position where the shutter 16 opens the toner discharge port 15. When the shutter 16 is in the closed position, the shutter plate 162 covers the toner discharge port 15. This causes the shutter 16 to close the toner discharge port 15. When the shutter 16 is in the open position, the shutter opening 163 of the shutter plate 162 overlaps with the toner discharge port 15. This causes the shutter 16 to open the toner discharge port 15. In other words, the storage chamber 14 and the external space of the housing 10 are in communication with each other via the toner discharge port 15, the shutter opening 163, and a communication opening 363 in the cover 36, which will be described later. As a result, the toner stored in the storage chamber 14 can move to the drum cartridge 3.

[0084] The housing 10 has a recess 19 located on the circumferential surface of the housing 10. The shutter 16 is located within the recess 19. The recess 19 has a first surface 191, a first stopper surface 18 (first stopper), and a second stopper surface 17 (second stopper). The first surface 191 has a toner discharge port 15. The first stopper surface 18 extends outward from the first surface 191 in the radial direction of the agitator shaft 20, which will be described later. The second stopper surface 17 extends outward from the first surface 191 in the radial direction of the agitator shaft 20, which will be described later.

[0085] The first stopper surface 18 stops the movement of the shutter 16 in the rotation direction from the closed position to the open position. When the shutter 16 is located at the open position, the shutter 16 comes into contact with the first stopper surface 18. Furthermore, the second stopper surface 17 stops the movement of the shutter 16 in the rotation direction from the open position to the closed position. When the shutter 16 is located at the closed position, the shutter 16 comes into contact with the second stopper surface 17. This limits the movement range of the shutter 16 between the closed position and the open position.

[0086] It should be noted that first stopper surface 18 does not have to completely stop the movement of shutter 16 in the rotation direction. Shutter 16 may be able to move slightly when in contact with first stopper surface 18. It should be noted that second stopper surface 17 does not have to completely stop the movement of shutter 16 in the rotation direction. Shutter 16 may be able to move slightly when in contact with second stopper surface 17.

[0087] In this embodiment, toner discharge port 15 and first stopper surface 18 are located in the same housing 10. This allows shutter 16 to be positioned with high precision relative to toner discharge port 15. Also, in this embodiment, toner discharge port 15 and second stopper surface 17 are located in the same housing 10. This allows shutter 16 to be positioned with high precision relative to toner discharge port 15. However, cover 36 may have first stopper surface 18 and second stopper surface 17. Also, the first stopper and second stopper may be separate parts from shutter 16 and cover 36.

[0088] The holder 161 has a circular hole 167. The hole 167 penetrates in the first direction. A toner coupling 321, a planet carrier 322, an internal gear 34, a sun gear 351, and a rotating plate 352, which will be described later, are positioned in the hole 167.

[0089] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 10, holder 161 has a first recess 164a, a second recess 165a, a third recess 166a, a fourth recess 164b, a fifth recess 165b, and a sixth recess 166b. First recess 164a, second recess 165a, third recess 166a, fourth recess 164b, fifth recess 165b, and sixth recess 166b are recessed in a direction from first end 11 to second end 12 of housing 10. First recess 164a, second recess 165a, third recess 166a, fourth recess 164b, fifth recess 165b, and sixth recess 166b are aligned along the periphery of hole 167.

[0090] The agitator 20 is a conveying member for stirring and conveying toner within the housing 10. The agitator 20 is located inside the housing 10. As indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 3 , the agitator 20 has an agitator shaft 21 and an agitator blade 22. The agitator shaft 21 extends in a first direction along a first axis A1. The agitator shaft 21 has one end and the other end. One end of the agitator shaft 21 is located at a first end 11 of the housing 10. The other end of the agitator shaft 21 is located at a second end 12 of the housing 10. The agitator blade 22 extends radially outward from the agitator shaft 21. That is, the agitator blade 22 extends from the agitator shaft 21 toward the inner circumferential surface of the housing 10. A toner coupling 321 is connected to one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction. Therefore, when the toner coupling 321 rotates about the first axis A1, the agitator shaft 21 and the agitator blade 22 also rotate about the first axis A1 together with the toner coupling 321. When the agitator blade 22 rotates, the toner in the housing 10 is agitated.

[0091] 9, the agitator 20 has a cylindrical member 23. The cylindrical member 23 is fixed to the agitator shaft 21. The cylindrical member 23 is located closer to one end of the agitator shaft 21 than to the other end. The cylindrical member 23 has a spiral groove on its outer circumferential surface.

[0092] The two return springs 31a, 31b, the toner coupling 321, the planetary carrier 322, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, the fourth planetary gear 33d, the internal gear 34, the sun gear 351, the rotating plate 352, the cover 36, the two bosses 37a, 37b, and the two locking members 38a, 38b constitute a mechanism for operating the shutter 16 and the agitator 20. The two return springs 31a, 31b, the toner coupling 321, the planetary carrier 322, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, the fourth planetary gear 33d, the internal gear 34, the sun gear 351, the rotating plate 352, the cover 36, the two bosses 37a, 37b, and the two locking members 38a, 38b are located at the first end 11 of the housing 10.

[0093] The two return springs 31a, 31b are elastic members (shutter elastic members) that urge the shutter 16 from the open position toward the closed position. The return spring 31a is housed in a first recess 164a provided in the holder 161. The return spring 31b is housed in a fourth recess 164b provided in the holder 161. The first recess 164a has an arc shape centered on the first axis A1. One end of the return spring 31a in the circumferential direction centered on the first axis A1 is connected to the holder 161. The other end of the return spring 31a in the circumferential direction is connected to a spring receiving portion 366a (described later) of the cover 36. One end of the return spring 31b in the circumferential direction centered on the first axis A1 is connected to the holder 161. The other end of the return spring 31b in the circumferential direction is connected to a spring receiving portion 366b (described later) of the cover 36. The length of the return springs 31a and 31b in the rotation direction of the shutter 16 changes depending on the movement of the shutter 16 between the closed position and the open position.

[0094] The length of the return springs 31a, 31b in the rotation direction of the shutter 16 changes between the first state and the second state. The length of the return springs 31a, 31b in the rotation direction of the shutter 16 in the second state is longer than the length of the return springs 31a, 31b in the rotation direction of the shutter 16 in the first state. Furthermore, the length of the return springs 31a, 31b in the rotation direction of the shutter 16 in the second state is longer than the natural length of the return springs 31a, 31b in the rotation direction of the shutter 16. When the shutter 16 is in the closed position, the return springs 31a, 31b are in the first state. When the shutter 16 is in the open position, the return springs 31a, 31b are in the second state.

[0095] The toner coupling 321 is a component connectable to an intermediate coupling 82 of the drum cartridge 3, which will be described later. When connected to the intermediate coupling 82, which will be described later, the toner coupling 321 can receive a driving force from the intermediate coupling 82. The toner coupling 321 can rotate about the first axis A1 by receiving the driving force from the intermediate coupling 82. The toner coupling 321 is connected to one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction. Therefore, when the toner coupling 321 rotates, the agitator 20 also rotates about the first axis A1 together with the toner coupling 321.

[0096] The toner coupling 321 has one end and the other end. The one end of the toner coupling 321 is located farther from the other end of the toner coupling 321 in the first direction. The one end of the toner coupling 321 is located farther from the first end 11 of the housing 10 in the first direction than the other end of the toner coupling 321. The other end of the toner coupling 321 is closer to the first end 11 of the housing 10 in the first direction than the one end of the toner coupling 321.

[0097] The planet carrier 322 extends radially outward from the other end of the toner coupling 321 in the first direction. In this embodiment, the toner coupling 321 and the planet carrier 322 are configured as an integrated component. However, the toner coupling 321 and the planet carrier 322 may be separate components. The planet carrier 322 only needs to be rotatable about the first axis A1 together with the toner coupling 321.

[0098] The planet carrier 322 has a first planetary pin 323a, a second planetary pin 323b, a third planetary pin 323c, and a fourth planetary pin 323d. The first planetary pin 323a, the second planetary pin 323b, the third planetary pin 323c, and the fourth planetary pin 323d each extend from the planet carrier 322 in a first direction from the first end 11 to the second end 12 of the housing 10. The first planetary pin 323a, the second planetary pin 323b, the third planetary pin 323c, and the fourth planetary pin 323d are cylindrical. The first planetary pin 323a, the second planetary pin 323b, the third planetary pin 323c, and the fourth planetary pin 323d are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the first axis A1. Preferably, the first planetary pin 323a, the second planetary pin 323b, the third planetary pin 323c, and the fourth planetary pin 323d are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction about the first axis A1.

[0099] The first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction about the first axis A1. Preferably, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction about the first axis A1.

[0100] The first planetary gear 33a has a first hole 331a. The first planetary pin 323a is inserted into the first hole 331a. The first planetary gear 33a is supported by the first planetary pin 323a. With the first planetary pin 323a inserted into the first hole 331a, the first planetary gear 33a is rotatable about a first planetary shaft 332a passing through the center of the first planetary pin 323a relative to the planet carrier 322. The first planetary gear 33a has a plurality of gear teeth 333a on its outer circumferential surface.

[0101] The second planetary gear 33b has a second hole 331b. The second planetary pin 323b is inserted into the second hole 331b. The second planetary gear 33b is supported by the second planetary pin 323b. With the second planetary pin 323b inserted into the second hole 331b, the second planetary gear 33b is rotatable about a second planetary shaft 332b passing through the center of the second planetary pin 323b relative to the planet carrier 322. The second planetary gear 33b has a plurality of gear teeth 333b on its outer circumferential surface.

[0102] The third planetary gear 33c has a third hole 331c. The third planetary pin 323c is inserted into the third hole 331c. The third planetary gear 33c is supported by the third planetary pin 323c. With the third planetary pin 323c inserted into the third hole 331c, the third planetary gear 33c is rotatable about a third planetary shaft 332c passing through the center of the third planetary pin 323c relative to the planet carrier 322. The third planetary gear 33c has a plurality of gear teeth 333c on its outer circumferential surface.

[0103] The fourth planetary gear 33d has a fourth hole 331d. The fourth planetary pin 323d is inserted into the fourth hole 331d. The fourth planetary gear 33d is supported by the fourth planetary pin 323d. With the fourth planetary pin 323d inserted into the fourth hole 331d, the fourth planetary gear 33d is rotatable about a fourth planetary shaft 332d that passes through the center of the fourth planetary pin 323d relative to the planet carrier 322. The fourth planetary gear 33d has a plurality of gear teeth 333d on its outer circumferential surface.

[0104] In this embodiment, one planetary carrier 322 supports the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d. This allows the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d to be positioned with high precision relative to the first planetary gear 33a.

[0105] Furthermore, when the toner coupling 321 rotates about the first axis A1, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d rotate about the first axis A1 together with the toner coupling 321 and the planet carrier 322. In this way, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d can rotate about their respective planetary axes and can also rotate around the sun gear 351, which will be described later.

[0106] The internal gear 34 is an annular gear that surrounds the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d. The internal gear 34 is disposed so that the position of its central axis coincides with the first axis A1. The internal gear 34 has a plurality of gear teeth 342 on its inner circumferential surface. The gear teeth 333a of the first planetary gear 33a, the gear teeth 333b of the second planetary gear 33b, the gear teeth 333c of the third planetary gear 33c, and the gear teeth 333d of the fourth planetary gear 33d mesh with the gear teeth 342 of the internal gear 34.

[0107] The internal gear 34 also has two arms 341a and 341b. The arms 341a and 341b extend radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the internal gear 34. That is, the arms 341a and 341b extend away from the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d relative to the gear teeth of the internal gear 34. The arm 341a fits into a second recess 165a provided in the holder 161. The arm 341b fits into a fifth recess 165b provided in the holder 161. This allows the shutter 16 to rotate together with the internal gear 34. Therefore, when the internal gear 34 rotates about the first axis A1, the shutter 16 also rotates together with the internal gear 34 about the first axis A1.

[0108] The sun gear 351 is a gear that can rotate about the first axis A1. The first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d are positioned around the sun gear 351. The sun gear 351 has a plurality of gear teeth 354 on its outer circumferential surface. The gear teeth 333a of the first planetary gear 33a, the gear teeth 333b of the second planetary gear 33b, the gear teeth 333c of the third planetary gear 33c, and the gear teeth 333d of the fourth planetary gear 33d mesh with the gear teeth 354 of the sun gear 351. The sun gear 351 has a circular hole 351A centered on the first axis A1. The toner coupling 321 is inserted into the hole 351A of the sun gear 351.

[0109] The toner coupling 321, the sun gear 351, the four planetary gears 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d, and the internal gear 34 are located on the same plane perpendicular to the first axis A1. In other words, in the radial direction of the agitator shaft 21 perpendicular to the first axis A1, the sun gear 351 is located farther from the first axis A1 than the toner coupling 321. In the radial direction of the agitator shaft 21, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d are located farther from the first axis A1 than the sun gear 351. In the radial direction of the agitator shaft 21, the internal gear 34 is located farther from the first axis A1 than the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d. In other words, the toner coupling 321, the sun gear 351, the planetary gears 33a, 33b, 33c, and 33d, and the internal gear 34 are aligned in the radial direction of the agitator shaft 21. This reduces the dimension of the toner cartridge 2 in the first direction.

[0110] The sun gear 351 has one end and the other end. The one end of the sun gear 351 is located farther from the other end of the sun gear 351 in the first direction. The one end of the sun gear 351 is located farther from the first end 11 of the housing 10 in the first direction than the other end of the sun gear 351. The other end of the sun gear 351 is closer to the first end 11 of the housing 10 in the first direction than the one end of the sun gear 351.

[0111] The rotating plate 352 extends radially outward from one end of the sun gear 351. The rotating plate 352 is rotatable about the first axis A1 together with the sun gear 351. In this embodiment, the sun gear 351 and the rotating plate 352 are configured as an integrated component. However, the sun gear 351 and the rotating plate 352 may be separate components. The rotating plate 352 only needs to be rotatable about the first axis A1 together with the sun gear 351. The rotating plate 352 has multiple grooves 353 on its outer circumferential surface. The multiple grooves 353 are aligned at intervals along the outer circumferential surface of the rotating plate 352. Preferably, the multiple grooves 353 are aligned at equal intervals along the outer circumferential surface of the rotating plate 352. Each groove 353 is recessed radially inward from the outer periphery of the rotating plate 352. When viewed in the first direction, the grooves 353 have an arc-like shape.

[0112] The cover 36 is fixed to the first end 11 of the housing 10. The cover 36 has a gear cover portion 361 and a shutter cover portion 362. The gear cover portion 361 is generally disk-shaped and centered on the first axis A1. The shutter cover portion 362 extends in a first direction from a portion of the outer periphery of the gear cover portion 361 toward the housing 10. The return springs 31a and 31b, the toner coupling 321, the planetary carrier 322, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, the fourth planetary gear 33d, the internal gear 34, the sun gear 351, the rotating plate 352, and the two bosses 37a and 37b are located between the first end 11 of the housing 10 and the gear cover portion 361 in the first direction. The shutter cover portion 362 covers at least a portion of the shutter plate 162.

[0113] The shutter cover portion 362 has a communication opening 363. Whether the shutter 16 is in the closed position or the open position, the communication opening 363 is positioned to overlap with the toner discharge port 15. When the shutter 16 is in the closed position, the communication opening 363 is blocked by the shutter plate 162. When the shutter 16 is in the open position, the shutter opening 163 overlaps with the toner discharge port 15 and the communication opening 363. This allows the storage chamber 14 to communicate with the external space of the housing 10 via the toner discharge port 15, the shutter opening 163, and the communication opening 363.

[0114] 11 is a view of the cover 36 as viewed in the first direction from the second end 12 to the first end 11 of the housing 10. As shown in Fig. 11, the cover 36 has a center through-hole 364, two side through-holes 365a, 365b, two spring receiving portions 366a, 366b, and two guide grooves 367a, 367b.

[0115] The center through-hole 364 and the two side through-holes 365a, 365b penetrate the gear cover portion 361 in the first direction. The center through-hole 364 is located at the center of the gear cover portion 361. When viewed in the first direction, the center through-hole 364 has a circular shape. The toner coupling 321 is exposed to the outside of the cover 36 through the center through-hole 364. The two side through-holes 365a, 365b are located around the center through-hole 364. The two side through-holes 365a, 365b are located on opposite sides of the center through-hole 364. When viewed in the first direction, the side through-holes 365a, 365b have a rectangular shape. The locking member 38a, which will be described later, is exposed to the outside of the cover 36 through the side through-hole 365a. The locking member 38b, which will be described later, is exposed to the outside of the cover 36 through the side through-hole 365b.

[0116] The two spring bearing portions 366a, 366b protrude in a first direction from the gear cover portion 361 toward the shutter 16. The two spring bearing portions 366a, 366b are located on opposite sides of the center through-hole 364. The other end of the return spring 31a described above is connected to the spring bearing portion 366a. The other end of the return spring 31b described above is connected to the spring bearing portion 366b.

[0117] The guide groove 367a is a groove for guiding the boss 37a. The guide groove 367b is a groove for guiding the boss 37b. The two guide grooves 367a, 367b are located on a surface of the gear cover portion 361 that faces the shutter 16 in the first direction. The two guide grooves 367a, 367b are located on opposite sides of the center through-hole 364. Each of the guide grooves 367a, 367b extends along the rotation direction of the shutter 16. Each of the guide grooves 367a, 367b is arc-shaped. Each of the guide grooves 367a, 367b has one end 367A and the other end 367B. The one end 367A is located closer to the first axis A1 than the other end 367B.

[0118] The two bosses 37a, 37b are located around the periphery of the rotating plate 352. The boss 37a is inserted into a second recess 165a provided in the holder 161. The boss 37b is inserted into a fifth recess 165b provided in the holder 161. Therefore, when the shutter 16 rotates about the first axis A1, the boss 37a moves together with the second recess 165a in the circumferential direction about the first axis A1, and the boss 37b moves together with the fifth recess 165b in the circumferential direction about the first axis A1.

[0119] The second recess 165a extends in the radial direction centered on the first axis A1. Therefore, the boss 37a is movable along the second recess 165a between a first position and a second position radially outward from the first position. When the boss 37a is located at the first position, the radially inner end of the boss 37a is located within the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352. When the boss 37a is located at the second position, the entire boss 37a is located outside the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352. The multiple grooves 353 are arranged around the entire outer circumferential surface of the rotating plate 352. Therefore, the boss can be fitted into the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352 regardless of the rotational position of the rotating plate 352.

[0120] The fifth recess 165b extends in the radial direction centered on the first axis A1. Therefore, the boss 37b is movable along the fifth recess 165b between a first position and a second position radially outward from the first position. When the boss 37b is located at the first position, the radially inner end of the boss 37b is located within the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352. When the boss 37b is located at the second position, the entire boss 37b is located outside the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352.

[0121] The boss 37a has a guide protrusion 371a. The guide protrusion 371a protrudes in a first direction from the boss 37a toward the guide groove 367a. The boss 37b has a guide protrusion 371b. The guide protrusion 371b protrudes in the first direction from the boss 37b toward the guide groove 367b. FIGS. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views taken along the line AA in FIG. 9. FIG. 12 shows the shutter 16 in the closed position. FIG. 13 shows the shutter 16 in the open position. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the tip of the guide protrusion 371a fits into the guide groove 367a of the cover 36. The tip of the guide protrusion 371b fits into the guide groove 367b of the cover 36.

[0122] When the relay coupling 82 (described later) is not connected to the toner coupling 321, i.e., when no driving force is supplied to the toner coupling 321, the return springs 31a and 31b are in the first state due to their elastic force. Therefore, the shutter 16 is in the closed position. Therefore, the toner discharge port 15 is closed by the shutter plate 162. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12 , the guide protrusion 371a of the boss 37a is positioned at one end 367A of the guide groove 367a, and the guide protrusion 371b of the boss 37b is positioned at one end 367A of the guide groove 367b. The bosses 37a and 37b are also in the first position. Therefore, the radially inner ends of the bosses 37a and 37b fit into the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352. That is, the boss 37a fits into both the second recess 165a of the shutter 16 and the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352. Additionally, the boss 37b fits into both the fifth recess 165b of the shutter 16 and the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352. This allows the shutter 16 and the internal gear 34 to rotate together with the sun gear 351, the rotating plate 352, and the bosses 37a and 37b.

[0123] In this state, the internal gear 34 cannot rotate relative to the sun gear 351. That is, the internal gear 34 rotates together with the sun gear 351. Therefore, the first planetary gear 33a, which meshes with both the internal gear 34 and the sun gear 351, also cannot rotate about the first planetary shaft 332a. Similarly, the second planetary gear 33b also cannot rotate about the second planetary shaft 332b. Similarly, the third planetary gear 33c also cannot rotate about the third planetary shaft 332c. Similarly, the fourth planetary gear 33d also cannot rotate about the fourth planetary shaft 332d.

[0124] Therefore, when a driving force is supplied to the toner coupling 321 in this state, the rotation of the toner coupling 321 causes the shutter 16 to rotate about the first axis A1 together with the planet carrier 322, the first planet gear 33a, the second planet gear 33b, the third planet gear 33c, the fourth planet gear 33d, the sun gear 351, the rotating plate 352, the two bosses 37a and 37b, and the internal gear 34. This causes the shutter 16 to move from the closed position to the open position. As a result, the toner discharge port 15 is opened.

[0125] When the shutter 16 rotates from the closed position to the open position, the return springs 31a and 31b extend from the first state to the second state. The shutter 16 then contacts the first stopper surface 18, thereby stopping its movement. At this time, as shown in FIG. 13 , the guide protrusion 371a of the boss 37a moves from one end 367A of the guide groove 367a to the other end 367B, and the guide protrusion 371b of the boss 37b moves from one end 367A of the guide groove 367b to the other end 367B. Then, the boss 37a moves from the first position to the second position along the second recess 165a, and the boss 37b moves from the first position to the second position along the fifth recess 165b. This causes the bosses 37a and 37b to move away from the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352. That is, the boss 37a does not fit into the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352 but fits into the second recess 165 of the shutter 16, and the boss 37b does not fit into the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352 but fits into the fifth recess 165b of the shutter 16. This allows the sun gear 351 and the rotating plate 352 to rotate relative to the shutter 16 and the internal gear 34.

[0126] As described above, when the shutter 16 comes into contact with the first stopper surface 18, the rotation of the shutter 16 and the internal gear 34 stops. However, because the bosses 37a and 37b are separated from the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352, the sun gear 351 becomes rotatable relative to the internal gear 34. Therefore, the first planetary gear 33a rotates about the first planetary shaft 332a while meshing with the internal gear 34 and the sun gear 351. Similarly, the second planetary gear 33b rotates about the second planetary shaft 332b while meshing with the internal gear 34 and the sun gear 351. Similarly, the third planetary gear 33c rotates about the third planetary shaft 332c while meshing with the internal gear 34 and the sun gear 351. Similarly, the fourth planetary gear 33d rotates about the second planetary shaft 332d while meshing with the internal gear 34 and the sun gear 351. As a result, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d rotate about their respective planetary axes and move circumferentially around the sun gear 351. The sun gear 351 also rotates about the first axis A1 due to meshing with the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d. At this time, the rotational speed of the sun gear 351 is faster than the rotational speed of the toner coupling 321.

[0127] In this manner, when the bosses 37a and 37b are located at the second position, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, the fourth planetary gear 33d, and the sun gear 351 can rotate relative to the internal gear 34. Therefore, as the toner coupling 321 rotates, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, the fourth planetary gear 33d, and the sun gear 351 rotate, but the internal gear 34 does not rotate. Therefore, even if the toner coupling 321 further rotates after the shutter 16 has moved to the open position, the shutter 16 remains stationary in the open position.

[0128] Furthermore, the toner coupling 321 is connected to one end of the agitator shaft 21. Therefore, when the toner coupling 321 rotates about the first axis A1, the agitator 20 also rotates about the first axis A1. Therefore, even after the shutter 16 stops at the open position as described above, the agitator 20 continues to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the toner coupling 321. This causes the toner in the housing 10 to be agitated.

[0129] In this way, the toner cartridge 2 can achieve both movement of the shutter 16 and rotation of the agitator 20 in conjunction with rotation of the toner coupling 321. Specifically, rotation of the toner coupling 321 rotates the agitator 20 and moves the shutter 16 from the closed position to the open position. Furthermore, when the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position, the bosses 37a and 37b move from the first position to the second position. This causes the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, the fourth planetary gear 33d, and the sun gear 351 to rotate freely, and the internal gear 34 stops rotating. This allows the agitator 20 to continue rotating while the shutter 16 remains in the open position.

[0130] Thereafter, when the supply of driving force to the toner coupling 321 is stopped, the return springs 31a and 31b contract from the second state to the first state due to their elastic force. This causes the shutter 16 to move from the open position to the closed position again. As a result, the toner discharge port 15 is closed again by the shutter plate 162.

[0131] The two locking members 38a, 38b are members for locking the rotation of the shutter 16. The locking member 38a (first locking portion) fits into a third recess 166a provided in the holder 161. The locking member 38b (second locking portion) fits into a sixth recess 166b provided in the holder 161.

[0132] The locking member 38a has a locking protrusion 381a and a locking spring 382a. The locking protrusion 381a is movable in a first direction between a locked position and an unlocked position that is farther from the cover 36 in the first direction than the locked position. When the locking protrusion 381a is in the locked position, the locking protrusion 381a is located outside the third recess 165a. When the locking protrusion 381a is in the unlocked position, the locking protrusion 381a is located inside the third recess 165a.

[0133] The locking member 38b has a locking protrusion 381b and a locking spring 382b. The locking protrusion 381b is movable in a first direction between a locked position and an unlocked position that is farther from the cover 36 in the first direction than the locked position. When the locking protrusion 381b is in the locked position, the locking protrusion 381b is located outside the sixth recess 165b. When the locking protrusion 381b is in the unlocked position, the locking protrusion 381b is located inside the sixth recess 165b.

[0134] The locking spring 382a is located between the locking protrusion 381a and the holder 161. The locking spring 382a is an elastic member (locking elastic member). The length of the locking spring 382a in the first direction changes between an extended state and a contracted state. The length of the locking spring 382a in the first direction in the extended state is longer than the length of the locking spring 382a in the first direction in the contracted state. When the locking spring 382a is in the extended state, the locking protrusion 381a is located in the locked position. When the locking spring 382a is in the contracted state, the locking protrusion 381a is located in the released position. The locking protrusion 381a is constantly urged from the released position toward the locked position by the elastic force of the locking spring 382a.

[0135] The locking spring 382b is located between the locking protrusion 381b and the holder 161. The locking spring 382b is an elastic member (locking elastic member). The length of the locking spring 382b in the first direction changes between an extended state and a contracted state. The length of the locking spring 382b in the first direction in the extended state is longer than the length of the locking spring 382b in the first direction in the contracted state. When the locking spring 382b is in the extended state, the locking protrusion 381b is located in the locked position. When the locking spring 382b is in the contracted state, the locking protrusion 381b is located in the released position. The locking protrusion 381b is constantly urged from the released position toward the locked position by the elastic force of the locking spring 382b.

[0136] The locking protrusion 381a protrudes from the locking member 38a toward the side through-hole 365a. When the locking spring 382a is in an extended state and the locking protrusion 38a is in the locked position, the locking protrusion 381a is inserted into the side through-hole 365a of the cover 36. The locking protrusion 381b protrudes from the locking member 38b toward the side through-hole 365b. When the locking spring 382b is in an extended state and the locking protrusion 38b is in the locked position, the locking protrusion 381b is inserted into the side through-hole 365b of the cover 36.

[0137] When the locking protrusion 381a is inserted into the side through-hole 365a, the locking member 38a comes into contact with both the cover 36 and the holder 161. When the locking protrusion 381b is inserted into the side through-hole 365b, the locking member 38b comes into contact with both the cover 36 and the holder 161. In this state, the shutter 16 cannot rotate about the first axis A1 relative to the housing 10 and the cover 36. Therefore, the shutter 16 cannot move from the closed position to the open position.

[0138] When the locking protrusions 381a and 381b are pushed in a first direction toward the holder 161 by the lock release member 81 (described later) of the drum cartridge 3, the locking springs 382a and 382b contract from an extended state to a contracted state. This causes the locking protrusions 381a and 381b to move from the locked position to the unlocked position. This causes the locking protrusion 381a to come out of the side through-hole 365a of the cover 36, and the locking protrusion 381b to come out of the side through-hole 365b of the cover 36. As a result, the locking protrusions 381a and 381b are separated from the cover 36. In this state, the locking members 38a and 38b and the shutter 16 are rotatable about the first axis A1 relative to the housing 10 and the cover 36. Therefore, the shutter 16 is movable from the closed position to the open position.

[0139] In the structure of this embodiment, the two locking protrusions 381a, 381b must be pressed simultaneously to unlock the shutter 16. This prevents the shutter 16 from being unlocked by an erroneous operation by the user when the toner cartridge 2 is not installed in the drum cartridge 3.

[0140] 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views (cross-sectional views taken along line BB in FIG. 9) of the connection portion between the agitator shaft 21 and the toner coupling 321. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the toner coupling 321 has two clutch holes 324a and 324b. The clutch holes 324a and 324b are through-holes that penetrate the toner coupling 321 in the first direction, or recesses that are recessed in the first direction. The clutch hole 324 has an arc shape centered on the first axis A1. Meanwhile, the agitator shaft 21 has two clutch pawls 211a and 211b. The two clutch pawls 211a and 211b are located at one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction.

[0141] The clutch pawl 211a is inserted into the clutch hole 324a. The clutch pawl 211b is inserted into the clutch hole 324b. The circumferential width of the clutch hole 324a about the first axis A1 is greater than the circumferential width of the clutch pawl 211a about the first axis A1. The circumferential width of the clutch hole 324b about the first axis A1 is greater than the circumferential width of the clutch pawl 211b about the first axis A1. Furthermore, the circumferential angle of the clutch holes 324a, 324b about the first axis A1 is approximately the same as or greater than the angle by which the shutter 16 rotates about the first axis A1 between the closed position and the open position.

[0142] When the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position, the toner coupling 321 rotates about the first shaft A1 in the same direction (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 14) as the direction in which the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position. At this time, the clutch pawl 211a contacts one end of the clutch hole 324a in the circumferential direction, and the clutch pawl 211b contacts one end of the clutch hole 324b in the circumferential direction. This transmits the rotation of the toner coupling 321 to the agitator 20. Therefore, the agitator 20 rotates together with the toner coupling 321 in the same direction as the direction in which the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position. Similarly, after the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position, the agitator 20 rotates together with the toner coupling 321.

[0143] When the shutter 16 moves from the open position to the closed position, the toner coupling 321 rotates together with the shutter 16 about the first shaft A1 in the rotation direction (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 15 ) in which the shutter 16 moves from the open position to the closed position. That is, the rotation direction of the toner coupling 321 when the shutter 16 moves from the open position to the closed position is opposite to the rotation direction of the toner coupling 321 when the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position. At this time, one circumferential end of the clutch hole 324a moves away from the clutch pawl 211a, and one circumferential end of the clutch hole 324b moves away from the clutch pawl 211b. However, the other circumferential end of the clutch hole 324a does not contact the clutch pawl 211a, and the other circumferential end of the clutch hole 324b does not contact the clutch pawl 211b. Therefore, the rotation of the toner coupling 321 is not transmitted to the agitator 20. This prevents the agitator 20 from rotating in the same direction as the shutter 16 moving from the open position to the closed position.

[0144] In this manner, in this embodiment, the clutch holes 324a, 324b and the clutch pawls 211a, 211b form a clutch that prevents the agitator 20 from rotating together with the toner coupling 321 when the shutter 16 moves from the open position to the closed position.

[0145] The IC chip assembly 40 is located at the second end 12 of the housing 10. The IC chip assembly 40 includes an IC chip 41, which is a storage medium, and a chip holder 42 that holds the IC chip 41. The IC chip 41 is fixed to the outer surface of the chip holder 42. The IC chip 41 can store various information related to the toner cartridge 2. Specifically, the IC chip 41 stores information indicating the capacity or remaining amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge 2. The IC chip 41 may also store other information indicating the specifications of the toner cartridge 2. For example, the IC chip 41 may store the type of toner, the manufacturing serial number of the toner cartridge 2, an identification code indicating that it is a genuine product, compatible models, etc.

[0146] IC chip 41 has an electrical contact surface 411. Electrical contact surface 411 is made of a metal that is a conductor. Electrical contact surface 411 is exposed on the outer surface of second end 12 of housing 10. Note that, of IC chip 41, only electrical contact surface 411 may be located on the outer surface of second end 12 of housing 10, and the portions of IC chip 41 other than electrical contact surface 411 may be located in other parts of housing 10.

[0147] The chip holder 42 is movable in a first direction relative to the housing 10. When the chip holder 42 moves in the first direction, the electrical contact surface 411 of the IC chip 41 also moves in the first direction relative to the housing 10 together with the chip holder 42.

[0148] 4, the toner cartridge 2 also has an IC chip spring 43 (second elastic member). The IC chip spring 43 is located between the second end 12 of the housing 10 and the chip holder 42. When the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 installed is mounted to the main body frame 4, a drum contact 91 (described later) comes into contact with an electrical contact surface 411 of the IC chip 41. At this time, the elastic force of the IC chip spring 43 presses the electrical contact surface 411 in the first direction toward the drum contact 91. This stabilizes the contact between the electrical contact surface 411 and the drum contact 91.

[0149] <3. About the drum cartridge> Next, we will explain the structure of the drum cartridge 3. Figures 16 and 17 are perspective views of the drum cartridge 3. The drum cartridge 3 has a drum frame 50, four developing rollers 60, four photosensitive drums 70, four unlocking members 81, four relay couplings 82, four contact members 83, multiple tension springs 84, and a wiring section 90.

[0150] The drum frame 50 can accommodate four toner cartridges 2. The drum frame 50 has a first side frame 51, a second side frame 52, and a third frame 53. The first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52 are each substantially flat and extend perpendicular to the first direction. The first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52 are positioned with a gap between them in the first direction. The third frame 53 connects the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52 in the first direction. The four toner cartridges 2 are inserted between the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52.

[0151] The developing roller 60 is a roller that can rotate about a rotation axis (developing axis) that extends in the first direction. The developing roller 60 in this embodiment is a magnetic roller. One end of the developing roller 60 in the first direction is supported by the first side frame 51. The other end of the developing roller 60 in the first direction is supported by the second side frame 52. The four developing rollers 60 are lined up at intervals in the second direction.

[0152] When the toner cartridge 2 is mounted in the drum frame 50, the toner discharge port 15 of the toner cartridge 2 faces the outer surface of the developing roller 60. When the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 mounted therein is mounted in the main body frame 4, the developing roller 60 rotates by the driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus 1. When the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position, the toner discharge port 15 opens, and the toner in the toner cartridge 2 is supplied to the outer surface of the developing roller 60 through the toner discharge port 15.

[0153] The photosensitive drum 70 is a drum that can rotate about a rotation axis (drum axis) that extends in the first direction. One end of the photosensitive drum 70 in the first direction is supported by the first side frame 51. The other end of the photosensitive drum 70 in the first direction is supported by the second side frame 52. The four photosensitive drums 70 are lined up at intervals in the second direction. The outer surfaces of the photosensitive drums 70 are covered with a photosensitive material. The outer surfaces of the developing roller 60 and the photosensitive drums 70 are separated from each other.

[0154] When the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 installed is mounted in the main body frame 4, the photosensitive drum 70 rotates by a driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus 1. During printing, light is irradiated onto the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 70 from a light source (not shown) inside the main body frame 4. This partially exposes the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 70. Then, the toner carried on the outer surface of the developing roller 60 is supplied to the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 70. The toner is then transferred from the photosensitive drum 70 to the printing paper. This forms an image using toner on the printing paper.

[0155] 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1, showing the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 attached thereto being inserted into the main body frame 4. As shown in FIG. 18, the unlocking member 81, the relay coupling 82, the contact member 83, and the tension spring 84 are located on the first side frame 51.

[0156] The unlocking member 81 is a component for releasing the lock on the shutter 16 by the locking members 38a, 38b of the toner cartridge 2. The unlocking member 81 is movable in a first direction between a retracted position and an advanced position. When located in the advanced position, the unlocking member 81 is closer to the second side frame 52 in the first direction than when located in the retracted position.

[0157] The unlocking member 81 has a first pressing portion 811 and a second pressing portion 812. The first pressing portion 811 and the second pressing portion 812 each protrude toward the second side frame 52. When the toner cartridge 2 is attached to the drum frame 50 and the unlocking member 81 is in the advanced position, the first pressing portion 811 presses the locking protrusion 381a of the toner cartridge 2, and the second pressing portion 812 presses the locking protrusion 381b of the toner cartridge 2.

[0158] The relay coupling 82 is a component for supplying driving force to the toner coupling 321 of the toner cartridge 2. The relay coupling 82 is rotatable about a rotation axis (coupling axis) extending in the first direction. The relay coupling 82 is also movable in the first direction together with the lock release member 81 between a retracted position and an advanced position. When the relay coupling 82 is located in the advanced position, it is closer to the second side frame 52 in the first direction than the relay coupling 82 when it is located in the retracted position. When the toner cartridge 2 is attached to the drum frame 50, the relay coupling 82 is connectable with the toner coupling 321 when the relay coupling 82 is located in the advanced position.

[0159] The contact member 83 is a member that comes into contact with the first side plate 401 of the main body frame 4 when the drum cartridge 3 is attached to the main body frame 4. The contact member 83 is movable in the first direction together with the unlocking member 81 and the intermediate coupling 82 between a retracted position and an advanced position. When the contact member 83 is in the advanced position, it is closer to the second side frame 52 in the first direction than when the contact member 83 is in the retracted position. The contact member 83 has an inclined surface 831. The inclined surface 831 is inclined with respect to the second direction.

[0160] The tension spring 84 is an elastic member that urges the unlocking member 81, the intermediate coupling 82, and the contact member 83 from the advanced position toward the retracted position. One end of the tension spring 84 in the first direction is connected to the first side frame 51. The other end of the tension spring 84 in the first direction is connected to the unlocking member 81. The length of the tension spring 84 in the first direction changes between an extended state and a contracted state. The length of the tension spring 84 in the first direction in the extended state is longer than the length of the tension spring 84 in the first direction in the contracted state. Furthermore, the length of the tension spring 84 in the first direction in the extended state is longer than the natural length of the tension spring 84. The unlocking member 81, the intermediate coupling 82, and the contact member 83 are constantly urged by the tension spring 84 from the advanced position toward the retracted position.

[0161] When the drum cartridge 3 is not attached to the main body frame 4, the tension spring 84 is in a contracted state. Therefore, the unlocking member 81, the intermediate coupling 82, and the contact member 83 are located in the retracted position. In this case, the unlocking member 81 is located away from the locking members 38a and 38b of the toner cartridge 2 in the first direction. Specifically, the first pressing portion 811 is located away from the locking member 38a of the toner cartridge 2 in the first direction, and the second pressing portion 812 is located away from the locking member 38b of the toner cartridge 2 in the first direction. In addition, the intermediate coupling 82 is located away from the toner coupling 321. In this case, the locking members 38a and 38b of the toner cartridge 2 are located in the locked position. In addition, no power is supplied to the toner coupling 321.

[0162] When the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 installed is attached to the main body frame 4, a portion of the contact member 83 comes into contact with the inner surface of the main body frame 4. Specifically, the inclined surface 831 of the contact member 83 comes into contact with the first side plate 401. This causes the contact member 83 to move from the retracted position to the advanced position. Then, together with the contact member 83, the unlocking member 81 also moves from the retracted position to the advanced position. As a result, the first pressing portion 811 of the unlocking member 81 presses the lock protrusion 381a in the first direction, and the second pressing portion 812 of the unlocking member 81 presses the lock protrusion 381b in the first direction. As a result, the lock protrusions 381a and 381b move from the locked position to the unlocked position, and the movement of the shutter 16 locked by the locking members 38a and 38b is released.

[0163] At this time, the relay coupling 82 also moves from the retracted position to the advanced position together with the contact member 83. As a result, the relay coupling 82 is connected to the toner coupling 321. Thereafter, when the relay coupling 82 is rotated by the driving force from the image forming apparatus 1, the toner coupling 321 also rotates together with the relay coupling 82.

[0164] As described above, in this image forming apparatus 1, the unlocking member 81 that presses the locking members 38a, 38b of the toner cartridge 2 is provided on the drum cartridge 3, not on the main body frame 4 of the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, the unlocking member 81 can be positioned with greater precision relative to the locking members 38a, 38b than when the unlocking member 81 is provided on the main body frame 4. Therefore, the unlocking member 81 can press the locking members 38a, 38b with greater precision.

[0165] Furthermore, in this image forming apparatus 1, the lock releasing member 81 moves from the retracted position to the advanced position as the drum cartridge 3 is attached to the main body frame 4. Therefore, the lock releasing member 81 can be moved from the retracted position to the advanced position without relying on power obtained from a motor in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0166] Furthermore, when the drum cartridge 3 is not attached to the main body frame 4, the unlocking member 81 is located in the retracted position. Therefore, the unlocking member 81 does not interfere with the attachment of the toner cartridge 2 to the drum frame 50.

[0167] Furthermore, in this image forming apparatus 1, the relay coupling 82 for supplying driving force to the toner coupling 321 of the toner cartridge 2 is provided on the drum cartridge 3, not on the main body frame 4 of the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, the relay coupling 82 can be positioned with greater accuracy relative to the toner coupling 321 than when the relay coupling 82 is provided on the main body frame 4. Therefore, the relay coupling 82 can be connected with the toner coupling 321 with greater accuracy.

[0168] The wiring section 90 electrically connects the IC chip 41 of the toner cartridge 2 and the main body connector 403 of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1, showing the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 attached being inserted into the main body frame 4. As shown in Figures 1 and 19, the wiring section 90 has four drum contacts 91a to 91d, a drum harness 92, a drum connector 93, four contact holders 94a to 94d (contact holders 94c to 94d are not shown), and eight contact springs 95a to 95h (contact springs 95f to 95h are not shown).

[0169] The four drum contacts 91a to 91d are electrically connected to a drum connector 93 via a drum harness 92. The drum connector 93 is located on the third frame 53. When the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 installed is attached to the main body frame 4, the drum connector 93 comes into contact with the main body connector 403. This electrically connects the drum connector 93 and the main body connector 403.

[0170] The four drum contacts 91a to 91d are located on the second side frame 52. The four drum contacts 91a to 91d are aligned at intervals in the second direction. The four contact holders 94a to 94d are located on the second side frame 52. The four contact holders 94 are aligned at intervals in the second direction. The drum contact 91a is held by the contact holder 94a. The drum contact 91a is located on a surface of the contact holder 94a facing the first side frame 51. The drum contact 91b is held by the contact holder 94b. The drum contact 91b is located on a surface of the contact holder 94b facing the first side frame 51. The drum contact 91c is held by the contact holder 94c. The drum contact 91c is located on a surface of the contact holder 94c facing the first side frame 51. The drum contact 91d is held by the contact holder 94d. The drum contact 91d is located on the surface of the contact holder 94d that faces the first side frame 51.

[0171] The contact holder 94a includes an inclined surface 941. The inclined surface 941 is inclined with respect to the second direction. When the drum cartridge 3 is attached to the main body frame 4, the inclined surface 941 comes into contact with the second side plate 402 of the main body frame 4. The contact holder 94a also has two protrusions 942. The two protrusions 942 protrude in the first direction from a surface of the contact holder 94a facing the first side frame 51 toward the first side frame 51. The contact holders 94b to 94d also have the inclined surface 941 and the protrusions 942 similar to those of the contact holder 94a.

[0172] The drum contacts 91a-91d and the contact holders 94a-94d are movable in a first direction between a separated position and a contact position. When positioned at the contact position, the drum contacts 91a-91d are closer to the first side frame 51 in the first direction than the drum contacts 91a-91d when positioned at the separated position. Furthermore, when positioned at the contact position, the contact holders 94a-94d are closer to the first side frame 51 in the first direction than the contact holders 94a-94d when positioned at the separated position.

[0173] The two contact springs 95a, 95b are elastic members (first elastic members) for urging the drum contact 91a and the contact holder 94a from the contact position toward the separated position. The two contact springs 95c, 95d are elastic members (first elastic members) for urging the drum contact 91b and the contact holder 94b from the contact position toward the separated position. The two contact springs 95e, 95f are elastic members (first elastic members) for urging the drum contact 91c and the contact holder 94c from the contact position toward the separated position. The two contact springs 95g, 95h are elastic members (first elastic members) for urging the drum contact 91d and the contact holder 94d from the contact position toward the separated position.

[0174] One ends of the contact springs 95a and 95b in the first direction are connected to the contact holder 94a. One ends of the contact springs 95c and 95d in the first direction are connected to the contact holder 94b. One ends of the contact springs 95e and 95f in the first direction are connected to the contact holder 94c. One ends of the contact springs 95g and 95h in the first direction are connected to the contact holder 94d. The other ends of the contact springs 95a to 95h in the first direction are connected to the second side frame 52.

[0175] The length of the contact springs 95a-95h in the first direction changes between an extended state and a contracted state. The length of the contact springs 95a-95h in the first direction in the extended state is longer than the length of the contact springs 95a-95h in the first direction in the contracted state. Furthermore, the length of the contact springs 95a-95h in the first direction in the extended state is longer than the natural length of the contact springs 95a-95h. The drum contact 91a and the contact holder 94a are constantly biased from the contact position toward the separated position by the contact springs 95a and 95b. The drum contact 91b and the contact holder 94b are constantly biased from the contact position toward the separated position by the contact springs 95c and 95d. The drum contact 91c and the contact holder 94c are constantly biased from the contact position toward the separated position by the contact springs 95e and 95f. The drum contact 91d and the contact holder 94d are constantly biased from the contact position toward the separated position by contact springs 95g and 95h.

[0176] When the drum cartridge 3 is not attached to the main body frame 4, the contact springs 95a-95h are in a contracted state. Therefore, the drum contacts 91a-91d and the contact holders 94a-94d are located at the separated positions. In this case, the drum contacts 91a-91d are located at positions separated from the electrical contact surface 411 of the IC chip 41 in the first direction.

[0177] When the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 installed is attached to the main body frame 4, parts of the contact holders 94a to 94d come into contact with the inner surface of the main body frame 4. Specifically, the inclined surfaces 941 of the contact holders 94a to 94d come into contact with the second side plate 402. This causes the contact holders 94a to 94d to move from the separated position to the contact position. Then, together with the contact holders 94a to 94d, the drum contacts 91a to 91d also move from the separated position to the contact position. This causes the drum contacts 91a to 91d to come into contact with the electrical contact surface 411 of the IC chip 41. As a result, information stored in the IC chip 41 can be relayed to the control unit 5 via the drum contacts 91a to 91d, the drum harness 92, the drum connector 93, the main body connector 403, and the main body harness 404.

[0178] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the toner cartridge 2 has two recesses 121. The two recesses 121 are located at the second end 12 of the housing 10. Each recess 121 is recessed in a first direction toward the first end 11 of the housing 10. When the contact holders 94a to 94d move from the separated position to the contact position, the protrusions 942 of the contact holders 94a to 94d are inserted into the recesses 121. This allows the contact holder 94 to be accurately positioned relative to the toner cartridge 2. As a result, the drum contact 91 can be brought into contact with the electrical contact surface 411 of the IC chip 41 with high precision.

[0179] As described above, in this image forming apparatus 1, the drum contacts 91a to 91d move in the first direction from the separated position to the contact position in response to the operation of attaching the drum cartridge 3 to the main body frame 4. Therefore, the drum contacts 91a to 91d can be moved from the separated position to the contact position without relying on power obtained from a motor in the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3, friction between the electrical contact surface 411 of the IC chip 41 and the drum contacts 91a to 91d can be suppressed.

[0180] Furthermore, when the drum cartridge 3 is not attached to the main body frame 4, the drum contacts 91a-91d and the contact holders 94a-94d are located in the separated position. Therefore, the attachment of the toner cartridge 2 to the drum frame 50 is not hindered by the drum contacts 91a-91d and the contact holders 94a-94d.

[0181] <4. Modifications> Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications will be described below, focusing on differences from the above embodiment.

[0182] <4-1. First modified example> 20 is a partially exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge 2 of the first modified example. The toner cartridge 2 of the first modified example differs from the above embodiment in that it does not have the return springs 31a and 31b and that the shutter 16 has a lever 168. The lever 168 protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the holder 161. The lever 168 is located on the opposite side of the first axis A1 from the shutter plate 162.

[0183] 21 is a diagram showing a state in which the drum cartridge 3, on which the toner cartridge 2 of the first modified example is installed, is mounted on the main body frame 4 of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 21, the main body frame 4 has a third plate 405. The third plate 405 is located between the first side plate 401 and the second side plate 402 in the first direction. Furthermore, when the drum cartridge 3, on which the toner cartridge 2 is installed, is mounted on the main body frame 4, the third plate 405 faces the lever 168 of the toner cartridge 2 in the third direction.

[0184] Figure 22 is a diagram showing how the drum cartridge 3, to which the toner cartridge 2 of the first modified example is attached, is removed from the main body frame 4. As shown in Figure 22, the drum cartridge 3 first moves in the third direction toward the third plate 405. At this time, the lever 168 comes into contact with the third plate 405, causing the shutter 16 to move from the open position to the closed position. As a result, the toner discharge port 15 is blocked by the shutter plate 162. The drum cartridge 3 is then pulled out in the second direction.

[0185] In this way, without providing return springs 31a and 31b, the shutter 16 can be moved from the open position to the closed position in response to the action of pulling out the drum cartridge 3 from the main body frame 4. Therefore, the number of parts of the toner cartridge 2 can be reduced.

[0186] <4-2. Second modified example> In the above embodiment, the shutter 16 is moved from the open position to the closed position by utilizing the force of the return springs 31a and 31b contracting from the second state, in which the return springs 31a and 31b are longer than their natural length, to the first state. However, the return springs 31a and 31b may be configured to move the shutter 16 from the open position to the closed position by utilizing the force of the return springs 31a and 31b expanding from the third state, in which the return springs 31a and 31b are shorter than their natural length, to the fourth state, in which the return springs 31a and 31b are longer than their natural length.

[0187] <4-3.Third modified example> In the above embodiment, the toner cartridge 2 has four planetary gears 33a to 33d. However, the number of planetary gears that the toner cartridge 2 has may be one to three, or may be five or more.

[0188] <4-4. Fourth Variation> In the above embodiment, four toner cartridges 2 can be attached to one drum cartridge 3. However, the number of toner cartridges 2 that can be attached to one drum cartridge 3 may be one to three, or five or more. Similarly, the number of developing rollers 60 that the drum cartridge 3 has may be one to three, or five or more. The number of photosensitive drums 70 that the drum cartridge 3 has may be one to three, or five or more. The number of relay couplings 82 that the drum cartridge 3 has may be one to three, or five or more. The number of drum contacts 91a to 91d that the drum cartridge 3 has may be one to three, or five or more.

[0189] <4-5. Fifth Variation> The toner coupling and the relay coupling may be gears.

[0190] <4-6. Sixth Variation> The sun gear, planetary gear, and internal gear may not have gear teeth and may transmit power by friction of rubber or the like.

[0191] <4-7. Seventh Variation> The toner cartridge in the above embodiment includes an agitator as a conveying member, but the toner cartridge may include a screw-shaped auger as a conveying member.

[0192] <4-8.Other> The detailed shapes of the components constituting the image forming apparatus may differ from those shown in the drawings of this application. Furthermore, the elements appearing in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be selected as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0193] 1. Image forming device 2 Toner cartridges 3 Drum Cartridge 4 Main frame 5. Control section 10. Cabinet 15 Toner outlet 16 Shutter 20 Agitator 31a, 31b Return spring 33a~33d Planetary gear 34 Internal gear 36 Cover 37a,37b boss 38a, 38b Locking members 41 IC chip 50 Drum Frame 60 Developing roller 70 Photosensitive drum 81 Unlocking member 82 Relay Coupling 83 Contact member 84 Extension spring 91a~91d Drum contacts 94a~94d Contact holder 95a~95h Contact springs 321 Toner Coupling 322 Planetary Carrier 351 Sun Gear 352 Rotating Plate A1 First axis

Claims

1. a housing capable of containing toner and having a toner discharge port; a conveying member having a shaft extending in a first direction, the conveying member being rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the conveying member being located inside the housing; a shutter that is rotatable about the first axis relative to the housing between a closed position that closes the toner discharge port and an open position that opens the toner discharge port; a toner coupling that rotates the conveying member and is rotatable about the first shaft; a planet carrier rotatable about the first axis together with the toner coupling, the planet carrier having a first planet pin extending in the first direction; a first planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the first planetary pin, and rotatable about the first axis with rotation of the planetary carrier; an internal gear that is rotatable about the first shaft together with the shutter and that meshes with the first planetary gear; When the shutter is moved from the closed position to the open position, the first planetary gear is non-rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft together with the internal gear; When the shutter is in the open position, the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft relative to the internal gear; A toner cartridge comprising: a first stopper that contacts the shutter when the shutter is in the open position and stops the movement of the shutter in the rotation direction of the shutter from the closed position to the open position. 。

2. a housing capable of containing toner and having a toner discharge port; a conveying member having a shaft extending in a first direction, the conveying member being rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the conveying member being located inside the housing; a shutter that is rotatable about the first axis relative to the housing between a closed position that closes the toner discharge port and an open position that opens the toner discharge port; a toner coupling that rotates the conveying member and is rotatable about the first shaft; a planet carrier rotatable about the first axis together with the toner coupling, the planet carrier having a first planet pin extending in the first direction; a first planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the first planetary pin, and rotatable about the first axis with rotation of the planetary carrier; an internal gear that is rotatable about the first shaft together with the shutter and that meshes with the first planetary gear, When the shutter is moved from the closed position to the open position, the first planetary gear is non-rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft together with the internal gear; When the shutter is in the open position, the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft relative to the internal gear; A toner cartridge comprising: a second stopper that contacts the shutter when the shutter is in the open position and stops the movement of the shutter in the rotation direction of the shutter from the open position to the closed position.

3. 3. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, When the shutter is in the closed position, a first planetary gear that is not rotatable about the first planetary pin and that is rotatable about the first shaft together with the internal gear;

4. 4. The toner cartridge according to claim 3, When the shutter is in the closed position, a first planetary gear that is not rotatable about the first planetary pin and that is rotatable about the first shaft together with the internal gear;

5. a housing capable of containing toner and having a toner discharge port; a conveying member having a shaft extending in a first direction, the conveying member being rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the conveying member being located inside the housing; a shutter that is rotatable about the first axis relative to the housing between a closed position that closes the toner discharge port and an open position that opens the toner discharge port; a toner coupling that rotates the conveying member and is rotatable about the first shaft; a planet carrier rotatable about the first axis together with the toner coupling, the planet carrier having a first planet pin extending in the first direction; a first planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the first planetary pin, and rotatable about the first axis with rotation of the planetary carrier; an internal gear that is rotatable about the first shaft together with the shutter and that meshes with the first planetary gear; When the shutter is moved from the closed position to the open position, the first planetary gear is non-rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft together with the internal gear; When the shutter is in the open position, the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft relative to the internal gear; a sun gear rotatable about the first axis and meshing with the first planetary gear; a rotating plate rotatable about the first axis together with the sun gear, the rotating plate having a groove; a boss movable together with the shutter, the boss being movable between a first position within the groove of the rotary plate and a second position outside the groove of the rotary plate, the boss being positioned at the first position when the shutter is positioned at the closed position, and the boss being positioned at the second position when the shutter is positioned at the open position; A toner cartridge comprising:

6. a housing capable of containing toner and having a toner discharge port; a conveying member having a shaft extending in a first direction, the conveying member being rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the conveying member being located inside the housing; a shutter that is rotatable about the first axis relative to the housing between a closed position that closes the toner discharge port and an open position that opens the toner discharge port; a toner coupling that rotates the conveying member and is rotatable about the first shaft; a planet carrier rotatable about the first axis together with the toner coupling, the planet carrier having a first planet pin extending in the first direction; a first planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the first planetary pin, and rotatable about the first axis with rotation of the planetary carrier; an internal gear that is rotatable about the first shaft together with the shutter and that meshes with the first planetary gear; When the shutter is moved from the closed position to the open position, the first planetary gear is non-rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft together with the internal gear; When the shutter is in the open position, the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft relative to the internal gear; the toner cartridge is detachably attached to a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum, The toner cartridge is characterized in that the toner coupling receives a driving force from an intermediate coupling of the drum cartridge and transmits the driving force to the conveying member.

7. 7. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, A toner cartridge, wherein the planet carrier is integral with the toner coupling.

8. 6. The toner cartridge according to claim 5, When the boss is located at the first position, the toner coupling rotates, the sun gear and the rotating plate are rotatable about the first axis; the first planetary gear is non-rotatable about a first planetary shaft and is rotatable around the sun gear; the internal gear is movable together with the shutter; When the boss is located at the second position, the toner coupling rotates, the sun gear and the rotating plate are rotatable about the first axis; the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary shaft and rotatable around the sun gear; A toner cartridge, wherein the internal gear and the shutter are immovable.

9. 2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, the housing has a recess located on a periphery of the housing; the shutter is located within the recess; The recess is a first surface having the toner discharge port; a first stopper surface extending from the first surface in a radial direction of the shaft; and The toner cartridge, wherein the first stopper is the first stopper surface.

10. 3. The toner cartridge according to claim 2, the housing has a recess located on a periphery of the housing; the shutter is located within the recess; The recess is a first surface having the toner discharge port; a second stopper surface extending from the first surface in a radial direction of the shaft; and The toner cartridge is characterized in that the second stopper is the second stopper surface.

11. a housing capable of containing toner and having a toner discharge port; a conveying member having a shaft extending in a first direction, the conveying member being rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the conveying member being located inside the housing; a shutter that is rotatable about the first axis relative to the housing between a closed position that closes the toner discharge port and an open position that opens the toner discharge port; a toner coupling that rotates the conveying member and is rotatable about the first shaft; a planet carrier rotatable about the first axis together with the toner coupling, the planet carrier having a first planet pin extending in the first direction; a first planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the first planetary pin, and rotatable about the first axis with rotation of the planetary carrier; an internal gear that is rotatable about the first shaft together with the shutter and that meshes with the first planetary gear, When the shutter is moved from the closed position to the open position, the first planetary gear is non-rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft together with the internal gear; When the shutter is in the open position, the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft relative to the internal gear; A toner cartridge comprising a cover that covers at least a part of the shutter.

12. 6. The toner cartridge according to claim 5, a cover that covers at least a portion of the shutter; the cover has a guide groove into which the boss fits, the guide groove extending along the movement direction of the shutter; a first end of the guide groove in the movement direction of the shutter being positioned closer to the first axis than the other end of the guide groove in the movement direction of the shutter;

13. 13. The toner cartridge according to claim 12, When the boss is located at the first position, the boss is located at the one end of the guide groove, When the boss is located at the second position, the boss is located at the other end of the guide groove.

14. 14. The toner cartridge according to claim 11, a toner cartridge, wherein the cover has a communication opening communicating with the toner discharge opening;

15. 14. A donor cartridge according to claim 12 or claim 13, comprising: The toner cartridge is characterized in that the cover covers at least a part of the boss.

16. a housing capable of containing toner and having a toner discharge port; a conveying member having a shaft extending in a first direction, the conveying member being rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the conveying member being located inside the housing; a shutter that is rotatable about the first axis relative to the housing between a closed position that closes the toner discharge port and an open position that opens the toner discharge port; a toner coupling that rotates the conveying member and is rotatable about the first shaft; a planet carrier rotatable about the first axis together with the toner coupling, the planet carrier having a first planet pin extending in the first direction; a first planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the first planetary pin, and rotatable about the first axis with rotation of the planetary carrier; an internal gear that is rotatable about the first shaft together with the shutter and that meshes with the first planetary gear; When the shutter is moved from the closed position to the open position, the first planetary gear is non-rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft together with the internal gear; When the shutter is in the open position, the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft relative to the internal gear; The internal gear is gear teeth that mesh with the first planetary gear; an arm extending away from the first planetary gear relative to the gear teeth; and The shutter is a shutter plate covering the toner discharge port; a holding portion for holding the internal gear, the holding portion having a recess into which the arm fits; A toner cartridge comprising:

17. 6. The toner cartridge according to claim 5, 10. A toner cartridge, wherein the sun gear is integral with the rotary plate.

18. 6. The toner cartridge according to claim 5, The toner cartridge is characterized in that the rotating plate has a plurality of the grooves.

19. 20. The toner cartridge according to claim 18, A toner cartridge, wherein the plurality of grooves are arranged on the entire outer circumferential surface of the rotary plate.

20. a housing capable of containing toner and having a toner discharge port; a conveying member having a shaft extending in a first direction, the conveying member being rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the conveying member being located inside the housing; a shutter that is rotatable about the first axis relative to the housing between a closed position that closes the toner discharge port and an open position that opens the toner discharge port; a toner coupling that rotates the conveying member and is rotatable about the first shaft; a planet carrier rotatable about the first axis together with the toner coupling, the planet carrier having a first planet pin extending in the first direction; a first planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the first planetary pin, and rotatable about the first axis with rotation of the planetary carrier; an internal gear that is rotatable about the first shaft together with the shutter and that meshes with the first planetary gear, When the shutter is moved from the closed position to the open position, the first planetary gear is non-rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft together with the internal gear; When the shutter is in the open position, the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft relative to the internal gear; A shutter elastic member that biases the shutter from the open position toward the closed position. The toner cartridge further comprises:

21. 21. The toner cartridge according to claim 20, A toner cartridge characterized in that the shutter elastic member is expandable and contractible between a first state and a second state, is in the first state when the shutter is located at the closed position, and is in the second state when the shutter is located at the open position, and the length of the shutter elastic member in the second state is longer than the length of the shutter elastic member in the first state.

22. 22. The toner cartridge according to claim 21, The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the shutter elastic member extends from the first state to the second state as the shutter rotates from the closed position to the open position.

23. 23. The toner cartridge according to claim 21 or 22, the shutter elastic member contracts from the second state to the first state as the rotation of the toner coupling stops, a shutter elastic member for elastically contracting the shutter from the second state to the first state, the shutter moving from the open position to the closed position;

24. 24. The toner cartridge according to claim 20, 4. A toner cartridge, wherein the shutter elastic member is a spring.

25. 25. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, The toner cartridge is characterized in that the toner coupling is located at one end of the housing in the first direction.

26. 6. The toner cartridge according to claim 5, The toner cartridge is characterized in that the sun gear is located at one end of the housing in the first direction.

27. 6. The toner cartridge according to claim 5, the sun gear has a circular hole centered on the first axis, The toner cartridge is characterized in that the toner coupling is inserted into the hole.

28. 28. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, The toner cartridge is characterized in that the first planetary gear is located at one end of the housing in the first direction.

29. 29. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 28, The toner cartridge is characterized in that the internal gear is located at one end of the housing in the first direction.

30. 6. The toner cartridge according to claim 5, a toner cartridge, wherein the toner coupling, the sun gear, the first planetary gear, and the internal gear are positioned on the same plane perpendicular to the first axis;

31. a housing capable of containing toner and having a toner discharge port; a conveying member having a shaft extending in a first direction, the conveying member being rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the conveying member being located inside the housing; a shutter that is rotatable about the first axis relative to the housing between a closed position that closes the toner discharge port and an open position that opens the toner discharge port; a toner coupling that rotates the conveying member and is rotatable about the first shaft; a planet carrier rotatable about the first axis together with the toner coupling, the planet carrier having a first planet pin extending in the first direction; a first planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the first planetary pin, and rotatable about the first axis with rotation of the planetary carrier; an internal gear that is rotatable about the first shaft together with the shutter and that meshes with the first planetary gear; When the shutter is moved from the closed position to the open position, the first planetary gear is non-rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft together with the internal gear; When the shutter is in the open position, the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft relative to the internal gear; The planet carrier has a second planet pin extending in the first direction, a second planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the second planetary pin, the second planetary gear rotatable about the first axis as the planetary carrier rotates; The toner cartridge further comprises:

32. a housing capable of containing toner and having a toner discharge port; a conveying member having a shaft extending in a first direction, the conveying member being rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the conveying member being located inside the housing; a shutter that is rotatable about the first axis relative to the housing between a closed position that closes the toner discharge port and an open position that opens the toner discharge port; a toner coupling that rotates the conveying member and is rotatable about the first shaft; a planet carrier rotatable about the first axis together with the toner coupling, the planet carrier having a first planet pin extending in the first direction; a first planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the first planetary pin, and rotatable about the first axis with rotation of the planetary carrier; an internal gear that is rotatable about the first shaft together with the shutter and that meshes with the first planetary gear, When the shutter is moved from the closed position to the open position, the first planetary gear is non-rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft together with the internal gear; When the shutter is in the open position, the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft relative to the internal gear; the planet carrier has a third planet pin extending in the first direction, a third planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the third planetary pin, the third planetary gear rotatable about the first axis as the planetary carrier rotates; The toner cartridge further comprises:

33. a housing capable of containing toner and having a toner discharge port; a conveying member having a shaft extending in a first direction, the conveying member being rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the conveying member being located inside the housing; a shutter that is rotatable about the first axis relative to the housing between a closed position that closes the toner discharge port and an open position that opens the toner discharge port; a toner coupling that rotates the conveying member and is rotatable about the first shaft; a planet carrier rotatable about the first axis together with the toner coupling, the planet carrier having a first planet pin extending in the first direction; a first planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the first planetary pin, and rotatable about the first axis with rotation of the planetary carrier; an internal gear that is rotatable about the first shaft together with the shutter and that meshes with the first planetary gear, When the shutter is moved from the closed position to the open position, the first planetary gear is non-rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft together with the internal gear; When the shutter is in the open position, the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft relative to the internal gear; the planet carrier has a fourth planet pin extending in the first direction, a fourth planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the fourth planetary pin, the fourth planetary gear rotatable about the first axis as the planetary carrier rotates; The toner cartridge further comprises:

34. a housing capable of containing toner and having a toner discharge port; a conveying member having a shaft extending in a first direction, the conveying member being rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the conveying member being located inside the housing; a shutter that is rotatable about the first axis relative to the housing between a closed position that closes the toner discharge port and an open position that opens the toner discharge port; a toner coupling that rotates the conveying member and is rotatable about the first shaft; a planet carrier rotatable about the first axis together with the toner coupling, the planet carrier having a first planet pin extending in the first direction; a first planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the first planetary pin, and rotatable about the first axis with rotation of the planetary carrier; an internal gear that is rotatable about the first shaft together with the shutter and that meshes with the first planetary gear, When the shutter is moved from the closed position to the open position, the first planetary gear is non-rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft together with the internal gear; When the shutter is in the open position, the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft relative to the internal gear; a clutch that prevents the conveying member from rotating together with the toner coupling when the shutter moves from the open position to the closed position; The toner cartridge further comprises:

35. 35. The toner cartridge of claim 34, the toner coupling has an arc-shaped clutch hole centered on the first shaft, the conveying member has a clutch pawl inserted into the clutch hole, The width of the clutch hole in the circumferential direction about the first axis is larger than the width of the clutch pawl in the circumferential direction about the first axis, The toner cartridge, wherein the clutch hole and the clutch pawl form the clutch.

36. a housing capable of containing toner and having a toner discharge port; a conveying member having a shaft extending in a first direction, the conveying member being rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the conveying member being located inside the housing; a shutter that is rotatable about the first axis relative to the housing between a closed position that closes the toner discharge port and an open position that opens the toner discharge port; a toner coupling that rotates the conveying member and is rotatable about the first shaft; a planet carrier rotatable about the first axis together with the toner coupling, the planet carrier having a first planet pin extending in the first direction; a first planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the first planetary pin, and rotatable about the first axis with rotation of the planetary carrier; an internal gear that is rotatable about the first shaft together with the shutter and that meshes with the first planetary gear, When the shutter is moved from the closed position to the open position, the first planetary gear is non-rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft together with the internal gear; When the shutter is in the open position, the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft relative to the internal gear; the toner outlet is located at one end of the housing in the first direction, The toner cartridge is characterized in that the shutter is located at one end of the housing in the first direction.

37. 37. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, The toner cartridge is characterized in that the shutter opens the toner discharge port in a circumferential direction around the first axis.

38. 15. The toner cartridge according to claim 11, a locking member movable in the first direction between a locked position and an unlocked position; Furthermore, When the locking member is in the locking position, the shutter cannot move from the closed position to the open position; 2. A toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the shutter is movable from the closed position to the open position when the locking member is in the released position.

39. 39. The toner cartridge of claim 38, The locking member is a locking protrusion that contacts the cover when the locking member is located at the locking position and that is separated from the cover when the locking member is located at the release position; a locking elastic member that biases the locking projection from the release position toward the locking position; A toner cartridge comprising:

40. 40. The toner cartridge of claim 39, the cover has a through hole that penetrates in a first direction, The toner cartridge is characterized in that the locking protrusion is inserted into the through hole.

41. 41. The toner cartridge according to claim 39 or claim 40, The toner cartridge is characterized in that the locking elastic member is a spring.

42. a housing capable of containing toner and having a toner discharge port; a conveying member having a shaft extending in a first direction, the conveying member being rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the conveying member being located inside the housing; a shutter that is rotatable about the first axis relative to the housing between a closed position that closes the toner discharge port and an open position that opens the toner discharge port; a toner coupling that rotates the conveying member and is rotatable about the first shaft; a planet carrier rotatable about the first axis together with the toner coupling, the planet carrier having a first planet pin extending in the first direction; a first planetary gear rotatable relative to the planetary carrier about the first planetary pin, and rotatable about the first axis with rotation of the planetary carrier; an internal gear that is rotatable about the first shaft together with the shutter and that meshes with the first planetary gear, When the shutter is moved from the closed position to the open position, the first planetary gear is non-rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft together with the internal gear; When the shutter is in the open position, the first planetary gear is rotatable about the first planetary pin and is rotatable about the first shaft relative to the internal gear; the toner cartridge is detachable from a main body frame of the image forming apparatus; The shutter is a lever that can come into contact with the main body frame, and when the lever comes into contact with the main body frame, the shutter moves from the open position toward the closed position; A toner cartridge comprising:

43. 43. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 42, 4. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the conveying member is an agitator.

Images