阅读说明：本技术 调色剂盒、调色剂供给机构和闸板 (Toner cartridge, toner supply mechanism, and shutter ) 是由 樫出阳介 木村乔 于 2015-07-31 设计创作，主要内容包括：根据本发明的第一方面,提供了一种能够可拆卸地安装到接收装置的调色剂盒,其包括：容器,其包括用于收容调色剂的收容部分和用于将调色剂从收容部分排出到接收装置中的排出开口；以及打开/关闭构件,其包括用于关闭排出开口的关闭部分和能够相对于关闭部分移动的接合部分,其能够相对于容器在(a)用于促使关闭部分打开排出开口的打开位置和(b)用于促使关闭部分关闭排出开口的关闭位置之间旋转,其中接合部分能够相对于关闭部分在(c)用于在从接收装置拆卸调色剂盒时与接收装置接合的接合位置和(d)从接合位置退避的退避位置之间移动,随着打开/关闭构件从关闭位置到打开位置的旋转,接合部分能够从退避位置移动到接合位置。(According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner cartridge detachably mountable to a receiving device, comprising: a container including a housing portion for housing toner and a discharge opening for discharging the toner from the housing portion into the receiving device; and an opening/closing member including a closing portion for closing the discharge opening and an engaging portion movable relative to the closing portion, the engaging portion being rotatable relative to the container between (a) an open position for causing the closing portion to open the discharge opening and (b) a closed position for causing the closing portion to close the discharge opening, wherein the engaging portion is movable relative to the closing portion between (c) an engaging position for engaging with the receiving device when the toner cartridge is detached from the receiving device and (d) a retracted position retracted from the engaging position, the engaging portion being movable from the retracted position to the engaging position as the opening/closing member is rotated from the closed position to the open position.)

1. A toner cartridge removably mountable to a receiving device, the toner cartridge comprising:

a container including a housing portion for housing toner and a discharge opening for discharging toner from the housing portion into a receiving device; and

an opening/closing member including a closing portion for closing the discharge opening and an engaging portion movable relative to the closing portion, the opening/closing member being rotatable relative to the container between (a) an open position for causing the closing portion to open the discharge opening and (b) a closed position for causing the closing portion to close the discharge opening,

wherein the engaging portion is movable relative to the closing portion between (c) an engaging position for engaging with the receiving device to receive a force for moving the opening/closing member from the opening position to the closing position when the toner cartridge is detached from the receiving device, and (d) a retracted position retracted from the engaging position, and

wherein the engaging portion is movable from the retreat position to the engaging position with rotation of the opening/closing member from the closing position to the opening position.

2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion is moved from the retracted position to the engaging position by rotation of the opening/closing member from the closed position to the open position.

3. The toner cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an engaging position moving portion provided on the container for moving the engaging portion from a retreat position to an engaging position with rotation of the opening/closing member from a closed position to an open position.

4. The toner cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the engagement position moving portion includes a pushing portion for pushing the engagement portion toward the engagement position.

5. The toner cartridge according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the engagement position moving portion is provided by a protrusion provided on the container.

6. The toner cartridge according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the engagement position moving portion is provided by a recess provided on the container.

7. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising an engaging position retaining portion provided on the container for retaining the engaging portion in an engaging position when the opening/closing member is in the open position.

8. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an elastic portion for moving the engaging portion from a retracted position to an engaging position with rotation of the opening/closing member from a closed position to an open position.

9. The toner cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the opening/closing member includes a support portion that supports the engagement portion, and the support portion includes the elastic portion.

10. The toner cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the opening/closing member includes a supporting portion that supports the engaging portion and is movable relative to the closing portion, and the elastic portion is an elastic member for urging the supporting portion.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a toner cartridge, a toner supply mechanism, and a shutter for electrophotographic image formation.

Background

In the field of an electrophotographic type image forming apparatus, it is known that elements such as a photosensitive drum and/or a developing roller, which are rotatable members usable for image formation, are integrated into a cartridge, which is detachably mountable to a main assembly (main assembly) of the image forming apparatus.

As one of such cartridges that can be detachably mounted to an image forming apparatus, there is known a toner cartridge that is replaceable and does not include a photosensitive drum or a developing roller, and contains toner (developer) that is consumed with image formation.

With such a structure, toner (developer) is discharged from the toner cartridge into a developing device including a developing roller and the like through the discharge opening. Further, in order to prevent toner from leaking through the discharge opening, an opening/closing member such as a shutter for opening and closing the discharge opening is provided.

For example, japanese laid-open patent application Hei 7-199623 discloses a structure in which, when a cylindrical toner cartridge (developer supply container) is mounted to the main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the toner cartridge is rotated, thereby opening a shutter.

Disclosure of Invention

[ problem to be solved ]

It is an object of the present invention to provide a further improvement of the above-described conventional structure.

[ means for solving the problems ]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner cartridge detachably mountable to a receiving device, the toner cartridge comprising: a container including a housing portion for housing toner and a discharge opening for discharging toner from the housing portion into a receiving device; and an opening/closing member including a closing portion for closing the discharge opening and an engaging portion movable relative to the closing portion, the opening/closing member being rotatable relative to the container between (a) an open position for causing the closing portion to open the discharge opening and (b) a closed position for causing the closing portion to close the discharge opening, wherein the engaging portion is movable relative to the closing portion between (c) an engaging position for engaging with the receiving device when the toner cartridge is detached from the receiving device so as to receive a force for moving the opening/closing member from the open position to the closed position and (d) a retracted position retracted from the engaging position, and wherein as the opening/closing member is rotated from the closed position to the open position, the engaging portion is movable from a retracted position to an engaging position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner cartridge detachably mountable to a receiving device, the toner cartridge including: a container including a housing portion for housing toner and a discharge opening for discharging toner from the housing portion into a receiving device; and an opening/closing member including a closing portion for closing the discharge opening and an engaging portion movable relative to the closing portion, the opening/closing member being rotatable relative to the container between (a) an open position for causing the closing portion to open the discharge opening and (b) a closed position for causing the closing portion to close the discharge opening, wherein the engaging portion is movable relative to the closing portion between (c) an engaging position for engaging with the receiving device when the toner cartridge is detached from the receiving device so as to receive a force for moving the opening/closing member from the open position to the closed position and (d) a retracted position retracted from the engaging position, and wherein as the opening/closing member is rotated from the open position to the closed position, the engaging portion is movable from an engaging position to a retracted position.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner cartridge detachably mountable to a receiving device by a mounting operation including a rotating operation, the toner cartridge including: a container including a housing portion for housing toner and a discharge opening for discharging toner from the housing portion into a receiving device; and an opening/closing member including a closing portion for closing the discharge opening and an engaging portion movable relative to the closing portion, the opening/closing member being movable relative to the container between (a) an open position for causing the closing portion to open the discharge opening and (b) a closed position for causing the closing portion to close the discharge opening, wherein the engaging portion is movable relative to the closing portion between (c) an engaging position for engaging with the receiving device when the toner cartridge is detached from the receiving device so as to receive a force for moving the opening/closing member from the open position to the closed position and (d) a retracted position retracted from the engaging position, and wherein with the rotating operation, the engaging portion is movable from a retracted position to an engaging position.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner cartridge detachable from a receiving device by a detaching operation including a rotating operation, the toner cartridge including: a container including a housing portion for housing toner and a discharge opening for discharging toner from the housing portion into a receiving device; and an opening/closing member including a closing portion for closing the discharge opening and an engaging portion movable relative to the closing portion, the opening/closing member being movable relative to the container between (a) an open position for causing the closing portion to open the discharge opening and (b) a closed position for causing the closing portion to close the discharge opening, wherein the engaging portion is movable relative to the closing portion between (c) an engaging position for engaging with the receiving device when the toner cartridge is detached from the receiving device so as to receive a force for moving the opening/closing member from the open position to the closed position and (d) a retracted position retracted from the engaging position, and wherein with the rotating operation, the engaging portion is movable from an engaging position to a retracted position.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner cartridge detachably mountable to a receiving device, the toner cartridge comprising: a container including a housing portion for housing toner and a discharge opening for discharging toner from the housing portion into a receiving device; and an opening/closing member including a closing portion for closing the discharge opening and an engaging portion movable relative to the closing portion, the opening/closing member being movable relative to the container between (a) an open position for causing the closing portion to open the discharge opening and (b) a closed position for causing the closing portion to close the discharge opening, wherein the engaging portion is movable relative to the closing portion between (c) an engaging position for engaging with the receiving device when the toner cartridge is detached from the receiving device so as to receive a force for moving the opening/closing member from the open position to the closed position and (d) a retracted position retracted from the engaging position, and a retracted position moving portion, the retreat position moving portion is for moving the engaging portion from the engaging position to the retreat position in accordance with movement of the opening/closing member from the opening position to the closing position.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner cartridge for electrophotographic image formation, the toner cartridge comprising: a container including a housing portion for housing toner and a discharge opening for discharging toner; and an opening/closing member including a closing portion for closing the discharge opening and an engaging portion movable relative to the closing portion, the opening/closing member being rotatable relative to the container between an open position for causing the closing portion to open the discharge opening and a closed position for causing the closing portion to close the discharge opening, wherein the engaging portion is movable relative to the closing portion at least in a direction of a rotational axis of the opening/closing member as the opening/closing member rotates between the closed position and the open position.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner cartridge for electrophotographic image formation, the toner cartridge comprising: a container including a housing portion for housing toner and a discharge opening for discharging toner; and an opening/closing member including a closing portion for closing the discharge opening and an engaging portion movable relative to the closing portion, the opening/closing member being rotatable relative to the container between an open position for causing the closing portion to open the discharge opening and a closed position for causing the closing portion to close the discharge opening, wherein the engaging portion is exposed at least toward an outer side with respect to a direction of a rotational radius of the opening/closing member, and wherein the engaging portion is movable relative to the closing portion at least in the direction of the rotational radius of the opening/closing member as the opening/closing member is rotated between the closed position and the open position.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner cartridge for electrophotographic image formation, the toner cartridge comprising: a container including a housing portion for housing toner and a discharge opening for discharging toner; and an opening/closing member including a closing portion for closing the discharge opening and an engaging portion movable relative to the closing portion, the opening/closing member being rotatable relative to the container between an open position for urging the closing portion to open the discharge opening and a closed position for urging the closing portion to close the discharge opening, wherein the engaging portion includes a first protrusion protruding toward an outer side with respect to a direction of a rotational radius of the opening/closing member, and a second protrusion provided on the first protrusion and protruding toward a downstream side with respect to a direction in which the opening/closing member is rotated from the closed position to the open position with respect to the container, and wherein as the opening/closing member is rotated between the closed position and the open position, the engagement portion is movable relative to the closure portion.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner cartridge for electrophotographic image formation, the toner cartridge comprising: a container including a housing portion for housing toner and a discharge opening for discharging toner; an opening/closing member movable relative to the container between an open position for causing the closing portion to open the discharge opening and a closed position for causing the closing portion to close the discharge opening; a moving portion provided on the container for moving the engaging portion in accordance with movement of the opening/closing member from an open position to a closed position.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shutter for use with a toner cartridge, the shutter including: a body portion having a generally arcuate configuration; a first arm portion disposed at a longitudinal end of the body portion and extending toward a lateral end of the body portion; and a first protrusion provided at a free end side of the first arm portion and protruding in a radially outward direction with respect to the arc-shaped configuration, wherein the first protrusion is movable at least in a longitudinal direction of the body portion.

[ Effect of the invention ]

The above-described conventional structure can be further improved.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side view of a toner cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view showing a schematic structure of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a side cross section schematically showing a state in which the developing unit is attached to the toner cartridge.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the developing unit according to the embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of the toner cartridge according to the embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view of the developing unit and the toner cartridge in a state before mounting (insertion).

Fig. 7 is a schematic view of the developing unit and the toner cartridge during mounting (insertion).

Fig. 8 is a side view schematically showing a modified example of the structure of the insertion guided portion (portion guided for insertion).

Fig. 9 is a side view schematically showing the relationship of the force applied to the toner cartridge.

Fig. 10 is a schematic view of the abutment portion abutting to the abutted portion (abutted portion).

Fig. 11 is a schematic view when the container frame is rotated so that the toner cartridge is positioned in place.

Fig. 12 is a schematic view when the shutter is moved to the open position so that the toner containing portion is in fluid communication.

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the imaging apparatus according to this embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a partial sectional side view in the vicinity of the opening of the developing unit and the toner cartridge.

Fig. 15 is a sectional view of schematic structures of the developing unit and the toner cartridge.

Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the opening of the toner cartridge.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view illustrating an opening and closing operation of the shutter of the toner cartridge.

Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the opening of the developing unit.

Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an opening and closing operation of the shutter of the developing unit.

Fig. 20 is a schematic sectional side view of the toner cartridge and the developing unit.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge and the developing unit.

Fig. 22 is a schematic sectional view of the developing unit and the toner cartridge.

Fig. 23 is a schematic sectional side view in the vicinity of the shutter portion.

Part (a) of fig. 24 is a sectional view taken along line a1 of fig. 16, (b) is a sectional view taken along line a2 of fig. 18, and (c) is a sectional view taken along line A3 of part (b) of fig. 20.

Fig. 25 is a sectional side view of the developing unit and the toner cartridge.

Fig. 26 is a schematic view of a communicating portion seen from the first toner containing portion.

Fig. 27 is a schematic sectional view of the developing unit and the toner cartridge.

Fig. 28 illustrates opening operations of the first shutter of the developing unit and the second shutter of the toner cartridge.

Fig. 29 shows a detailed structure of the vicinity of the toner cartridge receiving portion of the developing unit.

Fig. 30 shows a detailed structure of the vicinity of the toner cartridge receiving portion of the developing unit.

Fig. 31 shows a detailed structure of the vicinity of the toner cartridge receiving portion of the developing unit.

Fig. 32 shows a detailed structure of the toner cartridge.

Fig. 33 shows a detailed structure of the toner cartridge.

Fig. 34 shows a detailed structure of the toner cartridge.

Fig. 35 shows a detailed structure of the toner cartridge.

Fig. 36 shows a detailed structure of the toner cartridge.

Fig. 37 shows the opening operation of the first shutter and the second shutter.

Fig. 38 shows the opening operation of the first shutter and the second shutter.

Fig. 39 shows the opening operation of the first shutter and the second shutter.

Fig. 40 shows the opening operation of the first shutter and the second shutter.

Fig. 41 shows an opening operation of the first shutter and the second shutter.

Fig. 42 shows the opening operation of the first shutter and the second shutter.

Fig. 43 shows the opening operation of the first shutter and the second shutter.

Fig. 44 is a sectional view of the vicinity of the second opening and the third opening as viewed from the driving side.

Fig. 45 shows a toner feeding structure from the toner cartridge to the developing unit.

Fig. 46 shows the closing operation of the first shutter and the second shutter.

Fig. 47 shows the closing operation of the first shutter and the second shutter.

Fig. 48 shows the closing operation of the first shutter and the second shutter.

Fig. 49 is a perspective view showing a state before the toner cartridge is mounted to the developing unit.

Fig. 50 is a longitudinal sectional view of the insertion guided portion (driving side) and the vicinity of the insertion guide portion (driving side).

Fig. 51 is a sectional view showing the shapes of the insertion guided portion (driving side) and the insertion guide portion (driving side).

Fig. 52 is a sectional view showing the shapes of the insertion guided portion (driving side) and the insertion guide portion (driving side).

Fig. 53 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the insertion guided portion (non-driving side) and the vicinity of the insertion guide portion (non-driving side).

Fig. 54 shows the relationship between the insertion guided portion (driving side) and the insertion guided portion (non-driving side).

Fig. 55 shows the relationship between the insertion guided portion (drive side) and the insertion guided portion (non-drive side).

Fig. 56 shows a state in which the second shutter is in its closed position.

Fig. 57 shows a state where the second shutter is in the open position.

Fig. 58 shows the second shutter.

Fig. 59 shows the second shutter.

Fig. 60 shows a state in which the second shutter is in its closed position.

Fig. 61 shows a state in which the second shutter is in its closed position.

Fig. 62 shows a state in which the second shutter is in the open position.

Fig. 63 shows a state in which the second shutter is in its closed position.

Fig. 64 shows a toner cartridge.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a toner image forming portion, and a toner cartridge will be described. The image forming apparatus is an apparatus capable of forming an image on a recording material by, for example, an electrophotographic image forming process. For example, the image forming apparatus may be an electrophotographic type copying machine, an electrophotographic type printer (LED printer, laser beam printer, etc.), or a facsimile machine of an electrophotographic type printer type.

In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus is a monochrome image forming apparatus including one toner image forming portion. However, the number of toner image forming portions provided in the image forming apparatus is not limited to this example. For example, the image forming apparatus may include a plurality of toner image forming portions to form a color image.

Similarly, with regard to the structures disclosed in the embodiments, materials, arrangements, dimensions, other numerical values, and the like are not limited to the disclosed examples unless specifically stated otherwise. In the following description, "up" is an upward direction based on the direction of gravity when the image forming apparatus is mounted.

< example 1>

A structure that contributes to improvement in usability will be described in detail. More particularly, this relates to improvement of an operational feeling when a user mounts the toner cartridge to the developing unit (developing cartridge).

The overall arrangement of the image forming apparatus will be described first, and the developing unit and the toner cartridge will be described later in detail. An operation of mounting the toner cartridge to the developing unit is referred to as a "mounting operation", and an operation of dismounting the toner cartridge from the developing unit is referred to as a "dismounting operation".

Electrophotographic image forming apparatus:

fig. 2 is a side sectional view of the imaging device a according to the embodiment of the present invention. The imaging apparatus a shown in fig. 2 receives image information from an external device (e.g., a personal computer) communicably connected thereto. The image forming apparatus a forms an image (toner image) with a developer (toner) on a recording material P (recording paper, OHP sheet, fabric, etc.) by an electrophotographic image forming process according to image information received from an external device.

In the image forming apparatus a, a toner image forming portion (toner image forming unit) B is detachably mountable to the main assembly. The toner image forming portion (toner image forming unit) B of this embodiment includes a drum unit (drum cartridge) C, a developing unit (developing device, developing cartridge) D, and a toner cartridge E. The toner cartridge E is detachably mountable to the developing unit D. More specifically, the developing unit D is provided with a mounting portion for mounting the toner cartridge E, and constitutes a receiving device for receiving the toner cartridge E.

The toner image forming portion (toner image forming unit) may be regarded as a unit including a photosensitive drum and one or more members capable of acting on the photosensitive drum.

In this embodiment, the drum unit C, the developing unit D, and the toner cartridge E are cartridges that are independently detachably mountable to the main assembly of the apparatus. In this case, the drum unit C may be referred to as a drum cartridge, and the developing unit D may be referred to as a developing cartridge.

It is not essential that the drum unit C, the developing unit D, and the toner cartridge E each take the form of such a cartridge. For example, the photosensitive drum (or a drum unit including the photosensitive drum) may be fixed in the main assembly, while only the developing unit (developing cartridge) D and the toner cartridge E may be detachably mountable.

In addition, it is possible to integrate the drum unit C and the developing unit D into a single cartridge detachably mountable to the main assembly. The cartridge including the integrated drum unit C and developing unit D may be referred to as a process cartridge. In such a case, the toner cartridge E is attachable to and detachable from the process cartridge. In such a case, the process cartridge is a receiving device. An image forming apparatus employing a process cartridge structure will be described with reference to embodiment 4.

Further, it is possible to fix the photosensitive drum and the developing unit in the main assembly, and only the toner cartridge E is detachably mountable to the main assembly. In such a case, the main assembly of the image forming apparatus itself is the receiving means for the toner cartridge E.

The structure including the combined receiving device (developing unit D) and toner cartridge E may be referred to as a toner supply mechanism (toner supply unit, toner supply device). In the toner supply mechanism, toner is supplied from the toner cartridge E into the receiving device.

In this embodiment, the photosensitive drum as the image bearing member is constituted by a cylindrical body having a photosensitive layer and a flange or the like as a unit.

The mounting and dismounting of the cartridge is performed by a user (operator). The main assembly (main assembly of the image forming apparatus) is a portion other than the cartridges (the drum unit C, the developing unit D, and the toner cartridge E) in the image forming apparatus a.

The drum unit C includes, as units, a photosensitive drum (image bearing member) 16, a charging roller 17, a cleaning blade 19, and the like, and in this embodiment, it is a cartridge (drum cartridge) detachably mountable to the main assembly. The developing unit D includes, as a unit, a developing roller (developer carrying member) 24 and the like, and in this embodiment, it is a cartridge (developing cartridge) detachably mountable to the main assembly. The toner cartridge E as a developer container includes a toner container (developer accommodating container, container) 47 for accommodating toner t or the like as a developer, which are integrated into a cartridge.

The photosensitive drum 16 is rotatable in a direction indicated by an arrow a in fig. 2. The surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 16 is uniformly charged by a charging roller 17 as a charging means. The photosensitive drum 16 is exposed to a laser beam L supplied by a laser scanner (exposure device) 1 according to image information, so that an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 16 according to the image information. The toner t carried on the developing roller 24 develops the electrostatic latent image. Thereby, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 16.

Referring to fig. 3, the developing process in the toner image forming portion B will be described. The frame 35 of the developing unit D as the receiving device rotatably supports the developing roller 24. The developing roller 24 receives a driving force from a power source such as a motor (not shown) provided in the main assembly to rotate in the same direction as the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16 (as indicated by an arrow b in the drawing).

The toner t in the developing chamber 31 is carried on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 24, and has a layer thickness regulated by the developing blade 25. When the thickness of the regulating layer is controlled, the toner is triboelectrically charged. The charged toner develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 16.

In the developing unit D, the developing chamber 31 is in fluid communication with the first toner housing portion (developer housing portion) 28 through the first opening 29. The first toner feeding device 27 rotated by a driving source (not shown) feeds the toner t from the first toner containing portion 28 into the developing chamber 31.

In addition, the communicating portion 58 is provided by the second opening (receiving member opening, receiving opening) 30 and the third opening (container opening, discharge opening) 49. The first toner housing portion (housing member housing chamber) 28 is in fluid communication with the second toner housing portion (container housing chamber) 47t of the toner cartridge E through the communication portion 58.

The second toner containing portion 47t is a space in the container 47 for containing toner. The second toner containing portion 47t is a containing portion (toner containing portion, developer containing portion) provided by a frame (container frame 47a) of the container 47.

A third opening 49 is formed in the container frame 47a and allows toner to be discharged from the second toner containing portion 47t to the outside (developing unit D) of the container 47. The toner discharged through the third opening 49 is received through the second opening 30 of the developing unit D.

The toner t is supplied from the second toner accommodating portion 47t into the first toner accommodating portion 28 by the second toner feeding member 46, and the second toner feeding member 46 is rotated by a driving force applied from the main assembly by the developing unit D.

Further description will be made with reference back to fig. 2. The recording material P set in the feeding cassette 2 is fed out one sheet and fed by the pickup roller 3 and the pressure contact member 5 pressure-contacted thereto. The recording material P is fed along a feeding guide 4 to a transfer roller 6 as a transfer device in synchronization with the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum.

Then, the recording material P passes through a transfer nip 11 formed between the photosensitive drum 16 and the transfer roller 6 supplied with a predetermined voltage. At this time, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 16 is transferred onto the recording material P. The recording material P having the transferred toner image is fed into the fixing device 8 along the feeding guide 7.

The fixing device 8 includes a driving roller 8a and a fixing roller 8c including a heater 8b therein. The recording material P receives heat and pressure during passing through a nip 8d formed between the fixing roller 8c and the driving roller 8 a. Thereby, the toner image transferred onto the recording material P is fixed on the recording material P. Thereafter, the recording material P carrying the fixed toner image is further fed onto a discharge tray 10 by a discharge roller pair 9.

The cleaning blade 19 is in elastic contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16. Thereby, the toner t (untransferred toner) remaining on the photosensitive drum 16 without being transferred to the recording material P is scraped off by the cleaning blade 19. The scraped-off toner t is accommodated in a removed toner accommodating portion (residual toner accommodating portion) 18a of the frame 18 on which the cleaning blade 19 is fixed.

As described above, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment uses the electrophotographic image forming process and forms an image on a recording material with a developer (toner). However, it suffices if the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material, and the type of the image forming apparatus is not limited to an electrophotographic type copying machine, an electrophotographic type printer (laser beam printer, LED printer, etc.), an electrophotographic type printer facsimile machine, an electrophotographic type word processor, or the like.

As described above, the toner image forming portion B includes the electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive member) as an image bearing member and a process device capable of acting on the photosensitive member. In this embodiment, the toner image forming portion is detachably mountable to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus as a single cartridge or a plurality of cartridges.

The process apparatus includes a charging device (charging member, charging means), a developing device (developing means, developing unit), a cleaning device (cleaning means, cleaning member).

The developing device is a device for developing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member. In this embodiment, the developing device (developing unit) forms a cartridge that can be independently, detachably mounted to the image forming apparatus. In another aspect, a portion of the process cartridge may constitute the developing device.

The toner cartridge (developer cartridge, toner bottle, developer bottle, toner container, developer container) is a cartridge that contains developer (toner) for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photosensitive member.

Structure of cartridge (unit):

a detailed structure of a cartridge (unit) detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus will be described.

(detailed description of the vicinity of the receiving portion of the toner cartridge of the developing unit)

Referring to fig. 4, a detailed structure of the vicinity of the receiving portion of the toner cartridge E of the developing unit (developing cartridge) D in this embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a receiving portion (mounting portion) of the toner cartridge E of the developing unit D. Part (a) of fig. 4 shows a state where the second opening 30 is closed (i.e., the first shutter 37 is in the closed position). Part (b) of fig. 4 shows a state where the second opening 30 is opened (i.e., the first shutter 37 is in the open position). In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the developing unit D is parallel to the rotational axis direction of the developing roller 24 of the developing unit D. In a state where the toner cartridge E is mounted to the developing unit, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the developing unit D.

The developing unit D can receive the toner cartridge E in a frame (developing device frame) 35 at a receiving portion. In the vicinity of the receiving portion, the developing unit D is provided with a second opening (receiving member opening, receiving opening) 30 and a first shutter (receiving member shutter, receiving device side opening/closing member) 37. In this embodiment, the second opening 30 is provided at the longitudinal central portion of the developing unit D. However, the position of the second opening 30 is not limited thereto, but is sufficient as long as it is opposed to a third opening (container opening) 49 which will be described later.

As shown in part (a) of fig. 4, the second opening 30 is closed by a first shutter 37 shaped to be curved along the outer circumferential surface of the toner cartridge E.

The first shutter 37 is provided with a hole portion 37a engageable with a projection (container-side engaging portion, opening/closing member moving portion, container-side projection) 47 provided on the toner cartridge E as a developer container. The hole portion 37 is disposed at a position outside a sealing range in which the first shutter 37 seals the second opening 30.

Opposite longitudinal ends of the first shutter 37 are engageable with first shutter guide portions 34 provided at longitudinally opposite sides of the second opening 30 of the frame 35 of the developing unit D. Thereby, the first shutter can slide (move) along the first shutter guide portion 34.

Thereby, the first shutter 37 is movable between a closing position (receiving opening closing position, part (a) of fig. 4) for closing the second opening 30 and an opening position (receiving opening position, part (b) of fig. 4) for opening the second opening 30.

The frame 35 of the developing unit D is provided with a first sealing member 32 for sealing between the first shutter 37 and the second opening 30 so as to surround the second opening 30.

The developing unit D is provided with insertion guide portions 35D, 36D at opposite longitudinal end portions of the frame 35 for guiding the toner cartridge E while correspondingly maintaining the posture (mounting posture) of the toner cartridge E when the toner cartridge E is mounted (inserted).

In addition, the developing unit D is provided with abutted portions (abutted portions) 35a, 36a which are abutted by the abutting portions 42a, 43a of the toner cartridge E at the time of insertion, which will be described later.

The developing unit D is also provided with rotation guide portions 35b, 36b at opposite longitudinal end portions of the frame 35 for guiding rotation of the toner cartridge E when the first shutter 37 and the second shutter (container shutter) 53 are opened and closed.

The insertion guide portions 35d, 36d linearly extend in parallel with each other along the insertion direction f (portion (a) of fig. 4) of the toner cartridge E. The insertion direction of the toner cartridge E is the mounting direction, and the removal direction is opposite to the mounting direction.

On the non-driving side of the developing unit D, the abutted portion 35a and the rotation guide portion 35b are disposed on the downstream side with respect to the insertion direction f of the insertion guide portion 35D, and on the driving side thereof, the abutted portion 36a and the rotation guide 36b are disposed on the downstream side with respect to the insertion direction f of the insertion guide portion 36D.

Of the opposite end sides of the developing unit D, the side provided with a driving portion such as a gear (e.g., the first drive transmission portion 38) is referred to as a "driving side". The non-driving side of the developing unit is the side opposite to the driving side.

In addition, the developing unit D is provided with a first drive transmission portion 38 at one end portion of the frame 35 with respect to the longitudinal direction for transmitting a driving force to a second toner feeding device 46 of the toner cartridge E, which will be described later.

The first drive transmission portion 38 includes a gear connected to a driving mechanism of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus in the developing unit D. The first drive transmitting portion 38 is a rotational force receiving portion (driving force receiving portion) for receiving a rotational force for driving the second toner feeding member 46 from the outside of the toner cartridge E.

Further, the developing unit D is provided with hole portions 33 at each of longitudinally opposite end portions of the frame 35. The hole portion 33 is engageable with a claw portion 53b of a second shutter 53 of the toner cartridge E, which will be described later.

The claw portion 53b is an engaging portion (opening/closing member-side engaging portion) provided at the free end of the arm portion 53 a. Therefore, when the third opening 49 is opened and closed, the second shutter 53 is prevented from rotating together with the container frame 47a, which will be described later.

(toner cartridge)

Referring to fig. 5, the toner cartridge E according to this embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

Part (a) of fig. 5 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge E seen from the second drive transmitting portion 48 side (driving side). Part (b) of fig. 5 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge E seen from the opposite side (non-driving side) of the second drive transmission portion 48.

Part (c) of fig. 5 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge E seen from the opposite side of the second drive transmission portion 48. Part (d) of fig. 5 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge E in a state where the second shutter 53 is at the open position (the third opening 49 is open).

The toner cartridge E includes a container 47, a second shutter (developer container shutter) 53 movable relative to the container 47, a second toner feeding member 46 provided in the container 47, and a second drive transmission portion (gear) 48 mounted on the second toner feeding member 46.

The container 47 is substantially cylindrical. Thus, the frame (container frame) 47a constituting the main body (main portion) of the container 47 is substantially cylindrical. The container 47 is provided with a gripping member 44. The gripping member 44 takes the form of a U-shaped projection formed integrally with the frame 47 a. The shape of the grip member 44 is not limited to the U-shape, and the grip member 44 may not be integral with the frame 47a and may be mounted to the frame 47 a.

The container frame (cylindrical portion) 47a is hollow to constitute a second toner containing portion 47t for containing toner. The container frame 47a is provided on its peripheral surface with a third opening 49 for discharging toner from the second toner containing portion 47 t.

The container frame 47a is provided with a second sealing member 54 for sealing between the container frame 47a and the second shutter 53, the second sealing member 54 surrounding the third opening 49.

The container frame 47a is provided with two protrusions 45 on the outer periphery of the cylindrical shape that can engage with the hole portions 37a of the first shutter 37. The two protrusions 45 are protrusions that protrude in substantially the same direction. A line connecting the two projections 45 to each other is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E.

In the longitudinal direction of the container 47, the two protrusions 45 are arranged outside the third opening 49. More specifically, when the two protrusions 45 and the third opening 49 are projected on an imaginary line parallel to the rotational axis of the second shutter 53, the entire third opening 49 falls within a range between the two protrusions. Inside the second toner containing portion 47t of the container frame 47a, a second toner feeding member 46 for feeding toner is rotatably provided. A position where the projection and the hole are engaged with each other is referred to as an "engaged position", and a position where the projection and the hole are disengaged from each other is referred to as a "non-engaged position" (a release position).

In one end portion of the second toner feeding member 46 with respect to the longitudinal direction (rotational axis direction), a second drive transmission portion (gear) 48 for receiving a driving force for rotating the second toner feeding member 46 is provided. Here, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E is parallel to the rotational axis direction of the second toner feeding member 46.

In this embodiment, the third opening 49 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the container frame 47a at the longitudinally central portion of the toner cartridge E. The position of the third opening 49 is not limited to a specific position, but may be any position as long as it is opposed to the second opening 30.

The second shutter 53 is curved along the outer peripheral surface of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E. The second shutter 53 has a curved configuration (a substantially arc-shaped configuration) in a cross section (a cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the container frame 47a) extending along the outer periphery of the container frame 47 a.

The container frame 47a has a curved surface (substantially cylindrical or substantially arc-shaped) at least in the peripheral region of the third opening 49. The second shutter 53 is rotatable (revolvable) around the periphery of the container frame 47a along a curved surface portion (arc-shaped portion) around the third opening 49. Thereby, the second shutter 53 can open and close the third opening 49.

The second shutter 53 includes a shutter body portion 53m for closing the third opening 49. The second shutter 53 is provided with two snap-fit portions each including an arm portion 53a and a claw portion 53 b.

More specifically, the second shutter 53 is provided with two arm portions 53a at longitudinally opposite end portions of a main body portion 53m of the shutter, and with two claw portions 53b provided at free end portions of the arm portions 53a, respectively. The longitudinal direction of the main body portion 53m of the shutter is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E.

The claw portion 53b is an engaged portion (a portion to be engaged, a shutter-side engaging portion, an opening/closing member-side engaging portion) for engaging with the developing unit D. The claw portions 53b are exposed outward in the radial direction of the container 47 (container frame 47a) having a cylindrical shape. More specifically, the claw portion 53b is a projection that projects radially outward at least from the container 47 (container frame 47 a).

The arm portion 53a is a supporting portion for supporting the claw portion 53b, and is a connecting portion for connecting the claw portion 53b with the main body portion 53m of the shutter. The arm portion 53a includes an elastic portion (deformable portion, movable portion) capable of elastic deformation. I.e., the arm portion 53a itself is elastically deformable.

The arm portion 53a extends from the rear side to the front side of the second shutter 53. The front side of the second shutter 53 is the downstream side in the direction in which the second shutter 53 moves relative to the container frame 47a when the second shutter 53 closes the third opening 49. The free end of the second shutter 53 is an end portion of the second shutter 53 with respect to the transverse direction of the second shutter 53 (a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second shutter).

The claw portion 53b is movable relative to the main body portion 53m of the shutter by elastic deformation of a part of the arm portion 53 a.

Opposite longitudinal ends of the second shutter 53 (the main body portion 53m of the shutter) are engaged with second shutter guide portions (opening/closing guides) 52 provided at opposite longitudinal ends of the third opening 49 of the container frame 47 a. The second shutter is slidable on the outer peripheral surface of the container frame 47a along the second shutter guide portion 52 in the circumferential direction. Thereby, the second shutter 53 is movable along the outer peripheral surface of the toner cartridge E between an open position (container open position, part (d) of fig. 5) for opening the third opening 49 and a closed position (container closed position, part (b) of fig. 5) for closing the third opening 49.

When the second shutter 53 is in the open position, it is desirable that the third opening 49 be fully opened without being covered by the main body portion 53m (closing portion) of the shutter, as shown in part (d) of fig. 5. However, when the second shutter 53 is in the open position, a part of the third opening 49 may be covered by a main body portion 53m (closing portion) of the shutter as long as the toner can be discharged through the third opening 49. That is, when the second shutter 53 is in the open position, even in a case where the main body portion 53m of the shutter opens at least a part of the third opening 49, it is sufficient as long as toner is allowed to be supplied from the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D.

When the second shutter 53 is in the closed position, it is desirable that the third opening 49 be entirely covered by the shutter main body portion 53m, as shown in part (b) of fig. 5. However, even in the case where the third opening 49 is slightly opened, it is sufficient as long as the third opening 49 is substantially closed by the main body portion 53m of the shutter to sufficiently prevent the toner from leaking through the third opening 49. That is, when the second shutter 53 is in the closed position, it is sufficient as long as the main body portion 53m of the shutter substantially closes the third opening 49.

The container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E is provided with insertion guided portions (portions to be guided, toner cartridge side guide portions) 42, 43 at each of longitudinally opposite end portions of the toner cartridge E. By guiding the insertion guided portions (portions to be guided, guided portions) 42, 43 by the insertion guide portions 35D, 36D of the developing unit D, the posture of the toner cartridge E at the time of mounting and dismounting the toner cartridge E is stabilized.

The toner cartridge E is also provided with an abutment portion 42 a. When the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D, the abutting portion 42a abuts the abutted portion 35a of the developing unit D. The toner cartridge E is provided with a rotation guided portion 42b (rotation portion to be guided). When the toner cartridge E rotates to open and close the first shutter 37 and the second shutter 53, the rotation guided portion 42b guides the container frame 47 a. The container 47 can be rotated by providing the rotation-guided portion 42 b. The rotation guided portion 42b is a rotation guide (toner cartridge side rotation guide) for guiding the rotation of the toner cartridge E. The rotation guided portion 42b has a curved shape (substantially arc shape).

In addition, the insertion guided portion 42 is provided with regulated portions (to-be-regulated portions, regulated surfaces, posture regulating portions, insertion direction regulating portions) 42c1, 42c2 for regulating insertion postures and removal postures (insertion direction and removal direction) of the toner cartridges E when the toner cartridges E are inserted and removed. The insertion guided portion 42 may have a weight-reducing feature in a portion of the outer configuration to change the outer configuration.

The insertion guided portion 43 is provided with an abutting portion 43a so as to abut against the abutted portion 36a of the developing unit D when the toner cartridge E is inserted. The insertion guided portion 43 also serves as a rotation guided portion (toner cartridge side rotation guiding portion) for guiding the container frame 47a when the abutting portion 43a opens and closes the first shutter 37 and the second shutter 53.

In this embodiment, on the non-driving side, the abutment portion 42a, the rotation guided portion 42b, the regulating portion 42c1, and the regulating portion 42c2 are formed integrally with the insertion guided portion 42 b. However, they may be independent members as long as they can perform the corresponding functions.

Similarly, on the driving side, the insertion guided portion 43b and the abutting portion 43a may be separate members, respectively. The rotation guided portion may be a member independent of the abutting portion 43 a. When attention is paid to the strength and the like, portions (non-functional portions, non-contact portions) in the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D that do not contact each other may be omitted.

In this embodiment, the insertion guided portion 43 is provided at an end portion of the second drive transmission portion 48 of the second toner feeding portion 46. However, the insertion guided portion 43 may be provided on the container frame 47 a. The container frame 47a is provided with a grip member 44 as a handle to be gripped by a user when the toner cartridge E is mounted. The gripping member 44 is fixed to the container frame 47a at opposite longitudinal ends. The grip member 44 may be integrally molded with the container frame 47 a.

Referring back to part (a) of fig. 1, the position of the gripping member 44 on the container frame 47a will be explained. Part (a) of fig. 1 is a side view of the toner cartridge E side opposite to the second drive transmission portion 48, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the second toner feeding portion 46. This figure shows the positional relationship between the gripping member 44 and the abutment portion 42 with respect to the insertion direction.

As shown in part (a) of fig. 1, a straight line m is a straight line (an imaginary line passing through the rotational axis S of the container frame 47a) parallel to the insertion direction f of the toner cartridge E regulated by the regulating portion 42c1 and the regulating portion 42c2 and passing through the abutting portion 42a and the abutting portion 43 a.

The grip member 44 is arranged on the downstream side of the straight line m with respect to the opening direction (arrow e in part (a) of fig. 1) of the third opening 49 (part (d) of fig. 5). The opening direction (the direction of the arrow E) of the third opening 49 is a direction (a settling direction) in which the toner cartridge E rotates to settle the toner cartridge E with respect to the developing unit D.

Mounting the toner cartridge to the developing unit:

a process of mounting the toner cartridge E to the developing unit D is explained. The second opening 30 and the third opening 49 are opened and closed by rotating the toner cartridge E in a state where the toner cartridge E is set into the developing unit D.

(inserting operation of toner cartridge into developing unit)

An insertion operation of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D is described with reference to part (a) of fig. 1 and 6, part (b) of fig. 6, and fig. 7.

Part (b) of fig. 1 is a side view of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D, which shows a positional relationship of the grip member 44 and the abutment portion 43a with respect to the mounting direction of the toner cartridge E.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view showing the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D in a state before the toner cartridge E is mounted (inserted), in which part (a) of fig. 6 is a perspective view, and part (b) of fig. 6 is a side view.

Fig. 7 is a side view showing the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D in a state in the middle of mounting (insertion) of the toner cartridge E.

Before the toner cartridge E is mounted to the developing unit D, the first shutter 37 is in the accommodating member closing position, and the second shutter 53 is in the container closing position. Therefore, the second opening 30 of the developing unit D and the third opening 49 of the toner cartridge E are closed.

The insertion direction of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D is indicated by f in part (b) of fig. 6. The direction f is along the surface of the regulating portion 42c as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E. More specifically, in the direction along the surface of the regulating portion 42c, the direction in which the abutment portion 42a is downstream of the insertion of the guided portion 42 is the direction f.

As shown in part (a) of fig. 6, the user grips the grip member 44 and moves the toner cartridge E toward the developing unit D in the insertion direction f. At this time, the user moves the toner cartridge E so that the insertion guided portion 42 of the toner cartridge E and the insertion guide portion 35D of the developing unit D engage with each other, and the insertion guided portion 43 and the insertion guide portion 36D engage with each other.

In this embodiment, the insertion guided portions 42, 43 and the insertion guide portions 35d, 36d are formed such that the insertion direction f is inclined with respect to the direction g of gravity (part (b) of fig. 6).

In other words, in the gravity direction g, the toner cartridge E is inserted while the surface of the regulating portion 42c1 of the insertion guided portion 42 is guided by the surface 35d1 of the insertion guide portion 35 d. Similarly, the toner cartridge E is inserted while the surface of the regulating portion 42c2 inserted into the guided portion 42 is guided by the surface 35d2 of the insertion guide portion 35 d.

By making the surface of the lower side regulating portion 42c1 to be on the surface 35d1 of the insertion guide portion 35d, the insertion guided portion 42 is positioned with respect to the rotation guide portion 35 b. Thereby, the posture of the toner cartridge E with respect to the developing unit D is determined (fig. 7).

While maintaining this posture, the user further moves the toner cartridge E downward along the insertion guide portion 35d and the insertion guide portion 36 d. Thereby, the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D in the direction of the arrow f. By further moving in the direction of the arrow f, the abutting portion 42a abuts against the abutted portion 35 a. In addition, the abutting portion 43a abuts against the abutted portion 36 a. Thereby, the insertion of the toner cartridge E is completed (fig. 1 (a) and 1 (b)).

(modification for inserting guided portion)

With reference to part (a) of fig. 8, part (b) of fig. 8, part (c) of fig. 8, and part (d) of fig. 8, a modification of the structure of the insertion guided portion 42 will be described. Parts (a) to (d) of fig. 8 are side views of various modifications of the insertion guided portion 42, the abutment portion 42a, and the regulating portion 42c of the toner cartridge E. In this embodiment, as shown in part (a) of fig. 8, the insertion guided portion 42 of the toner cartridge E is provided by a single protrusion in an oblong form. However, other configurations and structures as shown in the (a) portion to the (d) portion may be adopted as long as they provide similar functions. However, the configuration, number, and position of the protrusions are not limited to specific examples.

As shown in part (b) of fig. 8, a combination of an oblong protrusion and a cylindrical configuration protrusion may be used. With such a structure, the surface 42d of the oblong projection is guided (contacted) by the surface 35d1 of the insertion guide portion 35d, and the surface 42c2 of the cylindrical configuration projection is guided (contacted) by the surface 35d2 of the insertion guide portion 35 d. Thereby, the posture of the toner cartridge E is controlled in the inserting operation. In addition, the abutment portion 42a of the oblong projection abuts against the abutted portion 35a to complete the insertion of the toner cartridge E.

As shown in fig. 8 (c) and 8 (d), the insertion guided portion may be constituted by a combination of a plurality of cylindrical configuration protrusions. The configuration of the protrusions may not be a cylindrical configuration, and may be a triangular prism-like configuration. In other words, any configuration may be employed as long as the insertion guided portion is along the insertion direction f of the toner cartridge E and can regulate the insertion posture of the toner cartridge E. The number of the inserted guided portion may be one or more.

With the structure of part (c) of fig. 8, the cylindrical configuration protrusions 42e, 42f arranged along the insertion direction f are guided by the surface 35d1 of the insertion guide portion 35 d. In addition, the surface 42c2 of the cylindrical configuration protrusion 42 is guided by the surface 35d2 of the insertion guide portion 35 d. Thereby, the posture of the toner cartridge E is regulated. Similarly, the cylindrical configuration projection 42f provided at a position on the downstream side with respect to the insertion direction f is provided with an abutting portion 42a that abuts against the abutted portion 35 a. Thereby, the insertion of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D is completed.

With the structure of part (d) of fig. 8, the cylindrical configuration protrusions 42e, 42f arranged along the insertion direction f are guided by the surface 35d1 of the insertion guide portion 35 d. The cylindrical configuration projections 42e, 42f are guided by the surface 35d2 of the insertion guide portion 35 d. Thereby, the posture of the toner cartridge E is regulated. In addition, the cylindrical configuration projection 42f provided on the downstream side with respect to the insertion direction f is provided with an abutting portion 42a that abuts against the abutted portion 35a, thereby completing the insertion of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D.

In this way, in the case where a plurality of projections are provided at the longitudinal end of the toner cartridge E, a portion contacting the developing unit D is to be considered.

(positioning of toner cartridge with respect to developing unit)

With reference to part (a) of fig. 10, part (b) of fig. 10, part (a) of fig. 11, part (b) of fig. 11, and part (c) of fig. 11, the positioning of the toner cartridge E with respect to the developing unit D will be described.

Part (a) of fig. 10 is a side view of the frame 35 of the developing unit D and the insertion guided portion 42 of the toner cartridge E in a state where the abutting portion 42a abuts against the abutted portion 35 a. Part (b) of fig. 10 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D in a state where the abutting portion 42a abuts against the abutted portion 35 a.

Part (a) of fig. 11 is a side view of the insertion guided portion 42 of the toner cartridge E and the frame 35 of the developing unit D in a state where the toner cartridge E is positioned with respect to the developing unit. Part (b) of fig. 11 is a sectional view showing an engagement relationship between the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D which have been positioned. Part (b) of fig. 11 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D taken at the position of the second shutter 53.

Part (c) of fig. 11 is a sectional view showing another engagement state between the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D which have been positioned. Part (c) of fig. 11 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D taken at the position of the claw portion 53 b.

In fig. 10, when the container frame 47a is rotated counterclockwise (the direction of arrow e in the drawing), the abutment portion 42a and the rotation guided portion 42b are engaged with the rotation guide 35 b. Thereby, the toner cartridge E is positioned with respect to the developing unit D.

4.§ 4 [ operation of opening and closing shutter ]

The opening and closing operations of the developing unit-side shutter and the toner cartridge-side shutter will be described in detail.

In this embodiment, in the process of mounting the toner cartridge E to the developing unit D, the developing unit side first shutter 37 and the toner cartridge side second shutter 53 are opened (moved to the open position). In contrast, in the process of detaching the toner cartridge E from the developing unit D, the first and second shutters 37 and 53 are closed (moved to the closed position).

The toner cartridge E is mounted by a mounting operation including at least a rotation operation with respect to the developing unit D. More specifically, after being inserted substantially linearly into the developing unit D, the toner cartridge E is rotated with respect to the developing unit D for mounting. In association with the rotational operation of the toner cartridge E in the mounting operation, the shutters 37, 53 are respectively moved from the closed position to the open position.

Similarly, the toner cartridge E is detached from the developing unit D by a detaching operation including at least a rotating operation. More specifically, after rotating with respect to the developing unit D, the toner cartridge E is pulled out substantially linearly for disassembly.

The shutters 37, 53 are moved to the open position by the rotating operation of the toner cartridge E at the time of detachment.

(opening operation of shutter)

Referring to part (a) of fig. 1, part (a) of fig. 11, part (b) of fig. 11, part (c) of fig. 11, part (a) of fig. 12, and part (b) of fig. 12, the opening operation of the first shutter 37 of the developing unit D and the second shutter 53 of the toner cartridge E will be described. Part (a) of fig. 12 is a side view of the insertion guided portion 42 of the toner cartridge E and the frame 35 of the developing unit D in a state where the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 are opened. Part (b) of fig. 12 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D in a state where the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 are opened.

In this embodiment, in a state where the toner cartridge E is positioned with respect to the developing unit D (mounted state), the relative position between the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 can take different relative positions. In other words, in a state where the toner cartridge E is set in the developing unit D, at least two positions (states) can be taken by rotating the toner cartridge E.

In the first position, the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 do not overlap each other, and therefore, the first toner containing portion 28 and the second toner containing portion 47t are in a non-fluid communication state (non-communication position). In this state, the first shutter 37 is in the closing position to close the second opening 30.

In the second position, the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 are aligned with each other so that the first toner containing portion 28 and the second toner containing portion 47t are in fluid communication with each other. In this state, the first shutter 37 is in the open position to open the second opening 30.

Thus, the first shutter 37 is an opening/closing member for opening and closing the second opening 30. The third opening 49 is formed in a curved surface portion having a substantially arc-shaped configuration, and the first shutter 37 is moved (rotated) along the curved surface portion to open and close the third opening 49.

As shown in part (a) of fig. 1, when the toner cartridge E is inserted to a predetermined position of the developing unit D, the projection 45 of the container frame 47a and the hole portion 37a of the first shutter 37 engage with each other. In addition, at this time, the front side surface 53c of the second shutter 53 (portion (D) of fig. 5) and the collision surface (contact surface) 39 of the developing unit D (portion (b) of fig. 4) are opposed to each other. The insertion posture of the toner cartridge E is regulated so that the projection 45 enters the hole portion 37a by the insertion guided portion 42 being guided by the insertion guide portion 35 d. Similarly, the insertion posture of the toner cartridge E is regulated so that the front side surface 53c is opposed to the collision surface 39.

The container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E is rotated from the mounting position shown in part (a) of fig. 1 by the user operating the grip member 44 in the direction of arrow E. Thereby, the engagement state between the insertion guided portion 42 and the frame 35 is changed to the state shown in part (a) of fig. 12 by the state shown in part (a) of fig. 11. At this time, the rotational axis of the toner cartridge E (container frame 47a) is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E.

As shown in part (b) of fig. 11, the front side surface 53c (part (D) of fig. 5) of the second shutter 53 and the collision surface 39 (part (b) of fig. 4) of the developing unit D abut against each other on the way of the rotation of the container frame 47 a. Thereby, the second shutter 53 is prevented from rotating integrally with the toner cartridge E.

That is, only the container frame 47a is rotated by regulating the movement of the front side surface 53c of the second shutter 53 by the collision surface 39. From this state, the toner cartridge E is further rotated to the mounting direction (arrow E in part (b) of fig. 11). Then, the third opening 49 for supplying toner into the developing unit is moved in the opening direction.

In other words, the second shutter moves relative to the container frame 47a in a direction to open the third opening 49. More specifically, the front side surface 53c of the second shutter receives a force (reaction force) from the collision surface 39, whereby the second shutter 53 rotates (swivels) in a direction to open the third opening 49 along the outer periphery of the tank frame 47 a.

As shown in part (a) of fig. 1 and part (c) of fig. 11, the container frame 47a is provided with a surface (inclined surface) 47b such that the height rises toward the arm portion 53a in a region opposite to the arm portion 53 a. In other words, the container frame 47a is provided with a peripheral surface that protrudes radially outward and a peripheral surface that is recessed radially inward. Surface 47b is interposed between the convex peripheral surface and the concave peripheral surface.

When the second shutter 53 moves relative to the container frame 47a (surface 47b), the protruding peripheral surface of the container frame 47a contacts the arm portion 53a of the second shutter to guide the arm 53a radially outward.

Here, the output of the tank frame 47a is an outlet in the radial direction of the rotation of the second shutter 53 with respect to the tank frame 47 a. The output direction of the container frame 47a is a direction away from the rotational axis (central axis) of the container frame 47 a. The outside of the container frame 47a is away from the second toner feeding member 46 (or the rotational axis of the second toner feeding member 46) provided inside the container frame 47 a.

In this embodiment, the container frame 47a is substantially cylindrical, and therefore, the surface along which the arm 53a moves is a peripheral surface that protrudes outward. Another configuration may be adopted as long as it can guide the arm 53a, and therefore the configuration of the guide portion of the arm 53a is not limited to the specific example described above.

When the container frame 47a is rotated with respect to the arm portion 53a of the second shutter 53, which is prevented from rotating, the point Q on the surface 47b moves along the surface 53d of the arm portion 53 a. Then, the point Q on the surface 47b contacts a surface 53e (portion to be contacted) provided behind the claw portion 53 b. At this time, since the surface 53e receives a force from the point Q in the direction indicated by the arrow n, the claw portion 53b of the arm portion 53a is deformed to be pushed up by the surface 47 b.

Thereby, the arm portion 53a is changed from a state of retreating along the recess provided on the peripheral surface of the container frame 47a to a state of engaging with the developing unit side. More specifically, the claw portions 53b of the arm portions 53a are engaged with the hole portions 33 of the frame 35 of the developing unit D (thereby, the second shutter 53 is temporarily engaged with the frame 35). The surface 47b (part (b) of fig. 6) is a moving portion (engaging position moving portion) for pushing the claw portion 53b to move the claw portion 53b radially outward from the container frame 47a when the second shutter 53 is moved to the open position (when the toner cartridge E is mounted). That is, the claw portion 53b is moved to the engagement position for engaging with the hole portion 33 by the surface 47 b. By the surface 47b, the claw portion 53b is moved outward from the container frame 47a (away from the center (rotation axis) of the container frame 47a), that is, away from the rotation axis of the second feeding member 46 provided inside the container frame 47 a.

The surface 47b also serves as a guide portion for guiding the claw portion 53b, the arm portion 53a (to the engagement position) radially outward from the container frame 47a, and also serves as an urging portion (pressing portion) for urging the arm portion 53a and the claw portion 53b radially outward. In addition, the surface 47b also functions as an engagement position holding portion for holding the engagement portion (claw portion 53b) at the engagement position (position where it is engaged with the hole portion 33) when the second shutter 53 is at the open position. By the surface 47b supporting the snap-fit (the arm portion 53a or the claw portion 53b), the claw portion 53b does not move to the retreat position retreating from the hole portion 33.

When the container frame 47a is rotated in the direction of arrow e in part (b) of fig. 11, the first shutter 37 is pressurized in the rotating direction of the container frame 47a by the contact between the surface 45a of the protrusion 45 and the surface 37a1 of the hole portion 37 a. As a result, in association with the rotation of the container frame 47a, the first shutter 37 opens the second opening 30. The protrusion 45 of the container frame 47a functions as an opening force applying portion (opening position moving portion, opening/closing member moving portion) for applying a force to the first shutter 37 to move it to the opening position.

Subsequently, as shown in part (a) of fig. 12 and part (b) of fig. 12, the first toner containing portion 28 and the second toner containing portion 47 are in fluid communication with each other through the third opening 49 and the second opening 30. Thereby, the opening operation for opening the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 is completed.

At this time, the abutment portion 42a and the rotation guided portion 42b are engaged with the rotation guide portion 35 b. Thereby, the toner cartridge E is prevented from moving relative to the developing unit D in a state where the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 are opened.

That is, the toner cartridge E is prevented from moving in the y direction and the k direction opposite to the insertion direction f by the force received from the developing unit D. In this state, the second drive transmitting portion 48 of the toner cartridge E is connected with the drive transmitting portion 38 of the developing unit D. Thereby, a driving force for rotating the second toner feeding member 46 can be transmitted from the developing unit. With the above configuration, toner can be supplied from the second toner storing portion 47t of the toner cartridge E into the first toner storing portion 28 of the developing unit D. In this embodiment, the drive transmitting portion 38 of the second drive transmitting portion 48 for transmitting the driving force to the toner cartridge E is provided on the developing unit D side. However, the drive transmitting portion 38 that engages with the second drive transmitting portion 48 may be provided on the toner cartridge E side, as in the embodiment that will be described later. The engagement between the gears is called meshing engagement, which also applies to the case of a belt or the like provided with a protrusion.

(switching from toner cartridge insertion operation to shutter opening operation)

Referring to part (a) of fig. 1 and 9 and part (b) of fig. 9, a switching operation from an insertion operation of the toner cartridge E to a shutter opening operation, which is a feature of this embodiment, will be described. Part (a) of fig. 9 is a side view and shows a relationship of a force applied to the toner cartridge E when the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D. Part (b) of fig. 9 is a side view and shows a relationship of a force applied to the toner cartridge E in the case of using the abutting portion 42a having a different structure.

As shown in part (a) of fig. 9, the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D by the user, whereby the abutting portion 42a abuts to the abutted portion (portion-to-be-abutted) 35 a. Thereby, the toner cartridge E receives the force F1 and the force F2. More specifically, a force F1 applied when the user inserts the toner cartridge E acts on the grip member 44, and an equivalent force F2 as a reaction force is applied to the abutment portion 42a of the insertion guided portion 42.

Here, a straight line (imaginary line) m parallel to the mounting direction of the toner cartridge E and passing through the rotational axis S of the toner cartridge E (the rotational axis of the second shutter member 53) will be considered. The length of the arm from the imaginary line m to the grip member 44 is r1, and the length of the arm from the rotation axis (rotation center) S to the abutment portion 42a is r 2. At this time, the moment M about the rotation axis S of the third opening 49 (part (d) of fig. 5) of the toner cartridge E is as follows:

M＝F1×r1+F2×r2。

as shown in part (a) of fig. 9, the rotational movement direction of the toner cartridge E (container frame 47a) when the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 are opened is counterclockwise (the direction of arrow E) as viewed in the axial direction of the rotation of the container frame 47 a. In this embodiment, the abutment portion 42a is on a straight line (imaginary line) m parallel to the insertion direction (guide direction) f and passing through the rotation axis S of the container frame 47a, and therefore r2 is 0. The grip member 44 is arranged downstream of the straight line m with respect to the rotational movement direction e (taking a positive value in the opening direction (the direction of the arrow e) of the second opening 30 and the third opening 49).

Therefore, F1 × r1>0, and M > 0.

Since F1 × r1>0 and M >0, the force F1 applied by the user when inserting the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D is converted into a force effective to rotate the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 in the opening direction E. Therefore, the entire toner cartridge E is rotated by the force F1 applied to the toner cartridge E in the direction F.

The larger the moment M, the easier the toner cartridge E rotates. In other words, as the moment M increases, the smoothness of the opening operation of the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 increases.

As for the structure of increasing the moment M, for example, a modification of the abutting portion 42a may be considered, as shown in part (b) of fig. 9. This means that the abutment portion 42a is disposed on the side opposite to the grip member 44 with respect to an imaginary line m parallel to the mounting direction f and passing through the rotation axis S of the container frame 47 a.

When the force applied to the abutment portion 42a is F3 and the distance from the imaginary line M to the abutment portion 42a is r3, the moment M about the rotation axis S is as follows, similar to the case of part (a) of fig. 9:

M＝F1×r1+F3×r3。

in this case, F3 × r3 is a moment in the direction (opening direction e) in which the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 are opened. Therefore, the moment M is large, and therefore, the container frame 47a is more easily rotated in the opening direction e. The positional relationship between the abutment portion 42a and the gripping member 44 described above can be applied to the relationship between the abutment portion 43a and the gripping member 44, thereby providing a similar effect.

Referring to fig. 64, the positional relationship of the gripping member 44 will be described in more detail. Fig. 64 shows a state in which the toner cartridge E is projected on a projection plane perpendicular to the rotation axis S and the toner cartridge E is divided into two regions (i.e., a region R1 and a region R2) by an imaginary line m.

In this case, the grip member 44 is in the same region R1 as the third opening (discharge opening) 49. In this embodiment, the entire gripping member 44 is in region R1. That is, both the free end portion (grip portion) 44t and the base portion 44s of the grip member 44 are in the region R1. However, the free end portion (operation portion, grip portion) 44t directly gripped by the user is on the region R1 side. The base of the gripping member 44 is the connecting portion between the container 47 and the gripping member 44. In addition, the projection (container-side projection, opening/closing member moving portion) 45 and the claw portion 53a (opening/closing member-side engaging portion), the surface (engaging position moving portion) 47b are also on the region R1 side.

The projection 45, the claw portion 53a, the surface 47b, and the third opening 49 in the grip member 44, which are associated with the opening and closing operations of the first shutter 37 and the second shutter 53, are all in the region R1. Thereby, the structure relating to the first and second shutters 37 and 53a is simplified, and therefore, the toner cartridge E and/or the developing cartridge D can be downsized.

To further describe the positional relationship of the grip member 44, the toner cartridge E is divided into four parts by the imaginary line m and the imaginary line n. The imaginary line n is a straight line passing through the rotation axis S and perpendicular to the imaginary line m. Accordingly, the toner cartridge E is divided into four regions, i.e., a region R1a, a region R1b, a region R2a, and a region R2 b. The region R1a, the region R1b, the region R2a, and the region R2b are arranged in the order described above along the direction of the arrow e. The direction of the arrow E is the rotational direction of the container 47 when the toner cartridge E is mounted. In other words, the direction of the arrow e is a direction in which the second shutter 53 rotates from the open position to the closed position with respect to the container 47.

The gripping member 44 (free end portion 44t, base portion 44s), surface (engaging position moving portion) 47b are provided in the same region R1a as the third opening 49.

The projection 45 is arranged in a region R1b, which region R1b is a region downstream of the region R1a in the direction of arrow e. The claw portion 53a is arranged between the projection 45 and the grip member 44 with respect to the direction of the arrow e. The claw portion 53a is arranged adjacent to the imaginary line n. Most of the claw portion 53a is on the region R1b side, but the claw portion 53a may be arranged in the region R1 a.

In the direction of arrow e, the grip member 44, the third opening 49, the surface 47b, the claw portion (engaging portion) 53a, and the projection 45 are arranged in the order described above.

(shutter closing operation)

Referring to part (a) of fig. 10, part (b) of fig. 11, part (c) of fig. 11, and part (b) of fig. 12, the closing operation of the first shutter 37 of the developing unit D and the second shutter 53 of the toner cartridge E will be described. The closing operation of the first shutter 37 and the second shutter 53 is reverse to the opening operation described above. In the closing direction of the first shutter 37 and the second shutter 53, the container frame 47a rotates in the clockwise direction (the direction of arrow h in part (b) of fig. 12) as viewed from the side opposite to the side where the second drive transmission portion 48 is provided.

In the state shown in part (b) of fig. 12, the user holding the holding member 44 rotates the container frame 47a in the closing direction (the direction of the arrow h, the closing direction). Then, the surface 45b of the projection 45 of the container frame 47a abuts to the surface 37a2 of the hole portion 37a of the first shutter 37. Thereby, the first shutter 37 receives the force from the surface 37a2 to rotate in association with the rotating operation of the container 47. The first shutter 37 is moved to a closing position for closing the second opening 30. The surface 45b of the protrusion 45 is a closing force applying portion for applying a force to the first shutter 37 to move the first shutter 37 to the closed position.

At this time, as shown in part (c) of fig. 11, the claw portion 53b of the second shutter 53 is disposed at the engagement position by the surface 47b as described above, so that the claw portion 53b is engaged with the hole portion 33 of the developing unit D. Therefore, the surface 53f of the claw portion 53b abuts to the surface 33a of the hole portion 33, and therefore, the second shutter 53 does not rotate integrally with the container frame 47 a. That is, by the engagement between the claw portion 53b and the hole portion 33, the surface 53f receives the force from the surface 33a, and therefore, the rotation of the second shutter 53 is regulated. In other words, the second shutter 53 does not move integrally with the container frame 47a, thereby allowing relative movement between the second shutter 53 and the container frame 47 a. Therefore, the second shutter 53 is moved to the closing position for closing the third opening 49 with respect to the container frame 47 a.

The claw portion 53b is a shutter-side engaging portion engageable with the hole portion (receiving-device-side engaging portion) 33 so as to receive a force for moving the second shutter 53 when the claw portion 53b is at the engaging position. Specifically, the surface 53f of the claw portion 53b in contact with the hole portion 33 is a force receiving portion for receiving a force from the hole portion 33.

When the container frame 47a is further rotated in the closing direction (the direction of the arrow h), the toner cartridge E is disengaged from the developing unit D, as shown in part (a) of fig. 10 and part (b) of fig. 10.

That is, the claw portion 53b of the second shutter 53, which has engaged with the hole portion 33 of the developing unit D, moves radially inward from the container frame 47a, so that the surface 53e moves along the surface 47 b. That is, the claw portion 53b is retracted from the engagement position where it engages with the hole portion 33 and moved to the retracted position along the surface 47 b. This is the state shown in part (a) of fig. 1 and part (b) of fig. 1.

More specifically, as described above, the outer periphery of the container frame 47a has a diameter that changes at the boundary of the surface 47 b. When the surface 47b reaches the position of the claw portion 53b by the rotation of the container frame 47a, the radius of the container frame 47a gradually decreases along the surface 47 b. Therefore, the shape of the arm portion 53a elastically deformed outward by the container frame 47a is restored. That is, the elastic deformation of the arm portion 53a is released to allow the arm portion 53a to move radially inward.

As a result, the claw portion 53b is moved radially inward from the container frame 47a by the elastic force of the arm portion 53a (portion (c) of fig. 11). The surface 47b is a guide portion for guiding the claw portion 53b to move inward toward the inside of the container frame 47 a. That is, when the second shutter 53 moves from the closed position to the open position (when the toner cartridge E is mounted), the surface 47b guides the claw portion 53b from the retreat position to the engagement position. Conversely, when the second shutter 53 moves from the open position to the closed position (when the toner cartridge E is detached), the surface 47b guides the claw portion 53b from the engaging position to the retracted position.

The surface 47b constitutes a recess recessed radially inward from the container frame 47a to provide a clearance space (escape) for allowing the claw portion 53b to move radially inward from the container frame 47a through the surface 47 a. That is, the surface 47b is an allowing portion for allowing the claw portion 53b to move to the retreat position.

"radially inward from the container frame 47 a" means inward with respect to a rotational radius when the second shutter 53 is rotated with respect to the container frame 47 a. In other words, "radially inward" means toward the inside of the container frame 47a or toward the rotational axis (central axis) of the container frame 47 a. "radially inward" means toward the second feeding member 46 (or the rotational axis thereof) provided inside the container frame 47 a.

The toner cartridge E can be taken out in the direction of the arrow k in the portion (b) of fig. 10 by the claw portion 53b of the second shutter 53 moving from the engagement position (the portion (c) of fig. 11) to the retreat position (the portion (b) of fig. 1) to escape from the hole portion 33.

The moving distance measured along the radial direction of the container frame 47a when the claw portion 53b moves from the engaging position to the retracted position (or from the retracted position to the engaging position) is not less than 1.3 mm. Thereby, switching between the engaged state between the claw portion 53b and the hole portion 33 and the disengaged state therebetween is ensured.

Although the claw portion 53b is movable in the radial direction of the container frame 47a (the rotational radial direction of the second shutter 53), it is not essential that the claw portion 53b be moved in parallel with the radial direction, but it may be moved in a direction intersecting the radial direction.

That is, it is not essential that the claw portion 53b moves only in the radial direction, but it is sufficient as long as the claw portion 53b moves relative to the main body portion 53m of the shutter at least in the radial direction. For example, the claw portion 53b may move in the axial direction of the container frame 47a (the rotational axis direction of the second shutter 53) as the claw portion 53b moves in the radial direction. Alternatively, the claw portion 53b may be movable relative to the shutter main body portion 53m in the circumferential direction of the container frame 47a (the rotational movement direction of the second shutter 53) with the movement of the claw portion 53b in the radial direction.

In a state where the toner cartridge E is set at the mounting position, the grip member 44 is arranged downstream of an imaginary line passing through the rotational axis and extending in the insertion direction f as viewed in the direction of the rotational axis of the container frame 47a with respect to the rotational direction of the container frame 47 a. In this position, the grip member 44 receives a force for rotating the container frame 47a, which is provided by the operation of the user. This position is such that when the grip member 44 receives a force in the insertion direction f, a moment is generated in the direction in which the container frame 47a rotates relative to the developing unit D.

In other words, the toner cartridge E of this embodiment is such that, when the container frame 47a is rotated at this position, the force (arrow R in fig. 9) applied to the grip member 44 includes a component force (arrow Rf in fig. 9) in the insertion direction f. By the user applying a force to the grip member 44 in the insertion direction f at the time of insertion, the grip member 44 receives the force in the insertion direction f when the toner cartridge E reaches the mounting position. That is, when the toner cartridge E reaches the mounting position, a part of the force required to rotate the container frame 47a has been applied to the grip member 44. Therefore, by the pressure applied by the user to the grip member 44 in the insertion direction f, during the container frame 47a continues to rotate from the toner cartridge E to the mounting position, the force in the insertion direction f also continues to be applied to the grip member 44.

Thus, in a series of mounting operations including the insertion of the toner cartridge E into the mounting position in the developing unit D and the subsequent rotation of the container frame 47a by the user holding the grip member (handle) 44, the conversion of the force from the insertion operation force to the rotation operation force is smooth. Therefore, the user can smoothly perform the insertion operation of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D and the opening operation for the first and second shutters 37 and 53, and thus, the operability is significantly improved.

In this embodiment, when the toner cartridge E is at the mounting position, the grip member (handle) 44 receives a force at a position farther from the rotation axis than the abutment portion 42a, as viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the container frame 47 a. Thus, in the rotation of the container frame 47a, due to the principle of leverage, the container frame 47a can be rotated by a relatively small force against the sliding resistance between the abutting portion 42a and the abutted portion 35a and the rotation guide 35 b. The same applies to the sliding resistance between the abutting portion 43a and the abutted portion 36a and the rotation guide 36 b.

In this embodiment, the second shutter 53 is rotatable around the circumference of the container 47 (container frame 47 a). Thereby, the second shutter 53 can be opened and closed by the rotational operation of the toner cartridge E with respect to the developing unit D (receiving device). In the case where the second shutter 53 is opened and closed by the rotational operation of the toner cartridge E, the space required to open and close the second shutter 53 is desirably smaller than the space required in the case where the second shutter 53 is opened and closed by the linear movement of the toner cartridge E.

That is, in the case where the toner cartridge E rotates relative to the developing unit D, the toner cartridge E only changes its posture, and the center (rotational axis) of the toner cartridge E is hardly displaced relative to the developing unit. In other words, in the opening and closing operation of the second shutter 53, the area occupied by the toner cartridge E in the developing unit D hardly changes. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide a large space for opening and closing of the second shutter 53 in the developing unit D. By adopting the toner cartridge E of this embodiment, a receiving device (developing unit D) for receiving the toner cartridge E and/or an image forming apparatus including the receiving device can be miniaturized.

In addition, the engaging portion (claw portion 53b) of the second shutter 53 moves with the rotation of the toner cartridge E. That is, the engaging portion is moved to an appropriate position upon the rotational operation of the toner cartridge E. For this reason, the engaging portion does not interfere with mounting and dismounting during mounting and dismounting of the toner cartridge E. The engaging portion is capable of closing the opening/closing member during the detachment of the toner cartridge E.

In addition, by the rotating operation of the toner cartridge E, the engaging portion moves. That is, with the rotating operation of the toner cartridge E, the engaging portion moves. For this reason, a mechanism for transmitting the driving force from the main assembly of the apparatus to the toner cartridge so as to move the engaging portion is no longer required. Thereby, the structures of the toner cartridge E, the developing unit D, and the image forming apparatus can be simplified.

(modification example)

In the foregoing embodiment, the arm portion (supporting portion) 53c itself has an elastic portion capable of elastic deformation, and the claw portion (engaging portion) 53b is moved from the engaging position to the retreat position by the elastic force of the arm portion 53c itself.

However, the elastic portion may be provided as an additional member independent of the supporting portion (the arm portion 53c) and/or the engaging portion (the claw portion 53 b). For example, the arm portion 53c (support portion) is mounted on the main body portion 53m of the shutter so as to be slidable and/or rotatable. Then, the arm portion 53c is urged to the retreat position by an additional elastic portion (elastic member) independent from the arm portion 53 c. With such a structure, even if the arm portion 53c itself is not elastically deformed, the same effect as that of the embodiment can be provided. Such a structure will be described in detail below with respect to embodiment 7.

In addition, in this embodiment, the entire second shutter 53 including the main body portion 53m, the arm portion 53a, and the claw portion 53b of the shutter is integrally molded from a resin material. However, the second shutter 53 may be constituted by combining separate members. For example, a metal plate spring (metal member) may be connected with the main body portion 53m of the shutter of the resin material to serve as a support portion for the shutter-side engagement portion. In such a case, it is preferable that the free end of the plate spring is bent to form the shutter-side engaging portion (claw portion 53b), or a separate member serving as the shutter-side engaging portion is fixed on the free end portion of the free end of the plate spring.

Alternatively, the arm portion 53a may be constituted by combining a plurality of members made of a resin material and/or a metal or the like.

< example 2>

(laser beam deflected in the space defined by the handle)

According to this embodiment, the internal space of the image forming apparatus can be saved.

This embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the foregoing embodiment are given to elements having corresponding functions in this embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the drawings, a part of the shape or the element is omitted for the sake of simplifying the description. The size, material, configuration, relative position of the elements in this embodiment may be modified as appropriate depending on the structure of the device and/or various conditions. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific structure in this embodiment.

The electrophotographic image forming apparatus is the same as the above-described embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. The structure of the toner cartridge receiving portion of the developing unit D and its surroundings will be described in detail.

Part (a) of fig. 13 is a side sectional view showing a positional relationship of the grip member 44 of the toner cartridge E mounted in the image forming apparatus a and the optical path of the laser beam L in the electrostatic latent image forming operation. Part (b) of fig. 13 is a top cross-sectional view illustrating a positional relationship between the grip member 44 of the toner cartridge E disposed in the image forming apparatus a and the irradiation range of the laser beam during the electrostatic latent image forming operation.

In this embodiment, a laser beam L (a beam for forming a latent image on the photosensitive drum 16) passes through an opening formed between the holding member 44 and the container frame 47 a.

As shown in part (b) of fig. 13, the grip member 44 has an operating portion (grip portion) 44b that is gripped and operated by a user, the operating portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E. The opposite longitudinal ends thereof are fixed (integrally molded) to the container frame 47a by the support portions 44 a. Therefore, the toner cartridge E has a structure such that a space is provided between the container frame 47a and the operation portion 44b parallel to the rotation axis S of the grip member 44. In the image forming apparatus a of this embodiment, the laser beam L from the laser scanner 1 passes through a space (communicating portion) between the container frame 47a and the operating portion 44b of the gripping member 44. This can save the internal space of the apparatus.

As shown in part (a) of fig. 13, the grip member 44 is inclined to the limit where the shutter is at the open position, thereby completing the mounting operation. In this mounting completed state, the operating portion 44b of the gripping member 44 does not interfere with the optical path of the laser beam L. As shown in part (b) of fig. 13, the support portion 44a of the holding member 44 supports the operating portion 44b at a position outside the projection range (deflection range) of the laser beam L in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, the toner cartridge E can be efficiently placed in the image forming apparatus a without degrading the operability for the user. Therefore, space saving can be achieved, and the imaging device a can be miniaturized.

It is further preferable that the lower side surface of the operating portion 44b is substantially parallel to the plane formed by the deflection of the laser beam when the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus. More specifically, the underside of the gripping portion is closer to being parallel to the laser beam than a plane that contacts the peripheral surface of the bottle at the base of the handle. In other words, when the opening-side lower surface and the lower surface of the handle on the upstream side with respect to the mounting direction are compared with each other, the lower surface on the downstream side is farther from the peripheral surface of the bottle.

< example 3>

This embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the above-described embodiment are given to elements having corresponding functions in this embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the drawings, a part of the shape or the element is omitted for the sake of simplifying the description. The size, material, configuration, relative position of the elements in this embodiment may be modified as appropriate depending on the structure of the device and/or various conditions. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific structure in this embodiment.

The electrophotographic image forming apparatus is the same as the above-described embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. The structure of the toner cartridge receiving portion of the developing unit D and its surroundings will be described in detail.

A structure for suppressing leakage of the toner t in the vicinity of the communication portion 58 between the second opening (housing member opening) 30 and the third opening (container opening) 49 when the toner cartridge E is attached to or detached from the developing unit D will be described in detail.

(brief description of developing Unit and toner Cartridge)

Referring to fig. 15, a toner cartridge E and a developing unit D detachably mountable to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus a will be described. Part (a) of fig. 15 is a side sectional view schematically showing a state where the developing unit D and the toner cartridge E are separated. Part (b) of fig. 15 is a side sectional view schematically showing a state in which the toner cartridge E is mounted to the developing unit D.

The toner cartridge (developer container) E includes a container frame 47a including a second toner accommodating portion (container accommodating chamber) 47t that accommodates the toner t. The container frame 47a is provided with a third opening (container opening) 49 for communication between the inside and the outside of the second toner containing portion 47 t. Similarly, the container frame 47a is provided with a second shutter (container shutter) 53 for opening and closing the third opening 49, the second shutter 53 being movable along the peripheral surface. In the second toner containing portion 47t of the container frame 47a, the second toner feeding member 46 is rotatably supported. The second toner feeding member 46 feeds the toner contained in the second toner containing portion toward the third opening 49 and discharges the toner through the opening 49.

The toner cartridge E including these elements can be detachably mounted to the developing unit D. In a state where the toner cartridge E is set (mounted) on the developing unit D, the container frame 47a is rotatable (relatively movable) with respect to the developing unit D (frame 35) about a rotation axis parallel to the developing roller axis direction z.

The developing unit (accommodating member) D includes a developing roller (developer carrying member) 24 and a developing blade (regulating member) 25 as developing means. Further, the developing roller 24 and the developing blade 25 are mounted to a frame (developing device frame) 35 of the developing unit D.

The frame 35 includes a first toner housing portion (housing member housing chamber) 28 that houses the toner t, a developing chamber 31, a first opening 29 for communication between the developing chamber 31 and the first toner housing portion 28, and a second opening (housing member opening) 30 for communication between the inside and the outside of the first toner housing portion 28. The second opening 30 is provided at a position such that it is opposed to the third opening 49 of the toner cartridge E mounted to the developing unit D. The frame 35 is provided with a movable first shutter (housing member shutter) 37 capable of opening and closing the second opening 30. In the first toner containing portion 28 of the frame 35, a first toner feeding member 27 is rotatably supported. The developing roller 24 is disposed in the frame 35 so that a part of its peripheral surface is exposed to the inside of the developing chamber 31.

In the mounted state, the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D constitute a communicating portion 58 through the third opening 49 of the toner cartridge E and the second opening 30 of the developing unit D. The first toner containing portion 28 and the second toner containing portion 47t are in fluid communication with each other through the communication portion 58. In this state, the second toner feeding member 46 rotatably supported in the second toner containing portion 47t of the toner cartridge E is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow u 1. Thereby, the toner t accommodated in the second toner accommodating portion 47t of the toner cartridge E is supplied into the second toner accommodating portion 47t through the third opening 49. The toner t fed from the toner cartridge E through the third opening 49 is supplied into the first toner accommodating portion 28 of the developing unit D through the communicating portion 58 and the second opening 30. The toner t is fed into the developing chamber 31 through the first opening 29 by the rotation of the first toner feeding member 27 rotatably supported in the first toner containing portion 28 in the direction indicated by the arrow u 2.

In the developing chamber 31, a developing roller 24 including a magnet roller 26 therein is provided. The developing roller 24 attracts the toner t in the developing chamber 31 to the surface of the developing roller 24 by the magnetic force of the magnet roller 26. The developing blade 25 is elastically contacted with the developing roller 24 with a predetermined contact pressure. By the rotation of the developing roller 24 in the direction indicated by the arrow b, the amount of the toner t deposited on the surface of the developing roller 24 is regulated, and the toner t is triboelectrically charged. Thereby, a toner layer is formed on the surface of the developing roller 24. The developing roller 24 is supplied with a voltage from an image forming apparatus a (not shown) and the developing roller 24 rotates in a direction indicated by an arrow b, thereby supplying toner t to a developing region of the photosensitive drum 16. Thereby, the toner t is transferred onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 16 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image, and the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image on the photosensitive drum 16. The developing roller 24, the first toner feeding member 27, and the second toner feeding member 46 are rotated by a driving force transmitted from a power source (not shown) such as a motor or the like provided in the main assembly of the apparatus.

(shutter structure of developing unit and toner cartridge)

Referring to fig. 16, 17, 18, 19 and part (a) of fig. 24 and part (b) of fig. 24, the structures of the shutters of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D will be described. Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the third opening of the toner cartridge E. Fig. 17 is a perspective view illustrating an opening and closing operation of the shutter of the toner cartridge E. Part (a) of fig. 17 shows a closed state of the shutter, and part (b) of fig. 17 shows an open state of the shutter. Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the second opening of the developing unit D. Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an opening and closing operation of the shutter of the developing unit D. Part (a) of fig. 19 shows a closed state of the shutter, and part (b) of fig. 19 shows an open state of the shutter. Part (a) of fig. 24 is a sectional view of the frame 48 of the toner cartridge E taken along line a1 of fig. 16. Part (b) of fig. 24 is a sectional view of the frame 33 of the developing unit D taken along line a2 of fig. 18.

The toner cartridge E includes a container frame 47a, a third opening 49 provided in the container frame 47a, and a second shutter 53 in a second sealing member 157. The container frame 47a further includes a guide portion 50a for guiding the second shutter 53, and a guide portion 50 b.

The second shutter 53 is provided with a guided portion 154a and a guided portion 154b to be guided by the guide portion 50a and the guide portion 50b provided on the container frame 47 a. The guided portion 154a and the guided portion 154b provided on the second shutter 53 are inserted into the exterior portion 47a1 of the container frame 47a and the gaps 50a1 and 50b1 between the guide portion 50a and the guide portion 50 b. With such a structure, the second shutter 53 is movable between an open state (container open position, part (b) of fig. 17) for opening the third opening 49 provided in the container frame 47a and a closed state (container closed position, part (a) of fig. 17) for closing the third opening 49.

As shown in fig. 18, the developing unit D includes a frame 35, a second opening 30 provided in the frame 35, a first shutter 37, and a first seal member 32. As shown in part (b) of fig. 24, the frame 35 is provided with a guide portion 34a for guiding the first shutter 37 and an opening and closing guide portion 34 b. In addition, the first shutter 37 is provided with a guide portion 34a provided on the frame 35, a guided portion 37s and a guided portion 37t to be guided by the guide portion 34a and the opening and closing guide portion 34b, respectively. The guided portion 37s and the guided portion 37t provided on the first shutter 37 are inserted into the exterior portions 35a, 35b of the frame 35 and the gaps 34a1 and 34b1 between the opening and closing guide portions 34a, 34 b. Thereby, the first shutter 37 is movable between an open state (housing member open position, part (b) of fig. 19) for opening the second opening 30 provided in the frame 35 and a closed state (housing member closed position, part (a) of fig. 19) for closing the second opening 30.

[ opening and closing operation of shutter ]

The operation of the shutter provided on the developing unit D and the toner cartridge E of this embodiment will be described in detail.

Fig. 20, 21, 22, 23 show shutter opening/closing operations of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D. Fig. 20 is a schematic sectional side view of the structure around the opening in a state where the toner cartridge E is engaged with the developing unit D; part (a) of fig. 20 shows a state where the opening is closed; part (b) of fig. 20 shows a state where the opening is opened. Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D. Fig. 22 is a schematic sectional view of the hole portion 33L and the projection 56a, and the hole portion 33R and the projection 56b in a state where the toner cartridge E is engaged with the developing unit D. Fig. 23 is a schematic sectional side view of the shutter portion in a state where the toner cartridge E is engaged with the developing unit D.

The second shutter member 53 includes a body portion (closing portion) 53m for closing the third opening 39, similarly to embodiment 1. Opposite end portions of the main body portion 53m are provided with arm portions (connecting portion, supporting portion, elastic portion, deformable portion, movable portion) 56c, 56d, respectively. They are also provided with a claw portion (projection, shutter-side engaging portion, engaged portion) 56a supported by the arm portion 56c, and a claw portion (projection, shutter-side engaging portion, engaged portion) 56b supported by the arm portion 56 d.

The claw portions 56a, 56b correspond to the claw portion 53b of embodiment 1, but there are some differences in structure and function. Similarly, the arm portions 56c, 56d correspond to the arm portion 53a of embodiment 1. The following will describe the differences from embodiment 1.

As shown in part (a) of fig. 20, in a state immediately after the engagement (mounting) between the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D, the third opening 49 of the toner cartridge E and the second opening 30 of the developing unit D are not opposed to each other. When the toner cartridge E is mounted to the developing unit D, the projection (container engaged portion) 56a of the second shutter 53 of the toner cartridge E and the hole portion 33L of the frame 35 of the developing unit D are opposed to (engaged with) each other. Similarly, the projection (container engaged portion) 56b of the second shutter 53 of the toner cartridge E and the hole portion 33R on the frame 35 of the developing unit D are opposed to (engaged with) each other. In addition, the projections (container engagement portions) 45a, 45b of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E are opposed to (engaged with) the hole portions 37aL, 37aR of the first shutter 37 of the developing unit D.

In embodiment 1, the claw portion (shutter-side engaging portion) 53b of the second shutter member 53 does not enter the hole portion 33 (portion (a) of fig. 1) when the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D. More specifically, by rotation of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E, the claw portion 53b enters the hole portion 33 to establish engagement (portion (c) of fig. 11).

In contrast in this embodiment, the projections (claw portions, shutter-side engaging portions) 56a, 56b of the second shutter 53 enter the hole portions 33(33R, 33L) of the developing unit D before the rotation of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E.

The shutter-side engaging portions (claw portions 56a, 56b) receive, from the developing unit D, a force for moving the second shutter 53 from the closed position to the open position and a force for moving the second shutter 53 from the open position to the closed position. This will be further explained.

(opening operation)

First, the toner cartridge E is moved to a predetermined mounting position of the developing unit D. By rotating the toner cartridge E, the third opening 49 of the toner cartridge E can be changed from the closed state (non-communicating position, part (a) of fig. 17) to the open state (communicating position, part (b) of fig. 17). More specifically, as shown in fig. 20, the user rotates the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E about the point F in the direction indicated by the arrow k 1. At this time, when the container frame 47a is rotated about the point F in the direction of the arrow k1, the downstream side surface 56a1 of the projection 56a of the second shutter 53 with respect to the direction of the arrow k1 and the downstream surface 33L1 of the hole portion 33L with respect to the direction of the arrow k1 contact each other. Similarly, when the container frame 47a is rotated in the direction of the arrow k1, the downstream side surface 56b1 of the projection 56b with respect to the direction of the arrow k1 and the downstream surface 33R1 of the hole portion 33R with respect to the direction of the arrow k1 contact each other. Therefore, when the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E is rotated in the direction of the arrow k1, the second shutter 53 does not move because it is regulated by the hole portions 33L and 33R of the frame 35 of the developing unit D. As a result, the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E and the second shutter 53 are moved relative to each other, so that the third opening 49 of the container frame 47a is not covered by the second shutter 53.

That is, the second shutter 53 moves relative to the container frame 47a by the claw portions 56a, 56b of the second shutter 53 receiving a force from the hole portions 33(33L, 33R) of the developing unit. In other words, the second shutter 53 rotates from the open position where at least a part of the third opening 49 is open to the closed position where the third opening 49 is substantially closed, with the force received by the claw portions 56a, 56 b.

As shown in fig. 23, the container frame 47a rotates about the point F in the direction of the arrow k 1. With this rotation, the downstream surface 45a1 of the projection 45a of the container frame 47a with respect to the direction of the arrow k1 pushes the downstream surface 37aL1 of the hole portion 37aL of the first shutter 37 with respect to the direction of the arrow k1 in the direction indicated by the arrow c 1. Similarly, the downstream surface 45b1 of the projection 45b of the container frame 47a with respect to the direction of the arrow k1 pushes the downstream surface 37aR1 of the hole portion 37aR of the first shutter 37 in the direction indicated by the arrow c 1. Therefore, with the rotation of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E about the point F in the direction of the arrow k1, the first shutter 37 of the developing unit D moves in the direction of the arrow c1 with respect to the frame 35, thereby opening the second opening 30 (part (b) of fig. 20).

Therefore, as the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E is rotationally displaced in the direction of the arrow k1, the first shutter 37 changes the second opening 30 of the developing unit D from the closed state to the open state. As shown in part (b) of fig. 20, the first toner housing portion 28 of the developing unit D and the second toner housing portion 47t of the toner cartridge E are in fluid communication with each other through a communication portion 58 provided by a part of the second opening 30 and the third opening 49. Thereby, the toner t can be supplied from the second toner accommodating portion 47t of the toner cartridge E into the first toner accommodating portion 28 of the developing unit D.

As shown in fig. 27, by the rotation of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E, the point Q on the surface 47b of the container frame 47a contacts the claw portions 56a, 56b to push (push) them. The arm portions 56c, 56d are deformed radially outward from the container frame 47a by the force received by the claw portions 56a, 56b from the point Q. Then, the projection 56a supported by the arm portion 56c and the projection 56b supported by the arm portion 56d are deep into the hole portions 33L, 33R, respectively. In this state, the claw portions 56a, 56b have moved to the engagement positions where they engage with the hole portions 33L, 33R. That is, the claw portions 56a, 56b are held in the engaged position by the surface 47 b.

Part (c) of fig. 24 is a sectional view taken along line a3 of part (b) of fig. 20, in which the second opening 30 of the developing unit D and the third opening 49 of the toner cartridge E are in fluid communication with each other. As the rotation of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E in the direction indicated by the arrow k1 proceeds, the guide portions 50a, 50b of the container frame 47a are inserted into the gaps 34a1, 34b1 of the frame 35 of the developing unit D, as shown in part (c) of fig. 24. In addition, the opening and closing guide portions 34a, 34b of the frame 35 of the developing unit D enter the gaps 50a1, 50b1 of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E. Thereby, when the second opening 30 of the developing unit D and the third opening 49 of the toner cartridge E are in fluid communication with each other, the toner cartridge E is prevented from moving in the direction of the arrow q1 (part (b) of fig. 20, part (c) of fig. 24). In other words, in a state where the second opening 30 of the developing unit D and the third opening 49 of the toner cartridge E are in fluid communication with each other, the developing unit D and the toner cartridge E are not separated from each other.

(closing operation)

The closing operation for changing the relationship between the second opening 30 of the developing unit D and the third opening 49 of the toner cartridge E from the fluid communication state (part (b) of fig. 20) to the closed state (part (a) of fig. 20) is opposite to the opening operation. That is, when the user operates in the direction opposite to the case of moving the first and second shutters 37 and 53 to the open state, the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E rotates about the point F in the direction indicated by the arrow k2 (part (b) of fig. 20). At this time, as shown in fig. 23, the projection 45a of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E and the hole portion 37aL of the first shutter 37 of the developing unit D are engaged with each other. Similarly, the projection 45b of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E and the hole portion 37aR of the first shutter 37 of the developing unit D are engaged with each other.

Therefore, as the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E rotates about the point F in the direction of the arrow k2, the downstream side surface 45a2 of the projection 45a with respect to the direction of the arrow k2 pushes the downstream surface 37aL2 of the first shutter 37 with respect to the direction of the arrow k2 in the direction indicated by the arrow c 2. In addition, the downstream side surface 45b2 of the projection 45b with respect to the direction of the arrow k2 pushes the downstream surface 37aR2 of the hole portion 37aR of the first shutter 37 with respect to the direction of the arrow k2 in the direction indicated by the arrow c 2. Therefore, the first shutter 37 of the developing unit D moves in the direction of the arrow c 2.

In this way, the first shutter 37 of the developing unit D changes the second opening 30 from the open state to the closed state (part (D) of fig. 14, part (a) of fig. 20). In addition, at this time, the second shutter 53 of the toner cartridge E closes the third opening 49, as described later.

When the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E rotates about the point F in the direction of the arrow k2, the projection 56a of the second shutter 57 engages with the hole portion 33L of the developing unit D. The projection 56b of the second shutter 57 engages with the hole portion 33R of the developing unit D. By the engagement of the projections 56a and 56b with the hole portions 33L, 33R, the second shutter 57 does not move when the container frame 47a rotates. Therefore, the third opening 49 of the container frame 47a is moved to a position opposite to the second shutter 57 to close the third opening 49.

The projections 56a and 56b of the second shutter 53 are shutter-side engagement portions (force receiving portions) to be engaged with the hole portions 33L, 33R to receive a force for moving the second shutter 57 to the closed position. That is, the protrusions 56a, 56b engage (hook) with the hole portions 33L, 33R and receive force from the hole portions 33L, 33R, thereby regulating movement of the second shutter 57 to move the second shutter 57 relative to the container frame 47 a. In other words, by the rotation of the second shutter 53 along the outer periphery of the container frame 47a, the third opening 49 is moved from the open position where the third opening 49 is at least partially opened to the closed position where the third opening 49 is substantially closed.

In this way, the container frame 47a rotates relative to the second shutter 57, and the point Q of the surface 47b separates from the protrusions 56a, 56b when the third opening 49 is closed by the second shutter 57. The surface 47b forms a step at the point Q, and therefore when the point Q is separated from the projection 56a, the elastic deformation of the arm 56c is released from the surface 47b, and therefore, a part of the projection 56a is retreated from the hole portion 33L. That is, the projection 56a is moved from the engagement position to the retreat position by the elastic force of the arm 56 c.

Even if the projection 56a moves to the retreat position, a part of the projection 56a remains in the hole portion 33L. However, the degree of entry of the projection 56a into the hole portion 33L is reduced. Therefore, when the user takes out the toner cartridge E from the developing unit D, the protrusion 56a can be smoothly disengaged from the hole portion 33L.

Similarly, when the point Q is separated from the projection 56b, the elastic deformation of the arm 56d by the surface 47b is released, so that a part of the projection 56b is retreated from the hole portion 33R. That is, the projection 56b is moved from the engagement position to the retreat position by the elastic force of the arm 56 d.

Even if the claw portion 56a is moved to the retreat position, a part of the projection 56a is still in the hole portion 33L. However, the degree of entry of the projection 56a into the hole portion 33L is reduced. Therefore, when the user takes out the toner cartridge E from the developing unit D, the protrusion 56a can be smoothly disengaged from the hole portion 33L.

Thereby, the projections 56a, 56b do not hinder the removal of the toner cartridge E. The projections 56a and 56b move between the engaging position and the retracted position along the surface 47b of the container frame 47 a. In other words, when the second shutter 47 is moved to the open position, the surface 47b functions as a guide portion for guiding the projections 56a, 56b from the retracted position to the engaged position. In addition, when the second shutter 47 is moved to the closed position, the surface 47b serves to guide the projections 56a and 56b from the engaged position to the retracted position.

In this embodiment, even if the shutter-side engaging portions (the claw portions 56a, 56b) are moved from the engaging position to the retracted position, the engagement between the shutter-side engaging portions and the receiving-device-side engaging portions (the hole portions 33L, 33R) is not completely released. However, by the shutter-side engaging portion being moved to the retreat position, the disengaging operation is easily performed.

3.§ toner leakage suppression at shutter closing §

The structure and relationship of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D in the vicinity of the opening will be described in detail. In addition, the behavior of the toner left in the openings of the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D when the toner cartridge E is removed will also be described in detail.

(toner collecting operation)

Referring to fig. 14, a collecting operation of collecting the toner t into the toner containing portion with the shutter closing operation will be described. Fig. 14 is a sectional view schematically showing the structure around the communication portion 58 between the developing unit D and the toner cartridge E in this embodiment. Part (a) of fig. 14 shows a state in which the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 are aligned with each other. In this state, the first toner housing portion 28 of the developing unit D and the second toner housing portion 47t of the toner cartridge E are in fluid communication with each other through the communication portion 58. In such a communicating state, the toner t can be fed from the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D.

Part (b) of fig. 14 shows a state in which the container frame 47a has been rotated relative to the frame 35 from the state shown in part (a) of fig. 14. In this state, the area where the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 overlap each other is small. Part (c) of fig. 14 shows a state in which the container frame 47a has been rotated relative to the frame 35 from the state shown in part (b) of fig. 14. In this state, the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 do not overlap each other, thereby closing the communication portion 58. In this state, the first shutter 37 does not completely close the second opening 30. Similarly, the second shutter 53 does not completely close the third opening 49.

Part (d) of fig. 14 shows a state in which the container frame 47a has been rotated relative to the frame 35 from the state shown in part (c) of fig. 14. In this state, the first shutter 37 and the second shutter 53 completely close the second opening 30 and the third opening 49, respectively. In this state, the toner cartridge E can be removed from the developing unit D.

As shown in part (a) of fig. 14 and fig. 26, in this embodiment, the collecting portion 30a is provided at a position downstream of the first shutter 37 for the second opening 30 with respect to the closing direction (arrow c 2). Fig. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating the communicating portion 58 seen from the first toner containing portion 28 side. As shown in part (a) of fig. 14 and fig. 26, the width of the third opening 49 measured in the displacement direction k2 of the container frame 47a (the moving direction c2 of the first shutter 37) is smaller than the width of the second opening 30. Of the openings of the communicating portion 58 shown in part (a) of fig. 14, the moving direction of the third opening 49 with respect to the second opening 30, which is provided by the rotating operation of the container frame 47a, is referred to as "displacement direction". A downstream end portion of the third opening 49 with respect to the displacement direction is upstream of a downstream end of the second opening 30. That is, when the toner t is fed and supplied through the communicating portion 58, the spatial area defined by the second opening 30 in the communicating portion 58 is opened in the antigravity direction with respect to the spatial area defined by the third opening 49. A space provided by expanding to the second opening 30 side of the communication portion 58 by the difference in size between the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 is the collecting portion 30 a.

In addition, an upstream surface (upstream-side end portion) 49a below the third opening 49 of the frame of the toner cartridge E is inclined so that the second opening 30 of the developing unit D is in a lower position. That is, the upstream surface 49a is a surface area facing the direction of the arrow u1 (the rotational moving direction of the container frame 47a) in the end surface of the third opening 49, and the first toner containing portion 28 (the second opening 30) side thereof is lower than the second toner containing portion 47 side with respect to the gravitational direction G.

As shown in part (a) of fig. 14, a feeding state is conceived in which the toner is filled (upward with respect to the gravity direction G) to the height of the third opening 49 in the communicating portion 58 during feeding of the toner from the second toner containing portion 47t into the first toner containing portion 28. The toner t supplied from the second toner containing portion 47t into the first toner containing portion 28 through the communicating portion 58 moves in the direction from the third opening 49 to the second opening 30 through the communicating portion 58. Therefore, the height of the interface is regulated by the third opening 49 which is lower than the second opening 30. As shown in part (b) of fig. 15, when reaching the third opening 49, the second toner feeding member 46, which rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow u1 in the toner cartridge E, feeds the toner t in the direction indicated by the arrow ua1 opposite to the direction of gravity G. If the third opening 49 is not filled with the toner t, the toner t fed to the third opening 49 by the second toner feeding member 46 is supplied into the developing unit D along the upstream side surface 49a inclined downward toward the toner containing chamber 28. That is, the second toner feeding member 46 of the toner cartridge E scoops up the toner t to the third opening 30, but does not load the toner into the developing unit D. Therefore, when the toner t fills the third opening 49, the toner t is not supplied from the second toner accommodating chamber 47t to the first toner accommodating chamber 28 even if the second toner feeding member 46 rotates. In addition, the collecting portion 30a is arranged upstream (above) of the third opening 49 with respect to the gravitational direction G. For this reason, the toner t is not present in the collecting portion 30 a.

As shown in part (a) of fig. 14, the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E moves in the direction of arrow k2 (the first shutter 37 moves in the direction of arrow c2) to change the states of the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 from the open state to the closed state (non-fluid communication state). At this time, the upstream surface 49a of the third opening 49 of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E with respect to the moving direction (arrow k2) of the container frame 47a moves upward in the direction of arrow k2 with the movement of the container frame 47a while collecting the toner t present in the communicating portion 58. With the movement of the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E, the upstream surface 49a of the third opening 49 reaches the same height level as the collecting portion 30a of the second opening 30, as shown in part (b) of fig. 14. At this time, the height level is higher than the height of the interface of the toner regulated by the downstream surface opposite to the upstream surface 49a of the third opening 49 in the fluid communication state shown in part (a) of fig. 14. As shown in part (b) of fig. 14, at this height position, the upstream surface 49a of the third opening 49 is inclined in the direction indicated by the arrow G provided by combining the arrow gy parallel to the gravitational direction G and the arrow x perpendicular to the arrow gy and extending in the direction from the second toner housing portion 47t toward the first toner housing portion 28. Therefore, by this inclination of the upstream surface 49a, the toner t collected by the upstream surface 49a of the third opening 49 is moved and accommodated into the first toner accommodating portion 28 by the collecting portion 30a, which is in the space above the toner interface provided in the second opening 30.

The toner t collected by the upstream surface 49a of the third opening 49 enters the collecting portion 30a before the upstream surface 49a moves beyond the height of the collecting portion 30a and reaches the vicinity of the first seal member 32. Then, the toner t is collected in the first toner containing portion 28 (portion (c) of fig. 14). Therefore, the deposition of the toner t on the surface 32a of the sealing member 32 can be suppressed. That is, it is possible to prevent the toner t from entering between the first sealing member 32 provided on the developing unit D and the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E.

For reference, fig. 25 shows the developing unit D1 without the collecting portion 30a and the toner cartridge E1 usable therewith. The developing unit D1 is provided with a second opening 930 defined by a developing device frame 935, and the toner cartridge E1 is provided with a third opening 949 defined by a frame 947 a. The second opening 930 and the third opening 949 are substantially the same size and configuration. Through the frame 947a, a toner housing portion 947t is provided.

As shown in part (a) of fig. 25, when the container frame 947a is rotated about the axis F1 in such a state that the toner t fills the communication portion 958, the toner cannot pass through the communication portion 958 and may be stagnated on the upstream surface 949a of the third opening 949 (part (b) of fig. 25).

In such a case, as illustrated in part (c) of fig. 25, in a state where the first shutter 937 and the second shutter 953 close the respective openings, toner is deposited on the surface of the sealing member 932. When toner cartridge E1 is removed from developing unit D1, toner ta deposited on sealing member 932 may leak to the outside of developing unit D1 and/or toner cartridge E1 (part (D) of fig. 25).

In contrast, according to this embodiment, the collecting portion 30a is employed, and therefore such leakage of toner can be prevented. More specifically, by rotation of container frame 47a of toner cartridge E in the direction of arrow k2, toner t moves in direction k 2. Thereby, the toner can be suppressed from leaking to the outside of the frame 35 of the developing unit D and the container frame 47a of the toner cartridge E.

As shown in part (d) of fig. 14, after the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 become non-overlapping with each other, the third opening 49 and the second opening 30 are closed by the second shutter 53 and the first shutter 37, respectively.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the second opening is wider toward the downstream than the third opening with respect to the moving direction of the shutter as viewed in the direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the shutter, whereby the toner can be prevented from leaking to the outside of the opening portion when the opening is closed. Thus, it is not necessary to provide a trapping portion (recess) for trapping toner on the sealing member. Therefore, leakage of toner (developer) in the replacement operation of the toner cartridge can be more effectively suppressed with a simple structure without increasing the side surface of the sealing member or the like.

Hereinabove, the collecting portion 30a has been described with this embodiment, but the collecting portion 30a may be provided in the developing unit D of embodiments 1, 2 (fig. 3, part (a) of fig. 13).

(others)

In this embodiment, the sizes of the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 are implemented to be different from each other to provide the collecting portion 30 a. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. For example, in the communication state shown in part (a) of fig. 1, the collecting portion 30a is provided by positioning the second opening 30 and the third opening 49 with an offset therebetween so that the communication portion 58 is provided by a partial overlapping area. In this case, the size and/or shape of the opening is not limited to a specific size and/or shape. In the foregoing embodiment, the shape of the opening is rectangular, but the opening may be another shape, or may have a different shape as long as an appropriate collecting portion is provided.

In this embodiment, the configuration of the upstream surface 49a of the third opening 49 is inclined such that the inner edge of the upstream surface 49a is downstream of the outer edge with respect to the displacement direction of the third opening 49 with respect to the second opening 30. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. When the communication portion 58 is closed, the third opening 49 is displaced relative to the second opening 30. At this time, another shape may be used as long as the upstream end portion of the third opening 49 with respect to the displacement direction generates a force for pushing the toner from the third opening 49 side to the second opening 30 side.

However, it is not essential that the collecting portion 30a is provided in the developing unit D. The collecting portion 30a may be omitted as shown in fig. 25. That is, in fig. 25, when the toner cartridge E1 is detached from the developing unit D1, the amount of toner in the toner cartridge E1 and/or the developing unit D1 is small because the toner in the toner cartridge E1 and/or the developing unit D1 has been generally consumed. In such a case, the amount of toner in the communicating portion 358 is not large, and therefore, even if the collecting portion 30a is not provided, the toner is less likely to leak at the time of disassembly.

However, it is preferable to provide the collecting portion 30a like this in this embodiment because toner leakage can be reliably suppressed with a simple structure. Further, when the toner cartridge E is removed, toner leakage can be suppressed when toner remains in the toner cartridge E.

In the following embodiment, the collecting portion of this embodiment may be provided in the developing unit D.

< example 4>

The structure related to the opening and closing of the shutter in this embodiment will be described. More specifically, the configuration of the second shutter 253 having the snap-fit portion 271 and the structure for guiding the second shutter 253 will be described. In addition, a drive transmission mechanism for improving the sealing property of a sealing member provided in an end portion of a container frame (frame, cylindrical portion) 247g constituting the second toner containing portion 247t will be explained. Further, a feeding structure for stably supplying the toner t from the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D will be described.

This embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the foregoing embodiment are given to elements having corresponding functions in this embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the drawings, a part of the shape or the element is omitted for the sake of simplifying the description. The size, material, configuration, relative position of the elements in this embodiment may be modified as appropriate depending on the structure of the device and/or various conditions. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific structure in this embodiment.

In this embodiment and the subsequent embodiments, the developing unit D and the drum unit C are integrated into a cartridge, and the developing unit D is a part of a process cartridge (parts (a) and (b) of fig. 29). However, similarly to the foregoing embodiment, the developing unit D may be a separate cartridge, or the developing unit D may be fixed in the main assembly of the apparatus.

In the case where the developing unit D and the drum unit C are integrated into a process cartridge, the process cartridge is a receiving device for receiving the toner cartridge E. However, only a part of the developing unit D, which is a part of the process cartridge, may be referred to as a receiving device according to circumstances.

With regard to the structure of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, description thereof will be omitted because of similarity to other embodiments, and the structure in the vicinity of the receiving portion of the toner cartridge E for the developing unit D will be described and other portions will be described later.

1.§ detailed description of toner cartridge vicinity of developing unit

Referring to fig. 29, 30, and 31, the structure near the receiving portion of the toner cartridge E of the developing unit D according to this embodiment will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the developing unit D is the direction of the axis of the developing roller 224 of the developing unit D.

(Structure of case and Unit)

Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge E of the developing unit D viewed from the receiving portion side. Part (a) of fig. 29 shows a state where the second opening (receiving opening) 230 is closed (the first shutter 237 is in the closed position), and part (b) of fig. 29 shows a state where the second opening 230 is open (the first shutter 237 is in the open position). Fig. 30 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the receiving portion of the developing unit D for the toner cartridge E. Part (a) of fig. 30 shows a state where the second opening 230 is closed (the first shutter 237 is in the closed position); and part (b) of fig. 30 shows a state where the second opening 230 is opened (the first shutter 237 is in the open position).

Fig. 31 is a sectional view of the vicinity of the second opening 230 of the developing unit D. Part (a) of fig. 31 is a sectional view seen from the driving side, and part (b) of fig. 31 is a sectional view seen from the non-driving side.

As shown in fig. 29, the developing unit D is provided with a second opening 230 adjacent to the toner cartridge receiving portion and a first shutter 237. The second opening 230 and the first shutter 237 are provided substantially at the longitudinally central portion of the developing unit D. The position of the second opening 230 is not limited to a specific position, but is sufficient as long as it is opposed to the third opening (discharge opening) 249, which will be described later. The position of the first shutter 237 is not limited to the central portion, but is sufficient as long as it can cover the second opening.

As shown in part (a) of fig. 29, the second opening 230 is sealed by a first shutter 237 configured to have a curvature along an outer circumferential surface of the toner cartridge E, which will be described later.

With the first shutter 237, a hole portion 237a for engagement with a projection (container-side projection, opening/closing member moving portion) 245 (fig. 32) is provided outside the sealing range for the second opening 230. The first shutter 237 is engaged with the first shutter guide portion 234 provided at the opposite longitudinal end of the second opening 230 and is guided by the first shutter guide portion 234. The first shutter 237 is slidable along the first shutter guide portion 234 between a closed position (part (a) of fig. 29) for closing the second opening 230 and an open position (part (b) of fig. 29) for opening the second opening 230.

A first locking arm (receiver-side locking member) 261 (part (b) of fig. 30) is provided between the first shutter guide portion 234 and the second opening 230 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the developing unit D. The first locking arm 261 prevents the first shutter 237 from being opened accidentally. As shown in fig. 31, the first locking arm 261 includes a claw portion 261 a. The claw portion 261a of the first locking arm 261 is at the same position as the hole portion 237a of the first shutter 237 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the developing unit D.

A surface 261b of the claw portion 261a abuts to a surface 237b of the hole portion 237a of the first shutter 237. Thereby, the claw portion 261a suppresses accidental opening of the first shutter 237. In the vicinity of the second opening 230 of the developing unit D, a first seal member 232 for sealing between the first shutter 237 and the second opening 230 is provided. The first sealing member 232 surrounds the second opening 230.

Opposite longitudinal end portions of the developing unit D are provided with an insertion guide (non-driving side) 235D and an insertion guide (driving side) 236D for guiding insertion of the toner cartridge E, respectively. The developing unit D is provided with an abutted portion (non-driving side) 235a and an abutted portion (driving side) 236a to be abutted by an abutting portion (non-driving side) 242a and an abutting portion (driving side) 243a (fig. 32) of the toner cartridge E.

As for the opposite longitudinal end portions of the developing unit D, the end side provided with a driving portion such as a gear (e.g., the first drive transmission portion 238) is referred to as a driving side. The other end side is referred to as the non-driving side. "(drive)" indicates the drive side. "(not)" indicates a non-driving side.

In addition, a rotation guide portion (non) 235b and a rotation guide portion (driving) 236b are provided for guiding rotation of the toner cartridge E when the first shutter 237 and the second shutter (opening/closing member) 253, which will be described later, are opened and closed.

The insertion guide portions 235, 236 are guides (receiver-side guide portions) for guiding attachment and detachment of the toner cartridge E. The insertion guide portion (non) 235d and the insertion guide (driving) 236d are provided with planes parallel to each other in the insertion direction f (portion (a) of fig. 29) of the toner cartridge E. The abutted portion (non) 235a and the rotation guide portion (non) 235b are arranged downstream of the insertion guide portion (non) 235d with respect to the insertion direction f. In addition, the abutted portion 236a (driving) and the rotating guide (driving) 236b are arranged downstream of the insertion guide (driving) 236d with respect to the insertion direction f.

The developing unit D is provided with a first drive transmission portion 238 at one end portion of the developing unit D with respect to the longitudinal direction. The first drive transmitting portion 238 transmits the driving force to the second drive transmitting portion 248 (fig. 32) and the second toner feeding device 246 (fig. 35) through an intermediate gear (rotational force receiving portion) 250 of the toner cartridge E, which will be described later. The first drive transmission portion 238 is connected to a driving mechanism of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus inside the developing unit D through a gear (not shown) as a transmission means.

The first drive transmitting portion 238 is a gear, and is a rotational force transmitting portion for transmitting a rotational force to drive the second toner feeding member 246 to the toner cartridge E.

The intermediate gear 250 is a rotational force receiving portion for receiving a rotational force from the outside of the toner cartridge E (the first drive transmitting portion 238 of the developing unit D). The second drive transmitting portion 248 is a second rotational force receiving portion for receiving the rotational force (driving force) from the intermediate gear 250.

As shown in fig. 30, in the vicinity of the second opening 230 of the developing unit D, a release claw 262 for releasing the locking of the second shutter 253, and a shutter holding portion 263 are provided. The shutter holding portion 263 is provided with a locking hole 263 a.

The release pawl 262 serves to release the second lock arm 270 (fig. 34) so as to prevent accidental opening of the second shutter 253 of the toner cartridge E, as will be described later.

The shutter holding portion 263 is in contact with a claw portion (first engaging portion) 271a or a projection (second engaging portion) 271b of a snap-fit portion 271 provided on the second shutter 253 of the toner cartridge E, as will be described later (fig. 42). Thereby, when the second shutter 253 is closed, the second shutter 253 is prevented from rotating in a container (developer accommodating container, toner accommodating container) 247, which will be described later, due to the second shutter 253 being pulled.

The operation of the second shutter 253 at the time of opening and closing will be explained below.

(detailed description of toner cartridge)

Referring to fig. 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, the toner cartridge E according to this embodiment will be described in detail.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge E. Part (a) of fig. 32 is a perspective view seen from the second drive transmitting portion 248, and part (b) of fig. 32 is a perspective view seen from the opposite side. Fig. 33 shows a state in which the third opening 249 of the toner cartridge E is opened. Part (a) of fig. 33 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the third opening 249, and part (b) of fig. 33 is a sectional view of the vicinity of the third opening 249 viewed from the non-driving side of the toner cartridge E. Fig. 34 shows the second shutter 253. Fig. 35 shows the relationship between the second toner feeding member 246 and the container 247. Part (a) of fig. 35 shows the configuration of the sheet 246a of the second toner feeding member 246. Part (b) of fig. 35 shows a cross-sectional view of agitator shaft seal 264. Part (c) of fig. 35 is an enlarged sectional view showing the relationship between second drive transmission portion 248 and agitator shaft seal 264. Fig. 36 is an enlarged sectional view of a hole portion 252a of the second shutter guide portion (opening and closing member) 252 taken from the third opening 29 in a state where the second shutter 253 is assembled with the toner cartridge E. Part (a) of fig. 36 shows a state in which the second shutter 253 is closed, and part (b) of fig. 36 shows a state in which the second shutter 253 is opened. In fig. 36, in order to better show the second lock arm 270, the second shutter guide portion 252 is depicted with a dotted line. Fig. 37 is a perspective view showing a state before the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D.

As shown in fig. 32, part (b) of fig. 35, and part (c) of fig. 35, the toner cartridge E includes a container 247, a third opening 249, a second shutter 253, a second seal member 254, a second drive transmission portion (gear) 248, an intermediate gear 250, and a stirring shaft seal 264. Here, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E is the rotational axis direction of the second toner feeding member 246. The longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E is also the longitudinal direction of the container 247 and the second shutter 253. When the toner cartridge E is rotated, the container 247 rotates. The longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E is the rotational axis direction of the container 247. The second shutter 253 opens and closes the opening by rotating around the container 247. The longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E is the rotational axis direction of the second shutter 253.

The container 247 is a substantially cylindrical hollow member. That is, the frame (container frame) 247g constituting the main body (main portion) of the container 247 is substantially cylindrical. Assuming that the container 247 is a cylinder, the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E is a generatrix direction of the cylinder or a central axis direction of the cylinder.

The container frame 247g includes a flat surface portion, and a curved surface portion (arc portion) (portion (b) of fig. 33, etc.) having a substantially cylindrical shape (substantially arc configuration) surrounding at least the third opening 249. The second shutter 253 rotates along the curved surface portion to open and close the third opening 249.

The container frame (cylindrical portion) 247g is a hollow member, and constitutes a toner accommodating portion (toner accommodating chamber) 247t for accommodating toner.

The container 247 is provided with a projection (container-side projection or protrusion) for engagement with the hole portion 237a of the first shutter 237 on the outer periphery of the container frame 247 g. The container 247 (container frame 247g) is provided with an abutment surface 247c for abutment with the abutted surface 237b (fig. 30) of the first shutter 237 during opening and closing of the first shutter 237. The abutment surface 247c is provided by a stepped portion formed on a frame (container frame) 247g of the container 247, and is a surface intersecting with a rotational movement direction of the toner cartridge E (rotational movement direction of the second shutter 252). It is an elongated surface extending in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the toner cartridge E.

The abutment surface 247c is an opening force applying portion (opening/closing member moving portion) for applying a force for opening the first shutter 237 to move the first shutter 237 to the open position, as will be described in detail later.

When the second shutter 253 is in the closed position, an abutment surface 247c is provided in the vicinity of the free end of the second shutter 253 (the main body portion 253m of the shutter).

As shown in part (b) of fig. 33, the second toner containing portion 247t is provided with a second toner feeding member 246 for feeding toner. In addition, one end portion of the second toner feeding member 246 is rotatably supported by the container 247, and the other end portion thereof is rotatably supported by a second drive transmission portion 248 for driving the second toner feeding member 246. Here, the agitator shaft seal 264 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and its outer diameter d1 is slightly larger than the inner diameter d2 of the container frame 247 g. Inner diameter d3 of agitator shaft seal 264 is slightly smaller than outer diameter d4 of cylindrical portion 248b of second drive transmitting portion 248. The width w1 of agitator shaft seal 264d in its natural state is greater than the distance between sealing surface 248a of second drive transmitting portion 248 and sealing abutment surface 247f of containment frame 247 when second drive transmitting portion 248 is positioned in place in containment frame 247 g.

The agitation shaft seal 264 is sandwiched between the sealing surface 248a of the second drive transmission portion 248 and the seal abutment surface 247a of the container 247 in the container frame 247g of the container 247.

As shown in fig. 32, the container 247 is provided with an intermediate gear 250 for drive transmission together with the second drive transmission member 248. The second drive transmitting portion 248 and the intermediate gear 250 of this embodiment are helical gears, and the second drive transmitting portion 248 is biased in an inward direction (direction indicated by an arrow r4 in part (c) of fig. 35) with respect to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E during drive transmission.

The second toner feeding member 246 includes a feeding shaft 246a and a flexible sheet 246 b. The sheet 246b is provided with a slit (portion (a) of fig. 35) to move the toner contained in the second toner containing portion 247t of the container 247 toward the third opening 249. The detailed structure thereof will be explained below.

In this embodiment, as shown in part (b) of fig. 32, a third opening 249 is provided in a longitudinally central portion of the toner cartridge E on the circumference of the container 247 (container frame 247 g). However, the position of the third opening 249 may be any position as long as the third opening is opposed to the second opening 230 of the developing unit D.

As shown in fig. 32 and part (a) of fig. 33, longitudinally opposite end portions of the third opening 249 of the toner cartridge E are provided with second shutter guide portions 252 for guiding movement of the second shutter 253, respectively. As shown in part (b) of fig. 32 and fig. 36, a hole portion 252a is provided in a part of the second shutter guide portion 252.

As shown in fig. 34, the main body portion of the second shutter 253 (the main body portion 253m of the shutter) is curved with a curvature along the outer peripheral surface of the toner cartridge E. That is, the second shutter 253 (the main body portion 253m of the shutter) has a curved surface configuration (substantially arc-shaped configuration) extending along the container 247.

That is, the container 247 (container frame 247g) has a curved surface (substantially cylindrical, substantially arc-shaped) around the third opening 249 (part (b) of fig. 33). The second shutter 253 can reciprocate along a curved surface portion (arc-shaped portion) of the container 247 provided around the third opening 249. That is, the second shutter 253 rotates (revolves) on the container 247. Thereby, the second shutter 253 can open and close the third opening 249.

The second shutter 253 is provided with a second lock arm (arm portion) 270 on an outer side of a second seal member 254 to be described later with respect to the longitudinal direction, and is provided with a snap-fit portion (arm portion) 271 at an opposite end portion of the outer side of the second lock arm 270 with respect to the longitudinal direction.

The second lock arm 270 is provided between the main body portion 253m of the shutter and the snap-fit portion 271, and extends from the rear end side toward the front end side of the main body portion 253m of the shutter. The second lock arm has an elastic portion and is elastically deformable.

The two snap-fit portions 271 are respectively connected with opposite end portions of the main body portion of the second shutter 253 (the main body portion 253m of the shutter). Similarly, two second locking arms 270 are connected to opposite end portions of the main body portion 253m of the shutter, respectively.

The main body portion 253m of the shutter is a portion (closing portion) for substantially closing the third opening 249. The snap-fit portion 271 is movable relative to the main body portion 253m of the shutter by deformation. Similarly, the second lock arm 270 is also movable relative to the main body portion 253m of the shutter by deformation.

The snap-fit portion 271 may be integrally molded with the main body portion 253 of the shutter by a resin material, or may be formed by a separate member (e.g., a metal leaf spring).

The second lock arm 270 is provided with an abutted surface 270a to be abutted by the release pawl 262 (fig. 30) of the developing unit D. The second lock arm 270 is provided with a claw portion 270b engageable with a hole portion 252a (fig. 32) of the second shutter guide portion 252 of the toner cartridge E.

The second locking arm 270 is integrally molded with the main body portion 253m of the shutter from a resin material, but the second locking arm 270 may be formed by mounting a member (e.g., a metal member) different from the main body portion 253m of the shutter.

The abutted surface 270a of the second locking arm 270 is an inclined portion (inclined surface) inclined toward the main body portion 253m when the distance from the free end of the second locking arm 270 is reduced. The claw portion 270b is a protrusion (projecting portion) that projects at least outward with respect to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E.

The snap-fit portion 271 is provided with an arm portion 271c that is elastically deformable in the longitudinal direction of the second shutter 253 and the toner cartridge E. The snap-fit portion 271 is provided at a free end of the arm portion 271c, and includes a claw portion (projection, engaging portion) 271a projecting radially outward (radially outward) from the second shutter 253.

The claw portion 271a and the projection 271b constitute an engaging portion (opening/closing member side engaging portion) for engaging with the developing unit D. The claw portion 271a (or the protrusion 271b) is connected with the body portion 253m of the shutter by the arm portion 271c of the snap-fit portion 271 (fig. 34).

The arm portion 271c of the snap-fit portion 271 constitutes a connecting portion for connecting the claw portion 271a and the protrusion 271b with the main body portion 253m of the shutter.

The arm portion 271c of the snap-fit portion 271 is a supporting portion for supporting the engaging portion (the claw portion 271a and the protrusion 271 b). The arm portion 271c has an elastic portion capable of elastic deformation. That is, the arm portion 271c can be elastically deformed.

The snap-fit portion 271 (arm portion 271c) extends from the rear end side toward the free end side of the main body portion 253m of the shutter. The free end side of the main body portion 253m of the shutter is the downstream side with respect to the rotational movement direction (movement direction) of the second shutter 253 that rotates from the open position to the closed position. On the other hand, the rear end side of the main body portion 253m of the shutter is the upstream side with respect to the rotational movement direction.

The claw portion 271a protrudes at least in a radially outward direction of the container 247 (radially outward from the second shutter 253). The radially outward direction of the second shutter 253 is a radially outward direction of the container 247, and is outward in a rotational radius direction of a rotational locus of the second shutter 253.

The radially outward direction is in an outward direction of the container 247 (toward the outside of the container 247) and away from the container 247 or the axis of rotation (central axis) of the container 247. The radially outward direction is away from the second toner feeding member 246 or the rotational axis of the second toner feeding member 246.

The projection 271b is a projection that projects at least in the circumferential direction of the container 247 (the rotational movement direction of the second shutter 253). More specifically, in the rotational movement direction (opening direction) of the second shutter 253 from the closed position to the open position with respect to the container 247, the projection 271b projects toward the downstream side.

In other words, the second shutter 253 includes a claw portion (first engagement portion) 271a and a projection (second engagement portion) 271b as engagement portions, and the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b project in directions different from each other (intersecting directions with respect to each other).

The snap-fit portion 271 (arm portion 271c) has a width that increases toward the free end side. That is, on the longitudinal end side, the snap-fit portion 271 is provided with a first regulated surface 271d to be regulated, a second regulated surface 271e to be regulated, and a third regulated surface 271f to be rotated. The first regulated surface 271d is an inclined surface (inclined portion) inclined toward the outside with respect to the longitudinal direction when the distance from the free end of the arm portion 271c is decreased. The second and third regulated surfaces 271e, 271f are surfaces extending substantially parallel to the direction in which the arm portion 271c extends. The distance between the regulated surface 271e and the regulated surface 271f is larger than the width of the rear end side (base side) of the arm portion 271 c. The first and second regulated surfaces 271d, 271e contact the first regulated surface 247d (part (a) of fig. 33) of the container 247, as will be described later. The third regulated surface 271f contacts the second regulated surface 247e of the container 247 (part (a) of fig. 33).

The second shutter 253 engages with a second shutter guide portion (opening/closing guide) of the toner cartridge E. It can slide in the circumferential direction of the container 247 along the outer peripheral surface of the toner cartridge E between a position for closing the third opening 249 (part (a) of fig. 32) and a position for opening the third opening 249 (part (b) of fig. 32).

As shown in fig. 36, in a state where the third opening 249 is closed, the claw portion 270b of the second lock arm 270 is engaged (fitted) with the hole portion 252a provided in the second shutter guide portion 252 of the toner cartridge E. A surface 270c of the claw portion 270b contacts a surface 252b of the hole portion 252a of the second shutter guide portion 252. As a result, the movement of the second shutter 253 with respect to the container 247 is regulated, thereby suppressing the accidental opening of the second shutter 253.

The claw portion 270b is a locking portion for locking the second shutter 253 at the closed position. The claw portion 270b is connected to the main body portion 253m of the shutter by the second lock arm 270. That is, the second lock arm 270 (strictly speaking, the rear end side of the second lock arm 270 beyond the claw portion 270b) is a connecting portion connecting the claw portion 270b with the main body portion 253m of the shutter and is a supporting portion for supporting the claw portion 270 b.

As shown in fig. 32, the toner cartridge E is provided at longitudinally opposite end portions with an insertion guided portion (non) 242 and an insertion guided portion (driving) 243, respectively. The insertion guided portion (non) and the insertion guided portion (drive) 243 are guided by an insertion guide (non) 235D and an insertion guide (drive) 236D of the developing unit D, respectively. The insertion guided portions 242, 243 guided for insertion are toner cartridge side guides.

Referring to fig. 32, 31, description will be made with respect to the insertion guide (not) 235D, the insertion guide (driving) 236D, and the insertion guided portion (not) 242, the insertion guided portion (driving) 243, and the grip member 244 of the developing unit D. The detailed actions, operations, and functions are substantially similar to those of embodiment 3, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

The insertion guided portion (not) is provided with an abutting portion (not) 242a and a rotation guided portion (not) 242 b. When the toner cartridge E is inserted, the abutting portion (non) 242a abuts against the abutted portion (non) 235a of the developing unit D. A portion around the abutting portion (non) 242a is formed as a rotation guided portion (toner cartridge side rotation guide) having a curved surface configuration (substantially arc configuration). When the first and second shutters 237 and 253 are opened and closed, the rotation guided portion slides with respect to the rotation guiding portion 235b of the insertion guide (non) 235d to guide the rotation operation of the toner cartridge E.

The insertion guided portion (drive) 243 is provided with an abutment portion (drive) 243 a. During the insertion of the toner cartridge E, the abutting portion (driving) 243a abuts against the abutted portion (driving) 236a of the developing unit D.

In addition, the insertion guided portion (not) 242 is provided with a regulating portion 242c1 and a regulating portion 242c2 as posture regulating portions for regulating an insertion posture (detaching posture) of the toner cartridge E at the time of insertion of the toner cartridge E. The regulating portions 242c1 and 242c2 are insertion direction regulating portions (mounting direction regulating portions, dismounting direction regulating portions, removing direction regulating portions) for regulating an insertion direction (mounting direction) and/or a dismounting direction of the toner cartridge E.

The container 247 is provided with a grip member 244 as a handle to be gripped by a user when the toner cartridge E is mounted. The gripping members 244 are U-shaped secured at opposite longitudinal ends of the container 247.

More specifically, the grip member 244 includes fixed portions 244a at opposite end portions of an operating portion 244b to be gripped by a user. The fixing portions 244a are U-shaped fixed to the second toner container 247 at opposite longitudinal ends of the toner cartridge E. The shape of the grip member 244 is not limited to this example as long as the user can grip the grip member.

[ shutter opening and closing operation when toner cartridge is mounted and dismounted with respect to developing unit ]

Referring to fig. 28 and fig. 37 to 43, the opening operations of the first shutter 237 of the developing unit D and the second shutter 253 of the toner cartridge E will be described.

Fig. 28 shows the positional relationship of the movement of the second shutter 253 until the third opening 249 is exposed and the vicinity of the snap-fit portion 271. Part (a) of fig. 28 and part (D) of fig. 28 are enlarged views of the vicinity of the second shutter 253, illustrating an insertion process of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D. Part (a) of fig. 28 is a view of the second shutter 253 seen from the front side, and part (d) of fig. 28 is a sectional view of the third opening 249 seen from the non-driving side. Part (b) of fig. 28 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the second shutter 253 in a state where the front side surface 253c of the second shutter 253 abuts against the abutment surface 239 of the developing unit D after the toner cartridge E is rotated in the direction of exposing the third opening 249 by further rotating from the state shown in part (a) of fig. 28. Part (b) of fig. 28 is a view of the second shutter 253 seen from the front side, and part (e) of fig. 28 is a sectional view of the third opening 249 seen from the non-driving side. Part (c) of fig. 28 and part (f) of fig. 28 are enlarged views of the vicinity of the second shutter 253 in a state where the second opening 230 and the third opening 249 are in fluid communication with each other and the mounting of the toner cartridge E is completed by further rotating from the state shown in part (b) of fig. 28. Part (c) of fig. 28 is a view of the second shutter 253 seen from the front side, and part (f) of fig. 28 is a sectional view of the third opening 249 seen from the non-driving side.

Part (a) of fig. 38 is a sectional view of the first locking arm 261 of the developing unit D as seen from the non-driving side immediately before the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D. Part (b) of fig. 38 and part (c) of fig. 38 are sectional views of the first locking arm 261 of the developing unit D seen from the non-driving side when the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D.

Fig. 39 is a sectional view of the second lock arm 270 of the second shutter 253 and the hole portion 252a of the second shutter guide portion 252 taken from the front side of the second shutter 253 when the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D. Part (a) of fig. 39 shows a state immediately after the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D. Part (b) of fig. 39 shows a state in which the toner cartridge E is rotated in a direction to expose the third opening 249 when the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D.

Fig. 40 shows a positional relationship in the vicinity of the snap-fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 before the third opening 249 is exposed. Part (a) of fig. 40 shows a relationship between the snap-fit portion 270 and the shutter retaining portion 263 in the state shown in part (e) of fig. 28. Part (c) of fig. 40 shows a relationship between the snap-fit portion 270 and the shutter retaining portion 263 in the state shown in part (c) of fig. 28 and part (f) of fig. 28. Part (b) of fig. 40 shows a relationship between the snap-fit portion 270 and the shutter holding portion 263 between the states of part (a) of fig. 40 and part (c) of fig. 40. Part (d) of fig. 40 shows a relationship between the snap-fit portion 270 and the first regulating portion 247d of the container 247 in the state shown in part (a) of fig. 40. Part (e) of fig. 40 shows a relationship between the snap-fit portion 270 and the first regulating portion 247d of the container 247 in the state shown in part (b) of fig. 40. Part (f) of fig. 40 shows a relationship between the snap-fit portion 270 and the first regulating portion 247d of the container 247 in the state shown in part (c) of fig. 40.

Fig. 41 shows a schematic view of the vicinity of the snap-fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 in the state shown in part (f) of fig. 28. Fig. 42 shows a state in which the front side surface 253c of the second shutter 253 abuts against the abutment surface 239 of the developing unit D and the second shutter 253 is regulated by the developing unit D. Part (a) of fig. 42 shows a relationship in the longitudinal direction between the snap-fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 and the lock holding portion 263 of the developing unit D. Part (b) of fig. 42 shows a positional relationship between the snap-fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 and the lock holding portion 263 of the developing unit D in the rotational direction of the toner cartridge E.

Fig. 43 shows a positional relationship between the first drive transmission portion 238 and the intermediate gear 250 of the developing unit D as seen from the driving side during the mounting of the toner cartridge E. Part (a) of fig. 43 shows a state in which the second shutter 253 is closed during insertion of the toner cartridge E, and part (b) of fig. 43 shows a state in which the second shutter 253 is opened by completing the mounting of the toner cartridge E.

Fig. 44 is a sectional view of the vicinity of the second opening 230 and the third opening 249 as viewed from the driving side in the state shown in part (b) of fig. 43. In fig. 39, part (a) of fig. 40, part (b) of fig. 40, and fig. 42, parts that are apparently irrelevant to the operation of the second lock arm 270 and/or the snap-fit part 271 are omitted for the sake of simplifying the description.

The insertion process of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D in this embodiment is similar to that of embodiment 1. Therefore, detailed description will be made regarding the opening and closing of the first and second shutters 237 and 253 after the toner cartridge E is positioned in the developing unit D.

(operation of first locking arm and second locking arm)

Referring to fig. 37, 38, 39, a description will be made regarding a state of the first locking arm 261 of the developing unit D and a state of the second locking arm 270 of the toner cartridge E in a state where the toner cartridge E is positioned at an appropriate position in the developing unit D.

As shown in fig. 37, 38, in a state where the toner cartridge E is set in place in the developing unit D, the projection 245 of the container 247 is engaged with the hole portion 237a of the first shutter 237.

At this time, the surface 245c of the protrusion 245 of the container 247 contacts the surface 261c of the first locking arm 261 of the developing unit D. Thereby, the first locking arm 261 receives the force F11 from the protrusion 245 of the container 247 to be elastically deformed in the direction of the arrow r 1. The claw portion 261a of the first locking arm 261 is disengaged from the hole portion 237a of the first shutter 237. As a result, the regulation of the movement of the first shutter 237 in the direction of the arrow e by the contact between the surface 237a2 of the hole portion 237a and the surface 261b of the first locking arm 261 is released, so that the first shutter 237 becomes movable relative to the second opening 230.

The projection 245 is an unlocking portion for releasing the locked state of the first shutter 237 caused by contact (engagement) with the hole portion 237 a.

The insertion posture and direction of the toner cartridge E are regulated so that by inserting the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D, the projection 245 engages with the hole portion 237a (enters the hole portion) to contact the first locking arm 261. That is, the posture and/or the insertion direction of the toner cartridge E with respect to the developing unit D is regulated by the insertion guided portion (non) 242 and the insertion guide (non) 235D.

When the toner cartridge E is detached from the developing unit D, the projection 245 is separated from the first locking arm 261. Therefore, the elastic deformation of the first locking arm 261 is released to urge the first locking arm 261 into engagement with the hole portion 237a, thereby blocking the first shutter 237 again.

By rotating the toner cartridge E in the direction of the arrow E after the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D, the front side surface 253c (fig. 34) of the second shutter 253 abuts to the abutment surface 239 (fig. 30) of the developing unit D. Thereby, the rotation of the second shutter 253 in the arrow e direction is regulated. At this time, as shown in fig. 39, the release pawl 262 of the developing unit D abuts against the abutted surface 270a of the second lock arm 270 of the second shutter 253, so that the second lock arm 270 receives the force F12 from the release pawl (unlocking portion) 262. The second lock arm 270 is elastically deformed in the direction indicated by the arrow r2 (longitudinally inward from the toner cartridge E) by a component force F12x of the force F12. As a result, the claw portion 270b of the second lock arm 270 is disengaged from the hole portion 252a of the second shutter guide portion 252. That is, the claw portion 270b is moved from the lock position (portion (a) of fig. 39) for locking the second shutter 253 in the closed position to the unlock position (portion (b) of fig. 39) for releasing the second shutter by the force received by the abutment surface 270a from the release claw 262. The abutment surface 270a is an unlocking force receiving portion for receiving a force for moving the claw portion 270b (locking portion) from the developing unit D by rotation of the toner cartridge E during the mounting operation.

The abutment surface 270a is an inclined portion (inclined surface) that is inclined longitudinally inward when the distance from the free end of the second shutter 253 (the free end of the second lock arm 270) is reduced. Due to the inclination of the abutment surface 270a, the force (F12) received from the release pawl 262 includes a longitudinally inward component (F12 x).

By the claw portion 270b being moved to the unlocking position by the force F12x, the regulation in the direction of the arrow e by the contact between the claw portion 270b of the second lock arm 270 and the surface 252b of the hole portion 252a of the second shutter guide portion 252 is removed. Therefore, the second shutter 253 becomes movable in the direction of arrow e relative to the third opening 249 of the container 247. More specifically, the second shutter 253 is rotated from the closed position to the open position with respect to the container 247 by the front side surface 253c of the second shutter 253 receiving a force from the abutment surface (force applying portion) 239 of the developing unit D.

The front side surface 235c of the second shutter 253 is an opening force receiving portion for receiving a force to move the second shutter 253 from the closed position to the open position from the outside of the toner cartridge E (from the developing unit D).

The second lock arm 270 (claw portion 270b) is substantially covered by the second shutter guide portion 252, and therefore, the lock achieved by the second lock arm 270 is not easily released by the user accidentally. The second shutter guide portion 252 also serves as a cover portion that covers the second lock arm 270 (claw portion 270 b).

When the toner cartridge E is mounted to the developing unit D, the release claw 262 of the developing unit D enters between the second shutter guiding portion 252 and the container frame 247 g. Thereby, the release pawl 262 is engaged with the second shutter guide portion 252.

(relationship between shutter holding portion and snap-fit portion of toner cartridge)

Description will be made regarding a state in which the toner cartridge E is set in the developing unit D.

In a state where the front side surface 253c and the abutment surface 239 abut against each other, the claw portion 271a of the snap-fit portion 271 is outside the shutter holding portion 263 of the developing unit D with respect to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E (portion (a) of fig. 42).

The positional relationship of the claw portion 271a of the snap-fit portion 271 with respect to the locking hole 263a of the shutter holding portion 263 of the developing unit D is as shown in part (b) of fig. 42. When the third opening 249 is opened, the claw portion 271a is downstream of the locking hole 263a with respect to the rotational movement direction of the toner cartridge E (the direction of arrow E in part (b) of fig. 42).

(operation of the first shutter and the second shutter)

Referring to fig. 28, 40, and 42, the operation of the first and second shutters 237 and 253 when the toner cartridge E is further rotated will be described.

With further rotation of the toner cartridge E, the abutted surface 237b (fig. 30) of the first shutter 237 abuts to the abutment surface 247c (fig. 32, 38). As shown in part (E) of fig. 28, the first shutter 237 is pressurized by the container 247 to receive a force F13 in the rotational direction of the toner cartridge E. At this time, as described above, the first locking arm 261 that regulates the movement of the first shutter 237 is released. As a result, the first shutter 237 rotates integrally with the container 247 in a direction (a direction of an arrow e in fig. 28) to open the second opening 230. Then, the first shutter 237 is moved in the order of fig. 28 (d), 28 (e) and 28 (f).

Further, at this time, as shown in part (b) of fig. 39, the front side surface 253c of the second shutter 253 abuts to the abutment surface 239 of the developing unit D. Accordingly, as the container 247 rotates, the container 247 rotates relative to the second shutter 253. Meanwhile, as shown in part (d) of fig. 40, the first regulated surface 271d of the snap-fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 contacts a point 247h of the first regulated surface 247d of the container 247 to receive the force F14 (longitudinally inward direction). Then, the arm portion 271c of the snap-fit portion 271 is elastically deformed longitudinally inward (toward the third opening 249, the direction of the arrow r3 in the portion (d) of fig. 28 and 40) from the toner cartridge E.

When the container 247 is further rotated, the second regulated surface 271e of the snap-fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 abuts to the first regulated portion 247d of the container 247 (from the state of part (d) of fig. 40 to the state of part (e) of fig. 40). Part (c) of fig. 28, part (d) of fig. 40, and part (e) of fig. 40 show a state in which the second regulated surface 271e of the snap-fit portion 271 and the first regulated portion 247d of the container 247 abut against each other. In this state, the positions of the claw portions 271a and the projections 271b of the snap-fit portions 271 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E overlap with the shutter holding portion 263. In this state, the relationship between the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b is in the engaged position.

When the third opening 249 is opened, the claw portion 271a of the snap-fit portion 271 is downstream (in the direction of arrow E) of the shutter holding portion 263 of the developing unit D with respect to the rotational direction of the toner cartridge E. The snap-fit portion 271 is elastically deformed (operated) in the order of the state of fig. 28 (a), the state of fig. 28 (b), and the state of fig. 28 (c).

The first regulating surface 247d is a moving portion (engaging position moving portion) for moving the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b longitudinally inward (inward with respect to the axial direction). When the second shutter 253 moves to the open position (when the toner cartridge E rotates for mounting), the first regulating surface 247d pushes the first regulated surface 271 d. By a force applied from the first regulating surface 247d to the first regulated surface 271d, the claw portion 271a is moved to an engagement position for engaging with the shutter holding portion 263, and the protrusion 271b is also moved to an engagement position for engaging with the locking hole 263 a.

The first regulating surface 247d is a guide portion for guiding the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b from the retreat position to the engagement position by the first regulated surface 271 d. The first regulating surface 247d is an urging portion (pressing portion) for urging or pressing the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b toward the engagement position by the first regulated surface 271 d.

In addition, when the second shutter 253 moves to the open position, the first regulating surface 247d urges the second regulated surface 271e longitudinally inward. Thereby, the first regulating surface 247d holds the engaging portions (the claw portions 271a, the protrusions 271b) in the engaging position. The first regulating surface 247d is an engagement position holding portion.

The first regulating surface 247d presses the first regulated surface 271d and the second regulated surface 271e provided on the supporting portion (arm portion 271c) that supports the engaging portion (claw portion 271a, protrusion 271b), thereby pressing the engaging portion by the arm portion 271 c.

However, a possible alternative is that the first regulating surface 247d directly contacts the engaging portions (the claw portions 271a, the protrusions 271b) to push the engaging portions.

By the first regulating surface 247d, the engaging portion (claw portion 271a, projection 271b) of the second shutter 253 moves axially inward by not less than 2.3 mm. That is, a moving distance (moving distance) measured along the axial direction (longitudinal direction) when the engaging portion moves from the retreat position to the engagement position is not less than 2.3 mm.

(operation before the second opening communicates with the third opening)

As shown in part (E) of fig. 28 and part (f) of fig. 28, when the toner cartridge E is further rotated in the direction of the arrow E, the first shutter 237 is rotated integrally with the container 247 in the opening direction (the direction of the arrow E) of the second opening 230. In addition, the container 247 rotates relative to the second shutter 253. At this time, the second shutter guide portion 252 of the container 247 is engaged with the first shutter guide portion 234 and is rotated in the direction of the arrow e while substantially regulating the movement of the cylindrical shape of the container 247 in the radial direction. As shown in part (f) of fig. 28, in a state where fluid communication is established between the third opening 249 and the second opening 230, the opening operation of the second opening 230 and the third opening 249 is completed.

At this time, the curved surface portions (rotation guided portions) at the opposite end portions of the insertion guided portion 242 are engaged with the rotation guide portions 235 b. Thus, in a state where the second opening 230 and the third opening 249 are opened, the movement of the toner cartridge E is regulated. As for the detailed structures, they are similar to embodiment 1 and the description thereof is omitted.

3.[ drive transmission of developing unit to toner cartridge ]

Hereinafter, description will be made regarding a force when a driving force is transmitted from the developing unit D to the toner cartridge E.

(drive transmission structure from developing unit to toner cartridge)

Referring to fig. 43 and 44, a drive transmission structure from the developing unit D to the toner cartridge E will be described. To perform drive transmission from the developing unit D to the toner cartridge E, the intermediate gear 250 and the first drive transmission portion 238 are engaged with each other.

On the way of mounting the toner cartridge E to the developing unit D, the intermediate gear 250 and the first drive transmitting portion 238 are not connected to each other, but the intermediate gear 250 is connected only to the second drive transmitting portion 248.

During the mounting of the toner cartridge E, the position of the intermediate gear 250 is upstream of the first drive transmission portion 238 with respect to the mounting rotation direction of the toner cartridge E (the direction of arrow E in fig. 43). By the rotation of the toner cartridge E in the mounting direction (the direction of arrow E in fig. 43), the intermediate gear 250 approaches the first drive transmission portion 238. In a state where the mounting of the toner cartridge E to the developing unit D is completed, the intermediate gear 250 is connected (engaged) with the first drive transmission portion 238. Thereby, the drive transmission from the developing unit D to the second toner feeding member 246 can be achieved (part (b) of fig. 43). That is, the intermediate gear 250 can receive the rotational force by the rotation of the toner cartridge E.

In this embodiment, the second drive transmitting portion 248 and the intermediate gear 250 are helical gears. Therefore, the second drive transmitting portion 248 is moved longitudinally inward (in the direction of the arrow r4 in part (c) of fig. 35) from the toner cartridge E by the urging force generated in the drive transmission. Therefore, at the time of drive transmission, the positioning surface 248c of the second drive transmitting portion 248 abuts to the surface 247g1 of the container frame 247g, thereby determining the position.

At this time, the agitation shaft seal 264 is sandwiched by the seal abutment surface 247f of the container 247 and the seal surface 248a of the second drive transmission portion 248. Therefore, agitation shaft seal 264 is compressed in the longitudinal direction of toner cartridge E. By the agitation shaft seal 264 being compressed, the sealing property of the space between the cylindrical portion 248b of the second drive transmission portion 248 and the container frame 247g of the container 247 can be enhanced. Therefore, toner can be suppressed from leaking from the inside of the container 247 in the vicinity of the second drive transmission portion 248.

By an external force (rotational force received by the intermediate gear 250) applied when the drive transmission from the first drive transmitting portion 238 of the developing unit D to the toner cartridge E is effected, a moment to rotate the entire toner cartridge is generated. In this embodiment, the first drive transmission portion 238 of the developing unit D rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow q in the portion (b) of fig. 43. A moment M1 for the toner cartridge E is generated by an external force F16 applied when the driving force from the first drive transmitting portion 238 of the developing unit D is transmitted. The direction of the moment M1 is the same as the rotational direction (the direction of the arrow e) of the container 247 when the third opening 249 is opened.

In other words, the rotational movement direction (the direction of the arrow u) of the intermediate gear 250 is the same as the rotational movement direction (the direction of the arrow E) of the container 247 when the third opening 249 of the toner cartridge E is opened. That is, the rotational movement direction of the intermediate gear (the direction of the arrow u) is the same as the rotational movement direction (the direction of the arrow e) when the second shutter rotates from the open position to the closed position with respect to the container 247.

With the above-described structure of this embodiment, when the driving force is transmitted from the developing unit D to the toner cartridge E, a force in the direction (the direction of arrow E) of opening the third opening 249 is applied to the toner cartridge E.

Thereby, when toner is discharged from the toner cartridge E, the closing of the first shutter 237 and the second shutter 253 can be suppressed. With the same structure, even when the exposure of the third opening 249 of the toner cartridge E is incomplete, the moment M1 applied to the toner cartridge E can effectively rotate the entire toner cartridge E in the direction of the arrow E to fully open the third opening 249.

From the viewpoint of toner feeding, the rotational direction of the second drive transmitting portion 248 and the second toner feeding member 246 is to move the toner upward (the direction of arrow d in fig. 44) with respect to the gravity direction (the direction of arrow G) at the third opening 249.

(toner feeding from toner cartridge into developing unit)

Referring to fig. 45, a toner feeding structure for feeding toner from the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D will be described. Part (a) of fig. 45 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a relationship between the configuration of the sheet 246b of the second toner feeding member 246 and the configuration of the container 247. Part (b) of fig. 45 is a sectional view showing a relationship between the configuration of the sheet 246b of the second toner feeding member 246 and the configuration of the container 247 in the vicinity of the third opening 249. Part (c) of fig. 45 is an enlarged view of a part of the sheet 246 b. Part (d) of fig. 45 is a sectional view illustrating the movement of the second toner feeding member 246 during rotation.

The toner in the toner cartridge E is fed into the developing unit D by the second toner feeding member 246 through the third opening 249 and the second opening 230 which are in fluid communication with each other.

The second toner feeding member 246 rotates inside the toner cartridge E by the driving force received through the first drive transmitting portion 238, the intermediate gear 250, and the second drive transmitting portion 248 of the developing unit D.

The rotation direction of the second toner feeding member 246 is a direction in which the toner is moved upward at the third opening 249 (the direction of arrow d in part (b) of fig. 45). At this time, the sheet 246b (part (a) of fig. 45) of the second toner feeding member 246 is provided with a plurality of slits. The slits of the sheet 246b of the second toner feeding member 246 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the third opening 249.

The slits are inclined inwardly from the widthwise center of the sheet 246b toward the free ends with respect to the longitudinal direction of the sheet 246 b. More specifically, as shown in part (a) of fig. 45, the point 246b2 at the free end of the sheet 246b is located longitudinally inward of the point 246b1 at the central portion with respect to the lateral direction.

Further, the transverse shape in the longitudinal direction of the thin piece 246b is such that there is a slight intrusion along the inner surface of the container 247. As shown in part (a) of fig. 45 and part (b) of fig. 45, the width w3 is a distance from the rotation center S of the second toner feeding member 246 of the sheet 246b to the free end (246b3, 246b4) in the transverse direction. Similarly, a distance w5 is a distance from the rotation center S of the second toner feeding member 246 of the container 247 to a point 247h1 on the inner wall surface of the container 247 measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the width w3 is greater than the distance w 5.

Further, the width w4 is a distance from the rotation center S of the second toner feeding member 246 of the sheet 246b to the lateral-direction free end 246b 7. Distance w6 is a distance from the rotation center S of the second toner feeding member 246 of the container 247 to a point 247h2 on the inner wall surface of the container 247 measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the width w4 is greater than the distance w 6.

With this structure of second toner feeding member 246, second toner feeding member 246 contacts the toner inside container 247 or the inner wall of container 247. Then, the longitudinally inner point 246b4 at the free end is deformed in the direction of arrow d (fig. 45) more than the point 246b3 at the free end of the sheet 246 b. This will be further explained with reference to part (c) of fig. 45. The dots 246b3 and the dots 246b4 are located on the free end of the sheet 246b with respect to the transverse direction of the sheet 246 b. The point 246b4 is closer to the third opening 249 than the point 246b3 in the longitudinal direction (part (a) of fig. 45). When a force in a downward direction perpendicular to the paper surface is applied to the point 246b3 of the sheet 246b, the support point 246b5 is the nearest force-receiving support point, and the distance r10 is the distance between the point 246b3 and the support point 246b 5. When a force is applied to point 246b4 of sheet 246b, support point 246b6 is the nearest force-receiving support point, and distance r11 is the distance between point 246b4 and support point 246b 6. The point 246b3 is a designated point in the region w30, and in this region w30, the point 246b3 and the support point 246b5 are on the same segment divided by the adjacent slits with respect to the longitudinal direction of the sheet member 246 b. The point 246b4 is a designated point in the region w30, and in this region w30, the point 246b4 and the point 246b6 are not on the same segment divided by the adjacent slits with respect to the longitudinal direction of the sheet member 246 b.

The slits are inclined in such a direction that they face the longitudinal central portion of the sheet member 246b as the distance from the center of rotation increases. Therefore, points 246b4 farther from the support point deform (bend) more when the same force is applied to points 246b3 and 246b 4. As a result, the sheet 246b of the second toner feeding member 246 can feed the toner toward the longitudinally central portion (toward the third opening 249). In addition, the amount of toner that cannot be discharged and remains in toner cartridge E can be reduced by the structure of moving second toner feeding member 246 upward.

No slit is provided in the vicinity of the third opening 249 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the sheet 246b in a range longer than the third opening 249 in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, as shown in part (a) of fig. 45, the width w7 of the sheet 246b in the vicinity of the third opening 249 measured in the longitudinal direction is larger than the width w8 of the third opening 249 measured in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, the sheet 246b is prevented from entering from the third opening 249 toward the second opening 230 (part (b) of fig. 45).

As a result, the toner in the vicinity of the third opening 249 is scraped off by the inner wall of the container 247. Thereby, it can be avoided that the sheet 246b pushes the toner into the developing unit D to cause aggregation of the toner in the developing unit D and thus deterioration.

In this embodiment, the angle θ 2 (portion (a) of fig. 45) of the one or more slits of the sheet 246b is 70 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the sheet 246 b.

The configuration of the sheet 246b is not limited to that in the above example, but is sufficient as long as toner can be stably supplied from the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D.

With the above-described structure of the second toner feeding member 246, even if the opening through which the toner is discharged is narrow, the toner can be stably discharged into the developing unit D. Since the width of the third opening 249 measured in the longitudinal direction is sufficient to cover the central portion, the size of the first sealing member 232 can be reduced. As a result, the material usage of the seal can be reduced to save costs. By reducing the third opening 249, toner leakage in the mounting and dismounting operations of the toner cartridge E can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the container 247 is substantially cylindrical, and the diameter (inner diameter and outer diameter) of the container 247 varies depending on the position, as can be understood from part (a) of fig. 45, in which w5> w 6. More particularly, the diameter at the longitudinal ends of the container 247 is greater than the diameter at the central portion of the container 247 (i.e., near the third opening 249). Accordingly, the diameter at the central portion of the container 247 is smaller so as to provide a space for the second shutter 253. On the other hand, the container 247 is larger on the end side so as to provide a larger volume for accommodating toner.

Similar to the container 247, the diameter of the second toner feeding member 246 (sheet 246b) differs depending on the position. As described above, the diameter of the end portion side of the second toner feeding member 246 in the axial direction is larger than the diameter at the central portion (the vicinity of the third opening 249) of the second toner feeding member 246.

(shutter closing operation)

Referring to fig. 46, 47, 48, the closing operation of the first shutter 237 of the developing unit D and the second shutter 253 of the toner cartridge E will be described.

Fig. 46 shows the vicinity of the protrusion 245 of the container 247 when the second shutter 253 of the toner cartridge E is closed, part (a) of fig. 46 is a sectional view seen from the non-driving side, and part (b) of fig. 46 is an enlarged sectional view of the vicinity of the protrusion 245 of the container 247.

Fig. 47 shows a state of the snap-fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 when the second shutter 253 of the toner cartridge E is closed. The portion (a) of fig. 47 is an enlarged view showing the relationship between the snap-fit portion 271 and the shutter holding portion 263 of the second shutter 253 with respect to the longitudinal direction. Part (b) of fig. 47 is a sectional view seen from the non-driving side, which shows a positional relationship between the snap-fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 and the shutter holding portion 263 with respect to the rotational direction of the toner cartridge E. The portion (c) of fig. 47 is an enlarged view showing the projection 71b of the snap-fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 and the locking hole of the shutter holding portion 263.

Fig. 48 shows a closing process of the second shutter 253 of the toner cartridge E. Part (a) of fig. 48 shows a schematic view of the vicinity of the snap-fit portion 271 in a state where the second shutter 253 of the toner cartridge E is opened. Part (b) of fig. 48 shows a schematic view in the vicinity of the snap-fit portion 271 in a state where the second shutter 253 of the toner cartridge E is closed. Part (c) of fig. 48 is a sectional view seen from the non-driving side in the state shown in part (a) of fig. 48, and part (d) of fig. 48 is a sectional view seen from the non-driving side in the state shown in part (b) of fig. 48.

The closing operation of the first shutter 37 and the second shutter 253 is opposite to the opening operation. The closing direction of the first shutter 237 and the second shutter 253 is opposite to the rotational direction when the second toner feeding member 246 is driven (the direction of arrow h in part (a) of fig. 46, part (b) of fig. 47, part (c) of fig. 48, and part (d) of fig. 48).

First, in the state shown in fig. 46, the user holds the holding member 244 and rotates the container 247 in the closing direction (the direction of arrow h). Then, the surface 245b of the projection 245 of the container 247 abuts to the surface 237a2 of the hole portion 237a of the first shutter 237. Thus, the first shutter 237 receives the force F18 from the surface 237a2 to rotate in association with the container 247 to close the second opening 230.

At this time, as shown in part (a) of fig. 47, the positions of the projection 271b and the claw portion 271a of the snap-fit portion 271 of the second shutter 253 overlap with the shutter holding portion 263 of the developing unit D in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E. As shown in part (b) of fig. 47, the claw portion 271a of the snap-fit portion 271 is downstream of the shutter holding portion 263 of the developing unit D with respect to the opening direction in which the third opening 249 of the toner cartridge E is opened (the direction of arrow E in fig. 47).

Therefore, when the container 247 is rotated in the closing direction (the direction of the arrow h), the claw portion 271a of the snap-fit portion 271 of the second shutter 237 and the shutter holding portion 263 contact each other in the closing direction (the direction of the arrow h) of the container 247 (part (c) of fig. 47).

In addition, the projection 271b of the second shutter 253 is engaged with the locking hole 263a of the shutter holding portion 263 (part (c) of fig. 47). Therefore, the second shutter 253 is regulated by the lock holding portion 262 in the closing direction (the direction of arrow h) of the container 247. With the rotation of the toner cartridge E in the arrow h direction, the second shutter 253 moves relative to the container 247. Thereby, the second shutter 253 closes the third opening 249 (fig. 38 (from part (c) of fig. 48 to part (d) of fig. 48)).

More specifically, the claw portion 271a protrudes at least in a radially outward direction (outward with respect to the rotational radius direction) of the second shutter 253. Thereby, when the container 247 is rotated, the claw portion 271a contacts (engages) to the shutter holding portion 263. The claw portion 271a is an engaging portion (closing force receiving portion) for receiving a force for moving the second shutter 253 from the shutter holding portion 263 to the closed position. When the container 247 is rotated by the force received by the claw portion 271a from the shutter holding portion 263, the movement of the second shutter 253 is regulated. In other words, the second shutter 253 is rotated from the open position to the closed position with respect to the container 247 by the force received by the claw portion 271 a.

In addition, the projection 271b projects toward the upstream side at least in the direction of the arrow e (the rotational movement direction of the second shutter 253 from the open position to the closed position with respect to the container 247). Thereby, when the second shutter 253 is rotated from the open position to the closed position, the projection 271b can be kept engaged with the locking hole 263 a. By the projection 271b engaging with the locking hole 263a, the engaged state (contact state) between the claw portion 271a and the shutter holding portion 263 is maintained.

That is, the projection 271b is an engaging portion (second engaging portion) engageable with the locking hole 263a, and is an engagement holding portion for holding an engaged state between the claw portion 271a and the shutter holding portion 263. The projection 271b is smaller than the claw portion 271 a. More specifically, the height of the projection 271b (measured in the direction in which the projection 271b projects) is smaller than the height of the claw portion 271a (measured in the direction in which the claw portion 271a projects). In this embodiment, the height of the claw portion 271a is 5.6mm, and the height of the protrusion 271b is 0.3 mm. The height of the projection 271b is preferably not less than 0.1mm and not more than 0.5 mm.

As shown in part (a) of fig. 48 and part (b) of fig. 48, the first regulated surface 271d or the second regulated surface 271e of the second shutter 253 contacts the corner portion 247h and the first regulated surface 247d of the container 247 until the third opening 249 is closed. Thereby, the position of the first regulated surface 271d or the second regulated surface 271e of the second shutter 253 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the snap-fit portion 271 is maintained. The first regulating surface 247d is an engaging position holding portion for holding the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b at the engaging position.

When the toner cartridge E is further rotated after closing the third opening 249, the third regulated surface 271f of the snap-fit portion 271 abuts against the second regulated surface 247E. The third regulated surface 271F of the snap-fit portion 271 receives a longitudinally outward force F17 from the second regulated surface 247e of the container 247. At this time, the second regulated surface 271e is not in contact with the first regulated surface 247d of the container 247. The claw portion 271a and the projection 271b of the snap-fit portion 271 are disengaged in the longitudinally outward direction with respect to the shutter holding portion 263 by a force F17 (arrow r6 in part (b) of fig. 48). As a result, the positions of the claw portions 271a and the protrusions 271b of the snap-fit portions 271 of the second shutter 253 are set at the same positions as before mounting with respect to the shutter holding portion 263 of the developing unit D (the state of fig. 42). In this state, the positioning of the toner cartridge E to the developing unit D is released, so that the toner cartridge E becomes detachable.

The second regulating surface 247e is a moving portion (retreat position moving portion) for moving the claw portion 271a and the protrusion 271b in a longitudinally outward direction (axially outward direction). When the second shutter 253 moves to the closed position (when the toner cartridge E is rotated to detach it), the second regulating surface 247E pushes the third regulated surface 271 f. By a force applied from the second regulating surface 247e to the third regulated surface 271f, the claw portion 271a is moved to the retreat position, in which the engagement with the shutter holding portion 263 is released. Similarly, the projection 271b moves to the retreat position for releasing from the locking hole 263 a.

The second regulating surface 247e, which is a guide portion for guiding the engaging portions (the claw portions 271a, the protrusions 271b) from the engaging position to the retracted position, is an urging portion (pressing portion) for urging or pressing the claw portions 271a and the protrusions 271b toward the retracted position by the third regulated surface 271 f.

The second regulating surface 247b presses the engaging portion by bringing the arm portion 271c supporting the engaging portion (the claw portion 271a, the protrusion 271b) into contact with the third regulated surface 271 f. However, the second regulating surface 247b may be in direct contact with the engaging portions (the claw portions 271a, the protrusions 271 b).

The engaging portions (claw portions 271a, protrusions 271b) are moved axially outward by the second regulating surface 247b by not less than 1.3 mm. That is, the moving distance (moving distance) when the engaging portion is moved to the retreat position by the second regulating surface 247b is measured not less than 1.3mm in the axial direction. Thereby, the projection 271b is reliably disengaged from the locking hole 263 a.

The second regulating surface 247e is a retreat position holding portion for holding the engaging portion at the retreat position. The second regulating surface 247e regulates movement of the engaging portions (271a, the protrusions 271b) to the engaging position. When the toner cartridge E is inserted into or removed from the developing unit D substantially linearly, the engaging portion is held at the retracted position, and therefore, the engaging portion does not hinder the operation of such a toner cartridge.

When the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b are moved to the retreat position, the elastic force of the snap-fit portion 271 (the arm portion 271c) is also used. That is, in the process of the second shutter 253 moving from the open position to the closed position, the snap-fit portion 271 leaves the first regulating surface 247 d. Then, the elastically deformed snap-fit portion 271 (arm portion 271c) tends to recover. By the movement (elastic force) of the snap-fit 271 at this time, the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b are moved to the retreat position.

That is, without the second regulating surface 247e, the claw portion 271a and the protrusion 271b can be moved to the retreat position by the elastic force of the snap-fit portion 271 (the arm portion 271 c).

However, if the second shutter 253 is in the open position and the snap-fit portion 271 is kept deformed by the first regulating surface 247d for a long time, the snap-fit portion 271 may be plastically deformed. In such a case, the elastic force of the snap-fit portion 271 is small, so that the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b cannot move to the retreat position. In view of this, in this embodiment, the retreat position moving portion (the second regulating surface 247e) is used to move the claw portion 271a and the protrusion 271b to the retreat position by acting on the snap-fit portion 271 so that the claw portion 271a and the protrusion 271b are reliably moved to the retreat position.

However, the retreat position moving portion (second regulating surface 247e) may be omitted as long as the elastic force of the arm portion 271c (supporting portion, connecting portion) supporting the claw portion 271a and/or the protrusion 271b can be ensured.

For example, a metal plate spring or the like is used for the arm portion 271c, the arm portion 271c is not easily plastically deformed and can maintain the elastic force. Thereby, the claw portions 271a and the protrusions 271b can be moved to the retracted positions without the retracted-position moving portions (the second regulating surfaces 247 e).

Alternatively, an additional elastic member (elastic portion) may be provided without providing the support portion (arm portion 271c) having elasticity itself. For example, a support portion (arm portion) is rotatably mounted on the main body portion 253m of the shutter with a shaft. Then, it may be considered to provide a torsion spring (elastic member, elastic portion) on the shaft to urge the support portion to the retreat position. In the case where the support portion itself is not deformed, the engaging portions (the claw portions 271a, the protrusions 271b) can be moved by the rotation of the support portion, and in addition, the engaging portions can be moved from the engaging position to the retreat position by the elastic force of the torsion spring.

With the above-described structure of the second shutter 253, although toner cartridges are mounted to the developing unit by mounting and dismounting operations including rotation, their shutters can be reliably opened and closed.

As described above, in this embodiment, by the opening and closing operation of the second shutter, the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b are moved in the longitudinal direction (the rotational axis direction, the central axis direction) of the container frame 247g with respect to the main body portion 253m of the shutter. Thereby, the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b can be moved between the engagement position and the retreat position. However, this does not mean that the claw portions 271a and the protrusions 271b move only in the longitudinal direction of the container frame. That is, the moving direction of the claw portion 271a and the protrusion 271b is not limited to the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction.

When the claw portions 271a and the protrusions 271b are moved in the longitudinal direction, they may also be moved in the radial direction of the container frame 247g and/or the circumferential direction of the container frame.

In this embodiment, when the claw portions 271a and the projections 271b move between the retreat position and the engagement position, they also move in the circumferential direction relative to the main body portion of the shutter. More specifically, when the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b move from the retracted position to the engaged position, they move toward the rear end of the second shutter 253.

In this embodiment, an engagement position moving portion (first regulating surface 247d) for moving the engagement portion (claw portion 271a and projection 271b) of the second shutter 253 to the engagement position is a surface formed by a projection (protrusion) of the container 274. Similarly, the retreat position moving portion (the second regulating surface 247e) for moving the engaging portion (the claw portion 271a and the protrusion 271b) to the retreat position is a protrusion (a projection) of the container 274.

However, the engaging position moving portion (the first regulating surface 247d) and/or the retracted position moving portion (the second regulating surface 247e) may be a recess (groove) provided on the container 274. For example, it is conceivable that the snap-fit portion 271 is provided in a groove (recess) formed on the container 247, and the engaging portion (the claw portion 271a and/or the projection 271b) is moved to the retreat position and/or the engaging position along the groove.

< example 5>

In this embodiment, a structure is adopted for improving the reliability of opening and closing of the shutter provided on the developing unit D.

In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the above-described embodiment are given to elements having corresponding functions in this embodiment, and a detailed description thereof is omitted for the sake of simplicity. In the drawings, a part of the shape or the element is omitted for the sake of simplifying the description. The size, material, configuration, relative position of the elements in this embodiment may be modified as appropriate depending on the structure of the device and/or various conditions. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific structure in this embodiment.

1.§ 1.[ guide part ]

In this embodiment, the side of the toner cartridge E where the second drive transmitting portion 348 is provided is referred to as a driving side, and the other side is referred to as a non-driving side. The insertion guided portion provided on the driving side is referred to as an insertion guided portion (driving) 343. The insertion guided portion provided on the non-driving side is referred to as an insertion guided portion (non) 342.

In addition, the insertion guide portion provided on the driving side is referred to as an insertion guide portion (driving) 336 d. The insertion guide portion provided on the non-driving side is referred to as an insertion guide portion (non) 335 d.

With reference to fig. 49, 50, 51, the main portion will be described. Fig. 49 is a perspective view before the toner cartridge E is mounted to the developing unit D in this embodiment. Fig. 50 is a sectional view of the vicinity of the second opening 330 of the developing unit D. Part (a) of fig. 50 is a sectional view seen from the driving side, and part (b) of fig. 50 is a sectional view seen from the non-driving side. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the developing unit D is a direction parallel to the axial direction of the developing roller 324 of the developing unit D. Fig. 51 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge E, part (a) of fig. 51 is a perspective view seen from the second drive transmission portion 348, and part (b) of fig. 51 is a perspective view seen from the opposite side.

As shown in fig. 49, 50, 51, in this embodiment, the insertion direction f in which the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D is a linear direction along the insertion guide portion (drive) 336D and the insertion guide portion (non) 335D. The insertion direction f in this embodiment is substantially the same as the direction (J direction in fig. 51) in which the protrusion 345 provided on the container 347 of the toner cartridge E protrudes from the container 347 as viewed in the direction of the cross section. This is because the projection 345 of the container 347 needs to engage with the hole portion 337a of the first shutter 337 when the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D to a predetermined mounting position.

As for the detailed structure of the protrusion 345 of the container 347, the explanation in the foregoing embodiment is applicable, and thus the detailed description thereof is omitted.

However, it is to be repeatedly explained that the insertion guided portion (not) 342 is provided with an abutting portion 342a which abuts against an abutted portion 335a of the developing unit D when the toner cartridge E is inserted (portion (b) of fig. 50). The insertion of the guided portion (not) 342 includes rotating the guided portion 342b for guiding the container frame 347a when the first shutter 337 (fig. 49) and the second shutter 353 (part (a) of fig. 51) are opened and closed. The insertion guided portion (not) 342 includes regulated portions (to be regulated) (regulated surfaces) 342c1, 342c2 for regulating the insertion posture and the moving direction of the toner cartridge E in the insertion operation.

The insertion guided portion (drive) 343 is provided at an end portion of the second drive transmitting portion 348 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge E, but it may be provided on the container 347. Further, the insertion guided portion (driving) 343 is provided with an abutting portion 343a that abuts against the abutted portion 336a of the developing unit D when the toner cartridge E is inserted. The insertion guided portion (drive) 343 also serves as a rotation guided portion for guiding the rotation of the container frame 347a when the abutment portion 343a opens and closes the first shutter 337 and the second shutter 353.

In this embodiment, in the insertion guided portion (non) 342, the abutting portion 342a, the rotation guided portion 342b, the regulating portion 342c1, and the regulating portion 342c2 are integrated with the insertion guided portion (non) 342 b. However, they may be separate members as long as they can perform their functions.

(relationship between insertion guided portion (drive) and insertion guide portion (drive))

First, referring to fig. 52, 53, description will be made regarding the relationship between the insertion guided portion (drive) 343 and the insertion guiding portion (drive) 336d in this embodiment. Fig. 52 is a longitudinal sectional view in the vicinity of the insertion guided portion (driving) 343 and the insertion guiding portion (driving) 336d in this embodiment.

Fig. 53 is a sectional view showing the configuration of another type of insertion guided portion (drive) 343 and insertion guide portion (drive) 336 d.

In this embodiment, the insertion guided portion (drive) 343 is configured in a cylindrical shape. The insertion guided portion (drive) 343 has a diameter D1. The width (measured in a direction intersecting the insertion direction f of the toner cartridge E) of the insertion guide portion (drive) 336d is as follows. On the way the toner cartridge E is inserted into the developing unit D, the width of the insertion guide portion (driving) is w9, and after the mounting of the toner cartridge E is completed, the width of the insertion guide portion (driving) is w 10.

The insertion guided portion (drive) is used to guide the insertion of the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D. The insertion guided portion (drive) 343 is integrated with the second drive transmission portion 348, and when drive transmission is performed after the insertion of the toner cartridge E is completed, the insertion guide portion (drive) 343 is rotated integrally with the second drive transmission portion 348. Therefore, it is necessary that the insertion guided portion (drive) 343 cooperate with the insertion guiding portion (drive) to function as an insertion guide during the insertion of the toner cartridge E, and is rotatable when the driving force is transmitted to the second drive transmitting portion 348 after the insertion is completed. Therefore, in this embodiment, the configuration of the insertion guide portion (drive) 336D is such that the width w9 in the process of inserting the toner cartridge E into the developing unit D and the width w10 after completion of mounting are the same, and D1< w9 — w10 is satisfied.

In this embodiment, the configuration of the insertion guided portion (drive) 343 is cylindrical, but this is not limitative, and the configuration shown in fig. 53 is also available. The configuration of the insertion guided portion (drive) 343 shown in fig. 53 is such that the size of the toner cartridge E in the insertion direction f (the direction in which the projection 345 projects from the container 347, fig. 50) is smaller than the size in the lateral direction of the insertion guide portion (drive) 336 d. The width of the insertion guided portion (driving) 343 in the insertion direction f is w12, and the width of the insertion guided portion (driving) 343 in the widthwise direction of the insertion guided portion (driving) 336d is w13, and accordingly w12< w13 is satisfied. With such a configuration, the insertion guided portion (drive) 343 cooperates with the insertion guiding portion (drive) 336d to function as an insertion guide during the insertion of the toner cartridge E, and is rotatable when the driving force is transmitted to the second drive transmitting portion 348 after the completion of the insertion.

(relationship between insertion guided portion (non) and insertion guide portion (non))

Referring to fig. 54, the relationship between the insertion guided portion (non) 342 and the insertion guide portion (non) 335d will be described. Fig. 54 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the vicinity of the insertion guided portion (non) 342 and the insertion guide portion (non) 335d in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the insertion guided portion (not) 342 has a long side in the mounting direction f. The length of the long side of the insertion guided portion (non) 342 in the mounting direction f is w16, and the width of the insertion guided portion (non) 342 in the widthwise direction of the insertion guide portion (non) 355d is w17, and accordingly w16> w17 is satisfied. The width of the insertion guide (not) 335D on the way of the toner cartridge E inserted into the developing unit D is w14, and accordingly, w17< w14 is satisfied. In addition, the width of the rotation guide portion (non) 335b for guiding the rotation of the toner cartridge E when the first shutter 337 (fig. 49) and the second shutter 353 (fig. 51) are opened and closed is w15, and accordingly, w16< w15 is satisfied. By satisfying these conditions, the regulated portions (regulated surfaces) 342c1, 342c2, which are long side portions of the insertion guide portion (non) 342 extending in the mounting direction f, regulate the insertion posture and the moving direction of the toner cartridge E along the width of the insertion guide (non) 335 d. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the mounting operation of the toner cartridge E can be performed.

[ guiding structure of end portion of toner cartridge ]

The protrusion (guided portion) provided at the end portion of the toner cartridge E will be described in detail. A protrusion (unlocking protrusion) protruding from the peripheral surface of the toner cartridge E in the same direction as the mounting direction will also be described.

(relationship between the insertion guided portion (drive) 343 and the insertion guided portion (non) 342)

Referring to fig. 55, a relationship between an insertion guided portion (drive) 343 and an insertion guided portion (non) 342 will be described. Fig. 55 shows a state in which the toner cartridge E and the developing unit D are correctly positioned in the longitudinal direction.

The protruding length of the insertion guided portion (driving) 343 measured from the driving side end surface of the second drive transmitting portion 348 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge is w18 (length w18 of the insertion guided portion (driving) 343). The depth of the insertion guide portion (drive) 336d measured in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge is w19 (depth w19 of the insertion guide portion (drive) 336 d).

Similarly, the protruding length of the insertion guided portion (non) 342 measured from the non-driving side end portion of the container 347 in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge is a length w20 (length w20) of the insertion guided portion (non) 342. The depth of the insertion guide portion (driving) 336d measured in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge is a depth w21 (depth w21) of the insertion guide portion (non) 335 d.

In this embodiment, the length w18 of the insertion guided portion (driver) 343 is such that the insertion guided portion (driver) 343 can fit the insertion guiding portion (driver) 336d having a depth w19 within a tolerance range. More specifically, the length w18 of the insertion guided portion (driving) 343 is slightly smaller than the depth w19 of the insertion guiding portion (driving) 336 d. The length w20 of the insertion guided portion (non) 342 enables the insertion guided portion (non) 342 to fit the insertion guide portion (non) 335d having a depth w21 within a tolerance range. More specifically, the length w20 of the insertion guided portion (non) 342 is slightly smaller than the depth w21 of the insertion guide portion (non) 335 d. The length w18 of the insertion guided portion (drive) 343 and the length w20 of the insertion guided portion (non) 342 are different from each other. Accordingly, the depth w19 of the insertion guide portion (driving) 336d and the depth w21 of the insertion guide portion (non) 335d are implemented to be different from each other. This is to prevent the user from mounting the toner cartridge E to the developing unit D in the wrong orientations of the driving side and the non-driving side when the user mounts the toner cartridge E to the developing unit D. In this embodiment, the length w18 of the insertion guided portion (drive) 343 is greater than the length w20 of the insertion guided portion (non) 342. Accordingly, the depth w19 of the insertion guide portion (driving) 336d is larger than the depth w21 of the insertion guide portion (non) 335 d.

The configurations and mutual relationships of the insertion guided portion (drive) 343, the insertion guide portion (drive) 336d, the insertion guided portion (non) 342, and the insertion guide portion (non) 335d are adjusted in this manner. Thereby, the mounting performance of the toner cartridge E in the developing unit D can be improved.

< example 6>

In this embodiment, the structure of the second shutter 253 and the like in embodiment 4 is partially changed in the toner cartridge E. In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals as in embodiment 4 are given to elements having corresponding functions in this embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted for the sake of simplicity.

With respect to another structure of the toner cartridge E, description of components similar to those of the foregoing embodiment may be omitted by using the same component terms.

Part (a), (b), and (c) of fig. 56 show a state in which the second shutter is in the closed position. Part (a), (b), and (c) of fig. 57 show a state in which the second shutter is in the open position.

In this embodiment, the third opening 249 can be opened and closed by moving the second shutter 553 relative to the container 547. As for the second shutter 553, a snap-fit portion (a support portion, a connection portion, and an elastic portion) 571 is connected with the main body portion 553m of the shutter. The snap-fit portion 571 is provided at the free end with a claw portion (first engaging portion, first projection) 571a, and the claw portion 571a is provided with a projection (second engaging portion, second projection) 571 b. The claw portions 571a and the projections 571b constitute engagement portions for engaging with the receiving device (developing unit D).

In this embodiment, when the engaging portions (the claw portions 571a and the projections 571b) are in the retreat position, the arm portions of the snap-fit portions 571 are deformed. That is, as shown in part (a), (b), and (c) of fig. 56, when the second shutter 553 moves from the open position to the closed position, the regulated surface 571f of the snap-fit portion 571 contacts the regulating surface 547 e. Thereby, the snap-fit portion 571 receives the force from the regulating surface 547e to deform outward with respect to the axial direction. Thereby, the engaging portions (the claw portions 571a and the projections 571b) move to the retracted position. In a state where the second shutter 553 is in the open position, the engagement portions (the claw portions 571a and the projections 571b) are held at the retracted position by contact between the regulating surface 571j (retracted position holding portion) and the snap-fit portions 571.

On the other hand, when the second shutter is opened as shown in part (a), (b), and (c) of fig. 57, the snap-fit portion 571 moves away from the regulating surface 547e to recover (natural state). As a result, the engaging portions (the claw portions 571a and the projections 571b) move to the engaging position. That is, the engagement portion is moved inward with respect to the axial direction by the elastic force of the snap-fit portion 571. Thereby, the claw portions 571a are engaged with the shutter holding portions 263, and the projections 571b are engaged with the locking holes 263 a.

In this embodiment, an engaging position moving portion for moving the engaging portion to the engaging position and/or an engaging position holding portion for holding the engaging portion at the engaging position may also be provided on the container 547 (the first regulator surface 247d of embodiment 4).

In this embodiment, the support portion (the arm portion of the snap-fit portion 571) that supports the engagement portion has an elastic portion. That is, the engaging portions (the claw portions 571a, the projections 571b) are moved by the elastic force of the supporting portion (the snap-fit portion 571) itself. However, it is not necessary that the support portion itself have the elastic portion.

For example, support portions (support members, arm portions) for supporting the engagement portions (claw portions 571a, projections 571b) are rotatably mounted on the main body portion 553m of the shutter by means of shafts. It is conceivable to provide a torsion spring (elastic member, elastic portion) on the shaft and urge the support portion to the engagement position by the force of the torsion spring. With such a structure, even if the support portion itself is not deformed, the engagement portions (the claw portions 571a, the projections 571b) can be moved by the rotation of the support portion. The engaging portion is movable from the retreat position to the engaging position by an elastic force of the torsion spring.

Alternatively, it is conceivable that the support portion is slidable with respect to the main body portion 553 of the shutter, and the support portion is urged to the engagement position by a coil spring (elastic member). With such a structure, even if the support portion itself is not deformed, the engagement portion can be moved by the sliding of the support portion.

A structure in which the movable supporting portion (supporting member) is urged by the elastic portion (elastic member) will be described in embodiment 7.

< example 7>

In this embodiment, the structure of the second shutter 253 and the like of embodiment 4 is partially changed in the toner cartridge E. In embodiment 4 and the like, the supporting portion (arm portion 271c) itself that supports the engaging portion (claw portion 271a, projection 271b, and the like) of the second shutter is an elastic portion. In the present embodiment, a separate elastic member (elastic portion) is provided in addition to the support portion (support portion). The support portion is movably supported.

The structure of the components other than the toner cartridge E is similar to that of embodiment 4, and thus the description thereof is omitted. With regard to another structure of the toner cartridge E, description of components similar to those of the foregoing embodiment may be omitted by using the same component terms. In the drawings, a part of the shape or the element is omitted for the sake of simplifying the description. The size, material, configuration, relative position of the elements in this embodiment may be modified as appropriate depending on the structure of the device and/or various conditions. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific structure in this embodiment.

Part (a), (b), and (c) of fig. 58 are diagrams of the second shutter in this embodiment. Fig. 59 is a diagram of an engaging portion (engageable member) provided on the second shutter.

Parts (a) and (b) of fig. 60 and parts (a) and (b) of fig. 61 show a state in which the second shutter is in the closed position. Parts (a) and (b) of fig. 62 and parts (a) and (b) of fig. 63 show a state in which the second shutter is in the open position.

In this embodiment, the third opening 249 is opened and closed by moving the second shutter (opening/closing member) 653 relative to the container 647.

The second shutter 653 includes a main body portion (closing portion) 653m, an engageable member (supporting portion, supporting member) 671, an arm portion 672, a coil spring 675, and the like. The arm portion 672 extends upward from the lower end side of the main body portion 653m of the shutter toward the free end side, and the free end side of the arm portion 672 is provided with an engageable member 671 and a coil spring (pressurizing spring) 675 mounted thereto.

As shown in fig. 59, the engageable member 671 includes a claw portion (first engaging portion) 671a, a protrusion (second engaging portion) 671 b. The claw portion 671a and the projection 671b constitute an engaging portion (opening/closing member side engaging portion) provided on the second shutter 653, and have the same configuration as the claw portion 271a and the projection 271b in embodiment 4. The claw portion 671a projects at least radially outward with respect to the rotational radius of the second shutter 653. The projection 671b projects at least toward the downstream side with respect to the moving direction of the second shutter 653 from the closed position to the open position.

Portions of the engageable member 671 other than the engaging portions (claw portions 671a, protrusions 671b) are support portions that support the engaging portions. The engageable member 671 also serves as a movable member (slidable member) slidable with respect to the main body portion 653m of the shutter. A coil spring (elastic member, elastic portion) 675 is an urging portion for urging the engageable member 671. The coil spring 675 is mounted on a boss 671h provided on the engageable member 671, and is pressed against a surface (urged portion) 671e of the engageable member 671 to urge the engageable member 671 in a predetermined direction. In this embodiment, the engageable members 671 (claw portions 671a, protrusions 671b) are urged axially inward by coil springs (elastic members, elastic portions) 675. In other words, the engaging portions (claw portions 671a, 671b) are urged toward the engaging position by the coil spring 675.

The urging portion may be an elastic member (elastic portion) other than the coil spring. For example, a leaf spring may be used. In this embodiment, the urging portion is a pressing spring, and may be a tension spring having a different arrangement of the urging portion with respect to the engageable member 671. That is, the engaging portion can be urged to the engaging position by the tension of the coil spring applied to the engageable member 671.

As shown in parts (a) and (b) of fig. 60 and parts (a) and (b) of fig. 61, when the second shutter 653 is at the closed position, the engageable member 671 is in contact with the regulating surface so that the movement is regulated. That is, the engaging portions (claw portions 671a, protrusions 671b) are urged toward the engaging position by the coil spring 675, but it is held at the retracted position by the regulating surface 647j provided on the container 647. The regulating surface 647j is a retreat position holding portion for holding the engagement portion at the retreat position against the coil spring 675.

When the second shutter 653 is at the closed position, the claw portion 671a is not engaged with the shutter holding portion, and the protrusion 671b is not engaged with the lock hole.

In this state, the container 647 rotates in a direction indicated by an arrow e in part (b) of fig. 61. Then, the second shutter 653 is rotated in the direction of arrow h with respect to the container 647. As a result, as shown in parts (a) and (b) of fig. 62 and parts (a) and (b) of fig. 63, the second shutter 653 is at the open position, so that the third opening (discharge opening) is opened.

As the second shutter 653 moves from the closed position to the open position, the regulating surfaces 647j and 647e leave the engageable member 671 (regulating surfaces 671f, 671 k). Then, the engageable members 671 (claw portions 671a, protrusions 671b) are axially moved inward to the engaged position by the force of the coil spring 675. That is, the claw portion 671a is at a position engageable with the shutter holding portion 263, and the protrusion 671b is at a position engageable with the locking hole 263 a.

The coil spring 675 is an engaging position moving portion provided on the second shutter 653 for moving the claw portion 671a and the projection 671b to the engaging position.

It is assumed that the container 647 rotates in the direction of an arrow e shown in part (b) of fig. 63 from a state in which the second shutter 653 is at the open position. At this time, the claw portion 671a at the engagement position is engaged with the shutter holding portion 263, and the protrusion 671b at the engagement position is engaged with the locking hole 263 a. As a result, the movement of the second shutter 653 is regulated, and therefore, only the container 647 rotates in the direction of the arrow e. In other words, the second shutter 653 rotates in the direction of arrow h relative to the container 647. That is, the second shutter 653 is moved to the closed position with the force received by the claw portion 671a and the projection 671b from the shutter holding portion 263 a.

As the second shutter 653 is moved to the open position, the regulating surface 647e provided on the container contacts the regulated surface 671f provided on the engageable member 671 (claw portion 671 a). The regulating surface 647e is a surface (inclined portion) inclined with respect to the moving direction (rotational moving direction) of the second shutter 653. Therefore, the engageable member 671 is brought into contact with the regulating surface 647e to move axially outward on the regulating surface 647 e. In other words, by the force received from the regulation surface 647e, the engageable member 671 (the claw portion 671a, the protrusion 671b) is moved toward the retreat position against the elastic force of the coil spring 675.

As a result, the protrusion 671b is disengaged from the locking hole 263a, and the claw portion 671a thereof is disengaged from the shutter holding portion 263.

The regulating surface 647e is a retreat position moving portion for moving the engagement portions (claw portions 671a, protrusions 671b) provided on the second shutter 653 toward an retreat position. The regulating surface 647e is a surface provided by a protrusion (projection) provided on the container 647. In another aspect, the container 647 may be provided with a recess (e.g., a groove) by which the regulating surface 647e is provided.

In addition, in this embodiment, the engaging portion is moved toward the engaging position by an elastic portion (coil spring, elastic member) provided on the second shutter 653, and is moved to the retracted position by a regulating surface (retracted position moving portion) provided on the container.

However, conversely, it is also possible to move the engaging portion to the retreat position by an elastic member (coil spring or the like) provided on the second shutter 653, and to move the engaging portion to the engaging position by a regulating surface (engaging position moving portion) provided on the container. That is, the elastic member (coil spring or the like) of this embodiment can be applied to embodiment 6 described above.

[ Industrial Applicability ]

According to the present invention, there is provided a toner cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus.

[ reference numerals ]

30: second opening

43: inserted into the guided part

43 a: abutment portion

43: rotating guided part

44: gripping member

44 a: fixed part

44 b: operation part

53: second flashboard

53 a: snap-fit part

53 b: claw part

53 c: anterior surface

54: second sealing member

58: communicating part

61: first locking arm

61 a: claw part

62: release pawl

63: shutter plate holding part

64: stirring shaft sealing element