JP2017182006A - Toner cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toner cartridge capable of transmitting a drive force to an agitator and an auger with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A toner cartridge 1 includes: a housing 2 for storing a toner; an agitator 3 located in a first inner space 2D of the housing 2; an agitator gear 60 rotatable with the agitator 3; an auger 4 located in a second inner space 2E of the housing 2; an auger gear 23 rotatable with the auger 4; an idle gear 61 engaged with the auger gear 23 and the agitator gear 60; and a gear cover 21. The idle gear 61 is rotatable following a boss 62 of the housing 2. The gear cover 21 is fixed to the boss 62 by a screw 63.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a toner cartridge.

  Conventionally, a toner cartridge that is detachable from an image forming apparatus is known. The toner cartridge contains toner.

  For example, as described in Patent Document 1, a toner cartridge including a housing for storing toner, an agitator, and an auger is known. The toner cartridge includes an agitator gear that rotates together with the agitator, and an auger gear that rotates together with the auger. The toner cartridge further includes an idle gear that is positioned between the agitator gear and the auger gear and meshes with the agitator gear and the auger gear, and a gear cover that covers the agitator gear, the auger gear, and the idle gear. The toner cartridge further has a boss for fixing the gear cover to the housing and a hole into which the boss fits.

JP 2013-161091 A

  However, in the toner cartridge described in Patent Document 1, since the boss and the hole are provided in the housing in a place different from the place where the agitator gear, the auger gear, and the idle gear are attached, the housing and the gear cover are large. There was a problem of becoming.

  Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a toner cartridge capable of reducing the size of the housing and the gear cover.

(1) A toner cartridge according to the present disclosure includes a housing, an agitator, an agitator gear, an auger, an auger gear, an idle gear, a gear cover, and a screw.

  The housing extends in the first direction and accommodates toner. The housing has a first internal space and a second internal space connected to the first internal space. The housing includes a boss. The boss extends in the first direction and has a first hole at the tip.

  The agitator is rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction. The agitator stirs the toner in the first internal space and conveys the toner from the first internal space to the second internal space.

  The agitator gear is mounted on the agitator and is rotatable with the agitator about the first shaft.

  The auger is rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction. The auger conveys toner in the first direction.

  The auger gear is mounted on the auger and is rotatable with the auger about the second axis.

  The idle gear is rotatable about the boss of the housing. The idle gear meshes with the auger gear and meshes with the agitator gear. The idle gear has a second hole into which the boss is inserted.

  The gear cover covers at least a part of the idle gear. The gear cover has a third hole. The third hole exposes the tip of the boss.

  The screw is inserted into the first hole through the third hole, and fixes the gear cover to the boss.

  According to such a configuration, the idle gear that meshes with the agitator gear and the auger gear and the gear cover are fixed to the same boss with screws.

  Thereby, compared with the case where the boss | hub etc. for attaching a gear cover to the place different from the place where an agitator gear, an auger gear, and an idle gear are provided, a housing and a gear cover can be reduced in size.

Accordingly, the drive can be transmitted to the agitator and the auger with a simple configuration.
(2) The tip of the boss may be inserted into the third hole.
(3) The auger gear may have a fourth hole. The gear cover may have a protrusion that is inserted into the fourth hole.
(4) The gear cover may have a first opening. The gear cover may cover one end of the auger gear, and the first opening may allow the other end of the auger gear to be exposed. The idle gear may mesh with one end of the auger gear.
(5) The idle gear may be located on the opposite side of the other end portion of the auger gear with respect to the one end portion of the auger gear.
(6) The idle gear may be located between the agitator gear and the auger gear.
(7) The boss may extend from the housing in the first direction.
(8) The agitator may have one end and the other end that is separated from the one end in the first direction and that penetrates the housing. The agitator gear may be attached to the other end of the agitator. The auger may have one end and the other end that is separated from the one end in the first direction and that penetrates the housing. The auger gear may be attached to the other end of the auger.
(9) The diameter of the agitator gear may be larger than the diameter of the auger gear.
(10) The diameter of the agitator gear may be larger than the diameter of the idle gear.
(11) The internal volume of the first internal space may be larger than the internal volume of the second internal space.
(12) The housing further includes a first toner storage unit and a second toner storage unit. The first toner storage portion may extend in the first direction and have a first internal space. The second toner container has a second internal space that extends in the first direction and is connected to the first internal space of the first toner container. The second toner storage unit may have a second opening at one end thereof to allow the toner in the second internal space to be discharged.
(13) The second toner container may further include a cover that covers the two openings. The cover further has a third opening. The third opening allows the toner discharged through the second opening to be discharged. The area of the third opening is smaller than the area of the second opening.
(14) The cover may extend along the rotation direction of the auger and cover one end of the auger.

  The toner cartridge of the present disclosure can transmit driving to the agitator and the auger with a simple configuration.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 1. FIG. 2 is a central sectional view of the toner cartridge 1. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of one end portion of the toner cartridge 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 1 with the gear cover 21 removed. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the other end portion of the toner cartridge 1. FIG. 7A is a side view of the toner cartridge 1 viewed from a direction intersecting the second direction, and shows a state where the shutter 13 is located at the closed position. FIG. 7B is a side view of the toner cartridge 1 viewed from a direction crossing the second direction, and shows a state where the shutter 13 is located at the open position. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 7A. FIG. 9 is a side view of the developing device 31 as viewed from the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 1 with respect to the developing device 31. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the developing unit 31 shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of the developing device 31 shown in FIG. 9 and is a cross-sectional view seen in the direction toward the groove 35 in the first direction. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view for explaining the mounting of the toner cartridge 1 to the developing device 31, and shows a state before the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mounting of the toner cartridge 1 to the developing device 31 together with FIG. 12, and shows a state in which the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31 and the housing 2 is located at the first position. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 31 and the toner cartridge 1 shown in FIG. 13, a cross-sectional view passing through the lock member 18, and a cross-sectional view showing a state where the lock member 18 is located at the release position. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 31 and the toner cartridge 1 shown in FIG. 13 as in FIG. 14, and is a cross-sectional view through the opening 13D of the shutter 13, and the housing 2 is located at the first position. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the shutter 13 is located at the closed position and the developing shutter 51 is located at the closed position. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 31 and the toner cartridge 1 shown in FIG. 13 similarly to FIGS. 14 and 15, and is a cross-sectional view through the lock member 52A, and the housing 2 is located at the first position. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the protrusion 26A of the toner cartridge 1 is in contact with the protrusion 58 of the lock member 52A. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 31 and the toner cartridge 1 shown in FIG. 13 as in FIGS. 14 to 16, and is a cross-sectional view passing through the gear portion 54A of the developing shutter 51. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the protrusion 53A of the developing shutter 51 is located between the protrusion 25A of the toner cartridge 1 and the gear portion 24A at the first position. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 31 and the toner cartridge 1 when the housing 2 is pivoted from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing device 31, and a cross section passing through the opening 13 </ b> D of the shutter 13. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the protrusion 26A of the toner cartridge 1 is in contact with the protrusion 58 of the lock member 52A. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 31 and the toner cartridge 1 shown in FIG. 18 and is a cross-sectional view passing through the gear portion 54A of the developing shutter 51. The gear portion 24A of the toner cartridge 1 is formed on the protrusion 53A of the developing shutter 51. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which contacted. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 31 and the toner cartridge 1 when the housing 2 is further pivoted from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing device 31, and is a cross-sectional view passing through the lock member 52A. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the protrusion 26A of the toner cartridge 1 is separated from the protrusion 58 of the lock member 52A. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 31 and the toner cartridge 1 shown in FIG. 20 and is a cross-sectional view passing through the gear portion 54A of the developing shutter 51. The protrusion 59 of the lock member 52A is formed on the protrusion 57 of the developing shutter 51. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the gear portion 24A of the toner cartridge 1 is in contact with the gear portion 24A of the developing shutter 51. FIG. FIG. 22 is a side view of the developing device 31 and the toner cartridge 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 23 is a side view of the developing device 31 and the toner cartridge 1 when the housing 2 is located at the second position. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 31 and the toner cartridge 1 shown in FIG. 23 and is a cross-sectional view passing through the gear portion 54A of the developing shutter 51. The protrusion 59 of the lock member 52A It is sectional drawing which shows the state located. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the developing device 31 and the toner cartridge 1 shown in FIG. 23, and is a cross-sectional view passing through the opening 13D of the shutter 13. The shutter 13 is in the open position and the development shutter 51 is in the open position. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which was located.

1. Outline of Toner Cartridge 1 An outline of the toner cartridge 1 will be described.

  A toner cartridge 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a cartridge that accommodates toner. As will be described in detail later, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on a developing device 31 described later. Thereafter, the toner cartridge 1 is attached to the developing device 31 by pivoting with respect to the developing device 31 from the state shown in FIG. 13 to the state shown in FIG. The toner cartridge 1 can supply toner to the developing device 31 while being attached to the developing device 31. The pivoting of the toner cartridge 1 means that the toner cartridge 1 rotates about an axis that the toner cartridge 1 has at one end thereof. Specifically, the axis of the toner cartridge 1 itself is a second axis A2 described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the toner cartridge 1 includes a housing 2, an agitator 3, and an auger 4.

1.1 Housing 2
The housing 2 extends in the first direction. The housing 2 can accommodate toner. The housing 2 includes a first toner container 2A and a second toner container 2B. The second toner container 2B is located on one side of the first toner container 2A in the second direction. The second direction is defined by connecting a first axis A1 described later and a second axis A2 described later. The first toner storage portion 2A extends in the first direction. The first toner storage portion 2A has a cylindrical shape. The first toner storage portion 2A has a first internal space 2D. The first internal space 2D extends in the first direction. The first internal space 2D has a cylindrical shape centered on the first axis A1. The first toner storage portion 2A can store toner in the first internal space 2D. The second toner container 2B extends in the first direction. The second toner storage portion 2B has a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the second toner container 2B is smaller than the outer diameter of the first toner container 2A. The second toner storage unit 2B has a second internal space 2E. The second internal space 2E extends in the first direction. The second internal space 2E has a cylindrical shape with the second axis A2 as the center. The second toner storage portion 2B can store toner in the second internal space 2E. The first internal space 2D and the second internal space 2E are arranged in the second direction. The second internal space 2E is connected to the first internal space 2D. The inner diameter of the first inner space 2D is larger than the inner diameter of the second inner space 2E. The length of the second internal space 2E in the first direction is longer than the length of the first internal space 2D in the first direction. The internal volume of the first internal space 2D is larger than the internal volume of the second internal space 2E. The first toner storage unit 2A and the second toner storage unit 2B may be configured integrally. Further, the first toner storage unit 2A and the second toner storage unit 2B may be configured separately and assembled to each other. In a state where the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on a developing device 31 described later, the housing 2 is in a first position (see FIG. 13) and a second position (see FIG. 23) with respect to the developing device 31 described later. It is possible to pivot between.

1.2 Agitator 3
The agitator 3 is located in the first internal space 2D. The agitator 3 can agitate the toner in the first internal space 2D, and can convey the toner from the first internal space 2D to the second internal space 2E. The agitator 3 is rotatable about a first axis A1 extending in the first direction. The agitator 3 includes an agitator shaft 3A and a blade 3B. The agitator shaft 3A extends along the first axis A1. The blade 3B extends from the agitator shaft 3A in the radial direction of the first toner storage portion 2A. The blade 3B can rotate together with the agitator shaft 3A. The blade 3B has a proximal end connected to the agitator shaft 3A and a distal end farthest from the agitator shaft 3A. The tip of the blade 3B is in contact with the inner surface of the first toner storage portion 2A. The tip of the blade 3B is curved toward the upstream side in the rotational direction of the agitator 3 by contacting the inner surface of the first toner storage portion 2A. As the blade 3B rotates, the agitator 3 agitates the toner in the first internal space 2D and conveys the toner from the first internal space 2D to the second internal space 2E.

1.3 Ogre 4
The auger 4 is located in the second internal space 2E. The auger 4 conveys toner in the first direction. As will be described in detail later, the auger 4 conveys the toner in the second internal space 2E to the second opening 11 described later. The auger 4 extends in the first direction. The auger 4 is rotatable about a second axis A2 extending in the first direction. Specifically, the auger 4 includes a shaft 4A and a spiral portion 4B. The shaft 4A extends along the first axis A1. The spiral portion 4B protrudes from the shaft 4A in the radial direction of the first toner storage portion 2A. The spiral portion 4B has a spiral shape extending in the first direction.

2. Details of Toner Cartridge 1 Details of the toner cartridge 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

2.1 Second toner container 2B
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second toner accommodating portion 2 </ b> B has a second opening 11. The second opening 11 is located at one end of the second toner storage portion 2B in the first direction. One end portion of the second toner storage portion 2B protrudes from one end portion of the first toner storage portion 2A in the first direction. That is, the second opening 11 is located away from the first toner storage portion 2A in the first direction. The length of the second toner container 2B in the first direction is longer than the length of the first toner container 2A in the first direction. Thereby, the length in the first direction of the first internal space 2D is shorter than the length of the second internal space 2E in the first direction. One end portion of the second toner storage portion 2B has a cylindrical shape. The second opening 11 passes through one end of the second toner storage portion 2B in the first direction. The second opening 11 is connected to the second internal space 2E. Thus, the second opening 11 allows the toner in the second internal space 2E to be discharged. The auger 4 is inserted through the second opening 11. The auger 4 has one end 4C and the other end 4D positioned away from the one end 4C in the first direction. One end 4C of the auger 4 protrudes from the second opening 11 in the first direction. That is, the second opening 11 allows the one end 4 </ b> C of the auger 4 to be exposed. Thereby, the auger 4 can convey the toner from the second internal space 2E to the second opening 11.

2.3 Cover 12
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the toner cartridge 1 further includes a cover 12.

  The cover 12 is located at one end of the second toner storage portion 2B in the first direction. Specifically, the cover 12 is attached to one end of the second toner storage unit 2B. Thereby, the cover 12 is movable together with the housing 2. The cover 12 covers the second opening 11. The cover 12 covers the one end 4C of the auger 4 in the first direction. Specifically, the cover 12 covers the peripheral surface of the one end 4 </ b> C of the auger 4. The cover 12 extends along the peripheral surface of the one end 4 </ b> C of the auger 4. The cover 12 extends along the rotation direction of the auger 4. Specifically, the cover 12 has a cylindrical shape. The cover 12 extends in the first direction. The cover 12 has a third opening 12A.

  The third opening 12A is located away from the second toner storage portion 2B in the first direction. Specifically, the third opening 12A is located away from the second opening 11 in the first direction. The third opening 12A penetrates the peripheral surface of the cover 12. Thus, the third opening 12A allows the toner discharged through the second opening 11 to be discharged. The area of the third opening 12 </ b> A is smaller than the area of the second opening 11. Thereby, the amount of toner conveyed from the second internal space 2E to the internal space of the shutter 13 is reduced by the second opening 11, and further, the amount of toner discharged from the third opening 12A is reduced by the third opening 12A. be able to. As shown in FIG. 7B, the auger 4 extends to the third opening 12A in the first direction. Thereby, the auger 4 can convey the toner from the second internal space 2E to the third opening 12A via the cover 12.

2.3 Shutter 13
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the toner cartridge 1 further includes a shutter 13.

  The shutter 13 is located at one end of the second toner storage unit 2B. Specifically, the shutter 13 is inserted into the cover 12 and one end of the second toner storage unit 2B. As a result, the shutter 13 is attached to one end of the second toner accommodating portion 2B. The shutter 13 can rotate between a closed position (FIG. 7A) and a closed position (FIG. 7B) with respect to the housing 2 and the cover 12. When the housing 2 is located at the first position (see FIG. 15), the shutter 13 is located at the closed position with respect to the housing 2 and the cover 12. When the housing 2 is located at the second position (see FIG. 24), the shutter 13 is located at the open position with respect to the housing 2 and the cover 12.

  More specifically, the shutter 13 extends in the first direction. The shutter 13 has one end and the other end. The other end portion is farther from the second toner accommodating portion 2B than the one end portion in the first direction. The shutter 13 includes an insertion portion 13A and a cover portion 13B. The insertion portion 13A is located at one end of the shutter 13. The insertion portion 13A is inserted into the second opening 11. The insertion portion 13A has an opening 13C. The opening 13C penetrates the insertion portion 13A in the first direction. Thereby, the opening 13 </ b> C allows the toner in the second internal space 2 </ b> E to enter the internal space of the shutter 13. The cover portion 13B is aligned with the insertion portion 13A in the first direction. The cover portion 13B is located between the insertion portion 13A and a projection 14 described later in the first direction. The cover portion 13B protrudes from the second opening 11 in the first direction. The cover portion 13 </ b> B covers the peripheral surface of one end portion of the auger 4. The cover portion 13 </ b> B extends along the peripheral surface of one end portion of the auger 4. Further, the cover portion 13 </ b> B extends along the inner surface of the cover 12. In other words, the cover 12 extends along the peripheral surface of the cover portion 13B and covers the peripheral surface of the cover portion 13B. Specifically, the cover portion 13B has a cylindrical shape. The cover portion 13B extends in the first direction. The cover portion 13B has an opening 13D (see FIG. 7B). The opening 13D penetrates the peripheral surface of the cover portion 13B. A seal S (see FIG. 15) is provided around the opening 13D. The seal S is located between the inner surface of the cover 12 and the cover portion 13B. Accordingly, the seal S prevents toner from entering between the inner surface of the cover 12 and the cover portion 13B. The opening 13D allows the toner in the internal space of the shutter 13 to be discharged. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the shutter 13 is located at the closed position, the shutter 13 closes the third opening 12A. As shown in FIG. 7B, when the shutter 13 is positioned at the open position, at least a part of the opening 13D overlaps at least a part of the third opening 12A. At this time, one end of the auger 4 in the first direction is exposed from the third opening 12 </ b> A of the cover 12. Thereby, the opening 13D allows the toner in the internal space of the shutter 13 to be discharged through the third opening 12A. Note that the area of the opening formed by overlapping the third opening 12 </ b> A and the opening 13 </ b> D is smaller than the area of the second opening 11.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the shutter 13 includes a protrusion 14. The protrusion 14 is farther than the cover 12 from one end of the second toner storage portion 2B in the first direction. The protrusion 14 is located on the opposite side of the insertion portion 13A with respect to the cover portion 13B in the first direction. The protrusion 14 is positioned with respect to the developing device 31 when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on a developing device 31 (see FIG. 9) described later. The protrusion 14 extends in the first direction. The protrusion 14 extends from the other end of the shutter 13. Specifically, the protrusion 14 extends from the cover portion 13B. Thereby, the protrusion 14 can rotate with respect to the housing 2 and the cover 12 together with the shutter 13. The protrusion 14 has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion in the first direction. The proximal end portion is connected to the cover portion 13B. The distal end portion is located on the opposite side of the cover portion 13B with respect to the proximal end portion in the first direction. Specifically, the protrusion 14 includes a shaft portion 14A, a flat plate portion 14B, and a boss 14C. The shaft portion 14 </ b> A is located at the base end portion of the protrusion 14. The shaft portion 14A extends in the first direction from the cover portion 13B and is connected to the flat plate portion 14B. The flat plate portion 14B is located on the opposite side of the cover portion 13B with respect to the shaft portion 14A in the first direction. The flat plate portion 14B extends in the second direction when the shutter 13 is located at the closed position. The length of the flat plate portion 14B in the second direction is longer than the length of the shaft portion 14A in the second direction. The boss 14 </ b> C is located at the tip of the protrusion 14. The boss 14C is located on the opposite side of the shaft portion 14A with respect to the flat plate portion 14B in the first direction. The boss 14C extends in the first direction from the flat plate portion 14B. The boss 14C extends along the second axis A2. The boss 14C has a cylindrical shape.

2.4 Second cover 15
As shown in FIG. 4, the toner cartridge 1 includes a second cover 15.

  The second cover 15 extends in the first direction. The second cover 15 has one end and the other end. The other end is farther from the housing 2 than the one end in the first direction. One end of the second cover 15 is attached to the first toner storage portion 2A. Accordingly, the second cover 15 can move with respect to the shutter 13 together with the housing 2 and the cover 12. The second cover 15 includes a cover portion 16.

  The cover portion 16 is located at the other end portion of the second cover 15. The cover portion 16 protrudes from the other end portion of the second cover 15 in the first direction. The cover part 16 extends in the second direction. The cover part 16 has an opening 17. The opening 17 penetrates the cover portion 16 in a direction intersecting with the first direction and the second direction. The cover unit 16 includes a first frame 16A, a second frame 16B, and a third frame 16C. The first frame 16A is separated from the second frame 16B in the second direction. An opening 17 is located between the first frame 16A and the second frame 16B. The third frame 16C is located on the opposite side of the housing 2 with respect to the opening 17 in the first direction. The third frame 16C extends in the second direction. The third frame 16C is connected to the first frame 16A and the second frame 16B. The third frame 16C has a through hole 16D. The through hole 16D penetrates the third frame 16C in the first direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the protrusion 14 is inserted into the cover portion 16. Then, the flat plate portion 14B of the protrusion 14 is positioned between the first frame 16A and the second frame 16B. The opening 17 exposes the flat plate portion 14B of the protrusion 14. Thereby, when the shutter 13 is located at the closed position, the first frame 16A and the second frame 16B cover the edge of the flat plate portion 14B. The third frame 16C faces the flat plate portion 14B in the first direction. Thereby, the third frame 16C covers at least a part of the tip portion of the protrusion 14 in the first direction. That is, the second cover 15 covers at least a part of the tip portion of the protrusion 14. Further, the boss 14C of the protrusion 14 is inserted into the through hole 16D. Thereby, the 2nd cover 15 supports the tip part of projection 14 so that rotation is possible.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the second cover 15 includes a lock member 18 and a stopper 19.

  The lock member 18 is movable between a lock position (see FIG. 8) and a release position (see FIG. 14). Specifically, the lock member 18 can pivot between a lock position and a release position. The lock member 18 is pressed toward the lock position by the spring 18C.

  The lock member 18 includes a shaft 18A and a protrusion 18B. The shaft 18A is rotatably supported by the second cover 15. As a result, the lock member 18 can pivot with respect to the second cover 15. The protrusion 18B extends from the shaft 18A toward the protrusion 14. The protrusion 18B faces one end of the flat plate portion 14B when the lock member 18 is positioned at the lock position. One end portion of the flat plate portion 14B is an end portion facing the first frame 16A (see FIG. 1) in the second direction when the shutter 13 is located at the closed position. The protrusion 18B contacts one end of the protrusion 14. Thereby, the lock member 18 can lock the protrusion 14 to the second cover 15 when the lock member 18 is positioned at the lock position. Note that locking the protrusion 14 to the second cover 15 means stopping the protrusion 14 from rotating with respect to the second cover 15. The lock member 18 stops the movement of the shutter 13 from the closed position to the open position by locking the protrusion 14 to the second cover 15 in a state where the toner cartridge 1 is removed from the developing device 31 described later. Further, the protrusion 18B cannot contact one end portion of the flat plate portion 14B when the lock member 18 is located at the release position. Thereby, when the lock member 18 is located at the release position, the lock of the protrusion 14 to the second cover 15 is released.

  The spring 18C is a coil spring. Specifically, the spring 18C includes one end, the other end separated from the one end, and a coil portion located between the one end and the other end. One end of the spring 18 </ b> C contacts the second cover 15. The other end of the spring 18C contacts the protrusion 18B of the lock member 18. Thereby, the spring 18C presses the lock member 18 toward the lock position.

  The stopper 19 is located on the inner surface of the second frame 16B. The stopper 19 protrudes from the inner surface of the second frame 16B toward the first frame 16A. The stopper 19 faces the other end of the flat plate portion 14B when the shutter 13 is located at the closed position. The other end portion of the flat plate portion 14B is an end portion facing the second frame 16B in the second direction when the shutter 13 is located at the closed position. The other end portion of the flat plate portion 14B has an engaging portion 14D. The engaging portion 14D protrudes in the second direction from the other end portion of the flat plate portion 14B when the shutter 13 is located at the closed position. The stopper 19 faces the engaging portion 14D. The stopper 19 contacts the engaging portion 14D. Accordingly, the stopper 19 stops the protrusion 14 from rotating in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the protrusion 14 when the shutter 13 rotates from the closed position to the open position when the shutter 13 is in the closed position. . When the shutter 13 is in the closed position and the protrusion 14 rotates in the opposite direction, the engaging portion 14D of the protrusion 14 comes into contact with the stopper 19.

2.5 Gear train and gear cover 21
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the toner cartridge 1 includes an auger gear 23, an agitator gear 60, an idle gear 61, and a gear cover 21.

2.5.1 Auger Gear 23
The auger gear 23 is attached to the other end 4 </ b> D of the auger 4. The auger gear 23 is rotatable with the auger 4 about the second axis A2. Specifically, the second toner storage portion 2B has a first through hole 20A (see FIG. 3). The first through hole 20A is located at the other end portion in the first direction of the second toner accommodating portion 2B. The first through hole 20A penetrates the second toner storage portion 2B in the first direction. The other end 4D of the auger 4 in the first direction is inserted into the first through hole 20A. Thereby, the other end 4D of the auger 4 penetrates the housing 2 in the first direction. The auger gear 23 is located on the outer surface of the second toner storage portion 2B. The auger gear 23 has one surface and the other surface in the first direction. One side faces the second toner containing portion 2B in the first direction. The other surface is located on the opposite side of the second toner container 2B with respect to the one surface in the first direction. The auger gear 23 has a fourth hole 23A. The fourth hole 23 </ b> A is located at the center of the auger gear 23 in the radial direction of the auger gear 23. The fourth hole 23A is recessed from the other surface of the auger gear 23 toward the one surface. The fourth hole 23A has a circular shape. A protrusion 21C of the gear cover 21 described later is inserted into the fourth hole 23A.

2.5.2 Agitator gear 60
The agitator gear 60 is attached to the agitator 3. The agitator gear 60 is rotatable with the agitator 3 about the first axis A1. Specifically, the agitator shaft 3A has one end 3C and the other end 3D separated from the one end 3C in the first direction. The first toner container 2A has a second through hole 20B (see FIG. 3). The second through hole 20B is located at the other end portion in the first direction of the first toner storage portion 2A. The second through hole 20B penetrates the first toner storage portion 2A in the first direction. The other end 3D is inserted into the second through hole 20B. Thereby, the other end 3D penetrates the housing 2 in the first direction. The agitator gear 60 is attached to the other end 3D. The agitator gear 60 is located on the outer surface of the first toner storage portion 2A. The agitator gear 60 is spaced from the auger gear 23. The diameter of the agitator gear 60 is larger than the diameter of the auger gear 23. Further, the diameter of the agitator gear 60 is larger than the diameter of the idle gear 61. Thereby, the agitator 3 can rotate with respect to the auger 4 at a slow peripheral speed. As a result, the amount of toner conveyed from the first internal space 2D to the second internal space 2E can be reduced.

2.5.3 Idle Gear 61
The idle gear 61 is located between the agitator gear 60 and the auger gear 23. The idle gear 61 meshes with the auger gear 23 and meshes with the agitator gear 60. Thereby, the auger gear 23 can transmit the driving force to the agitator gear 60 via the idle gear 61. Specifically, the idle gear 61 meshes with one end portion of the auger gear 23. The other end portion of the auger gear 23 is exposed from the gear cover 21 through a first opening 21A, which will be described later, of the gear cover 21. That is, the idle gear 61 is located on the opposite side of the other end portion of the auger gear 23 with respect to one end portion of the auger gear 23. The other end of the auger gear 23 meshes with a gear 30 of the developing device 31 described later when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31 and the casing 2 is positioned at the second position with respect to the developing device 31. . That is, when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31 and the housing 2 is positioned at the second position with respect to the developing device 31, the idle gear 61 is positioned on the opposite side of the other end portion of the auger gear 23. Thereby, the idle gear 61 can stably receive the torque applied from the gear 30 of the developing device 31 to the other end portion of the auger gear 23 on the opposite side of the other end portion of the auger gear 23. The idle gear 61 can rotate about the boss 62 of the housing 2. The boss 62 is located between the agitator gear 60 and the auger gear 23. The boss 62 is located on the opposite side of the other end portion of the auger gear 23 with respect to one end portion of the auger gear 23. The boss 62 protrudes in the first direction from the outer surface of the first toner storage portion 2A. That is, the boss 62 extends from the housing 2 in the first direction. The boss 62 has a cylindrical shape. The idle gear 61 has a second hole 61A into which the boss 62 is inserted. By inserting the boss 62 into the second hole 61 </ b> A, the idle gear 61 can rotate about the boss 62. Note that the boss 62 may penetrate the idle gear 61 through the second hole 61 </ b> A, or may not penetrate the idle gear 61.

  The boss 62 has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion. The base end is an end connected to the housing 2. Specifically, the base end portion is connected to the outer surface of the first toner storage portion 2A. The distal end portion is an end portion located on the opposite side of the housing 2 with respect to the proximal end portion in the first direction. The boss 62 has a first hole 62A at the tip. The first hole 62A is recessed from the distal end portion toward the proximal end portion.

2.5.4 Gear cover 21
The gear cover 21 is located on the opposite side of the cover 12 with respect to the housing 2 in the first direction. The gear cover 21 covers one end portions of the agitator gear 60, the idle gear 61 and the auger gear 23. That is, the gear cover 21 covers at least a part of the idle gear 61. The gear cover 21 has a first opening 21A, a third hole 21B, and a protrusion 21C. The first opening 21 </ b> A exposes the other end of the auger gear 23. The first opening 21A is located between the second protrusion 22 and the second toner storage portion 2B. The first opening 21A penetrates the gear cover 21 in the third direction. The third hole 21B is located at a position facing the boss 62 in the first direction. The third hole 21B is located on the opposite side of the first opening 21A with respect to the second protrusion 22. The third hole 21B penetrates the gear cover 21 in the first direction. The tip of the boss 62 is inserted into the third hole 21B. Thereby, the 3rd hole 21B exposes the tip part of boss 62. Further, by inserting the boss 62 into the third hole 21B, the gear cover 21 can be fixed to the boss 62, and the gear cover 21 can be stably fixed to the housing 2. The protrusion 21C is located at a position facing the fourth hole 23A of the auger gear 23 in the first direction. The protrusion 21 </ b> C protrudes from the inner surface of the gear cover 21 toward the auger gear 23. The protrusion 21C extends in the first direction. The protrusion 21C has a cylindrical shape. The protrusion 21C is inserted into the fourth hole 23A. The protrusion 21C is inserted into the fourth hole 23A and the boss 62 is inserted into the third hole 21B, whereby the gear cover 21 can be positioned with respect to the housing 2. Further, when the projection 21C for positioning the gear cover 21 with respect to the housing 2 is provided on the gear cover 21, the projection 21C is inserted into the fourth hole 23A, so that the gear cover 21 is inserted in the first direction. Can be miniaturized.

  Further, the toner cartridge 1 includes a screw 63. The screw 63 has a shaft portion 63A extending in the first direction and a head portion 63B located at one end of the shaft portion 63A. The diameter of the shaft portion 63A is smaller than that of the third hole 21B. The diameter of the head 63B is larger than that of the third hole 21B. The shaft portion 63A is inserted into the first hole 62A of the boss 62 through the third hole 21B. At this time, the head 63B faces the edge of the third hole 21B. Thereby, the screw 63 fixes the gear cover 21 to the boss 62.

2.6 Second protrusion 22
As shown in FIG. 1, the gear cover 21 includes a second protrusion 22.

  The second protrusion 22 is located on the opposite side of the second toner storage portion 2B with respect to the auger gear 23 in the first direction. The second protrusion 22 protrudes from the gear cover 21 in the first direction. The second protrusion 22 extends in the second direction.

2.7 Gear Unit and Projection The toner cartridge 1 includes a gear unit 24A, a gear unit 24B, a projection 25A, a projection 25B, a projection 26A, and a projection 26B, as shown in FIGS. The gear portion 24A, the gear portion 24B, the protrusion 25A, the protrusion 25B, the protrusion 26A, and the protrusion 26B are configured to move a developing shutter 51 of the developing device 31 described later.

  The cover 12 further includes a gear part 24A and a gear part 24B. The gear portion 24A is separated from the gear portion 24B in the first direction. The third opening 12A is located between the gear portion 24A and the gear portion 24B. Each of the gear portion 24A and the gear portion 24B has a plurality of gear teeth. That is, the cover 12 has a plurality of gear teeth. The plurality of gear teeth of the gear portion 24 </ b> A and the plurality of gear teeth of the gear portion 24 </ b> B are located on the peripheral surface of the cover 12 along the rotation direction of the cover 12 with respect to the shutter 13. The plurality of gear teeth of the gear portion 24 </ b> A and the plurality of gear teeth of the gear portion 24 </ b> B are arranged in the rotation direction of the cover 12 with respect to the shutter 13.

  Further, the protrusion 25 </ b> A and the protrusion 25 </ b> B are provided on the cover 12. That is, the cover 12 further includes a protrusion 25A and a protrusion 25B. The protrusion 25A is separated from the protrusion 25B in the first direction. The protrusion 25 </ b> A is aligned with a plurality of gear teeth of the gear portion 24 </ b> A in the rotation direction of the cover 12 with respect to the shutter 13. The protrusion 25A is positioned upstream of the plurality of gear teeth of the gear portion 24A in the rotation direction R of the cover 12 when the housing 2 rotates from the second position to the first position. In the rotation direction R of the cover 12, the protrusion 25 </ b> A is aligned with the plurality of gear teeth of the gear portion 24 </ b> A with an interval longer than the interval of the plurality of gear teeth of the gear portion 24 </ b> A. The protrusion 25B is upstream of the plurality of gear teeth of the gear portion 24B in the rotation direction R of the cover 12 when the housing 2 rotates from the second position (see FIG. 23) to the first position (see FIG. 13). Located in. The protrusions 25B are aligned with the plurality of gear teeth of the gear portion 24B at intervals longer than the intervals of the plurality of gear teeth of the gear portion 24B in the rotation direction R of the cover 12. The protrusion 25A and the protrusion 25B protrude in the second direction to the opposite side of the first toner container 2A with respect to the second toner container 2B.

  The protrusion 26A is located on the opposite side of the third opening 12A with respect to the protrusion 25A in the first direction. The protrusion 26B is located on the opposite side of the third opening 12A with respect to the protrusion 25B in the first direction. The protrusion 26A is located at one end of the second toner storage portion 2B. The protrusion 26 </ b> B is located at the other end of the second cover 15. The protrusion 26A and the protrusion 26B protrude in the second direction to the opposite side of the first toner container 2A with respect to the second toner container 2B.

3. Details of Developing Unit 31 The developing unit 31 shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 is configured to be supplied with toner from the toner cartridge 1. For example, the developing device 31 has a configuration for developing using toner supplied from the toner cartridge 1. In the present embodiment, the developing device 31 includes a developing roller 32. The developing device 31 may include a photoconductor. The developing device 31 may be a cartridge type that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus. The developing roller 32 extends in the first direction. The developing roller 32 can contact the photoconductor. Further, the developing device 31 includes a toner storage unit 33. The toner storage unit 33 can store toner.

  The developing device 31 has a groove 34, a groove 35, and a development opening 36.

  The groove 34 is located at one end of the developing device 31 in the first direction. The groove 35 is located at the other end of the developing device 31 in the first direction. The groove 35 is separated from the groove 34 in the first direction. Hereinafter, details of the groove 34 and the groove 35 will be described.

3.1 Groove 34
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, the groove 34 extends in the mounting direction in which the toner cartridge 1 is mounted in the developing device 31, specifically in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 12. The groove 34 has one end and the other end in the mounting direction. One end is farther from the development opening 36 than the other end in the mounting direction. Further, the groove 34 has a width capable of receiving the protrusion 14 and the cover portion 16 of the toner cartridge 1 (see FIG. 1) in a direction crossing the mounting direction. The groove 34 includes a plane 38A, a plane 38B, a recess 39A, a recess 39B, a protrusion 41A, and a protrusion 41B.

3.1.1 Plane 38A and plane 38B
The plane 38A is located at one end of the groove 34. The plane 38B is located at the other end of the groove 34. Each of the plane 38A and the plane 38B extends in the mounting direction. The flat surface 38A faces the first frame 16A (see FIG. 1) of the cover portion 16 when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31. The flat surface 38B faces the second frame 16B (see FIG. 1) of the cover portion 16 when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31. When the casing 2 pivots from the second position (see FIG. 22) to the first position (see FIG. 13) with respect to the developing device 31, at least one of the plane 38A and the plane 38B covers the plane 38A and the plane 38B. By contacting the part 16, the housing 2 is stopped at the first position.

3.1.2 Recess 39A and Recess 39B
As shown in FIGS. 10, 13, 22, and 23, the recess 39 </ b> A is recessed in a direction away from the plane 38 </ b> A in the width direction of the groove 34. The recess 39B is recessed in a direction away from the plane 38B in the width direction of the groove 34. The recess 39A has an arc surface 42A and a flat surface 40A. The recess 39B has an arc surface 42B and a flat surface 40B. The arc surface 42A extends with respect to the plane 38A in a direction in which the first frame 16A moves when the housing 2 pivots from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing device 31. The arc surface 42B extends with respect to the plane 38B in a direction in which the second frame 16B moves when the housing 2 pivots from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing device 31. The plane 40A is located at the downstream end of the arc surface 42A in the direction in which the first frame 16A moves when the casing 2 pivots from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing device 31. The plane 40B is positioned at the downstream end of the arc surface 42B in the direction in which the second frame 16B moves when the housing 2 pivots from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing device 31. The plane 40A and the plane 40B extend in a direction crossing the mounting direction. Specifically, the plane 40A and the plane 40B extend in a direction orthogonal to the mounting direction. The plane 40A and the plane 40B are formed by contacting at least one of the plane 40A and the plane 40B with the cover portion 16 when the casing 2 is pivoted from the second position to the first position with respect to the developing device 31. Stop 2 in the second position.

3.1.3 Protrusion 41A and protrusion 41B
The protrusion 41A and the protrusion 41B are located between the arc surface 42A and the arc surface 42B in the width direction of the groove 34. The protrusion 41A is located between the arc surface 42A and the protrusion 41B in the width direction of the groove 34. The protrusion 41B is located between the arc surface 42B and the protrusion 41A in the width direction of the groove 34. The protrusion 41B is separated from the protrusion 41A in the width direction of the groove 34. The protrusion 41A and the protrusion 41B each extend in the mounting direction. When the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31, the flat plate portion 14B (see FIG. 14) is positioned between the protrusion 41A and the protrusion 41B. When the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31, the protrusion 41A and the protrusion 41B come into contact with the flat plate portion 14B. Thereby, when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31, the protrusion 41A and the protrusion 41B stop the protrusion 14 from rotating. Thereby, the shutter 13 is fixed to the developing device 31.

  On the other hand, the protrusion 41A and the protrusion 41B correspond to the first frame 16A, the second frame 16B, and the third frame 16C (see FIG. 1) in the width direction of the groove 34 when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31. Do not touch. Thus, when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31, the first frame 16 </ b> A, the second frame 16 </ b> B, and the third frame 16 </ b> C are in a state where the shutter 13 is fixed to the developing device 31. Can be rotated with respect to. Thereby, the housing 2 can pivot with respect to the developing device 31 together with the cover 12 and the second cover 15 in a state where the shutter 13 is fixed to the developing device 31. The housing 13 pivots together with the cover 12 and the second cover 15 with respect to the developing device 31 from the first position (see FIG. 13) to the second position (see FIG. 23). 2 to the open position. When the shutter 13 is located at the open position (see FIG. 25), at least a part of the opening 13D and at least a part of the third opening 12A are overlapped, and the third opening 12A is opened.

  The protrusion 41A is separated from the arc surface 42A in the radial direction of the arc surface 42A. The distance between the protrusion 41A and the arc surface 42A is longer than the length of the first frame 16A (see FIG. 1) in the mounting direction. Thus, the first frame 16A can pass between the protrusion 41A and the arc surface 42A when the housing 2 pivots with respect to the developing device 31. Further, the protrusion 41B is separated from the arc surface 42B in the radial direction of the arc surface 42B. The interval between the protrusion 41B and the arc surface 42B is longer than the length of the second frame 16B (see FIG. 1) in the mounting direction. Thus, the second frame 16B can pass between the protrusion 41B and the arc surface 42B when the housing 2 pivots with respect to the developing device 31.

3.2 Groove 35
As shown in FIG. 11, the groove 35 extends in the mounting direction. The groove 35 has one end and the other end in the mounting direction. One end portion is farther from the toner containing portion 33 than the other end portion in the mounting direction. Further, the groove 35 has a width capable of receiving the second protrusion 22 (see FIG. 1) of the toner cartridge 1 in a direction crossing the mounting direction. The groove 35 includes a flat surface 43A, a flat surface 43B, a concave portion 44A, and a concave portion 44B.

3.2.1 Plane 43A and Plane 43B
The flat surface 43 </ b> A is located at one end of the groove 35. The flat surface 43B is located at the other end of the groove 35. The plane 43A and the plane 43B each extend in the mounting direction. The flat surface 43 </ b> A faces one end of the second protrusion 22 when the toner cartridge 1 is attached to the developing device 31. The flat surface 43B faces the other end of the second protrusion 22 when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31. The flat surface 43A and the flat surface 43B are formed by contacting at least one of the flat surface 43A and the flat surface 43B with the second protrusion 22 when the housing 2 pivots from the second position to the first position with respect to the developing device 31. The body 2 is stopped in the first position.

3.2.2 Recess 44A and Recess 44B
The recess 44A is recessed in a direction away from the flat surface 43A in the width direction of the groove 35. The recess 44B is recessed in a direction away from the flat surface 43B in the width direction of the groove 35. The recess 44A has an arc surface 46A and a flat surface 45A. The recess 44B has an arc surface 46B and a flat surface 45B. The arc surface 46A extends with respect to the flat surface 43A in a direction in which one end of the second protrusion 22 moves when the housing 2 pivots from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing device 31. The arc surface 46B extends with respect to the flat surface 45B in a direction in which the other end of the second protrusion 22 moves when the housing 2 pivots from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing device 31. The flat surface 45A is positioned at the downstream end of the arc surface 46A in the direction in which one end of the second protrusion 22 moves when the housing 2 pivots from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing device 31. To do. The flat surface 45B is located at the downstream end of the arc surface 46B in the direction in which the other end of the second protrusion 22 moves when the housing 2 pivots from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing device 31. To position. The flat surface 45A and the flat surface 45B extend in a direction crossing the mounting direction. Specifically, the plane 45A and the plane 45B extend in a direction orthogonal to the mounting direction. When the housing 2 pivots from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing device 31, either the flat surface 45A or the flat surface 45B comes into contact with the second protrusion 22 when the housing 2 is pivoted from the first position to the second position. The housing 2 is stopped at the second position.

3.3 Development opening 36
As shown in FIG. 9, the development opening 36 is located between the groove 34 and the groove 35 in the first direction. The developing opening 36 is located closer to the groove 34 than the center of the developing device 31 in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 10, the development opening 36 penetrates the outer surface of the toner containing portion 33 in the mounting direction. The development opening 36 has one end 36 </ b> A exposed on the outer surface of the toner containing portion 33 and the other end 36 </ b> B connected to the internal space of the toner containing portion 33 in the mounting direction.

3.4 Development shutter 51
Further, the developing device 31 includes a developing shutter 51 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

  The developing shutter 51 is located between the one end 36A and the other end 36B of the developing opening 36 in the mounting direction. The developing shutter 51 has one surface 51B and the other surface 51C in the mounting direction. The one surface 51B is located closer to the one end 36A than the other end 36B of the developing opening 36 in the mounting direction. The other surface 51C is located closer to the other end 36B of the developing opening 36 than the one surface 51B in the mounting direction. The developing shutter 51 is movable between a closed position (see FIG. 15) for closing the developing opening 36 and an open position (see FIG. 25) for opening the developing opening 36. The developing shutter 51 has an opening 51A. The opening 51A penetrates the developing shutter 51 in the mounting direction. As shown in FIG. 25, when the developing shutter 51 is located at the open position, the opening 51A overlaps at least a part of the developing opening 36. Thereby, the opening 51A allows the toner of the toner cartridge 1 to enter the toner accommodating portion 33 through the developing opening 36 and the opening 51A when the developing shutter 51 is located at the open position.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 17, the developing shutter 51 includes a protrusion 53A, a protrusion 53B, a gear portion 54A, and a gear portion 54B.

  When the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31, the protrusion 53 </ b> A is provided when the housing 2 pivots from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing device 31 (see FIG. 19). It is the structure which contacts. Further, when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31, the protrusion 53 </ b> B is provided when the housing 2 pivots from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing device 31 (FIG. 1). Reference). When the housing 2 pivots from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing device 31, the first gear tooth of the plurality of gear teeth of the gear portion 24A presses the protrusion 53A, and the gear portion 24B When the first gear tooth of the plurality of gear teeth presses the projection 53B, the developing shutter 51 starts to move from the closed position toward the open position. Thereafter, the remaining gear teeth of the plurality of gear teeth of the gear portion 24A mesh with the gear portion 54A, and the remaining gear teeth of the plurality of gear teeth of the gear portion 24B mesh with the gear portion 54B. Further, the protrusion 53A is configured to come into contact with the protrusion 25A (see FIG. 17) when the housing 2 pivots from the second position to the first position with respect to the developing device 31. Further, the protrusion 53B is configured to come into contact with the protrusion 25B (see FIG. 1) when the housing 2 pivots from the second position to the first position with respect to the developing device 31. When the casing 2 pivots from the second position to the first position with respect to the developing device 31, the gear portion 24A is separated from the gear portion 54A, and the gear portion 24B is separated from the gear portion 54B. When the protrusion 53A is pressed and the protrusion 25B presses the protrusion 53B, the developing shutter 51 is positioned at the closed position. The gear portion 54A is configured to mesh with the gear portion 24A (see FIG. 21) of the toner cartridge 1 when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31. The gear portion 54B is configured to mesh with the gear portion 24B (see FIG. 1) of the toner cartridge 1 when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31.

  The protrusion 53A is located on the opposite side of the groove 34 with respect to the development opening 36 in the first direction. The protrusion 53B is located between the development opening 36 and the groove 34 in the first direction. The protrusion 53A and the protrusion 53B are located on one surface 51B of the developing shutter 51. The protrusion 53A and the protrusion 53B protrude from the one surface 51B of the developing shutter 51. The protrusion 53A and the protrusion 53B are exposed on the outer surface of the toner containing portion 33 when the developing shutter 51 is located at the closed position.

  The gear portion 54A is located upstream of the protrusion 53A in the moving direction M of the developing shutter 51 when the developing shutter 51 moves from the closed position to the open position. The gear portion 54A is located away from the protrusion 53A in the moving direction M of the developing shutter 51. The gear portion 54B is located upstream of the protrusion 53B in the moving direction M of the developing shutter 51 when the developing shutter 51 moves from the closed position to the open position. The gear portion 54B is located away from the protrusion 53B in the moving direction M of the developing shutter 51. Each of the gear portion 54A and the gear portion 54B has a plurality of gear teeth. The plurality of gear teeth are arranged in the moving direction M of the developing shutter 51.

  As shown in FIGS. 17, 19, 21, and 24, the developing shutter 51 includes a recess 55, a recess 56, and a protrusion 57. The recess 55 is configured to receive a protrusion 59 described later when the developing shutter 51 is positioned at the closed position in a state where the toner cartridge 1 is removed from the developing device 31. The protrusion 57 comes into contact with the protrusion 59 fitted in the recess 55 and closes when the developing shutter 51 located at the closed position tries to move to the open position with the toner cartridge 1 removed from the developing device 31. This is a configuration for stopping the development shutter 51 located at the position from moving to the open position. The recess 56 is configured to receive the protrusion 59 when the developing shutter 51 is located at the open position with the toner cartridge 1 attached to the developing device 31. The recess 55, the recess 56 and the protrusion 57 are located on the other surface 51 </ b> C of the developing shutter 51. The concave portion 56 is located on the upstream side of the concave portion 55 in the moving direction M of the developing shutter 51 when the developing shutter 51 moves from the closed position to the open position. The protrusion 57 is located between the recess 55 and the recess 56 in the moving direction M of the developing shutter 51. The recess 55 is recessed from the other surface 51C of the developing shutter 51 toward the one surface 51B. The recess 56 is recessed from the other surface 51C of the developing shutter 51 toward the one surface 51B. The protrusion 57 protrudes in a direction from the one surface 51B toward the other surface 51C. The protrusion 57 has an inclined surface 57A. The inclined surface 57A is inclined toward the one surface 51B of the developing shutter 51 as it goes from the recessed portion 55 to the recessed portion 56.

3.5 Lock Member The developing device 31 includes a lock member 52A and a lock member 52B as shown in FIG.

  The lock member 52A and the lock member 52B are configured to lock the developing shutter 51 in the closed position when the toner cartridge 1 is detached from the developing device 31. Locking the developing shutter 51 in the closed position means stopping the developing shutter 51 from moving from the closed position toward the open position. The lock member 52A engages with one end of the developing shutter 51 in the first direction when the toner cartridge 1 is detached from the developing device 31 and the developing shutter 51 is located at the closed position. The lock member 52B engages with the other end portion of the developing shutter 51 in the first direction when the toner cartridge 1 is detached from the developing device 31 and the developing shutter 51 is located at the closed position. The other end of the developing shutter 51 is located closer to the groove 34 than one end of the developing shutter 51 in the first direction.

  The locking member 52A is located on the opposite side of the groove 34 with respect to the developing shutter 51 in the first direction. The lock member 52B is located between the developing shutter 51 and the groove 34 in the first direction. The lock member 52B is separated from the lock member 52A in the first direction. In the first direction, the developing shutter 51 is located between the lock member 52A and the lock member 52B. The lock member 52 </ b> A and the lock member 52 </ b> B are exposed on the outer surface of the toner storage portion 33. The lock member 52A and the lock member 52B extend in the moving direction of the developing shutter 51, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 16, 18, and 20, each of the lock member 52 </ b> A and the lock member 52 </ b> B includes a proximal end E <b> 1 and a distal end E <b> 2 that is separated from the proximal end E <b> 1 in the moving direction M of the developing shutter 51. The tip E2 is located upstream of the base end E1 in the moving direction M of the developing shutter 51 when the developing shutter 51 moves from the closed position to the open position. The base end E1 of the lock member 52A and the base end E1 of the lock member 52B are fixed to the developing device 31, respectively. The lock member 52A and the lock member 52B are separated from the toner storage portion 33 in the mounting direction. Thereby, each of the lock member 52A and the lock member 52B can be bent in the mounting direction. Each of the lock member 52A and the lock member 52B includes a protrusion 58 and a protrusion 59 (see FIG. 17).

  The protrusion 58 of the lock member 52A protrudes from the lock member 52A in a direction away from the toner storage portion 33 in the mounting direction. The protrusion 58 (see FIG. 9) of the lock member 52B protrudes from the lock member 52B in a direction away from the toner containing portion 33 in the mounting direction. The protrusion 58 of the lock member 52A comes into contact with the protrusion 26A when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31. The protrusion 58 of the lock member 52B comes into contact with the protrusion 26B (see FIG. 1) when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31.

  As shown in FIGS. 17, 19, 21, and 24, the protrusion 59 of the lock member 52A is located at the tip E2 of the lock member 52A. The protrusion 59 of the lock member 52B is located at the tip E2 of the lock member 52B. The protrusion 59 extends in the first direction. The protrusion 59 fits into the recess 55 of the developing shutter 51 when the developing shutter 51 is in the closed position with the toner cartridge 1 removed from the developing device 31. Thus, when the developing shutter 51 moves from the closed position to the open position with the protrusion 59 fitted in the recess 55, the protrusion 59 comes into contact with the protrusion 57 of the developing shutter 51 and stops the movement of the developing shutter 51.

4). Attaching / detaching the toner cartridge 1 to / from the developing device 31 Hereinafter, an operation of attaching the toner cartridge 1 to the developing device 31 and an operation of removing the toner cartridge 1 from the developing device 31 will be described with reference to FIGS.

4.1 Operation for Attaching Toner Cartridge 1 to Developer 31 When toner cartridge 1 is attached to developer 31, as shown in FIG. 12, protrusion 14 and cover 16 fit into groove 34, and second protrusion The toner cartridge 1 is attached to the developing device 31 by fitting 22 into the groove 35. At this time, as shown in FIG. 1, the housing 2 is located at the first position with respect to the shutter 13. The shutter 13 is located at a closed position with respect to the cover 12 and closes the third opening 12A. That is, when the housing 2 is in the first position, the shutter 13 closes the third opening 12A.

  Then, the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31 as shown in FIG. The protrusion 14 and the cover part 16 are fitted in the groove 34. Further, the second protrusion 22 is fitted into the groove 35. At this time, as shown in FIG. 14, the protrusion 14 is positioned between the protrusion 41A and the protrusion 41B. That is, when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31, the protrusion 14 is positioned with respect to the developing device 31.

  At this time, when the protrusion 41B contacts the protrusion 18B of the lock member 18, the lock member 18 moves from the lock position to the release position against the pressing force of the spring 18C. That is, when the toner cartridge 1 is attached to the developing device 31, the lock member 18 contacts a part of the developing device 31, and the lock member 18 moves from the lock position to the release position. Thereby, when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31, the lock member 18 releases the lock of the protrusion 14. That is, the protrusion 14 can rotate with respect to the second cover 15 by moving the lock member 18 from the lock position to the release position. In other words, the second cover 15 can be rotated with respect to the protrusion 14 by the lock member 18 moving from the lock position to the release position. As a result, the housing 2 can rotate together with the cover 12 and the second cover 15 with respect to the shutter 13.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 15, the developing shutter 51 is located at the closed position. At this time, as shown in FIG. 16, the protrusion 26A of the toner cartridge 1 contacts the protrusion 58 of the lock member 52A. As a result, the lock member 52 </ b> A is curved so that the tip E <b> 2 is separated from the developing shutter 51. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, the protrusion 59 of the lock member 52 </ b> A comes off from the recess 55 of the developing shutter 51. At this time, the protrusion 53A of the developing shutter 51 is located between the protrusion 25A of the toner cartridge 1 and the gear portion 24A.

  Next, the user pivots the housing 2 with respect to the developing device 31 from the first position toward the second position.

  Then, the casing 2 pivots from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing device 31, and as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the protrusion 26A of the toner cartridge 1 becomes the protrusion 58 of the lock member 52A. In the contact state, the gear portion 24A presses the protrusion 53A. As a result, the developing shutter 51 moves from the closed position toward the open position with the protrusion 59 removed from the recess 55.

  Next, when the housing 2 pivots further from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing device 31, the developing shutter 51 further moves from the closed position to the open position, and the projection 57 is moved with respect to the projection 59. Then, it passes through the opposite side of the toner container 33.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 20, the protrusion 26A of the toner cartridge 1 is separated from the protrusion 58 of the lock member 52A. Thereby, the lock member 52A is restored from the curved state, and the tip E2 of the lock member 52A approaches the developing shutter 51. Then, as shown in FIG. 21, the protrusion 59 comes into contact with the inclined surface 57 </ b> A of the protrusion 57. Further, the plurality of gear teeth of the gear portion 24A mesh with the plurality of gear teeth of the gear portion 54A. That is, when the toner cartridge 1 is pivotable with respect to the developing device 31, at least one of the plurality of gear teeth engages with the developing shutter 51 for opening and closing the developing opening 36 provided in the developing device 31. . At this time, as shown in FIG. 22, the first frame 16A of the cover portion 16 is located in the recess 39A of the groove 34, and the second frame 16B of the cover portion 16 is located in the recess 39B of the groove 34. To do.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 23, when at least one of the first frame 16 </ b> A and the second frame 16 </ b> B of the cover portion 16 contacts the flat surface 40 </ b> A or the flat surface 40 </ b> B of the groove 34, the housing 2 is Located in position. At this time, as shown in FIG. 24, the developing shutter 51 is located in the open position, and the protrusion 59 is located in the recess 56. As shown in FIG. 25, the shutter 13 is located at the open position with respect to the housing 2, and at least a part of the opening 13D overlaps at least a part of the third opening 12A. As a result, the opening 13D allows the toner to be discharged through the third opening 12A.

  Thereby, the attachment of the toner cartridge 1 to the developing device 31 is completed.

4.2 Operation for Removing Toner Cartridge 1 from Developer 31 When removing toner cartridge 1 from developer 31, the user moves housing 2 relative to developer 31 from the second position shown in FIG. To the first position shown in FIG.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 21, the developing shutter 51 is closed from the open position by the engagement of the gear portion 24A and the gear portion 54A of the toner cartridge 1 and the engagement of the gear portion 24B and the gear portion 54B of the toner cartridge 1. Move towards position.

  At this time, the protrusion 59 moves along the inclined surface 57 </ b> A of the protrusion 57 in a direction away from the developing shutter 51 in the second direction.

  Next, when the housing 2 further approaches the first position, as shown in FIG. 18, the protrusion 26A of the toner cartridge 1 comes into contact with the protrusion 58 of the lock member 52A. At this time, as shown in FIG. 19, the gear portion 24A of the toner cartridge 1 is separated from the gear portion 54A. Further, the gear portion 24B of the toner cartridge 1 is separated from the gear portion 54B. Thereby, the movement of the developing shutter 51 is temporarily stopped.

  Next, when the housing 2 further approaches the first position, the protrusion 25 </ b> A of the toner cartridge 1 contacts the protrusion 53 </ b> A of the developing shutter 51. Further, the protrusion 25 </ b> B of the toner cartridge 1 contacts the protrusion 53 </ b> B of the developing shutter 51. The protrusion 53A of the developing shutter 51 is pressed by the protrusion 25A of the toner cartridge 1, and the protrusion 53B of the developing shutter 51 is pressed by the protrusion 25B of the toner cartridge 1, so that the developing shutter 51 moves again toward the closed position. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when at least one of the first frame 16A and the second frame 16B of the cover portion 16 contacts the flat surface 38A or the flat surface 38B of the groove 34, the housing 2 is positioned at the first position. At this time, as shown in FIG. 17, the developing shutter 51 is located at the closed position. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15, the shutter 13 is located at the closed position with respect to the cover 12 and closes the third opening 12 </ b> A.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the user pulls out the toner cartridge 1 from the developing device 31 in the second direction.

  Thereby, the removal of the toner cartridge 1 from the developing device 31 is completed.

5. Conveying toner from the toner cartridge to the developing device When the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 31 and the housing 2 is positioned at the second position, the auger gear 23 (see FIG. 1) of the toner cartridge 1 is It meshes with the gear 30 (see FIG. 9) of the developing device 31. Specifically, the other end of the auger gear 23 meshes with the gear 30 of the developing device 31. At this time, since the toner cartridge 1 is fixed to the developing device 31 by the protrusion 14 and the second protrusion 22, the auger gear 23 reliably meshes with the gear 30 of the developing device 31. At this time, the idle gear 61 (see FIG. 5) that meshes with one end of the auger gear 23 is positioned on the opposite side of the gear 30 with respect to the auger gear 23.

  When the image forming apparatus executes an image forming operation, a driving force is input from the gear 30 of the developing device 31 to the auger gear 23 of the toner cartridge 1. Then, the auger 4 rotates as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a driving force is input from the auger gear 23 to the agitator gear 60 via the idle gear 61, and the agitator 3 rotates.

  At this time, since the idle gear 61 is located on the opposite side of the gear 30 with respect to the auger gear 23, the idle gear 61 applies torque applied from the gear 30 of the developing device 31 to the other end of the auger gear 23. Can be received stably.

  As the agitator 3 rotates, the toner in the first internal space 2D is conveyed to the second internal space 2E.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the toner in the second internal space 2 </ b> E is conveyed from the second internal space 2 </ b> E to the internal space of the shutter 13 by the auger 4.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 25, the toner in the internal space of the shutter 13 has an opening formed by overlapping the opening 13D and the third opening 12A, and the opening 51A and the developing opening 36 of the developing shutter 51. The toner is supplied into the toner storage portion 33 of the developing device 31 through an opening formed by overlapping.

6). Operational Effect As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the idle gear 61 meshing with the agitator gear 60 and the auger gear 23 and the gear cover 21 are fixed to the same boss 62 with screws 63.

  As a result, the housing 2 and the gear cover 21 are reduced in size as compared with the case where a boss or the like for attaching the gear cover 21 is provided at a place different from the place where the agitator gear 60, the auger gear 23 and the idle gear 61 are provided. be able to.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Toner cartridge 2 Case 2A 1st toner accommodating part 2B 2nd toner accommodating part 2D 1st internal space 2E 2nd internal space 3 Agitator 3C One end part 3D Other end part 4 Auger 4C One end part 4D Other end part 11 2nd opening 12 Cover 12A 3rd opening 21 Gear cover 21A 1st opening 21B 3rd hole 23 Auger gear 60 Agitator gear 61 Idle gear 61A 2nd hole 62 Boss 62A 1st hole 63 Screw A1 1st axis A2 2nd axis

Claims (14)

A housing extending in a first direction and containing toner, the housing having a first internal space and a second internal space connected to the first internal space, the first direction A housing having a boss extending to the front end and having a first hole at the tip thereof;
An agitator that is rotatable about a first shaft extending in the first direction, agitates the toner in the first internal space, and conveys the toner from the first internal space to the second internal space. An agitator for
An agitator gear mounted on the agitator and rotatable with the agitator about the first shaft;
An auger rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction, the auger for conveying the toner in the first direction;
An auger gear mounted on the auger and rotatable with the auger about the second axis;
An idle gear rotatable about the boss of the housing, the idle gear meshing with the auger gear and meshing with the agitator gear, the idle gear having a second hole into which the boss is inserted;
A gear cover for covering at least a part of the idle gear, the gear cover having a third hole exposing the tip of the boss;
A toner cartridge comprising: a screw inserted into the first hole through the third hole and fixing the gear cover to the boss.   The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the tip portion of the boss is inserted into the third hole. The auger gear has a fourth hole;
The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the gear cover has a protrusion that is inserted into the fourth hole. The gear cover has a first opening;
The gear cover covers one end of the auger gear, and the first opening allows the other end of the auger gear to be exposed;
4. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the idle gear meshes with the one end portion of the auger gear.   The toner cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the idle gear is located on the opposite side of the other end portion of the auger gear with respect to the one end portion of the auger gear.   The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the idle gear is located between the agitator gear and the auger gear.   The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the boss extends from the housing in the first direction. The agitator includes one end and the other end separated from the one end in the first direction, and the other end penetrating the housing.
The agitator gear is attached to the other end;
The auger includes one end and the other end separated from the one end in the first direction, and the other end penetrating the housing.
The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the auger gear is attached to the other end portion of the auger.   9. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of the agitator gear is larger than a diameter of the auger gear.   The toner cartridge according to claim 9, wherein a diameter of the agitator gear is larger than a diameter of the idle gear.   11. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first internal volume of the first internal space is larger than the second internal volume of the second internal space. 11. The housing further includes
A first toner storage portion extending in the first direction and having the first internal space;
A second toner containing portion extending in the first direction and having the second internal space connected to the first internal space of the first toner containing portion; 12. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising: a second toner containing portion having a second opening for allowing the toner to be discharged. And a cover for covering the two openings,
The cover further has a third opening for allowing the toner discharged through the second opening to be discharged;
The toner cartridge according to claim 12, wherein an area of the third opening is smaller than an area of the second opening. The auger includes one end and the other end separated from the one end in the first direction, and the other end penetrating the housing.
The toner cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the cover extends along a rotation direction of the auger and covers the one end.

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