Patent ID: 7801468
Filing Date: 2010-09-21
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A toner cartridge and a developing unit for use in an image forming apparatus, wherein the toner cartridge comprises: a toner chamber holding toner therein and having a curved outer surface and an opening formed in the outer surface through which the toner is discharged from said toner chamber into the developing unit; and a dual shutter mechanism including an inner shutter and an outer shutter, said inner shutter being disposed in said toner chamber, said inner shutter being rotatable relative to said toner chamber to close and open the opening from inside of said toner chamber, said outer shutter having an engagement portion and being movably mounted to an outer surface of said toner chamber, said outer shutter being slidable either to a closing position where said outer shutter closes the opening and faces said inner shutter that closes the opening or to an opening position where said outer shutter opens the opening; wherein the developing unit comprises: a guide formed in the developing unit, wherein when the toner cartridge is moved into the developing unit, said guide engages the engagement portion to guide the engagement portion in such a way that the outer shutter moves relative to said toner chamber from the closing position to the opening position.