Patent ID: 7787806
Filing Date: 2010-08-31
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A toner cartridge containing toner to develop an electrostatic latent image, the toner cartridge being attachable to a developing cartridge, comprising: a substantially rectangular mounting surface detachably attached to the developing cartridge, facing the developing cartridge, the mounting surface having two ends in a longitudinal direction; an agitation mechanism that agitates the toner; a conveyance mechanism that conveys the toner to the agitation mechanism; an feed port provided in one end of the mounting surface, the feed port being communicable with the developing cartridge; and an return port provided in the other end of the mounting surface, the return port being communicable with the developing cartridge, wherein the toner cartridge has a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the cross section having a first length in a first direction directed to the mounting surface, and a second length in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the first length being greater than the second length, wherein the toner cartridge is divided into a circulating chamber in which the toner is agitated by the agitation mechanism and circulated through the developing cartridge, and an accumulating chamber in which the toner is conveyed to the circulating chamber by the conveyance mechanism, wherein the circulating chamber comprises a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member fitted around the first cylindrical member, one of the first and second cylindrical members being rotatable with respect to the other of first and second cylindrical members to open and close the feed and return ports, wherein a first positional relationship between the first and second cylindrical members causes the feed port and the return port to be closed, thereby interrupting a communication between the circulating chamber and the accumulating chamber, wherein a second positional relationship between the first and second cylindrical members causes the feed port and the return port to be opened, thereby establishing the communication, wherein the first cylindrical member comprises an engaging portion engageable with a shutter of the developing cartridge, the engaging portion being capable of moving the shutter to a first position at which the toner cartridge is not communicated with the developing cartridge, the engaging portion being capable of moving the shutter to a second position at which the toner cartridge is communicated with the developing cartridge, and wherein the engaging portion is positioned between the feed port and the return port.