Patent ID: 8213842
Filing Date: 2012-07-03
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A toner cartridge mounted removably in an image forming apparatus, comprising: a toner container, formed into a cylindrical shape, for containing a toner for use as a developer in image formation, the toner container having a toner discharging port through which the toner is discharged and conveying the contained toner toward the toner discharging port by rotation of the toner container about an axis thereof; and a toner container supporting member for supporting the toner container rotatably about the axis thereof, throughout a whole circumference from an outer side in a radial direction of the toner container, the toner container supporting member having a toner through hole for guiding the toner discharged from the toner discharging port to the outside of the toner cartridge, the toner container including a cylindrical outer wall and a cylindrical partition provided inside the cylindrical outer wall and attached to the cylindrical outer wall so that the cylindrical partition rotates together with the cylindrical outer wall, an inner diameter of which becomes smaller with distance from the toner discharging port in an axial direction of the toner container, the toner container having an inner chamber formed by being surrounded by the cylindrical partition and an outer chamber formed by being surrounded by the cylindrical outer wall and an outer surface of the cylindrical partition, the cylindrical partition having a communication port arranged at a position distant from the toner discharging port in the axial direction and used as an opening through which the toner is supplied from the outer chamber toward the inner chamber, and between the cylindrical outer wall and the cylindrical partition, a toner scooping member being arranged for scooping the toner in the outer chamber and guiding the toner to the communication port by the rotation of the toner container.