Patent ID: 6526243
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A developing unit-toner cartridge assembly for an image forming apparatus, comprising:a developing unit having an outer casing in which a toner inlet is formed, the developing unit being mounted on an engine portion of a body of the image forming apparatus and comprising an opening/closing member, including an inlet cover, for opening and closing the toner inlet formed in the outer casing of the developing unit; and a toner cartridge having an outer casing in which a toner feeding port is formed, the toner cartridge being removably mounted in the developing unit and comprising: first opening/closing means for opening and closing the toner feeding port formed in the outer casing of the toner cartridge, wherein said first opening/closing means comprises a toner feeding roller pivotally disposed within the toner cartridge and corresponding to the toner feeding port, said toner feeding roller having a pivotal shaft and a slit formed therein, and wherein the first opening/closing means further comprises a pivotal handle formed on a leading end of the pivotal shaft of the toner feeding roller for opening and closing the toner feeding port formed in the outer casing of the toner cartridge; and second opening/closing means for restricting, and thereby opening and closing, the opening/closing member while the toner cartridge is mounted to and removed from the developing unit, wherein said second opening/closing means comprises a supporting projection protruding from the outer casing of the toner cartridge for supporting an end of the inlet cover by contact therewith, and a stopper elastically disposed on the outer casing of the toner cartridge at a predetermined distance from the supporting projection, the stopper being selectively inserted into and withdrawn from a locking hole for restricting, and thereby opening and closing, the opening/closing member while the toner cartridge is mounted to and removed from the developing unit.