Patent ID: 8131182
Filing Date: 2012-03-06
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. An imaging cartridge detachably loaded into an image forming apparatus body, comprising: a process unit comprising at least an image bearing body, a developing device adapted to develop an electrostatic latent image on the image bearing body to form a toner image, and a cleaning device adapted to collect toner remaining on the image bearing body after transfer of the toner image; a toner box unit integrally comprising a new toner box adapted to store unused toner to be fed to the developing device and a waste toner box adapted to store waste toner collected by the cleaning device, the toner box unit being detachably attached to the process unit; a first shutter mechanism movable in a linear motion to a close position which blocks movement of the toner through a first connecting section between the new toner box and developing device and an open position which permits the movement of the toner through the first connecting section; a second shutter mechanism movable to a close position which blocks movement of the toner through a second connecting section between the waste toner box and cleaning device and an open position which permits the movement of the toner through the second connecting section; a first shutter drive mechanism adapted to enable the first shutter mechanism to be moved between the close position and open position by manual operation when the process unit with the toner box unit attached thereto is out of the image forming apparatus body; and a second shutter drive mechanism adapted to move the second shutter mechanism from the close position to the open position during movement of the process unit with the toner box unit attached thereto to a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus or after completion of the movement to the predetermined position.