Patent ID: 8095049
Filing Date: 2012-01-10
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
1. A toner cartridge that is removably fitted to a toner supplying member for supplying toner to a developing device, comprising: a toner storing portion for storing toner; and a toner discharging mechanism for discharging toner from the toner storing portion to the outside, the toner discharging mechanism including: a toner discharging portion having a toner discharge port arranged at the bottom of the toner storing portion for discharging toner to the outside; a toner conveying member arranged in the toner discharging portion for conveying the toner inside the toner storing portion toward the toner discharge port; and, a shutter portion for opening and closing the toner discharge port, the shutter portion including a loosening member for loosening up the toner around the toner discharge port inside the toner storing portion, characterized in that when the toner cartridge is mounted to the toner supplying member, the toner discharging mechanism is moved approximately horizontally relative to the toner supplying member so that the shutter portion moves along the toner discharge port while the loosening member moves inside the toner storing portion, and then, the toner discharge port of the toner discharging portion is aligned with the toner supply port that is arranged at the top of the toner supplying member.