Outlet recess for a powder container for an image forming apparatus

An image forming apparatus includes: an inlet connected to an outlet of a container body for developer; a leakage preventing member arranged in the surroundings of the inlet and preventing leakage of the developer; and recesses that are arranged on an upstream side and a downstream side of the outlet with reference to the direction of movement that the developer container body moves when the developer container body is moved in a state that the developer container body is supported by a container support section and that are formed in a shape depressed in a direction of departing relative to an opening and closing member for opens and closes the outlet, the recesses collecting developer having adhered to the leakage preventing member when the developer container body is moved.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-239080 filed on Oct. 25, 2010.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

2. Related Art

An image forming apparatus is proposed that includes a developer accommodation container for supplying developer consumed in association with image formation operation and an attaching and detaching body capable of being replaced, by attaching and detaching, in order to change or repair a consumable member.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, an image forming apparatus includes: a powder container body, a container support section and an opening and closing member.

The powder container body is attached to a body of the image forming apparatus in an attachable and detachable manner. The powder container body includes: an accommodation section that accommodates powder, an outlet that connects the accommodation section to an outside and allows the powder to flow out therethrough, and recesses that are arranged on an upstream side and a downstream side of the outlet with reference to a direction of movement of the powder container body and that are formed in a shape depressed in a direction of departing relative to the opening and closing member.

The container support section supports the powder container body in the attachable and detachable manner. The container support section includes: an inlet that is connected to the outlet, and a leakage preventing member that is arranged in surroundings of the inlet and contacts with surroundings of the outlet so as to prevent leakage of the powder.

The opening and closing member is supported in a movable manner relative to the powder container body between an open position where the outlet is opened and a closed position where the outlet is closed, and moves relative to the powder container body when, in a state that the powder container body is supported by the container support section, the powder container body is moved in an opening or a closing direction set up in advance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Next, exemplary embodiments serving as detailed examples of implementation of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

Here, for the purpose of easiness of understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front and rear directions are referred to as X-axis directions, the right and left directions are referred to as Y-axis directions, and the up and down directions are referred to as Z-axis directions. Then, the directions indicated by arrows X, −X, Y, −Y, Z, and −Z are respectively referred to as the front direction, the rear direction, the right direction, the left direction, the up direction, and the down direction or, alternatively, the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upside, and the downside.

Further, in the figures, a mark constructed from a “•” inside a “∘” indicates an arrow directed from the back side of the page to the front side. Further, a mark constructed from a “x” inside a “∘” indicates an arrow directed from the front side of the page to the back side.

Here, in the description employing the following drawings, for the purpose of easiness of understanding, illustration is omitted suitably for members other than those necessary for the description.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to Exemplary Embodiment 1.

InFIG. 1, in a printer U serving as an example of an image forming apparatus according to Exemplary Embodiment 1, its lower front part is provided with a sheet feed tray TR1serving as an example of a sheet feeding section for accommodating a recording sheet S serving as an example of a medium. Further, the upper face of the printer U is provided with an ejection tray TRh serving as an example of an ejection section into which a sheet S on which an image has been recorded is ejected. Further, the front right part is provided with a front cover U1aserving as an example of an opening and closing part that is opened and closed when a toner cartridge TC that serves as an example of an attaching and detaching body described later and as an example of a developer accommodation container (or, a powder accommodation container) and that accommodates developer as an example of powder in the inside is operated.

FIG. 2is an explanation diagram showing the entire system of an image forming apparatus according to Exemplary Embodiment 1.

InFIG. 2, the printer U has a printer body U1serving as an example of a body of an image forming apparatus. The printer body U1includes: a controller C serving as an example of a control section; an image processing section GS whose operation is controlled by the controller C; a laser drive circuit DL serving as an example of a latent image forming circuit; a power supply E; and the like. The power supply E supplies a voltage to: an electrostatic charging roll CR serving as an example of an electrostatic charger; a developing roller Ga serving as an example of a developing member; a transfer roller Tr serving as an example of a transfer member; and the like.

The image processing section GS converts, into image information for latent image formation, print information inputted from a computer or the like serving as an example of an external information transmitting apparatus, and then outputs the converted information to the laser drive circuit DL at a time occasion, that is, timing, set up in advance. The laser drive circuit DL outputs a driving signal to a latent image forming apparatus LH in correspondence to the inputted image information. The latent image forming apparatus LH according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 is constructed from a so-called LED head which is an apparatus in which LEDs serving as an example of latent image writing elements are linearly arranged in the right and left directions at intervals set up in advance.

In the rear part of the printer body U1, a photosensitive body PR is supported that serves as an example of a rotating image carrying body. In the surroundings of the photosensitive body PR, arranged along the rotation direction of the photosensitive body PR are: the electrostatic charging roll CR serving as an example of an electrostatic charger; the latent image forming apparatus LH; a developing apparatus G; the transfer roller Tr serving as an example of a transfer device; and a photosensitive body cleaner CL serving as an example of a cleaning device for the image carrying body.

InFIG. 2, an electrostatic charging roll cleaner CRc serving as an example of a cleaning device for electrostatic charger that cleans the surface of the electrostatic charging roll CR is arranged in opposite to and in contact with the electrostatic charging roll CR.

Further, the developing apparatus G has a development container V that accommodates developer in the inside. In the inside of the development container V, arranged are: the developing roll Ga arranged in opposite to the photosensitive body PR; a pair of conveyance members Gb and Gc for stirring developer so as to achieve circulation conveyance; a supply member Gd for supplying to the developing roll Ga the developer stirred by the conveyance members Gb and Gc; and a layer thickness regulation member Ge for restricting the layer thickness of the developer on the surface of the developing roll Ga.

In the front upper face of the development container V, a developer supply opening V1is formed that serves as an example of a supply section. The developer supply opening V1is linked to a developer supply path V3serving as an example of a developer conveyance path extending forward. In the inside of the developer supply path V3, a supply auger V4serving as an example of a developer conveying member is supported in a rotatable manner. At the front end of the developer supply path V3, a cartridge holder KH is linked that serves as an example of an attaching and detaching section to which the toner cartridge TC is attached in an attachable and detachable manner. Then, developer from the toner cartridge TC flows into the cartridge holder KH. Thus, when the supply auger V4is driven in correspondence to the consumption of developer in the developing apparatus G, developer is supplied from the toner cartridge TC to the developing apparatus G.

The surface of the rotating photosensitive body PR is electrostatically charged by the electrostatic charging roll CR in an electrostatic charging region Q1. Then, at a latent image formation position Q2, an electrostatic latent image is formed by latent image formation light emitted from the latent image forming apparatus LH. In a developing region Q3, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roll Ga into a toner image serving as an example of a visible image. Then, in a transfer region Q4formed as a region where the photosensitive body PR and the transfer roller Tr are opposed to each other, the image is transferred by the transfer roller Tr onto the recording sheet S serving as an example of a medium. In a cleaning region Q5serving as an example of a cleaning region in the downstream of the transfer region Q4, residual toner on the photosensitive body PR surface is removed by a cleaning blade CB serving as an example of a cleaning member, and then collected into the inside of the photosensitive body cleaner CL.

Here, on the side opposite to the cleaning blade CB, a film seal FS is provided that serves as an example of a scattering preventing member. The film seal FS prevents the toner collected into the photosensitive body cleaner CL from dropping to the outside.

InFIG. 2, in the lower part of the printer body U1, the sheet feed tray TR1is provided with a pickup roll Rp serving as an example of a medium extraction member. The recording sheet S extracted by the pickup roll Rp is separated sheet by sheet by shuffling rolls Rs consisting of a retard roll and a feed roll serving as an example of medium shuffling members, then conveyed along a sheet conveyance path SH, and then conveyed to the transfer region Q4at timing set up in advance by a resistance roll Rr serving as an example of a time adjustment member arranged in the upstream of the transfer region Q4in the sheet conveying direction.

The transfer roller Tr to which a transfer voltage is applied from the power supply E whose operation is controlled by the controller C transfers the toner image on the photosensitive body PR onto the recording sheet S passing through the transfer region Q4.

The recording sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred in the transfer region Q4is conveyed to a fixing apparatus F in a state that the toner image is not-yet-fixed. The fixing apparatus F has a pair of fixing rolls Fh and Fp serving as an example of fixing members. Then, a fixing region Q6is formed by a pressed contact region of the pair of fixing rolls Fh and Fp. On the recording sheet S conveyed by the fixing apparatus F, the toner image is fixed by the pair of fixing rolls Fh and Fp in the fixing region Q6. The recording sheet S on which the fixed toner image is formed is guided by sheet guides SG1and SG2serving as an example of medium guiding members, and then ejected from an ejection roll R1serving as an example of an ejection member to the ejection tray TRh in the upper face of the printer body U1.

(Explanation of Cartridge Holder KH)

FIG. 3is an explanation diagram of an image forming apparatus according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 in a state that a front cover is opened.

FIG. 4is an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge has rotated and moved from an attached position shown inFIG. 3to a detachable position.

InFIGS. 1,3, and4, when the front cover U1aof the printer U according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 is moved from a normal position shown inFIG. 1to an operating position shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the toner cartridge TC serving as an example of a developer accommodation container and the cartridge holder KH serving as an example of a container support section for supporting the toner cartridge TC are exposed to the outside.

FIG. 5is an explanation diagram showing a main part in a state that a toner cartridge has been removed from a cartridge holder.

FIG. 6is an explanation diagram showing a main part in a state that a toner cartridge has been inserted into a cartridge holder and moved to a detachable position.

FIG. 7is an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge inserted into a cartridge holder has moved to an attached position.

FIG. 8is an explanation diagram of a cartridge holder viewed obliquely from left above.

InFIGS. 3 and 4, the cartridge holder KH is supported by the printer body U1serving as an example of a body of an image forming apparatus and as an example of a to-be attached and detached apparatus, and has a front panel1serving as an example of a front member. In the front panel1, an opening1ahaving the shape of a circular hole to which the toner cartridge TC is attached and detached is formed. At the lower end of the opening1a, a shutter passing section1bdepressed downward is formed that serves as an example of a passing section for an opening and closing member. Then, in the left part of the opening1a, a projected rim passing section1cis formed that has the shape of a notch.

InFIGS. 5 to 8, in the inside of the front panel1, a holder body2is supported that serves as an example of a body of the container support section. The holder body2has a cartridge accommodation section3that serves as an example of an accommodation section for the attaching and detaching body and that is constructed from a cylindrical recess whose axis direction is equal to the front and rear directions which is in the cartridge insertion direction.

FIGS. 9A and 9Bare explanation diagrams of a cartridge holder and a toner cartridge according to Exemplary Embodiment 1.FIG. 9Ais an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge is inserted into a cartridge holder.FIG. 9Bis an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge has rotated and moved from a position shown inFIG. 9Ato an attached position.

InFIG. 5, the cartridge accommodation section3has: a disk-shaped rear end wall3a; and a barrel wall3bextending forward from the rear end wall3a. In the center part of the rear end wall3a, a drive coupling4serving as an example of a driving transmission member is supported in a rotatable manner.

InFIGS. 5 to 9B, in the upper right portion of the barrel wall3b, a reader support section8is formed that is depressed in the right direction and the upper right direction relative to the inner peripheral surface3cof the barrel wall3band that serves as an example of a read support section. In the reader support section8, a CRUM reader9is supported that can transmit and receive information so as to read and write the information and that serves as an example of an information R/W apparatus. InFIG. 8, the CRUM reader9has a connector9athat is constructed from flat springs protruding inward relative to the barrel wall3band that serves as an example of a contact terminal.

InFIGS. 5 to 9B, in the lower part of the barrel wall3b, shutter accommodation section11is formed that is depressed downward relative to the inner peripheral surface3cof the barrel wall3b, that is, outward in the radial direction of the barrel wall3b, and that serves as an example of an opening and closing accommodation section. InFIGS. 5 and 8, in the bottom part of the shutter accommodation section11, a recess11ahaving a shape depressed downward is formed. Then, in the recess11a, a body-side hardkey11bis formed that is constructed from a plurality of projected rims extending in the front and rear directions of the body and that serves as an example of an identification section. InFIG. 8, in the right side face of the shutter accommodation section11, a backlash stuffing section11cis formed that has a shape extending in the front and rear directions and stepped leftward and that serves as an example of a movement restriction section. InFIG. 5, in the left side face of the shutter accommodation section11, a stopper surface11dis formed that extends in the gravity direction and that serves as an example of a stop section. Under the stopper surface11d, a toner pocket11eis formed that has a shape depressed downward and extending in the front and rear directions and that serves as an example of an accommodation section for dropped developer. The width of the toner pocket11ein the front and rear directions according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 is formed longer than the width of the later-described outlet of the toner cartridge TC in the front and rear directions.

InFIGS. 5 to 9B, in the left part of the barrel wall3b, a projected rim accommodation recess12is formed that has an arc shape depressed leftward relative to the inner peripheral surface3cof the barrel wall3b, that is, outward in the radial direction of the barrel wall3b, and that serves as an example of an accommodation section for a projected rim.

FIGS. 10A and 10Bare explanation diagrams showing a main part of an inlet section according to Exemplary Embodiment 1.FIG. 10Ais an explanation diagram showing a state that an inlet shutter has moved to a closed position.FIG. 10Bis an explanation diagram showing a state that an inlet shutter has moved to an open position.

InFIGS. 5 and 8, between the shutter accommodation section11and the projected rim accommodation recess12in the barrel wall3b, the inlet section13is formed that extends along the circumferential direction of the barrel wall3b. InFIGS. 5,10A and10B, in the inlet section13, a pair of front and rear shutter guides13aand13bare formed that serve as an example of guide members. Between the shutter guides13aand13b, an inlet shutter14serving as an example of an inlet opening and closing member is supported in a movable manner along the circumferential direction of the barrel wall3b.

InFIGS. 5,8,10A and10B, the inlet section13has an inflow surface13cformed between the shutter guides13aand13band formed in a step shape one-step lower than the inner peripheral surface3cof the barrel wall3band one-step higher than the upper face of the recess11aof the shutter accommodation section11.

InFIGS. 8 to 10B, in the inflow surface13c, an inlet13dis formed. In the inlet section13, an inflow path13eis formed that extends downward from the inlet13d. The lower end of the inflow path13eis connected to the upstream end of the developer supply path V3.

FIGS. 11A and 11Bare enlarged views of a main part of an end part of an inlet seal according to Exemplary Embodiment 1.FIG. 11Ais a sectional view.FIG. 11Bis a perspective sectional view.

InFIGS. 9A,9B,10A,10B,11A,11B, in the upper face of the inflow surface13c, an inlet seal15is supported in which an opening15acorresponding to the inlet13dis formed and which serves as an example of a first leakage preventing member. The inlet seal15according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 is constructed from polyurethane rubber serving as an example of elastic material, then suffers elastic deformation by being pinched between the inflow surface13cand the inlet shutter14, and then closes the gap between the inflow surface13cand the inlet shutter14so as to prevent leakage of developer. InFIGS. 11A and 11B, the right end part of the inlet seal15according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 is set up in a length protruding from the stopper surface11din the right direction. Further, the right end surface15bof the inlet seal15serving as an example of a first inclined surface is formed in an inclined manner relative to the gravity direction and is constructed from an inclined surface inclined downward left. Here, the right end surface15baccording to Exemplary Embodiment 1 is formed in an inclined manner relative to the gravity direction and the radial direction of the cylinder surface3b.

InFIGS. 5 to 8, in the cartridge accommodation section3, a motor support plate16is supported that extends leftward and serves as an example of a drive support member. On the motor support plate16, a cartridge motor17is supported that serves as an example of a driving source. Under the motor support plate16, a gear wheel support section18is formed that serves as an example of a transmission system support section. The gear wheel support section18supports a train of gear wheels, that is, a so-called gear train, that has a plurality of gear wheels (not shown) for transmitting the driving from the cartridge motor17to the drive coupling4, the supply auger V4, and the like.

FIGS. 12A and 12Bare explanation diagrams of a toner cartridge according to Exemplary Embodiment 1.FIG. 12Ais a perspective view looked obliquely from left above.FIG. 12Bis a perspective view looked obliquely from left below.

FIG. 13is a perspective view of a toner cartridge looked obliquely from a rear side.

FIGS. 14A and 14Bare explanation diagrams showing open and close operation of a shutter of a toner cartridge according to Exemplary Embodiment 1.FIG. 14Ais an explanation diagram showing a state that a shutter of a toner cartridge has moved to a closed position.FIG. 14Bis an explanation diagram showing a state that a shutter of a toner cartridge has moved to an open position.

FIGS. 15A and 15Bare sectional views of a main part of a toner cartridge according to Exemplary Embodiment 1.FIG. 15Ais a sectional view taken along line XVA-XVA inFIG. 12A.FIG. 15Bis an enlarged view of a main part of an outlet part inFIG. 15A.

FIG. 16is a sectional view of a main part of a toner cartridge according to Exemplary Embodiment 1, which is a sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI inFIG. 12A.

InFIGS. 5 to 16, the toner cartridge TC attached to and detached from the cartridge holder KH has: a cylindrical cartridge body TC1that has a rotating shaft extending in the front and rear directions equal to the insertion direction, that is, the attaching and detaching directions, and that serves as an example of a container body for developer and as an example of a main body of an attaching and detaching body; and a cartridge cover TC2that closes the front end of the cartridge body TC1and that serves as an example of a lid member.

The cartridge body TC1has a barrel section22+23constructed from: a disk-shaped rear end wall22serving as an example of a bottom wall formed in the front part of the insertion direction, that is, at the rear end in the front and rear directions; and a barrel wall23extending forward from the rear end wall22. InFIG. 16, at the front end of the toner cartridge body TC1, an opening23ais formed that is closed by the cartridge cover TC2. Then, the space surrounded by the toner cartridge TC1and the cartridge cover TC2constructs an interior space TC3of the toner cartridge TC that accommodates new developer to be supplied to the developing apparatus G and that serves as an example of a developer accommodation section.

InFIGS. 13 and 16, in the center part of the rear end wall22, a transmission accommodation section22ais formed that has a cylindrical shape depressed frontward. In the transmission accommodation section22a, an opening22bis formed that goes through in the front and rear directions. InFIG. 16, in the transmission accommodation section22a, a follower coupling25that engages with the drive coupling4and that serves as an example of a to-be transfer member is supported by the opening22bin a rotatable manner via a coupling seal24serving as an example of a leakage preventing member. When the toner cartridge TC is attached to the cartridge holder KH, the follower coupling25engages with the drive coupling4so as to transmit the driving.

InFIG. 16, the interior space TC3of the toner cartridge TC, a cartridge auger26is arranged that stirs and conveys developer to an outlet31adescribed later and that serves as an example of a conveyance member. The cartridge auger26has a shaft26aextending in the front and rear directions. The rear end of the shaft26ais supported by the follower coupling25.

In the outer surfaces of the cartridge body TC1and the cartridge cover TC2, a rib27is formed that protrudes outward in the radial direction and extends in the front and rear directions and that serves as an example of a projected rim section and as an example of a linkage closing part. The rib27according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 is formed in correspondence to the projected rim accommodation recess12, then accommodated into the projected rim accommodation recess12in a state that the toner cartridge TC is attached to the cartridge accommodation section3, and then goes into a state of being adjacent to the upper left end face of the inlet shutter14as shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B.

InFIGS. 9A,9B and12A to15B, at the lower end of the barrel wall23, an outlet section31is formed that protrudes downward, that is, outward in the radial direction, from the outer peripheral surface23aof the barrel wall23in correspondence to the shutter accommodation section11. InFIGS. 8 and 13, in the outlet section31, an outlet31ais formed that connects the inner surface and the outer surface of the barrel wall23and that serves as an example of an outlet. The outlet31ais connected to the inlet13dat an attached position shown inFIG. 9B. The outlet31aaccording to Exemplary Embodiment 1 is formed in an inclined manner downward relative to the radial direction of the barrel wall23as shown inFIGS. 9A,9B,15A and15B. Then, in an attached position shown inFIG. 9B, the inclination angle is such that the outlet31ais near the down direction of the gravity direction. Thus, in comparison with a case that the inclination angle is near the horizontal level, that is, the inclination angle is shallow, developer flowing out through the outlet31abecomes hardly adhered to and deposited on the wall surface of the outlet31a. This alleviates clogging.

InFIGS. 9A,9B,14B,15A and15B, in the outlet section31according to Exemplary Embodiment 1, collection grooves32that extend inward in the radial direction and that serve as an example of recesses are formed on both sides of the outlet31aalong the circumferential direction of the barrel section22+23. The collection grooves32according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 extend in a direction inclined in the clockwise direction as going inward in the radial direction inFIGS. 9A,9B and15B. Thus, in the outer edge of the collection grooves32, in the downstream section32ain the clockwise direction, the angle relative to the outer peripheral surface31bof the outlet section31is set to be an acute angle. Further, in the upstream section32bin the clockwise direction, the angle relative to the outer peripheral surface31bis set to be an obtuse angle. Here, in Exemplary Embodiment 1, the width of the collection grooves32in the front and rear directions is formed greater than the width of the outlet31ain the front and rear directions so that the entire range of the width of the outlet31ain the front and rear directions can be covered.

InFIGS. 9A,9B,14B,15A and15B, in the outlet section31according to Exemplary Embodiment 1, a protruding frame33is formed that protrudes outward in the radial direction in comparison with the outer peripheral surface31b, in a manner surrounding the rim of the outlet31a. Thus, in the toner cartridge TC according to Exemplary Embodiment 1, the outer edges32aand32bof the collection grooves32are arranged inward in the radial direction in comparison with the outer edge of the protruding frame33.

InFIG. 15B, in the outlet section31according to Exemplary Embodiment 1, a seal guide surface34that is inclined inward in the radial direction as going downstream and that serves as an example of a leakage guide section is formed at the end of the downstream in the clockwise direction. That is, the downstream edge of the outlet section31in the circumferential direction is formed in a so-called chamfered shape. Further, in both edges of the outlet31ain the circumferential direction and in both edges of the collection grooves32in the circumferential direction, a guide surface having a chamfered shape is formed similarly to that of the seal guide surface34.

InFIGS. 12A to 15B, in the outlet section31according to Exemplary Embodiment 1, a cartridge shutter guide36that has a shape protruding outward in the front and rear directions and extends along the circumferential direction of the barrel wall23and that serves as an example of an opening and closing guide member is formed in both edges in the front and rear directions.

InFIGS. 5,9A,9B and12A to15B, in the outlet section31, a cartridge shutter41is supported that opens and closes the outlet31aand that serves as an example of an opening and closing member. The cartridge shutter41has a shutter body42having the shape of a partial barrel wall extending along the outer peripheral surface31bof the outlet section31. The length of the shutter body42in the circumferential direction is set up in correspondence to the length of the shutter accommodation section11. In both edges of the shutter body42in the front and rear directions, a side wall43extending upward is formed. In the side wall43, a to-be guided section (not shown) is formed that is supported in a movable manner in a state of contacting the upper face of the cartridge shutter guide36. Thus, the cartridge shutter41is supported in a manner movable between a closed position where the outlet31ais closed as shown inFIG. 14Aand an open position where the outlet31ais opened as shown inFIG. 14B.

InFIGS. 9A,9B and15A, in the right end section of the shutter body42, a right wall44is formed that extends upward and that serves as an example of a to-be restricted section. Then, in a state that the toner cartridge TC is attached to the cartridge holder KH, in a situation that the right wall44is opposed to the backlash stuffing section11c, when the toner cartridge TC is rotated, in particular, when the cartridge is moved from a locked position serving as an example of an attached position as shown inFIG. 9Bto an unlocked position serving as an example of a detachable position as shown inFIG. 9A, the right wall44contacts with the backlash stuffing section11cso that the amount of movement s of the cartridge shutter41in the right and left directions, that is, the movement referred to as so-called allowance or backlash, is reduced in comparison with a case that the backlash stuffing section11cis not provided.

InFIG. 12B, in the outer surface42aof the shutter body42, a protrusion46is formed that protrudes downward in correspondence to the recess11aof the shutter accommodation section11. InFIG. 12B, in the protrusion46, a cartridge-side hardkey46ais formed that is constructed from a recess extending in the front and rear directions in correspondence to the hardkey11bon the body side and that serves as an example of a to-be identified section. Thus, when the number and the length of the hardkey11bon the body side agree with the shape of the recesses of the hardkey46aon the cartridge side, the hardkeys11band46ado not interfere with each other so that the toner cartridge TC is attached and then the toner cartridge TC is identified as one suitable to the printer U. In contrast, when the number and the length of the hardkey11bon the body side do not agree with the shape of the recesses of the hardkey46aon the cartridge side, the hardkeys11band46ainterfere with each other so that the toner cartridge TC cannot be inserted to the end and hence the toner cartridge TC is identified as one not suitable to the printer U.

InFIGS. 9A,9B,15A and15B, between the shutter body42and the outlet sections31, an outlet seal47is arranged that prevents leakage of developer from the outlet31aand that serve as an example of a second leakage preventing member. The outlet seal47according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 is supported in a state of being stuck on the inner surface of the shutter body42. The outlet seal47according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 is constructed from polyurethane rubber serving as an example of elastic material. The upper face of the outlet seal47is set at a height corresponding to the upper face of the inlet seal15in a state that the toner cartridge TC is attached to the cartridge holder KH.

InFIG. 15B, in, the thickness of the outlet seal47is set up such that when the cartridge shutter41is moved to a closed position, the outlet seal47contacts with the outlet section31in an elastically deformed state. Thus, the outlet31aand the collection grooves32are sealed so that leakage of developer is prevented.

InFIG. 15B, in the outlet seal47according to Exemplary Embodiment 1, its length of the circumferential direction is set up such that the edge in the circumferential direction, that is, the left end protrudes leftward in comparison with the left end of the cartridge shutter41. Further, the left end surface47aof the outlet seal47according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 is formed in an inclined manner relative to the gravity direction, and is constructed from an inclined surface that is inclined downward left in correspondence to the right end surface15bof the inlet seal15and that serves as an example of a second inclined surface. Here, the left end surface47aaccording to Exemplary Embodiment 1 is formed in an inclined manner relative to the gravity direction and the radial direction of the barrel wall23.

Further, in the seals15and47according to Exemplary Embodiment 1, the total length along the circumferential direction in a free length state without elastic deformation is set up sufficiently longer than the length in the circumferential direction in a state that the toner cartridge TC is attached so that the right wall44of the cartridge shutter41and the backlash stuffing section11care in contact with each other. That is, in a state that the toner cartridge TC is attached to the cartridge holder KH, the end faces15band47aof the seals15and47contact with each other in a state that elastic deformation occurs so that the lengths in the circumferential direction are reduced. Thus, a gap is not formed between the seals15and47.

FIGS. 17A and 17Bare explanation diagrams showing a main part of a storage medium part of a toner cartridge according to Exemplary Embodiment 1.FIG. 17Ais a perspective explanation diagram showing a state that a cartridge cover is attached.FIG. 17Bis a perspective explanation diagram showing a state that a cartridge cover is removed.

FIGS. 18A to 18Dare explanation diagrams showing a main part of a storage medium part of a toner cartridge.FIG. 18Ais a side view.FIG. 18Bis an explanation diagram looked obliquely from a left front side.FIG. 18Cis an explanation diagram looked obliquely from a left rear side.FIG. 18Dis a sectional view taken along line XVIIID-XVIIID inFIG. 18A.

FIGS. 19A to 19Dare explanation diagrams showing a main part of a storage medium support section of a cartridge body.FIG. 19Ais a side view.FIG. 19Bis an explanation diagram looked obliquely from a left front side.FIG. 19Cis an explanation diagram looked obliquely from a left rear side.FIG. 19Dis a sectional view taken along line XIXD-XIXD inFIG. 19A.

InFIGS. 9A,9B,13and17A to19D, in the outer surface of the cartridge body TC1, a CRUM support section51serving as an example of a support section for a storage medium is supported in correspondence to the CRUM reader9. InFIGS. 17B,18A to18D and19A to19D, the CRUM support section51has a pair of guide rails52that are arranged on both outer sides in the circumferential direction and extend in the front and rear directions and that serve as an example of a first guide section. Between the guide rails52, a guide rib53is arranged that is constructed from a projected rim extending in the front and rear directions and that serves as an example of a second guide section. Further, on the rear side of the guide rails52and guide rib53, a snap fit fix section54serving as an example of a fix section is arranged. As shown inFIGS. 18D and 19D, the snap fit fix section54has: a through-hole opening54agoing through in the front and rear directions; and a fix claw54bthat has the shape of a claw extending toward the inside of the through-hole opening54aand that serves as an example of a fix section body.

InFIGS. 17A to 19D, in the outer surface of the front end part of the cartridge body TC1, claws56that protrudes outward and that serves as an example of a fix section for a restriction body are arranged in the circumferential direction at intervals set up in advance.

FIGS. 20A to 20Fare explanation diagrams of a storage medium.FIG. 20Ais a side view showing a state that a storage medium is supported by an accommodation body.FIG. 20Bis a side view showing a state that a storage medium is removed from an accommodation body.FIG. 20Cis an explanation diagram showing a state that a storage medium is supported by an accommodation body, which is looked obliquely from a front side.FIG. 20Dis an explanation diagram showing a state that a storage medium is removed from an accommodation body, which is looked obliquely from a front side.FIG. 20Eis a view looked from a back face side inFIG. 20A.FIG. 20Fis a view looked from a back face side inFIG. 20B.

InFIGS. 17A to 20F, in the CRUM support section51, a CRUM61serving as an example of a storage medium is supported in an attachable and detachable manner. The CRUM61according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 has: a flat-plate shaped board61bon which an electrical circuit element61asuch as a storage element is arranged; and a terminal section61cformed in the outer surface of the board61bin correspondence to the connector9aof the CRUM reader9. When the terminal section61ccontacts with the connector9aof the CRUM reader9, transmission and reception of information becomes available. Thus, information concerning the toner cartridge TC stored in the element61a, for example, information on whether developer is empty and information on the number of times of rotation of the cartridge auger26can be read and written.

The CRUM61according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 is supported by the CRUM support section51via a CRUM holder62serving as an example of an accommodation body. The CRUM holder62has a holder body63having a frame shape formed in a size that encompasses the surroundings of the board61bof the CRUM61. The holder body63has: a front section63aon the front side; a left section63band a right section63cextending rearward from the left and right ends of the front section63a; and a rear section63dfor connecting the rear ends of the left section63band the right section63c. In the outer surfaces of the left section63band the right section63c, a to-be guided section64is formed that protrudes outward in correspondence to the guide rails52and that serves as an example of a to-be guided section. The to-be guided section64is guided by the guide rails52so that the CRUM holder62is attachable to and detachable from the cartridge body TC1. Thus, the line of extension of the guide rails52is equal to the locus of movement of the CRUM holder62. Here, in Exemplary Embodiment 1, the to-be guided section64is formed in the front side part of the CRUM holder62. Then, the length in the front and rear directions is set to be the necessary minimum.

In the inner surfaces of the left section63band the right section63c, a CRUM holding section66that protrudes inside so as to support the rear face side of the board61bof the CRUM61and that serves as an example of a medium holding section is formed in the center part of the front and rear directions. The right section63caccording to Exemplary Embodiment 1 has a height lower than the front section63a, the left section63b, and the rear section63d.

The CRUM61according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 is inserted from the inner side of the CRUM holder62, that is, the guide rib53side of the CRUM support section51. At the time of insertion, when inserted further in a state of contacting with the CRUM holding section66, the CRUM61is attached in a state that the CRUM holder62is elastically deformed. After the CRUM61is supported by the CRUM holding section66, movement of the board61bin the right and left directions is restricted by the left section63band the right section63c. Further, the front section63aand the rear section63dprevents its dropping outward.

In the rear section63d, a snap fit to-be fixed section68is formed that is formed in a plate shape protruding rearward and can be inserted into the through-hole opening54aof the snap fit fix section54and that serves as an example of a to-be fixed section. In the snap fit to-be fixed section68, a to-be fixed hole68ainto which a fix claw54blocks is formed.

Thus, as shown inFIGS. 17A to 20F, the CRUM61is inserted from the inward and then attached to the CRUM holder62. Further, the to-be guided section64is guided by the guide rails52and then inserted into the CRUM support section51from the front direction. Then, the snap fit to-be fixed section68and the fix claw54bare elastically deformed, and then the fix claw54bof the snap fit fix section54locks into the to-be fixed hole68aof the snap fit to-be fixed section68so that the CRUM holder62is fixed to the CRUM support section51.

InFIGS. 5 to 7,12A,12B,14A,14B,16,17A and17B, the cartridge cover TC2according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 has: a disk-shaped front wall71; and a cover barrel section72that has a cylindrical shape and extends rearward from the outer periphery of the front wall71and that serves as an example of a barrel section. InFIG. 16, the cartridge cover TC2according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 is attached via a cover seal73that is arranged between the cartridge cover TC2and the front end of the barrel wall23and that serves as an example of a leakage preventing member. In the front wall71, a handle74that extends in the right and left directions and that serves as an example of an operation section is formed in the front face. On both of the up and down sides of the handle74, a handle recess76is formed that has the shape of a hemicirclular cone depressed rearward relative to the insertion direction of the toner cartridge TC and that is used by an operator for griping with fingers and serves as an example of an operation recess.

InFIG. 16, in the center part of the handle74, a pivot section74ais formed that has the shape of a circular hole depressed frontward from the rear face relative to the insertion direction of the toner cartridge TC and that serves as an example of a shaft support section. Then, the front end of the shaft26aof the cartridge auger26is supported in a rotatable manner.

InFIGS. 17A,17B and18A to18D, in the cover barrel section72of the cartridge cover TC2according to Exemplary Embodiment 1, a fix opening72aserving as an example of a to-be fixed section for a restriction body is formed at a position corresponding to the claw56. Further, at the rear end of the cover barrel section72of the cartridge cover TC2according to Exemplary Embodiment 1, a ring-shaped dropping prevention section72bis formed that is arranged adjacent and opposed to the front side of the CRUM holder62and can restrict the movement in the front direction of the CRUM holder62, that is, in the direction of dropping, and that serves as an example of a restriction body.

(Operation According to Exemplary Embodiment 1)

In the printer U having the above-mentioned configuration according to Exemplary Embodiment 1, when the toner cartridge TC is to be attached to the cartridge holder KH, in a state that the positions of the outlet section31and the cartridge shutter41are aligned with the position of the shutter accommodation section11, the toner cartridge TC is inserted into the cartridge holder KH, and then moved from a detaching position shown inFIG. 5to an unlocked position serving as an example of a detachable position shown inFIG. 6.

At that time, when the toner cartridge TC is one suitable to the printer U, the hardkey46aon the cartridge side and the hardkey11bon the body side lock to each other so that insertion is allowed. In case of an unsuitable cartridge, the hardkeys11band46ainterfere with each other and hence movement to an unlocked position is not allowed. That is, incorrect attachment that a toner cartridge TC not suitable to the printer U is attached erroneously is prevented.

When the toner cartridge TC inserted into the cartridge holder KH is rotated from an unlocked position shown inFIGS. 6 and 9Atoward a locked position shown inFIGS. 7 and 9B, the cartridge body TC1is rotated in a state that the cartridge shutter41contacts with the stopper surface11dof the level difference between the shutter accommodation section11and the inflow surface13cso that rotation is restricted and that the cartridge shutter41stays in the shutter accommodation section11. That is, the cartridge shutter41moves relative to the outlet section31in the circumferential direction serving as an example of a moving direction, so as to move from a closed position shown inFIGS. 9A and 14Awhere the outlet31ais closed to an open position shown inFIGS. 9B and 14Bwhere the outlet31ais open. Further, at that time, the inlet shutter14of the cartridge holder KH is pushed by the outlet section31that moves to a locked position, so as to move from a closed position shown inFIGS. 9A and 10Awhere the inlet13dis closed to an open position shown inFIGS. 9B and 10Bwhere the inlet13dis open.

Thus, when the toner cartridge TC moves to a locked position serving as an example of an attached position, the outlet31aand the inlet13dare opened and the outlet31aand the inlet13dare connected to each other so that developer can be supplied.

Here, at that time, the terminal section61cof the CRUM61supported by the toner cartridge TC contacts with the connector9aof the CRUM reader9so that electrical connection is established. Thus, transmission and reception of information to and from the CRUM61, that is, read and write of information become available.

When the toner cartridge TC is to be changed or alternatively when the toner cartridge TC is to be removed at the time of maintenance, inspection, or the like, the toner cartridge TC is rotated from a locked position shown inFIGS. 7,9B,14B, and the like toward an unlocked position shown inFIGS. 6,9A,14A, and the like.

At that time, the cartridge shutter41is held by the shutter accommodation section11in a state that movement in the rotation direction is not allowed. Thus, the cartridge shutter41moves relative to the rotated outlet section31so as to move to a closed position. Further, at that time, the inlet shutter14is pushed by the rib27and the like of the rotated toner cartridge TC so as to move from an open position shown inFIGS. 9B and 10Bto a closed position shown inFIGS. 9A and 10Aand close the inlet13d. Thus, when the toner cartridge TC has moved from a locked position to an unlocked position, the individual shutters14and41move to a closed position so as to close the inlet13dand the outlet31a.

Then, the toner cartridge TC having moved to an unlocked position can be removed from the cartridge holder KH.

(Explanation of Relation Between Toner Cartridge Rotation and Seal)

FIGS. 21A to 21Fare explanation diagrams describing steps that a toner cartridge moves from an unlocked position to a locked position.FIG. 21Ais an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge has moved to an unlocked position.FIG. 21Bis an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge has moved from a position shown inFIG. 21Ato a locked position side.FIG. 21Cis an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge has moved further from a position shown inFIG. 21Bto a locked position side.FIG. 21Dis an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge has moved further from a position shown inFIG. 21Cto a locked position side.FIG. 21Eis an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge has moved further from a position shown inFIG. 21Dto a locked position side.FIG. 21Fis an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge has moved to a locked position side.

InFIGS. 9A,14A, and21A, in a state that the toner cartridge TC has moved to an unlocked position, the end faces15band47aof the seals15and47mutually protruding relative to the stopper surface11dand the left end of the cartridge shutter41contact with each other in an elastically deformed state. At that time, in the toner cartridge TC according to Exemplary Embodiment 1, the seal guide surface34is formed. Then, at a position where the seals15and47contact with each other, a gap is formed in the above. Thus, at the positions of the end faces of the seals15and47, it is allowed that the end parts of the elastically deformed seals15and47warp upward.

InFIGS. 21A to 21C, after the toner cartridge TC begins to move from an unlocked position toward a locked position, when the seal guide surface34of the rotated toner cartridge TC approaches the part where the end parts of the seals15and47are deformed such as to warp upward, the seals15and47are guided and pushed downward by the seal guide surface34and then contact with the outer peripheral surface31bof the outlet section31. Thus, in comparison with a configuration that the seal guide surface34is not formed and that the edge of the outlet section31is not chamfered, a possibility is reduced that the seals15and47contact with the edge of the outlet section31so as to suffer damage. This enhances the lifetime. InFIGS. 21D to 21F, similarly, at the time that the outlet31aand the collection grooves32pass through the position where the seals15and47contact with each other, the guide surface of the end part guides the seals15and47such as to be depressed downward, so that breakage is reduced.

FIGS. 22A to 22Fare explanation diagrams describing steps that a toner cartridge moves from a locked position to an unlocked position.FIG. 22Ais an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge has moved to a locked position.FIG. 22Bis an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge has moved from a position shown inFIG. 22Ato an unlocked position side.FIG. 22Cis an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge has moved further from a position shown inFIG. 22Bto an unlocked position side.FIG. 22Dis an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge has moved further from a position shown inFIG. 22Cto an unlocked position side.FIG. 22Eis an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge has moved further from a position shown inFIG. 22Dto an unlocked position side.FIG. 22Fis an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge has moved to an unlocked position side.

InFIGS. 22A to 22F, even in a case that the toner cartridge TC moves from a locked position to an unlocked position, similarly to the case shown inFIGS. 21A to 21F, the seals15and47are guided downward by the guide surface of the collection grooves32or the outlet31aso that breakage is reduced.

In particular, when the toner cartridge TC moves toward an unlocked position, in association with a friction from the outlet seal47, the cartridge shutter guide36, and the like, a force causing movement in the counterclockwise direction inFIGS. 22A to 22Fwhich is the rotation direction of the toner cartridge TC acts on the cartridge shutter41. If a large backlash were formed that allows the cartridge shutter41to move along the rotation direction of the toner cartridge TC, the outlet seal47could move in the direction of departing from the inlet seal15so that a gap could be formed between the seals15and47. This causes a possibility that developer could leak out through the gap. In contrast, in Exemplary Embodiment 1, when the cartridge shutter41is to move, the backlash stuffing section11ccontacts with the right wall44of the cartridge shutter41so that the movement of the cartridge shutter41is restricted. Thus, the seals15and47hardly depart from each other, and hence formation of a gap is reduced. A state that the seals15and47shrink is easily maintained so that leakage of developer is reduced.

FIGS. 23A and 23Bare explanation diagrams of end parts of seals.FIG. 23Ais an explanation diagram of seals according to Exemplary Embodiment 1.FIG. 23Bis an explanation diagram of conventional seals.

InFIGS. 23A and 23B, in the seals15and47according to Exemplary Embodiment 1, the end faces15band47aare formed in an inclined manner relative to the gravity direction81. In a supposed case that the end faces of the seals01and02are formed along the gravity direction as shown inFIG. 23B, when a gap is formed, developer falls down through the gap. In contrast, in the configuration according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 shown inFIG. 23A, even when a gap is formed between the seals15and47, a state is easily realized that the end faces15band47apartly overlap with each other when viewed from the gravity direction. That is, developer falling in the gravity direction81adheres to any one of the end faces15band47aand hence hardly pass downward through the seals15and47. Thus, leakage of developer is reduced.

Further, the end faces15band47aof the seals15and47according to Exemplary Embodiment 1 are formed in an inclined manner relative also to the radial direction82. Thus, even if a gap were formed, a state is easily realized that the end faces15band47apartly overlap with each other when viewed from the radial direction82. Thus, even when developer moves in the radial direction owing to a centrifugal force or the like generated in association with the rotation of the toner cartridge TC, leaking to the outside is reduced.

Further, in Exemplary Embodiment 1, a toner pocket11eis formed under the stopper surface11d, that is, under the end face15bof the inlet seal15. Thus, even if developer fall through a gap between the seals15and47, the developer is collected into the toner pocket11e. In particular, in Exemplary Embodiment 1, the width of the toner pocket11ein the front and rear directions is set to be greater than the width of the outlet31a. This reduces an occasion that developer in the toner pocket11efalls to the outside.

Thus, an occasion is reduced that the printer U and the toner cartridge TC get dirty in association with leakage of developer. Thus, occurrence of problems is reduced, like leaked developer goes inside the printer U so as to cause malfunction, developer drops to the outside of the printer U so that a user's hand or dress get dirty, and the floor gets dirty.

(Explanation of Relation Between Toner Cartridge Rotation and Collection Groove)

InFIGS. 21A to 21F, when the toner cartridge TC moves toward a locked position, at the time that the outlet31apasses, developer in the outlet31aadheres to the surface of the seals15and47. InFIGS. 22A to 22F, when the toner cartridge TC moves toward an unlocked position, in a conventional configuration that the collection grooves32are not provided in the upstream and the downstream in the counterclockwise direction inFIGS. 22A to 22Fwhich is the rotation direction of the outlet31a, a state is maintained that developer has adhered to the seals15and47in a region where the outlet31ahas passed. Thus, when the toner cartridge TC is rotated in the counterclockwise direction inFIGS. 21A to 21Fand22A to22F, a possibility arises that the developer is scraped by the edge of the outlet section31, the protruding frame33, or the like so as to leak to the outside. In contrast, in Exemplary Embodiment 1, the collection grooves32is provided on both sides in the counterclockwise direction which is the rotation direction of the outlet31a, in particular, on the left side which is the downstream side. Thus, at the time that the collection grooves32passes, developer having adhered from the outlet31ato the surface of the seals15and47is scraped and then collected into the collection grooves32. Thus, leakage of developer to the outside is reduced.

In particular, in Exemplary Embodiment 1, the downstream end32aof the collection grooves32is formed in an acute angle relative to the outer peripheral surface31b. Thus, when the toner cartridge TC moves toward an unlocked position in the counterclockwise direction, developer having adhered to the seals15and47is easily scraped and collected. Further, when the toner cartridge TC moves toward a locked position in the clockwise direction, the upstream end32bset up in an obtuse angle contacts with and scrapes the seals15and47. Thus, in comparison with a case of a non-obtuse angle, damage to the seals15and47is reduce.

Further, in Exemplary Embodiment 1, even when the toner cartridge TC moves toward a locked position, the collection groove32on the downstream side of the outlet31a, that is, on the right side, can collect developer. Thus, in comparison with a case that collection is not performed when movement is toward a locked position, leakage of developer is reduced further.

FIGS. 24A and 24Bare explanation diagrams showing a main part of a collection groove part according to Exemplary Embodiment 1.FIG. 24Ais an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge has moved to a locked position.FIG. 24Bis an explanation diagram showing a state that a toner cartridge has moved from a locked position toward an unlocked position.

InFIGS. 24A and 24B, in Exemplary Embodiment 1, the outer edges32aand32bof the collection grooves32are arranged inside in the radial direction in comparison with the outer edge of the protruding frame33. Thus, the amount of elastic deformation of the inlet seal15in the radial direction, that is, the amount of shrinkage of the inlet sheet15, is smaller in the part of the collection grooves32than in the part of the protruding frame33. Thus, as shown inFIGS. 24A and 24B, when the toner cartridge TC moves from a locked position toward an unlocked position, when developer86remains in the inlet13dand the outlet31aas shown inFIG. 24A, at the time that the protruding frame33passes, the developer86in the upper part on the inlet13dside is scraped as shown inFIG. 24B. Thus, when the collection grooves32pass through the position of the inlet13d, a possibility is reduced that the outer edges32aand32bof the collection grooves32arranged inside the protruding frame33erroneously scrapes the developer in the upper part of the inlet13d, that is, the developer not having leaked out or not having adhered to the surface of the inlet seal15.

(Explanation of Attaching and Detaching of CRUM)

InFIGS. 17A and 17B, in the toner cartridge TC according to Exemplary Embodiment 1, the CRUM holder62accommodating the CRUM61is inserted from the front direction into the toner cartridge body TC1. Then, in a state that the cartridge cover TC2is attached, the dropping prevention section72bof the cartridge cover TC2is arranged in the front direction so as to restrict forward movement of the CRUM holder62. Thus, even in a case of breakage of the snap fit fix section54or dropping caused by a manufacturing error or the like, dropping of the CRUM61from the toner cartridge TC is reduced.

An embodiment of the present invention has been described above in full detail. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. That is, various kinds of change may be applied within the spirit of the present invention described in the claims. Modifications (H01) to (H014) of the present invention are illustrated below.

(H01) The embodiment given above has been illustrated for a printer serving as an example of an image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a copying machine, a FAX machine, or a composite machine having the functions of one or a plurality of these may be employed.

(H02) The embodiment given above has been illustrated for a configuration that in the printer U, monochromatic developer is employed. However, the present invention is not limited to this and is applicable also to, for example, a multicolor image forming apparatus of two or more colors. At that time, the hardkeys11band46amay be provided in accordance with differences in the color of developer accommodated in the toner cartridge TC, the composition and the melting point of developer, the type of toner such as fluidity, the dedicated customer of the toner cartridge, and the like. As such, identification of these may be achieved.

(H03) The embodiment given above has been illustrated for a configuration that the CRUM61is attached to the cartridge body TC1via the CRUM holder62. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the CRUM holder62may be omitted.

(H04) In the embodiment given above, the configuration of the CRUM holder62is not limited to that illustrated in the embodiment. That is, the external shape may be changed in accordance with the design, the specification, and the like. For example, although a configuration has been illustrated that the CRUM holder62is fixed to the cartridge body TC1by a so-called snap fit structure, this may be omitted. That is, an arbitrary change may be employed like the position of CRUM entrance67is changed and the shape and the length of the to-be guided section64are changed.

(H05) The embodiment given above has been illustrated for a configuration that the restriction body for restricting the dropping of the CRUM61is formed in the cartridge cover TC2, that is, a configuration that the restriction body and the cartridge cover are constructed in common. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the restriction body for restricting the movement of the CRUM61may be constructed separately from the cartridge cover. The shape of the restriction body is also not limited to the shape of a barrel wall. For example, an arbitrary shape may be employed like an O-ring shape and a bracket shape.

(H06) In the embodiment given above, a configuration is preferable that the collection grooves32are provided on both sides of the outlet31a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, a collection groove may be provided on any one of the two sides where leakage of developer causes a more serious problem depending on the design, the specification, and the like. Further, it is preferable that the width of the collection grooves32in the front and rear directions is larger than the outlet31a. However, the width may be the same or alternatively narrower.

(H07) In the embodiment given above, a configuration is preferable that when rotating toward an unlocked position, the collection grooves32contacts with the seals15and47at an acute angle. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, a right angle or an obtuse angle may be employed.

(H08) In the embodiment given above, a configuration is preferable that the width of the toner pocket11eis larger than that of the outlet31a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the width may be smaller. Further, the toner pocket11eis preferably provided, however, may be omitted.

(H09) In the embodiment given above, a configuration is preferable that the protruding frame33is provided and then the outer edges32aand32bof the collection grooves32are located inside the outlet31a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the protruding frame33may be omitted, and then the outer edges32aand32bof the collection grooves32may be located at or may protrudes outside the outer peripheral surface31bof the outlet31aso that the contact pressure between the collection grooves32and the seals15and47may be increased. This permits more reliable collection.

(H010) The embodiment given above has been illustrated for a case that both of the seals15and47protrude relative to the stopper surface11dand the left end of the cartridge shutter41. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, a configuration may be employed that at least one of these protrudes relative to the stopper surface11dor the left end of the cartridge shutter41. This provides a similar operation effect.

(H011) In the embodiment given above, it is preferable that the inclined surfaces15band47aare formed at the ends of the seals15and47. However, surfaces aligned with the gravity direction or surfaces aligned with the radial direction may be employed.

(H012) The embodiment given above has been illustrated for a configuration that the backlash stuffing section11cis provided so that backlash of the cartridge shutter41is reduced. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be employed that the hardkeys11band46areduce backlash of the cartridge shutter41, that is, the backlash stuffing section11cis omitted and the hardkeys are provided with the function of a backlash stuffing section so that the functions are realized in common.

(H013) The embodiment given above has been illustrated for a configuration that the width of the collection grooves32in the front and rear directions is formed greater than the width of the outlet31ain the front and rear directions. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the same width may be employed, or alternatively they may be divided into a plurality of units.

(H014) The embodiment given above has been illustrated for a configuration that the toner cartridge TC having a cylindrical shape is employed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the toner cartridge TC may have an elliptical shape, a quadrangular shape, and another polygonal shape.