JP2009151344A - Process cartridge, developer supply cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily allow the attachment and detachment of a developer supply cartridge while suppressing the leakage of a developer from the developer supply cartridge. <P>SOLUTION: This developer supply cartridge 9 and the process cartridge 7 can be independently installed in an apparatus body. When installing the developer supply cartridge 9 in a state of installing the process cartridge 7 in the apparatus body, first of all, after a first engaging member 31a of the developer supply cartridge 9 moves to an allowable position capable of rotating a regulating member 68 for regulating the rotational movement of a receiving side moving member 62, a supply side moving member 32 of the developer supply cartridge 9 is engaged with the receiving side moving member 62 after opening a receiving side shutter 65 by rotating the receiving side moving member 62, and the developer can be supplied to the process cartridge 7 from the developer supply cartridge 9 by opening a supply side shutter 35. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a process cartridge, a developer replenishment cartridge, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using them, which can be attached to and detached from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body.

  Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “image forming apparatus”) forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming process. For example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (such as an LED printer or a laser beam printer), an electrophotographic facsimile apparatus, and an electrophotographic word processor are included.

  Here, the recording medium is an object on which an image is formed, such as a recording sheet or an OHP sheet.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus employs a process cartridge system in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process means acting thereon are integrated into a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. According to this process cartridge system, maintenance of the apparatus can be performed by the user himself / herself without depending on the service person. Therefore, the operability can be improved.

  In addition, a process cartridge that receives a developer supply from a developer supply cartridge is known. According to this supply type process cartridge, the process cartridge can be reduced in size. This is because the developer accommodating portion can be reduced in size.

  In such a developer supply system, the developer supply cartridge is provided with a developer supply opening. The process cartridge is provided with a developer receiving opening. The developer is supplied from the developer supply cartridge to the process cartridge by communicating the developer supply opening and the developer receiving opening.

  Further, it is necessary to prevent the developer from leaking when the user attaches / detaches the process cartridge to / from the apparatus main body.

  Further, it is necessary to prevent the developer from leaking when the user attaches / detaches the developer supply cartridge to / from the apparatus main body.

  For this reason, a shutter that can be opened and closed is provided at each of the developer supply opening and the developer receiving opening.

  Conventionally, the following configuration is known as a configuration for opening and closing the developer supply opening. That is, it has a force receiving engagement portion that engages with the process cartridge so that when the developer supply cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body, the discharge port shutter receives a force to move from the closed position to the open position. Further, when the developer supply cartridge is taken out from the apparatus main body, a force for moving the discharge shutter from the open position to the closed position is received from the process cartridge. In this way, the developer supply opening is opened and closed (see Patent Document 1 and FIG. 7).

  On the other hand, the following configuration is known as a configuration method of the process cartridge that opens and closes the developer receiving opening. In other words, the apparatus main body has an engaging portion, and a force for moving to the receiving shutter is applied in conjunction with an operation in which the process cartridge is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. In this way, the developer receiving opening is opened and closed (see Patent Document 1 and FIG. 6).

JP 2001-222160 A

  According to the technique described in the above publication, the developer replenishment opening is opened and closed in either the operation of attaching / detaching the developer supply cartridge to / from the image forming apparatus main body or the operation of attaching / detaching the process cartridge to / from the image forming apparatus main body. It can be carried out.

  Therefore, the developer supply opening can be opened and closed even when the developer supply cartridge or the process cartridge is independently attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus.

  Therefore, when the developer supply type process cartridge is used, the developer supply cartridge and the process cartridge can be independently attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body while preventing the developer from leaking.

  Therefore, the technique is very excellent in operability.

  The present invention is a further development of the conventional example described above.

  An object of the present invention is to remove a developer from a developer replenishment opening when the developer replenishment cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body in a state where both the process cartridge and the developer replenishment cartridge are mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. Developer replenishment cartridge, process cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of taking out the developer replenishment cartridge in a state where leakage of the developer is prevented and in a state where the developer is prevented from leaking from the developer receiving opening Is to provide.

  Another object of the present invention is to prevent the developer from leaking from the developer replenishment opening when the process cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body with both the process cartridge and the developer replenishment cartridge mounted on the apparatus main body. The present invention provides a process cartridge, a developer supply cartridge, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of taking out a process cartridge in a prevented state and in a state where a developer is prevented from leaking from a developer receiving opening.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a developer in a state in which the developer receiving opening can receive the developer when the developer supply cartridge enters the apparatus main body while the process cartridge is mounted in the apparatus main body. A developer supply cartridge, a process cartridge, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of supplying developer from a supply opening are provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a developer in a state where the developer receiving opening can receive the developer when the process cartridge is entered into the apparatus main body while the developer supply cartridge is mounted in the apparatus main body. A developer supply cartridge, a process cartridge, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of supplying developer from a supply opening are provided.

  Another object of the present invention is that when the process cartridge and the developer supply cartridge are both attached to the apparatus main body, when the developer supply cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body, the receiving-side shutter is set to the developer reception allowable position. Provided are a developer supply cartridge, a process cartridge, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of moving the supply side shutter from the developer supply allowable position to the developer supply stop position in the positioned state.

  Another object of the present invention is that when the process cartridge is taken out from the apparatus main body in a state where both the process cartridge and the developer supply cartridge are attached to the apparatus main body, the receiving side shutter is positioned at the developer receiving allowable position. In this state, a process cartridge, a developer supply cartridge, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of moving the supply side shutter from the developer supply allowable position to the developer supply stop position are provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a state in which the receiving shutter is positioned at the developer receiving allowable position when the developer supply cartridge is advanced into the apparatus main body with the process cartridge already mounted in the apparatus main body. A developer supply cartridge, a process cartridge, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of moving the supply side shutter from the developer supply stop position to the developer supply allowable position are provided.

  Another object of the present invention is that the developer supply cartridge is already mounted in the apparatus main body, and the receiving shutter is positioned at the developer receiving allowable position when the process cartridge is advanced into the apparatus main body. The present invention provides a process cartridge, a developer supply cartridge, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of moving a supply side shutter from a developer supply stop position to a developer supply allowable position.

  According to another object of the present invention, a process cartridge, a developer replenishment cartridge, and electrophotographic image formation in which a receiving side moving member that moves in conjunction with a receiving side shutter can be used to move the replenishing side moving member. A device is provided.

  According to another object of the present invention, when the process cartridge enters the apparatus main body, the supply side shutter is moved to the developer reception allowable position after the reception side shutter located at the developer reception stop position is moved, and then the supply side shutter is supplied with the developer. A process cartridge, a developer supply cartridge, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that can move from a stop position to a developer supply allowable position are provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge, a developer supply cartridge, and an electrophotographic image that can open and / or close a developer supply opening by relative movement between the developer supply cartridge and the process cartridge. A forming apparatus is provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge and an electronic device that do not open a developer receiving opening when the process cartridge is entered into the apparatus main body without the developer replenishment cartridge attached to the image forming apparatus main body. A photographic image forming apparatus is provided.

  Another object of the present invention is to supply the developer without opening the developer supply opening even if the developer supply cartridge is inserted into the apparatus main body without the process cartridge mounted in the image forming apparatus main body. To provide a cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

A typical means in the present invention for solving the above-described problems is a supply-side developer storage portion for storing a developer, and the supply of the developer in the supply-side developer storage portion into the process cartridge. A replenishment-side shutter unit that can take a developer replenishment permissible position that opens the developer replenishment opening, a developer replenishment stop position that closes the developer replenishment opening, and the replenishment-side shutter unit and the developer replenishment permissible position An electronic device that receives the developer from a developer supply cartridge having a replenishment side moving portion that moves in conjunction with the replenishment side shutter portion and an engaging member so that the developer replenishment stop position can be taken. A process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from a main body of a photographic image forming apparatus,
An electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
A developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum using the developer;
A receiving-side developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer;
A receiving-side shutter unit capable of taking a developer-accepting position for opening a developer-receiving opening for receiving the developer into the receiving-side developer container, and a developer-receiving stop position for closing the developer-receiving opening;
A regulating member;
The receiving side first action part positioned at the working position with the receiving side shutter part located at the developer receiving stop position and the receiving side shutter part at the working position with the receiving side shutter part located at the developer receiving permission position. A receiving-side second action portion, and the supply-side shutter portion is moved in conjunction so that the supply-side shutter portion can take the developer supply allowable position and the developer supply stop position. The movement is restricted by the restricting member in a state where the receiving side first action part is located at the receiving side action position, and the developer supply cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. When the process cartridge enters the apparatus main body in a state, the restriction member is released from the restriction by the restriction member to come into contact with the engagement member, and becomes movable. In response to the movement of the receiving side first action portion by contacting the engaging member, the receiving side shutter portion is moved to the developer receiving allowable position, and then the receiving side second action portion is moved. The movement is regulated by the regulating member in a state where the part is located at the working position, and the receiving side second working part is engaged with the replenishing side moving part and the replenishing side moving part moves. A receiving side moving unit that moves the replenishment side shutter unit to the developer replenishment allowable position;
A process cartridge.

Further, as other means of the present invention, an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and development used for development by the developing roller A receiving-side shutter portion capable of taking a developer-accepting position for opening a developer-receiving opening for receiving the developer, a developer-receiving stop position for closing the developer-receiving opening, and the receiving-side shutter portion serving as the developer A receiving-side moving unit that moves in conjunction with the receiving-side shutter unit so that the receiving-accepting position and the developer-receiving stop position can be taken, wherein the receiving-side shutter unit is located at the developer-accepting position A receiving-side moving part having a receiving-side acting part positioned at the acting position in a state where the receiving-side acting part is located at the acting position, and a regulating member that regulates the movement of the receiving-side moving part And supplying a developer to a process cartridge having a a developer supply cartridge detachably mountable to the apparatus main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus,
A replenishment-side developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer;
A developer replenishment opening for replenishing the developer in the replenishment side developer container into the process cartridge via the developer receiving opening;
A replenishment-side shutter portion capable of taking a developer replenishment permissible position for opening the developer replenishment opening and a developer replenishment stop position for closing the developer replenishment opening;
When the developer supply cartridge enters the apparatus main body with the process cartridge mounted on the apparatus main body in the previous period, the receiving side is restricted in movement by the restricting member while being located at the operating position. A replenishment side moving part that moves by engagement of the moving part with the receiving side action part, wherein the replenishment side shutter part is moved in conjunction with the developer replenishment allowable position from the developer replenishment stop position. A moving part;
A developer supply cartridge.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having the process cartridge and the developer supply cartridge that are detachably attached to the apparatus main body.

  According to the present invention, when the developer is supplied from the developer supply cartridge to the process cartridge, it is possible to prevent the developer from leaking.

  According to the present invention, the receiving side moving member that moves in conjunction with the receiving side shutter can be used for the movement of the replenishment side moving member.

  According to the present invention in which the developer supply cartridge enters the apparatus main body while the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, the supply opening supplies the developer while the receiving opening can receive the developer. Can be ready.

  According to the present invention, the developer replenishing cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body while the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. You can stop accepting.

  According to the present invention in which the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body while the developer supply cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, the supply opening supplies the developer while the receiving opening can receive the developer. Can be ready.

  According to the present invention, the process cartridge is removed from the apparatus main body while the developer supply cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. According to the present invention, the receiving opening receives the developer while the supply opening stops supplying the developer. Can be stopped.

  Further, according to the present invention, the replenishment opening is not opened even if the developer replenishment cartridge is entered into the apparatus main body in a state where the process cartridge is not attached to the apparatus main body.

  In addition, according to the present invention, even if the process cartridge is entered into the apparatus main body without the developer supply cartridge being attached to the apparatus main body, the receiving opening is not opened.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a main body of an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge and a developer supply cartridge that are mounted on the electrophotographic color image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. (b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main body guide portion shown in (a). 1 is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developer supply cartridge according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an insertion form of a process cartridge and a toner developer supply cartridge into the electrophotographic color image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of a shutter of a developer supply cartridge. (a) is a diagram showing a state where the replenishment opening is opened by the replenishment side shutter, (b) is a diagram showing a state where the replenishment opening is closed by the replenishment side shutter, and (c) is a view where the receiving opening is opened by the receiving side shutter. The figure which shows the state open | released, (d) is a figure which shows the state by which the receiving supply opening was closed by the receiving side shutter. It is a front view which shows the combined state of the replenishment side moving member and the replenishment side shutter. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of a shutter of a process cartridge. It is a front view which shows the coupling | bonding state of a receiving side moving member and a receiving side shutter. FIG. 5 is an operation state diagram illustrating a driving configuration of a shutter unit when a developer supply cartridge is mounted in a state where a process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. FIG. 6 is an operation state diagram illustrating a driving configuration of a shutter unit when a process cartridge is mounted in a state where a developer supply cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. FIG. 10 is an operation state diagram for explaining positioning of the developer supply cartridge in the longitudinal direction with respect to the apparatus main body. FIG. 10 is an operation state diagram for explaining positioning of the developer supply cartridge in the longitudinal direction with respect to the apparatus main body. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of a shutter of a developer supply cartridge according to a second embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view of the vicinity of the shutter of the process cartridge according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an operation state diagram illustrating a drive configuration of a shutter unit when a process cartridge is mounted in a state where a developer supply cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body according to the second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating a configuration of a toner seal winding unit of the developer supply cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating a configuration of a toner seal winding portion of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a stopper configuration that acts on a supply side moving member of a developer supply cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an operation state diagram in the vicinity of a stopper of a developer supply cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an operation state diagram in the vicinity of a stopper of a developer supply cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an operation state diagram in the vicinity of a stopper of a developer supply cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an outer cover configuration of a developer supply cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an operation state diagram in the vicinity of an outer cover of a developer supply cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an operation state diagram in the vicinity of an outer cover of a developer supply cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an operation state diagram in the vicinity of an outer cover of a developer supply cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an operation state diagram in the vicinity of an outer cover of a developer supply cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an operation state diagram in the vicinity of an outer cover of a developer supply cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the shutter of the developer supply cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view near the shutter of the process cartridge in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the drive structure of the toner seal winding part of the process cartridge in 1st embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a driving configuration of a toner seal winding unit of the developer supply cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of a shutter of a developer supply cartridge. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of a shutter of a process cartridge.

  Next, a color image forming apparatus using a developer supply cartridge and a process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
[Entire configuration of image forming apparatus]
First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the overall configuration of a full-color laser beam printer 100 which is an aspect of the image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes four process cartridges 7 (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) and a developer supply cartridge 9 (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. The process cartridge 7 and the developer supply cartridge 9 can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 100a of the image forming apparatus 100 independently. Here, the apparatus main body 100 a is a configuration in which the process cartridge 7 and the developer supply cartridge 9 are excluded from the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The process cartridge 7 has an electrophotographic photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d). The electrophotographic photosensitive drum (hereinafter referred to as “photosensitive drum”) 1 is rotated by a driving means (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 100a.

  The process cartridge 7 has a charging roller (charging means) 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), a developing means 4 (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) as process means, around the photosensitive drum 1, and It has cleaning means 8 (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d). The apparatus main body 100a is provided with a scanner unit 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) and an intermediate transfer body 5 around the photosensitive drum 1. A developer image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 5 by primary transfer means 14 (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d). The primary transfer means 14 is provided in the apparatus main body 100a.

  The charging roller 2 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 1 to uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. The scanner unit 3 irradiates the photosensitive drum 1 with a laser beam based on the image information to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1. The developing means 4 (4a to 4d) forms a developer image by attaching a developer to the electrostatic latent image. That is, the developing unit 4 develops the electrostatic latent image. The cleaning unit 8 removes the developer remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after the toner image is transferred.

  Here, the photosensitive drum 1, the charging roller 2, the developing unit 4, and the cleaning unit 8 as the process unit are integrally formed into a cartridge to constitute a process cartridge 7.

  The image forming operation is as follows. First, the photosensitive drum 1 is rotated in accordance with the image formation timing. Then, the scanner units 3 corresponding to the respective process cartridges 7 are sequentially driven. In addition, a voltage is applied to the charging roller 2 that rotates while being in contact with the photosensitive drum 1, and a uniform charge is applied to the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1. The scanner unit 3 selectively exposes the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 according to an image signal. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1. A developing roller 17 (17a to 17d) provided in the developing unit 4 transfers the developer to the electrostatic latent image. As a result, the developing roller 17 forms a developer image on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1. That is, the developing roller 17 develops the electrostatic latent image using a developer.

  Thereafter, a bias voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the developer image is applied to the primary transfer unit 14. As a result, the developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer member 5.

  Then, the developer images (four color developer images) formed on the respective photosensitive drums 1 are superimposed on the intermediate transfer member 5. Thereafter, the secondary transfer means 6 is pressed against the intermediate transfer member 5. Then, the recording medium S waiting at a predetermined position is sent out to the nip portion between the intermediate transfer member 5 and the secondary transfer means 6 by the registration roller 10.

  The process cartridge 7a contains a yellow developer. The process cartridge 7b contains a magenta developer. The process cartridge 7c contains a cyan developer. The process cartridge 7d contains a black developer. Therefore, a yellow developer image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1a. Similarly, a magenta developer image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1b, a cyan developer image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1c, and a black developer image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1d. The

  The process cartridges 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d have the same configuration and are different in the color of the developer stored therein.

  A bias voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the developer is applied to the secondary transfer unit 6. Therefore, the developer image on the intermediate transfer member 5 is secondarily transferred collectively onto the surface of the recording medium S that has been conveyed.

  Thereafter, the recording medium S is conveyed to the fixing device 11 and heated and pressed to fix the developer image. Then, the recording medium S is discharged to the discharge tray 13 by the discharge roller 12. This completes image formation.

  The developer is consumed by developing the latent image. As the developer is consumed, the developer is sequentially supplied from a developer supply cartridge 9 (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) (described later).

  The developer supply cartridges 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9d have the same configuration and different developer colors.

Reference numeral 100b denotes a process cartridge mounting portion, which is a space in which the process cartridge 7 is detachably mounted.
Reference numeral 100c denotes a replenishment cartridge mounting portion, which is a space in which the replenishment cartridge 9 is detachably mounted.
Both mounting portions 100b and 100c are provided in the apparatus main body 100a.

[Entry form of process cartridge 7 and developer supply cartridge 9]
Next, an embodiment in which the process cartridge 7 and the developer supply cartridge 9 are inserted into the apparatus main body 100a will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the operator opens the cartridge cover 110 provided on the apparatus main body 100a (FIG. 5). Then, the operator causes the process cartridge 7 to enter the apparatus main body 100a along the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum 1 (in the direction of arrow A in the figure). Further, the operator causes the developer supply cartridge 9 to enter the apparatus main body 100a along the longitudinal direction of the supply side developer accommodating portion 33 (in the direction of arrow A in the figure). That is, both process cartridges 7 and 9 enter in the longitudinal direction. The driving force from the apparatus main body 100a to the process cartridge 7 and the developer supply cartridge 9 is input on the back side in the approach direction (the back side of the apparatus main body 100a).

  The developer supply cartridge 9 is inserted with the guided portions 42a and 42b (FIG. 2) of the developer supply cartridge 9 placed on main body rails 101a and 101b provided in the apparatus main body 100a.

  Further, the process cartridge 7 enters the guided portions 43a and 43b (FIG. 2) on the main body rails 102a and 102b provided on the apparatus main body 100a.

[Process cartridge configuration]
Next, the configuration of the process cartridge 7 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge 7 includes a cleaning unit 22 and a developing unit 23, which are separate bodies, coupled to each other in a rotatable manner.

  In the cleaning unit 22, a charging roller 2 is provided in a cleaning container 15 that is a frame that rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 1. Further, the cleaning unit 22 is provided with a cleaning blade 8e as the cleaning means 8. The cleaning blade 8e removes the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 1.

  On the other hand, in the frame structure of the developing means 4, the receiving side developer accommodating portion 16 as a process cartridge side developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer and the developing container 18 are coupled by ultrasonic welding or the like. . The developing unit 23 includes a developer container 16 and a developer container 18. The developing container 18 supports the developing roller 17 in a rotatable manner. In the new process cartridge 7, a predetermined amount of developer is previously stored in the developer storage portion 16. This developer is used for image formation until the developer from the developer supply cartridge 9 is sufficiently supplied when the new developer supply cartridge 7 is used.

  In addition to the developing roller 17, the developing container 18 includes a developing blade 19 for regulating the layer thickness of the developer attached to the peripheral surface of the developing roller 17, and a sponge for supplying the developing roller 17 with the developer. A developer supply roller 20 which is a roller is provided.

  The developing unit 23 is rotatably supported with respect to the cleaning unit 22.

  In a state where the process cartridge 7 (7a to 7d) is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a, a developer supply cartridge 9 (9a to 9d) is mounted on the upper portion of the developing unit 23 (developer housing portion 16). In addition, a developer receiving opening 16 a for receiving the developer from the replenishing cartridge 9 is disposed at the upper portion of the developer containing portion 16. A receiving-side shutter 65 that opens and closes the receiving opening 16a is disposed above the receiving opening 16a. The shutter 65 rotates to open and close the receiving opening 16a. As a result, the shutter 65 can take a developer receiving allowable position for opening the receiving opening 16a for receiving the developer and a developer receiving stop position for closing the receiving opening 16a. A seal member 67 (formed of foamed urethane, felt, or the like) for connecting the process cartridge 7 and the developer supply cartridge 9 is disposed above the shutter 65. Here, the receiving opening 16 a is for receiving the developer from the supply cartridge 9 into the developer accommodating portion 16. A process cartridge 7 is mounted on the mounting portion 100b, and a replenishment cartridge 9 is detachably mounted on the mounting portion 100c above the mounting portion 100b (FIG. 1). The process cartridge 7 and the supply cartridge 9 can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 100a independently of each other.

  The seal member 67 prevents the developer from leaking from the connecting portion between the supply cartridge 9 and the process cartridge 7 when the developer is supplied. However, the seal member 67 is for more reliably preventing the developer from leaking out, and may be omitted depending on the configuration.

[Configuration of developer supply cartridge]
Next, the configuration of the developer supply cartridge 9 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The replenishment cartridge 9 has a replenishment side developer accommodating portion 33 for accommodating the developer. In a state where the process cartridge 7 and the replenishment cartridge 9 are mounted on the apparatus main body 100a, a developer replenishment opening 34 corresponding to the receiving opening 16a is provided at the lower portion of the developer accommodating portion 33. The developer in the developer container 33 is supplied to the process cartridge 7 from the supply opening 34 through the receiving opening 16a. Specifically, the developer is replenished into the receiving side developer accommodating portion 16 of the process cartridge 7. A screw 38 for supplying the developer is disposed above the supply opening 34. The screw 38 receives the driving force from the main body 100a and rotates. As a result, the developer is conveyed to the supply opening 34. Then, the developer is sequentially supplied from the supply opening 34 to the receiving opening 16a.

  Further, a developer feeding member 36 (36a, 36b) for feeding the developer to the screw 38 is provided in the developer accommodating portion 33. Then, when a rotational driving force is applied to the shaft portion 36a, the developer transport sheet 36b coupled to the shaft portion 36a rotates. As a result, the conveyance sheet 36 b sends the developer to the screw 38.

  A supply-side shutter 35 that opens and closes the opening 34 is disposed below the supply opening 34. The shutter 35 opens and closes the opening 34 by rotating. That is, the shutter 35 can take a developer replenishment allowable position that opens the replenishment opening 34 for replenishing the developer in the developer accommodating portion 33 into the process cartridge 7 through the receiving opening. The shutter 35 can take a developer supply stop position that closes the supply opening 34. Further, on the lower surface of the developer accommodating portion 33, the developer supply cartridge 9 faces downward from behind a supply side communication port (hereinafter referred to as “T container communication port”) 44a as viewed from the direction in which the developer supply cartridge 9 enters the apparatus main body 100a. The first engagement member 31b is disposed on the end side. Similarly, a second engagement member 31a is disposed on the tip side. That is, the first engagement member 31b is arranged on the upstream side of the supply opening 34 and the second engagement member 31a is arranged on the downstream side in the entering direction in which the supply cartridge 9 enters the apparatus main body 100a. (FIGS. 2 and 6).

[Shutter mechanism of developer supply cartridge]
Next, the configuration of the shutter mechanism of the supply cartridge 9 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, FIG. 17, FIG. 23, and FIG.

  FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the shutter 35 (supply side shutter portion) (rotating member) of the supply cartridge 9. FIG. 7A is a view showing a state where the supply opening 34 is opened by the supply side shutter 35, and FIG. 7B is a view showing a state where the supply opening 34 is closed by the supply side shutter 35. 7C is a view showing a state where the receiving opening 16a is opened by the receiving side shutter 65, and FIG. 7D is a view showing a state where the receiving opening 16a is closed by the receiving side shutter 65. FIG. 8 is a front view showing a coupling state of the supply side moving member (supply side moving part) 32 and the shutter 35. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a drive configuration of a winding unit that winds up the toner seal of the replenishment cartridge 9. FIG. 17 is a front view showing a configuration of the winding unit. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the shutter 35. FIG.

  A T housing 44 is fixed to the lower surface 9 e of the developer accommodating portion 33. The T housing 44 is provided with a T housing opening 44d on the upper side and a T container communication port 44a on the lower side. The developer in the developer accommodating portion 33 is supplied into the process cartridge 7 (developer accommodating portion 16) through the opening 44d and the communication port 44a. Further, a replenishment side shutter insertion portion 44b is provided between the opening 44d and the communication port 44a. The cylindrical portion 35a of the shutter 35 is rotatably supported by the insertion portion 44b.

  The lower surface is a surface facing downward when the replenishment cartridge 9 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a.

  The shutter 35 is provided with a connecting portion 35c protruding from the side end of the cylindrical portion 35a serving as a base toward the outside in the axial direction of the cylinder. The shutter 35 is provided with two communication ports 35b facing each other so as to penetrate the cylindrical portion 35a. The communication port 35b is provided in a direction intersecting the axial direction and at a position facing the opening 34 and the communication port 44a. Then, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 35a is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the shutter insertion portion 44b. As a result, the shutter 35 is rotatably provided in the developer accommodating portion 33.

  Further, a replenishment side shutter insertion portion lid 39 is provided on the opening side of the shutter insertion portion 44b. The lid 39 has arm portions 39b at both ends. Then, the holes 39c provided in the respective arm portions 39b engage with the claw-shaped retaining portions 44c of the T housing 44. As a result, the lid 39 is fixed to the T housing 44. This prevents the shutter 35 from falling off the T housing 44.

  Further, the lid 39 is provided with an opening 39a. A connecting portion 35c of the shutter 35 protrudes through the opening 39a.

  A supply side moving member (supply side moving part) 32 for moving the shutter 35 in conjunction with the front end of the connecting part 35c protruding from the lid 39 is fixed. The moving member 32 has a tip convex portion 32a inserted into a tip concave portion 35c1 provided at the tip of the shutter 35. And the convex part 32a is press-fitted in the concave part 35c1. Thereby, the moving member 32 is press-fitted and fixed to the shutter 35. The moving member 32 can rotate integrally with the shutter 35. That is, the shutter 35 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the moving member 32.

  Further, the moving member 32 has a protrusion 32b (32b1, 32b2, 32b3, 32b4) and a recess 32c (32c1, 32c1, 32) for receiving a force from the process cartridge 7 as the process cartridge 7 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 100a. 32c2, 32c3, 32c4) are provided alternately (see FIG. 8).

  Next, an assembly method and operation near the shutter (supply side shutter portion) of the supply cartridge 9 will be described.

  First, the shutter 35 is inserted into the shutter insertion portion 44 b of the T housing 44. Then, the lid 39 is covered from the opening side of the shutter insertion portion 44b. Then, the hole 39 c of the lid 39 is engaged with the retaining portion 44 c of the T housing 44. As a result, the lid 39 is fixed to the T housing 44. Thereafter, the tip convex portion 32 a of the moving member 32 is press-fitted into the tip concave portion 35 c 1 of the supply side shutter 35. Then, the T housing 44 is attached to the developer accommodating portion 33 by screws (not shown) or the like.

  FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the shutter showing a state where the developer supply cartridge 9 and the process cartridge 7 are mounted on the image forming apparatus 100.

  In FIG. 7A, when the process cartridge 7 and the developer supply cartridge 9 are mounted, the supply opening 34 and the opening 44d and the communication port 44a face the supply side shutter communication port 35b. Accordingly, the developer cartridge 9 is in an open state in which the developer can be supplied from the supply cartridge 9 to the process cartridge 7. In this state, the screw 38 (FIG. 2) above the opening 34 and the opening 44d rotates. As a result, the developer is conveyed to the opening 34. Then, the developer is dropped from the supply opening 34 to the receiving opening 16a.

  That is, the state illustrated in FIG. 7A is a state where the shutter 35 is positioned at the developer replenishment allowable position where the opening 34 is opened.

  Next, FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the shutter showing a state in which either the developer supply cartridge 9 or the process cartridge 7 is taken out from the image forming apparatus main body 100a.

  That is, the state illustrated in FIG. 7B is a state where the shutter 35 is located at the developer supply stop position where the opening 34 is closed.

  In this state, the non-opening portion 35d (the portion where the communication port 35b is not provided) of the cylindrical portion 35a of the shutter 35 faces the supply opening 34, the opening 44d, and the communication port 44a.

  When taking out the supply cartridge 9 or the process cartridge 7 from the apparatus main body 100a, the supply side moving member 32 receives force from the receiving side moving member (receiving side moving portion) 62 (described later) of the process cartridge 7 and rotates (moves). ) Then, in conjunction with the moving member 32, the shutter 35 moves from the state where the developer can be replenished (FIG. 7A) to the state where the developer replenishment is stopped (FIG. 7B) by arrows (B, C). Rotate 90 degrees in either direction (Fig. 7 (b)). As a result, both the opening 44d of the replenishment cartridge 9 and the communication port 44a do not face the communication port 35b. As a result, the opening 44d is closed and the supply of the developer to the process cartridge 7 is stopped.

  That is, the shutter of the replenishment cartridge 9 is opened and closed by rotating the shutter 35 every 90 degrees.

  A T toner seal 120 is provided between the developer accommodating portion 33 and the T housing 44 (FIG. 17). One end 120 a of the longitudinal side of the T toner seal 120 is fixed to the supply opening 34 and seals the supply opening 34. The other end 120 b of the T toner seal 120 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 121 a of the winding shaft 121. The winding shaft 121 has a driving force receiving portion 121b that can rotate integrally with the cylindrical portion 121a.

  The driving force receiving portion 121b has a T driving force receiving coupling 152 that receives a driving force from a T main body coupling 151 provided in the apparatus main body 100a when the replenishment cartridge 9 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a. Then, the driving force is received from the gear portion 152a of the coupling 152 through the gear train of the idler gears 153 and 154 (see FIG. 26).

  Here, when the replenishment cartridge 9 is new (not used), the replenishment opening 34 may be sealed by the toner seal 120. When the replenishment opening 34 is sealed by the toner seal 120, the take-up shaft 121 receives driving force from the main body via the driving force receiving portion 121b in a state where the replenishment cartridge 9 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a. Upon receipt, it rotates in the direction of arrow D (FIG. 17).

  As a result, the take-up shaft 121 takes up the toner seal 120 and opens the supply opening 34. When the supply cartridge 9 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100a after the toner seal 120 is removed, the supply opening 34 is sealed by the shutter 35.

  Note that the replenishment cartridge 9 is new by recognizing information in a memory (not shown) provided in the replenishment cartridge 9 by the apparatus main body 100a.

  In the present embodiment, the developer supply cartridge 9 is provided with a supply side shutter 35. Therefore, it is possible to prevent developer leakage from the supply opening 34 without necessarily providing a toner seal. However, when the toner seal is provided as described above, it is possible to more reliably prevent the developer from leaking when the developer supply cartridge is transported.

  In the present embodiment, the supply side shutter 35 and the supply side moving member 32 are separated. However, without using the lid 39, as shown in FIG. 27, the supply-side shutter (supply-side shutter unit) 95 is provided with a drop-off prevention unit 95e such as a snap fit. As a result, the shutter 95 is engaged with the hole 96e of the T housing 96 to prevent the shutter 95 from falling off. Thereby, the shutter 95 and the supply side moving part 95f can be integrated.

  In FIG. 27, the supply side shutter 95 corresponds to the supply side shutter 35 described above, the T housing 96 corresponds to the T housing 44, and the supply side moving portion 95f corresponds to the supply side moving member 32. The communication port 95b corresponds to the communication port 35b, and the non-opening portion 95d corresponds to the non-opening portion 35d. Further, the T container communication port 96a corresponds to the T container communication port 44a, the supply side shutter insertion portion 96b corresponds to the supply side shutter insertion portion 44b, and the T housing opening 96d corresponds to the T housing opening 44d.

  Further, the replenishment cartridge 9 has the following configuration.

  The replenishment cartridge 9 has a first engagement member 31b fixed on the upstream side with respect to the replenishment opening 34 (replenishment side moving member 32) in the traveling direction of entering the apparatus main body 100a. The first engaging member 31b moves the regulating member 68 (described later) before the supply cartridge 9 enters the apparatus main body 100a and before the shutter 35 opens the supply opening 34. As a result, the restriction by the restriction member 68 is released. Then, the receiving side moving member 62 is brought into a movable state. Next, the moving member 62 is rotated by engaging with receiving side first action portions 62b1 and 62b3 (described later) of the moving member 62. As a result, the receiving-side shutter 65 is moved from the developer receiving stop position to the developer receiving allowable position.

  Further, the developer supply cartridge 9 has a second engagement member 31a fixed on the upstream side with respect to the supply opening 34 (supply side moving member 32) in the direction of taking out from the apparatus main body 100. The second engagement member 31a is when the supply cartridge 9 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100, and after the shutter 35 closes the supply opening 34, the second engagement member 31a comes into contact with the restriction member 68 and moves (rotates) the restriction member 68. . As a result, the restriction by the restriction member 68 is released. Then, the moving member 62 is brought into a movable state. Next, the receiving side moving member 62 is rotated by engaging with a receiving side operating portion provided at a position different from the receiving side operating portion of the receiving side moving member 62. Accordingly, the shutter 65 is moved from the developer receiving allowable position to the developer receiving stop position.

  Further, the replenishment side moving member 32 is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the lower surface 9e of the replenishment cartridge 9 in a state where the replenishment cartridge 9 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a. The moving member 32 is rotatable about an axis parallel to the lower surface 9e.

  The replenishment side shutter 35 is a cylinder that is rotatable about a lower axis 9e of the replenishment cartridge 9 and a horizontal axis.

  In the supply side shutter 35, a cylindrical opening provided along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder faces the developer supply opening 34. As a result, the developer supply opening 34 is opened. Further, the replenishment opening 34 is closed by a portion of the cylinder other than the cylindrical opening facing the receiving opening 16a.

  Further, the replenishment side moving member 32 has a replenishment side action part, and a protrusion part (32b1, 32b2, 32b3, 32b4) as the replenishment side action part and a protrusion part 62b1, 62b3 (acceptance) as the reception side action part 62b. Side first action part) and the protrusions 62b2 and 62b4 (accepting side second action part) are engaged with each other and receive a rotational force. As a result, the supply side shutter 35 is rotated.

[Process cartridge shutter mechanism]
The shutter mechanism of the process cartridge 7 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10, 18, 24, and 25.

  FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the shutter of the process cartridge 7. FIG. 10 is a front view showing a coupling state of the receiving side moving member 62 and the receiving side shutter 65 (receiving side shutter portion) (rotating member). FIG. 18 is a front view illustrating a configuration of a winding unit that winds up the toner seal of the process cartridge. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the shutter of the process cartridge 7. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a drive configuration of the winding unit.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the shutter mechanism of the process cartridge 7 uses the same configuration as the shutter mechanism of the replenishment cartridge 9. The developing housing 45 corresponds to the T housing 44. The developing housing opening 45d corresponds to the T housing opening 44d. The developing container communication port 45a corresponds to the T container communication port 44a. The developing shutter insertion portion 45b corresponds to the supply side shutter insertion portion 44b. The receiving shutter 65 corresponds to the supply side shutter 35. The cylindrical portion 65a corresponds to the cylindrical portion 35a, the connecting portion 65c corresponds to the connecting portion 35c, the communication port (opening) 65b corresponds to the communication port 35b, and the non-opening portion 65d corresponds to the non-opening portion 35d. . The lid 69 corresponds to the lid 39, the arm 69b corresponds to the arm 39b, the hole 69c corresponds to the hole 39c, the opening 69a corresponds to the opening 39a, and the tip recess 65c1 corresponds to the tip recess 35c1. Since the configuration of these corresponding portions is the same as that of the same portion of the developer supply cartridge 9, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the receiving side moving member 62 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the moving member 62 fixed to the tip of the shutter 65 moves the shutter 65. That is, the shutter 65 is interlocked with the movement (rotation) of the moving member 62. The moving member 62 has a projection 62b (62b1, 62b2, 62b3, 62b4) and a recess 62c (62c1, 62c1) for applying a rotational force to the replenishment cartridge 9 as the process cartridge 7 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 100a. 62c2, 62c3, 62c4) are provided. The protrusion 62b is disposed along the rotation direction of the moving member 62. A recess 62d1 is provided at the center of the protrusion 62b2. A recess 62d2 is provided at the center of the protrusion 62b4. The protrusions 62b2 and 62b4 can be engaged with the protrusions 32b (32b1, 32b2, 32b3, 32b4) of the moving member 32. Note that the protrusions 62b1 to 62b4 are receiving-side action portions. In particular, the protrusions 62b1 and 62b3 are reception-side first action parts, and the protrusions 62b2 and 62b4 are reception-side second action parts. Here, the recesses 62d1 and 62d2 are provided to prevent interference between the protrusion 32b and the protrusions 62b2 and 62b4 when the moving member 32 and the replenishment-side moving member 32 are engaged. Further, in FIG. 10, the portions of the protrusions 62b2 and 62b4 are shown surrounded by a one-dot chain line.

  Further, the developer accommodating portion 16 is provided with a regulating member 68 for regulating the rotation of the moving member 62. The restricting member 68 is provided so as to be slidable in the vertical direction (direction of arrow E) by the claw portions 71a and 72a of the slide rails 71 and 72 provided in the developer accommodating portion 16. The restricting member 68 is always urged upward by the spring force (elastic force) of the compression spring 70 provided between the developer accommodating portion 16 and the restricting member 68. As shown in FIG. 10, at this home position (restricted position), a restriction recess 68a provided on the restriction member 68 and a protrusion 62b (62b1, 62b2, 62b3, 62b4) of the moving member 62 can be sequentially engaged. It has become. Thereby, the rotation of the moving member 62 is restricted. That is, the rotation of the moving member 62 is restricted when the protrusion 62b is engaged with the recess 68a.

  A seal member 67 having an opening 67a corresponding to the communication port 45a is disposed on the uppermost surface of the housing 45.

Next, an assembly method and operation near the shutter of the process cartridge 7 will be described.

  First, the shutter 65 is inserted into the shutter insertion portion 45 b of the housing 45. Next, the lid 69 is covered from the opening side of the shutter insertion portion 45b. Then, the hole 69 c of the lid 69 is engaged with the retaining portion 45 c of the housing 45. As a result, the shutter 65 is fixed to the housing 45. Thereafter, the tip convex portion 62a of the moving member 62 is press-fitted into the tip concave portion 65c1 of the shutter 65. Then, the regulating member 68 is fitted into the claw portions 71a and 72a of the slide rails 71 and 72 from the outside of the developer accommodating portion 16. Thereafter, the spring 70 is attached between the regulating member 68 and the developer accommodating portion 16. Next, the seal member 67 is attached to the communication port 45 a side of the housing 45. Then, the developing housing 45 is fixed to the developer accommodating portion 16 with screws (not shown) or the like.

  The shutter 65 opens and closes similarly to the shutter 35 described above. That is, every time the receiving-side shutter 65 rotates by 90 degrees, the process cartridge 7 can receive the developer from the developer supply cartridge 9 (developer receiving allowable position) (FIG. 7C), and the developer receiving An impossible closed state (developer receiving stop position) is obtained (FIG. 7D).

  That is, the opening / closing of the receiving opening 16a is performed by rotating the shutter 65 in conjunction with the rotation of the receiving side moving member 62 every 90 degrees.

  As with the replenishment cartridge 9, a D toner seal 130 is provided between the developer accommodating portion 16 and the developing housing 45 (FIG. 18). One end side 130a of the D toner seal 130 is fixed to the developer accommodating portion 16, and seals the receiving opening 16a. The other end side 130 b of the D toner seal 130 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 131 a of the winding shaft 131. Moreover, it has the driving force receiving part 131b which can rotate integrally with the cylindrical part 131a.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the development driving force receiving coupling 156 receives a driving force from the developing body coupling 155 provided in the apparatus main body 100 in a state where the process cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a. The driving force receiving portion 131b receives the driving force from the gear portion 156a of the coupling 156 via the gear trains of idler gears 157, 158, and 159.

  In the present embodiment, when the process cartridge 7 is new (unused), the receiving opening 16a may be sealed by the toner seal 130 described above. In the case where the receiving opening 16a is sealed by the toner seal 130, the winding shaft 131 receives driving force from the main body via the driving force receiving portion 131b with the process cartridge 7 mounted on the apparatus main body 100a. Receiving and rotating in the direction of arrow F (FIG. 18).

  Note that the fact that the process cartridge 7 is new is determined by recognizing information in a memory (not shown) provided in the process cartridge 7 by the apparatus main body 100a.

  The winding shaft 131 winds up the toner seal 130 and opens the receiving opening 16a. When the process cartridge 7 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100a, the receiving opening 16a is sealed by the shutter 65.

  In the case of the process cartridge, a receiving-side shutter 65 is provided as in the developer supply cartridge. Therefore, the leakage of the developer from the developer receiving opening 16a can be sufficiently prevented without necessarily providing a toner seal. However, in the case where the toner seal is provided as described above, it is possible to more reliably prevent the developer from leaking when the process cartridge is transported.

  In the present embodiment, the receiving side shutter 65 and the receiving side moving member 62 are separated. However, as shown in FIG. 28, without using the lid 69, the receiving side shutter (receiving side shutter portion) 97 is provided with a drop-off preventing portion 97e such as a snap fit, and the shutter 97 is formed with the hole 98e of the developing housing 98. Engage to prevent falling out. Thus, the shutter 97 and the receiving side moving portion 97f can be integrated.

  In FIG. 28, the shutter 97 corresponds to the shutter 65 described above, the moving member 97 f corresponds to the moving member 62, and the developing housing 98 corresponds to the developing housing 45. The communication port 97b corresponds to the communication port 65b, and the non-opening portion 97d corresponds to the non-opening portion 65d. Further, the developing container communication port 98a corresponds to the developing container communication port 45a, the developing shutter insertion portion 98b corresponds to the developing shutter insertion portion 45b, and the developing housing opening 98d corresponds to the developing housing opening 45d. Therefore, since the operation and function are the same as the above-described configuration, the description thereof is omitted.

[Shutter section drive configuration]
Next, the opening / closing operations of the shutter 35 and the shutter 65 when the supply cartridge 9 and the process cartridge 7 are attached / detached will be described with reference to FIGS.

(When a developer cartridge is installed)
The case where the supply cartridge 9 is attached to the apparatus main body 100a in a state where the process cartridge 7 is attached to the apparatus main body 100a will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 11, the developer container 33 and the developer container 16 are not shown for easy understanding of the operation. Further, the shutter 44, the communication port 45b, the shutter 65, the communication port 65b, the engagement portion 31a1 of the second engagement member 31a, and the engagement portion 31b1 of the first engagement member 31b are indicated by dotted lines.

  Before the replenishment cartridge 9 is mounted to the apparatus main body 100a, the T housing opening 44d and the communication port 44a are both positioned (development) in a direction (state shown in FIG. 7B) that does not face the communication port 35b of the replenishment side shutter 35. The agent acceptance stop position). Therefore, the process cartridge 7 is in a closed state in which the supply of the developer to the process cartridge 7 is stopped.

  Further, even if the process cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a with the replenishment cartridge 9 removed from the apparatus main body 100a, the moving member 62 receives no force from anywhere. Accordingly, the shutter 65 does not rotate. Therefore, the process cartridge 7 remains in the closed state in which the developer reception is stopped.

  Further, the restricting recess 68a of the restricting member 68 and the protrusion 62b (62b1 or 62b3) of the moving member 62 are engaged. Therefore, the moving member 62 is in a restricted state in which the rotation (movement) is restricted.

  Then, the operator places the above-described guided portions 42a and 42b on the main body rails 101a and 101b and causes the supply cartridge 9 to enter the apparatus main body 100a (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 11 (k)).

  When the supply cartridge 9 is advanced to the position shown in FIG. 11 (j), the engaging portion 31 a 1 of the second engaging member 31 a comes into contact with the slope portion 68 b 1 of the guide surface 68 b of the restricting member 68.

  As the replenishment cartridge 9 further enters, the inclined surface 68b1 is guided by the first engagement member 31a1 as shown in FIG. 11 (i). For this reason, the regulating member 68 that has been urged to the upper regulating position by the elastic force of the pressing spring 70 resists the elastic force and is located below (in FIG. 11 (i)). It moves to the movement allowable position (rotation allowable position) in the direction of arrow H).

  When the engaging portion 31a1 of the replenishment cartridge 9 reaches the flat surface portion 68b2 of the guide surface 68b, the engagement between the restricting concave portion 68a of the restricting member 68 and the protruding portion 62b (62b1 or 62b3 in FIG. 10) is released. As a result, the moving member 62 is allowed to rotate (FIG. 11 (h)).

  Thereafter, the engaging portion 31a1 moves while sliding on the flat portion 68b2 of the regulating member 68. Then, the engaging portion 31a1 engages with the protrusion 62b (62b1 or 62b3) of the moving member 62 to rotate the moving member 62 counterclockwise (shown in FIG. 11 (g)). As the moving member 62 rotates, the receiving-side shutter 65 fixed to the moving member 62 also rotates counterclockwise together with the moving member 62. Thereby, the communication port 65b of the shutter 65 communicates with the developing housing opening 45d and the communication port 45a. That is, the shutter 65 is positioned at the developer receiving allowable position (FIG. 7C). The recess 62c (62c1 or 62c3 in FIG. 10) is a groove that enters when the engaging portion 31a1 engages with the protruding portion 62b (62b1 or 62b3).

  When the replenishment cartridge 9 advances to a position where the engagement of the engaging portion 31a1 and the moving member 62 is released, the shutter 65 rotates 90 °. As a result, the rotation of the shutter 65 is stopped. And the communication port 65b is located in the direction (state of FIG.7 (c)) which opposes the receiving opening 16a. Then, an open state in which the developer can be received from the replenishment cartridge 9 is established (FIG. 11 (f)).

  As shown in FIGS. 11 (e) to 11 (d), when the replenishment cartridge 9 is further advanced into the apparatus main body 100a, the slope portion 68b3 is guided by the engaging portion 31a1. For this reason, the regulating member 68 is moved upward (in the direction of arrow G in FIG. 11E) relative to the developer accommodating portion 16 by the elastic force (spring force) of the spring 70.

  Then, the engaging portion 31a1 of the replenishment cartridge 9 is separated from the inclined surface portion 68b3 of the guide surface 68b. Then, the protrusion 62b (62b2 or 62b4 in FIG. 10) engages with the restriction recess 68a of the restriction member 68. Then, the moving member 62 returns to a state in which the rotation is restricted (FIG. 11 (c)).

  From this state, the replenishment cartridge 9 is further moved into the apparatus main body 100a. Thus, the protrusion 32b (32b1 or 32b3 in FIG. 8) and the recess 32c (32c1 or 32c3 in FIG. 8) of the moving member 32 and the protrusion 62b (62b2 or 62b4 in FIG. 10) of the moving member 62 are engaged. At this time, the rotation of the moving member 62 is restricted by the restricting member 68. Accordingly, the moving member 32 receives a force from the moving member 62 and rotates counterclockwise (in the direction of arrow I in FIG. 11C) as the replenishment cartridge 9 enters. As the moving member 32 rotates, the shutter 35 fixed to the moving member 32 also rotates counterclockwise together with the moving member 32. Then, the communication port 35b of the supply side shutter 35 communicates with the housing opening 44d and the communication port 44a (FIGS. 11 (c) to 11 (b)). That is, the shutter 35 of the supply cartridge 9 is positioned at the developer supply allowable position.

  Here, the configuration and operation of the process cartridge 7 and the replenishment cartridge 9 described above are summarized, and the positioning configuration with respect to the main body 100a will be described below.

  The process cartridge 7 and the replenishment cartridge 9 can be independently attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 100a.

  The process cartridge 7 includes a photosensitive drum 1 and a developing roller 17 for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 using a developer. Further, the process cartridge 7 has a receiving side shutter 65 capable of taking a developer receiving allowable position for opening the developer receiving opening 16a for receiving the developer and a developer receiving stop position for closing the receiving opening 16a. The process cartridge 7 is a receiving-side moving member 62 that moves in conjunction with the shutter 65, and the receiving-side operating portions 62b2 and 62b4 that are positioned at the operating position in a state where the shutter 65 is positioned at the developer receiving allowable position. A receiving side moving member 62 having The process cartridge 7 has a restricting member 68 that restricts the movement of the moving member 62 in a state where the action portion 62b2 or 62b4 is located at the action position (this state is shown in FIG. 11 (e)). Here, the action position means that the action part 62b2 or 62b4 is engaged with the protrusion 32b of the supply side moving member 32, and the replenishment side moving member 32 and the receiving side moving member 62 move relative to each other. This is the position to move (rotate) 32. In the present embodiment, the action portion 62b2 or 62b4 is located at the uppermost position at the action position (FIGS. 11A to 11E).

  The replenishment cartridge 9 has a replenishment-side developer accommodating portion 33 that accommodates the developer. Further, the replenishment cartridge 9 has a toner replenishment allowable position in which the T housing opening 44d for replenishing the developer in the developer accommodating portion 33 into the process cartridge 7 through the receiving opening 16a and the communication port 44a are communicated with each other. A replenishment side shutter 35 that can take a developer replenishment stop position that closes the T housing opening 44d and the communication port 44a is provided. Further, the developer supply cartridge 9 has a moving member 32 in which the action portion 62b2 whose movement is restricted in a state of being located at the action position engages with the protrusion 32b. The moving member 32 moves when the replenishment cartridge 9 enters the apparatus main body 100a by engaging the action portion 62b2 or 62b4 with the protrusion 32b, and moves the shutter 35 to the toner replenishment stop position. To move to the toner replenishment allowable position (FIG. 11 (d) → FIG. 11 (a)).

  When the replenishment cartridge 9 further enters the apparatus main body 100a, the positioned portion 40 of the replenishment cartridge 9 comes into contact with the main body support shaft 103 provided in the apparatus main body 100a (shown in FIG. 13B). The positioned portion 40 is provided on the end surface on the front end side of the replenishment cartridge 9 when viewed from the entry direction in which the replenishment cartridge 9 enters the apparatus main body 100a. At this position, the operation of rotating the shutter 35 by 90 ° is completed, and the mounting of the supply cartridge 9 to the apparatus main body 100a is completed. At this time, the rotation of the supply side shutter 65 stops. Then, the communication port 65b is positioned (the developer replenishment allowable position) in a direction (state shown in FIG. 7C) facing the T housing opening 45d and the communication port 45a. Then, the developer supply opening 34 is opened, and the developer can be supplied to the process cartridge 7 (FIG. 11A).

  As described above, when the cartridge 9 is inserted into the apparatus main body 100a while the process cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a, the receiving side moving member 62, the receiving side shutter 65, and the restriction member 65 are configured. Is as follows.

  First, the moving member 62 moves the shutter 65 in conjunction with each other so that the shutter 65 can take the developer receiving permission position and the developer receiving stop position. The moving member 62 includes a receiving-side action portion (receiving-side second action portion) (protrusion portions 62b2 and 62b4) located at the action position in a state where the shutter 65 is located at the developer receiving permission position. The restricting member 65 restricts the movement (rotation) of the moving member 62 in a state where the receiving-side acting portion is located at the acting position.

  As described above, the configuration of the moving member 32 of the cartridge 9 is as follows. When the cartridge 9 enters the apparatus main body 100a, the moving member 32 is a receiving side action portion (protrusions 62b2, 62b4) of the moving member 62 that is restricted in movement by the restriction member 68 in a state of being located at the action position. ) To move (rotate). The moving member 32 moves the shutter 35 in conjunction with the developer replenishment allowable position from the developer replenishment stop position. As a result, the shutter 35 opens the supply opening 34.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the shutter 65 has the receiving-side operating portion positioned at the operating position in a state where the shutter 65 is positioned at the developer receiving allowable position. Then, the moving member 32 is moved by engagement with the receiving side action portions (projections 62b2 and 62b4) to move the shutter 35 from the developer supply stop position to the developer supply allowable position. Accordingly, when the replenishment cartridge 9 is entered into the apparatus main body 100a, the replenishment opening 34 is only opened when the shutter 65 is always positioned at the developer receiving allowable position, that is, when the receiving opening 16a is open. Do not open. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the replenishment opening 34 from being opened even though the receiving opening 16a is closed. Therefore, the developer can be prevented from leaking from the supply opening 34.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the supply cartridge 9 enters the apparatus main body 100a, the supply opening 34 is not opened unless the process cartridge 7 is attached to the apparatus main body 100a.

  As described above, the replenishment cartridge 9 is attached and detached by placing the guided portions 42a and 42b on the main body rails (main body side guides) 101a and 101b provided in the apparatus main body 100a. Here, the insertion force is reduced between the main body rails 101a and 101b and the guides 42a and 42b, and positioning of the replenishment cartridge 9 described above is not hindered. Therefore, a clearance larger than the fitting between the main body support shaft 103 and the positioned portion 40 is provided.

  Then, the guided member 42b on the side where the moving member 32 is disposed (left side as viewed in the direction of FIG. 2) is guided as viewed in the cross-sectional direction. Therefore, the main body rail 101b regulates the vertical displacement and the leftward displacement of the supply cartridge 9. Further, the main body rail 101a regulates the downward and rightward displacement of the developer supply cartridge 9.

  Hereinafter, the replenishment cartridge 9 and the main body rail 101 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 2B, the guided portion 42b includes a side restricted portion 42b3, an upper surface restricted portion 42b1, and a lower surface restricted portion 42b2. When the developer supply cartridge 9 enters the apparatus main body 100a, the regulated portion 42b3, the regulated portion 42b1, and the regulated portion 42b2 are regulated by the main body rail 101b of the apparatus main body 100a. That is, the restricted portion 42b1 is restricted from moving upward by the upper surface restricting portion 101b1 of the main body rail 101b. The lower surface restricted portion 42b2 is restricted from moving downward by the lower surface restricting portion 101b2 of the main body rail 101b. Similarly, the side restricted portion 42b3 is restricted from moving laterally by the side restricted portion 101b3 of the main body rail 101b. Then, in a state where the moving member 32 is engaged with the moving member 62 and moved, the restricted portion 42b1 is restricted from moving upward by the restricting portion 101b1. Therefore, the moving member 32 can move while being reliably engaged with the moving member 62. Therefore, the supply-side shutter 35 and the reception-side shutter 65 can be reliably opened and closed.

  Here, the guided portion 42b is guided by the main body rail 101b at least during the operation of the replenishment-side shutter 35, the receiving-side shutter 65, and the regulating member 68 shown in FIGS. 11 (k) to 11 (a). It is set to be possible.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 11 (k) to 11 (a) above, during the operation of the shutter members (35, 65) and the regulating member 68, the main body rail 101b is viewed in the direction seen from FIG. As a result, the guided portion 42b of the developer supply cartridge 9 is guided. Therefore, the relative positional relationship between the developer supply cartridge 9 and the process cartridge 7 in the cross-sectional direction can be maintained.

(When removing the developer supply cartridge)
When the supply cartridge 9 is removed from the apparatus main body 100a to which the process cartridge 7 and the developer supply cartridge 9 are mounted, the operation is performed in the reverse order to the above description. That is, (a) → (b) → (c) → (d) → (e) → (f) → (g) → (h) → (i) → (j) → (k) in FIG. Operates in the process. Accordingly, the replenishment side moving member 32, the replenishment side shutter 35, the regulating member 68, the receiving side moving member 62, and the receiving side shutter 65 operate in the above-described process.

  First, the replenishment cartridge 9 has a developer accommodating portion 33 that accommodates the developer. Further, the replenishment cartridge 9 has a developer replenishment allowable position for opening a developer replenishment opening 34 for replenishing the developer in the developer accommodating portion 33 into the process cartridge 7 via the developer receiving opening 16a, and the development. A developer replenishment stop position for closing the agent replenishment opening 34 is provided, and a replenishment side shutter 35 that can take a position is provided. Further, the developer supply cartridge 9 is provided with a supply side moving member 32 (supply side moving part) in which the action part 62b2 or 62b4 whose movement is restricted in a state of being located at the action position engages with the projection part 32b. Have. The moving member 32 moves (rotates) as the replenishment cartridge 9 is removed from the apparatus main body 100a by engaging the action portion 62b2 with the protrusion 32b, and moves the replenishment side shutter 35. The developer moves in association with the developer replenishment allowable position from the developer replenishment stop position (FIG. 11 (a) → (e)).

  Therefore, after the replenishment cartridge 9 is removed, the shutter 65 of the process cartridge 7 mounted in the apparatus main body 100a is closed in conjunction with the removal operation of the replenishment cartridge 9 from the apparatus main body 100a.

  Therefore, even if the process cartridge 7 is taken out without the replenishment cartridge 9 attached to the apparatus main body 100a, the shutter 65 of the receiving opening 16a of the process cartridge 7 remains closed. Further, even when only the supply cartridge 9 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100a from the state in which both the process cartridge 7 and the supply cartridge 9 are mounted on the apparatus main body 100a, the shutter 65 always keeps the opening 16a closed. it can.

  As described above, when the supply cartridge 9 is removed from the apparatus main body 100a with the process cartridge 7 mounted on the apparatus main body 100a, the configuration of the moving member 62, the shutter 65, and the regulating member 68 is as follows. It is as follows.

  First, the moving member 62 moves the receiving side shutter 65 in conjunction with each other so that the shutter 65 can take the developer receiving allowable position and the developer receiving stop position. Further, the moving member 62 has a receiving-side action portion (receiving-side second action portion) (protrusion portions 62b2 and 62b4) located at the action position in a state where the shutter 65 is located at the developer receiving permission position. The restricting member 68 restricts the movement of the moving member 62 in a state where the action portions (projections 62b2 and 62b4) are located at the action positions.

  Further, as described above, the moving member 32 included in the replenishing cartridge 9 is the moving member 62 whose movement is restricted by the restricting member 68 in a state of being located at the operation position when the replenishing cartridge 9 is removed from the apparatus main body 100a. It moves by engagement with the receiving side action part (projection part 62b2, 62b4). The moving member 32 moves the shutter 35 in conjunction with the developer supply stop position from the developer supply allowable position.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the moving member 32 receives the moving member 62 whose movement is restricted by the restricting member 68 in a state of being located at the operation position when the supply cartridge 9 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100a. It moves (rotates) by engagement with the side action part (receiving side second action part) (protrusions 62b2, 62b4). Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the supply cartridge 9 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100a, the receiving opening 16a is closed after the supply opening 34 is closed. Therefore, when the supply cartridge 9 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100a, the supply opening 34 is not closed after the receiving opening 16a is closed. Therefore, the developer can be prevented from leaking from the supply opening 34. Next, when the supply cartridge 9 is attached to the apparatus main body 100a and removed from the apparatus main body 100a with the process cartridge 7 mounted on the apparatus main body 100a, the moving member 62, the shutter 65, and the regulating member The configuration of 68 is as follows.

  First, the moving member 62 includes a receiving-side first action portion 62b1 or 62b3 that is located at the working position in a state where the shutter 65 is located at the developer-receiving stop position, and the receiving-side shutter 65 is located at the developer-accepting position. The receiving side second action part 62b2 or 62b4 located at the action position in a state of

  The restricting member 68 restricts the rotation of the moving member 62 in a state where the first action part 62b1 or 62b3 or the second action part 62b2 or 62b4 is located at the action position.

  When the process cartridge 7 is attached to the apparatus main body 100a, when the replenishment cartridge 9 is attached to the apparatus main body 100a and taken out from the apparatus main body 100a, an engaging member (second engaging member) 31a, The configurations of the supply side moving member 32 and the supply side shutter 35 are as follows.

  First, the engaging member (second engaging member) 31a is provided with the first action portion 62b1 or 62b3 prior to the supply shutter 35 opening the supply opening 34 when the supply cartridge 9 enters the apparatus main body 100a. Is in contact with the restricting member 68 that restricts the rotation of the moving member 62 in the state where it is located at the operating position. Then, the engaging member 31a moves the restricting member 68 downward against the elastic force of the spring 70. As a result, the restriction by the restriction member 68 is released. Then, the engaging member 31a brings the moving member 62 into a movable state. Next, the engaging member 32a engages with the first action portion 62b1 or 62b3 and interlocks with the rotation of the moving member 62 to move the shutter 65 from the developer receiving stop position to the developer receiving allowable position. Move. That is, the receiving opening 16a is opened.

  Further, when the replenishment cartridge 9 is removed from the apparatus main body 100a, the engaging member 31a is in a state where the receiving side second action portion 62b2 or 62b4 is located at the action position after the replenishment side shutter 35 closes the replenishment opening 34. In contact with the regulating member 68 regulating the rotation of the moving member 62, the regulating member 68 is moved downward against the elastic force. As a result, the restriction by the restriction member 68 is released. Then, the engaging member 32a makes the moving member 62 movable.

  Next, the engaging member 32a is engaged with the second action portion 62b2 or 62b4, and in conjunction with rotating the moving member 62, the shutter 35 is moved from the developer receiving permission position to the developer receiving stop position. Rotate. That is, the receiving opening 16a is closed.

Here, the engaging member (second engaging member) 31a is fixed to the downstream side with respect to the supply opening 34 (supply side moving member 32) in the entering direction in which the supply cartridge 9 enters the apparatus main body 100a. Further, the moving member 32 is in a state in which the second action portion 62b2 or 62b4 is located at the action position after the receipt-side shutter 65 opens the receipt opening 16a when the supply cartridge 9 enters the apparatus main body 100a. It rotates by engaging with the moving member 62 whose rotation is regulated by the regulating member 68. The supply side moving member 32 moves the supply side shutter 35 from the developer supply stop position to the developer supply allowable position in conjunction with the rotation. That is, the supply opening 34 is opened.

  In addition, when the replenishment cartridge 9 is removed from the apparatus main body 100a, the moving member 32 has the receiving side second action portion 62b2 or 62b4 positioned at the action position before the receiving side shutter 65 closes the receiving opening 16a. In this state, it engages with the moving member 62 whose rotation is regulated by the regulating member 68 and rotates. The moving member 32 moves the supply side shutter 35 from the developer supply allowable position to the developer supply stop position in conjunction with the rotation. That is, the supply opening 34 is closed.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the developer from leaking from the supply opening 34 when the supply cartridge 9 is attached to or detached from the apparatus main body 100a in a state where the process cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a. Moreover, each effect acquired by embodiment mentioned above is acquired.

(When installing a process cartridge in the main unit)
Next, the case where the process cartridge 7 is attached to the apparatus main body 100a to which the replenishment cartridge 9 is attached will be described with reference to FIG.

  Before the process cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a, the housing opening 45d and the communication port 45a of the process cartridge 7 are in a position (state of FIG. 7D) that does not face the communication port 65b (state of developer supply stop). positioned. That is, the shutter 35 is positioned at the developer supply stop position. For this reason, the receiving opening 16a is closed by the shutter 35 so that the developer cannot be received from the supply cartridge 9. Further, the restriction recess 68a of the restriction member 68 is in a state of engaging with the protrusion 62b (62b1 or 62b3) of the moving member 62. Therefore, the moving member 62 is in a restricted state in which rotation (movement) is restricted.

  Further, even if the replenishment cartridge 9 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a with the process cartridge 7 removed from the apparatus main body 100a, the moving member 32 does not receive any force from anywhere. Therefore, the shutter 35 does not rotate. Accordingly, the supply opening 34 is in a closed state in which the developer cannot be supplied to the process cartridge 7. That is, the shutter 35 is stopped at the developer supply stop position.

  First, as described above, the guided portions 43a and 43b are placed on the main body rails 102a and 102b, and the process cartridge 7 is advanced into the apparatus main body 100a (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 12 (k)).

  When the process cartridge 7 enters the position shown in FIG. 12 (j), the engaging portion 31 b 1 of the first engaging member 31 b of the replenishing cartridge 9 comes into contact with the slope portion 68 b 3 of the guide surface 68 b of the regulating member 68.

  Then, as the process cartridge 7 further enters, the slope portion 68b3 is guided to the engaging portion 31b1 as shown in FIG. 12 (i). For this reason, the regulating member 68 urged to the upper regulating position by the elastic force of the spring 70 resists the elastic force (spring force) and is provided below the developer containing portion 16 (see FIG. i) Move to an allowable position in the direction of arrow H).

  When the engaging portion 31b1 of the replenishment cartridge 9 reaches the flat surface portion 68b2 of the guide surface 68b, the contact between the restricting recess 68a of the restricting member 68 and the protrusion 62b (62b1 or 62b3 in FIG. 10) is released. As a result, the moving member 62 is allowed to rotate (FIG. 12 (h)).

  Thereafter, the engaging portion 31b1 moves while sliding on the flat surface portion 68b2 of the regulating member 68, engages with the protrusion 62b (62b1 or 62b3) of the moving member 62, and rotates the moving member 62 clockwise (FIG. 12 (g)). ). As the moving member 62 rotates, the shutter 65 fixed to the moving member 62 also rotates clockwise together with the moving member 62. The communication port 65b of the shutter 65 is opposed to and communicates with the housing opening 45d and the communication port 45a. The recess 62c (62c1 or 62c3 in FIG. 10) is a groove that enters when the engaging portion 31b1 engages with the protruding portion 62b (62b1 or 62b3).

  Further, when the process cartridge 7 advances to a position where the engagement of the engaging portion 31b1 and the moving member 62 is released, the shutter 65 rotates 90 °. As a result, the rotation of the shutter 65 is stopped. Then, the communication port 65b is positioned (a position where developer can be replenished) in a direction facing the housing opening 45d and the communication port 45a (state shown in FIG. 7C). Then, the shutter 65 of the process cartridge 7 is in an open state in which the developer from the supply cartridge 9 can be received (FIG. 12 (f)).

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 12E to 12D, when the process cartridge 7 is further advanced into the apparatus main body 100a, the slope portion 68b1 is guided by the engaging portion 31b1. For this reason, the restricting member 68 is moved to the restricting position above the developer accommodating portion 16 (in the arrow direction in FIG. 12E) by the elastic force (spring force) of the spring 70.

  When the engaging portion 31b1 of the replenishment cartridge 9 is separated from the slope portion 68b1 of the guide surface 68b, the protruding portion 62b (62b2 or 62b4 in FIG. 10) engages with the restricting recess 68a of the restricting member 68. For this reason, the moving member 62 returns to a state in which the rotation is restricted (FIG. 12D).

  From this state, the process cartridge 7 is further moved into the apparatus main body 100a. Then, the protrusion 32b (32b1 or 32b3 in FIG. 8) and the recess 32c (32c2 or 32c4 in FIG. 8) of the moving member 32 and the protrusion 62b (62b2 or 62b4 in FIG. 10) of the moving member 62 are engaged. . At this time, the rotation of the moving member 62 is restricted by the restricting member 68. Therefore, the moving member 32 receives the force from the moving member 62 and rotates clockwise (in the direction of arrow J in FIG. 12 (c)). As the moving member 32 rotates, the shutter 35 fixed to the moving member 32 also rotates clockwise together with the moving member 32. Then, the communication port 35b of the shutter 35 communicates with the T housing opening 44d and the communication port 44a so as to face each other (FIG. 12 (c) to FIG. 12 (b)).

  And the to-be-positioned part of the process cartridge 7 abuts against a main body support shaft (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 100a. Thereby, the operation of rotating the shutter 35 by 90 degrees is completed. Then, the mounting of the process cartridge 7 to the apparatus main body 100a is completed. At this time, the rotation of the shutter 35 stops. The communication port 35b is located in a direction (the state shown in FIG. 7A) facing the T housing opening 44d and the communication port 44a. Then, the supply opening 34 is opened, and the developer can be supplied to the process cartridge 7 (FIG. 12A).

  Here, the process cartridge 7 has a receiving side moving member 62 as described below.

  The moving member 62 is in a state where the receiving side first action portions (projections) 62b3 and 62b1 located at the working position in the state where the developer replenishment stop position is located and the receiving side shutter 65 are located in the developer replenishment allowable position. It has the receiving side 2nd action part (projection part) 62b2, 62b4 located in an action position. Then, the moving member 62 moves the shutter 65 in conjunction with it. The movement of the moving member 62 is restricted by the restricting member 68 in a state where the first action portions 62b3 and 62b1 are located at the first action position. Further, when the process cartridge 7 enters the apparatus main body 100a, the moving member 62 moves downward when the regulating member 68 contacts the first engaging member 31b. As a result, the movement member 62 is released from the restriction by the restriction member 68 and becomes movable (rotatable). Next, the moving member 62 moves the receiving-side shutter 65 to the developer replenishment allowable position in conjunction with the movement of the first action portions 62b3 and 62b1 by contacting the first engagement member 31b. Next, the movement of the moving member 62 is restricted by the restricting member 68 in a state where the second action portions 62b2 and 62b4 are located at the action positions. The moving member 62 engages the supply side moving member 32 with the second action portions 62b2 and 62b4 and moves (rotates) the supply side moving member 32. Move to the replenishment allowable position.

  Further, when the process cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a in a state where the supply cartridge 9 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a, the first engagement member 31b and the moving member 32 included in the supply cartridge 9 have the following configuration. Have.

  First, the first engaging member 31b includes a regulating member 68 that regulates the movement of the moving member 62 in a state where the shutter 65 is located at the developer replenishment stop position when the process cartridge 7 enters the apparatus main body 100a. Contact. Then, the regulating member 68 is moved downward. As a result, the moving member 62 releases the restriction of the restriction member 68. As a result, the moving member 62 becomes movable (rotatable). Next, the first engaging member 31b moves the receiving side shutter 65 to the permissible position in conjunction with moving (rotating) the moving member 62 in contact with the moving member 62.

  Further, the moving member 32 engages with the action portions 62b2 and 62b4 of the moving member 62 whose movement is restricted in a state of being located at the action position. Accordingly, the moving member 32 moves when the process cartridge 7 enters the apparatus main body 100a, and moves the shutter 35 in conjunction with the developer replenishment allowable position from the developer replenishment stop position.

  As described above, when the process cartridge 7 is made to enter the apparatus main body 100a with the replenishment cartridge 9 mounted on the apparatus main body 100a, the structures of the receiving side moving member 62 and the regulating member 68 are as follows. It is.

  First, the moving member 62 includes a receiving-side first action portion 62b1 or 62b3 that is positioned at the operating position in a state where the shutter 65 is positioned at the developer receiving stop position, and a state where the shutter 65 is positioned at the developer receiving allowable position. A receiving-side second action portion 62b2 or 62b4 located at the action position.

  Further, the regulating member 68 is a moving member in a state where the receiving side first action part 62b1 or 62b3 is located at the action position or in a state where the reception side second action part 62b2 or 62b4 is located at the action position. 62 movement (rotation) is restricted.

  Then, when the process cartridge 7 enters the apparatus main body 100a, the restriction member 68 comes into contact with the engagement member (first engagement member) 31b, so that the restriction by the restriction member 68 is released and the apparatus becomes movable. Next, the shutter 65 is moved to the developer receiving allowable position in conjunction with the movement (rotation) of the first action part 62b1 or 62b3 by contact with the engagement member 31b. Next, the movement is restricted again by the restricting member 68 in a state where the second action part 62b2 or 62b4 is located at the action position. Then, the supply side shutter 35 is moved to the developer replenishment allowable position in conjunction with the movement of the second action part 62b2 or 62b4 and the movement member 32 moving (rotating). That is, the supply opening 34 is opened.

  When the process cartridge 7 is allowed to enter the apparatus main body 100a with the replenishment cartridge 9 mounted on the apparatus main body 100a, the engaging member (first engaging member) 31b, the replenishment side moving member 32, and The configuration of the replenishment side shutter 35 is as follows.

  First, when the process cartridge 7 enters the apparatus main body 100a, the engaging member (first engaging member) 31b moves the moving member 62 with the first action portion 62b1 or 62b3 positioned at the action position. It contacts the regulating member 68 that regulates. Then, the restriction of the restriction member 68 is released. As a result, the movable member 32 is brought into a movable state. Next, the engaging member 31b comes into contact with the first action portion 62b1 or 62b3, and moves the shutter 65 to the developer receiving allowable position in conjunction with the movement of the moving member 32. That is, the receiving opening 16a is opened.

  Further, when the process cartridge 7 enters the apparatus main body 100a, the replenishment side moving member 32 is in a state where the replenishment side moving member 32 is positioned at the operation position after the engaging member 31b moves the shutter 65 to the developer receiving allowable position. It moves (rotates) by engagement with the receiving-side second action portion 62b2 or 62b4 of the moving member 62 whose movement is restricted by the restricting member 68. The moving member 32 moves (rotates) the shutter 35 in conjunction with the developer replenishment stop position from the developer replenishment stop position. As a result, the supply opening 34 is opened.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the process cartridge 7 enters the apparatus main body 100a, the first action part 62b1 or 62b3 moves (rotates) by contacting the engaging member 31b. Then, the shutter 65 is moved to the developer receiving allowable position. Then
The second action part 62b2 or 62b4 is engaged with the moving member 32. Then, in conjunction with the movement (rotation) of the moving member 32 in accordance with the entry of the process cartridge 7, the shutter 35 is moved to the developer replenishment allowable position. That is, the supply opening 34 is opened.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the process cartridge 7 enters the apparatus main body 100a, the supply opening 34a is opened after the receiving opening 16a is always opened. Therefore, the supply opening 34 is not opened even though the receiving opening 16a is closed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the developer from leaking from the supply opening 34 when the process cartridge 7 enters the apparatus main body 100a.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the process cartridge 7 enters the apparatus main body 100a, the receiving opening 16a is not opened unless the replenishment cartridge 9 is attached to the apparatus main body 100a. Therefore, the receiving opening 16a is not opened even though the replenishment cartridge 9 is not attached to the apparatus main body 100a.

(When removing the process cartridge from the main unit)
When removing the process cartridge 7 from the apparatus main body 100a to which the process cartridge 7 and the developer supply cartridge 9 are mounted, the operation is performed in the reverse order to the above description. That is, steps (a) → (b) → (c) → (d) → (e) → (f) → (g) → (h) → (i) → (j) → (k) in FIG. Works with. In the process, the moving member 32, the replenishment side shutter 35, the regulating member 68, the moving member 62, and the receiving side shutter 65 operate.

  As described above, the process cartridge 7 that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 100 a has the receiving-side shutter 65. The shutter 65 can take a developer receiving allowable position for opening the receiving opening 16a for receiving the developer used for development by the developing roller 17, and a developer receiving stopping position for closing the developer receiving opening 16a.

  Furthermore, a receiving side moving member 62 that rotates in conjunction with the shutter 65 is provided so that the shutter 65 can take the developer receiving allowable position and the developer receiving stop position. The moving member 62 has a receiving-side action portion 62b2 or 62b4 that is located at the action position in a state in which the shutter 65 is located at the developer acceptance permission position. Furthermore, it has a restricting member 68 that restricts the movement of the moving member 62 in a state where the action portion 62b2 or 62b4 is located at the action position.

  A developer supply cartridge 9 that is detachable from the apparatus main body and supplies the developer to the process cartridge 7 includes a developer storage portion 16 that stores the developer. Further, a replenishment side shutter 35 is provided. The shutter 35 has a developer replenishment allowable position for opening the replenishment opening 34 for replenishing the developer in the developer accommodating portion 16 into the process cartridge through the receiving opening 16a, and the developer replenishment stop for closing the replenishment opening 34. And position. Furthermore, it has the 1st engagement member (1st engagement member) 31b. The first engaging member 31b restricts the movement (rotation) of the moving member 62 in a state where the shutter 65 is positioned at the developer receiving stop position when the process cartridge 7 enters the apparatus main body 100. Contact 68. Then, the restriction of the restriction member 68 is released, and the moving member 62 is made movable. Next, the first engaging member 31b moves the shutter 65 to the developer receiving allowable position in conjunction with the movement of the moving member 62 in contact with the moving member 62. Further, a supply side moving member 32 is provided. The process cartridge 7 enters the apparatus main body 100 due to the engagement of the moving member 32 with the action portion 62b2 or 62b4 of the moving member 62 whose movement is restricted by the restriction member 68 in the state where the movement member 32 is located at the action position. Move (rotate). The moving member 32 moves (rotates) the supply side shutter 35 in conjunction with the developer supply stop position from the developer supply stop position.

  That is, the receiving side moving member 62 has the following configuration.

  The moving member 62 has action portions (protrusions) 62b2 and 62b4 located at the action positions in a state where the shutter 65 is located at the developer receiving allowable position. Further, the moving member 62 moves the shutter 65 in conjunction with it. The movement of the moving member 62 is restricted by the restricting member 68 while being located at the action position, and the action part 62b2 engages with the protrusion 32b. Thus, the moving member 62 moves when the process cartridge 7 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100a, and moves the shutter 35 to the developer replenishment stop position. Next, the moving member 62 becomes movable (rotatable) when the regulating member 68 comes into contact with the first engaging member 31b. The moving member 62 moves the shutter 65 to the developer receiving stop position in conjunction with the movement of the action portions (protrusions) 62b2 and 62b4 coming into contact with the first engagement member 31b.

  Therefore, after the process cartridge 7 is removed from the apparatus main body 100a, the replenishment side shutter 35 of the replenishment cartridge 9 mounted in the apparatus main body 100a is closed by the operation of taking out the process cartridge 7 from the apparatus main body 100a.

  As described above, when the process cartridge 7 is removed from the apparatus main body 100a with the replenishment cartridge 9 mounted on the apparatus main body 100a, the receiving side moving member 62, the receiving side shutter 65, and the regulating member 68 are configured. Is as follows.

  First, the receiving-side moving member 62 includes receiving-side action portions 62b2 and 62b4 that are located at the working positions in a state where the shutter 65 is located at the developer receiving permission position. The moving member 62 moves the shutter 65 in conjunction with each other so that the shutter 65 can take the developer receiving allowable position and the developer receiving stop position. Then, when the process cartridge 7 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100a, the receiving side action portions 62b2 and 62b4 of the moving member 62 whose movement is restricted by the restriction member 68 in the state where the process cartridge 7 is located at the action position are moved on the supply side. The moving member 32 is moved (rotated) by engaging with the member 32. The moving member 32 moves the supply side shutter 35 in conjunction with the developer supply stop position. That is, the supply opening 34 is closed. Next, the movement member 62 is released from the restriction by the restriction member 68 when the restriction member 68 comes into contact with the engagement member (first engagement member) 35b. Then, the moving member 62 becomes movable. Next, the moving member 62 moves the shutter 65 to the developer receiving stop position in conjunction with the movement of the receiving side action portions 62b2 and 62b4 by contacting the engaging member (first engaging member) 35b. Let That is, the receiving opening 16a is closed. When the process cartridge 7 is removed from the apparatus main body 100a with the supply cartridge 9 mounted on the apparatus main body 100a, the configuration of the supply side moving member 32 and the supply side shutter 35 is as follows.

  First, when the process cartridge 7 is removed from the apparatus main body 100a, the moving member 32 is controlled to move (rotate) by the restricting member 68 in a state where the shutter 65 is positioned at the developer receiving allowable position. It moves (rotates) by engaging with the action parts 62b2 and 62b4. The moving member 32 moves (rotates) the shutter 35 in conjunction with the developer supply stop position from the developer supply allowable position. That is, the supply opening 34 is closed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the process cartridge 7 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100a, the receiving side action portions 62b2 and 62b4 move (rotate) the moving member 32 by engaging with the moving member 32. Let The moving member 32 moves the shutter 35 in conjunction with the developer supply stop position. Next, the moving member 62 moves the shutter 65 to the developer receiving stop position in conjunction with the movement of the action portions 62b2 and 62b4 by contacting the engaging member (first engaging member) 31b. That is, the receiving opening 16a is closed.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the process cartridge 7 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100a, the receiving opening 16a is closed after the supply opening 34 is always closed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the receiving opening 16a is not closed while the supply opening 34 remains open.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the developer from leaking when the process cartridge 7 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100a.

  Next, when the supply cartridge 9 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 100a with the process cartridge 7 mounted on the apparatus main body, and when the supply cartridge 9 is mounted on the apparatus main body, the process cartridge 7 is attached to the apparatus main body 100a. The case where it attaches and detaches to will be described.

  The configuration of the receiving side moving member 62, the receiving side shutter 65, and the regulating member 68 included in the process cartridge 7 is such that the supply cartridge 9 is attached to the apparatus main body 100a while the process cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a. It is the same as when attaching to and detaching from.

  Further, the first engagement member (engagement member) 31b, the second engagement member (engagement member) 32b, and the replenishment side moving member 32 included in the supply cartridge 9 have the following configuration.

  First, the first engagement member (engagement member) 31b has the following configuration.

  The first engaging member 31b is configured such that when the process cartridge enters the apparatus main body, the receiving side first action portion 62b1 or 62b3 is positioned at the action position before the shutter 35 opens the supply opening 34. In this state, it comes into contact with the regulating member 68 that regulates the rotation of the moving member 62. The first engaging member 31b moves the restricting member 68 downward against the elastic force of the spring 70. As a result, the movement member 62 is released from the restriction by the restriction member 68. Then, the moving member 62 becomes movable. Next, the first engagement member 31b engages with the first action portion 62b1 or 62b3 and interlocks with the rotation of the moving member 62 to move the shutter 65 from the developer reception stop position to the developer reception allowance. Move to position. That is, the receiving opening 16a is opened.

  Further, the first engaging member 31b is configured such that when the process cartridge 7 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100a, the receiving side second action portion 62b2 or 62b4 is positioned at the action position before the shutter 65 closes the receiving opening 16a. In this state, it comes into contact with the regulating member 68 that regulates the rotation of the moving member 62. The first engagement member 31b releases the restriction by the restriction member 68 by moving the restriction member 68 downward against the elastic force of the spring 70. Then, the moving member 62 is brought into a movable state. Next, the first engaging member 31b engages with the receiving-side second action portion 62b2 or 62b4 and moves the shutter 65 from the developer receiving allowable position in conjunction with rotating the moving member 62. Rotate to the receiving stop position. That is, the receiving opening 16a is closed.

Here, the first engagement member 31b is fixed on the upstream side with respect to the supply opening 16a (supply side moving member 32) in the approach direction in which the supply cartridge 9 enters the apparatus main body 100a.
Next, the second engagement member 31a will be described.

  When the supply cartridge 9 enters the apparatus main body 100a, the second engaging member 31a has the receiving side first action portion 62b1 or 62b3 positioned at the action position before the shutter 35 opens the supply opening 34. In this state, it comes into contact with the regulating member 68 that regulates the rotation of the moving member 62. Then, the restriction by the restriction member 68 is released by moving the restriction member 68 downward against the elastic force. As a result, the second engagement member 31b makes the receiving side moving member 62 movable. Next, the second engagement member 31b engages with the first action portion 62b1 or 62b3 and interlocks with the rotation of the moving member 62 to move the shutter 65 from the developer reception stop position to the developer reception allowance. It is moved to a position, that is, the receiving opening 16a is opened.

  Further, the second engagement member 31a has the second action part 62b2 or 62b4 positioned at the action position after the shutter 35 closes the supply opening 34 when the supply cartridge 9 is removed from the apparatus main body 100a. It comes into contact with a regulating member 68 that regulates the rotation of the moving member 62. Then, the elastic member is moved downward against the regulating member 68 against the elastic force of the spring 70. As a result, the restriction by the restriction member 68 is released. Then, the moving member 62 is brought into a movable state. Next, the second engagement member 31a engages with the second action portion 62b2 or 62b4 and interlocks with the rotation of the moving member 62 to move the shutter 65 from the developer reception allowable position to the developer reception stop. Rotate to position. That is, the receiving opening 16a is closed.

  Here, the second engagement member 31a is fixed to the downstream side with respect to the supply opening 34 (supply side moving member 32) in the entering direction in which the supply cartridge enters the apparatus main body.

  Next, the supply side moving member 32 will be described.

  First, when the process cartridge 7 enters the apparatus main body 100a, the moving member 32 has the second action portion 62b2 or 62b4 at the action position after the shutter 65 opens the receiving opening 16a by the first engagement member 31b. In a positioned state, it is engaged with the moving member 62 whose rotation is regulated by the regulating member 68 and rotates. The moving member 32 moves the shutter 35 from the developer replenishment stop position to the developer replenishment allowable position in conjunction with this rotation. That is, the supply opening 34 is opened.

  Further, when the process member 7 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100a, the moving member 32 has the second action portion 62b2 or 62b4 placed in the action position before the shutter 65 closes the receiving opening 16a by the first engagement member 31b. In the state of being positioned at, the rotation is engaged with the moving member 62 whose rotation is restricted by the restriction member 68. The moving member 32 moves the shutter 35 from the developer replenishment allowable position to the developer replenishment stop position in conjunction with the rotation. That is, the supply opening 34 is closed.

  Further, when the replenishment cartridge 9 enters the apparatus main body 100a, the moving member 32 is configured so that the second action portion 62b2 or 62b4 is moved to the action position after the shutter 65 opens the receiving opening 16a by the second engagement member 31a. In the state of being positioned at, the rotation is engaged with the moving member 62 whose rotation is restricted by the restriction member 68. The moving member 32 moves the shutter 35 from the developer replenishment stop position to the developer replenishment allowable position in conjunction with this rotation. That is, the supply opening 34 is opened.

  Further, the moving member 32 is configured such that when the supply cartridge 9 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100a, the second action portion 62b2 or 62b4 is moved to the action position before the shutter 65 closes the receiving opening 16a by the second engagement member 31a. In the state of being positioned at, the rotation is engaged with the moving member 62 whose rotation is restricted by the restriction member 68. The moving member 32 moves the shutter 35 from the developer replenishment allowable position to the developer replenishment stop position in conjunction with this rotation. That is, the supply opening 34 is closed.

  Next, the process cartridge 7 is inserted into the apparatus main body 100a with the process cartridge 7 mounted on the apparatus main body, and the process cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a with the supply cartridge 9 mounted on the apparatus main body. The case where it enters is explained.

  The configurations of the receiving side moving member 62 and the regulating member 68 included in the process cartridge 7 will be described.

  The moving member 62 rotates in conjunction with the shutter 65 so that the shutter 65 can take the developer receiving allowable position and the developer receiving stop position. The moving member 62 includes a receiving-side first action portion 62b1 or 62b3 that is located at the operating position in a state where the shutter 65 is located at the developer receiving stop position, and a state in which the shutter 65 is located at the developer receiving permission position. The receiving side second action part 62b2 or 62b4 is located at the action position.

  The restricting member 68 restricts the rotation of the moving member 62 in a state where the first action part 62b1 or 62b3 or the second action part 62b2 or 62b4 is located at the action position.

  Next, the configuration of the first engagement member 31b, the second engagement member 31a, and the supply side moving member 32 included in the supply cartridge 9 will be described.

  The first engaging member 31b is in a state in which the first action portion 62b1 or 62b3 is located at the action position before the shutter 35 opens the supply opening 34 when the process cartridge 7 enters the apparatus main body 100a. Thus, it comes into contact with the regulating member 68 that regulates the rotation of the moving member 32. The first engaging member 31b moves the restricting member 68 downward against the elastic force of the spring 70. As a result, the restriction by the restriction member 68 is released. Then, the moving member 32 is brought into a movable state. Then, the first engaging member 31b engages with the first action portion 62b1 or 62b3 and interlocks with the rotation of the moving member 32 to move the shutter 65 from the developer receiving stop position to the developer receiving stop position. Rotate to an allowed position. That is, the receiving opening 16a is opened.

  The second engaging member 31a is in a state where the first action part 62b1 or 62b3 is located at the action position before the shutter 35 opens the supply opening 34 when the supply cartridge 9 enters the apparatus main body 100a. Thus, it comes into contact with the regulating member 68 that regulates the rotation of the moving member 62. The second engaging member 31a moves the restricting member 68 downward against the elastic force. As a result, the restriction by the restriction member 68 is released. Then, the moving member 62 is brought into a movable state. Next, the second engaging member 31a engages with the first action portion 62b1 or 62b3 and interlocks with the rotation of the moving member 62 to move the shutter 65 from the developer receiving stop position to the developer receiving allowance. Rotate to position. As a result, the receiving opening 16a is opened.

  Further, when the process cartridge 7 enters the apparatus main body 100a, the replenishment-side moving unit 32 is configured so that the second operating unit 62b2 or 62b4 operates after the shutter 65 opens the receiving opening 16a by the first engaging member 31b. In a state where it is located, it engages with the moving member 62 whose rotation is restricted by the restricting member 68 and rotates. The supply side moving unit 32 rotates the shutter 35 from the developer supply stop position to the developer supply allowable position in conjunction with the rotation. That is, the supply opening 34 is opened.

  Therefore, according to this embodiment, the same effect as each embodiment mentioned above can be acquired.

  A configuration in which the supply cartridge 9 is taken out while the process cartridge 7 and the supply cartridge 9 are mounted on the apparatus main body 100a or the process cartridge 7 is taken out will be described.

  The structures of the receiving side moving member 62 and the regulating member 68 included in the process cartridge 7 are the same as those described above.

  Next, the configuration of the first engagement member 31b, the second engagement member 31a, and the supply side moving member 32 included in the supply cartridge 9 will be described.

  When the process cartridge 7 is removed from the apparatus main body 100a, the first engagement member 31b is configured so that the second action portion 62b2 or 62b4 is positioned at the action position after the shutter 35 closes the supply opening 34. It comes into contact with a regulating member 68 that regulates the rotation of 62. Then, the regulating member 68 is moved downward against the elastic force. Accordingly, the first engagement member 31b releases the restriction by the restriction member 68. Then, the moving member 62 is brought into a movable state. Next, the first engagement member 31b engages with the second action portion 62b2 or 62b4 and interlocks with the rotation of the moving member 62 to move the shutter 65 from the developer reception allowable position to the developer reception stop. Rotate to position. That is, the receiving opening 16a is closed.

  The second engaging member 31a moves in a state where the second action portion 62b2 or 62b4 is located at the action position after the shutter 35 closes the supply opening 34 when the supply cartridge 9 is taken out from the apparatus main body 100a. It comes into contact with a regulating member 68 that regulates the rotation of the member 62. The second engagement member 31a moves the regulating member 68 downward against the elastic force. As a result, the restriction by the restriction member 68 is released. Then, the moving member 62 is brought into a movable state. Next, the second engagement member 31a engages with the second action portion 62b2 or 62b4 and interlocks with the rotation of the moving member 62 to move the shutter 65 from the developer reception allowable position to the developer reception stop. Rotate to position. That is, the receiving opening 16a is closed.

  According to this embodiment, the same effect as each embodiment mentioned above is acquired.

  Here, the receiving side moving member 62 is arranged on the upper surface of the process cartridge in a state where the process cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a. Further, the moving member 62 is arranged so as to rotate along the attaching / detaching direction of the process cartridge 7 with respect to the apparatus main body 100a and to rotate in the vertical direction. That is, the moving member 62 intersects with the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 7 and can rotate around a horizontal axis.

  The shutter 65 is disposed on the upper surface of the process cartridge 7 with the process cartridge 7 mounted on the apparatus main body 100a. Further, the shutter 65 as a rotating member has a cylindrical shape. The process cartridge 7 is arranged so as to rotate along the attaching / detaching direction with respect to the apparatus main body 100a and to rotate in the vertical direction. That is, the shutter 65 is a cylinder that intersects the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 7 and rotates around a horizontal axis. The shutter 65 is provided with an opening (communication opening 65b) that communicates in the radial direction of the cylinder, and opens the receiving opening 16a when the opening faces the receiving opening 16a. Further, the shutter 65 closes the receiving opening 16a when a portion other than the opening faces the developer receiving opening.

  The upper surface is a surface facing upward in a state where the process cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a. It does not necessarily mean the top surface.

  In the present embodiment, the receiving-side shutter 65 has a cylindrical shape, but is not limited to this. For example, the shutter 65 may be a rotating member that rotates, and may be, for example, a cylinder. However, the cylindrical shape is easy to process. The shutter is not limited to a rotating configuration, and may be a sliding configuration (for example, a configuration for sliding movement will be described in a second embodiment described later).

  In addition, the receiving-side first action part 62b1 or 62b3 has a protrusion disposed on the peripheral surface of the receiving-side moving member 62. And the said protrusion part engages with an engaging member (the 1st engaging member 31b, the 2nd engaging member 31a), and receives rotational force. As a result, the receiving side shutter 65 is rotated. In addition, the receiving-side second action part 62b2 or 62b4 has a protrusion disposed on the peripheral surface of the moving member 62. The protrusions engage with the protrusions of the supply side action parts 32b1, 32b2, 32b3, 32b4d of the moving member 32 to give a rotational force. As a result, the supply side shutter 35 is rotated.

  According to the present embodiment, since the protrusions are engaged with each other, the transmission of force is more reliably performed.

  The moving member 32 is disposed on the lower surface of the replenishment cartridge 9 in a state where the replenishment cartridge 9 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a. The moving member 32 is arranged so as to rotate along the attaching / detaching direction of the replenishment cartridge 9 with respect to the apparatus main body 100a and to rotate in the vertical direction. That is, the moving member 32 intersects with the longitudinal direction of the replenishment cartridge 9 and can rotate around a horizontal axis.

  The shutter 35 is disposed on the lower surface of the replenishment cartridge 9 in a state where the replenishment cartridge 9 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a. Further, the shutter 35 as the rotating member has a cylindrical shape. The replenishment cartridge 9 is arranged so as to rotate in the attaching / detaching direction with respect to the apparatus main body 100a and to rotate in the vertical direction. That is, the shutter 35 is a cylinder that intersects the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 7 and rotates around a horizontal axis. The shutter 65 is provided with an opening (communication port 35b) communicating with the cylinder in the radial direction. The supply opening 34 is opened when the opening (communication opening 35 b) faces the supply opening 34, and the supply opening 34 is closed when a part other than the opening (communication opening 35 b) faces the supply opening 34.

  The lower surface is a surface facing downward when the replenishment cartridge 9 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a. It does not necessarily mean the lowest surface.

  In the present embodiment, the shutter 35 has a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may be a rotating member that rotates, and may be, for example, a cylinder. However, the cylindrical shape is easy to process. Note that the shutter 35 may be configured to slide instead of rotating (the second embodiment described below describes a configuration for sliding).

  Further, the moving member 32 has supply side action portions 32b1, 32b2, 32b3, and 32b4. Then, the protrusions of the supply side action parts 32b1, 32b2, 32b3, 32b4 are engaged with the protrusions of the reception side action parts 62b2, 62b4 and receive a rotational force. As a result, the shutter 35 is rotated.

  As described above, since the force is transmitted by the engagement between the protrusions, the force is transmitted more reliably.

  Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, the shutters 35 and 65 are rotating cylinders (rotating members). Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the area where the developer adheres can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which the shutter moves in parallel.

  Note that the above-described operation position is a position described below.

  The action position means a state in which the process cartridge 7 is attached to the apparatus main body 100a, and the receiving-side action parts (receiving-side second action parts) 62b2 and 62b4 of the receiving-side moving member 62 are attached to the apparatus body 100a. This is a position facing the supply side moving member 32 of the supply cartridge 9. In the present embodiment, the operating position is located at the uppermost position in the trajectory in which the receiving side moving member 62 rotates. At this operating position, the receiving side operating portions 62b2 and 62b4 receive a force from the engaging member 31a or 31b and rotate the receiving side moving member 62. Alternatively, the receiving side action portions 62b2 and 62b4 apply force to the supply side moving member 32 to rotate the supply side moving member 32 at this action position.

  As described above, even when the developer supply cartridge 9 is mounted in a state where the process cartridge 7 is not mounted on the apparatus main body 100a, the developer supply opening 34 is kept closed. Further, even when the process cartridge 7 is taken out with both the process cartridge 7 and the developer supply cartridge 9 mounted on the apparatus main body 100a, the shutter 35 can always maintain the developer supply opening 34 closed.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the order in which the replenishment cartridge 9 and the process cartridge 7 are attached / detached does not matter. The supply side moving member 32 and the receiving side moving member 62 are capable of rotating the moving member 32 and the moving member 62 in the vertical direction (substantially vertical direction). That is, the moving member 62 intersects with the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 7 in a state where the process cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a, and can be rotated around a horizontal axis. Similarly, the moving member 32 intersects with the longitudinal direction of the supply cartridge 9 and can rotate about a horizontal axis in a state where the supply cartridge 9 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a.

  Here, horizontal does not mean only the direction that intersects the earth's gravity at right angles. In the present embodiment, the term “horizontal” refers to a range that is inclined 15 degrees upward and 15 degrees downward relative to the horizontal direction. Any range may be used as long as the movable member 32 and the movable member 62 are engaged to transmit force. Further, it may be in a range where the shutters 35 and 65 can be rotated.

  This makes it possible to reduce the area of the developer replenishment opening and the shutter in the cross-sectional direction, compared to a conventional configuration in which a replenishing port and a sealing portion are provided on a flat member that can be rotated in the lateral direction. It is. Accordingly, the process cartridge 7 and the developer supply cartridge 9 can be reduced in size, and when the four process cartridges 7 and the developer supply cartridge 9 are arranged in the horizontal direction, the installation area of the image forming apparatus 100 can be reduced. is there.

  Regardless of the order in which the process cartridge 7 and the supply cartridge 9 are attached to the apparatus main body 100a, the supply opening 34 of the supply cartridge 9 is opened after the receiving opening 16a of the process cartridge 7 is opened. For this reason, the upper surface of the developer accommodated in the process cartridge 7 (developer accommodating portion 16) can be raised to the vicinity of the receiving opening. Therefore, the process cartridge 7 can be downsized in the height direction. That is, even if the process cartridge 7 is attached to the apparatus main body 100a in a state where the replenishment cartridge 9 is not attached to the apparatus main body 100a, the receiving opening 16a is not opened. Therefore, the developer does not blow out from the opening 16a due to an impact when the process cartridge 7 is mounted on the apparatus main body 100a. Therefore, the developer can be stored up to the vicinity of the upper surface 7e of the developer storage portion 16.

  Further, regardless of the order in which the process cartridge 7 and the supply cartridge 9 are attached to the apparatus main body 100a, the supply opening 34 is opened after the receiving opening 16a is opened. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the scattering of the developer when the process cartridge 7 and the developer supply cartridge 9 are mounted on the apparatus main body 100a.

  Regardless of the order in which the process cartridge 7 and the supply cartridge 9 are taken out from the apparatus main body 100a, the developer receiving opening 16a is closed after the supply opening 34 is closed. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the scattering of the developer when the process cartridge 7 and the replenishment cartridge 9 are taken out from the apparatus main body 100a.

  As described above, the receiving opening 16a of the process cartridge 7 is not opened when the replenishment cartridge 9 is not attached to the apparatus main body 100a. Therefore, even if the process cartridge 7 is left in a state where the replenishment cartridge 9 is not attached to the apparatus main body 100a, no foreign matter or the like is mixed into the process cartridge 7.

  The supply-side shutter 35 and the reception-side shutter 65 can be opened according to the mounting operation of the process cartridge 7 and the supply cartridge 9 regardless of the mounting order of the process cartridge 7 and the supply cartridge 9 with respect to the apparatus main body 100a. is there.

  Further, the supply-side shutter 35 and the reception-side shutter 65 can be closed in accordance with the removal operation of the process cartridge 7 and the supply cartridge 9 regardless of the order in which the process cartridge 7 and the supply cartridge 9 are taken out from the apparatus main body 100a.

  Therefore, the open / close state of the supply side shutter 35 and the reception side shutter 65 can be switched according to the mounting operation of the process cartridge 7 and the supply cartridge 9 regardless of the mounting order of the process cartridge 7 and the supply cartridge 9 with respect to the apparatus main body 100a. Is possible.

  That is, when the operator attaches / detaches the process cartridge 7 and the replenishment cartridge 9 to / from the apparatus main body 100a, the attachment / detachment order does not matter. Therefore, the operator's troublesomeness can be eliminated and the operator's detachable operability can be improved.

  Further, only when the receiving side shutter 65 opens the receiving opening 16a, the protruding portion 62b of the cartridge side moving member 62 and the protruding portion 32b and the recessed portion 32c of the replenishing side moving member 32 can be engaged.

  Therefore, the moving members 32 and 62 also serve as a detection unit for detecting that the shutter of the process cartridge 7 is in the open state. Therefore, it is not necessary to add a new detection mechanism. Even if the operator accidentally opens the shutter 65 of the process cartridge 7 and attaches the process cartridge 7 to the apparatus main body 100 and then attaches the replenishment cartridge 9, the moving members 32 and 62 do not engage.

  For this reason, the mounting of the supply cartridge 9 is incomplete. Thus, the operator can recognize that the process cartridge 7 is not completely attached.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a shutter mechanism according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, the shutter unit is not rotatively moved but slid in the horizontal direction. Note that the basic configuration of the developer supply cartridge, the process cartridge, and the like according to this embodiment is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, and thus redundant description is omitted. The shutter mechanism used in the developer supply cartridge and the process cartridge, which is a feature of this embodiment, will be described here. Moreover, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member which has the same function as embodiment mentioned above.

  FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the shutter of the supply cartridge 9. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the vicinity of the shutter of the process cartridge 7. FIG. 16 is an operation state diagram in the vicinity of the shutter of the replenishment cartridge 9.

  First, the shutter configuration of the supply cartridge 9 in the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the T housing 46 is fixed to the lower surface of the developer accommodating portion 33 of the supply cartridge 9 with the process cartridge 7 and the supply cartridge 9 mounted on the apparatus main body 100a. The T housing 46 is provided with a T housing opening 46 a corresponding to the receiving opening 16 a of the process cartridge 7. Further, groove portions 46b and 46c and a stopper portion 46d are provided at both ends of the T housing opening 46a. A replenishment-side shutter 82 is disposed below the T housing opening 46a.

  The supply side shutter 82 includes a shutter part (supply side shutter part) 82a for opening and closing the T housing opening 46a, and a supply side moving part 82b for engaging with the process cartridge 7 to obtain an opening / closing force. The shutter portion 82a is provided with a supply side shutter communication port 82c, engaged portions 82d and 82e, and a claw portion 82f. On the other hand, the supply side moving part 82b is provided with a guide groove 82b1 composed of a slope and a flat part.

  An assembly method near the shutter of the replenishment cartridge 9 will be described.

  First, the engaged portions 82 d and 82 e of the supply side shutter 82 are aligned with the grooves 46 b and 46 c of the T housing 46. Then, it is inserted until the claw portion 82f of the replenishment side shutter 82 gets over the stopper portion 46d. Accordingly, the shutter 82 is held slidable in the horizontal direction by the engaged portions 82d and 82e and the grooves 46b and 46c. Further, the claw portion 82f and the stopper portion 46d prevent the shutter 82 from dropping from the replenishment cartridge 9. As the shutter 82 slides, the developer can be supplied from the supply cartridge 9 at a position where the supply side shutter communication port 85 and the T housing opening 46a face each other.

  Next, the shutter configuration of the process cartridge 7 in the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the receiving side moving member (receiving side moving part) 90 used in the present embodiment is provided with projection-shaped action parts 90a and 90b. The action portions 90a and 90b face the replenishing cartridge 9 in an open state in which the receiving side shutter (receiving side shutter portion) 65 can receive the developer into the developer receiving opening 80a of the developing housing 80, as shown in FIG. Position (developer replenishment allowable position). Other configurations in the vicinity of the shutter are the same as the configurations described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the case where the process cartridge 7 is attached to the apparatus main body 100a to which the replenishment cartridge 9 is attached will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the process of mounting the process cartridge 7, the process is the same as in the first embodiment up to the middle. That is, after the moving member 90 moves and the receiving opening 80a is in an open state in which the developer can be received, the first embodiment is performed until the moving member 90 is in a restricted state in which the rotation is restricted by the restricting member 68. It is the same as the form. Therefore, explanation is omitted. As described above, when the receiving opening 80a is in an open state where the developer can be received, the action portion 90a or 90b provided on the moving member 90 is positioned in the direction facing the supply cartridge 9 (developer supply stop position) ( (See Figure 16).

  In this case, since the T housing opening 46a of the developer supply cartridge 9 is not located at a position facing the communication port 82c, the developer supply cartridge 9 is in a closed state in which the developer cannot be supplied. From this state, the process cartridge 7 is further advanced into the apparatus main body 100a. Then, the action part 90a or the action part 90b moves in the direction of arrow K (FIG. 16 (a)). Then, the action portion 90a or the action portion 90b is engaged with the guide groove 82b1.

  When the process cartridge 7 is further advanced into the apparatus main body 100a, the action portion 90a or the action portion 90b is guided by the slope portion 82b3 and the flat portion 82b2 provided in the guide groove 82b1. For this reason, the supply side shutter 82 slidably held by the groove 46b and the groove 46c moves in the direction of arrow L (FIG. 16B). That is, the shutter 82 moves in the horizontal direction.

  The process cartridge 7 reaches the position (shown in FIG. 16B) where the mounting has been completed. Then, the action portion 90a or the action portion 90b is held by the flat surface portion 82b2 of the guide groove 82b1, and the communication port 82c of the replenishment side shutter 82 and the T housing opening 46a face each other. Therefore, the T housing opening 46a is in an open state in which the developer can be supplied from the supply cartridge 9 to the process cartridge 7.

  When removing the process cartridge 7 from the apparatus main body 100a to which the process cartridge 7 and the replenishment cartridge 9 are mounted, the replenishment-side shutter 82, the regulating member 68, the moving member 90, and the receiving are performed in the reverse order to the above description. Each side shutter 65 operates.

  Therefore, when the process cartridge 7 is not mounted, the housing opening 46a and the communication port 82c of the replenishment cartridge 9 mounted in the apparatus main body 100a are positioned so as not to face each other. Therefore, the housing opening 46a is in a closed state in which the developer cannot be supplied to the process cartridge 7.

  The operation is the same when the supply cartridge 9 is attached to the apparatus main body 100a to which the process cartridge 7 is attached, and when the supply cartridge 9 is removed from the apparatus main body 100 to which the supply cartridge 9 and the process cartridge 7 are attached. Therefore, explanation is omitted.

  Even in this embodiment, the same effects as those described in the first embodiment can be obtained in terms of space saving and toner scattering suppression.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the supply-side shutter 82 is integrated with the shutter portion 82a and the moving portion 82b has been described. However, in the present embodiment, the replenishment side shutter 82 may be configured separately as a replenishment side shutter that opens and closes the housing opening and a replenishment side moving member that receives a force from the action part of the process cartridge.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the shutter 82 slides in the horizontal direction. Thereby, the supply opening 34 can be opened and closed.

[Third Embodiment]
A third embodiment of the shutter mechanism used in the supply cartridge 9 and the process cartridge 7 to which the present invention can be applied will be described below with reference to FIGS. This third embodiment is an example in which an outer cover is provided.

  FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a stopper configuration that acts on the supply side moving member of the supply cartridge 9. FIG. 20 is an operation state diagram near the stopper of the replenishment cartridge 9. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the outer cover configuration of the replenishment cartridge 9. FIG. 22 is an operation state diagram near the outer cover of the developer supply cartridge 9.

  In the present embodiment, the shutter configuration of the process cartridge 7 and the shutter configuration of the replenishment cartridge 9 are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[Stopper configuration of the supply side moving member of the supply cartridge]
A configuration for restricting movement (stopper) of the moving member 32 of the replenishment cartridge 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

  A T regulating member 140 and a T regulation releasing member 141 for regulating the movement of the moving member 32 are disposed in the developer accommodating portion 33.

  The regulating member 140 is held so as to be slidable in the vertical direction (in the direction of arrow M) by the claw portions 142a and 143a of the slide rails 142 and 143 provided in the developer accommodating portion 33.

  The release member 141 is supported by the shaft portion 144 provided in the developer accommodating portion 33 and the drop-off prevention member 147 so that the hole portion 141a of the release member 141 is rotatable. Furthermore, the release member 141 is provided with an engagement hole 141b that engages with the engagement shaft 140a of the restriction member 140. A force receiving shaft portion 141c that receives a driving force from the apparatus main body 100 is provided on the opposite side of the engagement hole 141b across the hole portion 141a that is the rotation center of the release member 141. The release member 141 is rotated by this driving force.

  The release member 141 is urged in the clockwise direction (the direction of arrow N in FIG. 19) by the elastic force of the coil spring 145 provided between the developer containing portion 33 and the release member 141. By this urging force, the regulating member 140 that engages with the release member 141 is always urged downward.

  In this home position state (regulation position), the regulation recess 140b provided in the regulation member 140 and the protrusion 32b (32b1, 32b3) of the moving member 32 are engaged. Thereby, the movement of the moving member 32 is regulated.

[Explanation of operation of stopper on supply side moving member]
The operation of the regulating member 140 when the supply cartridge 9 enters the apparatus main body 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As described above, when the replenishment cartridge 9 is not attached to the apparatus main body 100, the recess 140b is engaged with the protrusions 32b (32b1, 32b3) of the moving member 32. Therefore, the movement of the moving member 32 is restricted.

  Therefore, even if the operator accidentally touches the moving member 32 or vibration is applied to the replenishment cartridge 9 during the physical distribution process, the moving member 32 does not move.

  Next, the replenishment cartridge 9 is placed on the main body rails 101a and 101b provided in the apparatus main body 100a and enters the apparatus main body 100a (the replenishment cartridge 9 moves in the direction of arrow A (FIG. 20A)).

  When the replenishment cartridge 9 is inserted to the position shown in FIG. 20 (b), the force receiving shaft portion 141c of the release member 141 comes into contact with the slope portion 146a of the guide 146 of the main body rail 101a.

  As the replenishment cartridge 9 enters, the shaft portion 141c is guided by the inclined surface portion 146a. As a result, the release member 141 moves counterclockwise (in the direction of arrow P in FIG. 20B) against the elastic force (spring force). The release member 141 is urged in the clockwise direction by the elastic force of the coil spring 145. As a result of this movement, the regulating member 140 located at the lower regulating position moves upward (in the direction of arrow Q in FIG. 20B) within the developer storage portion 33 to the permissible position.

  When the replenishing cartridge 9 is further entered and the shaft portion 141c reaches the flat surface portion 146b of the guide surface 146, the engagement between the concave portion 140b and the protruding portion 32b (32b1 or 32b3 in FIG. 6) is released. Then, the moving member 32 is allowed to rotate (FIG. 20 (c)).

  When the moving member 32 is moved in this state, the communication port 44a is opened. Then, the developer can be supplied from the supply cartridge 9 to the process cartridge 7.

  Accordingly, the operation of releasing the restriction of the movement of the moving member 32 by the restricting member 140 is performed before the opening of the communication port 44a by the movement of the moving member 32, so that the guide surface 146 of the main body rail 101 in the longitudinal direction. (146a, 146b) are arranged. For this reason, the regulating member does not hinder the opening / closing operation of the shutter portion 82a, and can regulate the movement of the moving member 32 when not in use.

[Configuration of T outer cover of replenishment cartridge]
As shown in FIG. 21, a T outer cover 148 is disposed on the lower surface of the housing 44 of the replenishment cartridge 9. The cover 148 has a cover portion 148a that covers the communication port 44a of the housing 44 and a shaft hole 148b that is supported by the shaft portion 149 of the developer accommodating portion 33. The cover 148 has pressed surfaces 148c1 and 148c2 that come into contact with the developing housing 45 or the seal member 67 of the process cartridge 7 and retract the cover 148 from the communication port 44a.

  Further, the cover 148 is disposed at a position that covers the communication port 44a by a coil spring 150 disposed substantially coaxially with the shaft portion 149 in a state in which no force is applied from the outside.

[T outer cover drive configuration]
The retracting operation of the cover 148 in the process of mounting the other cartridge with only one of the supply cartridge 9 and the process cartridge 7 mounted on the apparatus main body 100a will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the case where the replenishment cartridge 9 is attached later to the apparatus main body 100a to which the process cartridge 7 is first attached will be described.

  The replenishment cartridge 9 is placed on the main body rails 101a and 101b provided in the apparatus main body 100 and inserted in the direction of arrow A in the figure (FIG. 22A).

  When the replenishment cartridge 9 is inserted to the position shown in FIG. 22B, the pressed surface 148c1 of the cover 148 comes into contact with the seal member 67 of the process cartridge 7 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG.

  As the replenishment cartridge 9 enters, the pressing surface 148c1 is pressed by the seal member 67. As a result, the cover 148 arranged at a position covering the communication port 44a by the coil spring 150 moves in the clockwise direction (R direction in the figure) against the spring force.

  Further, before the replenishment cartridge 9 is completely attached to the apparatus main body 100, the cover 148 is retracted from the communication port 44a. Accordingly, the developer can be supplied from the supply cartridge 9 (FIG. 22C).

  When removing the replenishment cartridge 9 from the apparatus main body 100a in which the process cartridge 7 and the replenishment cartridge 9 are mounted, the order reverse to the above description (FIG. 22 (c) → FIG. 22 (b) → FIG. The cover 148 operates in a)).

  Therefore, when the replenishment cartridge 9 is removed, the cover 148 returns to the position covering the communication port 44a by the urging force of the coil spring 150.

  Next, a case where the process cartridge 7 is removed from the apparatus main body 100a in which the process cartridge 7 and the replenishment cartridge 9 are mounted will be described.

  The process cartridge 7 moves in the direction of arrow S (FIG. 22 (d)). While the pressed surface 148c1 is pressed by the seal member 67 in the process of removing the process cartridge 7, the cover 148 remains retracted from the communication port 34a (FIG. 22 (d)).

  Thereafter, when the process cartridge 7 is further pulled out in the direction of removal and reaches a position where the seal member 67 and the pressed surface 148c1 do not contact each other, the cover 148 returns to the position where the cover 148 is covered by the biasing force of the coil spring 150.

  Therefore, when the replenishment cartridge 9 is removed, the cover 148 returns to the position covering the communication port 44a by the urging force of the coil spring 150 (FIG. 22 (e)).

  That is, the T outer cover 148 is configured to cover the communication port 34a44a in the process of removing one of the cartridges 7 and 9 first.

  Contrary to the above, when the process cartridge 9 is mounted later on the apparatus main body 100 in which the replenishment cartridge 9 is mounted first, the seal member 67 presses the pressed surface 148c2. As a result, the cover 148 disposed at the position covering the communication port 44a by the coil spring 150 is moved against the elastic force (spring force) as described above. Then, the cover 148 is retracted from the communication port 44a.

  By configuring in this way, the portion where the developer is replenished is always covered by the cover 148 except in the usage state. Therefore, when the replenishment cartridge 9 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 100a, the operator is prevented from inadvertently touching the developer replenishment portion provided on the lower surface of the replenishment cartridge 9, which is difficult for the operator to see.

  The operation is the same when the cartridge 9 is attached to the apparatus main body 100a to which the process cartridge 7 is attached, or when the supply cartridge 9 is removed from the apparatus main body 100a to which the cartridge 9 and the process cartridge 7 are attached. Omitted.

  Even in the present embodiment, effects such as space saving and suppression of developer scattering can be obtained in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the color electrophotographic image forming apparatus using four supply cartridges and four process cartridges has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a developer supply cartridge and a process cartridge used in a monochrome electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The present invention can also be applied to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the same.

  Further, as described above, the present invention can be applied to whether the receiving side shutter and the receiving side moving member, and the replenishing side shutter and the replenishing side moving member are separate or integrated.

  In the case of a separate body, in addition to the effects described above, there is an effect that the assembly can be easily performed.

  In addition, when integrated, the number of parts can be reduced.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the action portion has the protrusion has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. In the present invention, for example, a friction member may be provided in the action portion to increase the peristaltic resistance. In the case where the action part has a protrusion, the driving force can be transmitted more reliably.

1 ... Photosensitive drum (electrophotographic photosensitive drum)
7 ... Process cartridge 8 ... Cleaning device 9 ... Developer supply cartridge
16… receiving side developer container
16a ... developer receiving opening
17… Developing roller
31a ... second engaging member (engaging member)
31b ... 1st engagement member (engagement member)
32… Supply side moving member (Supply side moving part)
32b (32b1, 32b2, 32b3, 32b4) ... Projection
33… Supply developer container
34… Developer supply opening
35 ... Supply side shutter (Supply side shutter part) (Rotating member)
62… Receiving side moving member (receiving side moving part)
62b (62b1, 62b2, 62b3, 62b4) ... Projection (receiving side action part)
65… Reception side shutter (Reception side shutter part) (Rotating member)
67… Seal member
68… Regulator
70… Compression spring
82 ... Supply side shutter (Supply side shutter) (Rotating member)
90… receiving side moving member (receiving side moving part)
95 ... Supply side shutter (Supply side shutter part) (Rotating member)
96… 97… Reception side shutter (Reception side shutter part) (Rotating member)
100 ... Image forming apparatus 100a ... Image forming apparatus main body

Claims (3)

A replenishment-side developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer, a developer replenishment allowable position for opening a developer replenishing opening for replenishing the developer in the replenishing-side developer accommodating portion into the process cartridge, and the development A replenishment-side shutter that can take a developer replenishment stop position that closes the developer replenishment opening, and the replenishment-side shutter so that the replenishment-side shutter can take the developer replenishment allowable position and the developer replenishment stop position. A process cartridge detachably attached to an apparatus main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, which receives replenishment of the developer from a developer replenishment cartridge having a replenishment side moving part that moves in conjunction with the part, and an engaging member. ,
An electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
A developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum using the developer;
A receiving-side developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer;
A developer receiving opening for receiving the developer into the receiving-side developer accommodating portion;
A receiving-side shutter portion capable of taking a developer receiving allowable position for opening the developer receiving opening and a developer receiving stop position for closing the developer receiving opening;
A regulating member;
The receiving side first action part positioned at the working position with the receiving side shutter part located at the developer receiving stop position and the receiving side shutter part at the working position with the receiving side shutter part located at the developer receiving permission position. A receiving-side second action portion, and the receiving-side shutter portion is moved in conjunction so that the receiving-side shutter portion can take the developer-accepting position and the developer-receiving stop position. The receiving side moving unit, the movement of which is regulated by the regulating member in a state where the receiving side first acting unit is located at the working position, and the process in which the replenishing cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. When the cartridge enters the apparatus main body, the restriction member comes into contact with the engagement member to release the restriction by the restriction member. The receiving side shutter part is moved to the developer receiving allowable position in conjunction with the movement of the inlet side first action part by contacting the engaging member, and then the receiving side second action part is In conjunction with the movement of the replenishment side moving part by the movement of the receiving side second acting part engaged with the replenishment side moving part when the movement is restricted by the restricting member in the state of being located at the working position, A receiving side moving unit that moves the replenishment side shutter unit to the developer replenishment allowable position;
A process cartridge comprising: An electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a developer receiving opening for receiving a developer used for development by the developing roller are opened. A receiving side shutter portion that can take a developer receiving allowable position and a developer receiving stop position that closes the developer receiving opening, and the receiving side shutter portion includes the developer receiving allowable position and the developer receiving stop position. A receiving-side moving unit that moves in conjunction with the receiving-side shutter unit, wherein the receiving-side shutter unit is positioned at the working position in a state where the receiving-side shutter unit is positioned at the developer receiving allowable position. And a restricting member for restricting movement of the receiving side moving unit in a state where the receiving side operating unit is located at the operating position. Replenishing the developer, a developer supply cartridge detachably mountable to the apparatus main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus,
A replenishment-side developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer;
A developer replenishment opening for replenishing the developer in the replenishment side developer container into the process cartridge via the developer receiving opening;
A replenishment-side shutter portion capable of taking a developer replenishment permissible position for opening the developer replenishment opening and a developer replenishment stop position for closing the developer replenishment opening;
When the developer supply cartridge enters the apparatus main body with the process cartridge attached to the apparatus main body, the movement is restricted by the restriction member in a state of being located at the operating position. A replenishment side moving part that moves by engagement of the moving part with the receiving side action part, wherein the replenishment side shutter part is moved in conjunction with the developer replenishment allowable position from the developer replenishment stop position. A moving part;
A developer replenishment cartridge comprising: In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge and a developer supply cartridge for supplying a developer to the process cartridge can be independently attached to and detached from the apparatus main body.
(I) a replenishment-side developer accommodating portion that accommodates the developer;
A developer replenishment opening for replenishing the developer in the replenishment side developer accommodating portion into the process cartridge;
A replenishment-side shutter portion capable of taking a developer replenishment permissible position for opening the developer replenishment opening and a developer replenishment stop position for closing the developer replenishment opening;
A replenishment side moving part that moves in conjunction with the replenishment side shutter part so that the replenishment side shutter part can take the developer replenishment allowable position and the developer replenishment stop position;
An engaging member;
A developer supply cartridge that is removably mounted on the apparatus main body, and
(Ii) an electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
A developing roller for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum;
A receiving-side developer accommodating portion for accommodating the developer;
A developer receiving opening for receiving the developer;
A receiving-side shutter portion capable of taking a developer receiving allowable position for opening the developer receiving opening and a developer receiving stop position for closing the developer receiving opening;
A regulating member;
The receiving side first action part positioned at the working position with the receiving side shutter part located at the developer receiving stop position and the receiving side shutter part at the working position with the receiving side shutter part located at the developer receiving permission position. A receiving-side second action portion, and the receiving-side shutter portion is moved in conjunction so that the receiving-side shutter portion can take the developer-accepting position and the developer-receiving stop position. The receiving-side moving unit, the movement of which is restricted by the restricting member in a state where the receiving-side first operating unit is located at the operating position, and the developer supply cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body When the process cartridge enters the apparatus main body, the restriction member comes into contact with the engagement member to release the restriction by the restriction member, and then the movable state. In conjunction with the movement of the receiving side first action part by contacting the engaging member, the receiving side shutter part is moved to the developer receiving permissible position, and then the receiving side second action part is moved. In conjunction with the movement of the replenishment-side moving part, the movement of the receiving-side second acting part is engaged with the replenishment-side moving part when the movement is restricted by the restriction member in the state of being located at the working position, A receiving side moving unit that moves the replenishment side shutter unit to the developer replenishment allowable position;
A process cartridge that is removably mounted on the apparatus body; and
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising:

Images