JPH0922177A - Toner and process cartridges, toner hopper and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the jetting of toner at the insertion of a toner cartridge by providing a toner leakage preventing member and a ventilator means for ventilating a toner storing part. SOLUTION: An opening part located in the upper part of the toner storing part 9a is freely opened/closed with a cover member 44. Further, an opening part 9e is provided in the innermost wall surface of the toner storing part 9a and the ventilator means 47 is attached to cover the opening part 9e from the outside. The ventilator means 47 is provided with a filter 47a having a large number of circular holes through which does not pass developer grains but only air. Such a ventilator means 47 is provided to prevent the jetting of the toner inside the toner storing part 9a from the circumference of a developing roller 9c, etc., caused by the insertion of the toner cartridge. Moreover, the toner stored in the toner storing part 9a is enclosed by a shield plate 45, the sidewall of the toner storing part 9a and seal members stuck to the front and rear surfaces.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a toner cartridge,
The present invention relates to a process cartridge to which the toner cartridge can be attached, an image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge is detachable, and a toner hopper and an image forming apparatus including the toner hopper.

Here, examples of the image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, an LED printer, a laser beam printer, etc.), an electrophotographic facsimile machine, an electrophotographic word processor, and the like.

Further, as the process cartridge, a charging means, a developing means or a cleaning means, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. . Also, at least one of the charging means, the developing means, and the cleaning means, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge so as to be attachable to and detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. Further, it means that at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge so as to be attachable to and detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and this cartridge is used for image forming. A process cartridge system detachable from the apparatus main body is employed. According to this process cartridge, the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed by the user himself without relying on a service person, so that the operability can be remarkably improved. Therefore, this process cartridge system is widely used in image forming apparatuses.

On the other hand, in this process cartridge system, a process cartridge capable of supplying toner has been known (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 03-56474, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 02-186375).

[0006] Japanese Patent Publication No. 03-56474 discloses a process cartridge that allows an operator to recognize the number of toner replenishments.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 02-186375 describes a process cartridge in which a plurality of toner supply containers can be inserted into the space of the process cartridge. Any of the above-described prior arts is very effective in a process cartridge that enables toner replenishment.

[0008]

The present invention is a further development of the above-mentioned conventional technique.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to maintain the hermeticity between the process cartridge or the toner hopper and the toner cartridge and to insert the toner cartridge when the toner is supplied from the plurality of toner cartridges to the process cartridge or the toner hopper. To provide a toner cartridge, a toner replenishment type process cartridge and a toner hopper, and an image forming apparatus equipped with the process cartridge or the toner hopper, which can prevent the toner from being blown out.

The above object can be achieved by a toner cartridge, a process cartridge and a toner hopper according to the present invention, and an image forming apparatus equipped with these process cartridge or toner hopper. In summary, the present invention relates to a toner cartridge for replenishing toner by being attached to a process cartridge that is detachable from an image forming apparatus, wherein the process cartridge has an opening portion, and a toner storage portion that stores a plurality of toner cartridges therein. A lid member for covering the opening, which includes a pushing member that pushes the toner cartridge into the toner storage portion by a closing operation; and a toner leakage prevention member that is provided in a loading path of the toner cartridge and prevents toner leakage.
The toner cartridge has an air bleeding unit for bleeding air from the toner storage portion when the toner cartridge is loaded, and a guide portion that regulates the position of the toner cartridge pushed into the toner storage portion. A flexible container, an opening means for discharging the toner, a support means for supporting the flexible container, a deforming portion that is deformed by being pushed into the process cartridge and is reduced in volume, and a deforming portion that is pushed into the process cartridge. And a guided portion that engages with the guide portion when the toner cartridge is removed.

The toner cartridge is preferably attached to the toner storage portion of the process cartridge and not removed. The toner cartridge has a substantially triangular cross section,
It is preferable to deform and reduce the size by rotating and moving around the apex of the triangle.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in a process cartridge which can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus and can be supplied with toner by a toner cartridge, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A toner storage portion that stores toner used for developing the latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member and has a plurality of toner cartridges having an opening portion; A lid member that has a pushing member that pushes into the toner storage unit, covers the opening, a toner leakage prevention member that is provided in a loading path of the toner cartridge to prevent toner leakage, and the toner storage unit when the toner cartridge is loaded. And the toner cartridge that is pushed into the toner storage section. The toner cartridge has a flexible container in which the toner is sealed, an opening means for discharging the toner, a support means for supporting the flexible container, A process cartridge can be provided which has a deforming portion that is deformed by being pushed into the process cartridge and whose volume is reduced, and a guided portion that engages with the guide portion when pushed into the process cartridge. .

The process cartridge includes a shielding member that closes the opening of the toner containing portion to seal the toner, and a guide portion that regulates the position of the shielding member pushed into the toner containing portion. It is preferable that the member has a guided portion that engages with the guide portion. It is preferable that the shielding member is pushed into the toner storage unit and not removed. It is preferable that the shielding member be pushed into the toner storage portion by mounting the toner cartridge in the toner storage portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus in which the process cartridge can be attached and detached and which forms an image on a recording medium, (a) an electrophotographic photoreceptor and the electrophotographic photoreceptor Process means acting on
A toner storage unit that stores toner used for developing a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member and has a plurality of toner cartridges that has an opening, and the toner cartridge that closes when the toner cartridge is closed. A lid member for covering the opening, which includes a pushing member that is pushed into the storage portion;
A toner leakage prevention member provided in the loading path of the toner cartridge for preventing toner leakage, an air bleeding unit for bleeding air from the toner storage portion when the toner cartridge is loaded, and a toner cartridge for being pushed into the toner storage portion. The toner cartridge includes a flexible container having a toner enclosed therein, an opening unit for discharging the toner, a support unit for supporting the flexible container, and the process. Deformation part that is deformed by being pushed into the cartridge and the volume is reduced,
Mounting means for detachably mounting a process cartridge having a guided portion that engages with the guide portion when pushed into the process cartridge,
(B) An image forming apparatus including: a conveying unit that conveys the recording medium.

Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, the toner used for developing the latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, which is provided in the image forming apparatus, is housed, and the toner in the toner cartridge is used. In a toner hopper that can be supplied, the opening is provided with a toner storage portion having an opening and storing a plurality of toner cartridges therein, and a pushing member for pushing the toner cartridge into the toner storage portion by a closing operation. A lid member, a toner leakage prevention member that is provided in the toner cartridge loading path to prevent toner leakage, an air bleeding unit that bleeds air from the toner storage unit when the toner cartridge is loaded, and a toner that is pushed into the toner storage unit. The toner cartridge has a guide portion that regulates the position of the cartridge. The inserted flexible container, the opening means for discharging the toner, the supporting means for supporting the flexible container, the deforming portion which is deformed by being pushed into the process cartridge and reduces in volume, and the process cartridge. And a guided portion that engages with the guide portion when pushed into the toner hopper.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium,
(A) an electrophotographic photosensitive member; (b) a latent image forming unit for forming a latent image on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; and (c) a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member by the latent image forming unit. A toner hopper that stores a developing unit for developing an image and (d) toner used for developing by the developing unit and can supply toner by a toner cartridge, and has a plurality of toner cartridges having openings. A lid member that covers the opening and a toner storage unit that stores the toner cartridge inside and a pressing member that pushes the toner cartridge into the toner storage unit when the toner cartridge is closed, and prevents toner leakage provided in the toner cartridge loading path. A toner leakage prevention member, an air bleeding unit that bleeds air from the toner storage unit when the toner cartridge is loaded, and a toner cover that is pushed into the toner storage unit. The toner cartridge has a guide portion that regulates the position of the toner cartridge, the toner cartridge includes a flexible container in which toner is sealed, an opening unit for discharging the toner, and a support unit for supporting the flexible container. A toner hopper having a deforming portion that is deformed by being pushed into the process cartridge and is reduced in volume, and a guided portion that engages with the guide portion when pushed into the process cartridge; There is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a transfer unit for transferring a toner image formed on a photographic photoreceptor to the recording medium; and (f) a conveying unit for conveying the recording medium. It

[0016]

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention,
The process cartridge and the toner cartridge will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, an embodiment of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which a process cartridge constructed according to the present invention can be attached will be described with reference to FIGS.

As an order of explanation, a schematic structure of the image forming apparatus and the process cartridge will be explained, and then a housing of the process cartridge will be explained.

{Overall Configuration} This image forming apparatus A is shown in FIG.
2 and FIG. 23, it has optical means 1 for scanning the light from the laser light source emitted according to the image information with the rotating polygon mirror 1a and irradiating it through the lens 1b and the reflection mirror 1c. A light image based on image information is emitted from the optical unit 1 to form a latent image on the photoconductor drum 7 which is an electrophotographic photoconductor, and the latent image is developed by the developing unit 9 to form a toner image.

In synchronism with the formation of the toner image, the recording medium 2 is reversely conveyed from the sheet feeding cassette 3a by the conveying means 3 including the pickup roller 3b, the conveying roller pairs 3c and 3d, the registration roller pair 3e, and the process cartridge. B
In the image forming unit formed as a cartridge, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred to the recording medium 2 by applying a voltage to the transfer roller 4 as a transfer unit.

Further, the fixing means 5 comprises a fixing roller 5b having a built-in heater 5a while guiding the recording medium 2 after the toner image transfer by a guide member 3f, and a driving roller 5c for pressing and conveying the recording medium 2 against the roller 5b. And the transferred toner image is fixed on the recording medium 2. And this recording medium 2
Is transported by the discharge roller pairs 3g, 3h, and 3i, and the reverse path 3
j to the discharge unit 6. Regarding the discharge, the swingable flapper 3k may be operated so that the discharge roller pair 3m directly discharges without passing through the reverse conveyance path 3j.

On the other hand, in the process cartridge B constituting the image forming portion, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the photosensitive drum 7 having a photosensitive layer is rotated and the surface thereof is charged to the charging roller 8 which is a charging means. It is configured so that it is uniformly charged by applying a voltage, the optical image from the optical means 1 is exposed to the photosensitive drum 7 through the exposure section to form a latent image, and the latent image is developed by the developing means 9.

The developing means 9 sends out the toner in the toner storage portion 9a by the toner feeding member 9b, rotates the developing roller 9c having a fixed magnet therein, and at the same time, the developing blade 9
A toner layer provided with a triboelectric charge by d is formed on the surface of the developing roller 9c, and the toner is transferred to the photosensitive drum 7 in accordance with the latent image, thereby forming a toner image and visualizing the toner image.

After the voltage of the opposite polarity to the toner image is applied to the transfer roller 4 to transfer the toner image to the recording medium 2, the cleaning blade 10a scrapes off the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 7 and collects the waste toner. Residual toner on the photoconductor drum 7 is removed by the cleaning means 10 collecting in 10b to prepare for the next step.

Each component such as the photosensitive drum 7 is housed in a housing constituted by connecting the toner container 11 and the developing frame body 12 and the cleaning frame body 13 to form a cartridge. The process cartridge B is detachably attached to the cartridge attaching means provided in the apparatus main body 14.

When the opening / closing member 15 is opened, the cartridge mounting means is provided with a cartridge mounting space as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, and the cartridge mounting member 16 is mounted on the left and right inner side surfaces of the apparatus main body 14, A guide portion 16a for inserting the process cartridge B is provided facing the left and right guide members 16. The process cartridge B is inserted along the guide portion 16a,
The process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus A by closing the opening / closing member 15.

{Construction of Housing} The process cartridge B according to this embodiment has the toner container 1 as described above.
1. The housing is formed by combining the developing frame 12 and the cleaning frame 13. Next, the configuration will be described.

As shown in FIG. 24, the toner container 11 is provided with a toner accommodating portion 9a and a toner feeding member 9b.
Is installed. Further, the developing roller 9c is provided on the developing device frame 12.
A developing member 9e for circulating toner in the developing chamber is rotatably mounted near the developing roller 9c. Then, the toner container 11 and the developing frame 12 are welded to form an integral developing unit.

Further, each member of the photosensitive drum 7, the charging roller 8 and the cleaning means 10 is attached to the cleaning frame 13, and the process cartridge B is further attached to the apparatus main body 14
When the photoreceptor drum 7 is removed from the photoreceptor drum, the photoreceptor drum 7 is covered, and a drum shutter member 18 for protecting the photoreceptor drum 7 is attached to form a cleaning unit.

By connecting the developing unit and the cleaning unit, the process cartridge B
Is configured. Therefore, cover members (not shown) for rotatably supporting both ends of the developing roller 9c are attached to both sides in the longitudinal direction of the developing device frame 12, and the tips of the arm portions 19 formed in the cover member are As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, a rotary shaft 20 is provided (FIGS. 28 and 29 show only one side).

On the other hand, recesses 21 for positioning and locking the rotary shaft 20 are provided at two positions on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame 13. The developing unit and the cleaning unit are rotatably connected around the rotation shaft 20 by inserting the rotation shaft 20 into the recess 21 and screwing the coupling member 22 having the protrusion 22 a to the cleaning frame 13. Then, the developing roller 9c is pressed against the photosensitive drum 7 by the weight of the developing unit.

At this time, by pressing the developing frame 12 downward by the compression spring 22b attached to the connecting member 22, the developing roller 9c is surely pressed against the photosensitive drum 7. Accordingly, by attaching spacer rings (not shown) to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 9c, this ring is pressed against the photosensitive drum 7, and the photosensitive drum 7 and the developing roller 9c face each other at a fixed interval.

As shown in FIG. 25, the process cartridge B is provided with a lid member 44 for opening and closing its opening, and the lid member 44 is provided with a grip portion 50 for facilitating its opening and closing operation. It is provided at approximately the center. Further, as will be described later in detail, when the toner cartridge is attached to the process cartridge B and the lid member 44 is closed, the tear tape grip 30 for performing the opening operation for supplying the toner of the toner cartridge is provided outside the process cartridge B. Overhangs.

A locking means 52 for locking the lid member 44 is provided near the grip portion 50 when the lid member 44 is closed, and is rotated diagonally upward to the right in the drawing. The lock can be released, which allows the opening movement of the lid member 44.

Further, guides 54, 5 for attaching to the image forming apparatus main body are provided beside the process cartridge B.
6 are provided.

First Embodiment Next, a first embodiment of the toner cartridge C attached to the process cartridge B according to the present invention will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the toner cartridge C has an approximately triangular prism shape, and has an upper guide plate 2 as a holding means for holding a toner storage container 23 containing toner therein.
4, a configuration in which the lower guide plate 25 and the upper and lower guide plates 24, 25 are sandwiched between substantially triangular side plates 26, 26 connecting both end portions thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the toner container 23, which is a flexible container, is formed in a substantially triangular prism shape, and has a V-shaped body portion 23a for storing toner and both longitudinal ends of the body portion 23a. The side wall 23b located, the opening 23c for toner discharge corresponding to the V-shaped open portion, the flange 23d provided all around the opening 23c, and the opening 23.
It is composed of a later-described sealing member for sealing c.

As described above, the toner storage container 23 of this embodiment has a substantially triangular prism shape. After the toner is replenished, the V-shaped body portion 23a is laterally pressed and compressed, and the side wall portion 23b is formed. The side wall portion 23b and its flange 23d ₁ are projected inside the body portion 23a so as to be surely folded inside the body portion 23a (FIG. 6). In other words, the central portion of the flange 23d ₁ of the side wall portion 23b, and a side wall portion 23b
A portion corresponding to a vertical line extending from the vertex of the central portion, that is, the side wall portion 23b having a triangular shape is recessed inside the body portion 23a. Therefore, when the toner storage container 23 is viewed from the opening 23c side, as shown in FIG. 5, both side walls of the toner storage container 23 have a substantially M shape.

In this embodiment, a soft material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, vinyl chloride, or nylon is used so that the toner can be more reliably compressed with a small pressing force, and the toner container is vacuum-molded to further reduce the wall thickness. 23 was molded. Specifically, a polyethylene / polypropylene laminated sheet having a thickness of 0.6 mm was used for molding, and the molded product had a wall thickness of 0.2 to 0.6 mm. Note that in the wall thickness of the molded article, the side wall portion 23b and the flange 23d ₁ that compresses to crushed deformation to easily compressed with a small force, it is desirable in the range of 0.1~1.0mm . That is, if the wall thickness is less than 0.1 mm, pinholes are likely to occur in the container body, and toner leakage may occur. If it is larger than 1 mm, the compressive strength tends to be high and it tends to be difficult to compress.

By having the above-mentioned structure, it is possible to easily and surely compress and fold with a small force.

The opening 23c of the toner storage container 23
Is sealed by fixing a sealing member to the flange 23d by means such as adhesion or welding.

The sealing member may be a simple easy peel film as used in the conventional toner storage container, but in this embodiment, the purpose is to reduce the strength at the time of opening, that is, to easily open the film. A tear tape unit as shown in FIG. 5 is applied. The tear tape unit includes a cover film 27 that covers the opening 23c and a cover film 2
7 through a tear line 27a, opening 23c
Tape 28 that covers a part (opening forming portion) in the longitudinal direction of the
The tear tape 28 is fixed to _one flange 23d ₁ and then folded back in the opposite direction.
At the time of unsealing, by pulling the tip of the folded portion 28a of the tear tape 28, the cover film 27 is torn along the tear line 27a of the cover film 27 and peeled off from the flange 23d.
The opening is formed in a state in which is left in a part of the opening 23c so that the toner can be supplied.

In this embodiment, the toner storage container 2
Although the shape of No. 3 was substantially triangular in cross section, as shown in FIG.
The toner storage container 23A having a substantially fan-shaped cross section in which the vertex of the triangle of the toner storage container 23A is cut out to form an arc and the opening 23c is closed in an arc shape.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, the tear tape 28
A handle fixing plate 29 is attached to the end of the handle, a tear tape handle 30 is further coupled to the handle fixing plate 29, and the handle fixing plate 29 is detachably attached to the upper guide plate 24. When the toner is supplied, the tear tape grip 30
The tear tape 28 by pulling the cover film 27 along the tear line 27a of the cover film 27.
To tear off the toner and discharge the toner.

Upper and lower guide plates 24 and 25 are attached to the V-shaped portion of the toner container 23 by appropriate means. In the vicinity of the longitudinal end of the upper guide plate 24,
A circular guide hole 32 for the tear tape 28 to pass through
Further, an insertion handle 31 is provided on the upper surface of the upper guide plate 24 at the longitudinal center thereof.

The insertion handle 31 is for facilitating the operation when the toner cartridge C is inserted into the process cartridge B, and is made of a flexible integrally molded product such as PP or PA. As shown in 1, the thickness is 1 to
It is formed in a U-shape of 2 mm, and the bent portions, which are the bases of the legs 31 a, 31 a, are formed as thin as 0.3 to 0.8 mm. Thus, the bent portions of the legs 31a, 31a serve as hinges. Also, the insertion handle 31 is a leg 31a.
The upper guide plate 2 can be bent at the bending part of
4 can be folded into a concave portion 24 a having a shape corresponding to the insertion handle 31 provided on the upper surface of the insertion handle 31. This recess 24a
Is equal to the thickness of the insertion handle 31, so that the recess 2
When the insertion handle 31 is fitted to the upper guide plate 24a,
Is flat, and space saving can be achieved.

The insertion handle 31 is usually the upper guide plate 24.
It is in a form that can be easily grasped by being raised obliquely upward from the upper surface of the.

Four guide rollers 33 are attached to the side surfaces of both ends of the upper guide plate 24 in the longitudinal direction so as to be opposed to each other, and these guide rollers 33 will be described later in the process cartridge B. The position of the upper guide plate 24 can be regulated by moving along the guide groove. An ironing seal 34 is attached to the lower surface of the upper guide plate 24 along the guide hole 32.

One oblique side portion of the side plate 26 is rotatably connected to both ends of the lower surface of the upper guide plate 24 in the longitudinal direction.

Similarly, the other oblique side portions of the side plate 26 are rotatably coupled to both longitudinal ends of the upper surface of the lower guide plate 25.

A tear tape 28 is provided on the lower surface of the lower guide plate 25.
A cover 35 is provided so as to cover the end portion in the width direction of the toner cartridge C along the longitudinal direction thereof, thereby preventing the tear tape 28 from being caught when the toner cartridge C is inserted into the process cartridge B.

A projection 25a projecting in the longitudinal direction is provided at one end on the side surface of the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the lower guide plate 25, that is, on the side opposite to the mounting position of the cover 35, and the guide of the upper guide plate 24 is provided. Like the roller 33, the movement of the lower guide plate 25 is restricted when the lower guide plate 25 is inserted into the process cartridge B.

The side plate 26 is in the form of a plate in which both hypotenuses of the substantially triangular shape are upward and the lower guide plates 24 and 25 are rotatably connected to each other as described above. It has a hinge part 26a and can be bent inward.

Further, as shown particularly in FIG. 2, the side plate 26
A slit 26b is provided in a region straddling the bent portion inside the thickness of the plate. A substantially fan-shaped stopper 36 for regulating the inward bending of the side plate 26 is fitted into the slit 26b. The stopper 36 includes a claw portion 36a that meshes with the positioning portions 26b ₁ and 26b ₂ of the slit 26b, and a columnar protrusion portion 36b that can move along a perforated portion 26c provided on the upper guide plate 24 side of the side plate 26. have.

Normally, the stopper 36 is positioned so that the claw portion 36a meshes with the first positioning portion 26b ₁ and straddles the bent portion of the side plate 26, and prevents the side plate 26 from being bent. On the other hand, the protrusion 36b about its pivot 36c of the stopper 36 by rotating counterclockwise in the figure, the engagement between the first positioning portion 26b ₁ of the claw portion 36a of the second positioning portion 26b ₂ The stopper 36 moves toward the upper guide plate 24 and retreats from the bent portion, so that the side plate 26
Can be bent.

Further, a circular hole 26d having a size corresponding to the protrusion 36b is formed on the lower guide plate 25 side of the side plate 26, and when the side plate 26 is bent, the protrusion 36 is formed.
Is loosely fitted into the hole 26d and does not hinder the bending of the side plate 26.

A notch 24 for avoiding interference with a spring member of the process cartridge B, which will be described later, is formed at the center of the side surface of the longitudinal ends of the upper and lower guide plates 24, 25.
b and 25b are provided respectively.

Next, the process cartridge B according to the present invention will be described again in detail with reference to FIGS.

The opening located above the toner storage portion 9a can be opened and closed by the lid member 44. Lid member 4
Reference numeral 4 denotes a fan-shaped side plate portion 44a, and a rotation protrusion 44b is provided at a portion of the side plate portion 44a which is at the pivot of the fan. The rotation protrusion 44b is provided outside the side wall of the toner storage portion 9a of the process cartridge B. It is rotatably coupled to the process cartridge B by being fitted into the provided recess.

Further, on the back surface of the lid member 44, a pushing protrusion 44d for pushing the process cartridge C into the toner accommodating portion 9a and a guide rib 44e for guiding the tear tape 28 to the outside are provided.

Toner storage section 9 of process cartridge B
A seal member 37 of, for example, a malt plane or the like is adhered to a predetermined thickness on the inner wall surfaces before, after, around left and right around a. A guide groove 38 for inserting the toner cartridge C and a spring member 39 for folding the inserted toner cartridge C are provided inside the left and right side walls.

The guide grooves 38 are formed in a circular shape in the vicinity of the entrance of the toner cartridge C and in a straight shape on the inner side thereof, and are provided in parallel.

An opening 9e is provided on the innermost wall surface of the toner storage portion 9a, and an air bleeder 47 is attached so as to cover the opening 9e from the outside. The air bleeding means 47 has a filter 47a having a large number of holes that allow only the air to pass but not the developer particles.

By providing the air bleeding means 47, it is possible to prevent the toner from being blown out from around the developing roller 9c of the toner inside the toner storage portion 9a when the toner cartridge is inserted.

In the above example, one air venting means is provided, but by providing a plurality of air venting means 47 in the longitudinal direction of the toner container as shown in FIG.
The effect can be further increased.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, first locking claws 40 are rotatably attached to the left and right side walls of the toner storage portion 9a by a shaft member 40a provided at the center thereof. It has first and second protrusions 40b and 40c extending in opposite directions from both ends, that is, outward and inward, and a window 41 through which the first protrusion 40b protrudes outward is also provided. The window 41 is covered with a flexible curtain 42 from the outside. The second protrusion 40c is provided on the back surface of the second protrusion 40c.
A spring member 40d that urges c inward is attached.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the toner storage portion 9
A second locking claw 43 is rotatably provided on the rear inner wall of the toner cartridge C together with the first locking claw 40.
Acts to regulate the insertion of One end of the second locking claw 43 is pivotally supported by a shaft member 43a, and a concave engaging portion 43b is provided inside the other end, and a spring member 43c is provided on the back surface of the engaging portion 43b with the engaging portion 43b. It is arranged to urge inward.

Further, in the vicinity of the opening of the toner storage portion 9a, a shielding plate 45 for sealing the toner stored in the process cartridge B in the initial stage is provided with the first locking claw 40 and the second locking. It is fixed by the claw 43. The shield plate 45 has a structure in which the insertion handle 31 and the guide hole 32 are removed from the upper guide plate 24 of the toner cartridge B.

The toner stored in the toner storage portion 9a leaks out because it is sealed by the shield plate 45 and the seal members 37 attached to the side walls and front and rear walls of the toner storage portion 9a. There is no such thing. Also, the shielding plate 45
Accordingly, at the time of replenishment, it is possible to prevent foreign matter and dust from entering the toner from the opening.

The shield plate 45 is the first and second locking claws 4.
By releasing the locking of the rollers 0 and 43, the guide rollers 33a at both ends are connected to the guide grooves 38 in the side wall of the toner storage portion 9a.
You can move along.

Next, the operation of the process cartridge B and the toner cartridge C having the above-described configurations in association with toner replenishment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 10, the interior of the process cartridge B is initially filled with toner,
The opening of the toner storage 9a is closed by the shielding plate 45 at the position D, that is, in the vicinity of the opening of the toner storage 9a. In this state, the process cartridge B is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body A to form an image and consumes toner.

Next, with reference to FIG. 11, a case will be described in which the toner in the toner storage portion 9a is consumed as a result of image formation, and then the toner is replenished by the first toner cartridge C.

First, the opening / closing member 15 of the main body A of the image forming apparatus.
Is opened to expose the cover member 44 of the process cartridge B. Then, the lid member 44 is rotated about the rotation protrusion 44b to open the opening of the toner storage portion 9a. Then, the operator holds the insertion handle 31 of the first toner cartridge C,
The first toner cartridge C is moved over the opening of the toner storage section 9a, and is placed in the opening.

At this time, in the cross section of the first toner cartridge C, the apex is placed on the rotation protrusion 44b side of the lid member 44, and the lower guide plate 25 is placed on the shielding plate 45 side, and placed in the opening. The protrusion 25a provided on the side wall of the end of the lower guide plate 25 has a guide groove 38 on the upper side of the toner storage portion 9a.
Is engaged.

The area of the lower guide plate 25 of the first toner cartridge C is set smaller than the opening area of the surface of the seal member 37 when the seal member 37 is attached to the side wall and the front and rear walls of the toner storage portion 9a. Has been done. On the other hand, the area of the upper guide plate 24 is the sealing member 3 when the sealing member 37 is attached to the side wall and the front and rear walls of the toner storage portion 9a.
7 is smaller than the opening area of the toner storage section 9a which does not include the seal member 37. Therefore, when the first toner cartridge C is in the opening, the lower guide plate 25 is inserted into the opening, but the upper guide plate 24 is stopped when it reaches the opening.

At this time, since the tear tape grip 30 of the first toner cartridge C is held by the grip fixing plate 29 so as to pop out to the outside, the tear tape grip 30 is in a state of being projected to the outside of the toner storage portion 9a. .

Next, the lid member 44 is rotated in the closing direction, and the pushing protrusion 44d of the lid member 44 is pressed against the upper surface of the upper guide plate 24 of the first toner cartridge C, and the outer periphery of the upper guide plate 24 and the toner storage portion. The first toner cartridge C is pushed in along the guide groove 38 while crushing the seal member 37 between the side wall of 9a and the front and rear walls.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the shielding plate 45
Immediately before the upper surface of the first toner cartridge C comes into contact with the lower surface of the lower guide plate 25 of the first toner cartridge C, the first locking claw 40 provided on the inner side of the side plate 44a of the lid member 44 and on the outer side of the side wall of the toner storage portion 9a. By pushing the one protrusion 40 b together with the curtain 42, the first locking claw 40 is rotated counterclockwise in the figure around the shaft member 40, and the locking of the first locking claw 40 to the shielding plate 45 is released. .

At the same time, as shown in FIG. 12, the toner containing portion 9 is formed at the edge of the lower guide plate 25 of the first toner cartridge C.
a of the second locking claw 43 provided on the upper side of the rear wall
By pressing 3d, the second locking claw 43 is rotated counterclockwise in the figure around the shaft member 43 against the urging force of the spring member 43c, and the end of the shielding plate 45 is formed into a concave engagement portion. 43b
Then, the locking of the second locking claw 43 with the shielding plate 45 is released.

After that, the first toner cartridge C is pushed in while the guide rollers 33 of the upper guide plate 24 are engaged with the guide grooves 38 of the toner accommodating portion 9a. The shielding plate 45 moves inside the toner storage portion 9a to the back side together with the shielding plate 45 in close contact with the lower guide plate 24 of the first toner cartridge C.

As shown in FIG. 13, the shielding plate 45 moves to the inner side in the toner containing portion 9a together with the first toner cartridge C, and the sealing member 37 attached to the side wall and front and rear walls of the toner containing portion 9a. Since the upper guide plate 24 of the first toner cartridge C comes into contact with the sealing members 37 attached to the side wall and the front and rear walls of the toner storage portion 9a before being separated from the toner storage portion 9a, the toner storage portion 9a is not interrupted. . More specifically, the seal member 37 is provided on the side wall and the front and rear walls of the toner storage portion 9a.
Of the first toner cartridge C and the lower guide plate 25 of the first toner cartridge C,
5 is attached to at least a region that covers the upper surface of the upper guide plate 24 when the first toner cartridge C is inserted through the opening and connects the upper surface of the upper guide plate 24 and the lower surface of the shielding plate 45. Is larger than an arc a connecting the lower guide plate 25 and the lower guide plate 25. As a result, the toner storage portion 9a can be kept in a sealed state.

As described above, when the shield plate 45 and the first toner cartridge C are pushed into the inside of the toner storage portion 9a, the pressure in the toner storage portion 9a rises, and the toner is removed from the periphery of the developing roller 9c and the like. Although there is a possibility of jetting, since only the air is discharged by the air bleeding means 47, the pressure inside the toner storage portion 9a does not rise, and therefore the jetting of toner is reliably prevented.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the lid member 44 is completely closed. At this time, the pushing protrusion 44 of the lid member 44
d, the upper guide plate 24 of the first toner cartridge C is again locked by the first locking claw 40 (see FIG. 9) and the second locking claw 43 with the lid member 44 closed, and the first toner The opening for the cartridge C faces downward, and the height is such that the pushing stops at a position where the toner is easily discharged.

In this state, the tear tape grip 30 is pulled out in the direction of arrow E shown in FIG. 15, that is, in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the toner storage container 23. The tear tape 28 moves in the direction of the arrow F, that is, in the longitudinal direction thereof, tears the cover film 27 that seals the toner storage container 23 along the tear line 27a, and peels off the adhesive portion, so that the toner is the first toner. Discharge to the outside of the cartridge C.

At this time, the toner container 23 at the beginning of opening
The hooking portion 23b provided at the end of the side plate 26 is hooked by the convex portion 26e of the side plate 26, and the side plate 26 is fixed by the stopper 36 described later, so that the flexible toner container 23 is adhered to the tear tape 28. It is not pulled by force.

The tear tape 28 is folded back through the guide hole 32 of the upper guide plate 24, and the toner adhering to the surface is removed by the ironing seal 34 into the toner container 9a. The guide hole 32 has an arcuate shape, and when the tear tape 28 is pulled in the E direction, a force pulling the tear tape 28 to the center of the guide hole 32 works, and the tear tape 28 is guided by the guide hole 32.
It prevents the edges of the wrinkles from wrinkling and hindering smooth peeling.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the tear tape 2
8 is folded back by the guide rib 44e of the lid member 44 and changes the angle in the pulling direction G of the tear tape 28. At this time, the guide holes 32 (FIG. 15) are formed so that the distances m to n on one side edge of the tear tape 28 to the outside of the lid member 44 and the other side edges p to q to r are substantially equal. And guide ribs 44e are formed, and the tear tape 28 is configured to be pulled out in a linear direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge C.

With the above structure, the tear tape 28 can be pulled out with the lid member 44 of the process cartridge B closed, and the operation can be performed smoothly and easily.

After that, the opening / closing member 15 of the image forming apparatus main body 14 is closed. In this way, the toner is supplied to the process cartridge B to enable image formation again.

Next, a case will be described in which the toner replenished by the first toner cartridge C is also consumed and the toner is further replenished by the second toner cartridge D having the same structure as the first toner cartridge C.

As shown in FIG. 17, first, the opening / closing member 15 of the image forming apparatus main body 14 is opened to open the process cartridge B.
Is rotated in the opening direction to expose the opening of the toner storage section 9a. Next, the second toner cartridge D is replaced with the toner container 9 in the same manner as the first toner cartridge C.
Insert into a. Then, similarly, the lid member 44 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, and the upper surface of the upper guide plate 24 of the second toner cartridge D is pressed in the depth direction of the toner storage portion 9a by the pushing projection 44d of the lid member 44.

At this time, as in the case where the first toner cartridge C is pushed into the toner storage portion 9a, the locking of the first locking claw 40 and the second locking claw 43 with respect to the first toner cartridge C is released, and the first toner cartridge C is released. The toner cartridge C and the second toner cartridge D move together. The insertion handle 3 on the upper surface of the upper guide plate 24 of the first toner cartridge C
1 is folded and housed in the concave portion 24a (see FIG. 1) of the upper guide plate 24, and the upper surface of the upper guide plate 24 is in a flat state.

Next, the lower guide plate 25 interferes with the spring member 39 provided on the side wall of the toner accommodating portion 9a shown in FIG. 8 due to the notch 25b (see FIG. 1) provided in the lower guide plate 25. The protrusion 36b of the stopper 36 provided on the side plate 26 of the toner cartridge C contacts the spring member 39 without passing.

At this time, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19,
The stopper 36 receives a force in the direction of arrow H from the spring member 39. The stopper 36 is provided in the first concave portion 26c of the slit 26b within the slit 26b of the side plate 26.
a is engaged (solid line), but moves in the direction of arrow J by receiving a force via the spring member 39, and is fixed so as not to return with the claw portion 36a engaged with the second concave portion 26d. (Dotted line). Therefore, when the end of the stopper 36 passes through the bent portion, the side plate 26 can be folded.

Further, since the protrusion 36b of the stopper 36 receives the force from the spring member 39 also in the direction of the arrow I, the side plate 26 is folded inward at the hinge portion 26a. At this time, since the first toner cartridge C has already discharged the toner in the toner storage container 23, there is no problem in being easily folded. Also, when the side plate 26 is folded inward,
The protrusion 36b of the stopper 36 is loosely fitted into the corresponding hole 26d (see FIG. 1).
6b does not interfere with the side plate 26 and the folding is not disturbed.

Thereafter, the upper guide plate 24 is moved to the spring member 39.
20 through the upper guide plate 24 because there is a notch 24b (see FIG. 1) provided in the upper guide plate 24, the guide groove 38 is concentric with the folded first toner cartridge C as shown in FIG. Move from the striped region to the parallel region.
Therefore, the upper guide plate 24 and the lower guide plate 25 are in a parallel state, and the first toner cartridge C has a minimum volume when folded. Further, even if unexpected vibration or the like is applied during the folding of the side plate 26, the rib 46 provided in parallel with the guide groove 38 inside the side wall of the toner storage portion 9a restricts the movement of the protrusion 36b of the stopper 36. Therefore, the side plate 26 that has started to be folded does not return to the original state.

Then, like the first toner cartridge C, the tear tape 28 of the second toner cartridge D is pulled out to supply the toner to the process cartridge B, and the opening / closing member 15 of the image forming apparatus main body A is closed to form an image. .

After that, the toner can be replenished by inserting a new toner cartridge every time the replenished toner is consumed. The old toner cartridges are sequentially pushed and stacked by inserting a new toner cartridge. In this embodiment, the toner cartridges C, D,
FIG. 21 shows an example in which up to four E and F can be inserted.

Further, as described above, the provision of the air bleeding means 47 makes it possible to prevent the ejection of toner and the like when a new toner cartridge is inserted.

As described above, the toner cartridge can be folded so as to have the smallest volume to save space, and the number of toner cartridges that can be inserted in the toner storage portion can be increased to supply toner. Not only can the amount be increased, but new toner cartridges cannot be pushed in and taken out one after another, so that the toner replenishing operation can be simplified and made easier to understand, and toner scattering can be prevented.

Further, by pushing the toner cartridges having a substantially triangular cross section along the arcuate guides and stacking the deformed / reduced toner cartridges having a rectangular cross section along the parallel guides, Achieved compactness.

Further, since the opening surface of the substantially triangular toner cartridge faces downward in the loading path in the toner hopper, the toner in the toner storage container is reliably discharged.

Embodiment 2 Next, an air bleeding means having another structure applied to the process cartridge in Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, the air bleeding means 57 is provided with an opening 9f formed in a part of the innermost wall surface of the toner accommodating portion 9a.
A filter 57a attached so as to cover the
And a toner spill prevention duct 57b attached so as to cover the filter 57a.

With the above structure, first, the filter 57a is used to prevent the toner from spouting, and the toner spouting prevention duct 57 is provided in case the spout cannot be prevented.
b. This toner spill prevention duct 57
b constitutes a complex path, the so-called labyrinth. Further, the toner spill prevention duct 57b is provided with a second filter 57c made of the same material as the filter 57a at the outlet of the duct 57b to further prevent the toner spill.

In the above description, the case where the toner cartridge according to the present invention is applied to the process cartridge has been described. However, for example, a toner hopper device of an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine, that is, a process such as a developing roller. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to an apparatus that does not have a unit and simply stores toner and supplies the toner to the developing unit.

[0109]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the process cartridge and the toner hopper are replenished with toner from the toner cartridge, the sealing property between the process cartridge and the toner cartridge is maintained, and When the toner cartridge is inserted into the cartridge, it is possible to prevent the toner in the process cartridge from being blown out, so that the equipment and the worker can be prevented from being contaminated by the toner, and a good recording medium free from toner stain can be obtained. It is possible to obtain a toner cartridge, a toner replenishment type process cartridge and a toner hopper, and an image forming apparatus including the process cartridge or the toner hopper.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a toner cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the toner cartridge of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a toner container included in the toner cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the toner storage container of FIG. 4 as viewed from the bottom.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the toner cartridge of FIG. 4 is folded.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the toner cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a process cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a main part showing a state where a toner cartridge is inserted into the process cartridge of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a process cartridge in an initial state.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the first toner cartridge is inserted into a process cartridge.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the first toner cartridge is mounted on an opening of the process cartridge.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a sealed state of the process cartridge.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the first toner cartridge is mounted at a fixed position of the process cartridge.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the tear tape of the first toner cartridge is removed in the state of FIG.

16 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of the tear tape removed in the state of FIG.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the second toner cartridge is inserted into the process cartridge.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view of relevant parts showing the relationship between the first toner cartridge and the spring member of the process cartridge.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the action of the stopper of the first toner cartridge.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the second toner cartridge is mounted in a fixed position of the process cartridge.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which first to fourth toner cartridges are mounted in the process cartridge.

FIG. 22 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge according to the present invention is mounted.

23 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 22 as seen from the outside.

24 is a configuration diagram showing a process cartridge mounted in the image forming apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the process cartridge of FIG. 24 as seen from the outside.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a mounting portion of the image forming apparatus main body in which the process cartridge of FIG. 25 is mounted.

27 is a perspective view of the mounting portion of the image forming apparatus main body in which the process cartridge of FIG. 25 is mounted, viewed from a direction different from FIG.

28 is an explanatory view showing a mounting member of the process cartridge of FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 is a sectional view showing the mounting member of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a process cartridge including a plurality of air bleeding means.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory view showing Embodiment 2 of the air bleeding means according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 4 Transfer Means 7 Photosensitive Drum (Electrophotographic Photosensitive Body) 8 Charging Means 9 Developing Means 9a Toner Storage Part (Toner Storage Means) 10 Cleaning Means 23 Toner Storage Containers (Flexible Containers) 23a Openings 44 Opening / Closing Lids (Opening / Closing Members) 44d Pushing protrusion (pushing member) 45 Shielding plate (shielding member) 47, 57 Air bleeding means 47a, 57a, filter 57c Second filter A Image forming apparatus B Process cartridge C Toner cartridge

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (72) Inventor Kazuo Chatani 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc.

Claims (27)

[Claims] 1. A toner cartridge for replenishing toner by being attached to a process cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus, wherein the process cartridge has an opening portion and a toner storage portion for storing a plurality of toner cartridges therein. A lid member that includes a pushing member that pushes the toner cartridge into the toner storage portion by an operation, that covers the opening, a toner leakage prevention member that is provided in a loading path of the toner cartridge and that prevents toner leakage, and The toner cartridge has an air bleeding unit for bleeding air from the toner storage unit and a guide unit that regulates the position of the toner cartridge pushed into the toner storage unit, and the toner cartridge includes a flexible container in which toner is sealed. An opening means for discharging the toner and a support for supporting the flexible container. A toner, a deformable portion that is deformed by being pushed into the process cartridge and has a reduced volume, and a guided portion that engages with the guide portion when pushed into the process cartridge. cartridge. 2. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the toner cartridge is attached to a toner storage portion of the process cartridge and is not removed. 3. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the toner cartridge has a substantially triangular cross section, and is deformed and reduced by being rotationally moved around a vertex of the triangle. 4. A process cartridge which can be attached to and detached from a main body of an image forming apparatus and can be supplied with toner by a toner cartridge, wherein an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are provided. A toner accommodating portion that accommodates toner used for developing the formed latent image and that has an opening and can accommodate a plurality of toner cartridges; and a pushing member that pushes the toner cartridge into the toner accommodating portion by a closing operation. A lid member that covers the opening, a toner leakage prevention member that is provided in a loading path of the toner cartridge to prevent toner leakage, and an air bleeding unit that bleeds air from the toner storage portion when the toner cartridge is loaded. A guide portion for regulating the position of the toner cartridge pushed into the toner storage portion, The toner cartridge has a flexible container in which the toner is sealed, an opening unit for discharging the toner, a support unit for supporting the flexible container, and a deformation by being pushed into the process cartridge. A process cartridge, comprising: a deformable portion whose volume is reduced; and a guided portion which engages with the guide portion when pushed into the process cartridge. 5. The process cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the toner cartridge is attached to the toner storage portion and is not removed. 6. The process cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the toner cartridge has a substantially triangular cross section, and is deformed and reduced by rotationally moving around a vertex of the triangle. 7. A shield member that closes an opening of the toner storage portion to seal toner, and a guide portion that regulates a position of the shield member that is pushed into the toner storage portion. The process cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the member has a guided portion that engages with the guide portion. 8. The process cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the shielding member is pushed into the toner storage portion and is not removed. 9. The process cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the shielding member is pushed into the toner storage portion when the toner cartridge is attached to the toner storage portion. 10. The process cartridge comprises a charging means, a developing means or a cleaning means as the process means, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member which are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is attached to or detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 4 to 9, which is possible. 11. The process cartridge comprises at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit and a cleaning unit as the process unit, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member, which are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is used as a main body of an image forming apparatus. 5. The device according to claim 4, which is removable.
1 to 9 process cartridges. 12. The process cartridge is a cartridge in which a developing unit as the process unit and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 4 to 9. 13. An image forming apparatus, wherein a process cartridge is attachable / detachable and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: (a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the electrophotographic apparatus. A toner storage unit that stores toner used for developing the latent image formed on the photoconductor and has a plurality of toner cartridges having an opening, and the toner cartridge is stored in the toner storage unit by a closing operation. A lid member having a pushing member for pushing in, which covers the opening, a toner leakage prevention member provided in the loading path of the toner cartridge to prevent toner leakage, and an air for bleeding air from the toner storage portion when the toner cartridge is loaded. A removing section and a guide section for regulating the position of the toner cartridge pushed into the toner storage section, The toner cartridge includes a flexible container in which the toner is enclosed, an opening means for discharging the toner, a supporting means for supporting the flexible container, and a deformable shape when pushed into the process cartridge. Mounting means for detachably mounting a process cartridge having a deformable portion that shrinks and a guided portion that engages with the guide portion when pushed into the process cartridge; and (b) conveys the recording medium. An image forming apparatus, comprising: 14. The process cartridge includes a shield member that closes an opening of the toner storage portion to seal toner, and a guide portion that regulates a position of the shield member pushed into the toner storage portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the shielding member has a guided portion that engages with the guide portion. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the shielding member is pushed into the toner storage portion and is not removed. 16. The shielding member is pushed into the toner storage portion when the toner cartridge is attached to the toner storage portion.
Image forming apparatus. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic copying machine. 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic printer. 19. A toner hopper, which is provided in an image forming apparatus, accommodates toner used for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member and is capable of supplying toner by a toner cartridge. A toner storage portion having a plurality of toner cartridges therein, and a pressing member for pushing the toner cartridge into the toner storage portion by a closing operation, the lid member covering the opening, and a loading path for the toner cartridge. A toner leakage prevention member that is provided to prevent toner leakage, an air bleeding unit that bleeds air from the toner storage unit when the toner cartridge is loaded, and a guide unit that regulates the position of the toner cartridge pushed into the toner storage unit. The toner cartridge has a flexible container in which toner is enclosed and the toner is discharged. An opening means for supporting, a supporting means for supporting the flexible container, a deformable portion that is deformed by being pushed into the process cartridge and has a reduced volume, and a guide portion when pushed into the process cartridge. A toner hopper having a guided portion to be engaged with the toner hopper. 20. A shield member that closes an opening of the toner storage portion to seal toner, and a guide portion that regulates a position of the shield member that is pushed into the toner storage portion. 20. The toner hopper according to claim 19, wherein the member has a guided portion that engages with the guide portion. 21. The toner hopper according to claim 19, wherein the shielding member is pushed into the toner storage portion and is not removed. 22. The shielding member is pushed into the toner storage portion when the toner cartridge is attached to the toner storage portion.
Toner hopper. 23. The toner hopper according to claim 19, wherein the toner cartridge is not removed after being attached to the toner storing means. 24. In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, (a) an electrophotographic photoreceptor, (b) a latent image forming means for forming a latent image on the electrophotographic photoreceptor, (C) developing means for developing the latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member by the latent image forming means,
(D) A toner hopper that stores toner used for development by the developing means and that can be supplied with toner by a toner cartridge, the toner hopper having an opening and containing a plurality of toner cartridges therein; A lid member that includes a pushing member that pushes the toner cartridge into the toner storage portion by the closing operation, a lid member that covers the opening portion, a toner leakage prevention member that is provided in the toner cartridge loading path and that prevents toner leakage, and a toner cartridge when the toner cartridge is loaded. The toner container has an air bleeding unit for bleeding air from the toner storage unit, and a guide unit that regulates the position of the toner cartridge pushed into the toner storage unit. The toner cartridge is a flexible container in which toner is sealed. An opening means for discharging the toner, a supporting means for supporting the flexible container, A toner hopper having a deformable portion that is deformed by being pushed into the process cartridge and is reduced in volume, and a guided portion that engages with the guide portion when pushed into the process cartridge; and (e) the electrophotography. Transfer means for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor to the recording medium, and (f)
An image forming apparatus comprising: a conveying unit configured to convey the recording medium. 25. The toner cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.
Image forming apparatus. 26. The image forming apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic copying machine. 27. The image forming apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic printer.