초록 ▼

A development unit for use in an image formation apparatus is provided with a mechanism that allows a toner box to be removably attached to a case of the development unit. The mechanism includes a concave first shutter that closes a toner exhaust port formed in the toner box and a second convex shut

A development unit for use in an image formation apparatus is provided with a mechanism that allows a toner box to be removably attached to a case of the development unit. The mechanism includes a concave first shutter that closes a toner exhaust port formed in the toner box and a second convex shutter that closes a toner introduction port formed in an agitation chamber. The first and second shutter interlock with each other. Arms are provided on bosses formed along the outer circumference of support grooves in a pair of brackets in the case. The second shutter is attached to the arms, and the first shutter is provided between levers that pivot on the support shaft of the toner box. When the levers are pivoted while the support shaft is fitted into the support grooves, engagement projections formed on the levers are positioned in insertion grooves formed in the arms. The arms are then pivotally moved, so that the first and second shutters pivot while overlapping each other. As a result of this, unnecessary leakage of toner is prevented.

대표청구항 ▼

A developing assembly for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a developing unit including a case having an outer wall with a toner introduction port defined therein and a toner cartridge support formed thereon, a developing sleeve disposed within the case and exposed at one side of the case oppo

A developing assembly for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a developing unit including a case having an outer wall with a toner introduction port defined therein and a toner cartridge support formed thereon, a developing sleeve disposed within the case and exposed at one side of the case opposed to the toner introduction port, and a movable case shutter coupled to the case adjacent to the toner cartridge support and removably sealed over the toner introduction port; and a toner cartridge removably coupled to the developing unit at the toner cartridge support, including a toner box having an outer surface with a toner exhaust port defined therein and a box shutter with a concave portion facing the toner exhaust port and contacting the toner box, said box shutter being positionable to removably seal the toner exhaust port, wherein, when the toner cartridge is coupled to the toner cartridge support on the case of the developing unit, the case shutter and the box shutter are simultaneously positionable between open and closed positions to seal and unseal said toner introduction port and said toner exhaust port, respectively.