US 12,332,581 B2
Image formation apparatus having developer cartridge with rotatable shutter lock engagement member
Shingo Shimada, Tokyo (JP)
Assigned to Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd., Tokyo (JP)
Filed by Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd., Tokyo (JP)
Filed on Jan. 16, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/413,712.
Claims priority of application No. 2023-023646 (JP), filed on Feb. 17, 2023.
Prior Publication US 2024/0280926 A1, Aug. 22, 2024
Int. Cl. G03G 15/08 (2006.01)
CPC G03G 15/0886 (2013.01) [G03G 15/0875 (2013.01); G03G 2215/068 (2013.01); G03G 2215/0692 (2013.01)] 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An image formation unit comprising:
an image formation part including a developer reception port and configured to form a developer image with a developer; and
a developer cartridge including: a storage section that stores therein the developer; a developer supply port provided at the storage section; a shutter movable between an open position that opens the developer supply port and a closed position that closes the developer supply port; a lock engagement member rotatably provided with respect to the storage section; and an operation part configured to be operated to move the shutter and rotate the lock engagement member, wherein
the developer is supplied from the storage section to the developer reception port through the developer supply port, in a state where the developer cartridge is installed to the image formation part such that the developer supply port overlaps with the developer reception port, the developer cartridge contacts a peripheral portion of the developer reception port, and the shutter is in the open position, and
when the shutter moves from the open position to the closed position in conjunction with a movement of the operation part and the lock engagement member rotates in conjunction with the movement of the operation part, the lock engagement member is engaged with the image formation part and the developer cartridge is separated from the peripheral portion of the developer reception port.