Floating toner port interface with a replaceable unit of an electrophotographic image forming device

摘要

An electrophotographic image forming device includes a toner channel having an outlet port positioned on a housing that includes a flexible member that allows the housing and the outlet port to move within the image forming device. A shutter is positioned on the housing and is movable between a closed position and an open position. A replaceable unit includes a toner reservoir and an inlet port. The inlet port is formed on an extension from the replaceable unit. Upon insertion of the replaceable unit into the image forming device, the extension is closely and matably received by the housing and the outlet port aligns with the inlet port permitting toner transfer from the toner channel to the replaceable unit. Insertion of the replaceable unit into the image forming device causes the shutter to open and removal of the replaceable unit from the image forming device causes the shutter to close.

主权项

1. An electrophotographic image forming device, comprising:
a toner channel having an outlet port in fluid communication with a toner supply of the image forming device, the outlet port is positioned on a housing that includes a flexible member that allows the housing and the outlet port to move within the image forming device, a shutter is positioned on the housing and is movable between a closed position blocking the outlet port and an open position unblocking the outlet port; and a replaceable unit that is insertable into and removable from the image forming device, the replaceable unit includes a toner reservoir and an inlet port in fluid communication with the toner reservoir, the inlet port is formed on an extension from the replaceable unit, wherein upon insertion of the replaceable unit into the image forming device, the extension is closely and matably received by the housing and the outlet port aligns with the inlet port permitting toner transfer from the toner channel to the replaceable unit, wherein insertion of the replaceable unit into the image forming device causes the shutter to move from the closed position to the open position and removal of the replaceable unit from the image forming device causes the shutter to move from the open position to the closed position.