| 摘要 |
A developing device for an image forming apparatus and operable with a developer cartridge mounted on, for example, the top of a hopper thereof. When the cartridge is inserted into a predetermined space defined in the device, it forms a clearance having a predetermined sectional area and extending in the direction of cartridge insertion in cooperation with a wall that delimits the space. Hence, air inside the space is forced out to the outside via the clearance which terminates at a cartridge inlet. A filter is affixed to the outer periphery of at least the leading end portion of the cartridge, with respect to the direction of cartridge insertion, in such a manner as to block the clearance. As a result, when air flows through the clearance, a toner entrained by the stream of air is caught by the filter. Also according to the invention, the cartridge includes a shutter which is movable back and forth to open or close a developer outlet of the cartridge, where the shutter cooperates with one or more openings formed integral with the cartridge and/or the hopper in order to provide communication between internal spaces of the hopper and the outside environment so as to reduce pressure buildup within the hopper.
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