# US 12,181,827 B2 · Toner cartridge latching

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- Number: US 12,181,827 B2
- Document ID: US12181827B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 18/211,470
- Filed: 2023-06-19
- Published: 2023-10-19
- Granted: 2024-12-31
- Earliest claimed: 2019-12-11
- Assignees: Lexmark International, Inc.
- Applicants: Lexmark International, Inc.
- Inventors: Randal Scott Williamson
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12181827B2

## CPC

- G03G 21/1647: {Mechanical connection means}
- G03G 15/0896: {Arrangements or disposition of the complete developer unit or parts thereof not provided for by groups G03G15/08 - G03G15/0894}
- G03G 21/1676: {for the developer unit}
- G03G 21/1821: {means for connecting the different parts of the process cartridge, e.g. attachment, positioning of parts with each other, pressure/distance regulation (G03G21/1825 takes precedence)}
- G03G 2221/1654: Locks and means for positioning or alignment
- G03G: ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY

## Abstract

A first replaceable unit is provided for use with a second replaceable unit in an electrophotographic image forming device. The first replaceable unit includes a latch movable between a latching position for latching the first replaceable unit to the second replaceable unit and an unlatching position for permitting the first replaceable unit to separate from the second replaceable unit. The latch is positioned to contact a latch catch on the second replaceable unit in order to prevent the first replaceable unit from separating from the second replaceable unit when the first replaceable unit is mated with the second replaceable unit and the latch is in the latching position. The latch includes a cam follower surface for contacting a camming surface on the second replaceable unit during mating of the first replaceable unit with the second replaceable unit to cause the latch to move toward the latching or unlatching position.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A first replaceable unit for use with a second replaceable unit in an electrophotographic image forming device, comprising:
a housing having a reservoir for holding toner; and
a latch movable relative to the housing between a latching position for latching the first replaceable unit to the second replaceable unit and an unlatching position for permitting the first replaceable unit to separate from the second replaceable unit, the latch includes a latching contact surface for contacting a corresponding latch catch on the second replaceable unit in order to prevent the first replaceable unit from separating from the second replaceable unit when the first replaceable unit is mated with the second replaceable unit and the latch is in the latching position, the latch includes a first cam follower surface for contacting a corresponding first camming surface on the second replaceable unit during mating of the first replaceable unit with the second replaceable unit to cause the latch to move in a first direction,
wherein the first replaceable unit does not include a biasing member biasing the latch relative to the housing toward the latching position or toward the unlatching position.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The first replaceable unit of claim 1, further comprising an outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir for exiting toner from the housing to the second replaceable unit.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The first replaceable unit of claim 2, wherein the outlet is positioned on the front of the housing, and the latch is positioned on the rear of the housing.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The first replaceable unit of claim 1, wherein the latch includes a second cam follower surface for contacting a corresponding second camming surface on the second replaceable unit during mating of the first replaceable unit with the second replaceable unit to cause the latch to move in a second direction.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The first replaceable unit of claim 1, wherein the latch is rotatable about a rotational axis relative to the housing between the latching position and the unlatching position.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The first replaceable unit of claim 5, wherein the latch includes a second cam follower surface for contacting a corresponding second camming surface on the second replaceable unit during mating of the first replaceable unit with the second replaceable unit to cause the latch to move in a second direction, wherein the latch includes a first extension and a second extension spaced angularly relative to the rotational axis from the first extension, wherein the latching contact surface is positioned on the first extension, and the first cam follower surface is positioned on the second extension.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The first replaceable unit of claim 6, wherein the second cam follower surface is positioned on the first extension.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The first replaceable unit of claim 6, wherein the latch includes a third extension spaced angularly relative to the rotational axis from the first extension and from the second extension, the third extension includes a handle permitting a user to manually rotate the latch between the latching position and the unlatching position.