# US 2025/0085657 A1 · Toner cartridge latching > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2025/0085657 A1 - Document ID: US20250085657A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 18/959,870 - Filed: 2024-11-26 - Published: 2025-03-13 - Earliest claimed: 2019-12-11 - Assignees: Lexmark International, Inc. - Applicants: Lexmark International, Inc. - Inventors: RANDAL SCOTT WILLIAMSON - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20250085657A1 ## 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 is rotatable about a rotational axis relative to the housing between the latching position and the unlatching position, the latch includes a first extension 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 second extension spaced angularly from the first extension relative to the rotational axis, the second extension 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 rotate in a first rotational direction. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The first replaceable unit of claim 1, wherein the first extension extends downward from the rotational axis and toward a bottom of the housing when the latch is in the latching position. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The first replaceable unit of claim 1, wherein the first extension includes a hook for contacting the 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. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The first replaceable unit of claim 1, wherein the first extension 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 rotate in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The first replaceable unit of claim 4, wherein the first cam follower surface is positioned to contact the 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 rotate toward the latching position to position the latch in the latching position when the first replaceable unit is fully mated with the second replaceable unit, wherein the second cam follower surface is positioned to contact the 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 rotate toward the unlatching position to clear the corresponding latch catch on the second replaceable unit during mating of the first replaceable unit with the second replaceable unit. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The first replaceable unit of claim 1, wherein the latch includes a third extension spaced angularly relative to the rotational axis from the first extension and from the second extension permitting a user to manually rotate the latch between the latching position and the unlatching position. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The first replaceable unit of claim 6, wherein the third extension extends opposite the second extension relative to the rotational axis, and the first extension is positioned between the third extension and the second extension.