JP2003255686A - Toner replenishing container and sealing member - Google Patents
Toner replenishing container and sealing memberInfo
- Publication number
- JP2003255686A JP2003255686A JP2002059415A JP2002059415A JP2003255686A JP 2003255686 A JP2003255686 A JP 2003255686A JP 2002059415 A JP2002059415 A JP 2002059415A JP 2002059415 A JP2002059415 A JP 2002059415A JP 2003255686 A JP2003255686 A JP 2003255686A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- sealing member
- main body
- image forming
- toner
- forming apparatus
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Landscapes
- Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、例えば電子写真画
像形成装置などとされる画像形成装置の本体に着脱可能
なトナー補給容器、及び、トナー補給容器のトナー排出
開口部を封止するための封止部材に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toner replenishing container which is attachable to and detachable from a main body of an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a toner discharging opening of the toner replenishing container. The present invention relates to a sealing member.
【０００２】ここで電子写真画像形成装置とは、電子写
真画像形成方式を用いて記録媒体に画像を形成するもの
である。そして、電子写真画像形成装置としては、例え
ば電子写真複写機、電子写真プリンタ（例えばレーザー
ビームプリンタ、ＬＥＤプリンタなど）、ファクシミリ
装置及びワードプロセッサー等が含まれる。Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming system. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes, for example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, laser beam printer, LED printer, etc.), a facsimile machine, a word processor, and the like.
【０００３】[0003]
【従来の技術】従来、電子写真複写機やプリンタ等の電
子写真画像形成装置には現像剤としての微粉末のトナー
が使用されている。そして、電子写真画像形成装置本体
のトナーが消費された場合には、トナー供給容器（トナ
ー補給容器）を用いて画像形成装置本体へトナーを補給
することが行われている。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a fine powder toner is used as a developer in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a printer. Then, when the toner of the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is consumed, the toner is supplied to the main body of the image forming apparatus using a toner supply container (toner supply container).
【０００４】トナーは極めて微細な粉末であるため、ト
ナー補給作業時には、トナーが飛散しないようにトナー
供給容器を画像形成装置本体内の内部に据え置いて、小
さな開口部から少量ずつトナーを排出する方式が知られ
ている。Since the toner is an extremely fine powder, the toner supply container is installed inside the main body of the image forming apparatus to prevent the toner from scattering during the toner replenishing work, and the toner is discharged little by little through a small opening. It has been known.
【０００５】このようなトナー排出方式を採用したトナ
ー補給容器としては、例えば特開平７−２０７０１号公
報に開示されているトナー補給容器がある。As a toner replenishing container adopting such a toner discharging system, there is a toner replenishing container disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-20701.
【０００６】この公報に記載のトナー補給容器は、全体
形状が略円筒形状であり、その外周面の一端部には小さ
なトナー排出用の開口が設けられている。さらに、開口
には封止部材が着脱自在に取り付けられており、画像形
成装置本体による開閉機構により封止部材の着脱が行わ
れる構成とされる。The toner replenishing container described in this publication has a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, and a small toner discharge opening is provided at one end of the outer peripheral surface thereof. Further, a sealing member is detachably attached to the opening, and the sealing member is attached and detached by the opening / closing mechanism of the image forming apparatus main body.
【０００７】[0007]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、上記従
来例では幾つかの技術的課題があった。However, the above-mentioned conventional example has some technical problems.
【０００８】トナー開口部の封止部材は、物流時の振動
や衝撃等により浮いたり外れたりしてトナーが容器外へ
飛散しないように、できるだけ抜けにくい構成にする必
要がある。The sealing member for the toner opening must be constructed so as not to come off as much as possible so that the toner does not float or come off due to vibrations or shocks during physical distribution, and the toner does not fly out of the container.
【０００９】しかし、特開平７−２０７０１号公報に開
示されているトナー補給容器のように、封止部材を画像
形成装置本体による開閉機構で開閉する場合、封止部材
の開閉を小さい力でスムーズに行えることが望ましい。
そのため、封止部材の封止力を大きくするのにも限度が
あり、外れ防止のために封止部材を保護する部材を追加
しなくてはならない場合がある。However, when the sealing member is opened / closed by the opening / closing mechanism of the main body of the image forming apparatus like the toner supply container disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-20701, the opening / closing of the sealing member can be smoothly performed with a small force. It is desirable to be able to
Therefore, there is a limit to increasing the sealing force of the sealing member, and it may be necessary to add a member for protecting the sealing member to prevent the sealing member from coming off.
【００１０】従って、本発明の目的は、前述した従来の
トナー補給容器をさらに発展させたものであり、物流時
の落下等の衝撃を受けてもトナー開口部の封止部材が浮
いたり外れたりせず、その一方、画像形成装置装着時に
は封止部材の取り外しを確実且つ容易に行うことのでき
るトナー補給容器及び封止部材を提供することである。Therefore, an object of the present invention is to further develop the above-mentioned conventional toner replenishing container, and the sealing member of the toner opening part may float or come off even if it receives an impact such as a drop during distribution. On the other hand, on the other hand, it is an object of the present invention to provide a toner supply container and a sealing member that can surely and easily remove the sealing member when the image forming apparatus is mounted.
【００１１】[0011]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的は本発明に係る
トナー補給容器及び封止部材にて達成される。要約すれ
ば、第１の発明は、画像形成装置本体に着脱自在であっ
て、トナーを収納するための容器本体と、前記容器本体
に収納されたトナーを排出するための開口部と、前記開
口部を開閉自在に封止する封止部材と、を備えたトナー
補給容器において、前記封止部材は、前記開口部を封止
した際に前記トナー補給容器に前記封止部材を係止する
係合爪を有し、前記係合爪は、前記画像形成装置本体側
からの作用により前記作用方向と交差する方向に弾性変
形することによって、前記係合爪と前記トナー補給容器
との係止が解除され、前記封止部材が開封可能となるこ
とを特徴とする。この構成により、画像形成装置装着時
には封止部材の着脱を小さい力で容易に行うことができ
る一方、物流時の落下等の衝撃を受けても封止部材が浮
いたり外れたりしないため保護部材等がいらなくなり、
部品点数減によるコストダウンを達成することができ
る。The above object can be achieved by the toner supply container and the sealing member according to the present invention. In summary, the first aspect of the present invention is a container main body that is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus and that stores toner, an opening for discharging the toner stored in the container main body, and the opening. A toner replenishing container that opens and closes the opening portion, and the sealing member locks the sealing member to the toner replenishing container when the opening is sealed. The engaging claw is elastically deformed in a direction intersecting with the acting direction by an action from the image forming apparatus main body side, so that the engaging claw and the toner supply container are locked. When released, the sealing member can be opened. With this configuration, the sealing member can be easily attached / detached with a small force when the image forming apparatus is mounted, while the sealing member does not float or come off even when an impact such as a drop during distribution is received, so that the protective member, etc. No longer needed,
Cost reduction can be achieved by reducing the number of parts.
【００１２】第１の発明において、一実施態様による
と、前記封止部材は、前記トナー補給容器を前記画像形
成装置本体に装着した際に、前記封止部材を前記画像形
成装置本体に係止するための係止部を有する。この構成
により、トナー補給容器を画像形成装置本体に装着した
際に封止部材が装着方向に対して係止されるため、画像
形成装置本体側からの作用による係合爪の変形の維持が
可能となる。In the first invention, according to one embodiment, the sealing member locks the sealing member to the image forming apparatus main body when the toner supply container is attached to the image forming apparatus main body. It has a locking part for doing. With this configuration, when the toner supply container is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, the sealing member is locked in the attaching direction, so that the deformation of the engaging claws due to the action from the side of the image forming apparatus main body can be maintained. Becomes
【００１３】第１の発明において、他の実施態様による
と、前記封止部材は、前記係止部が前記画像形成装置本
体に係止された状態で、前記画像形成装置本体側からの
作用により前記係合爪は変形し、一方、係止が解除され
た状態で前記係合爪は変形から復帰するように構成され
る。この構成により、容器装着時に封止部材が装着方向
に対して係止されることで係合爪の変形が維持されてい
るため、封止部材とトナー補給容器を離間が可能とな
り、逆に容器脱着時には係合爪が変形から復帰すること
で容器への再係止を実施することができる。In the first invention, according to another embodiment, the sealing member is operated by the image forming apparatus main body side in a state where the engaging portion is engaged with the image forming apparatus main body. The engagement claw is deformed, while the engagement claw is configured to return from the deformation in a state where the engagement is released. With this configuration, the deformation of the engaging claws is maintained by the sealing member being locked in the mounting direction when the container is mounted, so that the sealing member and the toner supply container can be separated, and conversely At the time of detachment, the engagement claw returns from the deformation, so that the container can be re-locked.
【００１４】第１の発明において、他の実施態様による
と、前記係止部が前記画像形成装置本体に係止された状
態で、前記開口部を開封するために前記封止部材及び前
記トナー補給容器の少なくとも一方を移動させる。この
構成により、トナー補給容器の開封動作を画像形成装置
本体内で補給動作に連動させて行うために、ユーザー自
身が開封作業を行う必要が無く、ユーザーは手を汚さず
に簡単な補給が行える。According to another embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the sealing member and the toner replenishment for opening the opening portion in a state where the locking portion is locked to the main body of the image forming apparatus. Move at least one of the containers. With this configuration, since the opening operation of the toner replenishing container is performed in conjunction with the replenishing operation in the main body of the image forming apparatus, it is not necessary for the user to perform the opening operation by himself, and the user can easily perform the replenishment without getting his hands dirty. .
【００１５】第１の発明において、他の実施態様による
と、前記封止部材は、開封方向が前記前記画像形成装置
本体側からの作用方向と逆方向である。この構成によ
り、画像形成装置本体側からの作用が封止部材をトナー
補給容器に押し付ける方向に働くため、作用力を封止部
材でしっかりと受け止めることが可能となり、係合爪が
より変形しやすくなる。In the first invention, according to another embodiment, the opening direction of the sealing member is opposite to the working direction from the image forming apparatus main body side. With this configuration, the action from the image forming apparatus main body side acts in the direction of pressing the sealing member against the toner supply container, so that the operating force can be firmly received by the sealing member, and the engaging claws are more easily deformed. Become.
【００１６】第１の発明において、他の実施態様による
と、前記封止部材は、前記トナー補給容器の開口部と圧
入嵌合することで前記開口部を封止する。この構成によ
り、封止部材のトナー補給容器への組立が容易であり、
しかも溶着等による固定をすることなしに開口部のシー
ル性を維持することが可能で、更に開口部を繰り返し開
閉することが可能となる。In the first invention, according to another embodiment, the sealing member seals the opening by press-fitting the opening of the toner supply container. With this configuration, it is easy to assemble the sealing member into the toner supply container,
In addition, the sealing property of the opening can be maintained without fixing by welding or the like, and the opening can be repeatedly opened and closed.
【００１７】第１の発明において、他の実施態様による
と、前記係合爪の材質は、直鎖状ポリアミド系樹脂、ポ
リプロピレン系樹脂、ポリエチレン系樹脂、ポリエステ
ル系樹脂、ＡＢＳ樹脂、ＨＩＰＳ樹脂のいずれかであ
る。この構成により、適度な弾性を有するため、封止部
材とトナー補給容器との係合・脱着を容易に行うことが
できる。しかも安価で充分な耐久性を有する。According to another embodiment of the first invention, the material of the engaging claw is any of linear polyamide resin, polypropylene resin, polyethylene resin, polyester resin, ABS resin and HIPS resin. It is. With this configuration, since the elastic member has an appropriate elasticity, the sealing member and the toner supply container can be easily engaged / dismounted. Moreover, it is inexpensive and has sufficient durability.
【００１８】第１の発明において、他の実施態様による
と、前記封止部材は、前記係止部が前記画像形成装置本
体に係止された状態で、前記前記画像形成装置本体から
の駆動力を受ける駆動力受け部を有している。この構成
により、封止部材の開閉動作と駆動力の伝達動作を一つ
の封止部材で行うことができるため、コンパクトで安価
な構成のトナー補給容器を提供できる。In the first invention, according to another embodiment, the sealing member has a driving force from the image forming apparatus main body in a state where the engaging portion is engaged with the image forming apparatus main body. It has a driving force receiving portion for receiving. With this configuration, since the opening / closing operation of the sealing member and the driving force transmission operation can be performed by one sealing member, a compact and inexpensive toner supply container can be provided.
【００１９】第１の発明において、他の実施態様による
と、前記封止部材は、前記前記画像形成装置本体から前
記駆動力受け部が受けた駆動力を前記容器本体に伝達す
る駆動力伝達部を有している。この構成により、トナー
補給容器内に回転駆動を伝達するにあたり、回転軸受け
機構が不要であり、軸受け部でのトナー漏れ、トルクア
ップ、粗粒発生等の弊害を防げる。In the first invention, according to another embodiment, the sealing member is a driving force transmitting portion for transmitting the driving force received by the driving force receiving portion from the image forming apparatus main body to the container main body. have. With this configuration, when transmitting the rotational drive into the toner supply container, the rotary bearing mechanism is not necessary, and it is possible to prevent adverse effects such as toner leakage, torque increase, and coarse particle generation at the bearing portion.
【００２０】第２の発明は、画像形成装置本体に着脱自
在であって、トナーを収納するための容器本体と、前記
容器本体に収納されたトナーを排出するための開口部
と、を備えたトナー補給容器に用いられる前記開口部を
開閉自在に封止する封止部材であって、前記封止部材
は、前記開口部を封止した際に前記トナー補給容器に前
記封止部材を係止する係合爪を有し、前記係合爪は、前
記画像形成装置本体側からの作用により前記作用方向と
交差する方向に弾性変形することによって、前記係合爪
と前記トナー補給容器との係止が解除され、開封可能と
なることを特徴とする。この構成により、画像形成装置
装着時には封止部材の着脱を小さい力で容易に行うこと
ができる一方、物流時の落下等の衝撃を受けても封止部
材が浮いたり外れたりしないため保護部材等がいらなく
なり、部品点数減によるコストダウンを達成することが
できる。A second aspect of the present invention is detachably mountable to the main body of the image forming apparatus, and has a container body for storing the toner, and an opening for discharging the toner stored in the container body. A sealing member that opens and closes the opening used in the toner supply container, the sealing member locking the sealing member to the toner supply container when the opening is sealed. The engaging claw is elastically deformed in a direction intersecting with the acting direction by an action from the image forming apparatus main body side, so that the engaging claw and the toner supply container are engaged with each other. The feature is that the stopper is released and it can be opened. With this configuration, the sealing member can be easily attached / detached with a small force when the image forming apparatus is mounted, but the sealing member does not float or come off even when receiving an impact such as a drop during distribution, so that the protective member, etc. This eliminates the need for waste and reduces costs by reducing the number of parts.
【００２１】第２の発明において、一実施態様による
と、前記封止部材は、前記トナー補給容器を前記画像形
成装置本体に装着した際に、前記封止部材を前記画像形
成装置本体に係止するための係止部を有する。この構成
により、トナー補給容器を画像形成装置本体に装着した
際に封止部材が装着方向に対して係止されるため、画像
形成装置本体側からの作用による係合爪の変形の維持が
可能となる。In the second invention, according to one embodiment, the sealing member locks the sealing member to the image forming apparatus main body when the toner supply container is attached to the image forming apparatus main body. It has a locking part for doing. With this configuration, when the toner supply container is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, the sealing member is locked in the attaching direction, so that the deformation of the engaging claws due to the action from the side of the image forming apparatus main body can be maintained. Becomes
【００２２】第２の発明において、他の実施態様による
と、前記封止部材は、前記係止部が前記画像形成装置本
体に係止された状態で、前記画像形成装置本体側からの
作用により前記係合爪は変形し、一方、係止が解除され
た状態で前記係合爪は変形から復帰するように構成され
ている。この構成により、容器装着時に封止部材が装着
方向に対して係止されることで係合爪の変形が維持され
るため、封止部材とトナー補給容器を離間が可能とな
り、逆に容器脱着時には係合爪が変形から復帰すること
で容器への再係止を実施することができる。In the second invention, according to another embodiment, the sealing member is operated by the image forming apparatus main body side in a state where the engaging portion is engaged with the image forming apparatus main body. The engagement claw is deformed, while the engagement claw is configured to return from the deformation in a state where the locking is released. With this configuration, the deformation of the engaging claws is maintained by the sealing member being locked in the mounting direction when the container is mounted, so that the sealing member and the toner supply container can be separated from each other, and conversely the container can be detached. Occasionally, the engagement claw returns from the deformation, so that the container can be re-locked.
【００２３】第２の発明において、他の実施態様による
と、前記係止部が前記画像形成装置本体に係止された状
態で、前記開口部を開封するために前記封止部材及び前
記トナー補給容器の少なくとも一方を移動させる。この
構成により、トナー補給容器の開封動作を画像形成装置
本体内で補給動作に連動させて行うために、ユーザー自
身が開封作業を行う必要が無く、ユーザーは手を汚さず
に簡単な補給が行える。In a second aspect of the present invention, according to another embodiment, the sealing member and the toner replenishment for opening the opening in a state where the locking portion is locked to the main body of the image forming apparatus. Move at least one of the containers. With this configuration, since the opening operation of the toner replenishing container is performed in conjunction with the replenishing operation in the main body of the image forming apparatus, it is not necessary for the user to perform the opening operation by himself, and the user can easily perform the replenishment without getting his hands dirty. .
【００２４】第２の発明において、他の実施態様による
と、前記封止部材は、開封方向が前記前記画像形成装置
本体側からの作用方向と逆方向である。この構成によ
り、画像形成装置本体側からの作用が封止部材をトナー
補給容器に押し付ける方向に働くため、作用力を封止部
材でしっかりと受け止めることが可能となり、係合爪が
より変形しやすくなる。In the second invention, according to another embodiment, the opening direction of the sealing member is opposite to the acting direction from the image forming apparatus main body side. With this configuration, the action from the image forming apparatus main body side acts in the direction of pressing the sealing member against the toner supply container, so that the operating force can be firmly received by the sealing member, and the engaging claws are more easily deformed. Become.
【００２５】第２の発明において、他の実施態様による
と、前記封止部材は、前記トナー補給容器の開口部と圧
入嵌合することで前記開口部を封止する。この構成によ
り、封止部材のトナー補給容器への組立が容易であり、
しかも溶着等による固定をすることなしに開口部のシー
ル性を維持することが可能で、更に開口部を繰り返し開
閉することが可能となる。In the second invention, according to another embodiment, the sealing member seals the opening by press-fitting the opening of the toner supply container. With this configuration, it is easy to assemble the sealing member into the toner supply container,
In addition, the sealing property of the opening can be maintained without fixing by welding or the like, and the opening can be repeatedly opened and closed.
【００２６】第２の発明において、前記係合爪の材質
は、直鎖状ポリアミド系樹脂、ポリプロピレン系樹脂、
ポリエチレン系樹脂、ポリエステル系樹脂、ＡＢＳ樹
脂、ＨＩＰＳ樹脂のいずれかである。この構成により、
適度な弾性を有するため、封止部材とトナー補給容器と
の係合・脱着を容易に行うことができる。しかも安価で
充分な耐久性を有する。In the second invention, the material of the engaging claw is a linear polyamide resin, polypropylene resin,
It is one of a polyethylene resin, a polyester resin, an ABS resin, and a HIPS resin. With this configuration,
Since it has an appropriate elasticity, the sealing member and the toner supply container can be easily engaged and removed. Moreover, it is inexpensive and has sufficient durability.
【００２７】第２の発明において、前記封止部材は、前
記係止部が前記画像形成装置本体に係止された状態で、
前記前記画像形成装置本体からの駆動力を受ける駆動力
受け部を有している。この構成により、封止部材の開閉
動作と駆動力の伝達動作を一つの封止部材で行うことが
できるため、コンパクトで安価な構成のトナー補給容器
を提供できる。In a second aspect of the present invention, the sealing member has the locking portion locked to the image forming apparatus main body,
It has a driving force receiving portion for receiving a driving force from the main body of the image forming apparatus. With this configuration, since the opening / closing operation of the sealing member and the driving force transmission operation can be performed by one sealing member, a compact and inexpensive toner supply container can be provided.
【００２８】第２の発明において、他の実施態様による
と、前記封止部材は、前記前記画像形成装置本体から前
記駆動力受け部が受けた駆動力を前記容器本体に伝達す
る駆動力伝達部を有している。この構成により、トナー
補給容器内に回転駆動を伝達するにあたり、回転軸受け
機構が不要であり、軸受け部でのトナー漏れ、トルクア
ップ、粗粒発生等の弊害を防げる。In a second aspect of the present invention, according to another embodiment, the sealing member is a driving force transmitting portion for transmitting the driving force received by the driving force receiving portion from the image forming apparatus main body to the container main body. have. With this configuration, when transmitting the rotational drive into the toner supply container, the rotary bearing mechanism is not necessary, and it is possible to prevent adverse effects such as toner leakage, torque increase, and coarse particle generation at the bearing portion.
【００２９】[0029]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明に係るトナー補給容
器及び封止部材を図面に則して更に詳しく説明する。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The toner replenishing container and the sealing member according to the present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the drawings.
【００３０】先ず、本発明が適用されるトナー補給容
器、並びに、トナー補給容器の補給動作及び交換方法に
ついて図１〜図７を参照して説明する。First, a toner replenishing container to which the present invention is applied, and a replenishing operation and a replacing method of the toner replenishing container will be described with reference to FIGS.
【００３１】図１は、トナー補給容器が装着される画像
形成装置の外観の一部を示す。FIG. 1 shows a part of the external appearance of an image forming apparatus in which a toner supply container is mounted.
【００３２】図１及び図２に示す外装カバーの一部であ
るトナー補給容器交換用前カバー１５（以下、「交換用
前カバー」という）を、図示するように、使用者が開け
ると、容器受け台５０が、駆動系（不図示）によって所
定の位置まで引き出される。そして、この容器受け台５
０上にトナー補給容器１を載置する。使用者がトナー補
給容器１を装置本体１００から取り出す際には、容器受
け台５０を引き出し、容器受け台５０に載っているトナ
ー補給容器１を取り出す。ここで、交換用前カバー１５
は、トナー補給容器１を着脱（交換）するための専用カ
バーであって、トナー補給容器１を着脱するためだけに
開閉される。尚、装置本体１００のメンテナンスは、前
面カバー１００ｃを開閉することによって行われる。When the user opens the toner replenishing container replacement front cover 15 (hereinafter referred to as "replacement front cover"), which is a part of the exterior cover shown in FIGS. The cradle 50 is pulled out to a predetermined position by a drive system (not shown). And this container cradle 5
The toner replenishing container 1 is placed on 0. When the user takes out the toner supply container 1 from the apparatus main body 100, the container receiving base 50 is pulled out, and the toner supply container 1 placed on the container receiving base 50 is taken out. Here, the replacement front cover 15
Is a dedicated cover for attaching / detaching (replacing) the toner supply container 1, and is opened / closed only for attaching / detaching the toner supply container 1. The maintenance of the apparatus main body 100 is performed by opening and closing the front cover 100c.
【００３３】尚、容器受け台５０を介することなく、ト
ナー補給容器１を装置本体１００に直接装着し、又、装
置本体１００から取り外してもよい。The toner replenishing container 1 may be directly attached to the apparatus main body 100 or removed from the apparatus main body 100 without using the container pedestal 50.
【００３４】［トナー補給動作］先ず、図３（Ａ）〜図
３（Ｃ）を用いてトナー補給容器（以下、「トナーボト
ル」という）のトナー補給動作について説明する。図３
（Ａ）〜図３（Ｃ）はトナーボトル１を装置本体１００
内に挿入してトナー補給を行う過程の状態を各段階毎に
示した図である。[Toner Replenishing Operation] First, the toner replenishing operation of the toner replenishing container (hereinafter referred to as “toner bottle”) will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 (A) to 3 (C). Figure 3
3A to 3C show the toner bottle 1 with the apparatus main body 100.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state of a process of inserting the toner into the inside and performing toner supply for each stage.
【００３５】同図に示すように、装置本体１００にはト
ナー補給装置４００が設けられ、更にトナー補給装置４
００には、トナーボトル１と連結してトナーボトル１を
回転駆動させる駆動部（駆動力伝達部）２０が具備され
ている。駆動部２０はベアリング２３によって回転可能
に支持され、装置本体１００内に設けた不図示の駆動モ
ータにより回転駆動する構成になっている。As shown in the figure, a toner replenishing device 400 is provided in the apparatus main body 100, and the toner replenishing device 4 is further provided.
00, a drive unit (driving force transmission unit) 20 that is connected to the toner bottle 1 and rotationally drives the toner bottle 1. The drive unit 20 is rotatably supported by a bearing 23, and is rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 100.
【００３６】又、装置本体１００には、現像装置トナー
ホッパー（図示せず）に連通するトナー補給路２４を形
成する隔壁２５が設けられ、この隔壁２５には、トナー
ボトル１の一部を回転可能に支持し、かつトナー補給路
２４を密封する内外ベアリング２６ａ、２６ｂが固着さ
れている。更に、トナー補給路２４には補給トナーをホ
ッパーに搬送するためのスクリュー部材２７が配置され
ている。Further, the apparatus main body 100 is provided with a partition wall 25 forming a toner replenishing path 24 communicating with a developing device toner hopper (not shown), and a part of the toner bottle 1 is rotated in the partition wall 25. Inner and outer bearings 26a and 26b are fixedly supported so as to seal the toner supply passage 24. Further, a screw member 27 for conveying the replenishment toner to the hopper is arranged in the toner replenishment path 24.
【００３７】図３（Ａ）には、トナーボトル１を装置本
体１００に挿入させる状態が示されている。トナーボト
ル１先端の一端面には、本例では円筒状とされるトナー
補給開口部（以下、単に「開口部」という）１ａが設け
てあり、開口部１ａは、その先端開口が封止部材２によ
り封止された状態にある。FIG. 3A shows a state in which the toner bottle 1 is inserted into the apparatus main body 100. On one end surface of the tip of the toner bottle 1, there is provided a toner replenishing opening portion 1a (hereinafter simply referred to as “opening portion”) 1a having a cylindrical shape in this example, and the opening portion of the opening portion 1a is a sealing member. It is in a state of being sealed by 2.
【００３８】図３（Ｂ）には、トナーボトル１の挿入が
更に進み、封止部材２の先端部に設けた係止部としての
係合突起３が装置本体側の駆動部２０と係合した状態が
示されている。この駆動部２０と封止部材２との係合は
ユーザーがトナーボトル１を挿入した時の挿入力によっ
て行われる。この時、封止部材２は、係合突起３に設け
た係止面３ｂによって駆動部２０とスラスト方向（軸方
向）に係止されているため、封止部材２はこの係止を解
除しない限り、駆動部２０に位置的に固定された状態に
ある。In FIG. 3B, the insertion of the toner bottle 1 is further advanced, and the engaging projection 3 as a locking portion provided at the tip of the sealing member 2 is engaged with the drive portion 20 on the apparatus main body side. The state is shown. The engagement between the drive unit 20 and the sealing member 2 is performed by the insertion force when the user inserts the toner bottle 1. At this time, since the sealing member 2 is locked in the thrust direction (axial direction) with the drive unit 20 by the locking surface 3b provided on the engaging protrusion 3, the sealing member 2 does not release this locking. As long as it is in a positionally fixed state to the drive unit 20.
【００３９】図３（Ｃ）には、封止部材２と駆動部２０
が係合した後、交換用前カバー１５の閉動作に連動し
て、スライド部材３００が矢印ｂ方向に後退することで
トナーボトル１も後退し、相対的に封止部材２がトナー
ボトル１から離れて開口部１ａが開き、トナー補給が可
能となった状態が示されている。この時、トナーボトル
１の本体（以下、「ボトル本体」という）１Ａに固定さ
れた駆動軸１ｂは封止部材２から完全に外れることはな
く、駆動軸１ｂの一部が封止部材２内に残っている。
尚、駆動軸１ｂは、その断面が、四角形や三角形などの
回転駆動伝達が可能な非円形断面形状になっている。In FIG. 3C, the sealing member 2 and the drive section 20 are shown.
, The slide member 300 retracts in the direction of the arrow b in conjunction with the closing operation of the replacement front cover 15, so that the toner bottle 1 also retracts, and the sealing member 2 relatively moves from the toner bottle 1. The state is shown in which the opening 1a is opened apart and the toner can be supplied. At this time, the drive shaft 1b fixed to the main body 1A of the toner bottle 1 (hereinafter referred to as “bottle main body”) does not completely come off from the sealing member 2, and a part of the drive shaft 1b is inside the sealing member 2. Remains in.
The drive shaft 1b has a non-circular cross-sectional shape such as a quadrangle or a triangle that allows transmission of rotational drive.
【００４０】この状態で不図示のモータを駆動させると
回転駆動力は本体駆動部２０から封止部材２へと伝達
し、更に封止部材２から駆動軸１ｂへと伝わることでト
ナーボトル１が回転する構成になっている。すなわちこ
の封止部材２はトナーを封止すると同時にトナーボトル
１の回転駆動力を伝達させる２つの機能を果たしてい
る。When a motor (not shown) is driven in this state, the rotational driving force is transmitted from the main body drive unit 20 to the sealing member 2 and further from the sealing member 2 to the drive shaft 1b, whereby the toner bottle 1 is removed. It is designed to rotate. That is, the sealing member 2 has two functions of sealing the toner and transmitting the rotational driving force of the toner bottle 1 at the same time.
【００４１】又、トナーボトル１は容器受け台５０に設
けられたボトル受けローラ５１により回転可能に支持さ
れているため、わずかな駆動トルクでもスムーズに回転
することが可能である。このボトル受けローラ５１はボ
トル本体１Ａに対して鞍となる位置に４ケ所配設されて
いる。ボトル受けローラ５１は装置本体１００のトナー
補給装置４００に回転自在に設けてある。このようにト
ナーボトル１が回転することでトナーボトル１の内部に
収容されていたトナーが開口部１ａから順次排出され、
トナー補給路２４に設けられたスクリュー部材２７によ
って装置本体１００側のホッパーへと搬送され、トナー
補給が行われる。Further, since the toner bottle 1 is rotatably supported by the bottle receiving roller 51 provided on the container receiving stand 50, the toner bottle 1 can smoothly rotate even with a slight driving torque. The bottle receiving rollers 51 are arranged at four positions in the saddle with respect to the bottle body 1A. The bottle receiving roller 51 is rotatably provided on the toner supply device 400 of the apparatus main body 100. As the toner bottle 1 rotates in this manner, the toner contained in the toner bottle 1 is sequentially discharged from the opening 1a,
The screw member 27 provided in the toner replenishing path 24 conveys the toner to the hopper on the apparatus main body 100 side to replenish the toner.
【００４２】［トナー補給容器の交換方法］次に、トナ
ーボトルの交換方法について説明する。[Toner Replenishing Container Replacement Method] Next, a toner bottle replacement method will be described.
【００４３】画像形成のプロセスに伴い、トナーボトル
１内のトナーが略全量消費されると、装置本体１００に
設けられたトナー補給容器空検知手段（不図示）によっ
てトナーボトル１内のトナーが無くなったことが検知さ
れ、その旨が液晶等の表示手段１００ｂ（図１参照）に
よりユーザーに知らされる。When the toner in the toner bottle 1 is almost completely consumed in the image forming process, the toner in the toner bottle 1 is exhausted by the toner replenishing container empty detecting means (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 100. It is detected and the user is informed of that fact by the display means 100b such as liquid crystal (see FIG. 1).
【００４４】トナーボトル１の交換はユーザー自身が行
い、その手順は以下の通りである。The toner bottle 1 is replaced by the user himself, and the procedure is as follows.
【００４５】先ず、閉じられた状態の交換用前カバー１
５をヒンジ１８を中心に回動させて図２の破線で示す位
置まで開く。この交換用前カバー１５を開く動作に連動
して後述のトナー補給部開閉手段により、上述の図３
（Ｃ）の状態にあるボトル本体１Ａが矢印ｂと反対方向
の図３（Ａ）に示す矢印ａ方向に移動して、それまでボ
トル本体１Ａと離間した、トナー補給開口部１ａを開放
する状態にあった封止部材２がトナー補給開口部１ａに
圧入嵌合され、トナー補給開口部１ａが閉止され、上記
図３（Ｂ）に示す状態となる。First, the replacement front cover 1 in the closed state.
The hinge 5 is rotated about the hinge 18 to open it to the position shown by the broken line in FIG. In conjunction with the operation of opening the replacement front cover 15, the toner replenishing portion opening / closing means described later causes the above-mentioned operation of
A state in which the bottle body 1A in the state of (C) moves in the direction of arrow a shown in FIG. 3 (A) opposite to the direction of arrow b and opens the toner replenishing opening 1a which has been separated from the bottle body 1A until then. The matching sealing member 2 is press-fitted into the toner replenishing opening 1a, and the toner replenishing opening 1a is closed, resulting in the state shown in FIG.
【００４６】次に、ユーザーは、装置本体１００に装着
されているトナーのなくなったトナーボトル１を図３
（Ａ）に示す矢印ａ方向と逆方向に、即ち、図３（Ｃ）
に示す矢印ｂ方向に引き出し、装置本体１００から取り
外す。この後、ユーザーは新しいトナーボトル１を図３
（Ａ）に示す矢印ａの向きに装置本体１００へと挿入し
た後、交換用前カバー１５を閉じる。そして、上述のよ
うに、この交換用前カバー１５を閉める動作に連動して
トナー補給部開閉手段により封止部材２が容器本体１Ａ
から離間され、トナー補給開口部１ａが開封される（図
３（Ｃ））。以上が、トナー補給容器の交換手順であ
る。Next, the user installs the toner bottle 1 in the main assembly 100 of the apparatus, which has run out of toner, as shown in FIG.
In the direction opposite to the arrow a direction shown in (A), that is, in FIG.
It is pulled out in the direction of arrow b shown in FIG. After this, the user installs a new toner bottle 1 in FIG.
After the insertion into the apparatus main body 100 in the direction of the arrow a shown in (A), the replacement front cover 15 is closed. Then, as described above, in conjunction with the operation of closing the replacement front cover 15, the sealing member 2 is closed by the toner replenishing portion opening / closing means.
And the toner supply opening 1a is opened (FIG. 3C). The above is the procedure for replacing the toner supply container.
【００４７】［トナーボトル］次に、トナーボトルにつ
いて図４と図５用いて更に説明する。[Toner Bottle] Next, the toner bottle will be further described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.
【００４８】トナーボトル１は略円筒形状に形成され、
その一端面のほぼ中央にそのボトル本体、即ち、円筒部
１Ａより小径の開口部１ａが突設されている。開口部１
ａには開口部１ａを閉じる封止部材２が設けてあり、図
３（Ａ）〜（Ｃ）に関連した説明にて理解されるよう
に、この封止部材２がトナーボトル１の軸方向（矢印ａ
-ｂ方向）にスライドすることにより、開口部１ａの開
閉動作を行う構成とされる。封止部材２の先端部には弾
性変形可能な係合突起３と、係合突起３の装置本体側の
駆動部２０との係合を解除する解除力受け部（解除部）
４とが設けてあり、この係合突起３は駆動部２０と係合
して、トナーボトル１に回転駆動を伝達する機能を果た
す構成になっている。この係合突起３及び解除力受け部
４の構成については後で詳細に述べる。The toner bottle 1 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape,
An opening 1a having a diameter smaller than that of the bottle body, that is, the cylindrical portion 1A, is provided in a substantially central portion of one end surface thereof. Opening 1
A sealing member 2 for closing the opening 1a is provided in a, and as will be understood from the description related to FIGS. 3A to 3C, the sealing member 2 is in the axial direction of the toner bottle 1. (Arrow a
By sliding in the (-b direction), the opening / closing operation of the opening 1a is performed. An elastically deformable engagement protrusion 3 at the tip of the sealing member 2 and a release force receiving portion (release portion) for releasing the engagement of the engagement protrusion 3 with the drive unit 20 on the apparatus body side.
4 is provided, and the engaging projection 3 is configured to engage with the drive unit 20 and to transmit the rotational drive to the toner bottle 1. The configurations of the engagement protrusion 3 and the release force receiving portion 4 will be described in detail later.
【００４９】先ず、トナーボトル１内部の構成について
説明する。First, the internal structure of the toner bottle 1 will be described.
【００５０】上述のように、トナーボトル１は略円筒形
状を有しており、装置本体１００内に略水平に配置さ
れ、装置本体１００から回転駆動を受けて、回転する構
成とされる。そして、このトナーボトル１の内面には螺
旋状の突起１Ｃが設けてある。トナーボトル１が回転す
ることにより、この螺旋状突起１Ｃに沿ってトナーが軸
方向に搬送され、トナーボトル１端面に設けた開口部１
ａからトナーが排出される。As described above, the toner bottle 1 has a substantially cylindrical shape, is arranged substantially horizontally in the apparatus main body 100, and is rotated by being rotationally driven by the apparatus main body 100. A spiral projection 1C is provided on the inner surface of the toner bottle 1. When the toner bottle 1 rotates, the toner is conveyed in the axial direction along the spiral protrusion 1C, and the opening 1 provided at the end surface of the toner bottle 1
The toner is discharged from a.
【００５１】トナーボトル１内部の構成については、ト
ナーボトル１が回転することによりトナーが排出するボ
トル形状であれば、特にその形状や構成について限定す
るものではない。The internal configuration of the toner bottle 1 is not particularly limited as long as the toner bottle 1 has a bottle shape in which toner is discharged as the toner bottle 1 rotates.
【００５２】つまり、本発明の主旨は、駆動を受けるこ
とによってトナーを排出するトナーボトル１において、
トナーボトル１と装置本体１００との駆動伝達部の構成
に特徴を持たせたことであるため、トナーボトル１の内
部構成については、本例のように一般的によく知られて
いるボトル内部に螺旋状突起１ｃを形成したものや、そ
の他の構成のものであっても構わない。That is, the gist of the present invention is to provide the toner bottle 1 which discharges toner by being driven.
Since the structure of the drive transmission portion between the toner bottle 1 and the apparatus main body 100 is characterized, the internal structure of the toner bottle 1 is similar to that of a well-known bottle like this example. The spiral protrusion 1c may be formed or any other structure may be used.
【００５３】例えば、変形例として図６に示すようなボ
トル内部の構成でも良い。本変形例では、ボトル本体内
部に板状のバッフル部材４０を設け、バッフル部材４０
の表面にトナーボトル１の軸線方向に対して傾斜した傾
斜突起４０ａを複数設けており、この傾斜突起４０ａの
一端は開口部１ａに達している。トナーは最終的にこの
傾斜突起４０ａから開口部１ａを通って排出される。For example, as a modification, the inside of the bottle as shown in FIG. 6 may be used. In this modification, a plate-shaped baffle member 40 is provided inside the bottle body, and the baffle member 40 is
A plurality of inclined protrusions 40a inclined with respect to the axial direction of the toner bottle 1 are provided on the surface of the toner bottle 1, and one end of each inclined protrusion 40a reaches the opening 1a. The toner is finally discharged from the inclined protrusion 40a through the opening 1a.
【００５４】トナーが排出される原理は、トナーボトル
１の回転によってバッフル部材４０で掻き揚げられたト
ナーがバッフル部材４０表面上を滑り落ち、傾斜突起４
０ａによってトナーボトル１の前方へ搬送される。この
動作を繰り返すことによって、トナーボトル内部のトナ
ーは順次、撹拌・搬送されて開口部１ａから排出され
る。The principle that the toner is discharged is that the toner scraped up by the baffle member 40 by the rotation of the toner bottle 1 slides down on the surface of the baffle member 40, and the inclined projection 4
0a conveys the toner to the front of the toner bottle 1. By repeating this operation, the toner in the toner bottle is sequentially stirred and conveyed, and is discharged from the opening 1a.
【００５５】又、本発明における駆動の形式は、本例に
示すような回転駆動だけに限定するものではなく、トナ
ーボトル１を振動、或いは、揺動、又はその他の方法
等、何らかの駆動力を受けることによりトナーを補給す
るものであれば、特にその駆動の形式は問わない。つま
り、装置本体１００から何らかの駆動を受けることによ
ってトナーを排出するトナーボトルであれば、その駆動
は回転でも、揺動でも振動でも、いずれの駆動形式でも
よい。Further, the driving method in the present invention is not limited to only the rotational driving as shown in this example, and some kind of driving force such as vibration, swinging, or other method of the toner bottle 1 is applied. The driving method is not particularly limited as long as the toner is replenished by receiving the toner. That is, as long as it is a toner bottle that discharges toner by receiving some driving from the apparatus main body 100, the driving may be rotation, rocking, vibration, or any driving method.
【００５６】また、前記変形例においては、この板状の
バッフル部材４０はトナーボトル１とは別部材で構成さ
れており、封止部材２を介して、このバッフル部材４０
に回転駆動力を伝達することで間接的にトナーボトル１
を回転させる構成になっている。In the modification, the plate-shaped baffle member 40 is formed as a member different from the toner bottle 1, and the baffle member 40 is provided via the sealing member 2.
Toner bottle 1 indirectly by transmitting the rotational driving force to
It is configured to rotate.
【００５７】このように、封止部材２を介してトナーボ
トル１を直接に或いは間接的に回転駆動力を伝える構成
のいずれの構成を用いてもよい。As described above, any structure of directly or indirectly transmitting the rotational driving force to the toner bottle 1 via the sealing member 2 may be used.
【００５８】図４及び図５において、上述のようにボト
ル本体１Ａにはその一端面に開口部１ａが設けてあり、
開口部１ａ内にボトル本体１Ａと一体に設けられた駆動
軸１ｂが開口部１ａから突出している。この駆動軸１ｂ
は開口部１ａのほぼ中心軸線上に位置し、封止部材２に
設けた係合穴２ａと係合する。駆動軸１ｂは装置本体１
００から封止部材２を介して回転駆動力をボトル本体１
Ａへ伝達させるためのものであることから、駆動軸１ｂ
の断面形状は回転駆動力を伝達可能な四角形状やＨカッ
ト形状、Ｄカット形状等の形状になっている。駆動軸１
ｂは適宜手段によってボトル本体１Ａに固定されてい
る。In FIGS. 4 and 5, as described above, the bottle body 1A is provided with the opening 1a at one end surface thereof,
A drive shaft 1b provided integrally with the bottle body 1A inside the opening 1a projects from the opening 1a. This drive shaft 1b
Is located substantially on the central axis of the opening 1a and engages with the engaging hole 2a provided in the sealing member 2. The drive shaft 1b is the device body 1
00 through the sealing member 2 to drive the rotation of the bottle body 1
Drive shaft 1b because it is for transmission to A
The cross-section has a square shape, an H-cut shape, a D-cut shape, or the like that can transmit the rotational driving force. Drive shaft 1
b is fixed to the bottle body 1A by appropriate means.
【００５９】尚、駆動軸１ｂはボトル本体１Ａに固定せ
ずに、図７に示すように封止部材２と一体に設けても何
らかまわない。その際は、駆動軸１ｂからの駆動力を伝
達するための係合穴２ａをトナーボトル１側に設ける必
要がある。この変形例では、開口部１ａの構成部材１ｃ
に係合穴２ａを設けている。The drive shaft 1b may be provided integrally with the sealing member 2 as shown in FIG. 7 without being fixed to the bottle body 1A. In that case, it is necessary to provide an engaging hole 2a on the toner bottle 1 side for transmitting the driving force from the driving shaft 1b. In this modification, the constituent member 1c of the opening 1a is
Is provided with an engagement hole 2a.
【００６０】本例においてはボトル本体１Ａに駆動軸１
ｂを固定した構成を採用した。In this example, the drive shaft 1 is attached to the bottle body 1A.
The configuration in which b is fixed is adopted.
【００６１】実施例１
次に、本発明の特徴ある構成を有する封止部材、及び、
封止部材と駆動部との係合、解除方法について説明す
る。Example 1 Next, a sealing member having a characteristic structure of the present invention, and
A method of engaging and disengaging the sealing member and the drive unit will be described.
【００６２】［封止部材］次に、本実施例における封止
部材２について図８及び図９を用いて更に説明する。[Sealing Member] Next, the sealing member 2 in this embodiment will be further described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.
【００６３】図８及び図９において、封止部材２はトナ
ーボトル１の開口部１ａを開封可能に封止する封止部２
ｂ、及び装置本体の駆動部２０と係合する円筒状のカッ
プリング係合部２ｃを備えている。封止部２ｂの外径は
開口部１ａの内径よりも適当量大きく設定されている。
そして、封止部２ｂを開口部１ａに圧入嵌合することに
より、封止部材２によって開口部１ａであるトナー補給
口が密封される。In FIGS. 8 and 9, the sealing member 2 is a sealing portion 2 which seals the opening 1a of the toner bottle 1 so as to be opened.
b, and a cylindrical coupling engagement portion 2c that engages with the drive portion 20 of the apparatus body. The outer diameter of the sealing portion 2b is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the opening 1a by an appropriate amount.
Then, the sealing portion 2b is press-fitted into the opening 1a to seal the toner supply port, which is the opening 1a, by the sealing member 2.
【００６４】上述のように、封止部材２は、駆動軸１ｂ
と係合して装置本体１００から受けた駆動力を駆動軸１
ｂに伝達するための係合穴２ａを有している。この係合
穴２ａは封止部２ｂ及び係合部２ｃにわたって形成され
ている。又、この係合穴２ａは駆動軸１ｂの断面形状に
対応した形状を有するとともに、駆動軸１ｂよりも僅か
に大きく形成されている。これにより駆動軸１ｂは係合
穴２ａに遊嵌される。又、係合穴２ａは駆動軸１ｂと同
断面であって、多角形である。本実施例では正方形を採
用している。As described above, the sealing member 2 includes the drive shaft 1b.
The driving force received from the apparatus main body 100 by engaging with the driving shaft 1
It has an engagement hole 2a for transmitting to b. The engagement hole 2a is formed over the sealing portion 2b and the engagement portion 2c. The engagement hole 2a has a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the drive shaft 1b, and is formed slightly larger than the drive shaft 1b. As a result, the drive shaft 1b is loosely fitted in the engagement hole 2a. The engaging hole 2a has the same cross section as the drive shaft 1b and is polygonal. In this embodiment, a square is adopted.
【００６５】そして、このように駆動軸１ｂが係合穴２
ａに遊嵌されることにより、ボトル本体１Ａと封止部材
２とは、ボトル本体１Ａの回転方向には互いに係止され
る一方、軸線方向へは相互に移動自在に構成されるよう
になっている。これにより、トナーボトル１をトナー補
給装置４００へ装着時、後述するように封止部材２とボ
トル本体１Ａとの離間が可能となり、トナー供給口すな
わち開口部１ａの開封（開口）が可能となる。Then, in this way, the drive shaft 1b is engaged with the engaging hole 2
By being loosely fitted in a, the bottle body 1A and the sealing member 2 are locked to each other in the rotation direction of the bottle body 1A, while being movable in the axial direction. ing. As a result, when the toner bottle 1 is attached to the toner replenishing device 400, the sealing member 2 and the bottle body 1A can be separated from each other as described later, and the toner supply port, that is, the opening 1a can be opened (opened). .
【００６６】ところで、この係合穴２ａと駆動軸１ｂと
の係合長さは、封止部材２とボトル本体１Ａとが離間す
る際、外れることのない長さを有している。これにより
封止部材２がボトル本体１と離間しても、駆動軸１ｂは
封止部材２を介して駆動力を受けることができる。By the way, the engagement length between the engagement hole 2a and the drive shaft 1b is such that it does not come off when the sealing member 2 and the bottle body 1A are separated from each other. As a result, even if the sealing member 2 is separated from the bottle body 1, the drive shaft 1b can receive a driving force via the sealing member 2.
【００６７】次に、係合突起３について詳しく説明す
る。Next, the engaging projection 3 will be described in detail.
【００６８】封止部材２には装置本体１００からの駆動
力を受けるためカップリング係合部２ｃに係合突起３を
設けている。係合突起３はカップリング係合部２ｃの円
筒面２ｄよりも半径方向外側に向かって突出しており、
かつ、回転方向の駆動力を伝達するための駆動力受け部
としての駆動受け面３ａと、トナーボトル１と封止部材
２とを離間させる際に、封止部材２を本体駆動部側に係
止させるための係止部として作用する係止面３ｂとを有
している。すなわち、係合突起３はトナーボトル１の回
転駆動とトナーボトル１の着脱方向における位置規制と
いう、２つの異なる働きを、それぞれ駆動受け面３ａと
係止面３ｂとで果たしている。The sealing member 2 is provided with an engaging projection 3 on the coupling engaging portion 2c for receiving a driving force from the apparatus main body 100. The engagement protrusion 3 protrudes outward in the radial direction from the cylindrical surface 2d of the coupling engagement portion 2c,
In addition, when the toner bottle 1 and the sealing member 2 are separated from the drive receiving surface 3a as the driving force receiving portion for transmitting the driving force in the rotation direction, the sealing member 2 is engaged with the main body driving portion side. It has a locking surface 3b acting as a locking portion for stopping. That is, the engagement protrusion 3 performs two different functions, that is, the rotational driving of the toner bottle 1 and the position regulation in the attachment / detachment direction of the toner bottle 1, by the drive receiving surface 3a and the locking surface 3b, respectively.
【００６９】この係合突起３は、基本的には封止部材２
と一体で設けた方が部品点数の削減という観点から好ま
しいが、係合突起３のみを別部品として封止部材２に組
み込んだ構成にしても特にかまわない。Basically, the engaging projection 3 is formed by the sealing member 2.
It is preferable to integrally provide the above with the viewpoint of reducing the number of parts, but a structure in which only the engaging projection 3 is incorporated in the sealing member 2 as a separate part may be used.
【００７０】係合突起３を封止部材２と一体で設ける際
には、係合突起３の両側にスリット溝２ｅ等を設けて、
係合突起３のみが自由に弾性変形できる爪のような形状
が好ましい。なお、本実施例においては、係合突起３は
封止部材２と一体に設けた場合の例を示している。When the engaging projection 3 is provided integrally with the sealing member 2, slit grooves 2e and the like are provided on both sides of the engaging projection 3,
It is preferable that only the engaging projection 3 has a claw-like shape that can be elastically deformed freely. In this embodiment, the engaging protrusion 3 is provided integrally with the sealing member 2.
【００７１】また、係合突起３の先端部は、封止部材２
が装置本体の駆動部２０に挿入された際に、スムーズに
挿入されるようにテーパ面３ｃ（図９）を有している。Further, the tip of the engaging projection 3 has a sealing member 2
Has a tapered surface 3c (FIG. 9) so that it can be smoothly inserted when it is inserted into the drive unit 20 of the apparatus body.
【００７２】次に、封止部材２の解除部４の構成につい
て図９及び図１０に基づいて説明する。Next, the structure of the releasing portion 4 of the sealing member 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
【００７３】係合突起３は、対向方向に２箇所設けられ
ているが、互いの係合突起同士を接続する接続部として
の解除力受け部、即ち、係合解除部４が設けられてい
る。この係合解除部４は、図９にて矢印ｂ方向に力が加
わると、二点鎖線で示すように係合突起３を矢印ｄ方向
に弾性変形させるような役割を果たしており、力を除去
すると、再び元の形に戻る構成になっている。従って、
この解除部４は弾性変形しやすいように比較的薄肉化さ
れており、又、それに適にした材質であることが好まし
い。The engaging projections 3 are provided at two positions in the facing direction, but a releasing force receiving portion, that is, an engaging releasing portion 4, is provided as a connecting portion for connecting the engaging projections to each other. . When the force is applied in the direction of the arrow b in FIG. 9, the disengagement portion 4 plays a role of elastically deforming the engagement projection 3 in the direction of the arrow d as shown by the chain double-dashed line. Then, the structure is restored to the original shape again. Therefore,
The release portion 4 is relatively thin so that it is easily elastically deformed, and it is preferable that the release portion 4 is made of a material suitable for it.
【００７４】このような封止部材２はプラスチック等の
樹脂を射出成形して製造するのが好ましいが、他の材料
及び製造方法であっても、任意に分割、接合しても構わ
ない。また、封止部材２はトナー補給開口部に圧入嵌合
してこれを密封するために適度な弾性が必要とされる。
その材料としては、低密度ポリエチレンが最も好まし
く、次いでポリプロピレン、直鎖状ポリアミド、例えば
商品名ナイロン、高密度ポリエチレン等が好ましく利用
できる。The sealing member 2 is preferably manufactured by injection-molding a resin such as plastic, but other materials and manufacturing methods may be used, and the members may be arbitrarily divided and joined. Further, the sealing member 2 is required to have appropriate elasticity in order to press-fit and fit into the toner replenishing opening and seal the same.
As the material, low density polyethylene is most preferable, and then polypropylene, linear polyamide, for example, trade name nylon, high density polyethylene and the like can be preferably used.
【００７５】次に、本発明の特徴である係合爪２４につ
いて図８〜図１１を参照して詳しく説明する。Next, the engaging claw 24, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
【００７６】本発明によれば、封止部材２には、封止部
材２をトナーボトル１に係止させるための係合爪２４が
設けられる。係合爪２４は、トナーボトル１の画像形成
装置本体への装着方向と交差する面に設け、トナーボト
ル１と封止部材２とを離間させる際に画像形成装置本体
からの作用により弾性変形する変形部２４ａと、径方向
外側に向かって突出してトナー補給容器１のトナー補給
開口部１ａ外周に設けた突起１ｅと係合する係合部２４
ｂとを有し、更に係合部２４ｂの先端部には、封止部材
２がトナー補給開口部１ａに挿入された際に、スムーズ
に挿入されるようにテーパ面２４ｃを有している。According to the present invention, the sealing member 2 is provided with the engaging claws 24 for locking the sealing member 2 to the toner bottle 1. The engagement claw 24 is provided on a surface that intersects with the mounting direction of the toner bottle 1 in the main body of the image forming apparatus, and is elastically deformed by the action of the main body of the image forming apparatus when the toner bottle 1 and the sealing member 2 are separated from each other. The deforming portion 24a and the engaging portion 24 that protrudes outward in the radial direction and engages with the protrusion 1e provided on the outer periphery of the toner supply opening 1a of the toner supply container 1.
b, and further has a tapered surface 24c at the tip of the engaging portion 24b so that the sealing member 2 can be smoothly inserted when the sealing member 2 is inserted into the toner supply opening 1a.
【００７７】係合爪２４は、封止部材２の装脱着に合わ
せて変形する必要があるために適度な弾性が必要とされ
る。その材料としては、低密度ポリエチレンが最も好ま
しく、次いでポリプロピレン系樹脂、直鎖状ポリアミド
系樹脂、例えば商品名ナイロン、高密度ポリエチレン、
ポリエステル系樹脂、ＡＢＳ樹脂、ＨＩＰＳ樹脂等が好
ましく利用できる。The engaging claws 24 are required to have appropriate elasticity because they need to be deformed in accordance with the attachment / detachment of the sealing member 2. As the material, low density polyethylene is most preferable, and then polypropylene resin, linear polyamide resin, such as nylon, high density polyethylene,
Polyester resin, ABS resin, HIPS resin and the like can be preferably used.
【００７８】更に、係合爪２４は、基本的には封止部材
２と一体で設けた方が部品点数の削減という観点から好
ましいが、係合爪２４のみを別部品として封止部材２に
組み込んだ構成にしても構わない。但し、いずれの場合
でも封止部材２と係合爪２４との接触面２ｇ（図１１）
を接合せず、変形部２４ａの変形に連動して、係合部２
４ｂが径方向外側に向かって弾性変形できるような構成
にする必要がある。Further, it is basically preferable that the engaging claw 24 is provided integrally with the sealing member 2 from the viewpoint of reducing the number of parts, but only the engaging claw 24 is provided as a separate part in the sealing member 2. The configuration may be incorporated. However, in any case, the contact surface 2g between the sealing member 2 and the engaging claw 24 (FIG. 11)
Without joining, the interlocking portion 2 is interlocked with the deformation of the deforming portion 24a.
4b needs to be configured so as to be elastically deformable outward in the radial direction.
【００７９】［駆動伝達部の構成］次に、封止部材２に
設けた駆動伝達部の構成について図９及び図１０を用い
て説明する。[Structure of Drive Transmission Unit] Next, the structure of the drive transmission unit provided in the sealing member 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
【００８０】本実施例において、封止部材２はトナー補
給容器１の駆動力受け部となっており、トナー補給装置
の駆動力伝達部２０からの駆動力を受ける。封止部材２
のカップリング係合部２ｃを構成する円筒部２ｄには、
先に説明したように弾性変形可能な可撓性の係合突起３
が２箇所に対向配置して設けられており、係合突起３は
押圧されることで容易に弾性変形が可能な状態にある。
さらに前記係合突起３同士を互いに結ぶように解除部４
が設けられており、これらは係合突起３と解除部４は一
体となっている。In this embodiment, the sealing member 2 serves as the driving force receiving portion of the toner replenishing container 1, and receives the driving force from the driving force transmitting portion 20 of the toner replenishing device. Sealing member 2
The cylindrical portion 2d forming the coupling engaging portion 2c of
As described above, the flexible engagement protrusion 3 is elastically deformable.
Are provided so as to face each other at two locations, and the engagement projections 3 are in a state where they can be easily elastically deformed by being pressed.
Further, the releasing portion 4 is formed so as to connect the engaging protrusions 3 to each other.
The engaging projection 3 and the releasing portion 4 are integrated with each other.
【００８１】一方、画像形成装置本体側に設けた、先端
部が円筒形状とされる駆動部２０は、前記封止部材２の
係合突起３と係合するように構成されており、封止部材
２が駆動部２０に挿入された時に滑らかに挿入できるよ
うに駆動部２０の先端内径部は内径が徐々に縮径するよ
うなテーパ面２０ｂを設けてある。このテーパ面２０ｂ
により封止部材２は滑らかに駆動部２０へと挿入され
る。また、駆動部２０にはトナーボトル１を回転駆動さ
せるための係合リブ２０ａが設けられており、この係合
リブ２０ａは封止部材２が挿入された後、封止部材２に
設けた係合突起３を引っ掛けて回転駆動を伝達するため
のものである。On the other hand, the drive portion 20 provided on the image forming apparatus main body side and having a cylindrical tip portion is configured to engage with the engagement protrusion 3 of the sealing member 2 and is sealed. In order to allow the member 2 to be smoothly inserted when it is inserted into the drive unit 20, the inner diameter portion at the distal end of the drive unit 20 is provided with a tapered surface 20b whose inner diameter is gradually reduced. This taper surface 20b
Thus, the sealing member 2 is smoothly inserted into the drive unit 20. Further, the driving portion 20 is provided with an engaging rib 20a for rotationally driving the toner bottle 1, and the engaging rib 20a is provided on the sealing member 2 after the sealing member 2 is inserted. It is for hooking the fitting protrusion 3 to transmit the rotational drive.
【００８２】［係合方法］次に、本発明における駆動部
２０と封止部材２との係合の様子について図１１を用い
て説明する。[Engagement Method] Next, the manner of engagement between the drive portion 20 and the sealing member 2 in the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
【００８３】図１１（Ａ）は、ユーザーが新しいトナー
ボトル１を複写機本体にセットするために、矢印ａ方向
にトナーボトル１を挿入する際の様子を示したものであ
り、画像形成装置本体内の駆動部２０と係合する前の状
態を示す。FIG. 11A shows a state in which the user inserts the toner bottle 1 in the direction of arrow a in order to set a new toner bottle 1 in the main body of the copying machine. The state before engaging with the drive part 20 in is shown.
【００８４】やがて、トナーボトル１の挿入が進むと、
図１１（Ｂ）のように、封止部材２に設けた係合突起３
が本体駆動部２０のテーパ面２０ｂに接触し、テーパ面
２０ｂに案内されながら徐々に内側に撓みながら弾性変
形し挿入される。さらに挿入が進むと、ストレート部を
通過した係合突起３は、図１１（Ｃ）のように、係合リ
ブ２０ａの無い空間部分で撓みが解放され、ここで係合
突起３が本体駆動部２０と係合した状態になる。この図
１１（Ｃ）の状態において、係合突起３は本体駆動部２
０としっかり係合されており、封止部材２のスラスト方
向（軸方向）の位置は固定された状態となる。When the insertion of the toner bottle 1 proceeds,
As shown in FIG. 11B, the engagement protrusion 3 provided on the sealing member 2
Comes into contact with the tapered surface 20b of the main body drive unit 20, and while being guided by the tapered surface 20b, is gradually deformed and elastically deformed and inserted. When the insertion further proceeds, the engagement projection 3 that has passed through the straight portion is released from bending in the space portion without the engagement rib 20a, as shown in FIG. 20 is engaged. In the state of FIG. 11 (C), the engagement projection 3 is not
0 is firmly engaged, and the position of the sealing member 2 in the thrust direction (axial direction) is fixed.
【００８５】また同時に、画像形成装置本体内の駆動部
２０に設けた押し込み部材２０ｃが前述の係合爪２４の
変形部２４ａを押し込むため、変形部２４ａの変形に連
動して係合部２４ｂが径方向外側に向かって拡がり、ト
ナー補給容器１と封止部材２との係合が解除される。At the same time, the pushing member 20c provided in the drive unit 20 in the main body of the image forming apparatus pushes the deforming portion 24a of the engaging claw 24, so that the engaging portion 24b moves in association with the deformation of the deforming portion 24a. The toner supply container 1 and the sealing member 2 disengage from each other by expanding outward in the radial direction.
【００８６】従って、その後、図１１（Ｃ）の状態に
て、トナーボトル１を矢印ｂ方向に後退させても、変形
部２４ａの変形が維持されているため封止部材２はトナ
ーボトル１と一緒に引きつられて後退することなく、し
っかり本体駆動部２０に固定され、一方トナーボトル１
だけが後退するため、確実に封止部材２とトナーボトル
１が離間され開口部１ａが開封する。なお、トナーボト
ル１の後退動作は、不図示の画像形成装置本体の前カバ
ー１５の開閉動作に連動してトナーボトル１をスライド
させるような構成にしてもよい。Therefore, after that, even if the toner bottle 1 is retracted in the direction of the arrow b in the state of FIG. 11C, the deformation of the deforming portion 24a is maintained, so that the sealing member 2 is separated from the toner bottle 1. The toner bottle 1 is firmly fixed to the main body drive unit 20 without being pulled back together and retracted.
Since only the toner retreats, the sealing member 2 and the toner bottle 1 are reliably separated from each other, and the opening 1a is opened. The retracting operation of the toner bottle 1 may be configured to slide the toner bottle 1 in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the front cover 15 of the main body of the image forming apparatus (not shown).
【００８７】［係合の解除方法］次に、係合突起３の解
除方法について図１２を用いて説明する。[Releasing Method of Engagement] Next, a releasing method of the engaging projections 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
【００８８】トナー補給が終了し、トナーボトル１が空
になると、古いトナーボトルを取り外し、新しいトナー
ボトルに交換しなければならない。その際にそれまで係
合していた封止部材２と駆動部２０の係合を解除する必
要がある。When the toner supply is completed and the toner bottle 1 becomes empty, the old toner bottle must be removed and replaced with a new toner bottle. At that time, it is necessary to release the engagement between the sealing member 2 and the drive unit 20 which have been engaged until then.
【００８９】図１２において、押出し部材２１は、画像
形成装置本体内に設けられており、矢印ａ方向（図１２
（Ｂ））に移動可能な構成とされる。In FIG. 12, the pushing member 21 is provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus, and is in the direction of arrow a (see FIG. 12).
It is configured to be movable to (B)).
【００９０】図１２（Ａ）は、トナー補給が終わり、ト
ナーボトル１の開口部１ａが開口した状態を示す。FIG. 12A shows a state in which the toner supply is completed and the opening 1a of the toner bottle 1 is opened.
【００９１】最初に、本体駆動部２０と封止部材２を解
除する際は封止部材先端に設けた解除部４に押出し部材
２１をａ方向に進入させることで、図１２（Ｂ）に示す
ように、解除部４はａ方向に撓み、と同時にこの解除部
４と一体になっている係合突起３も内側に倒れる。これ
により係合突起３と本体駆動部２０との係合が解除され
る。また同時に、押し込み部材２０ｃによる係合爪２４
の変形部２４ａの押し込みが解除されるため、係合部２
４ｂが径方向内側に向かって倒れて、元の係止状態に復
帰する。First, when the main body drive unit 20 and the sealing member 2 are released, the pushing member 21 is inserted into the releasing unit 4 provided at the tip of the sealing member in the direction a, as shown in FIG. 12 (B). As described above, the releasing portion 4 bends in the a direction, and at the same time, the engaging projection 3 integrated with the releasing portion 4 also falls inward. As a result, the engagement between the engagement protrusion 3 and the main body drive unit 20 is released. At the same time, the engaging claw 24 by the pushing member 20c
Since the pushing of the deforming portion 24a of the
4b falls inward in the radial direction and returns to the original locked state.
【００９２】その後、更に押出し部材２１が矢印ａ方向
に進むことで、図１２（Ｃ）に示したように押出し部材
２１は、封止部材２を開口部１ａへ圧入して、ここでト
ナーボトル１の開口部１ａを密封し、同時に再びトナー
補給容器１の突起１ｅと封止部材２の係合部２４ｂとが
係合される。さらに押出し部材２１が矢印ａ方向へ進む
ことで、今度はトナーボトル１自体を後退させて、ユー
ザーが取り出しやすい位置までボトル１をスライドさせ
る。Thereafter, as the pushing member 21 further advances in the direction of arrow a, the pushing member 21 presses the sealing member 2 into the opening 1a as shown in FIG. The opening 1a of No. 1 is sealed, and at the same time, the projection 1e of the toner supply container 1 and the engaging portion 24b of the sealing member 2 are engaged again. Further, as the pushing member 21 advances in the direction of arrow a, the toner bottle 1 itself is retracted this time, and the bottle 1 is slid to a position where the user can easily take it out.
【００９３】この押出し部材２１の構成については、不
図示の画像形成装置本体１００の前カバー１５の開閉動
作に連動させて、前カバー１５を開けた時に押出し部材
２１が矢印ａ方向に移動して、分離を行い、前カバー１
５を閉じると矢印ａ方向とは反対方向に移動するといっ
た構成にしても良いし、或いは、別途駆動モータ等を用
いて、独立した分離動作を行うような構成にしても良
い。または、装置本体１００の前カバー１５との連動動
作ではなく、別途手動レバーを設け、これに連動して分
離動作を行うような構成にする、などいずれの方法でも
構わない。Regarding the construction of the pushing member 21, the pushing member 21 is moved in the direction of arrow a when the front cover 15 is opened in association with the opening / closing operation of the front cover 15 of the image forming apparatus main body 100 (not shown). , Separate and front cover 1
When 5 is closed, it may be configured to move in the direction opposite to the arrow a direction, or may be configured to perform an independent separating operation by using a separate drive motor or the like. Alternatively, instead of the interlocking operation with the front cover 15 of the apparatus main body 100, a separate manual lever may be provided and the separating operation may be performed in conjunction with the manual lever.
【００９４】このように本発明においては、押出し部材
２１が前後にスライドするという非常に単純な動作だけ
で、容易にトナーボトル１の駆動伝達の解除が行えると
同時に、開口部１ａの開閉動作をも同時に実現させるこ
とが可能である。従って、非常に簡単な動作そして簡単
で安価でコンパクトな構成にも拘らず、確実で信頼性の
高い駆動伝達力を実現できる。As described above, according to the present invention, the drive transmission of the toner bottle 1 can be easily released and the opening / closing operation of the opening 1a can be easily performed only by the very simple operation of the pushing member 21 sliding back and forth. Can be realized at the same time. Therefore, it is possible to realize a reliable and reliable drive transmission force in spite of a very simple operation and a simple, inexpensive and compact structure.
【００９５】実施例２
実施例１では、係合爪２４は、図８〜図１２に示すよう
に、トナーボトル開口部１ａの外周に形成された突起１
ｅに係合するものとしたが、本実施例では、図１３
（Ａ）、（Ｂ）、（Ｃ）に示すように、封止部材２に形
成した係合爪２４は、トナーボトル開口部１ａの内周に
形成した凹部１ｅに係合する構成とされる。Embodiment 2 In Embodiment 1, the engaging claw 24 is, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, a projection 1 formed on the outer periphery of the toner bottle opening 1a.
Although it is assumed that it engages with e, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (A), (B), and (C), the engaging claws 24 formed on the sealing member 2 are configured to engage with the recesses 1e formed on the inner circumference of the toner bottle opening 1a. .
【００９６】つまり、本実施例では、封止部材２をトナ
ーボトル１に係止させるための係合爪２４は、駆動部２
０からの作用により弾性変形する変形部２４ａと、径方
向外側に向かって突出してトナー補給開口部１ａの凹部
１ｅと係合する係合部２４ｂとを有する。係合部２４ｂ
の先端部には、封止部材２がトナー補給開口部１ａに挿
入された際に、スムーズに挿入されるようにテーパ面２
４ｃを有している。That is, in this embodiment, the engaging claw 24 for locking the sealing member 2 to the toner bottle 1 is the driving portion 2.
It has a deforming portion 24a that is elastically deformed by the action from 0, and an engaging portion 24b that protrudes outward in the radial direction and engages with the concave portion 1e of the toner supply opening 1a. Engaging part 24b
The taper surface 2 is provided at the tip of the tapered member 2 so that the sealing member 2 can be smoothly inserted when it is inserted into the toner supply opening 1a.
4c.
【００９７】係合爪２４は、封止部材２の装脱着に合わ
せて変形する必要があるために適度な弾性が必要とさ
れ、実施例１で説明したと同様の材料で形成し得る。The engaging claw 24 needs to have appropriate elasticity because it needs to be deformed in accordance with the attachment / detachment of the sealing member 2, and can be made of the same material as described in the first embodiment.
【００９８】また、係合爪２４は、基本的には封止部材
２と一体で設けた方が部品点数の削減という観点から好
ましいが、係合爪２４のみを別部品として封止部材２に
組み込んだ構成にしても特に構わない。Further, it is basically preferable that the engaging claw 24 is provided integrally with the sealing member 2 from the viewpoint of reducing the number of parts, but only the engaging claw 24 is provided as a separate part in the sealing member 2. It does not matter if the configuration is incorporated.
【００９９】封止部材２に設けた駆動伝達部は、図８〜
図１０を用いて説明した実施例１と同様の構成とされ、
封止部材２はトナー補給容器１の駆動力受け部となって
おり、トナー補給装置の駆動力伝達部２０からの駆動力
を受ける。封止部材２のカップリング係合部２ｃを構成
する円筒部２ｄには、先に説明したように弾性変形可能
な可撓性の係合突起３が２箇所に対向配置して設けられ
ており、係合突起３は押圧されることで容易に弾性変形
が可能な状態にある。さらに前記係合突起３同士を互い
に結ぶように解除部４が設けられており、これらは係合
突起３と解除部４は一体となっている。The drive transmission portion provided on the sealing member 2 is shown in FIG.
The configuration is similar to that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.
The sealing member 2 serves as a driving force receiving portion of the toner replenishing container 1, and receives a driving force from the driving force transmitting portion 20 of the toner replenishing device. As described above, the elastically deformable and flexible engagement projections 3 are provided at two positions in opposition to each other on the cylindrical portion 2d that constitutes the coupling engagement portion 2c of the sealing member 2. The engagement protrusion 3 is in a state where it can be easily elastically deformed by being pressed. Further, a releasing portion 4 is provided so as to connect the engaging protrusions 3 to each other, and the engaging protrusion 3 and the releasing portion 4 are integrated with each other.
【０１００】一方、画像形成装置本体側に設けた駆動部
２０は、基本的には、実施例１の駆動部２０と同じ構成
及び機能をなすものであり、ただ、本実施例では、図１
３（Ｃ）に示すように、係合爪２４の変形部２４ａを押
し込むため先端押し込み部材２０ｃの形状が幾分大径と
されている点で異なるのみである。On the other hand, the drive unit 20 provided on the main body of the image forming apparatus basically has the same structure and function as the drive unit 20 of the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3 (C), the only difference is that the shape of the tip pushing member 20c for pushing the deformed portion 24a of the engaging claw 24 is somewhat large.
【０１０１】実施例１で説明したと同様にして、図１３
（Ｂ）に示すように、封止部材２により開口部１ａが閉
止されたトナーボトル１が、装置本体駆動部２０の方へ
と挿入されると、図１３（Ｃ）に示すように、駆動部２
０と封止部材２とが係合される。この状態において、係
合突起３は本体駆動部２０としっかり係合されており、
封止部材２のスラスト方向（軸方向）の位置は固定され
た状態となる。13A and 13B in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 13B, when the toner bottle 1 whose opening 1a is closed by the sealing member 2 is inserted toward the apparatus main body drive unit 20, as shown in FIG. Part 2
0 and the sealing member 2 are engaged. In this state, the engagement protrusion 3 is firmly engaged with the main body drive unit 20,
The position of the sealing member 2 in the thrust direction (axial direction) is fixed.
【０１０２】また同時に、画像形成装置本体内の駆動部
２０に設けた押し込み部材２０ｃが前述の係合爪２４の
変形部２４ａを押し込むため、変形部２４ａの変形に連
動して係合部２４ｂが径方向内側に向かって縮み、トナ
ー補給容器１と封止部材２との係合が解除される。At the same time, the pushing member 20c provided in the drive unit 20 in the main body of the image forming apparatus pushes the deforming portion 24a of the engaging claw 24, so that the engaging portion 24b is interlocked with the deformation of the deforming portion 24a. It contracts inward in the radial direction, and the engagement between the toner supply container 1 and the sealing member 2 is released.
【０１０３】従って、その後トナーボトル１を矢印ｂ方
向に後退させても、変形部２４ａの変形が維持されてい
るため封止部材２はトナーボトル１と一緒に引きつられ
て後退することなく、しっかり本体駆動部２０に固定さ
れる。一方、トナーボトル１はｂ方向へと後退するた
め、確実に封止部材２とトナーボトル１が離間され、図
１４（Ａ）に示すように、開口部１ａが開封する。Therefore, even if the toner bottle 1 is subsequently retracted in the direction of arrow b, the deformation of the deforming portion 24a is maintained, so that the sealing member 2 is not pulled back together with the toner bottle 1 and is firmly retracted. It is fixed to the main body drive unit 20. On the other hand, since the toner bottle 1 retracts in the b direction, the sealing member 2 and the toner bottle 1 are reliably separated from each other, and the opening 1a is opened as shown in FIG. 14 (A).
【０１０４】トナー補給が終了し、トナーボトル１が空
になると、古いトナーボトルを取り外し、新しいトナー
ボトルに交換する際の封止部材２と駆動部２０の係合解
除方法は、実施例１で、図１２を参照して説明したと同
様の方法にて達成される。When toner supply is completed and the toner bottle 1 becomes empty, the method of releasing the engagement between the sealing member 2 and the drive unit 20 when the old toner bottle is removed and replaced with a new toner bottle is the same as in the first embodiment. , In the same manner as described with reference to FIG.
【０１０５】つまり、図１４（Ａ）にて、本体駆動部２
０と封止部材２を解除する際は封止部材先端に設けた解
除部４に押出し部材２１をａ方向に進入させることで、
解除部４はａ方向に撓み、と同時にこの解除部４と一体
になっている係合突起３も内側に倒れる。これにより、
図１４（Ｂ）に示すように、係合突起３と本体駆動部２
０との係合が解除される。また同時に、押し込み部材２
０ｃによる係合爪２４の変形部２４ａの押し込みが解除
されるため、係合部２４ｂが径方向外側に向かって倒れ
て、元の係止状態に復帰する。That is, referring to FIG. 14A, the main body drive unit 2
0 and the sealing member 2 are released, by pushing the pushing member 21 into the releasing portion 4 provided at the tip of the sealing member in the a direction,
The releasing portion 4 bends in the direction a, and at the same time, the engaging projection 3 integrated with the releasing portion 4 also falls inward. This allows
As shown in FIG. 14B, the engagement protrusion 3 and the main body drive unit 2
The engagement with 0 is released. At the same time, the pushing member 2
Since the pushing of the deforming portion 24a of the engaging claw 24 by 0c is released, the engaging portion 24b falls toward the outside in the radial direction and returns to the original locked state.
【０１０６】その後、更に押出し部材２１が矢印ａ方向
に進むことで、押出し部材２１は、封止部材２を開口部
１ａへ圧入して、ここでトナーボトル１の開口部１ａを
密封し、同時に再びトナー補給容器１の突起１ｅと封止
部材２の係合部２４ｂとが係合される。さらに押出し部
材２１が矢印ａ方向へ進むことで、今度はトナーボトル
１自体を後退させて、ユーザーが取り出しやすい位置ま
でボトル１をスライドさせる。After that, the pushing member 21 further advances in the direction of the arrow a, so that the pushing member 21 press-fits the sealing member 2 into the opening 1a and seals the opening 1a of the toner bottle 1 at the same time. The protrusion 1e of the toner supply container 1 and the engaging portion 24b of the sealing member 2 are engaged again. Further, as the pushing member 21 advances in the direction of arrow a, the toner bottle 1 itself is retracted this time, and the bottle 1 is slid to a position where the user can easily take it out.
【０１０７】本実施例においても、実施例１と同様の作
用効果を達成し得る。Also in this embodiment, the same operational effect as that of the first embodiment can be achieved.
【０１０８】[0108]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明は、封止部
材が、トナー補給容器のトナー排出開口部を封止した際
にトナー補給容器に封止部材を係止する係合爪を有し、
係合爪は、画像形成装置本体側からの作用により作用方
向と交差する方向に弾性変形することによって、係合爪
とトナー補給容器との係止が解除され、封止部材が開封
可能となる構成とされるので、物流時の落下等の衝撃を
受けてもトナー開口部の封止部材が浮いたり外れたりし
ないように係合力を維持することができ、その一方で、
画像形成装置装着時には封止部材の取り外しを確実且つ
容易に行うことができる。As described above, according to the present invention, the sealing member has the engaging claw that locks the sealing member in the toner replenishing container when the toner discharge opening of the toner replenishing container is sealed. Then
The engagement claws are elastically deformed in a direction intersecting with the action direction by the action from the image forming apparatus main body side, so that the engagement claws and the toner supply container are unlocked, and the sealing member can be opened. Since it is configured, it is possible to maintain the engagement force so that the sealing member of the toner opening does not float or come off even if it receives an impact such as a drop during distribution.
The sealing member can be reliably and easily removed when the image forming apparatus is mounted.
【図１】画像形成装置のトナー補給容器交換用前カバー
を開いてトナー補給容器を画像形成装置に装着する様子
を示す画像形成装置の斜視図である。FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus showing how the toner supply container replacement front cover of the image forming apparatus is opened and the toner supply container is attached to the image forming apparatus.
【図２】トナー補給容器交換用前カバーを開いた電子写
真複写機を示す平面図である。FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an electrophotographic copying machine in which a front cover for replacing a toner supply container is opened.
【図３】トナー補給容器の装着動作を説明する側面図
で、図３（Ａ）は装着開始、図３（Ｂ）は装着途中、図
３（Ｃ）は装着完了の状態を説明する。3A and 3B are side views for explaining a mounting operation of the toner supply container. FIG. 3A illustrates a mounting start, FIG. 3B illustrates a mounting process, and FIG. 3C illustrates a mounting completion state.
【図４】本発明を適用し得るトナー補給容器の一例を示
す一部断面斜視図である。FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing an example of a toner supply container to which the present invention can be applied.
【図５】駆動伝達部の部分断面拡大図で、駆動軸をトナ
ー補給容器本体側に設けた場合の図である。FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a drive transmission portion, showing a drive shaft provided on the toner supply container body side.
【図６】本発明を適用し得るトナー補給容器の他の例を
示す一部断面斜視図である。FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view showing another example of the toner supply container to which the present invention can be applied.
【図７】駆動伝達部の部分断面拡大図で、駆動軸を封止
部材側に設けた場合の図である。FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the drive transmission portion, showing a drive shaft provided on the sealing member side.
【図８】図８（Ａ）は封止部材の正面図で、図８（Ｂ）
は図８（Ａ）のａ矢視図であり、図８（Ｃ）は図８
（Ａ）のｂ矢視図である。FIG. 8 (A) is a front view of the sealing member, and FIG.
8A is a view taken in the direction of arrow a in FIG. 8A, and FIG.
It is a b arrow figure of (A).
【図９】図８（Ｂ）の線ｃ−ｃに取った断面図である。9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line cc of FIG. 8 (B).
【図１０】本発明のトナーボトル駆動伝達部の一実施例
を示す斜視図である。FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the toner bottle drive transmission unit of the present invention.
【図１１】本発明のトナーボトル駆動伝達部の係合時の
様子を説明する断面図であり、図１１（Ａ）はトナーボ
トルを挿入する前、図１１（Ｂ）は挿入途中、図１１
（Ｃ）は挿入完了の状態を示す図である。FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state when the toner bottle drive transmission portion of the present invention is engaged, FIG. 11 (A) before inserting the toner bottle, FIG. 11 (B) during inserting, and FIG.
FIG. 6C is a diagram showing a state of insertion completion.
【図１２】本発明のトナーボトル駆動伝達部の係合解除
の様子を説明する断面図で、図１２（Ａ）は解除前、図
１２（Ｂ）は解除中、図１２（Ｃ）は解除完了の状態を
示す図である。FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating how the toner bottle drive transmission portion of the present invention is disengaged. FIG. 12 (A) is before being released, FIG. 12 (B) is being released, and FIG. 12 (C) is being released. It is a figure which shows the state of completion.
【図１３】本発明の封止部材の他の実施例を示す図であ
り、図１３（Ａ）は平面図、図１３（Ｂ）は、封止部材
がトナーボトル開口部に契合した状態を示す断面図、図
１３（Ｃ）は、封止部材が駆動部に係合した時の様子を
説明する断面図である。13A and 13B are views showing another embodiment of the sealing member of the present invention, FIG. 13A showing a plan view and FIG. 13B showing a state in which the sealing member engages with the toner bottle opening. The cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state when the sealing member is engaged with the drive unit.
【図１４】図１３の封止部材を使用した場合のトナーボ
トル駆動伝達部の係合解除の様子を説明する断面図で、
図１３（Ａ）は解除前、図１２（Ｂ）は解除完了の状態
を示す図である。14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating how the toner bottle drive transmission portion is disengaged when the sealing member of FIG. 13 is used,
FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a state before release, and FIG. 12B is a diagram showing a state of release completion.
１ トナーボトル（トナー補給容器） １Ａ ボトル本体（トナー補給容器本体） ２ 封止部材 ２ｂ 封止部 ２ｃ カップリング係合部 ３ 係合突起（係止部） ３ａ 駆動受け面（駆動力受け部） ３ｂ 係止面 ４ 解除突起（解除力受け部） １５ トナー補給容器交換用前カバー ２０ 駆動部 ２０ａ 係合リブ ２０ｃ 押し込み部材 ２１ 押出し部材 ２４ 係合爪 ２４ａ 変形部 ２４ｂ 係合部 １００ 画像形成装置本体 ４００ トナー補給装置 1 Toner bottle (toner supply container) 1A bottle body (toner supply container body) 2 Sealing member 2b Sealing part 2c Coupling engagement part 3 Engagement protrusion (locking part) 3a Drive receiving surface (driving force receiving portion) 3b Locking surface 4 Release protrusion (release force receiving part) 15 Toner supply container replacement front cover 20 Drive 20a Engaging rib 20c pushing member 21 Extruded member 24 Engaging claw 24a Deformation part 24b engaging part 100 Image forming apparatus main body 400 toner supply device
フロントページの続き Ｆターム(参考） 2H077 AA03 AA05 AA09 AA12 AA14 AA18 AA34 AB06 AB12 BA01 BA08 BA09 Continued front page F term (reference) 2H077 AA03 AA05 AA09 AA12 AA14 AA18 AA34 AB06 AB12 BA01 BA08 BA09
Claims (18)
トナーを収納するための容器本体と、前記容器本体に収
納されたトナーを排出するための開口部と、前記開口部
を開閉自在に封止する封止部材と、を備えたトナー補給
容器において、 前記封止部材は、前記開口部を封止した際に前記トナー
補給容器に前記封止部材を係止する係合爪を有し、前記
係合爪は、前記画像形成装置本体側からの作用により前
記作用方向と交差する方向に弾性変形することによっ
て、前記係合爪と前記トナー補給容器との係止が解除さ
れ、前記封止部材が開封可能となることを特徴とするト
ナー補給容器。1. An image forming apparatus main body, which is detachable
A toner replenishing container comprising a container body for storing toner, an opening for discharging the toner stored in the container body, and a sealing member for sealingly opening and closing the opening, The sealing member has an engaging claw that locks the sealing member in the toner supply container when the opening is sealed, and the engaging claw acts from the image forming apparatus main body side. By elastically deforming in a direction intersecting with the action direction, the engagement between the engagement claw and the toner supply container is released, and the sealing member can be opened.
前記画像形成装置本体に装着した際に、前記封止部材を
前記画像形成装置本体に係止するための係止部を有する
ことを特徴とする請求項１記載のトナー補給容器。2. The sealing member has a locking portion for locking the sealing member to the image forming apparatus main body when the toner supply container is attached to the image forming apparatus main body. The toner supply container according to claim 1, which is characterized in that.
形成装置本体に係止された状態で、前記画像形成装置本
体側からの作用により前記係合爪は変形し、一方、係止
が解除された状態で前記係合爪は変形から復帰するよう
に構成されていることを特徴とする請求項１記載のトナ
ー補給容器。3. The engagement member of the sealing member is deformed by an action from the image forming apparatus main body side in a state where the engaging portion is engaged with the image forming apparatus main body, and The toner supply container according to claim 1, wherein the engagement claw is configured to return from the deformation in a state where the stop is released.
止された状態で、前記開口部を開封するために前記封止
部材及び前記トナー補給容器の少なくとも一方を移動さ
せることを特徴とする請求項１記載のトナー補給容器。4. The at least one of the sealing member and the toner replenishing container is moved to open the opening while the locking portion is locked to the image forming apparatus main body. The toner supply container according to claim 1.
像形成装置本体側からの作用方向と逆方向であることを
特徴とする請求項１記載のトナー補給容器。5. The toner supply container according to claim 1, wherein an opening direction of the sealing member is opposite to an operation direction from the image forming apparatus main body side.
開口部と圧入嵌合することで前記開口部を封止すること
を特徴とする請求項１記載のトナー補給容器。6. The toner supply container according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member seals the opening by press-fitting the opening of the toner supply container.
系樹脂、ポリプロピレン系樹脂、ポリエチレン系樹脂、
ポリエステル系樹脂、ＡＢＳ樹脂、ＨＩＰＳ樹脂のいず
れかであることを特徴とする請求項１に記載のトナー補
給容器。7. The material of the engaging claws is a linear polyamide resin, polypropylene resin, polyethylene resin,
The toner supply container according to claim 1, wherein the toner supply container is any one of a polyester resin, an ABS resin, and a HIPS resin.
形成装置本体に係止された状態で、前記前記画像形成装
置本体からの駆動力を受ける駆動力受け部を有している
ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載のトナー補給容器。8. The sealing member has a driving force receiving portion that receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus main body in a state where the engaging portion is locked to the image forming apparatus main body. The toner supply container according to claim 1, wherein:
本体から前記駆動力受け部が受けた駆動力を前記容器本
体に伝達する駆動力伝達部を有していることを特徴とす
る請求項１に記載のトナー補給容器。9. The sealing member includes a driving force transmitting portion that transmits the driving force received by the driving force receiving portion from the image forming apparatus main body to the container main body. Item 1. The toner supply container according to Item 1.
て、トナーを収納するための容器本体と、前記容器本体
に収納されたトナーを排出するための開口部と、を備え
たトナー補給容器に用いられる前記開口部を開閉自在に
封止する封止部材であって、 前記封止部材は、前記開口部を封止した際に前記トナー
補給容器に前記封止部材を係止する係合爪を有し、前記
係合爪は、前記画像形成装置本体側からの作用により前
記作用方向と交差する方向に弾性変形することによっ
て、前記係合爪と前記トナー補給容器との係止が解除さ
れ、開封可能となることを特徴とする封止部材。10. A toner supply container which is detachably mountable to the main body of an image forming apparatus and has a container body for storing toner and an opening for discharging the toner stored in the container body. A sealing member for opening and closing the opening used, wherein the sealing member is an engagement claw for locking the sealing member in the toner supply container when the opening is sealed. The engagement claw is elastically deformed in a direction intersecting with the acting direction by an action from the image forming apparatus main body side, thereby releasing the engagement between the engagement claw and the toner supply container. A sealing member, which can be opened.
を前記画像形成装置本体に装着した際に、前記封止部材
を前記画像形成装置本体に係止するための係止部を有す
ることを特徴とする請求項１０記載の封止部材。11. The sealing member has a locking portion for locking the sealing member to the image forming apparatus main body when the toner supply container is attached to the image forming apparatus main body. The sealing member according to claim 10, wherein the sealing member is a sealing member.
像形成装置本体に係止された状態で、前記画像形成装置
本体側からの作用により前記係合爪は変形し、一方、係
止が解除された状態で前記係合爪は変形から復帰するよ
うに構成されていることを特徴とする請求項１０記載の
封止部材。12. The engaging member of the sealing member is deformed by an action from the image forming apparatus main body side in a state where the engaging portion is engaged with the image forming apparatus main body, and The sealing member according to claim 10, wherein the engagement claw is configured to return from the deformation in a state where the stop is released.
係止された状態で、前記開口部を開封するために前記封
止部材及び前記トナー補給容器の少なくとも一方を移動
させることを特徴とする請求項１０記載の封止部材。13. At least one of the sealing member and the toner replenishing container is moved to open the opening while the locking portion is locked to the image forming apparatus main body. The sealing member according to claim 10.
画像形成装置本体側からの作用方向と逆方向であること
を特徴とする請求項１０記載の封止部材。14. The sealing member according to claim 10, wherein an opening direction of the sealing member is opposite to an operation direction from the image forming apparatus main body side.
の開口部と圧入嵌合することで前記開口部を封止するこ
とを特徴とする請求項１０記載の封止部材。15. The sealing member according to claim 10, wherein the sealing member seals the opening by press-fitting and fitting with the opening of the toner supply container.
ド系樹脂、ポリプロピレン系樹脂、ポリエチレン系樹
脂、ポリエステル系樹脂、ＡＢＳ樹脂、ＨＩＰＳ樹脂の
いずれかであることを特徴とする請求項１０記載の封止
部材。16. The material of the engaging claw is any of linear polyamide resin, polypropylene resin, polyethylene resin, polyester resin, ABS resin, and HIPS resin. The sealing member described.
像形成装置本体に係止された状態で、前記前記画像形成
装置本体からの駆動力を受ける駆動力受け部を有してい
ることを特徴とする請求項１０に記載の封止部材。17. The sealing member has a driving force receiving portion that receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus main body in a state where the engaging portion is locked to the image forming apparatus main body. The sealing member according to claim 10, which is characterized in that.
置本体から前記駆動力受け部が受けた駆動力を前記容器
本体に伝達する駆動力伝達部を有していることを特徴と
する請求項１０に記載の封止部材。18. The sealing member has a driving force transmission portion that transmits the driving force received by the driving force receiving portion from the image forming apparatus main body to the container main body. Item 10. The sealing member according to item 10.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2002059415A JP2003255686A (en) | 2002-03-05 | 2002-03-05 | Toner replenishing container and sealing member |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2002059415A JP2003255686A (en) | 2002-03-05 | 2002-03-05 | Toner replenishing container and sealing member |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2003255686A true JP2003255686A (en) | 2003-09-10 |
Family
ID=28669120
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2002059415A Pending JP2003255686A (en) | 2002-03-05 | 2002-03-05 | Toner replenishing container and sealing member |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2003255686A (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR100704813B1 (en) | 2003-12-22 | 2007-04-10 | 캐논 가부시끼가이샤 | Developer supply container |
| JP2008083549A (en) * | 2006-09-28 | 2008-04-10 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Developer cartridge and image forming apparatus |
| JP2010054946A (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2010-03-11 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Storage container and apparatus |
| US7702262B2 (en) | 2005-04-27 | 2010-04-20 | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | Toner container including a container body with a gripper at the end thereof, and associated method |
| US7720417B2 (en) | 2005-06-07 | 2010-05-18 | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | Toner container and image forming apparatus |
| JP2010117603A (en) * | 2008-11-13 | 2010-05-27 | Canon Inc | Developer supply container |
| CN101634827B (en) * | 2005-06-07 | 2011-12-07 | 株式会社理光 | Toner container and image forming device |
| US8213841B2 (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2012-07-03 | Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. | Container and device |
-
2002
- 2002-03-05 JP JP2002059415A patent/JP2003255686A/en active Pending
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR100704813B1 (en) | 2003-12-22 | 2007-04-10 | 캐논 가부시끼가이샤 | Developer supply container |
| US7822371B2 (en) | 2005-04-27 | 2010-10-26 | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | Toner container and image forming apparatus |
| US8126375B2 (en) | 2005-04-27 | 2012-02-28 | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | Toner container and image forming apparatus |
| US7991334B2 (en) | 2005-04-27 | 2011-08-02 | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | Toner container and image forming apparatus |
| US7702262B2 (en) | 2005-04-27 | 2010-04-20 | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | Toner container including a container body with a gripper at the end thereof, and associated method |
| US7706699B2 (en) | 2005-04-27 | 2010-04-27 | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | Toner container and image forming apparatus |
| US7853184B2 (en) | 2005-04-27 | 2010-12-14 | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | Toner container and image forming apparatus |
| US7835675B2 (en) | 2005-06-07 | 2010-11-16 | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | Toner container and image forming apparatus |
| US8160461B2 (en) | 2005-06-07 | 2012-04-17 | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | Toner container and image forming apparatus |
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| USRE47086E1 (en) | 2005-06-07 | 2018-10-16 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Toner container and image forming apparatus |
| US7853183B2 (en) | 2005-06-07 | 2010-12-14 | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | Toner container and image forming apparatus |
| US7720417B2 (en) | 2005-06-07 | 2010-05-18 | Ricoh Co., Ltd. | Toner container and image forming apparatus |
| CN101634827B (en) * | 2005-06-07 | 2011-12-07 | 株式会社理光 | Toner container and image forming device |
| JP2008083549A (en) * | 2006-09-28 | 2008-04-10 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Developer cartridge and image forming apparatus |
| JP4513793B2 (en) * | 2006-09-28 | 2010-07-28 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Developer cartridge and image forming apparatus |
| JP2010054946A (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2010-03-11 | Fuji Xerox Co Ltd | Storage container and apparatus |
| JP4645703B2 (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2011-03-09 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Container |
| CN101661250B (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2012-05-30 | 富士施乐株式会社 | Container and device |
| US8213841B2 (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2012-07-03 | Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. | Container and device |
| JP2010117603A (en) * | 2008-11-13 | 2010-05-27 | Canon Inc | Developer supply container |
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