JP2008165065A - Toner cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toner cartridge prevented toner from being refilled illicitly. <P>SOLUTION: The toner cartridge 30 is equipped with a toner filling path 32 for filling the toner cartridge 30 with the toner 33, and has a shutting body 41 attached to the toner filling path 32 from the inside of the toner cartridge 30 to shut the toner filling path 32. The shutting body 41 is provided with an operating body 42 for performing attaching operation of the shutting body 41 through the toner filling path 32 from the outside of the toner cartridge 30. After the operating body 42 is operated so that the toner filling path 32 may be shut by the shutting body 41, the operating body 42 is separated from the shutting body 41. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a toner cartridge, and more particularly to a toner cartridge that prevents unauthorized refilling of toner.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses such as printers, multifunction machines, and facsimile machines are provided with a toner cartridge that stores toner. When the toner is consumed and the replacement time comes, the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one. On the other hand, used toner cartridges that have run out of toner are collected or discarded (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-352864 A

  In recent years, traders other than genuine manufacturers collect used toner cartridges, refill them with toner, and sell them at a lower selling price than genuine products. In such a toner cartridge, a toner having a lower quality than that of a genuine product may be used. When such a toner cartridge is used, a problem such as a printing defect of the image forming apparatus may occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a toner cartridge that prevents unauthorized refilling of toner.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, means for solving the problem will be described.

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner cartridge having a toner filling path for filling toner inside the toner cartridge,
A closing body that closes the toner filling path by being attached to the toner filling path from the inside of the toner cartridge;
The closing body is provided with an operating body for attaching and operating the closing body through the toner filling path from the outside of the toner cartridge.
After the operation body is operated to close the toner filling path with the closing body, the operation body is separated from the closing body.

The invention according to claim 2 is the toner cartridge according to claim 1,
An outer shape that can be inserted from the outer opening to the inner opening of the toner filling path, an inner passage through which the toner passes, and an insertion preventing unit that prevents the toner from being inserted from a predetermined position in the toner filling path. A non-return means for preventing the toner filling path from being pulled out from a predetermined position by applying an outward force in the thickness direction in the toner filling path;
It is possible to pass through the toner filling path, and the inner passage is closed by being attached to the inner cylinder member from the inside of the toner cartridge, and an outward force in the thickness direction is applied to the check means of the inner cylinder member. Add the closure body,
The closure body is put inside the toner cartridge through the toner filling path, and then the inner cylinder member is fitted into the toner filling path, and then the inner passage of the inner cylinder member is opened by the closure body. The toner cartridge is closed, and the inner cylinder member is fixed in the toner filling path by applying an outward force in the thickness direction to the check means.

  In invention of Claim 3, in the invention of Claim 2, the said non-return means is formed in the notch tongue piece part formed in the inner edge part of the inner cylinder member, and the said notch tongue piece, A toner cartridge having a check claw portion engaged with an inner opening edge portion of the toner filling path.

  As effects of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the closing body that closes the toner filling path is attached to the toner filling path from the inside of the toner cartridge, and once attached, the closing body cannot be removed to the outside of the toner cartridge. In order to refill the toner, it can only be removed toward the inside of the toner cartridge. At this time, since the operating body provided in the closing body is already separated from the closing body, when the closing body is removed toward the inside of the toner cartridge, the closing body cannot be supported from the outside. Then, the closure body falls off inside the toner cartridge. The closed body that has fallen to the inside of the toner cartridge hinders the operation of the agitator and hinders the stirring and conveyance of the toner, so that the function of the toner cartridge is impaired.
Even if the closing body is prevented from falling inward, the operating body is separated from the closing body, so that the closing body cannot be attached and the toner filling path is closed again with the closing body. It is not possible.
Therefore, even if the closure body is removed inside and the toner is refilled, the function of the toner cartridge is impaired, or the toner filling path cannot be closed again, so that unauthorized refilling of toner can be prevented. it can.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, after the closing body is put inside the toner cartridge through the toner filling path, and the inner cylinder member is subsequently fitted into the toner filling path, the inner path of the inner cylinder member is then closed by the closing body. In order to close the toner cartridge, after the toner cartridge is filled with the toner, the closing body can be inserted into the toner cartridge from the outside. For this reason, the toner filling path can be easily closed.
On the other hand, the closing body that closes the inner passage of the inner cylinder member is attached to the inner passage from the inside of the toner cartridge, and once attached, it cannot be removed to the outside of the toner cartridge and is refilled with toner. To do so, it can only be removed toward the inside of the toner cartridge. At this time, since the operating body provided in the closing body is already separated from the closing body, when the closing body is removed toward the inside of the toner cartridge, the closing body cannot be supported from the outside. Then, the closure body falls off inside the toner cartridge. The closed body that has fallen to the inside of the toner cartridge hinders the operation of the agitator and hinders the stirring and conveyance of the toner, so that the function of the toner cartridge is impaired.
Even if the closing body is prevented from falling inward, the operating body is separated from the closing body, so that the closing body cannot be attached and the toner filling path is closed again with the closing body. It is not possible.
Further, since the closing body applies an outward force in the thickness direction to the non-return means to fix the inner cylinder member in the toner filling path, the inner cylinder is in a state where the closing body is attached to the inner cylinder member. The entire member cannot be removed from the toner cartridge and cannot be refilled with toner.
Therefore, even if the closing body is removed inside and the toner is refilled, the function of the toner cartridge is impaired, or the toner filling path cannot be closed again. It cannot be removed from the cartridge. For this reason, unauthorized refilling of toner can be prevented.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the check means is formed on the inner end edge of the inner cylinder member, the notched tongue piece, the notch tongue piece, and the inner opening edge of the toner filling path. When the closing body is attached to the inner cylinder member in a state where the inner cylinder member is fitted in the toner filling path, the closing body is thickened on the notch tongue piece portion. Therefore, the state where the check claw portion is engaged with the inner opening edge of the toner filling path is maintained, and the state where the inner cylinder member is fixed in the toner filling path is maintained. The Therefore, in a state where the closing body is attached to the inner cylinder member, the inner cylinder member cannot be removed from the toner cartridge, and the toner cannot be refilled. For this reason, unauthorized refilling of toner can be prevented.

  Next, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  A toner cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, a schematic configuration of a printer (image forming apparatus) 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The printer 1 includes a printer main body 2 in which an apparatus related to an image forming process is accommodated, and a paper feed cassette 3 that supplies recording paper. In the printer 1, a recording paper transport path R is formed in a gap such as a frame. The transport path R is a path for transporting the recording paper supplied from the paper feed cassette 3 via an apparatus related to an image forming process provided in the printer main body 2. In the printer main body 2, various rollers for conveying the recording paper and each unit related to the image forming process are arranged along the conveyance path R.

  In the paper feed cassette 3, the starting end of the transport path R is located. The paper feed cassette 3 includes a flapper 14 on which recording paper is placed, a pickup roller 15 disposed at the start end of the transport path R, a separation roller 16, and a retard roller 17. The separation roller 16 and the retard roller 17 are means for sending out only one sheet of recording paper to the conveyance path R.

  The printer body 2 includes a registration roller pair 4, a photosensitive drum 5 and a transfer roller 6, a heat roller 7 and a press roller 8, a conveyance roller pair 9, and a discharge roller pair as various rollers related to conveyance along the conveyance path R. 10 are provided. Some of these rollers also serve as means relating to the image forming process. The photosensitive drum 5 is a photosensitive means, the transfer roller 6 is a transfer means, and the heat roller 7 and the press roller 8 are fixing means. Further, around the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 5, along the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 5, a developing roller (developing unit) 11, a charger (charging unit) 12, an LED ( Exposure means) 13 and the like are arranged. In this way, the units related to the image forming process are also arranged along the transport path R.

  Here, a part of the apparatus related to the image forming process is provided in a replacement part (cartridge) that can be fitted to the printer main body 2. The cartridge provided in the printer 1 includes a process cartridge 20 and a toner cartridge 30. The process cartridge 20 includes process devices such as the photosensitive drum 5 and the developing roller 11. The toner cartridge 30 stores toner (new toner) to be supplied to the process cartridge 20 and stores toner (waste toner) discharged from the process cartridge 20.

  FIG. 1 is a front sectional view of the printer 1, and the process cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 30 are inserted into and removed from the printer main body 2 in the front-rear direction. In the frame of the printer main body 2, receiving portions for supporting the process cartridge 20 and the toner cartridge 30 inserted in the front-rear direction are formed.

  Next, the toner cartridge 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the toner cartridge 30 has a toner reservoir 31 that stores toner 33 therein, and includes a toner filling path 32 that allows the toner reservoir 31 to communicate with the outside. The toner 33 is supplied from the outside to the toner reservoir 31 through the toner filling path 32. The cross-sectional shape of the toner filling path 32 in this embodiment is circular.

  The closing body 41 is for closing the toner filling path 32 by being attached to the toner filling path 32. As shown in FIG. 2, the closing body 41 in this embodiment is a truncated cone-shaped stopper, and is formed of a synthetic resin material having elasticity. The closing member 41 is pressed into an opening inside the toner filling path 32 (inside the toner cartridge 30) and elastically deforms to close the toner filling path 32.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the closing body 41 is provided with an operation body 42 for attaching and closing the closing body 41 from the outside of the toner cartridge 30 through the toner filling path 32. One end of the operating body 42 is fixed to the side of the closing body 41 that is press-fitted into the toner filling path 32, and the length of the operating body 42 is such that the closing body 41 is not press-fitted into the toner filling path 32. The length is such that it protrudes from the outside of the toner filling path 32 (outside of the toner cartridge 30) and can be operated while supporting the other end of the operating body 42. A support portion 43 is formed on the free end side of the operation body 42 for easy operation. When the closing body 41 is attached to the toner filling path 32, the closing body 41 is pressed into the toner filling path 32 by applying an outward tension to the operation body 42.

  The operation body 42 is separated from the closing body 41 after the closing body 41 is press-fitted into the toner filling path 32 to close the toner filling path 32. The operating body 42 is formed with a breaking portion 44 so as to be broken after the closing body 41 is press-fitted. The fracture portion 44 is a portion whose strength is reduced by reducing the cross-sectional area in the direction orthogonal to the drawing direction from other portions. The cross-sectional area of the breakage portion 44 is determined so that the closure body 41 is pressed into the toner filling path 32 and the closure body 41 is fully press-fitted and the toner filling path 32 is surely closed. ing. Moreover, the fracture | rupture part 44 is formed in the base vicinity fixed to the closure body 41, and after the fracture | rupture, operation which removes or attaches the closure body 41 using the operation body 42 which remained in the closure body 41 cannot be performed. I am doing so.

  Next, a case where the toner filling path 32 is closed with the closing body 41 in the toner cartridge 30 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 2, the closing body 41 is put inside the toner cartridge 30 before the toner storage portion 31 is filled with the toner 33. After the toner 33 is stored, the closing body 41 is pressed into the toner filling path 32 by applying an outward tension to the operation body 42. As shown in FIG. 3, when the closing body 41 is press-fitted into the toner filling path 32 and the closing body 41 is sufficiently press-fitted and the toner filling path 32 is reliably closed, the fracture formed in the operation body 42. The portion 44 is broken and the operating body 42 is separated from the closing body 41, and the closing of the toner filling path 32 by the closing body 41 is completed. In this embodiment, the operating body 42 is separated by the breaking portion 44. However, the operating body 42 may be cut using a separate cutting means.

  According to the toner cartridge 30 according to the first embodiment, the closing body 41 that closes the toner filling path 32 is attached to the toner filling path 32 from the inside of the toner cartridge 30. Once attached, it cannot be removed outside the toner cartridge 30 and can only be removed toward the inside of the toner cartridge 30 in order to refill the toner 33. At this time, since the operating body 42 provided in the closing body 41 is already separated from the closing body 41, when the closing body 41 is removed toward the inside of the toner cartridge 30, the closing body 41 is removed from the outside. Without being supported, the closing body 41 falls out of the toner cartridge 30. Since the closing body 41 that has fallen to the inside of the toner cartridge 30 hinders the operation of the agitator and hinders the stirring and transport of the toner 33, the function of the toner cartridge 30 is impaired.

  Even if the closing body 41 is prevented from falling off by some means, the operating body 42 is separated from the closing body 41, so that the attaching operation of the closing body 41 cannot be performed and the toner filling is performed again. The path 32 cannot be closed with the closing body 41.

  For this reason, even if the closing body 41 is removed inside and the toner 33 is refilled, the function of the toner cartridge 30 is impaired or the toner filling path 32 cannot be closed again. Filling can be prevented.

  Next, a toner cartridge 30 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the inner cylinder member 51 is provided in the toner filling path 32, and the closing body 41 closes the toner filling path 32 via the inner cylinder member 51. It is very different. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in Example 2, the inner cylinder member 51 is provided in the toner filling path 32, and the closing body 41 closes the toner filling path 32 via the inner cylinder member 51. As shown in FIG. 4, the inner cylinder member 51 has a cylindrical shape and has an outer shape that can be inserted from the outer opening portion of the toner filling path 32 toward the inner opening portion. A passage 52 is provided. At the outer edge of the inner cylinder member 51 (on the right side in the drawing, which is the outer side of the toner cartridge 30), when the inner cylinder member 51 is fitted into the toner filling path 32, the toner cylinder is located at a predetermined position in the toner filling path 32. In order to prevent insertion into the back, a flange portion 53 is formed as a fitting prevention means. The flange portion 53 abuts against the outer edge of the toner filling path 32 to prevent the inner cylinder member 51 from being inserted deeper than a predetermined position (see FIG. 8).

  Further, a snap fit portion 54 as a non-return means is provided on the inner edge of the inner cylindrical member 51 shown in FIG. The snap fit portion 54 prevents the inner cylinder member 51 from being removed from a predetermined position of the toner filling path 32 when the inner cylinder member 51 is fitted into the toner filling path 32. The snap fit portion 54 includes a notched tongue piece portion 55 formed on the inner edge of the inner cylinder member 51 and a check claw portion 56 formed on the notched tongue piece. The notched tongue piece 55 is formed with a pair of slits 57 whose one end is an open end on both sides thereof, so that the free end side can be swung, and the thickness of the inner cylinder member 51 in the toner filling path 32. By applying a force outward in the direction, the free end side is pushed, and the check claw portion 56 engages with the inner opening edge of the toner filling path 32, and this state is maintained. Further, a tapered portion 58 is formed on the front surface of the check claw portion 56 so that when the inner cylinder member 51 is fitted into the toner filling path 32, the fitting is facilitated.

  In the toner cartridge 30 according to the second embodiment, the closing body 41 closes the toner filling path 32 by being attached to the inner path 52 of the inner cylinder member 51. As shown in FIG. 5, the closing body 41 can pass through the toner filling path 32 and closes the inner passage 52 of the inner cylinder member 51 as shown in FIG. 8. Note that the closing body 41 is a truncated cone-shaped stopper, formed of an elastic synthetic resin material, the operating body 42 is provided, and the operating body 42 includes the closing body 41 inside. The point that the breaking portion 44 is formed to break after being press-fitted into the passage 52 is the same as in the first embodiment.

  Next, in the toner cartridge 30 according to the present embodiment, a case where the toner filling path 32 is closed with the closing body 41 via the inner cylinder member 51 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 5, the toner cartridge 30 is preliminarily filled with the toner storage portion 31, and then the closing body 41 is put inside the toner cartridge 30. In the second embodiment, since the closing body 41 has a smaller diameter than the toner filling path 32 and can pass therethrough, the toner filling path 32 can be closed from the outside of the toner cartridge 30 after being filled with the toner 33. It can be done easily.

  After the closing body 41 is put inside the toner cartridge 30, the inner cylinder member 51 is fitted into the toner filling path 32 as shown in FIG. 6. When the inner cylinder member 51 is fitted into the toner filling path 32, the snap fit portion 54 provided on the inner cylinder member 51 is pressed by the inner wall of the toner filling path 32, so that the inner cylinder member 51 faces inward in the thickness direction. Since it is elastically deformed, it does not hinder the insertion of the inner cylinder member 51.

  When the inner cylinder member 51 is fitted into the toner filling path 32 and is fitted to a predetermined position of the toner filling path 32, the flange portion 53 comes into contact with the outer edge of the toner filling path 32 and the inner cylinder member 51 is moved to the predetermined position. It is prevented from being inserted deeper. Further, the snap fit portion 54 is restored to the original state, the check claw portion 56 engages with the inner opening edge of the toner filling path 32, and the inner cylinder member 51 is removed from the predetermined position of the toner filling path 32. Stop taking off.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the closing body 41 is press-fitted into the inner passage 52 of the inner cylinder member 51 by applying outward tension to the operating body 42. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, when the closing body 41 is press-fitted into the inner passage 52, and the closing body 41 is sufficiently press-fitted and the inner passage 52 and the toner filling passage 32 are securely closed, the operating body 42. The rupture portion 44 formed in the above is broken, and the operating body 42 is separated from the closing body 41, and the closing of the toner filling path 32 by the closing body 41 is completed. Further, in this state, since the closing body 41 applies a force in the thickness direction of the inner cylinder member 51 to the snap fit portion 54, the check claw portion 56 of the snap fit portion 54 is located inside the toner filling path 32. The state engaged with the opening edge is maintained.

  According to the toner cartridge 30 according to the second embodiment, the closing body 41 is put inside the toner cartridge 30 through the toner filling path 32, and then the inner cylinder member 51 is fitted into the toner filling path 32, and then the closing body 41 is used. In order to close the inner passage 52 of the inner cylinder member 51, the closing body 41 can be inserted from the outside to the inside of the toner cartridge 30 after the toner 33 is filled with the toner 33. For this reason, the toner filling path 32 can be easily closed.

  Further, the closing body 41 that closes the inner passage 52 of the inner cylinder member 51 is attached to the inner passage 52 from the inside of the toner cartridge 30, and once attached, it can be removed to the outside of the toner cartridge 30. However, in order to refill the toner 33, it can only be removed toward the inside of the toner cartridge 30. At this time, since the operating body 42 provided in the closing body 41 is already separated from the closing body 41, when the closing body 41 is removed toward the inside of the toner cartridge 30, the closing body 41 is removed from the outside. Without being supported, the closing body 41 falls out of the toner cartridge 30. Since the closing body 41 that has fallen to the inside of the toner cartridge 30 hinders the operation of the agitator and hinders the stirring and transport of the toner 33, the function of the toner cartridge 30 is impaired.

  Even if the closing body 41 is prevented from falling inward, the operating body 42 is separated from the closing body 41, so that the closing body 41 cannot be attached, and the toner filling path 32 is opened again. The closing body 41 cannot be closed.

  Therefore, even if the closing body 41 is removed inside and the toner 33 is refilled, the function of the toner cartridge 30 is impaired, or the toner filling path 32 cannot be closed again, and the closing body 41 is attached. The inner cylinder member 51 cannot be removed from the toner cartridge 30. For this reason, unauthorized refilling of the toner 33 can be prevented.

  Further, the snap fit portion 54 as a non-return means is configured such that when the closing body 41 is attached to the inner cylinder member 51 in a state where the inner cylinder member 51 is fitted in the toner filling path 32, the closing body 41 is snapped on. Therefore, the state in which the check claw 56 is engaged with the inner opening edge of the toner filling path 32 is maintained, and the inner cylinder member 51 is moved. The state fixed in the toner filling path 32 is maintained. Therefore, in a state where the closing body 41 is attached to the inner cylinder member 51, the inner cylinder member 51 cannot be removed from the toner cartridge 30 and the toner 33 cannot be refilled. For this reason, unauthorized refilling of the toner 33 can be prevented.

  In the description of the present embodiment, the closing body 41 is a truncated cone-shaped plug, but may be any shape as long as the toner filling path 32 can be closed. For example, when the toner filling path 32 has a shape protruding inside the toner cartridge 30, the closing body 41 is configured to fit into the toner filling path 32 so that the toner filling path 32 is closed. Also good.

  The operation body 42 provided in the closing body 41 is separated by breaking, but is not limited to this, and any structure that can be separated after the toner filling path 32 is closed by the closing body 41 may be used. For example, the closing body 41 and the operation body 42 may be screwed together so that the operation body 42 can be separated by rotating and loosening.

  The technical scope of the present invention described above is not limited to the above embodiment, and is not limited to the shape of the above embodiment. The technical scope of the present invention broadly covers the entire scope of technical ideas that the present invention truly intends, as will be apparent from the matters described in the present specification and drawings.

FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the printer. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge 30 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge 30 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a simplified perspective view of an inner cylinder member 51 of a toner cartridge 30 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge 30 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge 30 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge 30 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge 30 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 Toner cartridge 31 Toner storage part 32 Toner filling path 33 Toner 41 Closure body 42 Operation body 43 Support part 44 Breaking part 51 Inner cylinder member 52 Inner passage 53 Flange part 54 as a fitting prevention means 54 Snap fitting part 55 as a non-return means Notched tongue piece 56 Check claw part 57 Slit 58 Tapered part

Claims (3)

A toner cartridge having a toner filling path for filling toner in the toner cartridge,
A closing body that closes the toner filling path by being attached to the toner filling path from the inside of the toner cartridge;
The closing body is provided with an operating body for attaching and operating the closing body through the toner filling path from the outside of the toner cartridge.
A toner cartridge, wherein the operating body is separated from the closed body after the operating body is operated to close the toner filling path with the closed body. The toner cartridge according to claim 1,
An outer shape that can be inserted from the outer opening to the inner opening of the toner filling path, an inner passage through which the toner passes, and an insertion preventing unit that prevents the toner from being inserted from a predetermined position in the toner filling path. A non-return means for preventing the toner filling path from being pulled out from a predetermined position by applying an outward force in the thickness direction in the toner filling path;
It is possible to pass through the toner filling path, and the inner passage is closed by being attached to the inner cylinder member from the inside of the toner cartridge, and an outward force in the thickness direction is applied to the check means of the inner cylinder member. Add the closure body,
The closure body is put inside the toner cartridge through the toner filling path, and then the inner cylinder member is fitted into the toner filling path, and then the inner passage of the inner cylinder member is opened by the closure body. A toner cartridge, wherein the inner cylinder member is fixed in the toner filling path by closing and applying an outward force in the thickness direction to the check means.   3. The invention according to claim 2, wherein the check means includes a notched tongue piece formed on an inner edge of an inner cylinder member, and an inner opening edge of the toner filling path formed on the notched tongue. And a check claw portion engaging with the toner cartridge.

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