JP3073042B2 - Toner cartridge - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toner cartridge, and more particularly to a detachable toner cartridge for supplying toner to a developing device of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, it is widely known that toner is supplied from a developing device by replacing a new toner cartridge containing toner in advance with an empty toner cartridge consuming toner. ing.

[0003] When a toner cartridge for toner replenishment is stored, the toner contained in the toner cartridge is generally agglomerated and not in a powder form but in a lump in a part. In this case, the replenishment of the toner becomes uneven, and an abnormal image is generated. When toner aggregation is remarkable, there is a problem that the toner conveying member in the toner cartridge is damaged.

In order to solve this problem, the toner cartridge is conventionally cautioned with a precautionary note so that the toner cartridge is well shaken at the time of toner replenishment. However, there is a problem that the manner of shaking is insufficient and the toner is not sufficiently diffused.

In a conventional toner cartridge, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-135151, a seal member of the toner cartridge and a stirring member in the cartridge are connected by a string, and the seal member of the cartridge is removed. When the cartridge is opened, a method has been proposed in which the stirring member rotates in the cartridge in response to the movement of the seal member to prevent toner aggregation.However, when toner aggregation is severe, it does not work well. Since the agitating member rotates, there is a problem that the toner is scattered severely and the hands and clothes of the operator are easily stained.

[0006]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and enables a sufficient amount of toner to be automatically generated without scattering the toner to the outside without any special attention of an operator. It is an object of the present invention to provide a toner cartridge that can be mounted on a developing device in a spread state.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by, first, accommodating a toner therein, closing an opening for discharging the toner by a cover, and mounting the toner in a developing device of an image forming apparatus. The toner cartridge includes release means connected to the cover and for removing the cover from the toner cartridge, wherein the release means swings the toner cartridge from a position in the toner cartridge where the cover cannot be removed. Thus, the toner cartridge can be moved to a position where the cover outside the toner cartridge can be removed.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem. Second, the present invention relates to a toner cartridge which can be attached to a developing device of an image forming apparatus by closing an opening for containing toner therein and discharging the toner by a cover. A stopper which is provided on the toner cartridge, the stopper being movable between a projecting position for preventing the cartridge from being mounted on the developing device and a projecting position for enabling the mounting, and holding means for holding the stopper at the projecting position; Release means for releasing the holding means to allow the stopper to move from the protruding position to the intruding position, wherein the releasing means moves the toner from a position where the holding means cannot be released in the toner cartridge. When the cartridge is shaken, it can be moved to a position where the holding means outside the toner cartridge can be released. It was solved by a toner cartridge.

The third object of the present invention is to provide a toner cartridge which accommodates toner therein, closes an opening for discharging the toner with a cover, and can be mounted on a developing device of an image forming apparatus. A sensor operating means provided in the cartridge, a sensor provided in the developing device, for detecting the sensor operating means when the toner cartridge is mounted on the developing device, and a non-operating position in which the sensor operating means does not operate the sensor And release means for releasing the holding means and allowing the sensor operating means to move from a non-operating position to an operating position for operating the sensor, by removing the releasing means from the toner cartridge. The problem has been solved by a toner cartridge characterized in that the holding means can be released.

A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a toner cartridge which accommodates toner therein and which can be mounted on a developing device of an image forming apparatus by closing an opening for discharging the toner with a cover. And a stirring movement means formed as an elastic member provided inside the box, and the toner cartridge in the box is removed by the stirring movement means when the toner cartridge is taken out. The problem has been solved by a toner cartridge characterized in that a force for further projecting and giving an impact to toner is applied.

A fifth object of the present invention is to provide a toner cartridge which accommodates toner therein and which can be attached to a developing device of an image forming apparatus by closing an opening for discharging the toner with a cover. And a resilient bag provided in the toner cartridge and capable of containing gas therein, the resilient bag is filled with gas, and the toner cartridge in the box is taken out. The toner cartridge is characterized in that a propulsive force is applied to the elastic bag by the ejection of gas to apply an impact force to the toner.

[0012] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem by providing, in a sixth aspect, a cylindrical toner cartridge which can be attached to a developing device of an image forming apparatus which can accommodate a toner therein and which can open and close an opening for discharging the toner by a cover. A spiral groove having a length of at least one circumference is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the toner cartridge including the cover, and a projection is formed on the developing device to engage with the spiral groove. The toner cartridge has a guide support member that is moved and guided in the developing device, wherein the toner cartridge is linearly and rotationally moved at the time of attachment and detachment, and the spiral groove includes a plurality of parallel grooves, and a circumferential direction between the grooves is provided. By setting at least one of the following distance, the distance between the protrusions engaging with the groove, the shape of the groove and the dimension of the groove and the protrusion, the toner cartridge can be transferred to the developing device. It was solved by a toner cartridge, characterized in that the insertion position is defined.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner cartridge which accommodates toner therein, and which has a cover for closing an opening for discharging the toner and which can be mounted on a developing device of an image forming apparatus. The problem is solved by a toner cartridge in which an identification chamber into which toner can enter is formed in the cartridge, and identification means is provided in the identification chamber.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem. Eighth, the present invention relates to a toner cartridge which can be attached to a developing device of an image forming apparatus by closing an opening for discharging toner and closing the opening by a cover. An elastic bag is provided in the cartridge, an opening of the elastic bag is connected to an inlet of the toner cartridge, the inlet is closed, and the opening and the toner are inflated by expansion of the elastic bag by gas injection. The toner cartridge is characterized in that the space between the elastic bag and the toner cartridge can be sealed, and the toner can be dropped from the opening by discharging the gas from the elastic bag.

[0015]

According to the present invention, first, it is necessary to swing the toner cartridge a required number of times or more in order to remove the release means from the toner cartridge. When the cover is peeled off by the release means to open the opening, the toner cartridge is sufficiently shaken. As a result, the toner is evenly dispersed in a lump. When the cover is removed, it is after sufficient agitation, so that the toner is prevented from scattering from the opening. According to the present invention, the toner cartridge is necessarily mounted on the developing device in a state where the toner is scattered uniformly.

Secondly, the present invention requires the toner cartridge to be swung a required number of times or more in order to take out the release means from the toner cartridge. When the release means releases the holding means of the stopper and allows the stopper to be inserted into the developing device. In other words, the toner cartridge is sufficiently shaken so that the toner is evenly dispersed in a lump. When the opening is opened, it is after sufficient stirring, so that the toner is prevented from scattering from the opening. According to the present invention, the toner cartridge is necessarily mounted on the developing device in a state where the toner is scattered uniformly.

Third, the present invention requires that the toner cartridge must be shaken a required number of times or more in order to remove the release means from the toner cartridge, and the release means releases the holding means for holding the sensor operating means in the non-operating position. When the actuating means is movable to the actuated position, the toner cartridge is shaken sufficiently and the toner is evenly distributed in lumps. Whenever the toner cartridge is mounted on the developing device and the sensor operating means operates the sensor provided on the developing device, the toner cartridge is always sufficiently stirred and the toner is prevented from scattering from the opening.
According to the present invention, the image forming apparatus becomes operable only when the toner cartridge inevitably scatters the toner.

Fourth, according to the present invention, when the toner cartridge is taken out of the box, the toner cartridge is vibrated by a projecting output by the elastic means which is a stirring movement means.
The toner mass is uniformly dispersed by the impact force.

Fifth, in the present invention, when the toner cartridge is taken out of the box, a propulsive force is applied to the elastic bag by the ejection of gas from the elastic bag, so that the toner mass inside is crushed and dispersed. Is done.

Sixth, according to the present invention, the toner cartridge is provided with a spiral movement as a combination of a rotational movement and a linear movement when the toner cartridge is attached to or detached from the developing device by a spiral groove provided on the outer peripheral surface.
The toner mass inside is crushed and dispersed. The opening is opened after the toner cartridge has finished inserting and the toner is sufficiently stirred and dispersed, so that scattering of the toner is prevented.

Seventh, according to the present invention, the stirring vibration is insufficient while the discriminating means in the discriminating chamber can be visually recognized, and the toner cartridge is sufficiently shaken to generate bubbles by mixing the liquid and gas in the discriminating chamber. Becomes invisible. If the toner cartridge is mounted on the developing device after the identification unit becomes invisible, the toner is sufficiently dispersed.

Eighth, the present invention ruptures the elastic bag by removing the gas inside the elastic bag, which seals the gap between the opening and the toner by inflation by gas injection, by removing the stopper as a discharging means, or by using a needle. By doing so, the elastic bag is discharged, the elastic bag is shrunk, the opening is opened, and the lump can be dispersed by the toner falling through the opening.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The details of the present invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in the drawings.

1 and 2, the toner cartridge 1 has a toner storage chamber 2 and a separate chamber 3, and the toner storage chamber 2 and the separate chamber 3 are separated by a partition wall 4. The toner storage chamber 2 has an opening 5, and the toner is supplied and discharged through the opening 5 when the stored toner 6 is supplied and discharged. The opening 5 is closed by the cover 7 after storing a predetermined amount of toner 4.

The cover 7 is made of a sheet adhered to the toner cartridge 1, and an end of a cord 8 is fixed to an end A opposite to the separate chamber 3. The string 8 is stretched in close contact with the cover 7. It is introduced into the separate chamber 3 through one small hole 9 on the peripheral surface of the cartridge 1.

A weight 10 is fixed to the end of the string 8 introduced into the separate chamber 3.

The toner cartridge 1 includes a toner storage chamber 2
An outlet 11 communicating with the separate chamber 3 is formed on the end wall opposite to the above. For example, when the weight 10 is formed of a lead sphere having a diameter of 7 mm, the outlet 11 is formed as a hole having a diameter of 8 mm, for example, so that the weight 10 can easily enter and exit. If the toner cartridge 1 is not shaken several times, the weight 10 is formed at a position where the weight 10 does not reach the outlet 11. The outlet 11 is sealed by a lid 12,
When transporting the toner cartridge 1, the weight 10 is connected to the outlet 11.
Do not jump out of

When replacing the toner cartridge, first, the lid 12 is peeled off, the outlet 11 is opened, and as shown in FIG.
Get out of.

When the weight 10 comes out of the outlet 11 as shown in FIG. 3B, the string 8 is pulled as shown in FIG. 3C. By pulling the cord 8, the cover 7 is pulled off from the end farthest from the outlet 11 to open the opening 5. Instead of the string 8, any chain, ribbon, or any other material that does not hinder the movement of the weight 10 and can remove the cover 7 can be used.

The cover 7 cannot be peeled off until the weight 10 goes out of the outlet 11 and the string 8 is pulled, and the cover 7 is peeled off during transportation and toner leaks from the opening 5 that is opened. Is prevented.

In order to take out the weight 10, it is necessary to shake the toner cartridge 1, and even if it is shaken only once, the toner cartridge 1 is shaken several times, that is, more than the required number of times. He is dispersed.

After the cover 7 is peeled off, the string of the outlet 8 can be cut by pressing the outlet 11 with strong force against the edge because the edge is formed sharp.

Assuming that the length of the toner cartridge 1 is L, the string 8 needs to be longer than L.

Although the weight 10 is an example of lead, the material can be replaced with another material as long as it acts as a weight. The shape of the weight 10 is not limited to a sphere, and an appropriate shape can be selected. Similarly, the outlet 11 is not limited to the round hole, but the weight 1
Any shape may be used as long as it is easy for 0 to appear. The size is not limited to the above example, and may be any size as long as the weight 10 can easily pass through the outlet 11.

The weight 10 and the string 8 function as releasing means for opening the cover 7, and in order to open the cover 7, it is necessary to shake the toner cartridge 1 a plurality of times.

Since the number of times of shaking is determined on average by selecting the position and size of the outlet 11, the position and size of the outlet 11 are selected according to the number of times necessary for dispersing the toner mass. Thus, when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device with the opening 5 opened, the toner cartridge 1 is necessarily required to be shaken a desired number of times.

In contrast to the above example in which the release means consists of a string 8 and a weight 10, it is possible to use a tension rod 15 instead of the weight 10 fixed to the end of the string 8, as shown in FIG. it can. The same or corresponding members as those in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted.

In FIG. 4, the outlet 11 continues to the cylindrical guide 16 and is formed so that the pull rod 15 can move through. The guide 16 ends in the separate chamber 3 as shown in FIG. 4, and the end of the string 8 which is introduced through the small hole 9 into the separate chamber 3 of the toner cartridge as in the example of FIG. In another example, as shown in FIG. 5, the guide 16 'is deformed into a shape penetrating through the entire length of the toner cartridge 1, and the cover 7 is provided at an end opposite to that in FIG. The double cover 7 ′ is folded back and one side of the double cover 7 ′ is adhered to the toner cartridge 1 so as to close the opening 5, and one end of the string 8 is fixed to the end E of the other side. The string 8 extends through the guide 16 'and the other end is fixed to a tension rod 11 formed as in FIG.

In the example of FIG. 5, as shown in FIG. 6, the hollow rotating shaft of the toner conveying member 17 also serves as the guide 16 '.

As shown in FIG. 7, the pull rod 15 has saw teeth 18 formed on one or both sides, and a reverse movement preventing plate 19, for example, a leaf spring, is fixed to the guides 16, 16 'into which the pull rod 15 is inserted. . The saw tooth 18 has a gentle slope 18a and a steep slope 18b, and when the tension rod 15 moves through the guides 16 and 16 'toward the outlet, the reverse movement preventing plate 19 can be moved by pressing against the gentle slope 18a. When trying to move inward from the outlet 11, the reverse movement prevention plate 19 engages with the steep slope 18 b and prevents the pull rod 15 from moving.

The tension rod 15 is not limited to the rectangular section shown in the figure, but may be circular.
6 'is also circular in cross section, the reverse movement preventing plate 19 is formed as an annular plate, and the saw teeth can also be formed as annular teeth.

Normally, the outlet 11 is closed by a stopper 20, for example, a resin stopper, and the drawbar 15 is formed so as not to protrude outside.

When replacing the toner cartridge 1, the stopper 2
0 is removed, and the toner cartridge 1 is shaken in a direction substantially parallel to the moving direction of the pulling rod 15, and the pulling rod 15 exits by one saw tooth at a time of vibration due to the vibrating force and the weight of the pulling rod 15. It approaches 11 and further projects from the outlet. When the toner cartridge is shaken, the toner cartridge is reciprocated, but in one direction of movement, the pull rod 15 moves in a direction to come out, and in the opposite direction of movement, the pull rod 15 is held at that position by the reverse movement preventing plate 19. You. Thus, from the initial position shown in FIG. 8A, the pull rod 15 moves to the position shown in FIG. 8B, and the tip protrudes from the inlet 11.

A handle 21 is formed at the tip of the pull rod 15, and when the pull rod 15 projects by a predetermined amount, the pull 21 is pulled to pull out the pull rod 15 from the guides 16 and 16 '. At this time, the string 8 is pulled and the cover 7 is peeled off. In FIG. 4, it is peeled from the right side of the figure, and on the side of FIG. 8, it is peeled from point D, that is, from the left side of the figure.

The length of the cord 8 must be longer than the total length L of the toner cartridge.

The shape of the tension bar 15 is not necessarily limited to the illustrated shape, but may be any as long as it has a structure that can be moved only in one specific direction by the vibration of the toner cartridge 1.

FIGS. 1 to 5 show an opening 5 for discharging toner.
The structure in which the cover with the cover closed can be peeled off in a state where the toner is dispersed without lump by a predetermined number of vibrations has been shown. However, as shown in FIG. Can be opened and closed.

The cover 25 has a guide groove 26 into which the edge member of the opening 5 of the cartridge 1 fits. The opening 5 is opened from the state in which the opening 5 is completely closed as shown in FIG. 9A as shown in FIG. 9B. Can slide.

Since the shape of the toner cartridge 1 is basically the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the same parts and corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Only different points will be described. I do.

The cover 25 has an engagement recess 27 formed therein.
A hook 29a of a hook 29 rotatably supported by a pin 28 in the separate chamber 3 of the toner cartridge 1 engages with the engaging recess 27 at the closed position of the cover 25, and the hook 29 is held at the engaged position by the spring 30. Is done.

A release means is connected to an end of the hook 29 remote from the position supported by the pin 28. In the example of FIG. 10, the string 8 and the weight 10 are used as the releasing means, and the end of the string 8 is fixed to the hook 29. In the example of FIG. 11, the string 8 and the tension rod 15 are used as the releasing means. One end of 8 is fixed to hook 29.

In the closed state of the cover 25 shown in FIGS. 10A and 11A, when replacing the toner, the lid 12 or the stopper 20 is removed, and the toner cartridge 1 is shaken to take out the weight 10 from the outlet 11 or the pull rod 15 is moved to the outlet 11. Project from
The string 8 is pulled by pulling the weight 10 or the pull rod 15, and the hook 29 is pulled against the force of the spring 30, and the claw 29 a
Is disengaged from the engagement recess 27. Thus cover 2
Reference numeral 5 opens the opening 5 by pulling in the direction of the arrow, thereby enabling toner to be discharged.

While the hook 29 is provided in the separate chamber 3 of the toner cartridge 1 in the example of FIG. 11, a space 31 is provided in the cover 25 'as shown in FIG. Pivotally supported by
Engaging recesses 27a and 27b are provided in a part of the toner cartridge 1, for example, the part of the separate chamber 3 and the cover 25 '. A saw member 32 corresponding to the pull rod 15 having the saw teeth 18 as a releasing means is provided in the space 31 so as to be movable between an operation position shown in FIG. 12A and a release position shown in FIG. Back motion prevention plate 1
8, acts on the saw teeth 18 of the saw tooth member 32, that is, the gentle slope 18a and the steep slope 18b, as in FIG.

Initially, as shown in FIG.
5 ′ is a state in which the opening 5 of the toner cartridge 1 is closed,
The hook 29a of the hook 29 is engaged with the engaging recess 27a of the cover 25 '.
Then, the cover 25 ′ is locked to the toner cartridge 1 in the closed position with the engagement recess 27 b provided at a predetermined position of the toner cartridge 1, for example, a position near the separate chamber 3.

When the toner cartridge 1 is shaken at the time of replacing the toner cartridge, the saw-tooth member 32 moves one tooth at a time in the rightward direction in the drawing according to the vibration, similarly to the example of the tension rod 15 in FIG. To the left, the reverse movement prevention plate 19
Is blocked by Thus, when the saw-tooth member 32 moves by a predetermined amount, the reverse movement preventing plate 19 separates from the saw-tooth 18, the hook 29 is pushed up by the force of the spring 33, the claws 29a are disengaged from the engaging recesses 27a, 27b, and the cover 25 'is locked. Cancel. Therefore, the cover 25 'can be freely moved, and the opening 5 can be opened.

Although FIGS. 1 to 12 show that the movement of the cover covering the opening of the toner cartridge is restricted, the vibration is automatically applied to the toner cartridge, and the dispersion of the toner lump is ensured. On the other hand, FIGS. 13 and 14 show that the toner cartridge is provided with a stopper for preventing the toner cartridge from being attached to the developing device, and the stopper is moved from the operating position to the release position where the toner cartridge can be attached to the developing device by using the releasing means. This is a modified example that makes it possible.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show the toner cartridge 1.
A stopper guide 35 is provided in another room 3 of the
6 is movably guided, and an access hole 37 of a stopper 36 is formed on the peripheral wall surface of the toner cartridge 1. FIGS. 13A and 14A show the operating position where the stopper 36 protrudes, and the stopper 36 is held in a state of protruding outward from the access hole 37 against the tensile force of the spring 38. At this time, the hook 2 is inserted into the engagement recess 39 provided in the stopper 36.
The nine claws 29a engage to lock the stopper 36 at the projecting position.

The hook 29 is rotatably supported in the separate chamber 3 by a pin 28, and a force for engaging a stopper 36 is applied by a spring 30.

As releasing means connected to the hook 29,
In FIG. 13, the string 8 and the weight 10 are used, and in FIG. 14, the string 8 and the tension rod 15 are used.

Since the basic configuration is the same as that shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 except that the hook 29 is engaged with the stopper 36, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted (FIG. 10). The same applies to the following embodiments).

The toner cartridge 1 is shaken so that the weight 10 or the tension rod 15 can be pulled as described above.
13A, the stopper 36 shown in FIG. 13A and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 14B, the hook 29 is pulled, and the claw 29a is disengaged from the engagement concave portion 39 to be in the unlocked state.
8, the stopper 36 is pulled into the toner cartridge 1, and the state is switched to a state where the stopper 36 can be mounted on the developing device.

As a modification of FIGS. 13 and 14, FIG.
5. As shown in FIG. 16, the releasing means is constituted by a saw-tooth member 40 movably supported by the guide 16 in the separate chamber 3 of the toner cartridge 1 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the stopper 36, and is fixed to the toner cartridge 1. The reverse movement preventing plate 19 and the saw-tooth member 40 can be moved in one direction, and the projection 41 provided on the saw-tooth member 40 can be engaged with the hole 42 of the stopper 36. When the projection 41 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is engaged with the hole 42, the stopper 36 is locked at a position where it projects against the force of the spring 38. In this state, as shown in FIG. 17, even if an attempt is made to mount the toner cartridge 1 into the developing device 60, the stopper 36 abuts and cannot be mounted.

When the toner cartridge 1 is swung right and left in FIG. 15, the vibration moves the saw-tooth member 40 one tooth at a time to the left in the figure, and when the toner cartridge 1 is swung a predetermined number of times, the projection 41 provided on the saw-tooth member 40 becomes the stopper 36. The stopper 36 is pulled into the toner cartridge 1 by the force of the spring 38 and does not protrude outside. Thus, the toner cartridge 1 can be mounted in the developing device 60. Since the toner cartridge 1 is shaken a predetermined number of times,
Even if the toner is a lump, it is crushed and uniformly dispersed in a powder form.

A stopper is provided as shown in the example of FIG. 15 in order to prevent the toner cartridge from being mounted in the developing device 60 unless the toner mass is dispersed by shaking a predetermined number of times. Even if the image forming apparatus can be installed in the apparatus 60, the image forming apparatus cannot be operated unless the toner cartridge is a toner cartridge which has been shaken a predetermined number of times and the toner is sufficiently dispersed. For this purpose, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a shutter 45 movable in the radial direction and a reflecting member 46 provided in an optical path opened and closed by the movement of the shutter 45 are provided in the separate chamber 3 of the toner cartridge 1. As in the example of 15, the opening and closing of the shutter 45 is controlled by the action of the sawtooth member 32 as the releasing means movably guided by the guide 16 and the reverse movement preventing plate 19. In this case, a sensor is provided in the developing device 60,
For example, a reflection type photo sensor 47 is provided. At first Figure 1
As shown in FIG. 8, the shutter 45 is pushed into the closed position against the spring 48, and the sawtooth member 32 restrains the shutter 45 from moving outward in the radial direction, that is, moving to the open position.

When the toner cartridge 1 is not shaken sufficiently,
When the toner mass is not dispersed, the saw-tooth member 32 holds the shutter 45 in the closed position.
Does not reflect light, and the reflective photosensor 47 does not operate, so that the image forming apparatus does not operate. When the toner cartridge is sufficiently shaken, the sawtooth member 32 moves to the left in the drawing, and the shutter 45 is pushed outward by the force of the spring 48 in the radial direction to open the optical path. At this time, the reflection type photo sensor 47 receives the reflection light from the reflection member 46, and the switch is turned on to operate the image forming apparatus. The shutter 45 is formed so as not to reflect light to the sensor.

In contrast to the example using the reflection type photosensor 47 shown in FIG. 18, a transmission type photosensor 51 can be used as shown in FIGS. In this case, when the toner cartridge 1 is sufficiently shaken and mounted later, a light shielding member 49 that protrudes into the transmissive photosensor 51 is provided in the toner cartridge 1, and the shutter 50 which is initially in the closed position is used to release the spring 50. When the shutter 45 is moved to the open position by sufficiently shaking, the light transmitting member 4 is moved by a predetermined amount by the force of the spring 50.
9 protrudes. When the toner cartridge 1 in this state is mounted on the developing device 60, the light blocking member 49 blocks light from the photo sensor 51. When the transmissive photo sensor 51 is detecting light, the switch is turned off and the light shielding member 4 is turned off.
9 allows the switch to be turned on when the light is blocked.

For the photosensor shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, a switch 52 is provided in the developing device 60 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, and an operation bar 49 'corresponding to the light shielding member 49 in FIG. Pressed by spring 50 '. The operation bar 49 ′ is held in a state where it is pushed inward at the closed position of the shutter 45 shown in FIG. In this state, even if the toner cartridge 1 is mounted in the developing device 60, the switch 52 is opened. As in the example of FIG. 20, when the toner cartridge 1 is sufficiently shaken, the saw-tooth member 32 moves, and when the shutter 45 moves to the open position by the force of the spring 48, the operation bar 49 'protrudes by the force of the spring 50'. . When the toner cartridge 1 is mounted in the developing device 60, the operating bar 49 'mechanically pushes the contact of the switch 52 or operates the switch 52 in a non-contact manner.

The release means for controlling the opening and closing movement of the shutter 45 uses the sawtooth member 32 in the examples shown in FIGS. 18 to 22, whereas the string 8 and the weight 10 can be used as in the example shown in FIG. In this case, as a means for holding the shutter 45 at the closed position, the structure of the hook 29 in FIG. 13 can be used as it is.

When the toner cartridge 1 is mounted in the developing device 60, the coupling half 62 provided on the drive shaft 61 of the developing device 60 engages with the coupling half 63 provided on the toner cartridge 1 to drive the toner cartridge 1. Is transmitted.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the string 8 is fixed to the end of the cover 7, whereas the string 8 is omitted as shown in FIGS. Can be used instead. The cover 7 has an end F (position A in FIG. 1).
(Corresponding to the above) (turned at the opposite position from FIG. 5),
A slit 9 'is formed in the separate chamber 3 in place of the small hole 9 in FIG. 1, and the end of the cover 7 is introduced into the separate chamber 3 through the slit 9', and the tip 7a of the cover 7 is thinned and connected to the weight 10. to enable. An outlet for taking out the weight 10 from the separate chamber 3 to the outside is replaced with a hole-like outlet 11a 'for allowing the weight 10 to pass therethrough and a slit hole 11b' for allowing the sheet-like cover 7 to pass therethrough, instead of the hole 11 in FIG. Is formed as an outlet 11 'having a combination shape of. Slit hole 11b 'has weight 1
The width is set so that 0 cannot pass.

The weight 11 is pulled out through the hole-shaped outlet 11a ', and the cover 7 is separated from the slit 9' and the slit hole 11 '.
Pull out through b '. It is not necessary to cut like the thread of the example of FIG. 1, and the whole cover 7 may be peeled off.

The operation and effect are almost the same as those in the examples shown in FIGS.

For each of the above-described examples in which the toner cartridge is forcibly shaken to disperse the toner mass in the toner cartridge, when the toner cartridge is taken out of the box in which the toner cartridge is previously stored for replacement, the automatic operation is performed. It can be configured to disperse the toner mass in an appropriate manner.

28 to 30, the bottom of the box 101,
That is, the spring 103 is fixed on the side opposite to the lid 102, and the toner cartridge 104 is inserted into the box 101 while compressing the spring 103, and the lid 102 is closed. A toner 105 is stored in a toner cartridge 104, and an opening 106 for supplying and discharging the toner is sealed by a cover 107. A handle 108 is provided at the end of the toner cartridge 104 to facilitate handling.

When the lid 102 in FIG. 29A is closed, the lid 1 of the box 101 is
By simply opening 02, as shown in FIG. 29B, the toner cartridge 104 protrudes at an accelerated rate by the force of the spring 103. Due to the accelerated movement of the toner cartridge 104, the toner inside is loosened and uniformly dispersed by the reaction force, as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the toner 105 is dispersed in the toner cartridge 104 by the movement when the user pulls the handle 108 and pulls out the toner cartridge 104 from the box 101.
As shown in FIG. In this case, the mass of the box 101 must be larger than the mass of the toner cartridge 104 according to the law of conservation of mass.

The shapes of the box and the toner cartridge are not limited to the examples shown in the figures, and the materials which can adopt an appropriate shape are not particularly limited.

The spring 103 can be fixed to the toner cartridge 104 in contrast to the example in which the spring 103 is fixed to the box 101 in the figure.

Instead of using the accelerating force of the spring, as shown in FIGS.
1. For example, an internal thread 111 such as a nut is provided in place of the spring 103, and an opposite thread portion 112 of the toner cartridge 104, for example, an external thread 112 is provided. When the toner cartridge 104 is stored in the box 101, an external thread 112 is provided.
The female screw 111 is screwed into each other.

Even if the toner is lumped in a lump during storage, the toner cartridge 104 is placed in the box 10 for replacement.
It is necessary to rotate the toner cartridge 104 a predetermined number of times when the toner cartridge 104 is pulled out from the first position. This rotation causes a spiral movement accompanied by an axial movement, and has the same effect as shaking back and forth in the above-described example.
The toner inside is uniformly dispersed.

Conversely, the female screw 111 and the male screw 112 can be provided with a female screw on the toner cartridge 104 and a female screw on the box 101.

Further, as shown in FIG. 33A, at least one surface of the box 101, that is, a sliding surface 115 which slides when the toner cartridge 104 is pulled out is formed as an uneven surface, that is, a surface having a large number of concave portions and convex portions. The opposing surface 116 of the toner cartridge 104 that slides opposite to the sliding surface 115 can be formed as an uneven surface. By engaging the uneven sliding surface 115 and the opposing surface 116 with each other, the toner cartridge 104 generates vibration when the toner cartridge 104 is pulled out of the box 101 from the position shown in FIG. 33A as shown in FIG. 33B. And disperse the toner mass. The shape of the unevenness is set to a size that has an effect of dispersing the toner mass. The uneven facing surface 116 provided on the side of the toner cartridge 104 can be formed by arranging a large number of rubber convex surfaces at predetermined intervals.

As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the toner 105 is accommodated in the same manner as described above, and the opening 106 is covered with the cover 107.
Toner cartridge 1 formed to be sealable by
In addition to the toner 105, an elastic bag 122 is provided in the inside 21, gas such as compressed air, N ₂ gas, or the like is injected into the elastic bag 122, and the mouth of the elastic bag 122 is closed by the cock 123. The cock 123 penetrates the toner cartridge 124 and closes the mouth of the elastic bag 122.

A plurality of guide rollers 125 are rotatably provided in the box 124, and a cable 126 having one end fixed to the lid 127 is guided by the guide rollers 125. The other end of the cable 126 is fixed to the cock 123.

When replacing the toner cartridge 121,
When the lid 127 is opened, the cable 126 is pulled, and the cock 1
23 is pulled together with the cable 126 to open the mouth of the elastic bag 122. When the mouth is opened, the elastic bag 122 into which gas is injected and inflated like a rubber balloon is given a propulsive force by the gas inside blowing out from the mouth and vigorously faces the lid 125 side. Fly away. Elastic bag 12
When the particles 2 fly, the aggregated toner is crushed and dispersed.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 28 to 35, the toner accommodating chamber is formed as one chamber, whereas a partition plate 128 is provided as shown in FIGS.
4 or 121 is divided into a number of small chambers so as to accommodate toner in each of the small chambers, and when any of the above methods is applied, or when any of the above methods is applied to each small chamber. When using a possible method, the dispersion of the toner can be performed more effectively and uniformly.

In the example of FIG. 32, the toner cartridge 104
Has been described in which the toner is dispersed by forcibly rotating when pulling out of the box 101. However, the structure may be changed to a structure that automatically rotates when being mounted on the developing device 60 instead of the box 101. Is also possible. By providing the screw portion 111 in the developing device 60 instead of the box, the same effect as in FIG. 32 can be obtained. This can be further modified as follows.

38 to 42, an opening 152 is provided in the toner cartridge 151 for supplying and discharging toner, and the opening 152 can be opened and closed by a cover 153. A guide groove 154 is formed in one of the opening 152 and the cover 153 (the cover 153 in the figure), and a ridge 155 is formed in the other (the cover 153 in the figure).
55 is guided by the guide groove 154.

The toner cartridge 151 includes the toner 156
The opening 152 is closed by the cover 153 in a state in which is stored.

A spiral outer peripheral groove 157 is formed on the peripheral surface of the toner cartridge 151. The outer circumferential groove 157 may be a single groove, or may be two outer circumferential grooves 157a and 157b whose starting points are 180 ° out of phase in the circumferential direction.

The outer peripheral groove 157 is formed in the side plate 60a of the developing device 60.
a and 158b are provided with projections 158a and 158b.

The developing device 60 has a support plate 159 (FIG. 4).
1, FIG. 42) is provided, and a support pin 162 provided on an end surface of the toner cartridge 155 is engaged with a support hole 161 provided in the support plate 159. When the support pin 162 is engaged with the support hole 161, one end of the toner cartridge 155 is connected to the support plate 159.
Supported by

When the toner cartridge 151 is pushed in,
The protrusion 159a of the support plate 159 moves linearly while being guided by the groove 160a of the guide rail 160.
The toner cartridge 151 is automatically rotated by the engagement between the outer peripheral grooves 157a and 157b and the outer peripheral grooves 157a and 157b. The handle 163 is rotatably attached to the toner cartridge 151 so that the toner cartridge 151 can be easily attached and detached.
Is provided.

When the toner cartridge 155 is pushed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 38 and FIG. 42, the spiral movement with the linear motion A and the rotation is automatically performed as shown by arrow B. The toner inside is agitated and sufficiently dispersed by the rotational movement of the toner cartridge 155. It is preferable that the toner is stored in about half of the capacity of the toner cartridge 151 so that the toner mixes with the air therein to increase the fluidity.

The toner cartridge 151 includes the developing device 60
And abuts against a stopper 164 provided on the rear side plate 60b. At this time, the opening 152 is positioned so as to face downward.

When the toner cartridge 151 is mounted at a predetermined position, the toner while pulling the handle 153 a of the cover 153 is discharged through the opening 152. After the toner supply is completed, the cover 153 is closed and the toner cartridge 151 is pulled out by pulling the handle 163.

In the case of the cylindrical toner cartridge 151, at least three rotations are required to agitate the toner inside.
Usually, the spiral outer peripheral groove 157a is rotated three times or more,
Select the number of turns of 157b.

When the number of turns is increased, the spiral angle of the groove is reduced, and a large force is required at the time of insertion. Outer peripheral groove 157
The number of turns, the angle and the number of a and 157b vary depending on the diameter of the cartridge, the length in the axial direction, and the like, but are set so that the resistance during insertion does not become excessive. In the case of a plurality of outer circumferential grooves, the winding direction is naturally the same direction.

The examples of FIGS. 43 and 44 show the outer peripheral grooves 157a, 1
The interval of 57b is different from that of the example of FIG. 38, and the starting end extends from one groove 157a to the other groove 157b in the circumferential direction.
°, and an interval of 270 ° from the outer circumferential grooves 157b to 157b. Outer peripheral grooves 157a, 15
Since the interval of 7b is different between the left and right sides in the rotation direction, the mounting posture of the toner cartridge is not mistaken, and the problem that the opening of the toner cartridge does not come to the predetermined position when the insertion is completed is solved.

FIGS. 45 and 46 show outer peripheral grooves 157a and 157, respectively.
The interval b is a 180 ° phase difference as in the example of FIG. 38, but shows an example in which the shape of the two grooves is modified to have a square cross-section and a triangular cross-section. Naturally, the projection 158a has a triangular section,
The projection 158b is formed in a square cross section.

The example shown in FIGS.
45 and 46 in which the cross-sectional shape of the protrusions 158 and the protrusions 158 are changed, examples are shown in which the groove widths are different. In the figure, the width of the outer peripheral groove 157a is set to be larger than the width of the outer peripheral groove 157b. Since the shapes and dimensions of the two grooves are different, the mounting posture of the toner cartridge is not mistaken, and the problem that the opening of the toner cartridge does not come to a predetermined position when the insertion is completed is solved.

As shown in the example of FIG. 49, the side plate 6 is positioned at the position where the toner cartridge 151 is mounted on the developing device 60.
If the annular groove 164 engaged with the protrusions 158a and 158b provided on the outer cartridge 157a is provided in a state where the ends of the outer peripheral grooves 157a and 157b are connected, the toner cartridge 151 can be freely rotated after mounting, and the posture after mounting can be changed. Will be possible.
There is no need to worry about the insertion position when inserting.

In each of the above embodiments, the toner cartridge is given some kind of movement in order to be mounted on the developing device or to operate the image forming device. It shows that it is distributed.

The release means in FIG. 1 for dispersing the toner mass by shaking the toner cartridge can be modified to a structure in which an identification means for recognizing whether the necessary number of times has been shaken is provided.

In FIG. 50, the identification chamber 171 for accommodating the identification means 171 such as a bell or the like which emits a sound when it is shaken at an appropriate position in the toner accommodation chamber 2 of the toner cartridge 1.
72 are provided. An entrance 174 is formed in a part of the wall 173 forming the identification chamber 172. Toner cartridge 1
Is shaken, the identification means 171 makes a sound such as a bell, or the metal piece 171 makes a sound when hitting the wall 173 or the like. At first, since the identification chamber 17 contains no toner, the identification means 171 moves and emits a sound. If the user continues to shake the toner, the toner gradually enters the identification room 172 from the entrance 174,
When 2 is full of toner, the identification means 171 does not move and does not emit sound. Thus, it is recognized that the toner cartridge 1 has been shaken a predetermined number of times.

By using this identification means 171,
There is no difference in the degree to which the toner cartridge 1 is shaken, and toner aggregation can be eliminated.

The entrance 174 has such a size that the toner can enter but cannot pass through the identification means 171. Ingress 174
The size itself is set so that the identification means 171 can enter and exit.
It is also possible to adopt a structure in which the identification means 171 is prevented from escaping by forming a mesh.

The number and position of the entrances 174 may be selected so that the identification chamber 172 is filled with toner when the toner cartridge 1 is shaken a predetermined number of times, but is not particularly limited.

The walls of the identification room 172 can be deformed as shown in FIGS. 51 and 52, and an appropriate shape and arrangement can be selected.

In contrast to the example of FIG. 50 in which the identification means 171 is constituted by sound generation means, the structure is modified to provide a window 175 so that the inside of the identification chamber 172 can be visually recognized from the outside of the toner cartridge 1 as shown in FIG. be able to. In this case, a picture, a color, and the like are given to a portion 176 that can be seen through the window 175 of the wall 173 of the identification room 172. In the state before the first shake, the identification means such as a picture and a color can be recognized from the outside through the window 175. However, by shaking the toner cartridge 1, the toner enters the identification chamber 172 through the entrance 174, and the toner adheres to the identification means. The picture color cannot be recognized.

By using this identification means 171,
There is no difference in the degree to which the toner cartridge 1 is shaken, and toner aggregation can be eliminated.

As shown in FIG. 54, a liquid 177 and a slight amount of gas 178 are introduced into the identification chamber 172,
3a is given a picture or color 179 as in FIG.

Before shaking the toner cartridge 1, the window 17
55, the picture or color 179 of the inner surface 173a of the wall 173 can be confirmed as shown in FIG. 55. However, when the toner cartridge 1 is shaken, bubbles are generated by the gas 178 and the liquid 177, and when the toner cartridge 1 is shaken a predetermined number of times, As shown at 56, the picture and color 179 become invisible from the outside. At this time, it is in a sufficiently shaken state. As a result, there is no difference in the degree to which the toner cartridge 1 is shaken, and it is possible to eliminate toner aggregation. The bubbles disappear after a certain period of time (depending on the type of the enclosed liquid), so that even when the bubbles are formed during transportation, the bubbles are not formed when the toner cartridge is replaced. In other words, it has reversibility.

While the liquid is stored in the identification chamber 172 formed of the concave portion formed in the toner cartridge 1 in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 57, the liquid 177 and a little gas 17
The identification case 180 in which the cartridge 8 is housed in a sealed manner may be formed, and the identification case 180 may be configured to be fitted into the surface or the concave portion of the toner cartridge 1. Identification means 179 is formed on the inner surface of the wall 173a of the identification case 180. The identification case 180 is provided with an adhesive member detachable from the toner cartridge 1 and a double-sided adhesive tape (double-sided magic tape) 181 as shown in FIG.
Adhesion can be performed as shown in FIG. FIG. 59A is a view showing a bonded state, and FIG. 59B is a view showing a state before mounting. The identification case can be used many times, and only a small number, for example, one identification case needs to be prepared for many toner cartridges.

As a modification of the example in which the elastic bag shown in FIG. 34 is used, as shown in FIGS. 60 and 61, the toner cartridge 201 is mounted in the toner storage chamber 202 for storing the toner and the opening of the developing device 60 '. A fitting member 202, an opening 204 for discharging toner from the toner chamber 205, and an opening 20;
4 for opening and closing the cover 4. The toner cartridge 201 has a projection member 206 protruding inside,
The projecting member 206 has a hole 207 for injecting gas, and the hole 107 can be sealed by a plug 208 which is screwed.
An elastic bag 209, for example, an elastic film-like member is attached to the protrusion 206. By providing the projection member 206,
The amount of stored toner can be increased.

The plug 208 is removed, and the gas, for example, air is removed, and the elastic bag 209 is turned upside down in a state where the elastic bag 209 is reduced as shown by a broken line. A predetermined amount is put and gas is injected through the hole 207 to inflate the elastic bag 209 as shown by a solid line. In this state, the toner is accommodated in the upper space of the drawing in which the opening 204 is closed by the elastic bag 209.

When the opening 204 is closed by the cover 205, the sealing effect of the toner accommodating chamber 202 is enhanced to prevent leakage of toner.

If the elastic bag 209 is attached to the developing device 60 ', the cover 205 is pulled to open the opening 204, and the stopper 208 is removed, the gas inside the elastic bag 209 is discharged, and the elastic bag 209 becomes small. Is the developing device 6 through the opening 204
It falls into 0 '. The toner mass is dispersed by the drop impact. Needless to say, the stirring operation can be omitted, and the toner can always be supplied without waste. The plug 208 and the elastic bag 209 can be reused, and the toner can be easily refilled. Since the elastic bag 209 is used, even if the toner amount slightly changes, the space can be absorbed by elastic deformation.

Even if the elastic bag 209 ruptures during transportation, since the opening 204 is closed by the cover 205, leakage of toner can be prevented.

While gas is evacuated by the stopper 208, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the hole 207 is sealed by a cover plate 210, and the elastic body bag 209 is ruptured by pushing the needle 211 attached to the needle hole 211 provided on the side wall of the toner cartridge 201 so that the toner drops. Can be transformed into

Further, as shown in FIG.
A protrusion member 213 is formed on the wall surface of the toner cartridge 201 so as to be stuck in the expanded elastic bag 209, or a concave member 214 is formed on the inner wall surface of the toner cartridge 201 as shown in FIG. The elastic bag 209 thus engaged can be prevented from leaking toward the toner opening 204 and falling. This reliably prevents the toner from leaking toward the opening during transportation.

By providing a cover for closing the opening, it is possible to prevent the toner from leaking to the outside even if there is a trouble and the elastic bag or the elastic film-like member ruptures.

[0122]

According to the present invention, the cover closing the opening of the toner cartridge cannot be opened unless the toner cartridge is shaken more than a required number of times. The toner mass was also shaken by the number of times, so that the toner lump could be evenly dispersed, the aggregation of the toner was eliminated, the toner was prevented from being scattered from the opening, and the developed image became good. Also, it is possible to prevent the toner cartridge from being excessively shaken.

According to the present invention, if the toner cartridge is not shaken more than a required number of times, the stopper of the toner cartridge prevents the toner cartridge from being mounted on the developing device, and prevents the toner cartridge from being mounted on the developing device with insufficient stirring of the toner. . When the stopper is released and the toner cartridge can be mounted on the developing device and toner can be replenished, it can be shaken more than necessary and the lump of toner can be evenly dispersed,
The aggregation of the toner was eliminated, the toner was prevented from scattering from the opening, and the image to be developed was also good.

According to the present invention, unless the toner cartridge is shaken more than a required number of times, the sensor operating means for operating the sensor provided in the developing device cannot be moved to the operating position, and the developing device cannot be operated. Even if a toner cartridge with insufficient stirring is attached to the developing device, the sensor is not activated and the image forming device is not activated.
The operation of the image forming apparatus by replenishing toner with a toner cartridge with insufficient stirring is avoided. When the toner cartridge is mounted and the sensor in the developing device is operated by the sensor operating means, the toner cartridge is always in a sufficiently agitated state, the aggregation of the toner is eliminated, and the lump of the toner is evenly dispersed. The toner can be prevented from scattering from the opening.

According to the present invention, when the toner cartridge is taken out of the box, the toner cartridge is given a protruding output, a rotational movement or a vibration by, for example, an elastic means or a stirring movement means such as a screw or an uneven sliding surface, and is shaken in the same manner as when shaken. Given the action, the toner mass is evenly dispersed by the impact force. By dividing the toner cartridge into small chambers by the partition plate, the uniformity of dispersion is further improved.

According to the present invention, the helical groove provided on the outer peripheral surface of the toner cartridge gives helical movement as a combination of rotational movement and linear movement when the toner cartridge is attached to or detached from the developing device. Distributed. The opening is opened after the toner cartridge has finished inserting and the toner is sufficiently stirred and dispersed, so that scattering of the toner is prevented.

According to the present invention, the stirring vibration is insufficient while the identification means in the identification chamber can be visually recognized, the toner cartridge is sufficiently shaken, the toner enters the identification chamber, and the identification means can be identified by sound or hearing. If the toner cannot be removed and the toner is mounted on the developing device later, the toner is sufficiently dispersed.

According to the present invention, the stirring vibration is insufficient while the discriminating means in the discriminating chamber can be visually recognized, and the toner cartridge is sufficiently shaken to generate bubbles due to mixing of the liquid and gas in the discriminating chamber, so that the discriminating means cannot be visually recognized. State. If the toner cartridge is mounted on the developing device after the identification unit becomes invisible, the toner is sufficiently dispersed.

According to the present invention, the gas inside the elastic bag that seals the gap between the opening and the toner by the inflation due to gas injection is
By removing the stopper as a discharging means or by bursting the elastic bag with a needle, it is discharged, the elastic bag is reduced, the opening is opened, and the mass is dispersed by dropping the toner through the opening. I do.

[0130]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the toner cartridge according to the present invention.

3A is a perspective view illustrating an operation of swinging a toner cartridge to release a release unit, FIG. 3B is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a weight of the release unit is exposed, and FIG. 3C is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a cover is peeled off. is there.

FIG. 4 is a partial side view showing a modification of the release means.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a modification example of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the example of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the release means of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of a pull rod of the release means of FIG. 4, where A is a state before the swing and B is a state after the shake.

FIG. 9 shows a modification of the cover of the toner cartridge,
A is a diagram showing a closed state, and B is a diagram showing a partially opened state.

FIG. 10 is a partial side sectional view showing another example of using the hook and the weight of the release means, where A is before swinging and B is after swinging.

FIG. 11 is a partial side sectional view showing another example of using a hook and a pull rod of the release means, where A is before swinging and B is after swinging.

12 shows an example in which the tension rod of FIG. 11 is modified, wherein A is before shaking, and B is after shaking.

FIG. 13 shows a stopper for preventing attachment to the developing device;
FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of a side of a toner cartridge having a release unit for a holding unit that holds the stopper;
A is a diagram before shaking, and B is a diagram after shaking.

14 is a diagram in which the release means of FIG. 13 is modified, where A is a diagram before shaking and B is a diagram after shaking.

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of a modified example of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a front sectional view of the example of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the example of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a side sectional view of a toner cartridge having a sensor operating unit for a sensor provided in the developing device and a part of the developing device.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the example of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 18 of a modification example of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 19 of the example of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 18 of a modification example of FIG. 18;

FIG. 23 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 19 of the example of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 18 of a modification example of FIG. 18;

FIG. 25 is a side sectional view of a modification example of FIG. 2;

FIG. 26 is a front view of the example of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a state when the cover in the example of FIG. 25 is removed.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an example in which a toner cartridge and stirring means are accommodated in a box.

29 is a side sectional view of the example of FIG. 28, where A is a state inside the box, and B is a state showing a state protruding from the box.

FIG. 30 is a side view of the toner cartridge taken out of the box.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a modification example of FIG. 28;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a state where the toner cartridge of FIG. 28 is taken out of a box.

FIG. 33 is a side sectional view of a modification example of FIG. 28;
A is a diagram showing a state in a box, and B is a diagram showing a state of being taken out of a box.

FIG. 34 is a side sectional view of a modification example of FIG. 28;

FIG. 35 is a plan sectional view of the example of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a modification of the toner cartridge.

FIG. 37 is a partial side sectional view of the example of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of another example of the toner cartridge.

FIG. 39 is a front sectional view of the example of FIG. 38;

40 is a diagram illustrating a part of the peripheral wall of the toner cartridge in FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is a front view in which the toner cartridge shown in FIG. 38 is mounted on a developing device.

42 is a side sectional view showing a state where the toner cartridge of the example of FIG. 41 is pulled out from the developing device.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a modification example of FIG. 38;

FIG. 44 is a front view of the example of FIG. 38.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a modification example of FIG. 43.

FIG. 46 is a front view of the example of FIG. 43.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of another modification example of FIG. 43;

FIG. 48 is a front view of the example of FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of still another modification example of FIG. 43;

FIG. 50 is a partial cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge provided with an identification chamber.

FIG. 51 is a view corresponding to FIG. 50 of a modification example of FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a view corresponding to FIG. 50 of another modification example of FIG. 50;

FIG. 53 is a view corresponding to FIG. 50 of still another modified example of FIG. 50;

FIG. 54 is a partial side view showing a modification of the identification means.

FIG. 55 is a plan view of FIG. 54.

FIG. 56 is a plan view showing a state where the identification means of FIG. 55 cannot be visually recognized.

FIG. 57 is a sectional view of a modification of the identification means of FIG. 54;

58 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the identification unit shown in FIG. 57 is fixed to a toner cartridge.

59A is a perspective view showing a state in which the identification unit shown in FIG. 57 is fixed to the toner cartridge, and FIG. 59B is a perspective view showing a state before fixing.

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of still another example of the toner cartridge according to the invention.

FIG. 61 is a sectional view of the example of FIG. 61;

FIG. 62 is a sectional view of a modification example of FIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is a sectional view of another modification example of FIG. 61;

FIG. 64 is a sectional view of still another modification example of FIG. 61;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Toner cartridge 2 Toner accommodation room 3 Separate room 4 Partition wall 5 Opening 6 Toner 7 Cover 8 String 10 Weight 11 Exit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Asami Koda 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Norimitsu Kikuchi 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo (56) References JP-A-63-249870 (JP, A) JP-A-2-116873 (JP, A) JP-A-1-108581 (JP, A) JP-A-3-2881 (JP, A) Japanese Utility Model 3-77961 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model 2-64962 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model 64-51962 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model 1-64569 (JP, U) Opened Sho 62-134793 (JP, U) Opened Sho 63-49567 (JP, U) Opened Sho 63-195346 (JP, U) Opened Sho 63-174359 (JP, U) Opened Sho 63-80569 ( JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Showa 63-109956 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Hei 1-176872 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model Showa 61 131630 (JP, U) (58 ) investigated the field (Int.Cl. ^7, DB name) G03G 15/08 - 15/09 B65D 30/00 - 30/28 B65D 33/00 - 33/38

Claims (15)

(57) [Claims] 1. A toner cartridge which contains toner therein, and which closes an opening for discharging the toner by a cover and which can be mounted on a developing device of an image forming apparatus, is connected to the cover, and the cover is removed from the toner cartridge. The toner cartridge is shaken from a position where the cover cannot be removed in the toner cartridge to a position where the cover outside the toner cartridge can be removed. A toner cartridge, comprising: 2. A toner cartridge which accommodates toner therein, and which closes an opening for discharging the toner by a cover and which can be mounted on a developing device of an image forming apparatus, wherein a protrusion for preventing the toner cartridge from being mounted on the developing device. A stopper is provided on the toner cartridge, the stopper being movable between a position and a projecting position enabling the mounting of the stopper, holding means for holding the stopper at the projecting position, and a projecting position of the stopper by releasing the holding means. Release means for enabling movement of the toner cartridge from a position where the holding means cannot be released within the toner cartridge by releasing the toner cartridge from the position outside the toner cartridge. The toner cartridge is movable to a position where the holding means can be released. 3. A toner cartridge accommodating a toner therein, and an opening for discharging the toner is closed by a cover and can be mounted on a developing device of an image forming apparatus. A sensor that is provided in the developing device and that detects the sensor operating unit when the toner cartridge is mounted on the developing device; a holding unit that holds the sensor operating unit at a non-operating position where the sensor does not operate; and Release means for releasing the sensor operating means from the non-operating position to the operating position for operating the sensor, and releasing the holding means by removing the releasing means from the toner cartridge. Characteristic toner cartridge. 4. The release means has a string connected at one end to the cover, and a weight connected to the other end of the string, the weight being accommodated in a chamber formed in the cartridge, The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the chamber is provided with an outlet from which a weight jumps out. 5. The release means has a string having one end connected to the cover, and a tension rod connected to the other end of the string, the tension rod being housed in the toner cartridge,
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pulling rod is movable in a direction to escape from the toner cartridge while the toner cartridge reciprocates, and is prevented from moving when moving in the opposite direction. The toner cartridge according to any one of the above. 6. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said draw bar has a saw tooth, and said toner cartridge is provided with a reverse movement preventing member which engages with said saw tooth, wherein said saw tooth is movable in one of reciprocating movements of said toner cartridge. The toner cartridge according to claim 5, further comprising teeth having a shape that is prevented from moving by the reverse movement preventing member when the toner cartridge moves in a direction. 7. A toner cartridge accommodating a toner cartridge, wherein the toner cartridge is accommodated in the toner cartridge, and an opening for discharging the toner is closed by a cover, and the toner cartridge is attachable to a developing device of an image forming apparatus. Agitating movement means formed as an elastic member provided therein, and when the toner cartridge in the box is taken out, the toner cartridge is protruded from the box by the agitating movement means, and a force for giving an impact to the toner is provided. A toner cartridge, which is provided. 8. The toner cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the inside of the toner cartridge is divided into a plurality of small chambers by a partition plate, and each of the small chambers stores toner. 9. A toner cartridge containing toner therein, an opening for discharging the toner closed by a cover, and mountable to a developing device of an image forming apparatus. An elastic bag capable of containing gas is provided therein, and the elastic bag is filled with gas. When the toner cartridge in the box is taken out, the gas is ejected to the elastic bag to eject the toner cartridge. A toner cartridge, wherein a propulsive force is applied to apply an impact force to a toner. 10. A cylindrical toner cartridge mountable to a developing device of an image forming apparatus capable of containing a toner therein and opening and closing the opening for discharging the toner with a cover, the outer peripheral surface of the toner cartridge including the cover. A spiral groove having a length of one or more turns is formed on the developing device, a projection engaging with the spiral groove is formed on the developing device, and a guide supporting member that supports the toner cartridge and is guided to move in the developing device. Wherein the toner cartridge is linearly and rotationally moved at the time of attachment / detachment, and the spiral groove is composed of a plurality of parallel grooves. By setting at least one of the interval, the shape of the groove and the protrusion, and the dimension of the groove and the protrusion, the insertion position of the toner cartridge into the developing device is specified. Toner cartridge to be featured. 11. A toner cartridge in which a toner is accommodated therein, an opening for discharging the toner is closed by a cover, and the toner cartridge is attachable to a developing device of an image forming apparatus, and an identification chamber into which the toner can enter the toner cartridge. And an identification means is provided in the identification chamber. 12. The toner cartridge according to claim 11, wherein said identification means is formed by means for generating a sound. 13. The toner cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the identification unit is made of one of a picture and a color, and the identification chamber is formed so as to be visible from the outside. 14. A toner cartridge accommodating a toner therein, and opening an opening for discharging the toner with a cover closed and attachable to a developing device of an image forming apparatus, wherein an elastic bag is provided in the toner cartridge. An opening of the elastic bag is connected to an inlet of the toner cartridge,
The injection port is closed, and the elastic bag is formed so as to be able to seal between the opening and the toner by inflation due to gas injection, and the toner drops from the opening due to gas discharge by means for discharging gas from the elastic bag. A toner cartridge characterized in that it is possible. 15. A projection or a recess is formed in the toner cartridge, and a part of the elastic body bag when inflated is brought into close contact with any of the projection or the recess to release the toner into the opening. The toner cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the toner cartridge is sealed with respect to the toner cartridge.