Abstract:
A foolproof device used in a process cartridge for an image forming apparatus, where the process cartridge has a developing device and a toner container, includes female engagement portions of two different sizes formed in the toner container, projections formed in the toner container, and male engagement portions of two different sizes formed in the developing device and adapted for guiding correct installation of the toner container in the developing device and securing the toner container to the developing device.
Abstract:
A toner container used with a developing device in an image forming apparatus is disclosed having a toner accommodating portion adapted for accommodating toner; a stirring member adapted for stirring toner in the toner accommodating portion, toner supplying openings for output of toner from the toner container to the developing device, a sliding cover adapted for closing/opening the toner supplying openings, and projections respectively protruded from the sliding cover and adapted for engaging into toner receiving openings of the developing device for enabling the toner container to be moved relative to the sliding cover and the developing device to close/open the toner supplying openings.
Abstract:
A toner supplying container detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus. In one embodiment, the toner supplying container includes a first container for receiving toner and a second container for accommodating toner and providing toner to the first container. The second container is releasably mounted to the first container at a predetermined position such that the first container and second container communicate to each other. The second container is replaceable when the toner accommodated in the second container is used up by a third container that is substantially identical to the second container but has toner therein.
Abstract:
A sliding cover device arrangement for controlling toner passage between a toner container and a developing device of an image forming apparatus, wherein the developing device has a plurality of toner receiving openings formed thereon, and the toner container is adapted for holding toner and supplying toner to the developing device, and has a plurality of toner supplying openings formed thereon corresponding to the plurality of toner receiving openings. In one embodiment, the sliding cover arrangement includes a first sliding cover adapted for closing and opening the toner receiving openings, a second sliding cover adapted for closing and opening the toner supplying openings, and coupling means formed on the developing device and the toner container for enabling the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover to be moved to close and open the toner supplying openings and the toner receiving openings synchronously, the coupling means including projection means and recess means for engagement with the projection means.
Abstract:
A process cartridge and developer container assembly is constructed to include a main cartridge holding an electrophotographic photosensitive member, developing means, charging means, and cleaning means, a developer container holding developer and detachably secured to the main cartridge, and a coupling member for enabling the developer container to be detachably coupled to the main cartridge. The main cartridge has a plurality of developer receiving openings, and a first sliding cover, which opens the developer receiving openings upon installation of the developer container in the main cartridge, or closes the developer receiving openings after removal of the developer container.
Abstract:
A process cartridge toner supply arrangement used in a laser printer for controlling supply of toner is constructed to include a receiving member, the receiving member having toner receiving openings and a toner accommodating portion, a replaceable supplying member, the supplying member having a toner accommodating portion and toner supplying openings, and a blocking member provided between the receiving member and the supplying member and moved to close/open the toner passage between the toner receiving openings and the toner supplying openings.