Patent · US Expired

Toner supply device for use in image forming system and toner cartridge for use therein

US6256470A · kind A · utility

61Cited by
13References
29Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 10, 2000
Grant dateJul 3, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 10, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S222/01
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A toner supply device includes a toner cartridge comprising a cylindrical container having a spiral protruding portion therein, and a cap having a toner discharging hole; and a drive unit for supplying a toner from the toner discharging hole while gripping and rotating the cap of the toner cartridge. A positioning portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the base end side of the cylindrical container, and a recessed portion engaging the positioning portion is formed in an inlet holder. The drive unit includes a holder and a holder cover, which are disassembled vertically; a cup-shaped holder guide, rotatably provided in the holder and holder cover, for gripping the cap at a position, at which the holder guide is communicated with the toner discharging hole; a motor for applying torque to the holder guide; and a drive gear for transmitting torque of the motor to the holder guide. A gripping handle is provided on the bottom of the cylindrical container of the toner cartridge.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.