Toner cartridge and image forming apparatus
US6546213B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 24, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 8, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/085
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A toner cartridge detachably is attached to an image forming apparatus. The toner cartridge includes a toner chamber that holds toner therein and a toner-agitating mechanism that agitates the toner in the toner chamber. The mechanism includes a crank shaft that includes a first crank pin and a second crank pin, the crank shaft being rotatably supported in the toner chamber. A rod has a first end rotatably coupled to the second crank pin and a second end slidably inserted in a guide path provided above the toner chamber. The second end has a permanent magnet or a magnetic flux sensitive element attached thereto. The rod moves upward and downward when the crank shaft is driven in rotation. A detection mechanism on the image apparatus side detects the magnetic flux or the permanent magnet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.