Powder container for an image forming apparatus and powder discharging device
US6549744B2 · kind B2 · utility
25Cited by
6References
87Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 3, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S222/01
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A powder container for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a deformable bag and a powder discharging portion made up of a tapered portion and a toner outlet. A buckling reducing device reduces the buckling of part of the bag adjoining the tapered portion and toner outlet. The toner container prevents the discharge of powder from being deteriorated by buckling, thereby reducing the amount of powder to be left in the container. Further, a device is provided for maintaining the upright position of the bag. A toner discharging device for discharging the toner from the toner container is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.