Developer container, developer supplying device, and image forming apparatus

US7835673B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• RICOH COMPANY, LTD. · JP

Inventors

• Hiroshi Hosokawa · Yokohama, JP
• Kiyonori Tsuda · Yokohama, JP
• Satoshi Narumi · Tokyo, JP
• Ryuta Takeichi · Toyonaka, JP
• Yuji Arai · Osaka, JP
• Masanori Kawasumi · Yokohama, JP
• Kazuhiko Umemura · Susono, JP
• Hiroshi Ishii · Tokyo, JP
• Yutaka Fukuchi · Yokohama, JP
• Kazuki Suzuki · Yokohama, JP
• Yuusuke Noguchi · Yokohama, JP
• Kazuosa Kuma · Yokohama, JP
• Makoto Kikura · Yokohama, JP

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 17, 2008
• Grant date: Nov 16, 2010
• Expiry date: Jun 17, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S222/01
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method of installing a toner container and a container. The container includes a body for storing toner, a handle attached to an end of the container, an opening for discharging the toner to an image forming device, and a shutter which selectively opens and closes the opening due to rotation of the handle. There is a gear which protrudes through the end of the container, and rotation of the gear causes toner in the body to be moved from the body of the container into the end of the container and subsequently out through the opening of the end of the container.