Toner cartridge having a shutter lock mechanism
US8948650B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 3, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/067
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A toner cartridge for use in an image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for containing toner therein. The housing has an exit port in fluid communication with the reservoir. A shutter is positioned at the exit port that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The shutter is biased toward the closed position. A linkage is operatively connected to the shutter to open the shutter upon being actuated by a first engagement feature in the image forming device. An interlock is operatively engaged with the linkage and biased toward a locked position preventing the linkage from opening the shutter. The interlock is movable to an unlocked position that is disengaged with the linkage when the interlock is actuated by a second engagement feature in the image forming device permitting the linkage to open the shutter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.