United States Patent
`
`[191
`
`[11]
`
`Patent Number:
`
`5,598,254
`
`Ikesue et al.
`
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`Jan. 28, 1997
`
`US005598254A
`
`........................... .. 118/653
`9/1987 Yano et al.
`10/1987 Hirakura et al.
`..
`..... .. 355/253 X
`5/1988 Ikesue et al.
`. 222/DIG. 1 X
`7/1988 Seimiya et al.
`..... .. 118/653 X
`11/1989 Ikesue et al.
`. 222/DIG. 1 X
`6/1990 Demizu et al.
`..... .. 118/653 X
`4/1992 Oka et al.
`. 222/DIG. 1 X
`1/1994 Ono et al.
`..... .. 355/260
`5/1995 Yoshiki et al.
`355/245 X
`9/1995 Kawashirna et al.
`..... .. 355/260
`3/1996 Ikesue et al.
`355/245 X
`4/1996 Ikesue et al.
`......................... .. 355/260
`
`
`
`.
`
`4,696,255
`4,700,659
`4,744,493
`4,760,422
`4,878,603
`4,930,438
`5,109,254
`5,280,324
`5,416,568
`5,450,178
`5,502,552
`5,508,794
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2-244174
`6-43755
`6—258943
`
`9/1990
`2/1994
`9/1994
`
`Japan .
`Japan .
`Japan .
`
`Primary Examiner—Shuk Yin Lee
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm——Ob1on, Spivak, McCle1land,
`Maier & Neustadt, P.C.
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A cartridge for replenishing a two-ingredient developer to an
`image forming apparatus, and a developer replenishing
`device using it are disclosed. The cartridge is made up of two
`containers each storing a content of particular kind. One of
`the containers has an annular portion and a bore formed at
`the center by the annular portion. The other container has a
`cylindrical configuration and coaxially mates with the above
`container to form a single unit. Coaxial openings are respec-
`tively formed in the containers. Spiral grooves inclined in
`opposite directions to each other are respectively formed on
`the inner peripheries of the containers.
`
`8 Claims, 18 Drawing Sheets
`
`[54]
`
`[75]
`
`CARTRIDGE FOR REPLENISHING
`TWO-INGREDIENT DEVELOPER TO AN
`IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND A
`REPLENISHING DEVICE USING THE SAME
`
`Inventors: Masumi Ikesue, Tokyo; Tsukuru Kai,
`Fujisawa; Hidetoshi Yano, Yokohama;
`Nobuto Yokokawa, Gotenba, all of
`Japan
`
`[73] Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
`
`[21]
`
`[22]
`
`[30]
`
`Appl. No.: 521,324
`
`Filed:
`
`Aug. 30, 1995
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Japan .................................. .. 6-207632
`Japan
`6—255629
`Japan
`6-271312
`Japan
`6—27l314
`Japan .
`...... .. 7—171157
`
`
`
`Aug. 31, 1994
`Oct. 20, 1994
`Nov. 4, 1994
`Nov. 4, 1994
`Jul. 6, 1995
`
`[JP]
`[JP]
`[JP]
`[JP]
`[JP]
`
`............................. .. G03G 15/06
`
`Int. Cl.5 ..
`[51]
`399/262; 222/129; 222/DIG. 1;
`[52] U.S.Cl. .................. ..
`399/358
`Field of Search ................................... .. 355/260, 245,
`355/298, 246; 222/129, 43, 94, DIG. 1,
`325; 118/653
`
`[58]
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,443,726
`4,611,730
`4,641,945
`
`5/1969 Muller et al.
`9/1986 Ikesue et al.
`2/1987 Ikesue et al.
`
`...... 222/129 X
`. .. .. .
`222/DIG. 1 X
`.... ..
`
`............... .. 222/DIG. 1 X
`
`
`
`
`
`GPI EXHIBIT 1007
`
`GENERAL PLASTIC V. CA
`
`|PR2016-01359
`
` ¢1I\C§uuunn—a
`
`
`__-__
`
`,-\_._.I
`
`I2|"I
`
`
`
`
`GPI EXHIBIT 1007
`GENERAL PLASTIC v. CANON
`IPR2016-01359
`
`1
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 28, 1997
`
`Sheet 1 of 18
`
`5,598,254
`
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`
`Jan. 28, 1997
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 28, 1997
`
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`5,598,254
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`Jan. 28, 1997
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`
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`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 28, 1997
`
`Sheet 17 of 18
`
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`
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`1
`CARTRIDGE FOR REPLENISHING
`TWO-INGREDIENT DEVELOPER TO AN
`IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND A
`REPLENISHING DEVICE USING THE SAME
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to an electrophotographic
`copier, facsimile apparatus, laser printer or similar image
`forming apparatus and, more particularly, to a cartridge for
`replenishing a two-ingredient developer to an image forming
`apparatus, and a replenishing device using the same.
`A two-ingredient developer, i.e., a mixture of chargeable
`carrier particles and chargeable toner particles is extensively
`used with an image forming apparatus of the kind described.
`The toner particles deposit on the carrier particles due to
`frictional charge. When development is repeated with this
`type of developer, the toner particles are sequentially con-
`sumed with the result
`that
`the toner concentration and,
`therefore, image density is sequentially lowered. It has been
`customary to replenish fresh toner to the developer in an
`amount corresponding to the consumed toner. On the other
`hand, the carrier particles have their surfaces covered with
`a substance for enhancing the frictional charging character-
`istic. The problem with the carrier is, for example, that the
`above substance sequentially comes off due to the repeated
`development and thereby deteriorates the carrier.
`In light of the above, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publi-
`cation N0. 53-22747. for example, teaches a system capable
`of replenishing a fresh two-ingredient developer to a devel-
`oping unit while discharging a used developer from the unit,
`thereby replacing the carrier. In addition, this system is
`capable of replenishing fresh toner independently of the
`developer in order to control the toner concentration and to
`thereby maintain an expected developing ability. For this
`purpose, the system has exclusive mechanisms for replen-
`ishing the developer and the toner,
`respectively. These
`mechanisms each include an exclusive container storing the
`developer or the toner. However, this kind of scheme brings
`about another problem that the independent containers, each
`needing an exclusive space, increase the overall size of the
`developing unit and, therefore, that of the image forming
`apparatus. In addition, the independent containers limit the
`design freedom of the image forming apparatus.
`Moreover, assume that the containers are laid sideways in
`order to supply the developer and the toner from the respec-
`tive containers to the range of the developing unit where a
`developer exists, as proposed in, for example, Japanese
`Patent Laid-Open Publication Nos. 59-188671, 60-146265,
`and 62-6285. Then, the independent containers should be
`each driven by a respective drive and transmission mecha-
`nism, resulting in an increase in the number of parts.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`therefore, an object of the present invention to
`It is,
`provide a cartridge for replenishing a two-ingredient devel-
`oper, and capable of saving space and simplifying drive
`arrangements.
`It is another object of the present invention to provide a
`replenishing device using the above cartridge, and having
`simple arrangements for supply and collection, and realizing
`sure supply and collection.
`In accordance with the present invention, in a cartridge
`having two containers constructed into a single assembly
`and each storing a content of particular kind, one of the
`
`10
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`containers coaxial with the other container is fitted in a bore
`formed at the center of the other container by an annular
`portion. The containers have respective openings positioned
`at the same side and coaxial with each other.
`
`in a
`invention,
`in accordance with the present
`Also,
`cartridge having a first container and a second container
`having the same diameter and each storing a content of
`particular kind, the first container has a recess formed in the
`bottom, a first spiral ridge formed on the inner periphery, and
`a first opening formed in one end. The second container has
`a projection formed in the bottom and mating with the recess
`of the first container, a second spiral ridge formed on the
`inner periphery and inclined in the same direction as the first
`spiral ridge, and a second opening formed in one and remote
`from the above end of the first container and coaxial with the
`first opening.
`Further, in accordance with the present invention, a device
`for replenishing a developer into a developing unit has a
`cartridge having two containers constructed into a single
`assembly and each storing a content of particular kind. One
`of the containers coaxial with the other container is fitted in
`
`a bore formed at the center of the other container by an
`annular portion. The containers have respective openings
`positioned at the same side and coaxial with each other. A
`single supply device guides and conveys each of the con-
`tents discharged from the openings of the containers to the
`developing unit. A collection device collects substances
`overflowing the developing unit in at least one of the two
`containers.
`
`Moreover, in accordance with the present invention, a
`device for replenishing a developer into a developing unit
`has a cartridge having two containers constructed into a
`single assembly and each storing a content of particular
`kind. One of the containers coaxial with the other container
`is fitted in a bore formed at the center of the other container
`by an armular portion. The containers have respective open-
`ings positioned at the same side and coaxial with each other.
`A conveying member has inlets each for receiving one of the
`contents discharged from the two containers at a particular
`position.
`In addition, in accordance with the present invention, a
`device for replenishing a developer into a developing unit
`has a cartridge having two containers constructed into a
`single assembly and each storing a content of particular
`kind. One of the containers coaxial with the other container
`is fitted in a bore formed at the center of the other container
`
`by an annular portion. The containers have respective open-
`ings positioned at the same side and coaxial with each other.
`A chuck member selectively opens or closes the single lid
`such that the lid is pulled out in two consecutive steps in
`order to uncover the openings of the containers stepwise.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The above and other objects, features and advantages of
`the present invention will become more apparent from the
`following detailed description taken with the accompanying
`drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 is a section showing the general construction of an
`image forming apparatus or engine on which a developer
`replenishing device embodying the present
`invention is
`mounted;
`
`FIG. 2A is a section showing a cartridge embodying the
`present invention in an assembled condition;
`FIG. 2B is an exploded view showing the cartridge in a
`condition before assembly;
`
`20
`
`

`
`3
`
`4
`
`5,598,254
`
`FIG. 2C is a fragmentary enlarged section showing a
`spiral ridge included in the cartridge;
`FIG. 3A is an external perspective view of a second
`container included in the cartridge and storing toner;
`FIG. 3B is an external perspective view of a first container
`also included in the cartridge and storing a developer;
`FIG. 4A is a section demonstrating how the developer is
`replenished from the cartridge shown in FIG. 2A;
`FIG. 4B is a section showing how a lid is removed from
`the cartridge before replenishment;
`FIG. 5 shows a procedure for discharging the toner from
`the second container while collecting a used developer;
`FIG. 6 is a section showing how the cartridge, provided
`with an improved lid, replenishes the developer;
`FIG. 7 is a section showing how the cartridge of FIG. 7
`replenishes the toner and collects the used developer;
`FIG. 8 is a section showing the cartridge of FIG. 6 in a
`waiting state to occur in a toner end condition;
`FIG. 9 is a section showing how the cartridge, provided
`with an improved lid and an improved configuration for
`connecting the two containers, collects the used developer;
`FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing how the cartridge of
`FIG. 9 is mounted to a developing unit together with a
`predevelopment tank;
`FIG. 11 is an external perspective view showing the
`cartridge of FIG. 9 mounted to the developing unit together
`with the predevelopment tank;
`FIGS. 12A—12C are sections each showing another spe-
`cific configuration of the containers;
`FIG. 13 demonstrates the discharge of the contents of the
`containers;
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`FIG. 14A shows the cartridge of the present invention
`together with a device for receiving and conveying its
`contents;
`
`35
`
`FIG. 14B is a front view associated with FIG. 14A;
`FIG. 14C is an external perspective view of a pipe
`included in the device of FIG. 14A;
`
`FIG. 15A is a side elevation showing a developer replen—
`ishing device implemented by another specific configuration
`of the receiving and conveying device;
`FIG. 15B is a front view associated with FIG. 15A;
`FIG. 15C is an external perspective view of a shutter;
`FIG. ISD is a section showing another specific configu-
`ration of the shutter;
`
`FIG. 16A is a sectional side elevation showing the car-
`tridge together with another specific configuration of the
`receiving and conveying device;
`FIG. 16B is a front view associated with FIG. 16A;
`FIG. 17A is a section showing an alternative embodiment
`of the present invention;
`FIGS. 17B, 17C, and 17D each shows a particular modi-
`fication of containers included in the embodiment of FIG.
`17A;
`
`FIG. 17E is an external perspective view showing a
`modified configuration of the outer periphery of the car-
`tridge; and
`FIG. 17F is a section showing another modified configu-
`ration of the outer periphery of the cartridge.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is shown an
`image forming engine having a developing unit connected to
`
`a developer replenishing device embodying the present
`invention. Basically, the general construction of the engine
`is conventional. Specifically, a main charger 50 uniformly
`charges the surface of a photoconductive drum 53. Image-
`wise light 51 from a slit (for analog image formation) or a
`laser beam 52 (for digital image formation) forms a latent
`image on the charged surface of the drum 53. A developing
`unit 54 develops the latent image to produce a corresponding
`toner image. A paper is fed toward the drum 53 via a
`registration roller 55 along a guide 56 in such a manner as
`to meet the toner image formed on the drum 53. An image
`transfer unit 57 transfers the toner image from the drum 53
`to the paper. A discharge brush 58 discharges the paper to
`allow it to be stably conveyed. When the separation of the
`paper from the drum 53 is incomplete, a separator 59
`positively separates the former from the latter. A belt 60
`conveys the separated paper to a fixing unit 61 having a
`heater 62 and a press roller 63. The heater 62 and press roller
`63 cooperate to fix the toner image on the paper by applying
`heat and pressure thereto. After the image transfer, the toner
`remaining on the drum 53 is collected by a cleaning unit 64,
`so that the drum 53 is prepared for the next image formation.
`An eraser 65 is interposed between the exposure position
`and the developing unit 54. The eraser 65 selectively erases
`the charge of the drum 53 in order to prevent the toner from
`depositing on the unnecessary portions of the drum 53. A
`paper sensor 66 is associated with the belt 60 and responsive
`to the separation of the paper from the drum 53 at the image
`transfer position. The paper sensor 66 is used to prevent the
`paper from jamming the path or from wrapping around the
`drum 53.
`
`A cartridge assembly, or simply cartridge as referred to
`hereinafter, 10 is communicated to the developing unit 54 by
`a supply device 20 and an exhaust device 21. As shown in
`FIG. 2A, the cartridge 10 is made up of a first container 1
`storing a developer, and a second container 2 storing toner
`and coaxial with the container 1. The container 1 and 2 are
`
`constructed into a unit by being mated with each other. The
`container 1 is generally implemented as a hollow cylinder
`having two concentric walls. As shown in FIG. 2B in an
`exploded view, the container 2 has a larger diameter portion
`storing the toner therein, and a smaller diameter portion or
`projection 11 firmly fitted in a through bore formed at the
`center of the container 1. The container 1 has an annular
`recess 12 while the container 2 has an annular ridge 13. The
`ridge 13 is received in the recess 12 to prevent the containers
`1 and 2 from being easily separated from each other. A seal
`member 3 is adhered to the entire circumference of the open
`end of the projection 11 in order to hermetically isolate the
`containers 1 and 2 from each other. The recess 12 and ridge
`13 are only illustrative and may be replaced with a dimen-
`sional implementation capable of insuring the tight engage-
`ment of the containers 1 and 2.
`
`Another specific configuration for coupling the containers
`1 and 2 is as follows. As shown in FIG. 3A, the container 2
`assigned to the toner is formed with a tapered shoulder
`portion 9 around its opening or toner outlet. As shown in
`FIG. 3B, the container 1 storing the developer has its end
`configured complementarily to the shoulder portion 9 of the
`container 1. In this case, the container 1 is fitted to the
`container 2 by being turned.
`Referring again to FIG. 2A, the containers 1 and 2 are
`rotatable integrally and coaxially with each other. Spiral
`ridges 4 and 5 are respectively formed on the inner periph-
`eries of the containers 1 and 2, and each protrudes radially
`inward. As shown in FIG. 2C specifically, the ridges 4 and
`5 may be implemented as undulations formed in the walls of
`
`21
`
`

`
`5,598,254
`
`5
`
`the containers 1 and 2. The ridges 4 and 5 should each be
`high enough to exert a conveying force on the toner or the
`developer in a predetermined direction when the cartridge is
`rotated. The ridges 4 and 5 extend spirally in opposite
`directions to each other, i.e., they are inclined in opposite
`directions to each other. Hence, when the cartridge is rotated
`in one direction, the developer, for example, in the container
`1 is conveyed toward the opening of the container 1, i.e., to
`the left as viewed in FIG. 2A, while the toner in the container
`2 is conveyed away from the opening of the container 2.
`When the cartridge is rotated in the other direction, the toner
`is conveyed toward the opening of the container 2, or to the
`left in FIG. 2A, while the developer is conveyed away from
`the opening of the container 1.
`The containers 1 and 2 are respectively formed with guide
`walls 6 and 7 at their portions where the larger diameter
`portions merge into the smaller diameter portions,
`i.e.,
`shoulder portions. The guide walls 6 and 7 each has a
`configuration matching the flow of the developer or the toner
`caused by the spiral ridge 4 or 5,
`thereby insuring the
`discharge of the developer or the toner. The container 1 has
`an extension 8 at its front end. When the cartridge is to be
`bodily rotated by a drive source included in the engine, a
`torque is applied to the containers 1 and 2 via the extension
`8. In the illustrative embodiment,
`the container 2 has a
`constricted portion at its rear end in order to facilitate the
`mounting of the cartridge to the engine, although it is not
`essential.
`
`As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a single lid 15 closes both
`of the openings of the containers 1 and 2 and has a thumb
`piece 14. The single lid 15, contributing to the decrease in
`the number of parts, is removed from the cartridge when the
`cartridge is mounted to the developing unit. The lid 15 may
`be removed by hand or by an automatic chuck 16 shown in
`FIG. 4B. The chuck 16 chucks the thumb piece 14 and then
`removes the lid 15 in the direction indicated by an arrow in
`FIG. 4B.
`
`the lid 15 has been removed, and the
`Assume that
`developer should be replenished from the cartridge. Then, as
`shown in FIG. 4A, the cartridge is rotated by a drive device
`17, included in the engine, in the direction indicated by an
`arrow 40 via the extension 8 mating with a groove 18 which
`is formed in the drive device 17. As a result, the developer,
`labeled 41, stored in the container 1 is driven out onto a
`conveyor screw 28 over the guide wall 6. The screw 28 is
`received in a pipe 27 and rotated to convey the developer 41
`along the pipe 27. As shown in FIG. 1, the developer flowing
`out via the opening of the container 1, i.e., a first outlet 23
`of the cartridge 10 drops into the pipe 27 while being
`prevented from flying about by a supply guide 26. The screw
`28 in the pipe 27 conveys the developer into the developing
`unit 54 via an inlet 30 formed in the top cover portion of the
`unit 54. Of course, the developer may be directly replen-
`ished into the unit 54 without the intermediary of the screw
`28 or the pipe 27, depending on the mounting position of the
`cartridge 10.
`As shown in FIG. 4A, while the developer is replenished
`as stated above, the toner, labeled 43, of the container 2 is
`conveyed by the spiral ridge 5 in a direction indicated by an
`outline arrow 42. As a result, the toner 43 is prevented from
`flowing out of the container 2, and in addition it is agitated
`and prevented from forming blocks.
`The toner 43 is replenished for the adjustment of the toner
`concentration, as follows. The cartridge is rotated in the
`other direction, i.e., the direction indicated by an arrow 44
`in FIG. 5. As a result, the toner 43 is driven out of the
`
`10
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`6
`container 2 by the spiral ridge 5 over the guide wall 7. As
`shown in FIG. 1, the toner flowing out of the opening of the
`container 2, i.e., a second outlet 24 of the cartridge 10 drops
`into the pipe 27 while being prevented from flying about by
`the supply guide 26. The screw 28 received in the pipe 27
`conveys the toner into the developing unit 54 via the inlet 30.
`At this instant, the developer is prevented from flowing out
`of the container 1 by the spiral ridge 4. After the discharge
`of the developer and the replenishment of the toner,
`the
`developer overflowing the developing unit 54 is collected.
`Specifically, a collection guide 36 is set at the opening of the
`container 1, and then the cartridge is bodily rotated in the
`direction 44, FIG. 5. As a result, the developer overflowing
`the developing unit 54 is collected in the container 1 via the
`collection guide 36.
`In the above arrangement, the developer is supplied to the
`developing unit 54 from the container 1, and then the toner
`is supplied from the container 2. Alternatively, the cartridge
`may be rotated in opposite directions for a predetermined
`period of time each, in which case the developer and toner
`will be mixed in the pipe 27 beforehand and then supplied
`to the developing device 54 together. When the developer
`and toner are sequentially supplied in this order, the lid 15
`may be configured to protrude into each of the containers 1
`and 2 to a particular depth. For example, the lid 15 may
`protrude deeper into the container 2 than into the container
`1. Then, when the lid 15 is pulled out, the opening of the
`container 1 and that of the container 2 will be sequentially
`uncovered in this order. The prerequisite with this configu-
`ration is that, as shown in FIG. 6, when the chuck 16 pulls
`out the lid 15 in the direction indicated by an arrow at the
`beginning of the replenishment of the developer, the part of
`the lid 15 corresponding to the container 2 maintains the
`opening of the container 2 closed. In this condition, after the
`extension 8 of the cartridge has been engaged with the drive
`groove 18, the cartridge is rotated in the direction 40. As a
`result, the developer 41 is driven out of the container 1 onto
`the screw 28 over the guide wall 6.
`Even when the cartridge shakes itself and the fluidity of
`the toner is_ high, e.g., just after the replacement of the
`cartridge, the lid 15 covers the opening of the container 2 at
`the time of the replenishment of the developer and thereby
`prevents the toner 43 from being driven out of the container
`2. At the time of replenishment of the developer, the spiral
`ridge 5 of the container 2 exerts a conveying force on the
`toner 43 in the direction 42. At the same time, the toner 43
`is agitated and prevented from forming blocks in the con—
`tainer 2.
`
`When the cartridge is rotated for a suflicient period of
`time in the direction 40, it is determined that the replenish-
`ment of the developer has completed. Then, the fresh toner
`43 begins to be replenished in order to adjust the toner
`concentration. At this time, the cartridge is rotated in the
`other direction, as indicated by an arrow 44 in FIG. 7. At the
`same time, automatic chuck 16 pulls out the lid 15 further so
`as to uncover the opening of the container 2. Consequently,
`the toner 43 is driven out of the container 2 by the spiral
`ridge 5. On the other hand, the collection guide or conduit
`36 is communicated to the opening of the container 1 which
`is now empty. As a result, the used developer is collected in
`the container 1 via the conduit 36. The conduit 36 is moved
`
`by a drive device, not shown, and is retracted to a position
`not interfering with the lid 15 in the event when the lid 15
`is moved toward and away from the cartridge.
`When a predetermined amount of used developer is
`collected in the cartridge, the cartridge is replaced with a
`new cartridge. At this instant, as shown in FIG. 8,
`the
`
`22
`
`

`
`7
`
`8
`
`5,598,254
`
`container 1 is filled with the used developer while the
`container 2 is substantially empty. The chuck 16 pushes the
`lid 15 into the openings of the containers 1 and 2 and then
`returns to its original position. In this condition, the cartridge
`waits for replacement.
`To simplify the arrangement, the used developer may be
`collected in the cartridge by use of the portion of the lid 15
`to be inserted into the container 2, as shown in FIG. 9. As
`shown, the lid 15 is tapered at its portion 32 to be inserted
`into the container 2. The tapered portion 32 guides the used
`developer into the exhausted container 2, and then the spiral
`ridge 5 drives it toward the rear end of the container 2. How
`the cartridge with the lid 15 having the tapered portion 32 is
`mounted to a cartridge mount will be described with refer-
`ence to FIG. 10. As shown, the cartridge made up of the
`containers 1 and 2 and lid 15 has its cap 33 removed before
`being mounted to a cartridge mount 38. Then, the cartridge
`is set in one end of a predevelopment tank 34. The automatic
`chuck 16 is guided by a chuck guide 35 and disposed in the
`other end of the predevelopment tank 34 to push and pull the
`lid 15. If desired, the tapered portion 32 of the lid 15 may be
`provided with a rib—like configuration in order to prevent the
`used developer from dropping during collection. The car-
`tridge is mounted to the mount 38 together with the tank 34.
`As shown in FIG. 11, the cartridge is rotated to replenish the
`developer and toner into the developing device 54 and to
`collect the used developer.
`As shown in FIG. 12A, the rear end of the container 1 and
`the front end of the peripheral portion of the container 2 may
`be formed with lugs and recesses 19 for mating with each
`other, so that the cartridge can be bodily rotated. The lugs
`and recesses 19 may be of any suitable shape, e.g., equilat-
`eral polygon so long as it insures the engagement of the
`containers 1 and 2. Further, the lugs and recesses 19 should
`only be suitably distributed in the circumferential direction;
`even only one lug and only one recess will suflice.
`As shown in FIG. 12B, the container 1 may be provided
`with an annular extension 29 at
`its rear end. With the
`
`extension 29, the container 1 appears to merge into the
`container 2 smoothly. This successfully frees the operator
`from uneasy feelings and misorientation when the capacities
`of the containers 1 and 2 are changed. If the entire cartridge
`is provided with the above dimensions or appearance, it can
`be mounted to the developing unit 54 in the same way at all
`times.
`
`Assume that the outside diameters of the containers 1 and
`2 and the length of the entire cartridge are the same as in the
`above specific configuration, but the capacities of the con-
`tainers l and 2 are changed. Then, as shown in FIG. 12C, the
`resulting gap between the containers 1 and 2 may be closed
`by a spacer 39. Specifically, the spacer 39 is engaged with
`a shoulder 46 formed at the rear end of the container 1 and
`a shoulder 47 formed at the front end of the container 2,
`thereby connecting the outer peripheries of the containers 1
`and 2 smoothly. A label 48, indicating instructions relating
`to the storage and replacement of the cartridge, may be
`adhered to the front of the spacer 39. When the gap between
`the containers 1 and 2 is relatively great, a rib 49 may be
`provided on the rear of the spacer 39. The rib 49 will
`enhance the mechanical strength of the spacer 39 and will
`thereby prevent the cartridge from yielding in the event of
`replacement or the like.
`When the lid 15 protrudes into the containers 1 and 2 to
`diiferent depths, as stated earlier, the lid 15 is slightly pulled
`out to uncover the opening of the container 1 and then
`further pulled out to uncover the opening of the container 2.
`
`I0
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`This successfully prevents the toner from flowing out and
`being mixed with the developer in the event of replenish-
`ment of the developer. By contrast, when the lid 15 protrudes
`into the containers 1 and 2 to the same depth, it is likely that
`the toner and developer are mixed together despite the
`operation of the spiral ridges 4 and 5, increasing the toner
`concentration of the developer to an unexpected degree. This
`is particularly true when the toner and developer are each
`filled in the respective container in a high ratio. The mixture
`of the toner and developer will be further aggravated when
`a new cartridge is shaken in the event of replacement in
`order to loosen its contents. In light of this, not only the
`configuration of the lid 15 but also the configuration of the
`member for conveying the developer and toner may be
`improved, as follows. In the illustrative embodiment, the
`radial dimensions of the openings of the containers 1 and 2
`are different from each other. In addition, the toner and
`developer each drops from the respective container 1 or 2 at
`a position deviated in the direction of rotation from a vertical
`extending through the axis of the container due to friction
`acting between it and the container. As a result, the toner and
`developer drop at positions noticeably deviated from each
`other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, when the cartridge
`is rotated clockwise, the developer in the container 1 drops
`at a position 70 due to the functions of the ridge 4 and guide
`wall 6. When the cartridge is rotated counterclockwise, the
`toner in the container 2 drops at a position 71.
`FIGS. 14A—14C show a member for conveying the devel-
`oper and toner and improved by taking account of the above
`situation. As shown, a casing 72 extends over the entire
`width of the open portion of the cartridge. A receptacle 73
`is received in the casing 72. A conveyor screw 74 is received
`in the receptacle 73 and driven by a motor 75 via a gearing.
`As shown in FIG. 14C, the receptacle 73 is formed with a
`developer inlet 76 and a developer/toner inlet 77 commu-
`nicated to each other. The developer inlet 76 is so located as
`to admit the developer dropping from the container 1. The
`developer/toner inlet 77 is necessary because the precondi-
`tion with the emb