throbber
-23-
`
`being provided in the opening la. The driving shaft lb is disposed substantially coaxially with
`
`the opening la, and is slidably engaged with an engaging hole 2a (engaging portion) formed in
`
`the sealing member 2. The engaging hole, as shown in Figure 9, is closed at an end remote from
`
`the driving shaft, so that toner leakage through the engaging hole is prevented.
`
`The driving shaft lb functions to transmit the rotational driving force from the main
`
`assembly 100 of the apparatus to the main body IA of the bottle through the sealing member 2,
`
`and the cross-sectional configuration of the driving shaft lb is non-circular, for example,
`
`rectangular configuration, H shape, D shape or the like to transmit the rotational driving force.
`
`The driving shaft lb is fixed on the main body IA of the bottle by proper means.
`
`The driving shaft lb may not be fixed on the main body IA of the bottle but can be
`
`integral with the sealing member 2 as shown in Figure ll. In this case, the engaging hole 2a for
`
`transmitting the driving force from the driving shaft lb is provided in the toner bottle 1 side, and
`
`that opening is formed so that they are maintained engaged with each other after the toner bottle
`
`is unsealed. In the modified example, the member defining the engaging hole 2a is supported by
`
`a member lc provided inside the opening la, but the discharge of the toner is permitted.
`
`In this embodiment, the driving shaft lb is fixed on the main body IA of the bottle.
`
`(Sealing member)
`
`Referring to Figures 12 and 13, a description will be made as to the sealing member 2
`
`(drive receiving member).
`
`In Figures 12 and 13, the sealing member 2 comprises a sealing portion 2b for unsealably
`
`sealing the opening la of the toner bottle I, and a coupling engagement portion 2c (cylindrical
`
`l0
`
`15
`
`20
`
`401
`
`401
`
`

`
`-24-
`
`portion) in the form of a cylinder engageable with the driving portion 20 of the main assembly of
`
`the apparatus. An outer diameter of a large diameter portion of the sealing portion 2b is larger
`
`than the inner diameter of the opening la by a proper degree. The sealing portion 2b is press-
`
`fitted into the opening la, by which the opening la (toner supply opening) is sealed by the sealing
`
`member 2.
`
`As described in the foregoing, the sealing member 2 has an engaging hole 2a for
`
`transmitting the driving force received from the main assembly 100 of the apparatus to the
`
`driving shaft lb by engagement with the driving shaft lb. The engaging hole 2a extends
`
`continuously in the sealing portion 2b and the engaging portion 2c. The engaging hole 2a has a
`
`cross-sectional configuration which is complementary with the driving shaft lb and which is
`
`slightly larger than the cross section of the driving shaft lb. Because of this, the driving shaft lb
`
`is loosely fitted in the engaging hole 2a. The engaging hole 2a and the driving shaft lb have
`
`complementary polygonal configurations. In this embodiment, it is square.
`
`Because of the loose fitting of the driving shaft lb in the engaging hole 2a having such
`
`cross sections, the main body IA of the bottle and the sealing member 2 are slidable relative to
`
`each other in the axial direction while being prevented from relative rotational motion
`
`therebetween. With this structure, when the toner bottle 1 is mounted (locked) on the toner
`
`supply device 400, the sealing member 2 is movable relative to the main body 1A of the bottle,
`
`that is, the unsealing of the opening la (toner supply opening) is enabled.
`
`The engagement length between the engaging hole 2a and the driving shaft lb is
`
`determined such that they are not disengaged from each other upon the relative movement
`
`l0
`
`15
`
`20
`
`402
`
`402
`
`

`
`-25-
`
`between the sealing member 2 and the main body 1A of the bottle for the unsealing. By doing
`
`so, the driving shaft lb can receive the driving force through the sealing member 2 even if the
`
`sealing member 2 is moved away relatively from the main body 1A.
`
`A description will be made as to the engaging projection 3 (locking projection) which is
`
`one of the features of the present invention.
`
`l0
`
`15
`
`The coupling engagement portion 2c of the sealing member 2 has an engaging projection
`
`3 for receiving the driving force from the main assembly 100 of the apparatus. The engaging
`
`projection 3 is projected radially outwardly from the peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion
`
`of the coupling engagement portion 2c. The engaging projection comprises a drive receiving
`
`surface 3a (driving force receiving portion) for receiving the rotational driving force from the
`
`main assembly of the apparatus; and a locking surface 3b (locking portion) for snap-fit type
`
`locking of the sealing member 2 into a locking hole (portion to be locked) provided in the main
`
`assembly 100 of the apparatus when the sealing member 2 and the toner bottle 1 are moved away
`
`from each other (from the closed state to the open state). Thus, by the drive receiving surface 3a,
`
`the engaging hole 2a and the locking surface 3b, the engaging projection 3 performs three
`
`different functions, namely, a coupling function for receiving the rotational driving force from
`
`the main assembly of the apparatus, a transmitting function of transmitting the rotation to the
`
`toner bottle 1, and a locking function (retention function) for permitting relative sliding motion
`
`between the sealing member 2 and the main body of the toner bottle 1 so as to automatically
`
`20
`
`open and close the opening.
`
`403
`
`403
`
`

`
`-26-
`
`When the driving force is transmitted with the locking surface 3b locked with the main
`
`assembly driving portion 20, the surface 3b is effective to maintain a constant distance between
`
`the sealing member 2 and the toner bottle l. This assures the formation of the path of the toner
`
`between the toner bottle 1 and the sealing member 2, so that the toner discharging amount is
`
`maintained constant. Thus, a toner bottle having an excellent constant amount discharging
`
`property can be accomplished. In addition, the sealing member 2 is assuredly locked with the
`
`main assembly driving portion 20 of the apparatus, and therefore, the sealing member 2 is not
`
`likely to disengage from the driving shaft during the toner discharging operation, thus further
`
`assuring the toner discharging.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`According to such a structure, the automatic opening and closing operation of the sealing
`
`member 2 and the driving force transmitting operation can be accomplished by a single sealing
`
`member, so that an inexpensive and compact toner supply container can be provided.
`
`The engaging projection 3 is preferably integral with the sealing member 2 from this
`
`standpoint of reduction of the number of constituent parts, but a separate member for the
`
`engaging projection 3 may be mounted to the sealing member 2. Such an example will be
`
`described in conjunction with a fourth embodiment.
`
`The engaging projection 3 has a driving force receiving function as well as the locking
`
`function, and therefore, it has a certain degree of rigidity. In view of this, slits 2e or the like are
`
`formed at lateral ends of the engaging projection 3, so that only the part of the coupling
`
`20
`
`engagement portion 2c where the engaging projection 3 is provided, can relatively freely deform
`
`elastically toward the inside. This is because the engaging projection 3 is displaced by the main
`
`404
`
`404
`
`

`
`-27-
`
`assembly 100 of the apparatus to effect the engagement and disengagement relative to the main
`
`assembly of the apparatus, as will be described hereinafter.
`
`In this embodiment, the engaging projection 3 is integral with the sealing member 2.
`
`The free end portion of the engaging projection 3 is provided with a tapered surface 3c
`
`(locking force receiving portion) so as to permit smooth insertion when the sealing member 2 is
`
`inserted into the driving portion 20 of the main assembly 100 of the apparatus. The tapered
`
`surface 3c receives a locking force from an inner surface of the driving portion 20 so that the
`
`engaging projection 3 (locking portion) is displaced inwardly to lock into the locking hole when
`
`the tapered surface 3c approaches relative to the locking hole 20h of the driving portion 20.
`
`When the locking surface further approaches the locking hole to such an extent that contact of
`
`the tapered portion 3c to the inner surface of the driving portion 20, that is, the locking force is
`
`released, the portion supporting the engaging projection (locking portion) restores from the
`
`displaced position, thus completing the locking between the sealing member (locking portion)
`
`and the main assembly (portion to be locked) of the image forming apparatus.
`
`After the completion of the locking action, the relative motion between the sealing
`
`l0
`
`15
`
`member and the main body of the bottle is automatically imparted in the direction away from
`
`each other, by which the opening is unsealed to enable the toner to discharge. In this
`
`embodiment, the sealing member is engaged with the main assembly of the apparatus such that
`
`movement in the sliding direction is prevented, and in this state, the main body of the bottle is
`
`20
`
`retracted or advanced to automatically open or close the opening.
`
`405
`
`405
`
`

`
`-28-
`
`In addition, the coupling engaging portion 2c functions to minimize the deformation of
`
`the engaging projection 3 when the rotational driving force is imparted to the engaging
`
`projection 3. As shown in Figure 34(A), when a driving force F is imparted to the engaging
`
`projection 3, the engaging projection elastically deforms as shown in (A) and (B). However, it
`
`abuts the coupling engaging portion 2c, so that further deformation is prevented. Therefore, even
`
`when a large rotational driving force is imparted, the engaging projection 3 does not deform
`
`beyond the width of the slot because of the provision of the coupling engaging portion 2c.
`
`Therefore, the structure is suitable for use with a large capacity toner bottle. The amount of
`
`deformation of the engaging projection 3 is dependent on the width of the groove 2e, and
`
`l0
`
`therefore, the width of the groove 2e is preferably as small as possible.
`
`Referring to Figures 12 and 13, a description will be made as to the structure of a
`
`releasing force receiving portion which is another one of the features of the present invention.
`
`The engaging projection 3 described above is provided at each of two positions which are
`
`diametrically opposed to each other, and the two engaging projections 3 are connected by a
`
`15
`
`connecting portion which functions as a releasing force receiving portion 4. When the releasing
`
`force receiving portion (releasing portion) 4 receives a force from the main assembly of the
`
`apparatus in the direction indicated by an arrow b, the engaging projections 3 are elastically
`
`deformed as indicated by chain lines in Figure 13. If the force application is stopped, the
`
`original position is restored. The releasing portion 4 has a relatively small thickness to permit
`
`20
`
`elastic deformation, and the material is selected in consideration of such an elastic deformation.
`
`406
`
`406
`
`

`
`.29.
`
`It is preferable that sealing member 2 is manufactured through an injection molding from
`
`a plastic resin material or the like, but another material, or another manufacturing method is
`
`usable. They may be provided by connecting separate members. The sealing member 2
`
`desirably has a proper elasticity since it is press-fitted into the opening la to seal it. The best
`
`material is low density polyethylene material, and preferable materials are polypropylene,
`
`normal chain polyamide, Nylon (tradename), high density polyethylene, polyester, ABS, HIPS
`
`(shock-resistant polystyrene) or the like.
`
`By employing an elastically deformable elastic member for the parts supporting the
`
`engaging projection 3 and for the releasing portion 4, the locking and releasing between the
`
`driving portion 20 and the engaging projection 3 can be accomplished with a simple structure,
`
`utilizing the elastic deformation and restoration. The above-described materials have proper
`
`elasticities, and therefore, the engagement and disengagement of the driving portion 20 and the
`
`engaging projection 3 are easily effected with sufficient durability.
`
`The releasing portion 4 is in the form of a bridge connecting the engaging projections 3,
`
`so that such a plurality of engaging projections 3 can be uniformly displaced by pushing one
`
`l0
`
`15
`
`releasing portion.
`
`It is not inevitable to integrally connect the engaging projections, but releasing portions
`
`may be provided for the respective engaging projections, as shown in Figures 16 and 17.
`
`407
`
`407
`
`

`
`-30-
`
`(Driving force receiving portion)
`
`Referring to Figure 14, a description will be made as to the structure of the coupling
`
`engagement portion 2c provided in the sealing member 2, which is another one of the features of
`
`the present invention.
`
`In this embodiment, the sealing member 2 is provided with the coupling engagement
`
`portion 2c in the form of a cylinder. As described in the foregoing, it also functions as a drive
`
`receiving member to receive the driving force from the driving force transmitting portion 20
`
`provided in the toner supply device 400.
`
`In the cylindrical coupling engagement portion 2c of the sealing member 2, the two parts
`
`provided with the respective engaging projections 3 are elastically deformable, such that parts
`
`are easily and elastically deformed by the tapered portion 3c of the engaging projection 3 being
`
`pressed by the driving portion 20. The releasing portion 4 is provided so as to connect the
`
`engaging projections 3, and the engaging projection 3 and the releasing portion 4 are integral
`
`with each other.
`
`On the other hand, the locking hole 20h of the driving portion 20 provided in the main
`
`assembly 100 side of the apparatus is constructed so as to be locked with the engaging projection
`
`3 (locking surface) of the sealing member 2. When the sealing member 2 is inserted into the
`
`driving portion 20, the smooth insertion is accomplished by providing the driving portion 20
`
`l0
`
`15
`
`with a tapered surface 20b defining an inner diameter gradually increasing toward the free end of
`
`20
`
`the driving portion 20. The sealing member 2 is smoothly inserted into the driving portion 20
`
`because of the provision of the tapered surface 20b.
`
`408
`
`408
`
`

`
`-3]-
`
`The driving portion 20 is provided with an engaging rib 20a for rotating the toner bottle
`
`1, and the engaging rib 20a abuts the drive receiving surface 3a to transmit the rotational driving
`
`force to the sealing member after the engaging projection is engaged with the locking hole 20h.
`
`Referring to Figure 15, the engagement between the driving portion 20 and the sealing
`
`member 2 in this embodiment will be described.
`
`Figure l5(A) shows a state when the user is setting a new toner bottle 1 in the direction
`
`indicated by an arrow a in order to install it into the main assembly 100 of the apparatus, in
`
`which the toner bottle 1 has not yet engaged with the driving portion 20 in the main assembly of
`
`the apparatus.
`
`l0
`
`15
`
`When the toner bottle 1 is further inserted, the tapered portion 3c of the engaging
`
`projection 3 of the sealing member 2 is brought into contact with the tapered surface 20b of the
`
`driving portion 20, as shown in Figure l5(B), and the engaging projection 3 is being guided by
`
`the tapered surface 20b while being elastically deformed toward the inside.
`
`With the further insertion of the toner bottle 1, the engaging projection 3 passes by the
`
`straight portion 20g extending from the tapered surface 20b, the engaging projection 3 is restored
`
`because of the provision of the space portion 20h (locking hole) not having the engaging rib 20a,
`
`by which the engaging projection 3 is locked with the driving portion 20, as shown in Figure
`
`l5(C). In this state, the engaging projection 3 is f1rrnly locked relative to the driving portion 20,
`
`and the position of the sealing member 2 in the thrust direction (axial direction) is substantially
`
`20
`
`fixed relative to the main assembly of the apparatus.
`
`409
`
`409
`
`

`
`-32-
`
`Therefore, even if the toner bottle l is retracted in the direction indicated by an arrow b,
`
`as shown in Figure 7(C), the sealing member 2 does not move in the same direction, but is firmly
`
`fixed to the driving portion 20. On the other hand, since the toner bottle l is inserted, the sealing
`
`member 2 is separated away from the toner bottle l with certainty, so that the opening la is
`
`unsealed or opened. The sliding retracting operation of the toner bottle l may be interrelated
`
`with the opening and closing operation of the front cover l5 provided in the main assembly l00
`
`of the apparatus.
`
`As for the sliding operation, the toner bottle l may be slid with the sealing member 2
`
`fixed, or the sealing member 2 may be slid with the toner bottle l fixed, or both of them may be
`
`l0
`
`slid away from each other.
`
`When the toner is used up from the toner bottle, the empty toner bottle is taken out to
`
`exchange it with a new toner bottle. The dismounting operation is carried out by the above-
`
`described steps in a reverse order.
`
`l5
`
`20
`
`In detail, when the operator opens the front cover, the following occurs. First, the main
`
`body of the toner bottle advances toward the sealing member while the sealing member is locked
`
`in the main assembly of the apparatus, by which the sealing member of the opening is
`
`automatically sealed. By a pushing member 2l which will be described hereinafter, a releasing
`
`projection is actuated to release the engaging projection from the locking hole. Then, the main
`
`body of the toner bottle is retracted together with the sealing member re-press-fitted into the
`
`opening, so that the sealing member is disengaged fiom the main assembly of the apparatus. By
`
`this, the toner bottle is prepared for being removed from the main assembly of the apparatus.
`
`410
`
`410
`
`

`
`-33-
`
`(Structure eliminating necessity of phase alignment)
`
`A description will be made as to the structure eliminating the necessity of phase
`
`alignment when the toner bottle 1 is brought into engagement with the main assembly driving
`
`portion 20.
`
`In a conventional drive transmitting means using a combination of projection and recess
`
`type coupling drive, it is necessary to engage a recess and a projection with phase alignment.
`
`This is not necessary according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 18, this will be
`
`described.
`
`Figure 18 shows a positional relation in the rotational direction between the engaging
`
`projection 3 and the engaging rib 20a when the sealing member 2 is inserted into the driving
`
`portion 20. The engaging rib 20a is provided at one position, and the engaging projection 3 is
`
`provided at two positions (3A, 3B).
`
`Assuming that engaging rib 20a and the engaging projection 3 are not aligned with each
`
`other when the user inserts the toner bottle 1, when the toner bottle 1 is inserted into the
`
`predetermined position, the sealing member 2 is locked with the driving portion 20, and when
`
`the toner bottle 1 is retracted, the sealing member 2 is away from the toner bottle 1 to establish
`
`l0
`
`15
`
`the toner dischargeable state.
`
`However, depending on the position in the rotational direction of the toner bottle 1 upon
`
`the insertion of the toner bottle, the engaging projection 3A is aligned with the engaging rib 20a
`
`20
`
`as shown in Figure l8(A). In this case, even if the toner bottle 1 is inserted into the
`
`predetermined position, the engaging projection 3A interferes with the engaging rib 20a so that it
`
`411
`
`411
`
`

`
`-34-
`
`is not released outwardly. Then, the locking is incomplete. If the toner bottle 1 is retracted in
`
`this state, the toner bottle 1 is retracted together with the sealing member 2 since the locking with
`
`the main assembly driving portion 20 is incomplete. The opening la cannot be unsealed or
`
`opened.
`
`In order to avoid this, the number of engaging projections 3 is larger than that of the
`
`engaging ribs 20a by at least one, by which not all of the engaging ribs and engaging projections
`
`are aligned.
`
`In the case of Figure l8(B), one of the engaging projections 3A interferes with the
`
`engaging rib 20a, and therefore, is not locked with the main assembly driving portion 20.
`
`However, the other one of the engaging projections 3B does not interfere with the engaging rib
`
`20a, and therefore, it is correctly locked with the driving portion 20. Thus, even if one of the
`
`engaging projections 3A is not locked correctly, the other engaging projection 3B is correctly
`
`locked, and therefore, the toner bottle 1 is separated away from the sealing member 2 without
`
`problem, so that opening la is unsealed. After the opening la is unsealed, the incompletely
`
`engaged engaging rib 20a is brought out of the interference sooner or later by the rotation of the
`
`main assembly driving portion 20 in the direction indicated by an arrow c, and therefore, correct
`
`locking of the engaging projection 3A is established. With further rotation, as shown in Figure
`
`l8(C), the engaging rib 20a is engaged with the engaging projection 3B, so that rotation is
`
`transmitted to rotate the toner bottle 1.
`
`By providing the number of engaging projections 3 which is at least one larger than the
`
`number of engaging ribs 20a, at least one of the engaging projections is engaged with the locking
`
`l0
`
`15
`
`20
`
`412
`
`412
`
`

`
`-35-
`
`hole without an interference with the engaging rib irrespective of the position of the toner bottle
`
`1 in the rotational direction. In this manner, the toner bottle 1 can be assuredly set in the
`
`apparatus.
`
`The number of the engaging projections 3 may be four rather than two as in this
`
`embodiment. In that case, the number of the engaging ribs is not more than three.
`
`In this case, even if the number of the engaging ribs and the number of the engaging
`
`projections are the same, as shown in Figures 35 and 36, the distance (phase) between the
`
`engaging ribs may be made different from the distance (phase) between the engaging projections,
`
`by which at least one engaging projection is not in line with the engaging rib upon the insertion
`
`l0
`
`of the bottle, so that correct locking can be accomplished there.
`
`When a plurality of engaging ribs are provided at different circumferential positions, it is
`
`preferable that engaging ribs are disposed at regular intervals in consideration of the drive
`
`transmission property.
`
`Figure 20 shows another example which also eliminates the necessity for the phase
`
`15
`
`alignment. In this modified example, a shallow locking groove 20e is extended in the entire
`
`inner circumference of the engaging portion 20d of the main assembly driving portion 20, and an
`
`engaging hole 20d for engagement with the engaging projection 3 is formed in the locking
`
`groove 20e. The locking groove 20e is not so deep as to completely engage with the engaging
`
`projection 3, but is so shallow as to permit half-engagement to permit automatic unsealing
`
`20
`
`action.
`
`413
`
`413
`
`

`
`-36-
`
`Referring to Figure 21, an operation upon the engagement in this modified example will
`
`be described.
`
`In Figure 2l(A), there is shown a state in which the toner bottle 1 has not yet been
`
`inserted into the main assembly driving portion 20, and the engaging hole 20d of the main
`
`assembly driving portion 20 and the engaging projection 3 and sealing member 2 are not aligned
`
`in the positions in the rotational direction, as indicated in X-X cross section. With the insertion
`
`of the toner bottle 1, the state shown in Figure 2l(B) is reached, in which the engaging projection
`
`3 is half-engaged with the locking groove 20e. In this state, when the toner bottle 1 is retracted,
`
`only the toner bottle 1 is retracted in the direction indicated by the arrow b since the sealing
`
`l0
`
`member 2 is locked with the locking groove 20e, so that sealing member 2 and the toner bottle 1
`
`are spaced apart with certainty to unseal the opening la. When the main assembly driving
`
`portion 20 rotates in the direction indicated by an arrow c, the engaging hole 20d and the
`
`engaging projection 3 are aligned as shown in Figure 2l(C), and the engaging projection 3 is
`
`now completely engaged with the engaging hole 20d to permit transmission of the rotational
`
`15
`
`driving force.
`
`In this manner, according to this embodiment, the toner bottle 1 can be properly set in the
`
`main assembly 100 of the apparatus simply by inserting the toner bottle 1 into the main assembly
`
`l00, without the necessity of adjusting the position of the bottle 1 in the rotational direction.
`
`Therefore, the exchange operation is simple and easy.
`
`20
`
`Additionally, since the opening and closing operation for the opening of the toner supply
`
`container is automatically executed in the main assembly of an image forming apparatus,
`
`414
`
`414
`
`

`
`-37-
`
`therefore, the user is not required to open or close the opening. This eliminates the possibility of
`
`contaminating the hands of the user.
`
`(Releasing method)
`
`Referring to Figure 22, a description will be made as to releasing between the engaging
`
`projection 3 and the main assembly driving portion 20.
`
`When the toner supply is completed, and the toner bottle 1 becomes empty, the current
`
`toner bottle 1 is removed, and a new toner bottle is set.
`
`At this time, it is necessary to release the sealing member 2 from the driving portion 20.
`
`As shown in Figure 22, the inside of the main assembly of the apparatus, more
`
`particularly, the inside of the driving portion 20 is provided with a pushing member 21. The
`
`pushing member 2l is movable in the same direction as the direction of the axis of the driving
`
`shaft lb of the toner bottle l.
`
`Figure 22(A) shows a state in which the toner supply is completed, and the opening la of
`
`the toner bottle l is in an open state.
`
`When the locking between the driving portion 20 and the sealing member 2 is released,
`
`the pushing member 2l is advanced in a direction indicated by an arrow a to the releasing
`
`portion 4 at the free end of the sealing member 2, by which the releasing portion 4 is elastically
`
`deformed in the same direction, and correspondingly, the engaging projection 3 integral with the
`
`releasing portion 4 deforms toward the inside. By this, the engaging projection 3 is disengaged
`
`l0
`
`l5
`
`20
`
`from the main assembly driving portion 20.
`
`415
`
`415
`
`

`
`-38-
`
`The pushing member 21 further advances in the direction of arrow a, by which the
`
`sealing member 2 is press-fitted into the opening la, thus resealing the opening la of the toner
`
`bottle 1. The pushing member 21 is even further advanced in the direction of arrow a, by which
`
`the toner bottle 1 per se is retracted to slide the toner bottle 1 to a position to facilitate the user
`
`who is going to remove it.
`
`As for the driving structure for the pushing member 21, it may be interrelated with the
`
`opening and closing operation of the front cover of the main assembly 100 of the apparatus such
`
`that when the front cover 15 is opened, the pushing member 21 moves in the direction of arrow a
`
`to effect disengagement between the sealing member 2 of the toner bottle 1 and the driving
`
`portion 20, and when the front cover 15 is closed, it is advanced in the direction of arrow b.
`
`Alternatively, a driving motor or the like is used to effect the disengaging operation
`
`independently. In another alternative, it is not interrelated with the front cover 15 of the main
`
`assembly 100 of the apparatus, but a manual lever is provided, which is manipulated by the user
`
`and is interrelated with the pushing member.
`
`As described in the foregoing, according to the embodiments, the toner supply container
`
`can be locked in the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus by a
`
`snap-fit type engagement with certainty by inserting the toner supply container. When it is to be
`
`taken out, the snap-fit type locking is easily released by pushing the releasing portion. Thus, the
`
`10
`
`15
`
`supplying operation from the toner supply container is accomplished with a very simple
`
`20
`
`operation. Accordingly, a toner supply container of high operativity can be provided.
`
`416
`
`416
`
`

`
`-39-
`
`In addition, the disengagement of the drive transmission for the toner supply container is
`
`simultaneously effected, and also the opening and closing operation for the opening can be
`
`simultaneously effected.
`
`These advantageous effects can be provided by very simple action at low cost with
`
`compact structure and reliable drive transmission.
`
`In the toner dischargeable state, it is not necessary to provide means for rotatably
`
`supporting the driving shaft lb at the main body side of the toner bottle. This simplifies the
`
`structure and avoids the problem of toner leakage, torque increase, production of coarse particles
`
`and so on.
`
`l0
`
`(Embodiment 2)
`
`Referring to Figures 23-25, and 32, a second embodiment of the present invention will be
`
`described. The same reference numerals as with the first embodiment are assigned to the
`
`elements having the corresponding functions, and a detailed description of the common structure
`
`is omitted for simplicity.
`
`15
`
`As shown in Figure 23, in this embodiment, the releasing projection 4 (releasing portion)
`
`is provided on an outer surface not inside the cylindrical coupling engagement portion 2c of the
`
`sealing member 2 as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, engaging projection 3 and the
`
`releasing portion 4 are provided at each of four circumferentially equidistant positions so as to
`
`constitute pairs. The structures of the driving portion 20 for locking engagement with the
`
`20
`
`engaging projection of the sealing member are the same as with the Embodiment l.
`
`417
`
`417
`
`

`
`-40-
`
`Correspondingly, the pushing member 21 is in the form of a cylinder covering the outside
`
`periphery of the driving portion 20 as shown in Figure 24 and is slidable for engagement with the
`
`releasing portion 4, rather than a slidable rod as in the first embodiment. The inner surface of the
`
`free end portion of the pushing member 21 (cylindrical member) is tapered such that inner
`
`diameter increases, that is, the thickness of the cylinder reduces, toward the free end, by which
`
`the tapered portion 21a is engaged with the apex of the releasing portion 4 upon the engagement.
`
`Slits 2e are formed at the lateral sides of the supporting portion 2f for the engaging projection 3
`
`and the releasing portion 4 to facilitate inward elastic deformation of the engaging projection 3
`
`and the releasing portion 4 and restoration.
`
`According to this embodiment, the entire sealing member can be integrally molded, and
`
`therefore, the production property of the sealing members is drastically improved, and the
`
`manufacturing cost can be reduced.
`
`Figure 25(A) shows a state in which the toner supply is completed, and the opening 1a of
`
`the toner bottle 1 is still open.
`
`When the engagement between the main assembly driving portion 20 and the sealing
`
`member 2 is to be released, the pushing member 21 is advanced to the releasing portion 4, as
`
`shown in Figure 25(B), so that releasing portion 4 is pressed inwardly by the inner surface of the
`
`pushing member 21. This displaces the releasing portion 4 inwardly (arrow d) by the elastic
`
`10
`
`15
`
`deformation of the supporting portion 2f, and simultaneously, the engaging projection 3 is
`
`20
`
`displaced inwardly together with the releasing portion 4. By this, the engaging projection 3 is
`
`418
`
`418
`
`

`
`-41-
`
`disengaged from the main assembly driving portion 20. The releasing steps are carried out in
`
`interrelation with the opening operation of the front cover by the operator.
`
`Thereafter, the pushing member 21 is advanced in the direction of arrow a, so that sealing
`
`member 2 is returned to the sealing position of the toner bottle l, as shown in Figure 25(C).
`
`Subsequently, the pushing member 2l is further advanced to slide the toner bottle 1 per se to a
`
`position facilitating the user who is going to take the toner bottle l out.
`
`As described in the foregoing, according to this embodiment, by the provision of the
`
`releasing portion 4 on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 2c, the same advantageous
`
`effects as with the first embodiment described in the following can be provided. According to
`
`this embodiment, when the sealing member 2 is produced by injection molding of a resin
`
`material, the mold can be easily removed, thus improving the production property.
`
`A width of the engaging projection is larger than the width of the releasing projection, so
`
`that when the main body of the bottle is retracted for automatic unsealing of the opening, the
`
`engagement between the engaging projection (locking surface) and the driving portion 20 is
`
`maintained. The releasing projection does not have such a

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