United States Patent
`
`[19]
`
`Yasuda et al.
`
`[54] AUXILIARY DEVICE, CARTRIDGE AND
`APPARATUS FOR TONER SUPPLY
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: Shinichiro Yasuda, Osaka; Hideyo
`Nishikawa, Hannan, both of Japan
`
`[73] Assignee: Kao Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 282,062
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Jul. 21, 1994
`
`[30]
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`||||||lll|||||||ll||||Illlllllllll|||||||||||||||Ill||||ll|||||||||||||llll
`
`US005481344A
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`5,481,344
`
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`Jan. 2, 1996
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`55-134875
`59-93471
`59-105663
`60-80878
`60-130772
`1-91163
`1-120587
`3-47569
`3-118573
`
`10/1980
`5/1984
`6/1984
`5/1985
`7/1985
`4/1989
`5/1989
`5/1991
`5/1991
`
`Japan .
`Japan .
`Japan ................................... .. 355/260
`Japan .
`Japan .
`Japan ..................................... 355/260
`Japan ..................................... 355/260
`Japan .
`Japan ..................................... 355/260‘
`
`Primary Examiner—Wi1liaIn J. Royer
`Attorney, Agent, or Fi2m—Birch, Stewart, Kolasch & Birch
`
`Jul. 31, 1993
`Nov. 4, 1993
`
`[JP]
`[JP]
`
`Japan .................................. .. 5-208321
`Japan .......................... 5-301043
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Int. Cl.“ ................................................... .. G03G 15/06
`[51]
`[52] U.S. Cl.
`..................................... .. 355/260; 222/DIG. 1
`[58] Field of Search ................................... .. 355/245, 260;
`222/DIG. 1
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`A cover 10 is provided to cover the opening of a toner
`container 2. The cover 10 is attachable to, and detachable
`from, the toner container 2. A valve element 12 capable of
`closing the opening 11 formed in the cover 10 is pressed up
`to an opening position by a pressing-up portion 20 provided
`on a developing apparatus side. Shifting of the valve element
`12 to the opening position makes it possible to supply the
`toner from the toner container 2 to the developing apparatus.
`
`4,519,693
`
`5/1985 Skeels ..................................... 355/260
`
`8 Claims, 18 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`jj:I-itImi‘;~‘
`
`
`
`
`20
`
`GPI EXHIBIT 1006
`
`GENERAL PLASTIC v. CAN
`
`|PR2016-01361
`
`GPI EXHIBIT 1006
`GENERAL PLASTIC v. CANON
`IPR2016-01361
`
`1
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 2, 1996
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`Sheet 1 of 18
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`5,481,344
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`Jan. 2, 1996
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`Fig.3
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`Jan. 2, 1996
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`Jan. 2, 1996
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`Jan. 2, 1996
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 2, 1996
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`Fig.7A
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`Fig.7B
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 2, 1996
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`Jan. 2, 1996
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`152151b1641515109fosa151a151
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`Sheet 18 of 18
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`Fig.18A
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`207
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`Prior Art
`
`Fig.18B
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`203$ 204 202
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`Prior Art
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`19
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`19
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`

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`1
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`2
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`5,481,344
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`AUXILIARY DEVICE, CARTRIDGE AND
`APPARATUS FOR TONER SUPPLY
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention relates to an auxiliary device,
`The present
`cartridge and apparatus for toner supply to a developing
`apparatus for a copying machine etc.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
`
`Since the toner used as an electrophotographic developing
`agent is a micron-sized fine powder, toner scattering and
`leakage during toner supply to the toner tank of a developing
`apparatus results in contamination of the inside and outside
`of the copying machine etc. and the worker’ s skin and wears.
`To cope with this problem, there have been proposed various
`cartridges and apparatuses for toner supply.
`For example, there have been proposed toner cartridges
`comprising a toner container and a sealing element which
`seals the outlet of the toner container, wherein toner is
`supplied from the toner container to the developing appa-
`ratus by removing the sealing element after attachment of
`the cartridge to the developing apparatus (see Japanese
`Unexamined Patent Publication SHO No. 59-93471 and
`Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication HEI No.
`3-47569). However, it is troublesome to remove the sealing
`element. Disposal of the sealing element to which the toner
`adheres poses a problem of environmental pollution. In
`addition, when the sealing element
`to which the toner
`adheres is disposed of in a trash box, the worker’s hands are
`stained and/or the toner scatters in the trash box. To prevent
`the toner adhering to the sealing element from scattering,
`further troublesome operation is required. Also, when the
`used toner container is removed from the developing appa-
`ratus, the toner remaining in the toner container can spill.
`There have also been proposed apparatuses for toner
`supply wherein toner is supplied from the toner container to
`the developing apparatus. The developing apparatus a
`mechanism for opening and closing the toner supply port,
`which is opened by rotating or shifting the toner container
`attached to the developing apparatus (see Japanese Unex-
`amined Patent Publications SHO No. 55-134875 and SHO
`No. 60-130772). However, provision of such a mechanism
`for opening and closing the toner supply port results in an
`increased cost due to the complex structure. Also, trouble-
`some operations such as the rotation and shifting of the toner
`container are necessary after the toner container is attached
`to the developing apparatus. Moreover,
`the toner which
`adheres to the toner container attaching portion of the
`developing apparatus can spill when the toner container is
`rotated or shifted.
`
`Also, as shown in FIG. 18A, there has been proposed an
`apparatus for toner supply comprising a toner container 201,
`a valve element 203 which opens and closes the outlet 202
`of the toner container 201, a spring 206 which exerts an
`elastic force on the valve element 203 to move the valve
`
`element 203 to the closing position, a pressing-up portion
`204 provided at the center of the toner supply port 205 on the
`developing apparatus side, and a guide face 207 formed in
`a copying machine etc., wherein the valve element 203 has
`a central hole 203a (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Pub-
`lication SHO No. 60-80878). As shown in FIG. 18B, as the
`toner container 201 is lowered along the guide face 207, the
`pressing-up portion 204 is inserted in the central hole 203a
`of the valve element 203, and the valve element 203 is
`pressed up to an opening position of the outlet 202 against
`
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`the elastic force of the spring 206, so that the toner in the
`toner container 201 is fed to the toner supply port 205.
`However, since the toner container 201 has the valve ele-
`ment 203 therein, production cost is high, and one-time use
`and disposal
`is uneconomical. Also,
`if the pressing-up
`portion 204 is not precisely placed at the center of the toner
`supply port 205, the valve element 203 carmot be pressed up
`completely, which in turn interferes with toner supply.
`Moreover, when the pressing-up portion 204 is provided at
`the center of the toner supply port 205,
`the structure
`becomes complex. Furthermore, because the toner container
`201 has a closed end, it is diificult to incorporate the valve
`element 203 and spring 206 therein.
`The object of the present invention is to provide an
`auxiliary device, cartridge and apparatus for toner supply
`which are free of the above problems.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`An auxiliary device for toner supply to a developing
`apparatus according to the present invention comprises a
`cover attachable to, and detachable from, a toner container
`and capable of covering an opening of the toner container,
`the cover having an outlet formed for communication with
`the inside of the toner container, and a valve element capable
`of closing the outlet, wherein the valve element can be
`shifted to an open position by being pressed up by a
`pressing-up portion on the developing apparatus side, so that
`the toner can be supplied from the toner container to the
`developing apparatus. Because the auxiliary device for toner
`supply of the present invention is attachable to, and detach-
`able from, the toner container, it can be reused on a new
`toner container even after disposal of the used toner con-
`tainer, and is therefore economical. Preferably the cover has
`a pipe-shaped guide extending outwardly from the periphery
`of the outlet thereof, the valve element has a pipe-shaped
`chute inserted in the guide, the chute has a toner introduction
`port formed therein, and the chute is pressed up by inserting
`the pressing-up portion, which has a pipe-shape and consti-
`tutes a toner supply port on the developing apparatus side,
`into the guide to shift the toner introduction port to a position
`for communication between the inside and outside of the
`toner container, so that the toner introduced in the chute via
`the toner introduction port from the toner container can be
`fed to the toner supply port.
`A cartridge for toner supply to a developing apparatus
`according to the present invention comprises a toner con-
`tainer, a valve element capable of closing an outlet formed
`for communication with the inside of the toner container, a
`pipe-shaped guide extending outwardly from the periphery
`of the outlet, the valve element having a pipe-shaped chute
`inserted in the guide, the chute having a toner introduction
`port formed therein, wherein the chute is pressed up by
`inserting a pipe-shaped pressing-up portion, which consti-
`tutes a toner supply port on the developing apparatus side,
`into the guide to shift the toner introduction port to a position
`for communication between the inside and outside of the
`toner container, so that the toner introduced in the chute via
`the toner introduction port from the toner container can be
`fed to the toner supply port. According to the cartridge for
`toner supply of the present invention, toner can be supplied
`to the developing apparatus solely by inserting the pressing-
`up portion into the guide, so that no troublesome operation
`is required. Besides, the valve element is pressed up surely
`by the pressing-up portion, so that toner can be fed to the
`toner supply port without failure. Furthermore, when the
`used toner container is removed from the developing appa-
`
`20
`
`20
`
`

`
`3
`
`4
`
`5,481,344
`
`ratus, the toner remaining in the toner container is prevented
`from spilling because the outlet is closed by the valve
`element. In addition, since the pressing-up portion consti-
`tutes the toner supply port, there is no need of a dedicated
`element for pressing up the valve element, so that the
`structure can be simplified. Preferably the cartridge for toner
`supply of the present
`invention comprises an auxiliary
`device for toner supply having a cover attachable to, and
`detachable from, the toner container and capable of covering
`an opening of the toner container, and the valve element,
`wherein the outlet and the guide are formed in the cover.
`According to this arrangement the cartridge of the present
`invention can be configured by attaching the auxiliary
`device to a toner container.
`
`Preferably, in the auxiliary device and cartridge for toner
`supply of the present invention, the valve element has a main
`body capable of coming in contact with, and breaking
`contact with, the periphery of the outlet, from the main body
`the chute extends, there are means of reversibly bringing the
`main body into contact with the periphery of the outlet, and
`the outlet is closed by the valve element upon contact of the
`main body with the periphery of the outlet. According to this
`arrangement, when the valve element is at
`the closure
`position, toner leakage from the toner container is prevented
`without failure. Further,
`it
`is preferable that
`the valve
`element has a main body capable of coming in contact with,
`and breaking contact with, the periphery of the outlet, from
`the main body the chute extends, the main body and the
`toner introduction port are arranged at a distance in the axial
`direction, and the radial gap between the outer circumfer-
`ence of the chute and the inner circumference of the guide
`is sufficiently narrow to seal the toner container over the
`axial distance between the main body and the toner intro-
`duction port. By this arrangement, the toner is not dis-
`charged, unless the valve element is pressed up by the
`distance in the axial direction between the main body and the
`toner introduction port, so that toner leakage from the toner
`container is prevented certainly when the valve element is at
`the closure position.
`According to the first aspect of the present invention
`relating to an apparatus for toner supply,
`the apparatus
`comprises an auxiliary device for toner supply; a restraint
`element provided on the developing apparatus side;
`the
`auxiliary device having a cover attachable to, and detachable
`from, a toner container and capable of covering an opening
`of the toner container, a valve element capable of closing an
`outlet formed for communication with the inside of the toner
`container, and means for reversibly retaining the valve
`element at a closure position of the outlet; the valve element
`being able to be inserted in, and drawn out from, a toner
`supply port on the developing apparatus side; and the
`restraint element being able to be engaged and disengaged
`with the valve element inserted in the toner supply port;
`wherein the restraint element engaged with the valve ele-
`ment restrains the extraction of the valve element from the
`
`toner supply port, and the valve element is shifted to an open
`position by pulling up the toner container with respect to the
`valve element engaged with the restraint element, so that the
`toner can be supplied from the toner container to the
`developing apparatus. By this arrangement, since the aux-
`iliary device is attachable to, and detachable from, the toner
`container, it can be reused on a new toner container even
`after disposed of the used toner container, and is therefore
`economical. Besides, since the valve element can be incor-
`porated in the cover detached from the toner container,
`assembly is easy.
`
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`According to the second aspect of the present invention
`relating to an apparatus for toner supply,
`the apparatus
`comprises a toner container, a valve element capable of
`closing an outlet formed for communication with the inside
`of the toner container, means for reversibly retaining the
`valve element at a closure position of the outlet, a restraint
`element provided on the developing apparatus side,
`the
`valve element being able to be inserted in, and drawn out
`from, a toner supply port on the developing apparatus side,
`and the restraint element being able to be engaged and
`disengaged with the valve element inserted in the toner
`supply port, wherein the restraint element engaged with the
`valve element restrains the extraction of the valve element
`
`from the toner supply port, and the valve element is shifted
`to an opening position by pulling up the toner container with
`respect to the valve element engaged with the restraint
`element, so that the toner can be supplied from the toner
`container to the developing apparatus. By this arrangement,
`since toner can be supplied to the developing apparatus
`solely by pulling up the toner container after the restraint
`element is engaged with the valve element inserted in the
`toner supply port, so that no troublesome operation is
`required. Besides, the extraction of the valve element from
`the toner supply port is restrained during toner supply, so
`that the toner is prevented from leaking from the toner
`supply port. Preferably the apparatus for toner supply
`according to the second aspect of the present invention
`comprises an auxiliary device for toner supply having a
`cover attachable to, and detachable from, the toner container
`and capable of covering an opening of the toner container,
`the valve element, and the means for reversibly retaining the
`valve element at the closure position of the outlet. By this
`arrangement, the apparatus for toner supply according to the
`second aspect of the present invention can also have the
`above-described features of the auxiliary device, and is
`therefore economical.
`
`Preferably the apparatus for toner supply of the present
`invention comprises a pipe-shaped guide whose inner cir-
`cumference forms the outlet; the valve element having a lid,
`which is capable of coming in contact with, and breaking
`contact with, the periphery of the outlet, and a pipe-shaped
`chute, which extends from the lid and is inserted in the
`guide; the chute having a toner run-ofl*' port formed therein;
`and the restraint element being able to be shifted to the
`positions for engagement and disengagement with the lid;
`wherein the toner run-oif port is shifted to a position for
`communication between the inside and outside of the toner
`container by pulling up the toner container at the time of
`engagement of the restraint element with the lid, so that the
`toner can be fed from the toner container to the toner supply
`port via the toner run-off port. By this arrangement, when the
`valve element is at the closure position, toner leakage from
`the toner container is prevented certainly. Further,
`it is
`preferable that the lid and the toner run-off port are arranged
`at a distance in the axial direction, and the radial gap
`between the outer circumference of the chute and the inner
`circumference of the guide is sufliciently narrow to seal the
`toner over the axial distance between the lid and the toner
`run-off port. By this arrangement,
`the toner is not dis-
`charged, unless the valve element is pressed up by the
`distance in the axial direction between the lid and the toner
`run-off port, so that toner leakage from the toner container
`is prevented certainly when the valve element is at the
`closure position. Furthermore,
`it
`is preferable that
`the
`restraint element has a claw shiftable in the lid’s radial
`direction, and the extraction of the valve element from the
`toner supply port is restrained by overlapping the lid and the
`
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`
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`claw with respect to the axial direction. By this arrangement,
`the extraction of the valve element from the toner supply
`port during toner supply is prevented certainly.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus for
`toner supply of the first embodiment of the present invention
`in a storage condition; FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of
`the apparatus for toner supply of the first embodiment before
`toner supply; FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the
`apparatus for toner supply of the first embodiment during
`toner supply.
`FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary device for
`toner supply of the first embodiment.
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the valve element of the
`first embodiment.
`
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge of the
`first embodiment.
`
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the valve element of the
`first modification of the first embodiment.
`
`FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explanation of the
`apparatus for toner supply of the first modification of the first
`embodiment.
`
`FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary device
`for toner supply of the second modification of the first
`embodiment; FIG. 7B is a partially magnified view of FIG.
`7A.
`
`FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary device
`for toner supply of the third modification of the first embodi-
`ment; FIG. 8B is a partially magnified view of FIG. 8A.
`FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the auxiliary device for
`toner supply of the fourth modification of the first embodi-
`ment.
`
`FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus for
`toner supply of the second embodiment of the present
`invention before toner supply; FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional
`view of the apparatus for toner supply of the second,
`embodiment after preparation for toner supply; FIG. 10C is
`a cross-sectional view of the apparatus for toner supply of
`the second embodiment during toner supply.
`FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge of
`the second embodiment.
`
`FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge of the
`second embodiment.
`
`FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the valve element of the
`second embodiment.
`
`FIG. 14A is a plan view of the restraint element of the
`second embodiment in a restrained condition; FIG. 14B is a
`plan view of the restraint element of the second embodiment
`in a derestricted condition.
`FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the restraint element
`of the second embodiment.
`FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the restraint element
`of a modification of the second embodiment in a derestricted
`condition; FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the restraint
`element of a modification of the second embodiment in a
`restrained condition.
`1
`
`FIG. 17 is a plan view of the restraint element of a
`modification of the second embodiment.
`FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional view of a conventional
`apparatus for toner supply before toner supply; FIG. 18B is
`a cross-sectional view of the conventional apparatus for
`toner supply during toner supply.
`
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`The first embodiment of the present invention is herein-
`after described with reference to FIGS. 1A through 5.
`The toner cartridge 1 illustrated in FIG. 4 comprises a
`toner container 2 and an auxiliary device for toner supply 3.
`In the upper portion of the toner container 2, as shown in
`FIG. 1A, a ring-shaped auxiliary device connector 2a and an
`opening 4 surrounded by the connector 2a are formed. The
`opening 4 is sealed by a sealing element 5 (indicated by
`two-dot chain line in FIG. 1A) removably stuck to the
`connector 2a.
`
`As shown in FIGS. 1A and 2, the auxiliary device for
`toner supply 3 comprises a cover 10 which covers the
`opening 4 of the toner container 2, and a valve element 12
`capable of closing an outlet 11 formed for communication
`with the inside of the toner container 2. The cover 10 has a
`pipe-shape, and its diameter decreases from one end side
`(lower side in FIG. 1A, upper in FIG. 2) to the other end side
`(upper side in FIG. 1A, lower in FIG. 2). The inner circum-
`ference of the one end of the cover 10 is detachably fitted
`into the outer circumference of the above-described connec-
`tor 2a. The cover 10 and the connector 2a may be fitted
`together via screws. At the other end of the cover 10 is
`formed the outlet 11. From the periphery of the outlet 11, a
`cylindrical guide 15 extends toward the outside (toward
`upper in FIG. 1A, lower in FIG. 2) of the cover 10. The tip
`of the guide 15 is covered by a cap 26 as shown in FIG. 1A.
`As shown in FIGS. 1A, 2 and 3, the valve element 12 has
`a hollow semi-spherical main body 16 and a cylindrical
`chute 17 extending from the end face of the main body 16.
`The outer periphery margin of the end face of the main body
`16 has a diameter larger than that of the outlet 11. The chute
`17 is inserted into the above-described guide 15 so that it is
`movable in the axial direction. As the chute 17 moves
`reciprocally in the axial direction on the guide 15, the outer
`periphery margin of the main body 16 in the cover 10 comes
`in contact with, and breaks contact with, the periphery of the
`outlet 11. To reversibly bring the main body 16 into contact
`with the periphery of the outlet 11, a spring 31 is suspended
`on a pair of hooks 30 attached to the inside of the cover 10.
`While the outer periphery margin of the main body 16 is
`being pressed against the periphery of the outlet 11 by the
`elastic force of the spring 31, the outlet 11 is closed by the
`valve element 12. A number of toner introduction ports 18
`through the chute 17 are formed adjacent to the main body
`16. Each toner introduction port 18 is arranged at a position
`opposite to the outlet 11. The radial gap between the outer
`circumference of the chute 17 and the inner circumference
`
`of the guide 15 is sufficiently narrow to seal toner 19, so that
`the toner 19 is prevented from leaking from the gap.
`A pressing-up portion 20 for pressing up the valve ele-
`ment 12 to an open position of the outlet 11 is provided in
`the developing apparatus. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1B,
`the pressing-up portion 20 is cylindrical and constitutes a
`toner supply port 21 of the developing apparatus. As shown
`in FIG. 1C, as the guide 15 is shifted downwards toward the
`pressing-up portion 20 with the guide’s tip downwards, the
`pressing-up portion 20 is inserted in the guide 15, and the
`chute 17 is pressed up against the elastic force of the spring
`31. As the chute 17 is pressed up, the outer periphery margin
`of the main body 16 breaks contact with the periphery of the
`outlet 11, and the valve element 12 is shifted to the opening
`position of the outlet 11. As the chute 17 is pressed up, the
`above-described toner introduction port 18 is shifted into the
`cover 10, resulting in communication between the inside and
`
`22
`
`22
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`

`
`5,481,344
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`7
`outside of the toner container 2, so that the toner 19, which
`is introduced from the toner container 2 to the chute 17 via
`the toner introduction port 18, can be fed to the toner supply
`port 21. The radial gap between the outer circumference of
`the pressing-up portion 20 and the inner circumference of
`the guide 15 is sufficiently narrow to seal the toner 19, so
`that the toner 19 is prevented from leaking from the gap.
`To supply the toner 19 to the developing apparatus
`according to the above-described configuration, the sealing
`element 5 closing the opening 4 of the toner container 2 is
`first removed. Next, the cover 10 of the auxiliary device for
`toner supply 3 is fitted into the connector 2a of the toner
`container 2, to constitute a toner cartridge 1. Next, the cap
`26 closing the tip of the guide 15 of the auxiliary device for
`toner supply 3 is removed, the guide 15 is shifted down-
`wards toward the pressing-up portion 20 of the developing
`apparatus with the guide’s tip downwards, and the pressing-
`up portion 20 is inserted in the guide 15. As a result, the
`chute 17 of the valve element 12 is pressed up and the toner
`19, which is introduced from the toner container 2 to the
`chute 17 via the toner introduction port 18, is fed to the toner
`supply port 21.
`According to the above-described configuration of the
`first embodiment, the auxiliary device for toner supply 3 is
`attachable to, and detachable from, the toner container 2, so
`that it can be reused on a new toner container even after
`disposal of the used toner container 2, and is therefore
`economical. Also, it is easy to incorporate the valve element
`12, hook 30 and spring 31 in the cover 10, because the
`incorporation can be achieved while the cover 10 is not on
`the toner container 2. Further, a toner can be supplied to the
`developing apparatus solely by inserting the pressing-up
`portion 20 in the guide 15 and pressing up the valve element
`12, so that no troublesome operation is required. It is also
`possible to press up the valve element 12 by the pressing-up
`portion 20 to allow the toner to be fed to the toner supply
`port 21. In addition, since the pressing-up portion 20 con-
`stitutes the toner supply port 21, it is unnecessary to provide
`a dedicated element in the developing apparatus for pressing
`up the valve element 12, so that the structure of the toner
`supply port 21 does not become complex. Besides, the toner
`19 remaining in the toner container 2 does not spill, because
`the valve element 12 shifts by the elastic force of the spring
`30 to close the outlet 11 when the toner cartridge 1 is
`removed from the developing apparatus.
`The above-described guide, chute and pressing-up portion
`are not limited to cylinders; for example, they may have a
`prismatic pipe-shape.
`FIGS. 5 and 6 show the first modification of the above-
`described first embodiment. The first modification differs
`from the first embodiment in that the main body 16 and toner
`introduction port 18 of the valve element 12 are arranged at
`a distance D in the axial direction, and that the radial gap
`between the outer circumference of the chute 17 and the
`
`inner circumference of the guide 15 over the distance D is
`sufiiciently narrow to seal the toner 19. The other aspects of
`the configuration in the first modification are the same as in
`the first embodiment. Leakage of the toner 19 is thus
`prevented without failure, because the toner 19 is not
`discharged unless the valve element 12 is pressed up by the
`axial distance D.
`FIGS. 7A and 7B show the second modification of the
`above-described first embodiment. The second modification
`
`differs from the first embodiment in that a ring-shaped
`concavity 40 is formed around the outlet 11 of the cover 10.
`The cover 10 is made of a material such as an elastic
`synthetic resin; as the portion around the concavity 40 is
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
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`8
`
`elastically deformed, the outer periphery margin of the main
`body 16 of the valve element 12 is pressed in the concavity
`40. As a result, extraction of the valve element 12 from the
`cover 10 is prevented and the outlet 11 is closed without
`failure, so that leakage of the toner 19 from the container 2
`during transportation of the cartridge 1 is prevented without
`failure. Also, when the chute 17 is pressed up by the
`pressing-up portion 20, the portion around the concavity 40
`is elastically deformed and the main body 16 is detached
`from the concavity 40, resulting in a shift of the valve
`element 12 to the opening position of the outlet 11. Since the
`pressed up valve element 12 can fall by gravity when the
`toner cartridge 1 is removed from the developing apparatus,
`the hook 30 and spring 31 as in the first embodiment is not
`provided. In addition, as in the above-described first modi-
`fication, the main body 16 and the toner introduction port 18
`are arranged at a distance D in the axial direction, and the
`toner 19 is not discharged, unless the valve element 12 is
`pressed up by the axial distance D. When the auxiliary
`device 3 according to the second modification is reused, the
`outer periphery margin of the main body 16 is again pressed
`in the concavity 40. The other aspects of configuration in the
`second modification are the same as in the first embodiment.
`FIGS. 8A and 8B show the third modification of the first
`embodiment. The third modification differs from the first
`embodiment in that a ring 50 is attached to the portion
`around the outlet 11 and a ring 51 is attached to the end face
`of the main body 16 of the valve element 12. At least one of
`the rings 50 and 51 is a permanent magnet, and the other
`may be a permanent magnet or a magnetically attractable
`inorganic material. For example, one ring is made of a
`plastic magnet, and the other is made of a plastic material
`wherein a magnetic powder such as magnetite powder,
`ferrite powder or iron powder is dispersed. Mutual attraction
`of the rings 50 and 51 closes the outlet 11. As the chute 17
`is pressed up by the pressing-up portion 20, the rings 50 and
`51 break contact with each other to open the outlet 11. Since
`the pressed up valve element 12 can fall by gravitational and
`magnetic force, the hook 30 and spring 31 as in the first
`embodiment
`is not provided. The other aspects of the
`configuration in the third modification are the same as in the
`first embodiment.
`FIG. 9 shows the fourth modification of the first embodi-
`ment. The fourth modification differs from the first embodi-
`ment in that the diameter of the cover 10 decreases from the
`center to both ends, so that the openings at respective ends
`have the same diameter, while the diameter decreases from
`one end to the other in the first embodiment. The other
`
`aspects of the configuration in the fourth modification are
`the same as in the first embodiment. Either of the two end
`
`openings of the cover 10 may be the outlet 11.
`The second embodiment of the present invention is here-
`inafter described with reference to FIGS. 10A through 15.
`The toner cartridge 100 illustrated in FIG. 12 comprises an
`auxili