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WO2005093524A1 - Cle de tremie destinee a un appareil de formation d'image et kit de reapprovisionnement de toner comprenant cette cle - Google Patents

Cle de tremie destinee a un appareil de formation d'image et kit de reapprovisionnement de toner comprenant cette cle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2005093524A1
WO2005093524A1 PCT/US2004/003365 US2004003365W WO2005093524A1 WO 2005093524 A1 WO2005093524 A1 WO 2005093524A1 US 2004003365 W US2004003365 W US 2004003365W WO 2005093524 A1 WO2005093524 A1 WO 2005093524A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
toner
key
hopper
image forming
forming apparatus
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2004/003365
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Heidi Wachter
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to PCT/US2004/003365 priority Critical patent/WO2005093524A1/fr
Publication of WO2005093524A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005093524A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0894—Reconditioning of the developer unit, i.e. reusing or recycling parts of the unit, e.g. resealing of the unit before refilling with toner
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0877—Arrangements for metering and dispensing developer from a developer cartridge into the development unit

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a key for opening a hopper of an image forming apparatus, and particularly to a key for imlocking a locking-type hopper of an image forming apparatus, and a toner refilling kit including such a key.
  • thermosetting image forming substance such as dry ink or what is commonly referred to as "toner”
  • the toner is eventually depleted and therefore, must be refilled.
  • Known image forming apparatuses are constructed with an array devices related to refilling the toner reservoir included in the image forming apparatus.
  • a toner reservoir in an image forming apparatus may have a hingedly attached lid that is simply opened by hand, allowing toner to be poured into the reservoir, from a bottle, for example.
  • the reservoir may include a specialized coupling for engaging corresponding devices provided on replacement containers that are inserted into the image forming apparatus and which remain in the image forming apparatus during use, and which must be entirely replaced when toner is to be added to the image forming apparatus.
  • some toner reservoirs of image forming apparatuses in order to be refilled, must be unlocked, and engaged with a specialized container which is opened after engaging the container with the reservoir. After the hopper is refilled, the specialized container is disengaged and discarded or returned to the manufacturer for refilling. For example, referring to Figures 12-19, a refilling operation using a typical refill container is shown therein.
  • an access panel 102 of image forming apparatus 100 is rotated downward to expose toner hopper release lever 104 and toner hopper 106.
  • toner hopper 106 can be pulled outwardly, in direction of arrow 108, so as to expose hopper lid 110.
  • toner hopper 106 is a locking-type toner hopper, in which the lid 110 is locked in a closed position as shown in Figure 14.
  • toner refill cartridge manufacturers have been known to provide an unlocking device incorporated onto a toner cartridge, such as toner cartridge 112.
  • the toner cartridge 112 includes an unlocking device 114 which includes two pins 116 for insertion into apertures 118 of the locking device 120 incorporated into hopper 106.
  • an unlocking device 114 which includes two pins 116 for insertion into apertures 118 of the locking device 120 incorporated into hopper 106.
  • lid 110 can be rotated upwards to expose the interior of the hopper 106.
  • toner cartridge 112 can be installed onto hopper 106 and subsequently opened so as to drop the toner stored in toner cartridge 112, into hopper 106.
  • toner cartridge 112 includes specialized components, such as tabs 122 which fit into recesses 124 of hopper 106.
  • lid 110 can be closed, and hopper 106 can be returned to its operating position.
  • specialized refill containers are expensive to manufacture due to the differing couplings required for engaging each specific toner hopper, which can add significant overhead costs to operating and maintaining image forming apparatuses.
  • an inventory of different specialized toner refill containers must be maintained. Therefore, it is desirable to simplify and minimize the costs involved with refilling toner reservoirs of image forming apparatuses.
  • wliich provides a key for unlocking a toner hopper of an image forming apparatus. At least one protrusion is attached to a first member, the protrusion configured to unlock a locking-type toner hopper of an image forming apparatus. The key is not formed monolithically with a toner container.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a key for unlocking a hopper of an image forming apparatus, according to the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a toner refilling kit according to one aspect of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the movement of an access panel of an image forming apparatus.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus illustrating the movement of a hopper of the image forming apparatus.
  • Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of a hopper of an image forming apparatus and illustrate the operation of a key for unlocking the hopper according to the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus illustrating the movement of a lid of a hopper of an image forming apparatus.
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of a toner container.
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus illustrating the use of a toner bottle to refill the hopper.
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus illustrating movement of closing the lid on the hopper.
  • Figure 11 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus illustrating the movement of the access panel for closing the image forming apparatus.
  • Figures 12 is a perspective view of a known image forming apparatus.
  • Figures 13 and 14 are perspective views illustrating the removal of a hopper from a known image forming apparatus.
  • Figure 15 illustrates a known toner cartridge.
  • Figure 16 illustrates the use of a known toner cartridge for unlocking a toner hopper.
  • Figure 17 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge used for unlocking a locking type toner hopper.
  • Figures 18 and 19 illustrate the use of a nontoner cartridge for refilling a toner hopper.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers throughout the several views identify like and/or similar elements.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a key for unlocking a hopper according to the present invention.
  • key 10 includes a body 12, at least one projection 14, and is formed separately from a toner refill container.
  • Projection 14 is configured to unlock a lock for the lid of a toner hopper of an image forming apparatus (described in detail below).
  • key 10 includes at least two parallel projections 16 having a spacing 18. The at least two projections 16 are arranged so as to be received by a lock of a toner hopper of an image forming apparatus.
  • key 10 can include at least two parallel second proj ections 20 having spacing 22, wherein spacing 22 is longer than spacing 18. This allows key 10 to be used on at least two different locking-type toner hoppers of image forming apparatuses.
  • first member 12 can be of any shape, but is preferably substantially planar, which is simple to manufacture. Preferably, member 12 is of such a size so as to be easily grasped by a human hand.
  • toner hopper 24 includes locking mechanism 26. As shown in Figure 6, locking mechanism 26 includes a pair of apertures 28. A refilling procedure for refilling toner hopper 24 will now be described below. Referring now to Figure 3, when it is desired to refill a toner hopper of an image forming apparatus, such as photocopier 42 as shown in Figure 3, it is usually necessary to open an access panel such as access panel 44 as shown in Figure 3.
  • a toner hopper release lever 46 is rotated as shown in Figure 3, and toner hopper 24 is pulled outward from image forming apparatus 42 so as to expose lid 40 of toner hopper 24, as shown in Figure 4.
  • toner hopper 24, which is a locking-type toner hopper has been pulled to the position shown in Figures 4 and 5, the protrusions 14 of key 10, are inserted into apertures 28 of locking mechanism 26, so as to release lid 40.
  • lid 40 is opened as shown in Figure 7.
  • toner can be shaken before being filled into a toner reservoir, as shown in Figure 8.
  • Toner is then poured into toner hopper 24, lid 40 is closed, hopper release lever 46 is closed and then access panel 44 is closed, as shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11, respectively.
  • key 10 is preferably a color other than black, such as light grey, or any other color that visually distinguishes the key from other components inside conventional copiers.
  • a color other than black it is less likely that a user will inadvertently leave the key, such as key 10, inserted into a toner hopper lock, such as lock 26, during operation of the image forming device.
  • the present invention avoids the need for an end user to purchase a specially manufactured toner refilling device or container which has specialized components for coupling with hopper devices such as locking mechamsm 26 and/or specialized engaging surfaces formed on hopper 24.
  • key 10 which is of simple design, an end user can avoid the cost and inconvenience associated with buying a complicated toner refilling device, since the hopper can be unlocked with the key and filled with a relatively simply designed toner bottle.
  • a single key 10 can be packaged with one type of toner bottle, that can be used to refill any image forming apparatus that uses either of the two hoppers. Therefore, it will not be necessary for retailers and end users to stock a different key for every different kind of image forming apparatus which they may have and/or sell parts for.
  • toner container 50 is packaged together with a toner hopper key such as key 10.
  • key 10 is packaged together with toner container 50 via pouch 52.
  • pouch 52 is made out of a thin flexible material such as a foil or plastic in the form of a pouch, this embodiment, key 10 is sealed within pouch 52.
  • toner container 50 has a generally funnel shaped upper end 54 terminating in an aperture 56 sealed with cap 58.
  • pouch 52 In order to conveniently package key 10 within pouch 52 with toner container 50, pouch 52 includes an aperture in its upper end 60 which is made large enough to fit over aperture 56 of toner container 50 such that cap 58, when installed on toner container 50, as shown in Figure 2, securely attaches pouch 52 to a toner container 50.
  • a user By packaging toner container 50 with key 10 into a toner refill kit, a user is able to inexpensively refill an image forming apparatus, such as image forming apparatus 42 that includes a locking-type toner hopper 24, without having to buy the typically expensive, and specially designed toner refill cartridges typically sold for refilling locking-type toner hoppers.
  • toner container 50 By packaging toner container 50 with key 10, it is ensured that, even if a user has previously purchased but then lost a key 10, another key will be conveniently located when it is again time to refill toner hopper 24.
  • the present invention provides a single kit that can be used for refilling at least two different models of image forming apparatuses. Therefore, end users and/or retailers which stock such a toner refilling kit, will not be burdened by the necessity to stock a specific toner refill kit for each model of image forming apparatus which they sell or maintain.
  • the toner bottle can be used to refill toner hoppers of varying shapes. Therefore, the kit shown in Figure 2, can be used to fill a variety of different image forming apparatuses.
  • the present invention provides several important advantages over the toner refill kits of the prior art.
  • conventional toner hoppers may have locking toner reservoirs which, in order to be refilled, must be unlocked and engaged with a specialized container which is opened after engaging the container with the reservoir. After the hopper is refilled, the specialized container is disengaged and discarded or returned to the manufacturer for refilling.
  • the present invention allows a locking toner hopper to be easily and conveniently opened and refilled. Furthermore, since the specialized toner containers which are designed to unlock and engage corresponding specialized hoppers are complicated and costly to manufacture, the present invention provides a low cost alternative for users of photocopiers and other image forming apparatuses for their toner refilling needs. In addition, according to a further aspect of the invention, by providing a kit that can be used to fill a variety of hopper devices, the present invention significantly reduces the burden on businesses, for example, who own or lease photocopiers.
  • the present invention allows a user of photocopiers or image forming apparatuses to reduce the number of different specialized toner refill kits needed to refill the different types of photocopiers or of other image forming apparatuses they may operate.
  • Numerous additional modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Electrophotography Configuration And Component (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une clé (10) pour déverrouiller des trémies de toner de type à verrouillage (24). Cette clé comprend au moins une projection (14) conçue pour déverrouiller une trémie de toner de type à verrouillage (24). La clé (10) est dotée d'une contenant de toner (50) relié à la clé de manière non monolithique. Le kit comprend la clé (10) et un contenant de toner (50). De préférence, la clé (10) comprend une pluralité de saillies (14) agencées en deux ensembles de saillies (16, 20), chaque ensemble étant conçu pour déverrouiller un type de trémie de toner à verrouillage (24).
PCT/US2004/003365 2004-02-27 2004-02-27 Cle de tremie destinee a un appareil de formation d'image et kit de reapprovisionnement de toner comprenant cette cle Ceased WO2005093524A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2004/003365 WO2005093524A1 (fr) 2004-02-27 2004-02-27 Cle de tremie destinee a un appareil de formation d'image et kit de reapprovisionnement de toner comprenant cette cle

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2004/003365 WO2005093524A1 (fr) 2004-02-27 2004-02-27 Cle de tremie destinee a un appareil de formation d'image et kit de reapprovisionnement de toner comprenant cette cle

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005093524A1 true WO2005093524A1 (fr) 2005-10-06

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ID=35056353

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2004/003365 Ceased WO2005093524A1 (fr) 2004-02-27 2004-02-27 Cle de tremie destinee a un appareil de formation d'image et kit de reapprovisionnement de toner comprenant cette cle

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2005093524A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8414899B2 (en) * 2006-04-11 2013-04-09 Yeda Research And Development Co. Ltd. Vaccines comprising multimeric HSP60 peptide carriers
WO2016149200A1 (fr) * 2015-03-13 2016-09-22 Mitsubishi Kagaku Imaging Corporation Dispositifs et méthodes pour de reconditionnement de cartouches de toner d'imprimante

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5105218A (en) * 1988-12-07 1992-04-14 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Method of resetting toner shortage of an image forming apparatus
US5115275A (en) * 1989-06-02 1992-05-19 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Developing unit for an image recording apparatus
US5175587A (en) * 1990-08-31 1992-12-29 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Developing apparatus having a detachable developer cartridge

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5105218A (en) * 1988-12-07 1992-04-14 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Method of resetting toner shortage of an image forming apparatus
US5115275A (en) * 1989-06-02 1992-05-19 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Developing unit for an image recording apparatus
US5175587A (en) * 1990-08-31 1992-12-29 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Developing apparatus having a detachable developer cartridge

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8414899B2 (en) * 2006-04-11 2013-04-09 Yeda Research And Development Co. Ltd. Vaccines comprising multimeric HSP60 peptide carriers
WO2016149200A1 (fr) * 2015-03-13 2016-09-22 Mitsubishi Kagaku Imaging Corporation Dispositifs et méthodes pour de reconditionnement de cartouches de toner d'imprimante

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