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US 6,549,744 B2Granted
Powder container for an image forming apparatus and powder discharging device
AssigneeRicoh Company, Ltd.
InventorsSeiji Terazawa, Fumio Ogata, Goro Katsuyama
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A powder container for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a deformable bag and a powder discharging portion made up of a tapered portion and a toner outlet. A buckling reducing device reduces the buckling of part of the bag adjoining the tapered portion and toner outlet. The toner container prevents the discharge of powder from being deteriorated by buckling, thereby reducing the amount of powder to be left in the container. Further, a device is provided for maintaining the upright position of the bag. A toner discharging device for discharging the toner from the toner container is also disclosed.
Claims87
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- and
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said buckling reducing means is provided on said bag, and said buckling reducing means comprises leg-like auxiliary pieces integral with said tapered portion.
1 more element
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- and
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said buckling reducing means is provided on said bag, wherein said buckling reducing means comprises leg-like auxiliary pieces integral with said tapered portion, said auxiliary pieces comprise excess pieces formed during production of said bag, said auxiliary pieces are heat-sealed over entire range of said auxiliary pieces, said bag is received in a box that is more rigid than said bag, and
- said buckling reducing means additionally is provided on said box.
2 more elements
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- and
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said buckling reducing means is provided on said bag,
- said buckling reducing means comprises leg-like auxiliary pieces integral with said tapered portion, said auxiliary pieces comprise excess pieces formed during production of said bag, said auxiliary pieces are heat-sealed over entire range of said auxiliary pieces, said bag is received in a box that is more rigid than said bag, and
- said buckling reducing means additionally comprises anti-slip members positioned on surfaces of said box, which face said bag, in such a manner as to contact said bag.
3 more elements
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- and
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said buckling reducing means is provided on said bag, said buckling reducing means comprises leg-like auxiliary pieces integral with said tapered portion, said auxiliary pieces comprise excess pieces formed during production of said bag, said auxiliary pieces are heat-sealed over entire range of said auxiliary pieces, said bag is received in a box that is more rigid than said bag, and
- said bag has folded portions at opposite sides on an end face thereof opposite to said discharging portion, and wherein said buckling reducing means additionally comprises an insertion member provided on said box to be inserted in at least one of said folded portions.
2 more elements
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said buckling reducing means is provided on said bag, said buckling reducing means comprises leg-like auxiliary pieces integral with said tapered portion, said auxiliary pieces comprise excess pieces formed during production of said bag, said auxiliary pieces are heat-sealed over entire range of said auxiliary pieces, and said bag is received in a box that is more rigid than said bag;
- and
- a heat-sealed member position on at least a side of said bag, wherein said buckling reducing means additionally nips said heat-sealed portion in cooperation with said box.
2 more elements
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- and
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said buckling reducing means is provided on said bag, said buckling reducing means comprises leg-like auxiliary pieces integral with said tapered portion, said auxiliary pieces comprise excess pieces formed during production of said bag, said auxiliary pieces are heat-sealed over entire range of said auxiliary pieces, said bag is received in a box that is more rigid than said bag, and
- said buckling reducing means additionally comprises a shock absorbing piece positioned to substantially fill a space between said bag and said box.
2 more elements
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- and
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion, and
- wherein said buckling reducing means comprises leg-like auxiliary pieces integral with said tapered portion.
1 more element
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- and
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said buckling reducing means comprises leg-like auxiliary pieces positioned on said tapered portion, said auxiliary pieces comprise excess pieces formed during production of said bag, said auxiliary pieces are heat-sealed over entire range of said auxiliary pieces, said bag is received in a box that is more rigid than said bag, and
- said buckling reducing means additionally is provided on said box.
2 more elements
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- and
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said buckling reducing means comprises leg-like auxiliary pieces positioned on said tapered portion, said auxiliary pieces comprise excess pieces formed during production of said bag, said auxiliary pieces are heat-sealed over entire range of said auxiliary pieces, said bag is received in a box that is more rigid than said bag, said buckling reducing means is provided on said box, and
- said buckling reducing means additionally comprises anti-slip members positioned on surfaces of said box, which face said bag, in such a manner as to contact said bag.
2 more elements
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- and
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said buckling reducing means comprises leg-like auxiliary pieces positioned on said tapered portion, said auxiliary pieces comprise excess pieces formed during production of said bag, said auxiliary pieces are heat-sealed over entire range of said auxiliary pieces, said bag is received in a box that is more rigid than said bag, said buckling reducing means is provided on said box, and
- said bag has folded portions at opposite sides on an end face thereof opposite to said discharging portion, and wherein said buckling reducing means additionally comprises an insertion member provided on said box to be inserted in at least one of said folded portions.
2 more elements
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said buckling reducing means comprises leg-like auxiliary pieces positioned on said tapered portion, said auxiliary pieces comprise excess pieces formed during production of said bag, said auxiliary pieces are heat-sealed over entire range of said auxiliary pieces, said bag is received in a box that is more rigid than said bag, and said buckling reducing means is provided on said box;
- and,
- a heat-sealed member positioned on at least a side of said bag, wherein said buckling reducing means additionally nips said heat-sealed portion in cooperation with said box.
2 more elements
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- and
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said buckling reducing means comprises leg-like auxiliary pieces positioned on said tapered portion, said auxiliary pieces comprise excess pieces formed during production of said bag, said auxiliary pieces are heat-sealed over entire range of said auxiliary pieces, said bag is received in a box that is more rigid than said bag, said buckling reducing means additionally is provided on said box, and said buckling reducing means further comprises a shock absorbing piece positioned to substantially fill a space between said bag and said box.
1 more element
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- and
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said bag is received in a box that is more rigid than said bag, and
- said buckling reducing means comprises anti-slip members positioned on surfaces of said box, which face said bag, in such a manner as to contact said bag.
2 more elements
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- and
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said bag is received in a box that is more rigid than said bag, and said bag has folded portions at opposite sides on an end face thereof opposite to said discharging portion, and wherein said buckling reducing means comprises an insertion member provided on said box to be inserted in at least one of said folded portions.
1 more element
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said bag is received in a box that is more rigid than said bag;
- and
- a heat-sealed member positioned on at least a side of said bag, wherein said buckling reducing means nips said heat-sealed portion in cooperation with said box.
2 more elements
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- and
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said bag is received in a box that is more rigid than said bag, and
- said buckling reducing means comprises a shock absorbing piece positioned to substantially fill a space between said bag and said box.
2 more elements
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- and
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said buckling reducing means is provided on said box.
1 more element
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- and
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said buckling reducing means comprises anti-slip members positioned on surfaces of said box, which face said bag, in such a manner as to contact said bag.
1 more element
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- and
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said bag has folded portions at opposite sides on an end face thereof opposite to said discharging portion, and wherein said buckling reducing means comprises an insertion member provided on said box to be inserted in at least one of said folded portions.
1 more element
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion;
- and,
- a heat-sealed member positioned on at least a side of said bag, wherein said buckling reducing means nips said heat-sealed portion in cooperation with said box.
1 more element
A powder container for storing powder and allowing said powder to be discharged, said powder container comprising:
- a discharging portion comprising a deformable bag and a tapered portion for discharging the powder;
- and
- buckle reducing means for reducing, when said toner container is held in an upright position with said discharging portion facing downward and being fixed, buckling of said tapered portion,
- wherein said buckling reducing means comprises a shock absorbing piece positioned to substantially fill a space between said bag and said box.
1 more element
A powder container comprising:
- a deformable bag storing powder;
- and
- position maintaining means for maintaining a position of said bag,
- wherein said bag comprises a powder outlet for discharging the powder and is tapered toward said powder outlet, said position maintaining means maintains said bag in an upright position with said powder outlet facing downward, said position maintaining means maintains the upright position of said bag on the basis of rigidity, and
- said position maintaining means comprises a support member integral with an outer periphery of said bag in an upright position.
2 more elements
A powder container comprising:
- a deformable bag storing powder;
- and
- position maintaining means for maintaining a position of said bag,
- wherein said bag comprises a powder outlet for discharging the powder and is tapered toward said powder outlet, said position maintaining means maintains said bag in an upright position with said powder outlet facing downward, said position maintaining means maintains the upright position of said bag on the basis of rigidity, and said position maintaining means comprises an upright member mounted on an inner periphery of said bag.
1 more element
A powder container comprising:
- a deformable bag storing powder;
- and
- position maintaining means for maintaining a position of said bag,
- wherein said bag comprises a powder outlet for discharging the powder and is tapered toward said powder outlet, and said position maintaining means comprises a member adhered to said bag.
1 more element
A powder container comprising:
- a deformable bag storing powder;
- and
- position maintaining means for maintaining a position of said bag,
- wherein said bag comprises a powder outlet for discharging the powder and is tapered toward said powder outlet, and said position maintaining means comprises a thickened wall portion of said bag.
1 more element
A powder container comprising:
- a deformable bag storing powder;
- and
- position maintaining means for maintaining a position of said bag,
- wherein said bag comprises a powder outlet for discharging the powder and is tapered toward said powder outlet, and said position maintaining means comprises a gas fed into said bag.
1 more element
A powder container comprising:
- a deformable bag storing powder;
- and
- position maintaining means for maintaining a position of said bag,
- wherein said position maintaining means maintains the upright position of said bag on the basis of rigidity, and said position maintaining means comprises a support member integral with an outer periphery of said bag in an upright position.
1 more element
A powder container comprising:
- a deformable bag storing powder;
- and
- position maintaining means for maintaining a position of said bag,
- wherein said position maintaining means maintains the upright position of said bag on the basis of rigidity, and said position maintaining means comprises an upright member integral with an inner periphery of said bag.
1 more element
A powder container comprising:
- a deformable bag storing powder;
- and
- position maintaining means for maintaining a position of said bag,
- wherein said position maintaining means maintains the upright position of said bag on the basis of rigidity, and said position maintaining means comprises a support member integral with an outer periphery of said bag in an upright position.
1 more element
A powder container comprising:
- a deformable bag storing powder;
- and
- position maintaining means for maintaining a position of said bag,
- wherein said position maintaining means maintains the upright position of said bag on the basis of rigidity, and said position maintaining means comprises an upright member mounted on an inner periphery of said bag.
1 more element
A powder container comprising:
- a deformable bag storing powder;
- and
- position maintaining means for maintaining a position of said bag,
- wherein said position maintaining means comprises a member adhered to said bag.
1 more element
A powder container comprising:
- a deformable bag storing powder;
- and
- position maintaining means for maintaining a position of said bag,
- wherein said position maintaining means comprises a thickened wall portion of said bag.
1 more element
A powder container comprising:
- a deformable bag storing powder;
- and
- position maintaining means for maintaining a position of said bag,
- wherein said position maintaining means comprises a gas fed into said bag.
1 more element
In a powder discharging device for discharging coloring powder from a powder container via an outlet formed in said powder container, said powder container comprises:
- a deformable bag storing the coloring powder;
- position maintaining means for maintaining a position of said bag;
- and
- a mounting portion for removably mounting said bag;
- wherein a gas is fed into said bag in order to fluidize the coloring powder and cooperates with said position maintaining means to maintain the position of said bag.
2 more elements
In an image forming apparatus constructed to transfer coloring powder from a powder container to a developing unit via a powder outlet formed in said powder container by using a powder discharging device, said powder container comprises:
- a deformable bag storing the coloring powder;
- position maintaining means for maintaining a position of said bag;
- and
- a mounting portion for removably mounting said bag;
- wherein a gas is fed into said bag in order to fluidize the coloring powder and cooperates with said position maintaining means to maintain the position of said bag.
2 more elements
In a powder discharging device for discharging coloring powder from a powder container via an outlet formed in said powder container, said powder container comprises:
- a deformable bag storing the coloring powder;
- a position maintaining device configured to maintain a position of said bag;
- and
- a mounting portion configured to removably mount said bag;
- wherein a gas is fed into said bag in order to fluidize the coloring powder and cooperates with said position maintaining device to maintain the position of said bag.
2 more elements
In an image forming apparatus constructed to transfer coloring powder from a powder container to a developing unit via a powder outlet formed in said powder container by using a powder discharging device, said powder container comprises:
- a deformable bag storing the coloring powder;
- a position maintaining device configured to maintain a position of said bag;
- and
- a mounting portion for removably mounting said bag;
- wherein a gas is fed into said bag in order to fluidize the coloring powder and cooperates with said position maintaining device to maintain the position of said bag.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.