Patent ID: 9280091
Filing Date: 2016-03-08
CPC Classification: G03G

Claim Text:
1. A toner conveying device for conveying toner in a toner case to a developing device, comprising: a first communication opening configured to communicate with a toner discharge outlet formed in the toner case in a state where the toner case is attached to a predetermined attachment position, the toner case including an operation portion; a toner supply opening through which toner is supplied to the developing device; a toner conveyance passage connecting the first communication opening to the toner supply opening; an opening/closing member configured to move between a closing position and an opening position such that when the opening/closing member is at the closing position, the toner supply opening is closed, and when the opening/closing member is at the opening position, the toner supply opening is opened; a moving member configured to be dislocated in conjunction with an operation of the operation portion in such a way as to move the opening/closing member from the closing position to the opening positions; a first elastic member configured to bias the opening/closing member toward the opening position; and a lock mechanism configured to hold the opening/closing member at the closing position resisting a biasing force of the first elastic member by coupling the moving member with the opening/closing member, and to release the opening/closing member held at the closing position when the moving member is dislocated in conjunction with an operation of the operation portion, wherein the moving member is pivotable between a first pivoting position and a second pivoting position, the lock mechanism includes: an opening portion formed in the opening/closing member; and a projection portion projecting from the moving member and inserted in the opening portion and configured to be movable inside the opening portion in conjunction with a movement of the moving member, wherein when the moving member is positioned at the first pivoting position, the projection portion is coupled with an edge of the opening portion, thereby the opening/closing member is held at the closing position resisting the biasing force of the first elastic member, and when the moving member moves to the second pivoting position in conjunction with an operation of the operation portion, the coupling of the projection portion with the edge of the opening portion is released, thereby the opening/closing member is moved to the opening position by the biasing force of the first elastic member.