Patent ID: 6721525
Filing Date: 2004-04-13
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A toner supplying container detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, comprising:a first container for receiving toner, the first container having a first end, an opposite second end, and a body defined between the first end and the opposite second end, wherein the body has a first surface, a second surface with a plurality of openings formed thereon for receiving a supply of toner into the body and an interior surface: a second container for accommodating toner and providing toner to the first container, the second container having a first end, an opposite second end, and a body defined between the first end and the opposite second end, wherein the body has an interior surface defining a volume for accommodating toner, a first surface and a second surface with a plurality of openings formed thereon communicating with the volume and corresponding to the plurality of openings formed on the second surface of the first container for permitting a supply of the toner into the body of the first container; and a releasable locking mechanism for releasably locking the first container with the second container at a predetermined position, the releasable locking mechanism having: a. a supporting member projecting away from the second surface of the first container at the first end of the first container, the supporting member having a first side surface, a second side surface, an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the first side surface has an opening partially defined by a first surface portion, a second surface portion and an edge portion connecting the first surface portion and the second surface portion; b. a locking projection provided at the first surface of the second container for engaging with the supporting member of the first container, the locking projection having an engagement portion adapted to be received in the opening of the first side surface of the supporting member and engage with the edge portion of the supporting member when the second container is shifted to be mounted on the first container at the predetermined position; c. at least one guiding member provided on the second surface of the first container, the guiding member having a groove and a length; and d. at least one projection provided on the second surface of the second container complimentary to the guiding member on the second surface of the first container, wherein when the second container is shifted to be mounted on the first container at the predetermined position, the projection is received in the groove of the guiding member so as to be engaged by the guiding member, wherein when the second container is shifted away from the predetermined position, the engagement portion of the locking projection disengages the edge portion of the supporting member and the projection disengages the guiding member so as to allow the second container to be released from the first container.