Patent ID: 6628914
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A sliding cover device arrangement for controlling toner passage between a toner container and a developing device of an image forming apparatus, wherein the developing device comprises 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 plurality of toner receiving openings formed thereon substantially along a longitudinal axis of the body of the developing device, and the toner container is adapted for holding toner and supplying toner to the developing device, the toner container comprising 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 plurality of toner supplying openings formed thereon substantially along a longitudinal axis of the body of the toner container corresponding to the plurality of toner receiving openings, comprising:a first sliding cover movable along the longitudinal axis of the body of the developing device and adapted for closing and opening the plurality of toner receiving openings of developing device; a second sliding cover movable along the longitudinal axis of the body of the toner container and adapted for closing and opening the toner supplying openings of said toner container; and coupling means formed on the developing device and the toner container for enabling the first sliding cover and the second sliding cover to be moved synchronously along one of the longitudinal axis of the body of the developing device and the longitudinal axis of the body of the toner container to close and open the toner supplying openings and the toner receiving openings, respectively, the coupling means comprising projection means and recess means adapted for receiving the projection means.