Patent Publication Number: US-6219506-B1

Title: Disassembling method for toner accommodating container

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART 
     The present invention relates to a disassembling method for disassemblying a toner accommodating container suitable to supply the toner (developer) into the developing device of an image forming apparatus such as an electrostatic copying machine, printer or the like to reuse the container. 
     Heretofore, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus has been used for a printer, copying machine or the like, wherein the developing device thereof uses developer (toner). 
     The toner is consumed with the execution of the image forming process, and therefore, the toner should be replenished timely. 
     For the toner supply, the use is made of a toner accommodating container (toner container), and the toner container is used not only for a copying machine wherein the toner is supplied therefrom all at onec, but also for a printer as terminal equipment of information equipment, such as a computer, facsimile machine, CAD or the like. 
     It is used also for a process cartridge. 
     The toner container is provided with a filling port for permitting filling of the toner into the container, and the filling port is plugged and sealed by a toner cap. Generally, the toner cap is made of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and is produced by injection molding. The toner cap is provided with several ribs around the cylindrical portion thereof so that it is press-fitted into the filling port. 
     In a recent example, a projected edge is formed all around the engaging portion of the filling port, and on the other hand, a groove is formed in the cap, wherein the edge of the filling port bites into the groove portion to accomplish sealing press-fitting. 
     For the reuse of the toner container and for the reuse of the members, they are crushed and reused as a molding material. 
     For example, in the case of a cap having several ribs provided on the cylindrical portion of the toner cap so as to provide press-fitting relative to the inner surface of the filling port of the toner container to accomplish the sealing, a flange portion of the cap is nipped and removed by a tool such as pench, plier or the like. 
     In a recent example, a projected edge portion is formed all around the portion of the filling port which is engaged with the cap, and a groove into which the edge portion of the filling port bites is formed all around the engaging surfaces of the cap to accoomplish press-fitting and sealing. In this case, the cap is not easily dropped during transportation, but correspondingly, it is difficult to remove the cap by nipping and pulling. 
     Therefore, a jig for cap removal is inserted through the toner discharging outlet of the toner container so that a force is imparted from the inside of the toner container to remove the cap. 
     However, when the cap is removed from the toner container and the process cartridge through the conventional method, the following problems arise. 
     In the case of the cap wherein several ribs are provided on the cylindrical portion of the toner cap, and the cap is press-fitted into the filling port of the toner container to effect the sealing, the cap is nipped and pulled by a tool capable of nipping the edge of the cap (for example, a pench or plier or the like). The edge of the filling port may be nipped by mistake, or the edge of the filling port may be inadvertenty dameged. 
     In the worst case, the chips are deposited on the toner container, and the chips may remain in the assembled parts. 
     In the case of the above-described recent cap, a jig for the cap dismounting is inserted through the toner discharging outlet of the toner container, and a force is imparted to the cap from the inside of the toner container. However, if the used toner containers or process cartridges are disassembled without classification all in a single disassembling operation line (to minimize the classification cost), two types of operations have to selectively be carried out, namely, “nipping and pulling the cap” or “removing the cap from the inside of the toner container using a jig.” 
     In the case of the cap sealing the filling port, the “removing the cap from the inside of the toner container using a jig.” can be fundamentally used for all cases, but the disassemblying setup has to be modified in view of the difference in shapes of the toner containers or the process cartridges, the difference of the filling ports in the positions and configurations, and the difference in the tools to be used for the dismounting. 
     It is the fact that toner containers and the process cartridges are not returned with classification. 
     It would be possible to classify the returned toner containers and process cartridges before the disassemblying process. But, it is costly, and it requires to provide different disassembling lines. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a disassembling method for a toner accommodating container wherein an edge of the filling port is protected from damage or scraping when the cap is dismounted. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a disassembling method wherein the toner accommodating container can be disassembled efficiently without damage to the main body of the container irrespective of the configuration of the cap. 
     While the invention have been described with reference to the structures disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details set forth and this application is intended to cover such modifications or changes as may come within the purposes of the improvements or the scope of the following claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a process cartridge. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an outer appearance of a process cartridge. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an outer appearance of a developing unit in a process cartridge. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an outer appearance of a toner container according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an outer appearance of a toner container according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is an illustration of a circular toner cap (projected configuration) having a cross-shaped projection on the bottom surface of the cap, according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein (a) is a front view, and (b) is a side view. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a circular toner cap (projected configuration) wherein the bottom surface of the cap is flat, according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a substantially triangular shape toner cap (projected configuration) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a toner cap having a circular projected configuration according to this Embodiment 1. 
     FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a substantially triangular shape toner cap (projected configuration) according to this Embodiment 2. 
     FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a substantially triangular shape toner cap (projected configuration) according to this Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 14 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a toner filling opening of a toner container according to this Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 15 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a toner filling opening of a toner container according to this Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating engagement of a toner cap according to this Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of an engaging portion of a toner cap according to this Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating engagement of a toner cap according to this Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a notch of a toner cap according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating another example of a notch of a toner cap according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an example of a notch of a toner cap according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 22 is a front view showing a state before dismounting of the toner cap according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 23 is a front view showing a state before dismounting of the toner cap according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 24 is an A-Asectional view in FIG. 23 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 25 is a front view showing a state before dismounting of the toner cap according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 26 is a B-Bsectional view of FIG.  25 . 
     FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing heating when the toner cap is dismounted. 
     FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a toner cap having a cross-shaped projection on its bottom portion. 
     FIG. 29 illustrates a removing method of a toner cap, wherein (a) is a perspective view, and (b) is a top plan view. 
     FIG. 30 is a front view of a toner filling opening. 
     FIG. 31 is a front view of a toner cap. 
     FIG. 32 is an A-Asectional view of FIG.  31 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A description will be provided as to the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     In the following description, the short side direction of the process cartridge B is the direction in which the process cartridge B is mounted to or demounted from the main assembly  14  of the apparatus, and which is the same as the feeding direction of the recording material. 
     The longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B is a direction crossing with the direction of mounting and dismounting of the process cartridge B relative to the main assembly  14  of the apparatus (substantially perpendicular), and is parallel with the surface of the recording material, and crosses with the feeding direction of the recording material (substantially perpendicular). 
     The terms “left and right” of the process cartridge refers to the directions “left and right” in the same direction as the feeding direction of the recording material as seen from the top of the recording material. 
     FIG. 1 is an illustration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an outer appearance. 
     FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a process cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an outer appearance thereof. 
     In the following description, the “upper surface” of the process cartridge B is the surface that takes the top position, and the “lower surface” is the surface that takes the bottom position, when the process cartridge B is mounted to the main assembly  14  of the apparatus. 
     (Electrophotographic image forming apparatus A and process cartridge B) 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a description will be provided as to the laser beam printer A as an exemplary electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present intention. 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge B. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, the laser beam printer A forms an image on the recording material (recording paper, OHPsheet, textile or the like) through an electrophotographic image forming process. 
     In the apparatus, a toner image is formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive drum) as an image bearing member in the form of a drum. 
     More particularly, the photosensitive drum is electrically charged by charging means, and it exposed to laser beam in accordance with the image information by optical means so that latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum in accordance with the image information. 
     The latent image is developed into a toner image by developing means 
     In synchronism with formation of the toner image, the recording material  2  placed in a sheet feeding cassette  3   a  is fed by a pick-up roller  3   b , a pair of feeding rollers  3   c , 3   d  and a pair of registration rollers  3   a.    
     Subsequently, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum  7  contained in the process cartridge B, is transferred onto the recording material  2  by the application of a voltage to transferring means in the form of a transfer roller  4 . 
     The recording material  2  now having the toner image is fed to fixing means  5  along a feeding guide  3   f.    
     The fixing means  5  comprises a driving roller  5   c  and a fixing roller  5   b  containing a heater  5   a.    
     The recording material  2  passing therethrough is supplied with heat and pressure so that toner image is fixed thereon. 
     The recording material  2  is then fed by a pair of discharging rollers  3   g , 3   h , 3   i  through a reverse path  3   j , and is discharged to a discharging tray  6 . Press 
     The discharging tray is provided at the upper surface of the main assembly  14  of the image forming apparatus A. 
     By actuating the flapper  3   k  which is swingable, the recording material  2  can be discharged by the pair of discharging rollers  3   m  without passing through the reverse path  3   j.    
     In this environment, the feeding means  3  is constituted by the pick-up roller  3   b , the pair of feeding rollers  3   c , 3   d , the pair of registration rollers  3   a , the feeding guide  3   f , the pair of discharging rollers  3   g , 3   h , 3   i  and the pair of discharging rollers  3   m.    
     Of the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the photosensitive drum  7  having a photosensitive layer is rotated, and the surface thereof is uniformly charged by voltage application to the charging means in the form of a charging roller  8 . 
     Subsequently, the laser beam, which is modulated in accordance with the image information and supplied through an optical system  1 , is projected onto the surface of the photosensitive drum  7  through an exposure opening  1   e  so that a latent image is formed. 
     The latent image is developed by developing means  9  with the toner. 
     The charging roller  8  is contacted to the surface of the photosensitive drum  7  to electrically charge the photosensitive drum  7 . 
     The charging roller  8  is driven by the photosensitive drum  7 . 
     The developing means  9  supplied the toner to a developing zone of the photosensitive drum  7  to develop the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum  7 . 
     The optical system  1  comprises a laser diode  1   a , a polygonal mirror  1   b , a lens  1   c  and a reflection mirror  1   d.    
     Here, the developing means  9  feeds the toner from the toner container  11 A to the developing roller  9   c  by the rotation of a toner feeding member  9   b.    
     When the developing roller  9   c  containing a fixed magnet is rotated, and a toner layer having triboelectric charge provided by a developing blade  9   d  is formed on the surface of the developing roller  9   c , and the toner is supplied to the developing zone of the photosensitive drum  7 . 
     The toner is transferred onto the photosensitive drum  7  in accordance with the latent image so that a visualized toner image is formed. 
     The developing blade  9   d  functions to regulate the amount of the toner applied on the peripheral surface of the developing roller  9   c , and functions to apply the triboelectric charge to the toner. 
     Adjacent the developing roller  9   c , there is provided a rotatable toner stirring member  9   e  for circulating the toner in the developer chamber. 
     The transfer roller  4  is supplied with a voltage having the polarity opposed from that of the toner image so that the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum  7  onto the recording material  2 , and thereafter, the residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum  7  is removed by the cleaning means  10 . 
     The cleaning means  10  includes an elastic cleaning blade  10   a  conducted to the photosensitive drum  7 , which scrapes the residual toner off the photosensitive drum  7 , and the toner is collected into a residual toner container  10   b.    
     The process cartridge B comprises a toner frame  11  having a toner container (toner accommodating portion) accommodating the toner, and a developing device frame  12  supporting the developing means  9  including the developing roller  9   c  or the like, these frames being coupled with each other. 
     Additionally, a cleaning frame  13  containing the cleaning means  10  such as a cleaning blade  10   a  or the like, and the charging roller  8 , is coupled thereto. 
     The process cartridge B is detachably mountable to the main assembly  14  of the image forming apparatus by the operator. 
     The process cartridge B is provided with an exposure opening  1   e  for permitting projection of the image information light onto the photosensitive drum  7 , and a transfer opening  13   n  for permitting the photosensitive drum  7  to face the recording material  2 . 
     More particularly, the exposure opening  1   e  is formed in the cleaning frame  13 , and the transfer opening  13   n  is formed between the developing device frame  12  and the cleaning frame  13 . 
     A description will be provided as to the structure of a housing of the process cartridge B according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     The process cartridge B of this embodiment comprises a toner frame  11  and a developing device frame  12 , which are coupled with each other, and a cleaning frame  13  is rotatably coupled thereto. The housing contains the photosensitive drum  7 , the charging roller  8 , the developing means  9 , and the cleaning means  10  or the like, and is formed into a cartridge. 
     The process partridge B is a detachably mounted to a cartridge mounting means provided in the main assembly  14  of the image forming apparatus. 
     (Structure of the housing of the process cartridge B) 
     The process cartridge B of this example is such that the housing is constituted by coupling the toner frame  11 , the developing device frame  12  and the cleaning frame  13 , as has been described hereinbefore, and the structure thereof will be described. 
     As shown in FIG. 3, a toner feeding member  9   b  is rotatably mounted to the toner frame  11 . 
     The developing roller  9   c  and the developing blade  9   d  are mounted to the developing device frame  12 , and adjacent the developing roller  9   c , there is provided a rotatable stirring member  9   e  effective to circulate the toner in the developer chamber. 
     The developing device frame  12  is provided with an antenna rod  9   h  opposed to the developing roller  9   c  in the longitudinal direction as shown in FIG. 3, the antenna rod  9   h  being extended substantially parallel with the developing roller  9   c.    
     The toner frame  11  and the developing device frame  12  are welded to each other (ultrasonic welding in this embodiment) to constitute an integral subunit as a developing unit U 1  (FIG.  5 ). 
     The developing unit is provided with a drum shutter member  18  for protecting the photosensitive drum  7  from being exposed to light for a long time and from being touched by foreign matter when the process cartridge B is dismounted from the main assembly  14  of the image forming apparatus 
     The drum shutter member  18 , as shown in FIG. 4, is provided with a shutter cover  18   a  for opening and closing the transfer opening  13   n  shown in FIG. 3, and links  18   b , 18   c  for supporting the shutter cover  18   a . Press 
     One end of the link  18   c  is journaled to the toner frame  11  upstream of the shutter cover  18   a  with respect to the feeding direction of the recording material  2  at each of the opposite ends, as shown in FIG.  4 . 
     The other end of each of the links  18   c  is journaled to the upstream portion of the shutter cover  18   a  with respect to the mounting direction of the process cartridge B 
     The link  18   c  is made of metal wire, and the portion journaled to the shutter cover  18   a  is connected to the other between the opposite ends of the process cartridge B, and therefore, the left and right links  18   c  are integral with each other. 
     The link  18   b  is provided only at one side of the shutter cover  18   a , and one end thereof is journaled to the shutter cover  18   a  at the downstream and, and the other end is journaled to a dowel  12   d  of the developing frame  12 . 
     The link  18   b  is made of synthetic resin material. 
     The links  18   b , 18   c  have lengths different from each other, and it constitutes a quadric link with the shutter cover  18   a  and the frame constituted by the toner frame  11  and the developing device frame  12 . 
     The laterally projected projected portion  18   cl  provided to each of the links  18   c  is abutted to a fixed member (unshown) provided adjacent to the cartridge mounting portion S (FIG.  1 ), and acts on the drum shutter member  18  when the process cartridge moves to open the shutter cover  18   a.    
     The drum shutter member  18  including the shutter cover  18   a  and the links  18   b , 18   c  is such that shutter cover  18   a  covers the transfer opening  13   a  by an unshown coil spring locked to the developing device frame  12  at one end and engaged with the link  18   b  at the other end, the coil spring being provided in the dowel  12   d.    
     As shown in FIG.  3  and FIG. 6, the cleansing frame  13  contains the photosensitive drum  7 , the charging roller  8  and the cleaning means  10  to constitute a cleaning unit U 2  (first frame), as shown in FIG.  6 . 
     The developing unit U 1  and the cleaning unit U 2  are rotatably coupled with each other by a coupling member  22  in the form of a round pin. 
     More particularly, as shown in FIG. 3, a free end of an arm portion  19  formed at each longitudinal end of the developing device frame  12 , is provided with a round rotation hole  20  extending parallel with the developing roller  9   c.    
     Of the other hand, recesss (unshown) are provided at two positions at each longitudinal ends of the cleaning frame  13  for receiving the arm portions  19 . 
     The arm portion  19  is inserted into the recess; the coupling member  22  is press-fitted into the mounting hole (unshown) of the cleaning frame  13  and is inserted into the rotation hole  20  out and end of the arm portion  19 , and further is press-fitted into an inside hole of the cleaning frame  13 , by which the developing unit U 1  and the cleaning unit U 2  are coupled with each other for rotation about the coupling member  22 . 
     And this time, a compression coil spring  22   a  inserted into an unshown dowel standing from the base portion of the arm portion  19 , is abutted to the upper wall of the recess of the cleaning frame  13 , so that compression coil spring  22   a  urges the developing device frame  12  downwardly, so as to assuredly urge the developing roller  9   c  to the photosensitive drum  7 . 
     Hubs shown in FIG. 5, a spacer roller  9   i  having a larger diameter than the developing roller  9   c  is provided at each of the longitudinal ends of the developing roller  9   c , by which the roller  9   i  is pressed against the photosensitive drum  7  so that a predetermined clearance is maintained between the photosensitive drum  7  and the developing roller  9   c  (approx 300 microns). Press 
     Therefore, the developing unit U 1  and the cleaning unit U 2  are rotatable relative to each other about the coupling member  22 , and the positional relation between the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum  7  and the peripheral surface of the developing roller  9   c  is maintained by the elastic force of the compression coil spring  22   a.    
     Since the compression coil spring  22   a  is mounted to the developing device frame  12  at the base portion of the arm portion  19 , the pressure of the compression coil spring  22   a  does not extend to the other portion, and therefore, there is no need of reinforcing the periphery of the spring seat as with the case when a member mounted to the developing device frame  12  is used as a spring seat, and can maintain the positional accuracy since the base portion of the arm portion  19 has is of sufficient rigidity. 
     When the openable member  35  shown in FIG. 1 is opened about the hinge  35   a , the cartridge mounting portion S is seen. 
     Each of the left and right inner wall of the cartridge mounting portion S is provided with a guiding member for guiding the process cartridge B, and the guiding members  13 R,  13 L ( 13   a R,  13   a L,  13   b R,  13   b L) provided at each of the left and right sides of the process cartridge B are inserted into the guiding member, and then, the drum shutter  18  is opened. As shown in FIG. 1, the exposure of the photosensitive drum  7  to the light from the optical means  1  is permitted, and the photosensitive drum  7  is positioned so as to be faced to the transfer roller  4  for transferring the image formed on the photosensitive drum  7  onto the recording material  2 . 
     However, the guiding member  13 R ( 13   a  R,  13   b R) is provided on a side of the process cartridge B longitudinally opposite from the guiding member  13 L ( 13   a L,  13   b L), and therefore, this is not seen in the Figure. 
     The orientation of the process cartridge B is determined by the regulating abutments  13   j  provided on the left-hand end  13   q  and the right-hand end  13   b  on the top side of the cleaning frame  13  abutting unshown fixed members in the main assembly  14  of the apparatus. 
     (Toner frame) 
     Referring to FIG. 3, a description will be provided as to a toner frame. 
     As shown in FIG. 3, the toner frame  11  comprises an upper frame  11   a  and a lower frame  11   b  (two parts structure). 
     The upper frame  11   a  expands upwardly so as to occupy the right hand side space of the optical system  1  of the main assembly  14  of the image forming apparatus, as shown in FIG. 1, and the toner accommodating capacity of the process cartridge B is increased. 
     As shown in FIGS. 3,  4 , a recess  17  (concave as seen from the outside) is provided in the longitudinally central part of the upper frame  11   a  to provide a grip function. 
     Then, the operator holds the process cartridge at the recess  17  of the upper frame  11   a  and the bottom side of the lower frame  11   b.    
     The ribs  11   c  extending in the longitudinal direciton and provided on the bottom side of the lower frame  11   b  and on one side of the recess  17  function to prevent slippage. 
     As shown in FIG. 3, the frame  11   a   1  of the upper frame  11   a  is fitted into the rimmed flange  11   b   1  of the lower frame  11   b , and the welding surfaces are contacted. Then, the welded ribs are melted to integrate the frames  11   a ,  11   b  by welding. 
     The connecting method may be not limted to the ultrasonic welding, but may be usual welding, forced vibration, bonding or the like. 
     When the frames  11   a , 11   b  are welded by ultrasonic welding, the frames  11   a , 11   b  are supported by the flange  11   b   1  as described above, and in addition, there is provided a stepped portion  11   m  on substantially the same surface of the flange  11   b   1  at an upper outside position of the opening  11   f.    
     Prior to connecting the frames  11   a ,  11   b , the toner feeding member  9   b  is assembled into the lower frame  11   b.    
     A cylindrical or generally rectangular triangle toner filling opening  11   d  ( 11   da ,  11   db ) (FIGS.  6 , 7 ) is provided to permit supply of the toner, at one longitudinal end of the lower frame  11   b.    
     The edge of the toner filling opening  11   db  includes a side extending along a connection line between the upper and lower toner frames  11   a , 11   b , a side extending substantially vertically perpendicularly to said side, and a hypotenuse side extending along a bottom side of the lower frame  11   b.    
     By this, the toner filling opening  11   db  is given a maximum size. 
     As shown in FIG. 3, an opening  11   i  of a toner frame  11  is provided extending in the longitudinal direction of the toner frame  11  to permit supply of the toner from the toner frame  11  to the developing device frame  12 , and a toner frame  11  which will be described hereinafter is welded to close the opening  11   i.    
     Thereafter, the toner is filled through the toner filling opening  11   d , and the toner filling opening  11   d  is plugged by a toner cap  11   f  ( 11   fa ,  11   fb ) as shown in FIGS.  6 , 7 , so that the toner unit is completed. 
     The toner cap  11   f  is made of polyethylene, polypropylene or the like, and it is heated, and then is press-fitted into the toner filling opening  11   d  formed in the toner frame  11 . 
     The toner unit is welded with the developing device frame  12  by ultrasonic welding so that the developing unit U 1  is completed. 
     However, the connecting method is not limted to the ultrasonic welding, and bonding, snap fit using elastic force, or the like is usable. 
     As shown in FIG. 3, the lower frame  11   b  of the toner frame  11  is provided with an inclined surface K with sufficient inclination angle “Greek theta” to permit free fall of the toner when the toner is consumed, and more particularly, the angle between a horizontal line Z and the inclined surface K when the process cartridge B is mounted to the main assembly  14  placed horizontally, is preferably approximately 65 degrees. 
     The lower frame  11   b  is provided with a recessed portion at the lower portion to escape from the rotational region of the toner feeding member  9   b.    
     The rotation diameter of the toner feeding member  9   b  is approximately 37 mm. 
     It will suffice if the  11   g  is recessed by approximately 0 mm-10 mm from an extension line of the inclined surface K. 
     This is because if the edge portion of the recessed portion  11   g  is projected beyond the inclined surface K, the free fall of the toner will be blocked thereby, so that toner existing between the recessed portion  11   g  and the inclined surface K is not fed into the developing device frame  12 , and some toner will remain unused. This is avoided by the above-described structure to accomplish assured feeding of the toner from the toner frame  11 . 
     By the provision of the recessed or concave shape portion  11   g  to escape the toner feeding member  9   b  in the bottom surface of the toner frame  11 , the stable toner feeding property can be provided without a cost rise. 
     As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting portion of the toner frame  11  relative to the developing device frame  12  is provided with an opening  11   i  for feeding the toner to the developing device frame  12  from toner frame  11 . 
     Around the opening  11   i , as shown in FIGS. 6,  7 , a recessed surface  11   k  is provided. 
     Grooves  11   n  are provided in parallel at the opposite edges in the longitudinal directions of the upper and lower flanges  11   j,   11   jl  of the recessed surfaces  11   k.    
     The upper part flange  11   j  of the recessed surface  11   k  has a gate shape, and the lower flange  11   jl  extends in a transverse direction relative to the recessed surface  11   k.    
     The flange  11   j  of the opening  11   i  may be in the form of a door frame in the same plane. 
     As shown in FIG. 3, the surface of the developing device frame  12  opposed to the toner frame  11  is one flat surface, and upper and lower and longitudinally opposite ends of the flat surface are provided with a door-frame-like flange  12   e  parallel with the flat surface are provided at a retracted position in a closed shape, and a rib  12   v  for engagement with an elongated groove  11   n  of the toner frame  11  is extended longitudinally along the edge of the flange  12   e.    
     The rib  12   v  has a top surface provided with a triangular projection to be used for ultrasonic welding. 
     The toner frame  11  containing various parts and the developing device frame  12  containing the various parts are engaged by engagement between the groove  11   n  of the toner frame  11  and the rib of the developing device frame  12  and then are welded by ultrasonic welding along the longitudinal direction. 
     As shown in FIGS. 6,  7 , an easily torn cover film  51  is stuck on the recessed surface  11   k , extending in the longitudinal direction so as to close the opening  11   i  of the toner frame  11 . 
     The cover film  51  is stuck on the toner frame  11  along the four edges of the opening  11   i  on the recssed surface  11   k.    
     A tear tape  52  is welded to the cover film  51  and is effective to tear the cover film  51  to open or unseal the opening  11   i.    
     The tear tape  52  is folded back at one longitudinal end  52   b  of the opening  11   i  to extend to the other end where it is provided with an elastic sealing material (not shown), such as felt, which is bonded to the longitudinal end portion of the flat surface opposed to the toner frame  11  of the developing device frame  12 , and a grip for permitting an operator to pull out the tear tape  52 . 
     The grip member  11   t  is integrally molded with the toner frame  11 , and the connection part relative to the toner frame  11  is thinned particularly to permit easy separation, and the end of the tear tape  52  is stuck to the grip member  11   t.    
     In this state, the toner frame  11  and the developing device frame  12  are pressed to each other, and ultrasonic vibration is imparted between the rib  12   v  and the elongated groove  11   n  for the triangular projection to melt by frictional heat to weld with the bottom of the elongated groove  11   n.    
     By doing so, a space is provided which is defined by closely contacted portions between the recssed surface  11   k  of the toner frame  11  and the surface of the developing device frame  12  opposed thereto. 
     The cover film  51  and the tear tape  52  are accommodated in the space. 
     In order to feed the toner from the toner frame  11  into the developing device frame  12 , the base portion of the grip member  11   t  is separated from the toner frame  11 , or is torn, and then, the operator pulls out the grip member  11   t , by which the cover film  51  is torn, and the opening  11   i  is unsealed and opened to permit the toner move from the toner frame  11  into the developing device frame  12 . 
     Here, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the toner frame  11  employed in this embodiment. 
     In FIG. 3, the connecting surface JP between the toner frame  11  and the developing device frame  12  extends substantially in a vertical direction. 
     A detailed description will be provided as to the toner frame  11  used in this embodiment. 
     In order to efficiently let the one component toner in the toner container  11 A fall toward the opening  11   i  direction, there are provided two inclined surfaces K,L. 
     The inclined surfaces K,L are extended over the entire length of the toner frame  11 . 
     The inclined surface L is provided at an upper part portion of the opening  11   i , and the inclined surface K is provided at a rear side of the opening  11   i.    
     The inclined surface L is provided in the upper frame  11   a , and the inclined surface K is provided in the lower frame  11   b.    
     The inclined surface L extends vertially or faces generally downward when the process cartridge B is mounted to the main assembly  14  of the apparatus. 
     The angle formed between the horizontal line z and the line m perpendicular to the connecting surface JP between the toner frame  11  and the developing device frame  12  is approximately 20 degrees-40 degrees. 
     In other words, in this embodiment, the connection of the upper frame  11   a  and the lower frame  11   b  is such that the configuration of the upper frame  11   a  is determined so that the lower frame  11   b  is set at the above-described angle. 
     Therefore, according to this embodiment, the toner container  11 A accommodating the toner can supply the toner toward the opening  11   i  direction efficiently. 
     (Toner cap) 
     (Embodiment 1) 
     A description will be provided as to a toner cap  11   fa  according to an embodiment thereof. 
     The cap of this embodiment is used with a toner filling opening  11   da  in the form of a circular hole as shown in FIG.  6 . 
     FIGS.  9 , 11  are a perspective view and a sectional view of a toner cap  11   fa  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the toner filling opening  11   da  of the toner container according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     In Embodiment 1, the projected configuration of the toner filling opening  11   da  and that of the toner cap  11   fa  are both circular. 
     As shown in FIG. 11, the toner cap  11   fa  has a flange  11   fa   1  having a diameter larger than the engaging portion  11   fa   2 , and it has a retainer A 12  portion and an introducing portion  11   fa   3  adjacent the engaging portion  11   f   2 , at a position across the engaging portion  11   f   2  from the flange  11   fa   1 . 
     The toner cap  11   fa  further includes a rib A 11  (seal portion) in the engaging portion  11   fa   2 . 
     Correspondingly, the toner filling opening  11   da , as shown in FIG. 14, has an inner wall A 14  (seal portion), wherein a length h 12  of the inner wall A 14  having the engaging portion for engagement with the engaging portion  11   fa   2  of the cap  11   fa  is shorter than the length h 11  of the engaging portion from the flange  11   fa   1  of the toner cap  11   fa  to the retaining portion or retainer A 12  so that retainer A 12  of the toner cap  11   fa  penetrates the inner wall of the toner filling opening A 14  when the toner cap  11   fa  plugs the toner filling opening  11   da.    
     FIG. 6 show the engaging state. 
     The rib A 11  of the engaging portion  11   fa   2  of the toner cap  11   fa  is in the form of a rib enclosing the cylindrical engaging portion  11   fa   2 . 
     The rib A 11  is a two-lead rib. 
     The introducing portion  11   fa   3  is conical in shape. 
     However, the configuration of the generating line may be convex outward, for example, if it converges toward the tip end. 
     The degree or dimension of “bite” of the rib A 11  is defined, using a difference between the diameter L 11  of the rib A 11  shown in FIG. 11 and a diameter L 13  of the toner filling opening  11   da  shown in FIG.  14 . 
     The bite of the rib A 11  is (L 11 -L 13 )/2. 
     The actual degree of press-fitting is (L 11 -L 13 ). 
     The bite, defined above, of the rib A 11  is preferably not less than 0.05 mm and not more than 0.2 mm, and further preferably not less than 0.05 mm and not more than 0.15 mm, and in this embodiment it is 0.1 mm. 
     When this is expressed in the degree of the press-fitting, it is preferably not less than 0.1 mm and not more than 0.4 mm in the direction of diameter, and further preferably not less than 0.1 mm and not more than 0.3 mm, and in this embodiment it is 0.2 mm. 
     The dimension L 12  of the retainer A 12  is larger than the diameter L 13  of the inner wall of the toner filling opening A 14  by 0.5 mm in this embodiment to assure retention of the cap therein. 
     The material of the toner cap  11   f  (the circular toner cap  11   fa  or  11   fc  and the toner cap  11   fb ) is preferably as follows when the press-fitting engagement is used, in view of the sealing stability, and prevention of milkiness (creep phenomenon) upon the capping (engaging the toner cap into the toner filling opening). 
     High density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene has bending elastic modulus (JIS-K7203), and low density polyethylene (LDPE) or high density polyethylene (HDPE) has Olsen rigidity (JIS-K7016), and the bending elastic modulus of the toner cap  11   fa,    11   fb,    11   fc  ( 11   f ) is preferably equivalent to or lower than that of the main assembly  11 ,  11   a ,  11   b  ( 11 ) 
     Therefore, the toner cap  11   f  preferably has a bending elastic modulus of 690-2160 Mpa and an Olsen rigidity of 88-1320 Mpa, and further preferably has a bending elastic modulus of 1000 Mpa-2160 Mpa and an Olsen rigidity of 130-980 Mpa, and even further preferably has an Olsen rigidity of approx 155 Mpa, and in this embodiment, the Olsen rigidity is 157 Mpa. 
     The material of the main assembly  11  of the toner container may be for example shock-resistant polystyrene (HIPS), BS, polyphenylene ether (PPE) or polyphenylene oxide (PPO), the bending elastic modulus of the main body  11  of the toner container is preferably not less than 1900 Mpa and not more than 11770 Mpa, and further preferably 2000-3000 Mpa, and even further preferably approximately 2500 Mpa, in this embodiment, it is 2400 Mpa. 
     On the other hand, the toner filling opening  11   da  of the main body  11  of the toner container shown in FIG. 6 is provided with a cylindrical portion A 13  of the toner filling opening  11   d  as shown in FIG.  14 . 
     The toner filling opening  11   da  is integrally molded with the toner container  11 . 
     To permit smooth capping, the cylindrical portion A 13  is provided with a C-beveling at the edge of the inner wall A 14  (upper part in FIG.  14 ). 
     The outer diameter L 12  of the retainer A 12  provided at the lower portion of the toner cap  11   fa  is made larger than the inner diameter L 13  of the toner filling opening  11   da.    
     When the cap is engaged, the retainer A 12  penetrates the toner filling opening  11   da  to a position indicated in FIG. 16, thus preventing easy removal thereof. 
     The major dimensions of the toner cap  11   fa  and the toner filling opening  11   da  are as follows: 
     Toner cap, rib A 11  outer diameter (L 11 ): 34.2 mm 
     Toner cap, retainer A 12  outer diameter (L 12 ): 34.5 mm 
     Toner cap, engaging portion length (h 11 ): 15.5 mm 
     Filling port of the container, inner diameter (L 13 ):34.0 mm 
     Filling port of the container, inner diameter, length (h 12 ): 15.0 mm 
     The major dimensions of the toner cap  11   fc  shown in FIG. 8 are the same as the above. 
     Embodimnt 2) 
     A toner cap  11   fb  according to Embodiment 2 will be described. 
     FIGS. 10,  12  and  13  are a perspective view, a sectional view and a top plan view of the toner cap  11   fb  according to Embodiment 2. 
     FIG. 15 is a partially sectional view of a filling port  11   db  of a toner container according to Embodiment 2. 
     In Embodiment 2, the projected configurations of the toner cap  11   fb  and the filling port  11   db  are substantially rectangular triangle. 
     The toner cap  11   fb  comprises a groove portion A 21  (seal portion), a notch A 22 , a notched inclined surface A 23 , a cap, a bottom portion A 24 , a reinforcing rib A 25 , a cap knob portion A 26 , an outer inclined surface portion A 27 , a cap flange portion A 28  and inner inclined surface portion A 29 . 
     The groove portion A 21  comprises an upper portion A 21   a , a bottom portion A 21   b  and a lower portion A 21   c.    
     The width h 21  of the bottom portion A 21   b  of the groove is determined so that edge portion B 1  of the toner filling opening  11   db  formed at one end of the main assembly  11   b  of the toner container  11 A bites in the groove portion A 21  of the toner cap  11   fb , by which the toner cap  11   fb  is sealed. 
     The degree of “bite” d of the notch A 22  (FIG. 12) is preferably 0.4-1.4 mm, and further preferably 0.45-0.9 mm, and even further preferably 0.5-0.8 mm in consideration of the cap bite which will be described hereinafter, and in this embodiment it is 0.7 mm. 
     The notched inclined surface A 23  is provided for the purpose of smooth insertion of the toner cap  11   fb  upon capping, and the notch angle “Greek theta” is preferably not less than 30 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and further preferably not less than 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and even further preferably not less than 60 degrees and less than 80 degrees, and in this embodiment, it is 65 degrees. 
     The thickness of the bottom portion A 24  of the cap is preferably less than the basic thickness of the toner cap  11   fb , and in this embodiment, the basic thickness of the toner cap  11   fb  is 1.5 mm, and the thickness of the bottom portion A 24  of the cap h 22  is 1.0 mm. 
     This is in order to minimize the deformation of the toner cap  11   fb  and the milkiness (creep phenomenon) tending to occur at the back side A 21   d  of the groove portion A 21 . 
     In order to prevent deterioration of the sealing performance attributable to deformation of the linear portion of each side of the rectangular triangle after the capping with the toner cap  11   fb , at least two (three in this embodiment) reinforcing ribs A 25  are provided in each direction, and the reinforcing ribs A 25  are extended ourwardly from a cap knob A 26  provided at the center of the toner cap  11   fb.    
     The height h 24  of the reinforcing rib A 25  is preferably not less than 1 mm and not more than 3 mm, and further preferably not less than 1.5 mm and not more than 2.5 mm, and even further preferably 1.8-2.2 mm, and in this embodiment, it is 2 mm. 
     If the height h 24  of the toner cap  11   fb  is less than 1.0 mm, the function of the reinforcing rib A 25  is deteriorated, and therefore, the sealing performance is lower, and if it exceeds 3 mm, a so-called sink mark is produced at a back side during the molding with the result that the required dimension is not provided. 
     The outer inclined surface portion A 27  and the inner inclined surface portion A 29  are provided in order to minimize the deformation of the toner cap  11   fb  upon the capping and the milkiness (creep phenomenon) tending to occur at the back side A 21   d  of the groove portion A 21 . 
     FIGS.  17 , 18  show the state of engagement between the toner cap  11   fb  and the toner filling opening  11   db , and as shown in Figure, when the toner cap  11   fb  is engaged with the toner filling opening  11   db , the deformation occues due to the biting dimensions, and the milkiness (creep phenomenon) tends to occur more if the deformation is larger. 
     In the case that toner cap  11   fb  bites into the inner wall of the opening, the material of the toner cap  11   fb  are limited in terms of the stability in the sealing and the prevention of the milkiness (creep phenomenon) upon engagement with the toner filling opening  11   db . The foregoing embodiment applies to this embodiment in these respect, including the hardness, elastic modulus, strength of the cap, and the material of the main body of the container. 
     More particularly, the material of the toner cap  11   fb  is low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and the material of the main body of the container is for example shock-resistant polystyrene (HIPS), ABS, polyphenylene ether (PPE), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), which may be injection molded. 
     On the other hand, the toner filling opening  11   db  of the main body  11   b  of the container is provided with an edge portion B 1  (engaging portion relative to the toner filling opening  11   db ) and a cap guide B 2  (insertion guide upon capping) as shown in FIG.  15 . 
     The toner filling opening  11   db  is integrally molded with the main body  11   b  of the container. 
     The edge portion B 1  includes an upper portion B 1 a provided with a C surface taking for permitting smooth insertion and a lower portion B 1 b rounded by not more than 0.3 mm. 
     The lower portion A 21 c of the groove of the toner cap  11   fb  is provided with a linear inclined portion A 21 c 1  as shown in FIG. 17, and the lower portion B 1 b of the edge bites into the inclined portion A 21 c 1  so that sealing performance is significantly improved. 
     The rounding at the lower portion B 1 b of the edge in this embodiment is R0.3 mm. 
     In FIG. 17, K is the degree of bits of the toner cap  11   fb  and is preferably not less than 0.2 mm and not more than 1.4 mm, and further preferably is 0.7 mm approximately, and in this embodiment it is 0.5 mm. 
     By the biting of the toner cap  11   fb , the sealing performance of the toner cap  11   fb  is provided. In order to avoid deterioration of the sealing performance due to contact between the toner cap  11   fb  and the toner filling opening  11   db  at another portion, a gap G is provided between the edge portion B 1  and the bottom portion A 21 b of the groove upon the toner cap  11   fb  engagement. 
     The G is preferably not less than 0.1 mm and less than 0.2 mm, and in this embodiment, it is 0.2 mm. 
     The gap between the cap guide B 2  and the toner cap  11   fb  is preferably not less than 0.2 mm and less than 2 mm, and in this embodiment, it is 0.3 mm. 
     The major dimensions of the toner cap  11   fb  and the filling port  11   db  are as follows (FIGS.  12 , 13 , 15 ): 
     First toner cap outer dimension (L 21 ): 39.54 mm 
     Second toner cap outer dimension (L 22 ): 50.06 mm 
     Third toner cap outer dimension (L 23 ): 63.78 mm 
     Toner cap height (L 24 ): 4.5 mm 
     Width of flange of the toner cap (L 25 ): 2.6 mm 
     Height of toner cap guide: 2.8 mm 
     A description will be provided as to the developing unit U 1 , referring to FIG. 5, FIG.  6  and FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an outer appearance wherein the developing unit U 1  and the cleaning unit U 2  of the process cartridge B are separated, and FIGS. 6 and 7 all perspective views of an outer appearance of a toner frame  11  constituting the developing unit U 1 . 
     In FIG. 6, the main assembly  11   b  of the toner container is provided with a toner filling opening  11   da  in the form of circular hole according to Embodiment 1 and a toner cap  11   fa  having a circular projected configuration. 
     FIG. 7 shows the example in which the triangular shape toner filling opening  11   db  and the triangular shape toner cap  11   fb  according to the above-described Embodiment 2, are engaged. 
     In the case of the main body  11   b  of the toner container having the circular filling port  11   da b, the toner cap  11   fc  having a cross-shaped projection C 1  shown in FIG. 8 can be used. 
     Such a toner cap  11   fc  will be described hereinafter. 
     The toner frame  11  is provided with toner filling openings  11   da ,  11   db  for permitting filling of the toner T, and the toner filling openings are sealed by the toner cap  11   fa  or  11   fb  or  11   fc.    
     (Method of removing the toner cap) 
     FIG. 19 to FIG. 27 show toner cap dismounting steps. 
     The toner frame  11  is not shown in all of these figures for simplicity. 
     The method of mounting the toner cap  11   f  is the same. 
     (1) disassembling of the circular toner cap  11   fa    
     As shown in FIG. 19, the bottom  15  the toner cap  11   fa  is cut along two crossing lines within a cutter J 1  (crossing point is indicated by O). 
     As shown in FIG. 20, the four sector sediments of the circle of the bottom of the toner cap  11   fa  are erected by a tool such as ice pick, so that free end O′ is raised from the bottom. 
     The rigidity of the retainer A 12  portion of the toner cap  11   fa  decreases because of formation of an opening G below the free end O′, and therefore, the rigidity of the rigidity also decreases. 
     The rigidity of the portion of the retainer A 12  particularly decreases. 
     As shown in FIG. 24, ( a ), the free end O′ is pinched by a pinching tool J 2  such as a small pench, and the tool J 2  is moved in the arrow C direction, and then, as shown in FIG. 24, ( b ), the diameter of the retainer A 12  decreases, and the bottom  15  of the toner cap expands outwardly from the toner cap  11   fa.    
     Then, the tool J 2  is further raised, by which the toner cap  11   fa  is removed from the toner filling opening  11   da.    
     (2) disassembling of the circular toner cap  11   fc  provided with cross-shaped projection 
     The toner cap  11   fc  in this example is provided with cross-shaped projection C 1  extending outwardly as shown in FIG. 8, and projections and recesses C 15  are formed inside. 
     A rib A 11  and a retainer A 12  are provided in a similar manner as with the circular toner cap  11   fa.    
     As shown in FIG. 29, ( b ), the cap is first cut along m-n,p-q lines by a cutter J 1  at the crossing part of the cross-shaped projection C 1 . 
     Before cutting, the m-n,p-q parts are pinched by the tool J 2  such as a small pench or the like to expand the side facing outward at the crossing portion of the cross-shaped projection C 1 . 
     This is done in order to avoid damage to the cross-shaped rib portion  11   dal  (FIG. 30) provided in the toner filling opening  11   da  of the toner container  11 A at the back side of the cross-shaped projection C 1 . 
     The cutting line may not continue completely at the boundary with the portion h-m,n-i, but it may be ignored. 
     This is because in the case of cap removal with the tool J 2 , the cap  11   fc  is already easy to deform. 
     Then, the bottom  15  of the toner cap  11   fc  is cut along h-m, j-p, i-n and k-q. 
     The cutting line E is inclined by 45 degrees relative to the crossing projections C 1  and extends toward the crossing portion of the projection C 1  and the bottom portion between the side of the crossing portion of the projection C 1  and the bottom portion. 
     As shown in FIG. 29, ( b ), a part of the cross-shaped projection C 1  in the bottom of the toner cap  11   fc  is erected at the intersection O by an ice pick, and the free end O′ is raised from the bottom. 
     The rigidity of the retainer A 12  portion of the toner cap  11   fc  decreases because of the formation of the opening G below the free end O′ raised from the intersection O, and therefore, the rigidity of the engaging portion  11   fc   2  decreases. 
     The rigidity of the retainer A 12  particularly decreases. 
     3) as shown in FIG.  32 ( a ), the free end O′ is pinched by a tool J 2  such as a small pench, and the tool J 2  is raised in direction C, and then the diameter of the retainer A 12  reduces, and the lowest portion of the bottom  15  of the toner cap deforms to expand outwardly. 
     When the tool J 2  is raised, the toner cap  11   fc  is removed from the circular toner filling opening  11   da.    
     (3) disassembling method of a triangular shape toner cap  11   fb    
     As shown in FIG. 21, the toner cap  11   fb  is cut at the triangular-pyramid-like bottom portion by a cutter J 1  along an edge line. 
     The ends of the cutting line E, as shown in FIG. 22 are at the corners b, c and d of the toner cap  11   fa.    
     As indicated by line b-e-a-d, the cap is cut from the corner b of the corner d along E, and the as indicated by line a-f-c, it is cut from the corner C to the line b-e-a-d, then an intersection a is provided. 
     As indicated by line c-f-a-d, the cap may be cut from the corner c to the corner d, and then, as indicated by line a-e-b, the cap may be cut from the corner d to the line c-f-a-d to provide an intersection a. 
     The triangle aef, as shown in FIG. 21, defines the apex of the cap know A 26 , and the line a-d, line e-b, and line f-c are bottom line of the triangular-pyramid-like of the toner cap  11   fb.    
     The cap is cut between the line a-b and the line a-c along e-f. 
     The cutting along E between e and f, is such that thin skin remains (half-cut, not completely penetrates the bottom portion A 24 ). 
     At this time, there already exist cutting lines b-e and c-f penetrating the bottom of the toner cap  11   fb , and the line b-e-f-c is generally rectilinear. Therefore, the cutter J 1  is set between the line b-e, and is moved down between f-c. 
     The intersection a is erected by a tool such as a ice pick, and a portion F of the triangular shape aef is pinched by unshown tool to tear along the line ef, by which a hole F′ is provided. 
     4) after the cutting along the line E, as indicated by FIG. 26, ( a ), the toner cap  11   fb  engaged in the toner frame  11  has the same position of the notch A 22 . 
     Here, the line H of the hole F′ between the lines ef is pinched by a tool  32  and is pulled out, by which as shown in FIG. 26, ( b ), the notch A 22  comes outside the edge of the toner filling opening B 1 . 
     Further the tool is pulled in the direction D, by which the toner cap  11   fb  is removed from the toner filling opening B 1 . 
     Another example of cutting will be described. 
     As shown in FIG. 22, the cap is first cut along a-e,e-f,f-a (the order is not limited to this), and then the triangle aef (F) is removed. 
     Subsequently, the cap is cut along a-d,e-b,f-c (the order is not limited to this). 
     With this cutting method, only linear cutting lines are used, so that handling is easy. 
     (4) in the foregoing examples, as shown in FIG. 27, it is preferably to heat the toner cap  11   fa , 11   fb  ( 11   fb  in the Figure) by a dryer Y or the like beforehand, since then the toner cap  11   fa , 11   fb , is softened to decrease in the rigidity, and therefore, the toner filling opening  11   d  is easily pulled out. 
     The embodiments are summarized as follows: 
     In a method of disassembling a toner accommodating container to recycle it, wherein the toner accommodating container comprises a filling port  11   d  ( 11   da , 11   db ) for permitting filling of toner in a side of a lower frame  11   b  constituting a main body of the toner container, a cap  11   f  ( 11   fa , 11   fb ,  11   fc ) press-fitted in the filling port  11   d  to seal the filling port  11   d , the cap  11   f  per se is cut E at portions other than an engaging portion  11   fa   2  relative to the filling port  11   d  as shown in FIGS.  19 , 21  with a cutter J 1 , and the cap  11   f  is deformed within the filling port  11   d  to decrease the rigidity of the cap  11   f  per se, and then the press-fitting is eased, and the cap  11   f  is removed. By doing so, the rigidity of the toner cap  11   f  significantly decreases, and simultaneously the cap  11   f  of the cut portion can be pinched by a pinching tool J 2 . 
     Therefore, the tool J 2  is not liable to touch the lower frame  11   b , and the cutting provides only cutting lines without chips, and therefore, there is no liability that chips enter the toner container  11 A. 
     Since the cap  11   f  is cut along at least two lines source to provide an intersection (O,a,e,f or the like) of cutting lines, the cut portions can be erected by a tool having a sharp tip, and therefore, the disassembling operation is easy. 
     By cutting out a part of the cap  11   f , as shown in FIG. 22, in the manner that intersections a,e,f are generally at the apexes of the triangular shape, by which the rigidity of the cap  11   f  (in this example,  11   fb ) is significantly lowered. 
     Additionally, in this example, the points b,c,d at the edge of the cap  11   fb  correspond to the apexs of the rectangular triangler constituting the toner cap  11   fb , and therefore, the reduction of the rigidity is remarkable. 
     Furthermore, there is provided a rectangular hole F′ provided by connecting intersections a,e,f, so that pinching action is easy. 
     (embodiment and results) 
     The toner containers  11 A of the embodiments are tested in the disassembling operation of the toner container and the process cartridge to check the cutting operation of the toner cap and the removing operation of the cap including the required the period of time for the copying operation. 
     The toner caps tested were as follows: 
     1. toner cap material: representative materials include low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), ABS (exactly the same material as the toner container used, with the same properties) 
     2. Basic thickness: 0.5 mm, 1.5 mm or 2 mm 
     3. Configuration: a toner cap having a circular projected configuration (Embodiment 1) having a flat bottom surface (bottom  15  in FIG. 16) or having a bottom with a projectionj (bottom surface C 15  having a cross-shaped projection C 1  as shown in FIG.  8 ). 
     A toner cap having a substantially triangular shape projected configuration (Embodiment 2). 
     The cutting operation was carried out using a cutter knife J 1  or an ultrasonic cutter in the manner shown in FIGS.  19 , 20 . 
     FIGS.  19 , 20  show an example in which two linear cuts E are crossed at an intersection, and as shown in FIG. 20, the quadrant segment indicated by the point O portion is erected from the bottom surface  15 ,C 15  (free end O′). 
     The typical example is a toner cap  11   fa.    
     On the other hand, in FIGS.  21 , 22 , the cutting lines E are radial lines (line a-b, a-c,a-d) with an intersection of three linear lines, and the cuting line is further provided between a point e between a-b and a point f between a-c, to cut out a part of the toner cap, and the resultant chip F is removed. The typical example of this case is the toner cap  11   fb.    
     As for the dismounting of the toner cap, dismounting as shown in FIGS.  24 , 25 , the portion of the toner cap adjacent the free end O′ of the bottom is pinched by a pinching tool J 2  (for example, pinch), and it is pulled out such that toner cap deforms in the toner filling opening by which the engagement between the toner filling opening and the toner cap is eased, and then the toner cap is pulled out. 
     As shown in FIG. 27, the toner cap was heated or warmed beforehand for the purpose of quick operation. 
     The results are shown in Table 1 (1-1, 1-2, 1-3) and Table 2 (2-1, 2-2, 2-3). The results exhibit the applicability of the present invention. 
     More particularly, hard polystyrene (PS) and ABS resin material require longer time for the cutting, and in the case that use is made with the ultrasonic cutter, the cutting time is a uniform irrespective of the materials and basic thicknesses. 
     However, in the case of polystyrene (PS) and ABS resin material, burrs tend to produce, and therefore, the number of cutting operations are desirably limited, preferably once. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Cutting of toner cap 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 BASIC 
                 REQUIRED CUTTING 
                   
               
               
                 EMB. 
                 CAP 
                 THICK 
                 TIME (sec) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 NOTE 
                 SHAPE 
                 MAT. 
                 (ms) 
                 USUAL BLADR 
                 USW CUTTER 
                 CUTTABLE? 
                 NOTE 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1-1-1 
                 CIRCULAR 
                 LDPE 
                 0.5 
                  5-10 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 1-1-2 
                 FLAT 
                   
                 1.0 
                  8-10 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-1-3 
                 BOTTOM 
                   
                 1.5 
                 10-15 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-1-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 20-25 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-2-1 
                   
                 EDPE 
                 0.5 
                  5-10 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 1-2-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 10-15 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-2-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 12-17 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-2-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 25-30 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-3-1 
                   
                 PP 
                 0.5 
                  5-10 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 1-3-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 10-15 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-3-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 15-20 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-3-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 25-30 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-4-1 
                   
                 PS 
                 0.5 
                 10-15 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *2 
               
               
                 1-4-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 15-20 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *2 
               
               
                 1-4-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 20-25 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *2 
               
               
                 1-4-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 &gt;30 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *2 
               
               
                 1-5-1 
                   
                 ADS 
                 0.5 
                 10-15 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *2 
               
               
                 1-5-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 15-20 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *2 
               
               
                 1-5-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 20-25 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *2 
               
               
                 1-5-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 &gt;30 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *2 
               
               
                 2-1-1 
                 CIRCULAR 
                 LDPE 
                 0.5 
                  5-10 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 2-1-2 
                 FLAT 
                   
                 1.0 
                  8-13 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-1-3 
                 BOTTOM 
                   
                 1.5 
                 10-15 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-1-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 20-25 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-2-1 
                   
                 EDPE 
                 0.5 
                  5-10 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 2-2-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 10-15 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-2-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 12-17 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-2-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 25-30 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-3-1 
                   
                 PP 
                 0.5 
                  5-10 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 2-3-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 10-15 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-3-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 15-20 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-3-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 25-30 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-4-1 
                   
                 PS 
                 0.5 
                 10-15 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 2-4-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 15-20 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 2-4-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 20-25 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 2-4-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 &gt;30 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 2-5-1 
                   
                 ADS 
                 0.5 
                 10-15 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 2-5-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 15-20 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 2-5-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 20-25 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 2-5-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 &gt;30 
                 13-18 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 3-1-1 
                 GENERAL- 
                 LDPE 
                 0.5 
                  5-10 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 3-1-2 
                 LY 
                   
                 1.0 
                  8-13 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-1-3 
                 TRIANGLE 
                   
                 1.5 
                 10-15 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-1-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 20-25 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-2-1 
                   
                 EDPE 
                 0.5 
                  5-10 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 3-2-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 10-15 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-2-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 12-17 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-2-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 25-30 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-3-1 
                   
                 PP 
                 0.5 
                  5-10 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 3-3-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 10-15 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-3-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 15-20 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-3-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 25-30 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-4-1 
                   
                 PS 
                 0.5 
                 10-15 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 3-4-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 15-20 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 3-4-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 20-25 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 3-4-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 &gt;30 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 3-5-1 
                   
                 ADS 
                 0.5 
                 10-15 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 3-5-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 15-20 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 3-5-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 20-25 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 3-5-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 &gt;30 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *1: Toner leakage during transportation in some cases.  
               
               
                 *2: Small burrs are produced in some cases.  
               
               
                 *3: Burrs fall in some cases.  
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Cutting of toner cap (when the toner cap is heated beforehand, 
               
               
                 it is heated to 45-50 degrees C). 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 BASIC 
                 REQUIRED CUTTING 
                   
               
               
                 EMB. 
                 CAP 
                 THICK 
                 TIME (sec) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 NOTE 
                 SHAPE 
                 MAT. 
                 (ms) 
                 USUAL BLADR 
                 USW CUTTER 
                 CUTTABLE? 
                 NOTE 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1-1-1 
                 CIRCULAR 
                 LDPE 
                 0.5 
                 5-7 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 1-1-2 
                 FLAT 
                   
                 1.0 
                  5-10 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-1-3 
                 BOTTOM 
                   
                 1.5 
                  7-12 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-1-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 15-20 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-2-1 
                   
                 EDPE 
                 0.5 
                 5-7 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 1-2-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                  5-10 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-2-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                  7-12 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-2-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 20-25 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-3-1 
                   
                 PP 
                 0.5 
                 5-7 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 1-3-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                  5-10 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-3-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 10-15 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-3-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 20-25 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 1-4-1 
                   
                 PS 
                 0.5 
                  8-13 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *2 
               
               
                 1-4-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 12-17 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *2 
               
               
                 1-4-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 18-23 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *2 
               
               
                 1-4-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 &gt;30 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *2 
               
               
                 1-5-1 
                   
                 ADS 
                 0.5 
                  8-13 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *2 
               
               
                 1-5-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 12-17 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *2 
               
               
                 1-5-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 18-23 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *2 
               
               
                 1-5-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 &gt;30 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *2 
               
               
                 2-1-1 
                 CIRCULAR 
                 LDPE 
                 0.5 
                 5-7 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 2-1-2 
                 FLAT 
                   
                 1.0 
                  5-10 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-1-3 
                 BOTTOM 
                   
                 1.5 
                  7-12 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-1-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 15-20 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-2-1 
                   
                 EDPE 
                 0.5 
                 5-7 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 2-2-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                  5-10 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-2-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                  7-12 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-2-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 20-25 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-3-1 
                   
                 PP 
                 0.5 
                 5-7 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 2-3-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                  5-10 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-3-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 10-15 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-3-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 20-25 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 2-4-1 
                   
                 PS 
                 0.5 
                  8-13 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 2-4-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 12-17 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 2-4-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 18-23 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 2-4-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 &gt;30 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 2-5-1 
                   
                 ADS 
                 0.5 
                  8-13 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 2-5-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 12-17 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 2-5-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 18-23 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 2-5-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 &gt;30 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 3-1-1 
                 GENERAL- 
                 LDPE 
                 0.5 
                 5-7 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 3-1-2 
                 LY 
                   
                 1.0 
                  5-10 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-1-3 
                 TRIANGLE 
                   
                 1.5 
                  7-12 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-1-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 15-20 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-2-1 
                   
                 EDPE 
                 0.5 
                 5-7 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 3-2-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                  5-10 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-2-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                  7-12 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-2-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 20-25 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-3-1 
                   
                 PP 
                 0.5 
                 5-7 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *1 
               
               
                 3-3-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                  5-10 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-3-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 10-15 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-3-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 20-25 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
               
               
                 3-4-1 
                   
                 PS 
                 0.5 
                  8-13 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 3-4-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 12-17 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 3-4-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 18-23 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 3-4-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 &gt;30 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 3-5-1 
                   
                 ADS 
                 0.5 
                  8-13 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 3-5-2 
                   
                   
                 1.0 
                 12-17 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 3-5-3 
                   
                   
                 1.5 
                 18-23 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                 3-5-4 
                   
                   
                 2.0 
                 &gt;30 
                 10-15 
                 yes 
                 *3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *1: Toner leakage during transportation in some cases.  
               
               
                 *2: Small burrs are produced in some cases.  
               
               
                 *3: Burrs fall in some cases.  
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As regards the basic thickness of the toner cap, the cutting was possible when it was 0.5 mm, but as regards the stability in transportation, the reproducibility is uncertain, and the toner leakage sometimes occur from the engaging portion of the toner cap. 
     When the basic thickness is 2 mm, the fitting of the toner cap required a relatively long time in the case of any material (2.5-30 sec. although less than 2.2 sec is desirable). 
     Therefore, in the removing system wherein the toner cap is partly cut and is then removed, the basic thickness of 1.0-1.5 mm is desirable in terms of the required time. 
     Furthermore, as shown in Table 2, the toner cap was cut after it is heated, and the required time could be reduced by 2-5 sec. 
     In the embodiments described in the foregoing, the projected configuration of the toner cap  11   f  is circular as shown in FIGS.  8 , 9 , or generally triangular as shown in FIG. 10, but other polygonal shapes are usable, and non-circular shapes are usable. 
     The material of the toner cap  11   f  is low density polyethylene, and the material of the main body of the container is shock-resistant polystyrene HIPS, but as regards the Olsen rigidity and bending elastic modulus, the numerical ranges described above are preferable without specific limitation to the material. 
     For example, the toner cap  11   f  may be made of polypropylene, and the main body of the toner container may be of shock-resistant polystyrene HIPS, ABS, polyphenylene ether PPE or polyphenylene oxide PPO. 
     As described in the foregoing, according to the present invention, the following advantageous effects are provided. 
     1. When the is removed, the damage or crack of the filling port portion by the use of pinching tool and the entrance of the resulting chips can be avoided. 
     The operation of the cap removing step is unified to “the cap per se is partly cut and then is deformed within the filling port and then is removed from the filling port”, so that cap can be removed in the same manner irrespective of the configuration of the cap, and the container or the process cartridge is reused. 
     This eliminates the necessity of classification of the toner containers and process cartridges collected back for recycling. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to the structures disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details set forth and this application is intended to cover such modifications or changes as may come within the purposes of the improvements or the scope of the following claims.